The new IMAX documentary National Parks Adventure celebrates the 100-year anniversary of the U.S. National Park Service and captures some of the greatest natural wonders in the U.S., including the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Yellowstone parks as well as the Everglades. The vistas are lovely, and yet as the filmmakers themselves found out, the true adventures of nature were always looming.

Director Greg MacGillivray recalls his crew being chased by grizzlies while trying to capture salmon along the shores of Brooks River in the Katmai National Park. "You hope you're going to survive a grizzly attack," he noted. They also suffered frostbite near Picture Rocks National Seashore in Upper Michigan, where the temperatures were close to -40 degrees. Yet he looks back on those challenges as highlights of the journey. “The struggles of pain and suffering, the fact that you're doing it all together with friends and family and a wonderful crew makes it a joy.”

The film, narrated by Robert Redford and shot on location in over 30 national parks, opens in theaters February 12 on 70 IMAX screens. To give added meaning to the stunning views, the film features world-renowned mountaineer Conrad Anker, adventure photographer Max Lowe, and artist Rachel Pohl journeying through the nation’s parks, testing their physical and emotional limits as each depicts what the national parks mean to them.

Because of the tremendous work involved with the preservation and conservation of these national parks, “Families should not take these places for granted,” MacGillivray insists. If there is one message that both he and Anker hope families take away from the film is to simply get out and enjoy these parks. “In an age where technology infiltrates nearly ever aspect of our lives, getting outside offers families an opportunity to communicate directly, to appreciate nature together, and to connect in a way that is unmatched,” Anker says.

Based on National Parks Adventure, here are five cool reasons to visit a national park with the family this year.

Experience history: At Chaco Canyon, visitors can still see the ancient ruins of the Pueblo peoples and glean insight into a surprisingly sophisticated culture. Nature tells a different but equally compelling story where layers of time are revealed in the hoodoos (rock formations) created by the freezing and melting of rain water at Bryce Canyon.  

Discover rare national wonders: Over half the geysers on the planet are located at Yellowstone National Park. The tallest trees on the planet stand tall in the Redwood National Forest. The national parks offer families an opportunity to discover unique deserts, glaciers, forests and their respective wildlife, natural wonders and ecosystems.

Fuel your sense of adventure: Have you ever dreamed of rafting in Glacier National Park, hang gliding in Yosemite National Park or ice climbing at Pictured Rocks? The national parks offer seemingly endless opportunities for extreme adventure in pristine settings.

Make memories: Discovery and adventure in nature bonds people. There is something to be said about taking a hike together or sharing the same awe-inspiring view. Conversation and connection occur when you step outside, away from often hurried schedules of work and life.  

Revive your spirit:  John Muir once said that nature gives strength to body and soul. President Roosevelt found healing in nature 100 years ago as did Conrad Anker after the loss of his best friend during a climb in the Himalayas. In the words of Muir, "Keep close to Nature's heart… and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.

For inspiration for your own national-park adventure, visit NPS.gov. Visit the National Parks Adventure for more information about the film.