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Adventuring Together: How to Create Connections and Make Lasting Memories with Your Kids
A modern, practical, and inspiring guide to creating deep heart connections with kids by regularly creating new experiences and intentional adventures together. Parents today complain of fragmented relationships with their kids. What parents yearn for--and their kids too--is deep, heart-to-heart connections. But how can parents compete with all the other noise fighting for their kids' attention? The answer, says Greta Eskridge, is to break free from regular routines and familiar comforts of home to experience new places and adventures--even if those adventures go awry. From simply reading a book together to going on an overnight backpacking trip, activities together provide unique and crucial bonding opportunities. Adventuring Together highlights Greta's stories of doing just that, including Giving readers the tools to make adventures happen, Adventuring Together is a step-by-step guide for parents--whether in the city or the country--to start building connections today that will last a lifetime.
190 pages, Paperback
Published July 14, 2020
302 people are currently reading
4469 people want to read
About the author
Greta Eskridge
3 books190 followersGreta Eskridge is a nature lover, book reader, and coffee drinker. She is a home schooling mom of 4, wife of 21 years to her husband Aaron, and an author and speaker. Greta’s first book, Adventuring Together, releases July of 2020 with Thomas Nelson. She loves to travel the country speaking and sharing her message of joyful, connected parenting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 488 reviews
July 2, 2020
Not a lot of insight. You know when you're trying to get a recipe online, and you have to read pages of some blogger's life story just to find out what temperature to set the oven? This whole book was like that.
September 18, 2020
This was a bit of a disappointment. I think the meat of this book could have been summarized in a blog post (or blog series) or in a short “how-to guide booklet.” Most of the content and stories were redundant and felt like filler. It started to grate on me because once I caught on to the repetitiveness (which lacked substance) it felt more like she was just trying to hit her page count than provide practical and useful tips.
November 24, 2020
This book is my heartbeat. All of the feels and so much wonderful motivation. Growing up adventuring in the San Juan islands with my dad, boating and camping miles away from anyone else, no bathrooms, cold chicken for dinner, dewy sleeping bags, hot dog buns that tasted like bug spray, double stuffed Oreos, countless hours of playing and exploring (because we were homeschooled, and when the 75 degree weather called in the Pacific Northwest, we just went). I am so excited to pass on an adventurous spirit to my kids. I loved reading most of this book while sitting half submerged in a river (my book is water stained to prove it), watching my kids play, with no one else in sight. This book is giving me the courage to expand our adventures, be even a little bit more brave, do a little bit harder things, and just go bigger with the years I have left with my kids. Clearly...I highly recommend this read ❤️
July 29, 2020
This was a nice book about prioritizing your family, setting yourself up for success as you try new things, learning to cope (and model helpful behavior) when things don't go according to plan.
1. This is a Christian book, but I did not find the God/prayer references overwhelming. The way Eskridge uses it, it is simple enough for non-religious people to substitute concepts of: reflection, taking a break, gratitude and hope. The moments she specifically references "stopping to pray" are times when any parent should find a way to step back and breathe - but one of the things that was interesting to me was how much she includes kids in this moment. Maybe because she's religious, or maybe because it's a book about connecting with your kids. But it's interesting the idea that when things are rough during an outing you can approach it as a family rather than as a parent trying to get control of yourself to regroup the team. Yes you are the leader, but they are there too!
2. I wish there had been more? Eskridge is an avid hiker and most of her activities/anecdotes were therefore hiking/backpacking related. She does provide lists of other activities which is a great starting point. But I think it would have been helpful to include bits that told parents how to even find such opportunities. I've just started hiking with my kids and it's hard to figure out where to go! The book is a slim 190 pages, so I wish it had more variety of event and more details on how to get yourself to an event.
3. Eskridge's book selection in her recommendation section is outdated. It's clearly her own childhood favorites but with no consideration of which might be racist. It's tough. If you have childhood favorites you are longing to share with your kids, I recommend reading them yourself first with an eye toward how they represent different cultures and what impressions you want your children to get. If you need help finding newer books, turn to your local library staff!
4. I will definitely be returning to this book over time to remind myself of how to make connections, build connections. As an educator, I can say she is 100% right that you cannot just bring children to a new experience with no prior preparation. Surprises are great, but doing something that requires them to do new things really means you need to prep them for it.
