I love living in Maine; the towns, the people, the changing of the seasons. But the best thing about living in Maine is the ability to explore the outdoors that surround our every turn. There are unlimited options for hiking, kayaking, camping, and biking as well as other outdoor land and water activities.
One of our favorite things to do as a family is to go hiking. In fact, Aaron proposed on one of our favorite hikes. Which also happened to be a hike that we went on on one of our first dates. We truly believe that getting out and exploring the Maine outdoors and hiking with kids is a great way to stay active and keep the entire family busy and spending time together.
Hiking with Kids
Exploring new hiking trails and state parks have become a weekend staple in our household. We love getting outdoors, enjoying the fresh air and checking out the wildlife that is abundant all around us. One of the reasons that we love hiking with kids so much is because it helps bring us together and encourages teamwork. The kids love looking at the trail maps and trying to figure out the best trail to explore and making sure we are on the right path as we go along. The kids enjoy checking out the wildlife and exploring all that the trails have to offer.
Thankfully, Maine has many trails and parks right in our backyard. We never have to look far to find a new place to explore. From the Coast to the Inland of Maine, land to explore and wildlife to see is what makes Maine one of the most beautiful and adventurous places to visit!
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
These habitats however, wouldn’t exist if a state agency in Maine didn’t work so hard to protect them. This blog post is in partnership with The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW), however, all my opinions are my own. You can check out my full disclosures HERE.
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) is comprised of biologists, game wardens and educators all with one common mission in mind: to promote a responsible and safe enjoyment of the Maine outdoors. Their job is to create a healthy ecosystem which makes life better for the fish, wildlife, and the people that call this beautiful state home.
The MDIFW was founded in 1880 to protect the big game populations, but it has since evolved into something more. It now includes the protection and management of fish, non-game wildlife and habitats as well as the restoration of endangered species such as the bald eagle! How cool is that? They are also responsible for enabling and promoting the safe use of Maine’s outdoors. This includes boating and white-water rafting, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation. Not only are they concerned with all wildlife and fish in Maine, but for the residents as well as the many tourists that come to visit Maine to explore the great outdoors.
Despite the MDIFW being a state agency, the work is funded by sportsmen and outdoors people. Revenue is generated through the sale of fishing and hunting licenses, boat, snowmobile and ATV registrations as well as taxes paid on hunting and fishing gear. Everything that MDIFW does is what makes Maine such a special place!
How you can get involved
Head to MDIFW to learn more about MDIFW itself and their programs and sign up for their newsletter to get helpful information on how to enjoy the Maine outdoors. To stay updated on the latest news follow MDIFW on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Make sure that you enter the Instagram Photo Contest. From now until the end of November submit your photo and tag @mefishwildlifewith the hashtag #AllInFortheMaineOutdoors for your chance to a prize pack with MDIFW gear and a $250 L.L. Bean gift card. Check out the full details on my Instagram: the.chaotic.mommy.
My little family is so thankful for the work that the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife does to promote safe and responsible enjoyment of the Maine outdoors! If it wasn’t for their work, our beautiful state of Maine may not be so fun to explore for the residents and those that come to Maine to enjoy all that it has to offer. Make sure you join me in supporting them and their mission so that we can all enjoy hiking with kids or whatever other outdoor activity your family enjoys!
ellypaunoska says
Great article about Maine, im discovering wold reading.
I love Fall and Fall in New England is really beautiful. Sadly, I have not made it up to Maine yet. Thanks for sharing this post.
Mike A. says
I’ve never been to Maine, but The MDIFW sounds like a very worthy program to support!
I love nature and this looks like a ton of fun. I have never been to Maine, but it looks like I will have to put it on the list and use this post as a guide. Thanks!
Serena says
I cannot wait to go hiking with my boy when he’s a it older. Maine looks beautiful.
It’s such a great thing to take the children out of the house and go hiking as a family. The trail you have taken looks very well maintained and quite straight forward, easy for children to follow as well.
I have always wanted to go to Maine and this makes me want to go more!
Shadrack biwot says
Great post…. Looks like you had an amazing time. Would love to make it to Maine someday
What a fun time! I wish my parents did this when I was younger. What great bonding time with family.
Hackytips says
Spending time with family and involving kids in something healthy is always good.