Month: October 2020

INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, WATER
How to Pan for Gold with Kids
- October 26, 2020
All that glitters isn’t gold…but it might be! Have you ever been panning for gold? It’s easier than you might imagine to get started with this fun outdoor activity! Gold panning is a great way to get the entire family outside, spend time in nature, learn about history, and maybe even strike it rich! Today, we have Kat Hodgins, Canadian mom, and writer, here to share her experience panning for gold with kids. She’s got all the tips you need on how to pan for gold, what to pack, where to find gold, and how to make gold panning fun for kids.

Gold fever

Gold fever, it’s catching—even long after the gold rush.

We’re a family of west-coast Canadians who use gold panning as an excuse to get out and explore nature. It’s an activity that we love to do as a family. However, our baby is less than a year old, making her more of a spectator than a participant in gold panning. Taking her to the creek is short-lived and involves very little panning.

We wanted to see how an older kid fared when it came to an afternoon of prospecting so we know what to expect in a few years. A weekend visiting family allowed us to borrow my nephew to see if he enjoyed an afternoon gold panning by the creek. We spent a weekend in the semi-desert climate of Kelowna, BC recently, which is where we took these photos.

My husband, the gold prospector, found a few gold panning spots in Kelowna thanks to his network of gold panning enthusiasts. We drove through a residential neighborhood and parked the car in a small park. It doesn’t sound like there would be rustic nature nearby, but it can be found almost anywhere if you know where to look. A short hike down a dusty trail, through a wall of trees, we emerged creekside. This oasis didn’t seem like it belonged minutes away from houses and a bike park. Talk about a great surprise.

Why gold panning?

Though the gold rush has long since passed, there’s still adventure out there when it comes to the thrill of the hunt for gold. Gold panning is a great history lesson for kids. It’s also a hands-on way for them to experience how prospectors back in the day found their riches. Panning is also a fun way to get kids outside and introduce them to a lifelong hobby. Before you go, do yourself a favor and learn a bit of gold rush history. This way you can share some tales with your kids while you’re out by the creek.

My husband is a walking encyclopedia on the history of gold panning. He knows where to find gold, the best tricks for finding gold, how to read the land, what the rock formations tell you, and more (so, so, so much more). He kept a steady dialogue for my nephew who seemed to appreciate the facts and tidbits about a foregone era.

How to dress for gold panning

You don’t need any special attire for panning for gold with kids, which is a great perk of the hobby. Everything your kid needs, they likely have in their closet. A simple t-shirt (or a sun shirt) and shorts are all they need to wear. In an ideal world, they’re in a wide-brimmed hat and rain boots (or water shoes), but a baseball hat and some sneakers will do if you don’t mind them getting wet. If it’s sunny, don’t forget the sunscreen.

Things to bring gold panning

If you’re just starting out, all you really need to go panning for gold with kids is a pan and a shovel. Since my husband has become a full-blown prospector, we have all the additional gear: buckets, a pickaxe, gold vials, snuffer bottles, and various other gold panning paraphernalia (most of which I have no idea how to use). You don’t need all this stuff, especially if you’re new to the gold pan game.

A few other things you may want to bring:
- Water
- Snacks/lunch
- Towel
- Sunglasses
- Beach toys
- Shade cover for little ones
- Sunscreen (make sure you apply it and reapply it—especially if you’ve borrowed your nephew for the day)
- Bear spray (in certain areas—but make sure you keep it out of reach of children!)
- A change of clothes in case you get wet
- A pair of dry (or more comfortable) shoes
Where do you get a gold pan?

Some families may have a gold pan kicking around somewhere. Ask your parents, grandparents, extended family, or friends if they have one. You can also probably find a used one pretty cheap. If all else fails, a new pan from an outdoor shop will cost you less than $20.

We bought my gemstone-loving nephew a brand-new pan, vial, and snuffer bottle from a prospector hobbyist store. If you go this route, you should know that brand-new pans have oils on their surface to keep the pans from sticking together. You need to get rid of this oil so the pan surface isn’t so smooth. That will help it catch the gold better. My nephew’s first task with his gold pan was to scratch it up as much as possible using a bunch of dry dirt and rocks. He had a great time ridding the pan of its pristine appearance.

Safety, safety, safety

Panning for gold with kids is a safe activity, but it is near streams and water safety should always be taken into account. Even if your kid is an amazing swimmer, creeks and rivers have currents that bring some very serious concerns, especially during flooding season. If the water is rushing too fast for comfort, put your child in a lifejacket and find the calmest and most shallow areas. If you can’t find a safe place, save gold panning for another day or another creek. Scope out a location before bringing your wee ones out for a day of gold panning, if possible, so you are comfortable with the terrain and know what to expect.

