Active Family Session Ideas
The best family photos happen when everyone forgets the camera is there. Here is how we make that happen.
Why I Stopped Doing "Stand There and Smile" Sessions
Early in my career, I did the standard thing. Line everyone up, arrange them tallest to shortest, say cheese. The photos were fine. They looked like every other family portrait on every other wall in every other house. Nobody was excited about them.
Then I started asking families to just do something together. Walk somewhere. Play a game. Splash in a creek. And the photos got so much better. Not because the lighting changed or I bought a fancier lens, but because people stopped performing and started being themselves. A dad throwing his daughter in the air, a mom wiping mud off a toddler's face, siblings racing each other down a trail. That is the stuff you want on your wall.
The Best Boulder Spots for Active Family Sessions
One of the reasons I love shooting here is that Boulder gives you so many options within a 15-minute drive. Here are my go-to spots:
Chautauqua Park
The classic for good reason. You have got the Flatirons right there, wide open meadows, gentle trails that even toddlers can handle, and great light in the evening. I have shot families hiking the lower trails, kids climbing on the rock outcrops near the ranger cottage, and picnics in the meadow with the mountains going pink at sunset. It never gets old.
Boulder Creek Path
Perfect for families who want water in their photos. In summer, kids wade in the creek, throw rocks, splash each other. The path itself is paved and stroller-friendly, with cottonwood trees that give you dappled light and gorgeous fall color in October. I like starting near the library and walking west toward the canyon mouth.
Wonderland Lake
Flat, easy, beautiful. The loop trail is under two miles and completely accessible. You get mountain reflections in the water, tall grass in the fields, and usually fewer crowds than Chautauqua. This is my top recommendation for families with very young kids or anyone who wants a mellow pace.
South Mesa and NCAR Trail
For families who want a little more space and a bigger landscape feel. The meadows along the NCAR Trail are wide open with Flatirons views, and there is something about that expansive feeling that makes photos feel like Colorado. South Mesa gives you rolling grassland with the mountains rising behind. Both are great for late afternoon light.
Beyond Boulder
I shoot all over Boulder County, not just in the city of Boulder. Some of my favorite spots for active family sessions are in the surrounding towns:
- Waneka Lake Park (Lafayette). A paved loop trail around the lake with open fields, a playground, and water access. Great for families with younger kids who want variety without hiking.
- Louisville Community Park. Wide open green space, playgrounds, and walking paths. Easy, relaxed, and perfect for families who want to play catch, run around, or just let the kids loose.
- Golden Ponds (Longmont). Calm water, cottonwood trees, and a flat trail system that works for all ages. Beautiful light in the evening and a peaceful feel that is different from the mountain backdrop spots.
- St. Vrain Greenway (Longmont). Miles of paved trail along the creek with bridges, trees, and open meadows. Excellent for biking families or walking sessions with a stroller.
- Josh's Pond (Broomfield). A quiet, tucked-away park with a pond, open grass, and a relaxed neighborhood feel. Works well for families who want something low-key and close to home.
Activity Ideas That Actually Work
You do not need to plan something elaborate. The best activity sessions come from doing what your family already does. Here are some things that have worked well:
- Walking and hiking: Even a short walk gives me time to capture candid moments. Kids running ahead, parents holding hands, the dog pulling on the leash.
- Creek play: Boulder Creek in summer is a goldmine. Kids wading, skipping rocks, getting soaked. Bring a change of clothes and let them go for it.
- Bike riding: Family bike rides along the creek path or around a neighborhood. I shoot from ahead and behind, catching the rhythm of everyone pedaling together.
- Playing catch or kicking a ball: Simple, natural, and it gives everyone something to focus on besides the camera.
- Rock scrambling: Boulder (the city) is literally named for this. Kids love climbing the rock formations at Chautauqua and The Peoples' Crossing. Parents spotting them makes for great photos.
- Picnics: Spread a blanket, bring snacks. Toddlers eating strawberries, siblings sharing chips, the whole family just hanging out. Relaxed and real.
How I Shoot Active Sessions
The biggest difference between an active session and a traditional one is that I follow your family instead of directing them. I will suggest where to walk or what to do, but I am not posing anyone. I shoot while you move. I catch the in-between moments: the laugh after someone trips, the quiet hand-hold on the trail, the kid who stops to inspect a bug.
I do still pause for a few group shots. Maybe one where everyone is looking at the camera, laughing because I said something ridiculous. But those take about two minutes, and then we are back to the real stuff.
I bring a longer lens so I can shoot from a distance without being in your space. This is important because the more you forget about me, the better your photos are. When your daughter is whispering something to your son and they both crack up, that is the shot. Not the posed one where everyone says cheese.
What to Wear and Bring
Wear what you would actually wear to do the activity. If we are hiking, wear hiking clothes. If we are playing at the creek, wear stuff that can get wet. Coordinate loosely (similar tones, nothing too wild) but do not stress about matching outfits. Check out my What to Wear guide for specifics.
Bring snacks for the kids (this is non-negotiable with young children), water, a change of clothes if water is involved, and your dog if they are part of the family. That is it. No props, no signs, no Pinterest boards needed.
Timing and Seasons
Golden hour is always ideal, which means late afternoon into early evening for most of the year. In Boulder, that is roughly 5:30 to 7:30 PM in summer and 3:30 to 5:00 PM in winter. Spring and fall are my favorite seasons for active sessions because the light is warmer, the colors are better, and the temperatures are comfortable for being outside.
That said, I have shot family hikes in light snow that were some of my favorite sessions ever. Colorado weather is part of what makes photos here feel different from anywhere else. If you are open to it, a little weather adds character.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Boulder County locations for active family sessions?
Chautauqua Park is my top pick because it has open meadows, gentle trails, and the Flatirons right there as a backdrop. Boulder Creek Path works well for families who want to splash in the water. Wonderland Lake is great for younger kids because the terrain is flat and easy. For families who want more of a hike, South Mesa or NCAR Trail give you wide open space with mountain views.
What kinds of activities work best for a family photo session?
Walking, hiking, creek splashing, bike riding, playing tag, throwing a football, piggyback rides, rock scrambling. Anything your family actually does together. The key is picking something that feels normal, not performative. If your kids love climbing boulders at Chautauqua, we do that. If your family bikes the Boulder Creek Path every weekend, we shoot there. The activity should be yours, not something I assign.
What ages work best for active family sessions?
Any age works, honestly. Toddlers do great because they are always moving anyway. Kids ages 4 to 12 tend to love it because they get to run around instead of standing still. Teens and young adults engage more when there is something to do. Even sessions with grandparents work if we pick an accessible location and keep the pace relaxed.
Do we need to be athletic or in good shape?
Not at all. Active does not mean strenuous. A walk along Boulder Creek counts. Playing in a park counts. Sitting on a blanket and having a snack while the kids run around counts. I match the activity level to your family. We are not training for anything. We are just doing something together instead of standing in a line.
Photography Services
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Have a question about your session?
I am happy to help. Send me a message and let's figure out the details.