When my boy scout troop went on their annual camping trip and I had an appendectomy instead, when it was over my Dad decided, for the first time in his life, he would take me on a backpacking trip.  It was a disaster because neither of us knew what we were doing.  But it hooked me.  I had my own 3 kids backpacking, with their own little adjustable kid packs by when they were 4, 5, and 6.  Also fishing.  Also did a week's houseboat trip with them at Lake of the Woods, and my oldest turned out to be exuberant going after the walleyes.  Later, I took them on a canoe one-nighter; unfortunately my daughter fell in totally at the shoreline getting out of the boat.  Now they are in their 30s.  Daughter wants no part of the outdoors.  Oldest is a technical climber and fisherman and cyclist and hiker.  Youngest is a camping/hiking fanatic and involves his kids too.  Took two of my grandsons on a two-night canoe trip about a year and a half ago at ages 5 and 6.  They had a magnificent time.  And I suspect we'll be doing it a lot more if my back and legs will give me a few more years.  My son, stepson, and son-in-law are all excited about a tripe we're planning this summer to the Q for the 4 of us.  I'm stoked.  I used to go hiking backpacking regularly and only occasional canoeing.  But as the bones get creakier, the canoe is easier than the feet.  Bought me a whitewater canoe last week and joined up with a group of folks who want to explore Colorado rivers by canoe.  I think I've been blessed with a natural enthusiasm for all sorts of diverse activities, and there's enough variety so that all the kids and all the grandkids share some interest or other.  And I make sure that's nourished.  Once a year, near their birthday, I have a one-on-one date with each of them, doing something that they like.  Pro sporting events, camping, horseback riding, museum, concerts, theater, and quite a few others.  These are some of the best times, and I don't go along reluctantly, I have a blast doing the things they like; and then most of them are eager to put up with me on a hike or in a canoe.  Not a bad life for an old man.