We were fortunate that the area we were in had some pools of water in areas of the dry creek bed, giving us peace of mind. To further punctuate the safety of our location, another family with two youngsters under five came out so their kids could swim in the creek. As an extra safety measure, we always give a family member our location and an estimated time to be home.

Where can you pan for gold?

Let’s talk gold claims for a moment. A claim is a permit that grants you the use of a specific piece of land that you’re legally allowed to pan for gold and other minerals. Recreational gold panners don’t need their own claim, but you do need to make sure you’re not panning on another person’s claim (in the old days, they’d shoot you for this!).

As awesome as it would be to grab a pan and head to any creek, there are some rules about where you’re legally allowed to pan for gold. These rules vary, depending on where you live. Do a quick search online to find places that may be designated areas for recreational gold panning. In Canada, you can also pan on Crown land without claims. Likewise, in the US, you can pan on Bureau of Land Management land without claims.

How old should kids be to pan for gold?

Panning for gold with kids can be done at any age, but there are definitely perks for panning with older kids. My nephew is almost eight. He was really interested in gold panning for about twenty minutes. After that, his patience waned because of the lack of instant/exciting results. Keep in mind, this is only one boy and we could have brought him out to the creek on a low-energy day. As far as age goes, it really depends on the kids. Patient or older children will be able to pan for longer periods. Younger kids, or children who can’t sit still for long periods, may need other activities to keep them busy.

If you’re bringing an infant along, gold panning needs to be done in shifts so somebody can keep the little one busy. The great outdoors is always a fun place, but with gold panning, safety at the creek comes first. Our baby doesn’t get much out of gold panning itself, but she loves to watch the movement of the water. We dipped her toes in a pool of water and let her touch the rocks and trees around us. Gold panning is something that she’ll grow into with time, but right now she’s just there to watch.

A quick overview of how to pan for gold

Panning for gold is pretty simple, but it does require patience. Here are a few more tips to walk you through the gold panning process, start to finish.
1. Pick the right location – Ideally, you’ll find yourself in a place with gold rush history. Known gold producing areas increase the chances of finding gold (which greatly increases the thrill factor)
2. Make sure you have the right gear – If you have your pan and a small shovel, you’re in fine form for some panning. If you want to bring a small container with a lid to put your gold into, or tweezers to pick up the gold from your pan, bring those along too.
3. Find the best places to dig – Choose a gravel bar with cobbles instead of sandy areas (gold doesn’t settle in light material, like sand). The areas where you’ll have the most luck are on the inside curve of a river bend or on the downstream side of a boulder (gold tends to settle behind these boulders).
4. Fill up your pan with gravel – Don’t be stingy, scoop in as much material as you can hold comfortably. Kids will take much less material in their pans.
5. Submerge, stir, and shake the pan – Put the entire pan of rock material underwater. Pick off the large stones and shake the pan side-to-side vigorously. Use your hands to stir the material and help the heavy gold sink to the bottom of your pan.
6. Wash off lighter rocks – Lift your pan hallway out of the water and angle it forward (tip it away from you). Moving the pan back and forth will wash off the lighter rocks.
7. Find gold (hopefully) – As you get to the bottom of the pan, you might see some black sand—this is a good sign! This is heavy iron material that indicates that you might be in a gold-bearing area. When you’re down to about two tablespoons of material, angle the pan forward again and shake it side-to-side. Add a cup of water to your pan to help spread the remaining material. Slowly swirl the water. If there’s gold, it’ll stay put, while other material will move around. Use a keen eye because gold pieces can be quite small!
8. Remove gold from the pan – Lucky or seasoned prospectors may find gold pieces big enough that they’re able to pick it up by pinching with their fingers. The more likely scenario is that you’ll find gold specks, which you can pick up with tweezers, or press on with the end of your fingertip to make it stick to your skin. If you brought a small container along, carefully put the gold inside and seal it with the lid so you don’t lose it.
Can you actually find gold?

Absolutely! You can find real gold. Don’t expect to find giant nuggets, though. If you choose the right places, you’ll find specks and flecks of gold in your pan. Don’t be discouraged by small specks of gold. Finding gold in any quantity these days is an amazing feat! You can suck these small specks up in a snuffer bottle and slowly add to your gold collection every time you go out. Over time, it adds up!

Keep your eyes open for other great rocks and minerals. You don’t just find gold on these adventures; if you look in your pan, you might find garnets (which are similar to rubies), iron pyrite (fool’s gold), white quartz, and gemstones. These other types of minerals vary depending on your climate and location.