5. Many of us are home right now. Homeschooling in a way that it was never meant to be - forced due to COVID-19 - without the support of a homeschooling community. This is a great read for those of us who need to provide our kids with a change of scenery - get outdoors where it's safer and get connected.
1. This is a Christian book, but I did not find the God/prayer references overwhelming. The way Eskridge uses it, it is simple enough for non-religious people to substitute concepts of: reflection, taking a break, gratitude and hope. The moments she specifically references "stopping to pray" are times when any parent should find a way to step back and breathe - but one of the things that was interesting to me was how much she includes kids in this moment. Maybe because she's religious, or maybe because it's a book about connecting with your kids. But it's interesting the idea that when things are rough during an outing you can approach it as a family rather than as a parent trying to get control of yourself to regroup the team. Yes you are the leader, but they are there too!
2. I wish there had been more? Eskridge is an avid hiker and most of her activities/anecdotes were therefore hiking/backpacking related. She does provide lists of other activities which is a great starting point. But I think it would have been helpful to include bits that told parents how to even find such opportunities. I've just started hiking with my kids and it's hard to figure out where to go! The book is a slim 190 pages, so I wish it had more variety of event and more details on how to get yourself to an event.
3. Eskridge's book selection in her recommendation section is outdated. It's clearly her own childhood favorites but with no consideration of which might be racist. It's tough. If you have childhood favorites you are longing to share with your kids, I recommend reading them yourself first with an eye toward how they represent different cultures and what impressions you want your children to get. If you need help finding newer books, turn to your local library staff!
4. I will definitely be returning to this book over time to remind myself of how to make connections, build connections. As an educator, I can say she is 100% right that you cannot just bring children to a new experience with no prior preparation. Surprises are great, but doing something that requires them to do new things really means you need to prep them for it.
5. Many of us are home right now. Homeschooling in a way that it was never meant to be - forced due to COVID-19 - without the support of a homeschooling community. This is a great read for those of us who need to provide our kids with a change of scenery - get outdoors where it's safer and get connected.
July 23, 2020
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
This is a lovely Christian book about how to not only have adventures with your children but how to form deep set relationships with them and memories to treasure too.
The book offers so much information and is perfect for any family income weather small or big. The adventures this mummy has to tell you about are beautiful and also simple to achieve and do too.
The author reassures you that adventures don't have to mean major things such as white water rafting to count, a day to the beach doing things like crabbing and watching the sun go down can be just as memorable and just as much of an adventure, especially in your kids minds.
This book is definitely one to read when you have children and is useful no matter what age they are.
This is a lovely Christian book about how to not only have adventures with your children but how to form deep set relationships with them and memories to treasure too.
The book offers so much information and is perfect for any family income weather small or big. The adventures this mummy has to tell you about are beautiful and also simple to achieve and do too.
The author reassures you that adventures don't have to mean major things such as white water rafting to count, a day to the beach doing things like crabbing and watching the sun go down can be just as memorable and just as much of an adventure, especially in your kids minds.
This book is definitely one to read when you have children and is useful no matter what age they are.
June 12, 2020
This is a lovely Christian book about how to go on adventures big and small with your children. I have a long history of going on lots of adventures with my kids but I still found it helpful and inspiring.
The author is very encouraging and relatable and offers advice for starting out and expanding on those early adventures. I love that she focuses on ways that families of all incomes can adventure together, even spending days at the local beach and using books, classes and non-traditional "adventures" to do family adventures together.
She gives great advice throughout and her gentle parenting examples are sure to inspire positive memories. For instance, she talks about what to do when kids don't want to carry their backpacks after a while when they're hiking and starting out. She points out that some parents would just bring things for them but that gets heavy for one parent to carry everyone's stuff, and that some parents would just make them carry it but then they may not feel as excited about ever hiking again. She suggests cheerfully giving them a break for 5 minutes in order to be a support person, which is generally enough that they can then happily go back to carrying it. I love how this meets kids needs and also teaches them to be self sufficient and not just rely on mom or dad to do all the work.
Lots of additional sections give advice on starting adventure clubs and book clubs, visiting places like museums together, hiking with kids and much more. This is a really delightful little book that has me inspired to start doing even more adventures again with my kids.
I read a digital ARC of this book for review.
The author is very encouraging and relatable and offers advice for starting out and expanding on those early adventures. I love that she focuses on ways that families of all incomes can adventure together, even spending days at the local beach and using books, classes and non-traditional "adventures" to do family adventures together.
