In an inspiring tale of adventure and family bonding, a 16-month-old girl named Aarya is setting out to become the youngest individual to visit all 63 national parks across the United States. Hailing from Schaumburg, Illinois, Aarya, along with her parents, Akshay Sharma and Aparajita Rai, has already explored 34 parks on their journey, all of which they ardently document on their Instagram page, @eternalvoyager1001.
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The motivation for this ambitious quest arose after a park ranger remarked that no child had yet accomplished such a feat. This comment ignited the family’s resolution to pursue the record, leading them towards a future filled with exploration. “Initially, we thought we were just introducing her to nature,” said Akshay. “We never envisaged it would lead to a challenge or a record, but based on the ranger’s suggestion, we decided to go for it.”
Aparajita affirms that Aarya’s natural curiosity is a driving factor behind their excursions. “Most babies are intrigued by their environment. It could be the wind rustling the leaves or the sound of a waterfall,” she noted. One memorable experience for Aarya was at Yosemite National Park, where she found herself mesmerised by the sight and sound of a waterfall, providing a moment of pure joy and connection to nature.
Having ticked off more than half of the parks from their list, Aarya’s family has set their sights on completing their goal within the next two years. Aparajita expressed their desire for Aarya to cherish the diverse landscapes and understand the importance of preserving nature for future generations. “Although she’s too young to grasp it fully now, we believe that spending time outdoors will help her develop a love and appreciation for nature,” she added.
Despite their adventurous spirits, the family acknowledges the challenges that come with travelling alongside a toddler. Aparajita mentioned the need for flexibility, particularly when it comes to planning. “If Aarya is not enjoying it, our plans can quickly turn into a challenge,” she explained. “It takes considerable planning to ensure that the activities align with what she enjoys.”
The family is currently preparing for a trip to Alaska, where they intend to visit more national parks. As both Akshay and Aparajita work in the tech industry, they often make travel arrangements on short notice, working around long weekends to make the most of their time together. “I know other people who are more organised and plan their trips well in advance, but with our frequent travels, detailed planning isn’t always feasible,” said Aparajita. “We keep an eye on our budget and plan around the weather, making the best of a three-day weekend.”
Beyond their personal adventure, the couple is eager to encourage other parents to experience the joys of outdoor travel with their young children. “Our primary aim is not to establish a record, but to show other families that they can truly enjoy nature with their kids,” Aparajita stated.
In addition to their adventures, the family is also formally registering their endeavour with the Guinness World Records. However, they understand that the process is intricate, with strict guidelines that must be adhered to. “The parameters set by Guinness World Records are quite comprehensive, and they ensure that any record is measurable and verifiable,” Aparajita explained.
Notably, Aarya is following in the footsteps of inspirational figures like 93-year-old Joy Ryan, who, in 2023, became the oldest person to visit all 63 national parks. Ryan’s grand quest, spanning several years, was documented by her grandson, Brad Ryan, highlighting the greatness of such endeavours.
Ultimately, the Sharma-Rai family hopes that their adventures will instil a sense of pride in Aarya when she looks back on her formative experiences. Akshay remarked, “In five to ten years, when Aarya is older, she will see the accomplishments we have achieved as a family. We want her to understand that, in life, nothing is impossible.” Their journey is a reminder of the beauty of exploration and the enduring bond of family that can flourish in nature’s embrace.