Back-to-School for Outdoor Families: Affordable Gear & Adventure Tips for the School Year
Summer may be winding down, but adventure doesn’t have to.
Back-to-school season often means shopping for backpacks, lunch boxes, new clothes, and school supplies. But for outdoor families, it’s also the perfect time to reset your adventure gear and prepare for a season full of weekend hikes, bike rides, camping trips, soccer games, and after-school exploring.
The truth is, getting outside doesn’t have to stop just because school starts. In fact, some of Colorado’s best adventures happen during the fall when temperatures cool down, trails become quieter, and golden aspens begin to light up the mountains.
With a little planning—and the right gear—you can make the school year just as adventurous as summer.
Why the School Year Is the Perfect Time to Get Outside
Between homework, sports, and busy schedules, it can feel like there isn’t enough time for outdoor adventures.
The good news?
They don’t have to be all-day events.
Sometimes the best family memories come from:
- A one-mile nature walk after dinner
- Riding bikes around the neighborhood
- Exploring a local trail on a Saturday morning
- Packing a picnic instead of eating inside
- Watching the sunset from your favorite overlook
These little adventures keep kids active, encourage curiosity, reduce screen time, and create meaningful family traditions that don’t require weeks of planning.
Even an hour outside can reset everyone’s mood after a busy school day.
Every Outdoor Family Needs a “Grab-and-Go” Adventure Bin
One of the easiest ways to spend more time outside is by making it easy to leave the house.
Instead of scrambling to gather gear every weekend, keep one tote or storage bin packed and ready.
Ours would include:
- Water bottles
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Headlamps
- First aid kit
- Trail snacks
- Extra socks
- Lightweight rain jackets
- Dog leash
- Waste bags
- Trekking poles
When everything lives in one place, spontaneous adventures become much easier.
Gear That Pulls Double Duty
Kids grow fast.
That’s exactly why we love buying quality outdoor gear secondhand.
Instead of spending full retail on gear they’ll outgrow by next spring, look for versatile pieces that work everywhere—from recess to camping weekends.
Some of our favorites include:
Daypacks
A quality daypack isn’t just for hiking.
Kids can use it for:
- School field trips
- Nature walks
- Camping
- Road trips
- Carrying sports gear
Brands like Osprey, Deuter, Gregory, and CamelBak are built to last for years, making them great candidates for buying secondhand.
Reusable Water Bottles
Hydration doesn’t stop when summer ends.
Whether your child is heading to school, soccer practice, or a family hike, having a dependable water bottle makes staying hydrated easy.
At MER, Nalgenes are always one of our favorite recommendations because they’re durable, affordable, and practically indestructible.
Lightweight Layers
Colorado weather loves surprises.
One afternoon can include sunshine, wind, rain, and a temperature swing of 30 degrees.
Instead of buying bulky coats for every season, invest in lightweight layers:
- Base layers
- Fleece jackets
- Puffy jackets
- Rain shells
Layering keeps kids comfortable while giving you more flexibility throughout the year.
Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Kids don’t stop exploring once school starts.
A comfortable pair of trail shoes works just as well for:
- Weekend hikes
- School nature days
- Camping trips
- Park adventures
- Family vacations
Quality shoes are one of the best investments you can make.
Buying them secondhand can save hundreds of dollars over the years.
Adventure Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
One of the biggest misconceptions about getting outside is that you need the newest gear.
You don’t.
Quality outdoor equipment is designed to last for years—sometimes decades—which makes buying secondhand one of the smartest ways to outfit an active family.
At Mountain Equipment Recyclers (MER), our inventory changes every day, but you’ll often find:
- Kids’ backpacks
- Rain jackets
- Fleece layers
- Hiking shoes
- Bike helmets
- Camp chairs
- Sleeping bags
- Water bottles
- Trekking poles
- Camping gear
- Outdoor apparel
Shopping secondhand means spending less on gear and having more money left for the adventures themselves.
Try the “2-Hour Adventure Rule”
Challenge your family to the “2-Hour Adventure Rule.”
Set aside just two hours each week to get outside.
That’s it.
Those two hours could look like:
- A bike ride after school
- A short hike before dinner
- Exploring a new neighborhood park
- Fishing at a nearby lake
- Walking the dog somewhere new
- Watching the sunset from a scenic overlook
- A picnic with your favorite takeout
When adventures feel manageable, they’re much easier to fit into busy schedules—and they’re more likely to become a lasting family habit.
Before heading out the door, or even on the drive to your destination be sure to talk to your kids about the Leave No Trace Principles!