She gives great advice throughout and her gentle parenting examples are sure to inspire positive memories. For instance, she talks about what to do when kids don't want to carry their backpacks after a while when they're hiking and starting out. She points out that some parents would just bring things for them but that gets heavy for one parent to carry everyone's stuff, and that some parents would just make them carry it but then they may not feel as excited about ever hiking again. She suggests cheerfully giving them a break for 5 minutes in order to be a support person, which is generally enough that they can then happily go back to carrying it. I love how this meets kids needs and also teaches them to be self sufficient and not just rely on mom or dad to do all the work.
Lots of additional sections give advice on starting adventure clubs and book clubs, visiting places like museums together, hiking with kids and much more. This is a really delightful little book that has me inspired to start doing even more adventures again with my kids.
I read a digital ARC of this book for review.
July 15, 2020
"If you really want to connect with your kids through adventure, just start where you are. Don't wait until you and your kids are ready for something you think is "big" enough. Small adventures count. Small adventures matter. Small adventures bring joy. Small adventures are the stepping stones to bigger ones."
Honestly, there are so many quotes from this book that I would love to include here. SOOOOO many! I adore Greta. She is fun, witty, and real. This book is just the same. I love reading about her adventures with her children over the years, as well as the misadventures. It makes it seem feasible to someone like me who has a threenager in the mix in this season of our lives. Sometimes those grand adventures seem overwhelming because, well they can be, especially with little ones. But does that mean that we just don't look for adventure at all? It shouldn't. I have had a tug at my heart to be more intentional with my time and my children. I have been blessed with these sweet, quickly growing children. And if I want to make a those lasting connections, I have to put the work in. Will it always be easy? No, but is anything that is worth it ever REALLY easy?! This book has given me the push to do just that - to take the adventures we have been talking about but too hesitant to actually pursue.
Greta shares her stories, along with practical advice along the way. She shares ideas of how to start adventuring with your children of all ages - big adventures, as well as smaller. All of them will make an impact and everlasting impression on your children! This book came at just the right time.
Honestly, there are so many quotes from this book that I would love to include here. SOOOOO many! I adore Greta. She is fun, witty, and real. This book is just the same. I love reading about her adventures with her children over the years, as well as the misadventures. It makes it seem feasible to someone like me who has a threenager in the mix in this season of our lives. Sometimes those grand adventures seem overwhelming because, well they can be, especially with little ones. But does that mean that we just don't look for adventure at all? It shouldn't. I have had a tug at my heart to be more intentional with my time and my children. I have been blessed with these sweet, quickly growing children. And if I want to make a those lasting connections, I have to put the work in. Will it always be easy? No, but is anything that is worth it ever REALLY easy?! This book has given me the push to do just that - to take the adventures we have been talking about but too hesitant to actually pursue.
Greta shares her stories, along with practical advice along the way. She shares ideas of how to start adventuring with your children of all ages - big adventures, as well as smaller. All of them will make an impact and everlasting impression on your children! This book came at just the right time.
September 6, 2020
This book was so encouraging to me. I LOVE going on adventures as a family, but this book has inspired me to take our kids on more adventures by myself and with my favorite mama friends. I can’t wait to see what adventures this year holds for us.
December 26, 2020
Someone else’s review equated this book to having to read through a food bloggers entire life story just to find the recipes oven setting. I felt the exact same way about this book. I’m a homeschooler, very active Wild+free group member, and we are pretty adventurous especially since we can fly for free and there really wasn’t anything new or memorable for me in here. If it were my first read in this area (homeschooling), I probably would have enjoyed it more. I found this to be an easy read but it seems a bit disjointed and was way more surface level than I wanted. I did enjoy the authors stories of her adventures (which is why I gave it 3 stars) but definitely found myself wanting more “takeaways”.
March 15, 2023
Connection through adventures and books... the heart of my parenting right there. I really enjoyed and connected with this book, and with Gretas collection of adventure stories with her family. I loved the At Home podcast and have continued to enjoy Gretas content. Since my kids were babies, I was determined as a SAHM to not be afraid to hike and adventure with my kids on my own while Alex was at work. That attitude has reaped rewards and served us so well over the years, especially as we joined our very own adventure club. Like Greta mentioned, having like minded Mama's and their amazing kids to adventure with over the last 6 years has been an incredible blessing and encouragement. Quick and easy read.
February 26, 2023
I thought this book brought out an important aspect to child rearing, and that is putting priority on family time - like actually putting effort into going out and DOING something together. If you don't deliberately make plans to do so, the years have a way of passing you by and you lose out on a lot of memories that could have been made.
