Now, with a growing tween, plus a little in tow, we continue to savor every chance we get to spend time together outside. Exploring Minnesota's state parks is among our favorite ways to enjoy time together.

From warmer-weather pursuits such as hiking, swimming, biking, and camping to the frosty joys of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more, you'll find it all here. With over 1,300 miles of hiking trails spread across 73 gorgeous state parks and recreation areas, this green space offers abundant room for getting outdoors more.

Once you spend more time in the wilderness with your kiddos, you'll be amazed at what you learn outside. I've been surprised at how many life lessons and in-depth conversations have come from our outdoor adventures.

It's not simply learning about the natural world. You'll discover your children's curiosity blossoms as you explore. When our family hits the trails, observations we make naturally lead to questions about life and the planet we call home.

As summer turns to fall, we spend time together hiking and camping in state parks amongst the changing foliage. Autumn brings ample opportunity for a wide range of nature-filled fun.

Creative activities are one of our favored ways of celebrating fall. Falling leaves make great supplies for crafting in the great outdoors. We build golden-leafed crowns, create leaf rubbings, and search for different shades of leaves for homemade artwork. These different activities will increase your children's interest in nature as you explore.

Sensory hikes are an incredibly rich and rewarding experience for all kids, and even more so for neurodivergent children. Because they experience sensory input differently than their peers, it’s so fun to see the world through their lens.

I also keep an “adventure bin” in our car and swap out the items inside seasonally. In autumn, it carries magnifying glasses, flashlights, leaf and wildflower identification games, a bag for collecting, and more.

Simple ideas? Yes. But often, simple is best.

Nature play is the same way. When you indulge your kids in open-ended, creative, nature-based play, you allow them to engage with their environment in a way that best suits each particular child. Though this is absolutely crucial for kiddos on the spectrum, it’s a resounding positive for every child.

Other fun ways to enjoy the season include trying your hand at nature photography or enjoying a family scavenger hunt. We like to create our own nature bingo cards, and some of the things my kids come-up with make me giggle. You'd be surprised how these sorts of activities curb sibling squabbles and have your littles (or biggies) working together.

Not feeling creative? Load up your bikes, pack up your canoe, or simply tie on your sneakers and hike, cycle, or climb through golden foliage. You’ll never regret an afternoon spent together at a state park.

Autumn is an incredible season for exploring Minnesota's marvelous state parks. No matter which activity you choose, the most important thing is that you spend family time together outside. If you make the effort to spend just a bit more time outside with your loved ones, I promise it will reward you tenfold.

We’re not alone in our appreciation of the Sturgeon Lake sandy beach at McCarthy Beach State Park. It was rated one of the top 17 beaches in North America by Highways Magazine, which explains why the park is named after its most enticing feature. Fall is special here, with the grasses, sedges, and aquatic plants. If water is your true love, you can indulge that affection with a walk along the half-mile of shoreline -- or step into the water that extends hundreds of feet into the lake.

As you’re looking around, drinking in the scenery, notice the ridges that run between the five connected lakes in the Sturgeon Chain. The ridges form natural land bridges that have served as thoroughfares for humans and wildlife for thousands of years. 

Venture away from the beach, and you’ll take in rolling hills and valleys flecked with stands of red and white pine, leatherleaf-black spruce lowlands, birch and aspen.

Are you a veteran or are you acquainted with one? This park is for you. McCarthy Beach State Park was established as a living memorial to area service members who lost their lives in World War II. That respectful designation for the park occurred in 1945, the last year of the war.

There’s one thing you must do before leaving and we saved the best for last. Nothing beats a beautiful fall sunset on a white sand beach, with pine standing at attention and a gentle sun sinking into the water. Sound good? Stop reading and start planning. Fall comes but once a year.