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MUNISING -- The Colyer family of Munising loves the outdoors.  And now that the children, Sarah and Adam, are big enough they're excited to spend more time exploring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on snowshoes.

"Our whole family really enjoys being out here together," said Emily Colyer.

With over 42 miles of trails where they can snowshoe or backcountry ski, the family won't be running out of terrain any time soon.  And it isn't all about snowshoeing...families can also ice fish, snowmobile, cross country ski, and even go ice climbing.

But what fun would these activities be without a lot of snow?  Park officials say during the winter, you can't count on it.

"One of the great things about here in the U.P. is the snow effect or the lake effect snow that we get,” said Park Ranger Gregg Bruff.  “And when places downstate don't necessarily have good snow, then we almost always have good snow here." 

For the Colyers, a visit to the Lakeshore is a fun afternoon outing.

"If you live in the U.P. if you stay inside all winter it's going to be a long winter so it's a good way to get out and get some exercise and enjoy the peace and quiet,” Tim Colyer said.  “And with the kids coming along, getting some outdoor exercise, they sleep a lot better at night so it has its benefits."

And although the activity may tire the children out, the benefits of this time together extend far beyond a good night sleep.

"In today’s world, a lot of kids spend an awful lot of time in front of, you know, video games and televisions,” Bruff said.  “Research has shown that kids psychologically need this kind of activity."

So bundle up your kids and head to the lakeshore.  It's fun, it's local, and for the most part, it's free.