November 24, 2020
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
I loved the idea of this book-- connecting with your kids, getting out there, not being afraid to try new things. The tone was positive and encouraging. The only thing is, I didn't really think there was much adventure in a book about adventuring.
When my kids were very young, I had no car, so things like getting on the bus, taking those walks, etc. were just something that we did together out of necessity. In fact, we often took two buses each way to spend the day at the local museums, including 2 separate art museums that I took my toddlers to regularly. I look back fondly on those days, and the things we did to make those walks to daycare fun (like pretending we were Lewis & Clark). I just have trouble wrapping my mind around the fact that some parents would be intimidated by these types of things or think of them as adventures. However, reading it did bring back a lot of memories of time with my children, and the hiking and exploring we all did together.
I did really like how she emphasized having the kids carry their own packs, and providing 5 minute breaks when needed, to build a sense of self-determination and confidence. I also liked how she included her kids in those moments when she was finding things tough, as this built the feeling that they were all in it together. The end of the book talked about adventures found in books, since not everyone has the physical, mental, or financial means to get out there. It was thoughtful to include this chapter, since any time spent together connecting with our kids is important.
So overall, the book was nice enough, but not exactly what I thought it would be or what I was looking for.
I loved the idea of this book-- connecting with your kids, getting out there, not being afraid to try new things. The tone was positive and encouraging. The only thing is, I didn't really think there was much adventure in a book about adventuring.
When my kids were very young, I had no car, so things like getting on the bus, taking those walks, etc. were just something that we did together out of necessity. In fact, we often took two buses each way to spend the day at the local museums, including 2 separate art museums that I took my toddlers to regularly. I look back fondly on those days, and the things we did to make those walks to daycare fun (like pretending we were Lewis & Clark). I just have trouble wrapping my mind around the fact that some parents would be intimidated by these types of things or think of them as adventures. However, reading it did bring back a lot of memories of time with my children, and the hiking and exploring we all did together.
I did really like how she emphasized having the kids carry their own packs, and providing 5 minute breaks when needed, to build a sense of self-determination and confidence. I also liked how she included her kids in those moments when she was finding things tough, as this built the feeling that they were all in it together. The end of the book talked about adventures found in books, since not everyone has the physical, mental, or financial means to get out there. It was thoughtful to include this chapter, since any time spent together connecting with our kids is important.
So overall, the book was nice enough, but not exactly what I thought it would be or what I was looking for.
October 30, 2021
I liked this book. I didn't love it for a couple of reasons. 1) There is nothing groundbreaking and this barely skims the surface. A lot of the ideas are run of the mill like go for a hike or go to a museum. I was looking for a bit more creativity when it came to ideas. 2) She speaks some about having young kids but a lot of the adventures she mentions are when she has older kids or at least half of her kids are over the age of 9. That's great, but not much help for those of us with three under six. Finally, this book is very faith heavy and while I read my fair share of faith books that's not what I was looking for in an adventuring with your kids book. The faith felt like fillers for pages instead of the author doing the hard work of finding more than just a google search for ideas. That being said, if you are new to getting out of the house with your kids other than organized activities that someone else leads this is a great starter book.
September 9, 2020
This was a perfect book to read as I start my homeschooling journey. Who wants to start an adventure club?!
September 6, 2024
Good, short book to spark or re-motivate adventuring with kids. I woukd guess most who find their way to this book are already following most of these practices, but never hurts to be re-encouraged.
May 5, 2024
Did not love the tone in which this book was read on the audio version.
I agree with her concepts and think the book has a lot to offer to stimulate your creativity in how to adventure with your family. I found myself nodding in agreement to many of the chapter conclusions.
I felt a little judged that I am not a hiker mom. 😂 hearing from others who have read this book and follow the author on IG, I wonder if the audio version was what fed that feeling for me.
I agree with her concepts and think the book has a lot to offer to stimulate your creativity in how to adventure with your family. I found myself nodding in agreement to many of the chapter conclusions.
I felt a little judged that I am not a hiker mom. 😂 hearing from others who have read this book and follow the author on IG, I wonder if the audio version was what fed that feeling for me.
March 9, 2021
I read this over the weekend. Picked it up to browse it and just ran my way through it instead. This is a book I would have written. She was definitely preaching to the choir. If you are looking for motivation to build memories with your kids which grow a relationship, then this is the book you've been looking for.