If you’re wondering about the difference between gold and fool’s gold, take a look at the color. If the material only sparkles in the sun, it’s iron pyrite. Real gold retains its bright luster even in the shade (although, it’s not sparkly like in cartoons!).

Do kids like panning for gold?

Panning for gold with kids involves digging, playing in the dirt and rocks, and getting wet. Therefore, it’s a great activity for kids. However, kids have shorter windows of interest than adults. My nephew took to it for a while, but what he was really fond of what Prospector Dan’s pickaxe because it reminded him of one of the tools he uses in a video game. His interest in gold panning came and went throughout the few hours we were out by the creek, so make sure to plan for other activities to break up the afternoon and keep the kids engaged.

Other creek-side activities

Unless you have older children with the patience for gold panning, I would suggest merely planning for a day at the creek. This sets you up for fun, rather than expecting to spend the entire afternoon gold panning. Kids are only interested for so long before they want to do something else. Don’t allow them to get bored with gold panning by doing something else for a bit. Come back to gold panning later, after doing another activity. We suggest building a cairn, swimming (if it’s safe to do so), geocaching, racing sticks down the water, skipping stones, exploring the area, and playing in the sand.

Tips to get your kids more involved in gold panning

My nephew liked gold panning a lot more when we involved him rather than just telling him what to do. Some things you can do to get them more involved are:
- My husband taught my nephew how to gold pan and then my nephew “taught” me.
- Get them to pick the spots where you dig.
- Bring along some painted rocks that you slip into the dirt in their gold pan. The size will be far more gratifying to them to find in their pan than small specks of gold.
Congratulations! You’re now a beginner prospector (and you didn’t even need to grow a mustache!). Hopefully, your kids enjoy learning something new while they play outside—and start a little gold collection along the way.

Have you ever tried to pan for gold?

About the author

Hey, I’m Kat Hodgins, a fun-loving Canadian who doesn’t say “eh”. I’m mom to a baby daughter, wife to a fantastic husband, and lover of the great outdoors. My husband and I have spent a great portion of our relationship outside, and that love of nature has become our business, The Sassy Plant. I’ve been a writer for over a decade, working with a variety of companies on a spectrum of topics from boating to health to building your own outhouse (honestly). I’ve been published by print magazines, online sites, and a micropress. I recently wrote a YA novel that is currently being queried for publication.

You can find more about Kat in the following locations:
Instagram: @houseofhodgins and @thesassyplant
Facebook: @itsthesassyplant
Website: houseofhodgins.com and TheSassyPlant.com
GOOD FOR NATURE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
7 Ways to Ease Anxiety Using Nature
- October 23, 2020
This year is destined to go down in the history books for a lot of things. Unprecedented high levels of stress and anxiety in parents, being one of them. More than possibly ever before, self-care for parents needs to be a top priority. Moms in particular, tend to take care of everyone but themselves, leading to overwhelm, burnout and exhaustion. Today, we have Chelsea Furlong, Virginia photographer and homeschooling mom of two, sharing 7 ways that parents (and kids) can reduce stress and ease anxiety using nature and natural treatments. We hope this post will inspire you to make nature part of your self-care routine.

Easing anxiety with nature

Well, here we are…at the tail end of 2020. This has to be one of the most stressful years our generation has ever experienced. The unexpected and unprecedented global pandemic has likely added stress to your life. Parents, in particular, have had a massive amount to deal with on top of the everyday stressors we normally experience.

Often, lots of stress can lead to anxiety. I know this because I have anxiety and depression. I have to be extremely careful with myself and very intentional about how I live my life to be sure I don’t get stuck in a dangerous downward spiral. And anyone else who has anxiety and/or depression knows how difficult it can be to pull yourself out of a particularly difficult time.

Over the years, I’ve tried so many things to ease my anxiety and support my mental health. I’ve tried everything from therapy to medications to natural remedies, and every combination of them. I can tell you without a second of hesitation that for me personally, getting back to nature has helped me more than anything else. I know that many of you may be experiencing added stress and anxiety so I wanted to share my most impactful ways of easing anxiety during difficult times.

1. Get outside

Now I know this seems very basic, but getting outside can instantly stop an anxiety spiral. There is countless research that shows how spending time outdoors in green spaces is good for your physical and mental health. Make spending time outside a priority and reap the benefits of less stress, better health and lower anxiety levels.

Sunlight and fresh air

We hear all the time that it’s so important to get sunlight but I don’t think people take this seriously enough. Many people have a vitamin D deficiency. This can still be the case even in the summertime. We tend to forget that humans are animals and in the 200,000 years homo sapiens has existed, only VERY recently have we lived so much of our lives indoors. Even a few generations ago, people were spending most of their waking hours working outside.

