How to Use ChatGPT for Family Adventures

Family adventures can bring so much joy, so how about a free personal assistant planning all the details for you?

I'm here to tell you that no matter how you feel about AI, it's not going anywhere. We might as well start taking advantage of all it has to offer...

Family hike at Thunderbird Conservation Park

First, you're going to ask for some help planning where you are going...

Maybe you've been stuck in a rut, or maybe you're checking out somewhere new.

Here is how you ask,

"Plan me an outdoor family adventure within ___ minutes of __________."

I asked for an adventure within 20 minutes of our house, and here is what it suggested:

1. Thunderbird Conservation Park

2. Sahuaro Ranch Park

3. Westgate Entertainment District

4. Camelback Ranch

5. Desert Diamond Arena

6. Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve

7. Playgrounds Dart Zone

8. Stratosphere Adventure Park

9. Maricopa Live Steamers Railroad Club

10. Hurricane Harbor Phoenix

What a great list! Most of these we have been to and love. Some we have been to and forgotten about, what a nice reminder. Some of them are not outdoors, but I'll just save those for the summer months.

The more specific you are, the better the results. I think of it like I am speaking to a very young child, I spell out exactly what I need. Spare no details!

Presentation at Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve

Next, you're going to ask it where you should grab some grub!

I asked, "Where should I grab coffee near ________?"

It gave me the most glorious list of local coffee shops, it speaks to my heart.

So pick one for this adventure, and have a very nice list of other places to check out soon.

Or ask for brunch spots, or breweries, or taco shops... the sky is your limit!

Iced coffee at Daily Drip

Last step, and this one saves those sweet mom brain cells...

Ask what you should bring!

Here's how I asked, "What should I bring on an outdoor adventure with a 2 year old, 3 year old, and 6 year old?"

Again, be very specific!

It gave me the most beautiful, organized list:

Essentials:

• Diapering and Hygiene: diapers, wipes, changing pad, hand sanitizer, plastic bags for dirty diapers

• Clothing and Layers: Change of clothes for spills or accidents, appropriate layers for weather (hats, rain gear, extra socks)

• Sun Protection: sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and possibly a long-sleeve shirt for extra protection

• Bug Protection: Insect repellent or protective clothing

Food and Hydration:

• Water bottles: One for each child and adult

• Snacks and meals: kid-friendly, mess-free (it even gave suggestions)

• Cooler or insulated bag

Safety Gear:

• First Aid Kit

• Emergency Contact Info: something I need to get better about

• Child Carriers or Stroller

Entertainment and Comfort:

• Favorite item: Stuffies

• Outdoor Toys: small ball, bubbles, or sand toys (aka dump trucks)

• Nature Exploration Tools: Binoculars, magnifying glass, bug catcher, or a simple nature scavenger hunt list

• Books or Coloring Materials

I mean, could you ask for a more detailed list?!? My six year old has recently wished he had his binoculars with him, if only I had asked ChatGPT for help remembering everything before we left!

It also asked if I wanted recommendations based on a specific destination (e.g., beach, forest, hiking trail)...

Bag packed for a family adventure

I truly think AI can be used to really save us moms some time, it just takes some practice.

If this encourages you to give it a try, please share below. Or if you are finding other ways to use AI to help you get out on more adventures, please let me know!

Happy Adventuring!