Quick, easy to read and digest, full of practical tips. I recommend.
Quick, easy to read and digest, full of practical tips. I recommend.
March 9, 2021
Inspiring! Motivational! As soon as I heard Sarah McKenzie interview Greta Eskridge on the Read Aloud Revival podcast, I knew I would like this book. The whole book invites you to go on adventures with your kids-- no matter how small or how big. Her outlook has changed mine. I no longer refer to our upcoming "family vacations"; I call them "adventures." This really helps me frame things in a more realistic way since I'm a mom. The word vacation connotes relaxation, fun, and getting away from it all. We moms know that is not what happens! We still have to find or cook food for our kids, take care of laundry in same way or another, clean up messes and spills, comfort children when they get hurt or sad, etc. We meet trials along the way: child pukes on the side of the road, child cries for an hour in the amusement park because he wants to nap, child hides in the clothes rack to poop in her diaper while the salespeople wonder why you're still in the store. These are real examples from our adventures! So adventure is our word now. It connotes that there may be good times and bad, but through it all, you're making memories and growing closer together!
When you hit a hard spot on your adventure, remember Greta's advice: Pray, Problem Solve, Press On! You may need to do one, or all of these things.
When you hit a hard spot on your adventure, remember Greta's advice: Pray, Problem Solve, Press On! You may need to do one, or all of these things.
January 24, 2021
Since I started reading this book, I haven’t stopped telling people how excited and motivated I am to adventure with my kids. I love her approach that it doesn’t require serious money, big plans, or even a husband to help (she legit takes 4 kids camping alone). Such small things can be an adventure and the impact is big. One of the most helpful tips is how to teach your kids to carry their own stuff. She gently leads her kids toward the goal. I’m left feeling excited to experience new things with my kids and a desire to deepen our connections along the way.
February 8, 2021
Definitely a 5 star book. I appreciate the author stating that while I can't give my kids trips to Europe or exotic adventures, I can provide meaningful adventures nearby us. I also love the intentional effort she mentions parents must make throughout our kids lives in order to make adventuring together feasible. Great ideas and advice for parents too.
September 16, 2020
I really liked the idea of this book and the author's narration but it just started to feel repetitive to me after the first few chapters. Thankfully the book didn't come off as judgy; it just didn't maintain my interest.
December 30, 2020
This was a good book, but certainly geared towards those with toddlers, and who have never really adventured past their front door.
September 29, 2020
I did like the encouragement offered in this book to get out there and try new things with your kids and the reminder that adventuring is how you build relationships.
December 7, 2020
Great little book for parents wanting to adventure more with their kids! Practical and inspiring, a quick read that makes me want to head out for a hike right now!
Read
May 1, 2021Super easy read, and the perfect reminder I needed right now to get back to adventuring with my children. I was doing it weekly, and then things shifted and I fell out of habit. This book, through the simplicity of it, reminds me how simple, yet wonderful, delightful, energizing, good and necessary adventuring is and that it's time to bring it back in, in whatever way we can.
**I will note, this is a "fluff book" - incredibly easy read, not a ton of "meat" to it, a somewhat scannable book if you will. If you're already a seasoned adventuring family, this book isn't for you. It was most certainly had a more memoir feel to the book, but at the place I'm in at the moment, I enjoyed reading the little stories; they were little reminders to me that, yes I too can get back into adventuring again
**I will note, this is a "fluff book" - incredibly easy read, not a ton of "meat" to it, a somewhat scannable book if you will. If you're already a seasoned adventuring family, this book isn't for you. It was most certainly had a more memoir feel to the book, but at the place I'm in at the moment, I enjoyed reading the little stories; they were little reminders to me that, yes I too can get back into adventuring again
April 6, 2024
Enjoyed on audio. Lots of encouragement to get out in the world and adventure with my kids as much as possible. Practical tips and ideas for adventures even with monetary or physical limitations. I rate my nonfiction books 5 stars if I would A)read again, B)recommend to a friend, C)something the author had to say really resonated with me and left a lasting impression.
August 20, 2024
This book made me want to start an adventure club with other moms and their kids to explore, have fun, and make memories outdoors.
March 25, 2021
Amazing book! Greta has some great ideas on how to adventure with kids! I definitely want to come back and read this book again in the near future!
Read
November 1, 2025This was fun and good inspiration for being intentional and taking more adventures with your kids!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 488 reviews