When you’re an adventurous couple who loves nothing more than the great outdoors, where going on hikes and hunting trips provide the both of you with adrenaline and excitement. Yet, when you have kids, whatever you and your other half enjoy can become second best. After all, you have kids to look after now, and your adventures have to be put on the back burner. That is, until the in-laws are your saving grace and take your kids off your hands for a few days, allowing you and your partner to immerse yourselves in something that you truly love.

Here are a select handful of hiking, camping and hunting trips that couples can enjoy together.

Adventurous Trips for Couples

Hunting Pheasants in Late Season, in South Dakota

Being brave enough to hunt for pheasants when there’s snow on the ground and your fingers may freeze, can be an exhilarating change of pace for you and your partner. However, before you leave on your adventure, make sure to Google ’hunting supplies store near me‘ for the best equipment on offer.

South Dakota sports more pheasant hunting than just about anywhere else in the States. There are private farms where hunting is permitted, or public lands or some leased by the state specifically for hunting. Late November is the best time of year to go because there’s little cover for the birds making it easier for beginners.  While it’s sure to be cold, you can bundle up and use ground blind chairs, and you’ll find yourself spending some cozy time together.

North Cascade Mountains in Washington State

A visit to the Sun Mountain Lodge offers unrivaled views over the North Cascade mountains in the distance, with private cabins and a dining room with select meal options and an expansive wine cellar. For people who enjoy hiking trails, then the extensive trail system that goes back and forth over state lines is widely regarded with its varied terrain and incredible views.

There are summer activities like hiking, fly fishing and horseback rides, and winter activities like ice skating to enjoy. After a long day out in nature, the spa is available to guests who need a foot massage, a cleansing facial or one of the many other treatments.

Shenandoah National Park in Virginia

For people who enjoy hiking longer trails, the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia offers the Old Rag Mountain which is an eight-mile trail that’s the toughest in the area. The trails run for 500 miles, so you’ll never run out of places to see. Some trails have spots of interest like waterfalls, so it pays to check which ones you wish to take during your visit, rather than selecting randomly.

There is a total of four campgrounds nearby. The sites go quickly, so book early at the campsite that you want. There may also be some spots for people who wish to drop in. Elsewhere, there’s backcountry camping where a permit (which is free) is required.

Getting away from being a parent, even if it’s just for the weekend, can be exactly what the doctor ordered. You get little precious alone time as it is, and doing something active together makes it more memorable. Be sure to plan properly to ensure you have the correct permits, permissions and gear required before you arrive.