Easy Outdoor Adventures Around Colorado Springs
Living in Colorado means adventure is often just a short drive away.
If you’re looking for quick outings after work or school, consider adding these to your family’s list:
- Garden of the Gods
- Red Rock Canyon Open Space
- Bear Creek Regional Park
- Palmer Park
- Ute Valley Park
- North Cheyenne Cañon
- Quail Lake
- Fountain Creek Nature Center
Even if you only have an hour, these places make it easy to unplug, stretch your legs, and enjoy the outdoors together.
If you’re looking for even more places to explore, the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website is a great resource for discovering state parks, planning outdoor adventures, checking park conditions, and learning about fishing, camping, wildlife, and seasonal activities across Colorado. It’s a great place to find your family’s next adventure.
Let Kids Take the Lead
One of the easiest ways to get kids excited about spending time outside is to give them ownership of the adventure.
Try letting them:
- Pick the trail
- Pack their own backpack
- Bring binoculars
- Choose the snacks
- Navigate with a trail map
- Take photos along the way
- Keep a nature journal
When kids feel involved, they’re much more likely to stay engaged—and they begin building confidence that extends far beyond the trail.
Outdoor adventures naturally teach problem-solving, resilience, curiosity, and independence.
Looking for a Fun Way to Get Kids Outside?
If you’re looking for a little extra motivation, check out Kids in Parks. Their free TRACK Trails and self-guided adventures turn hikes, bike rides, paddles, and park visits into interactive scavenger hunts where kids can earn badges, track their adventures, and even receive prizes in the mail. It’s a fun way to keep kids engaged while building a lifelong love for the outdoors.
Make Gear Last Longer
Kids grow quickly, but quality outdoor gear often lasts much longer than one childhood.
That’s one reason buying and consigning secondhand gear makes so much sense.
If your family has gear that’s been outgrown but is still in great condition, consider consigning it instead of letting it collect dust in the garage.
At MER, we inspect every item to make sure it’s clean, functional, and ready for its next adventure.
Consigning quality gear not only helps another family get outside for less, but it also helps reduce waste and supports local nonprofits right here in our community.
It’s a win for everyone.
Learn more about consigning your gear:
https://www.merecyclers.com/turn-your-gear-into-cash-a-guide-to-consignment-at-mer/
Your Back-to-School Outdoor Checklist
Before the busy school year gets rolling, make sure your family is ready for spontaneous adventures.
✔ Reusable water bottles
✔ Daypacks
✔ Lightweight fleece or jacket
✔ Rain shell
✔ Comfortable hiking shoes
✔ Bike helmets
✔ Sunscreen
✔ Bug spray
✔ First aid kit
✔ Headlamp
✔ Healthy trail snacks
✔ Camp chairs for weekend outings
✔ Dog leash and water bowl (if your adventure buddy has four legs!)
A little preparation goes a long way toward making outdoor adventures simple and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What outdoor gear should every school-aged child have?
A reusable water bottle, comfortable daypack, weather-appropriate layers, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and a small first aid kit are great places to start.
Is buying secondhand outdoor gear worth it?
Absolutely. Many outdoor brands build gear that lasts for years. Buying gently used equipment is a great way to save money while reducing waste.
How can I encourage my kids to spend more time outside?
Keep adventures short, let them help plan the outing, invite friends when possible, and make outdoor time part of your weekly routine instead of waiting for special occasions.
What should families keep in the car for spontaneous adventures?
A few essentials include water bottles, snacks, bug spray, sunscreen, camp chairs, a blanket, extra layers, and a simple first aid kit.
Can I consign my kids’ outdoor gear?
Yes! If your children’s gear is clean, functional, and in good condition, MER accepts a wide variety of outdoor equipment on consignment. It’s an easy way to clear out gear they’ve outgrown while helping another family get outside. Turn Your Gear Into Cash: A Guide to Consignment at MER
Final Thoughts
School may be starting, but adventure season is far from over.
Some of the most memorable days happen after homework is finished, when you grab a backpack, fill up a couple of water bottles, and head outside for an hour together.
At MER, we believe getting outdoors should be affordable, accessible, and fun for everyone. Whether you’re gearing up for weekend hikes, after-school bike rides, fall camping trips, or your next family road trip, we’re here to help you find quality outdoor gear without paying full retail.
Stop by the shop, explore what’s new, or bring in gear your family has outgrown. Together, we can keep great gear in circulation—and help more families create memories outside.
We’ll see you on the trail.