Some of the greatest family pastimes can be centered in nature, but with dangerous activities comes responsibility. Families well-versed in the world of hunting, fishing and the great outdoors may be confident in safety concerns, but all families with young children or teenagers should be cautious.
No matter what state you are in, make sure your children are old enough for a hunting licenses, as it varies by state.
For instance, in Pennsylvania, kids need to be at least 12 years old. Children older than 7 can hunt deer and turkey if accompanied by hunters 18 years old and older. No matter how old first-time Pennsylvania hunters are, they will need to complete a hunter-trapper safety course. The course runs through firearm safety, appropriate behavior on hunts and ways for beginners to make the most of activities while staying safe.
In Pennsylvania, the course is available online. Other states require similar educations, but the good news is all courses transfer between states, so family hunting vacations out of state don’t require multiple courses and training periods.
If you are going hunting, make sure to follow your state’s guidelines. Wear enough orange for the season and follow all posted signage.

Family On Beach Fishing. Photo: Monkey Business Images Ltd | Dreamstime.com
Fishing, admittedly, is much less inherently risky than hunting. There are no firearms, but there are still plenty of hazards to watch out for to make sure even young kids can have a good time.
If fishing from the shore, make sure kids know how far they can go. Lots of kids get bored quickly and if this sounds like your kids, they will start to venture away and explore.
If you are taking them on a boat, be it on a lake, bay or the ocean, make sure they know how to swim. Always make sure they wear a life vest on the water in case anything goes haywire.
Keep an eye on kids who want to untangle their own strings. It is easy for the tiny strings to cut off circulation and stubborn kids might not tell you they need help right away. Also, make sure to help bait the lines. Whether using worms, minnows, other live bait or lures, it is easy to draw blood on a fishhook if you aren’t paying attention.
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / Europe
Sep 28, 2023Gramping Getaways at Chateau Mcely, Czech Republic
What better setting for grandparents and granddaughters to connect and share than a fairy-tale château set beside a fabulous forest? The Gramping Getaway at Chateau Mcely Spa Hotel & Forest Retreat in Mcely, Czech Republic, offers a themed adventure centering around the charming story of the château’s Princess Nely and her magical cheetah friend Pralinka. The character of the princess is based on the children’s book Nely, the Princess of Chateau Mcely written by château owner Inez Cusumano.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Destinations / Europe
Sep 28, 2023Visit These 3 London Spots Going All out for Halloween
This October, take the whole family to London and take time to not only enjoy the classic sites but also these scary fun Halloween events and experiences. Whether it’s a spooky-filled trip to the London Zoo or a step into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, here are the three can’t-miss experiences:
Slideshow
Sep 28, 20238 Medellín, Colombia, Destinations for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Medellín, Colombia, with us.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Destinations
Sep 27, 2023Family Vacation Bundles in Orlando Now Include Luxury Boating Experiences
Make your family trip to Orlando so much more than just visiting the theme parks. Thanks to new vacation bundles from luxury hotels in Orlando, available as of Sept. 1, you can enjoy exclusive boating experiences during your trip.
ShareThis