Modern-day society has put us indoors much more than we’ve ever been, and evolution can’t change our make up that quickly. I would argue that humans simply haven’t adjusted to being inside so much. Our bodies desperately need the sunlight and we need the fresh air.

Fresh air is good for our bodies and minds. Anyone that’s spent any time wearing a mask recently knows just how wonderful fresh air can be. Deep breathing outside in the fresh air can do amazing things for your body and mind.

Sleep better

Spending lots of time outside helps with so many things, one of them being a reset of our circadian rhythms. This is crucial for establishing regular sleep patterns. Personally, lack of sleep is always a major trigger for my anxiety and depression. I have to be very aware of my sleep schedule. When I’m not getting enough sleep, my anxiety greatly increases. Spending lots of time outside really helps the body settle down at night and sleep better.

Exercise

When you’re spending more time outside, you’re also likely getting more exercise. Exercise is another thing people take too lightly when it comes to mental health. I know this because I was one of those people. When I’m starting to feel like my depression and anxiety are kicking back up again, I monitor how much exercise I’m getting.

Not only is exercise good for the health of your body, but it’s critical for the health of your brain. You need the endorphins that your body produces when you exercise. Walking, running, biking, and yoga are great activities to do while you’re spending extra time outside.

Mindfulness

Another practice I’ve found helpful for my anxiety is using mindfulness or meditation while I’m outside on a walk. Anxiety can put your brain in a pattern or a cycle. In order to get out of it, you need a pattern interruption. Taking a walk and using the 5-4-3-2-1 mindfulness method is a great way to ground yourself and bring your brain back to the present moment. It’s super easy and works wonders!

Just take a deep breath in and out. Then identify 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. When I do this, I try to completely isolate each of those senses and remove any input from the other senses. You want to take your time with this grounding exercise and really slow down your body and brain. When you’re finished, take one more deep, cleansing breath. You’ll feel so much better!

Sit-spotting

The idea of sit-spotting is simple, but powerful: find a special place in nature and then become comfortable with just being there, still and quiet. In this place, nature let the nature around you soothe you, entertain you and seep into you. If you choose one particular place to do this repeatedly, sit-spotting gives you a personal and intimate place in nature which will soothe, comfort, and relax you instantly, as you get to know the location.

I recommend you find a place in or adjacent to a natural or semi-natural setting where you can sit and observe. Preferably, pick a place that’s close to home so you can get there easily whenever you need a mental break. Sit quietly there, observing nature around you with all of your senses. Listen for birds and other animals. Observe the colors and light. Touch the rocks and moss. Smell the fresh rain or snow. Visit your location in every season and vary the time of day (morning, noon, night) to see how your spot changes.

Check out this post for more useful information on sit spotting.

2. Eat clean

Cleaning up what you put into your body is another way to help improve your mental health. Mother Nature provides us with everything we need to nourish our bodies and make healthy new cells. Your body is always replacing your cells…why not make sure that the new cells you’re creating are healthy ones?

When I was desperately searching for answers to my own battle with depression and anxiety, I was having many odd physical symptoms in addition to the emotional ones. My psychiatrist looked at my medical charts and told me my declining physical and mental health looked similar to other patients she had with autoimmune disease.

Clean eating research

That sent me down an information-seeking rabbit hole, and I’m SO thankful it did. After doing tons of research, I changed my diet completely. Thanks to books like The Wahl’s Protocol and The Autoimmune Fix, I learned so much about how your body uses the food you eat to either make you healthy or make you sick.

Every person is different, and you’ll have to find what works for you, but I swear by the diet I’m permanently on. It has changed my life. It’s a big commitment but if you’re at the point where you’ll do anything to improve your mental health (like I was), it’s absolutely worth it.

The importance of good food

Adding large amounts of nutrient-dense foods is crucial to a properly functioning brain and nervous system. There is also a massive connection between your brain and your gut (which is also known as your second brain.) Nature can provide you with all the nutrients you need, you just have to make eating them a priority.

Do yourself a favor and start paying more attention to what you put into your body. How you feel afterward. Are there particular foods or meals that make you feel better? Or worse?

Bonus fact: Did you know that eating two or more handfuls of cashews a day, can have the same effect as Prozac? The high levels of tryptophan in cashews help to increase serotonin. Thanks, nature!

3. Supplements

In addition to honing in on your diet, you may want to consider adding some supplements to your daily self-care routine. Every person is different, but I’ve felt best when I’m taking a high quality fish oil, vitamin D3, vitamin C, and a B-complex. Fish oil supports brain health. Vitamin C supports the immune system. Vitamin D plays an important role in brain and nerve health, and mood regulation. And B vitamins help with energy levels, as well as brain and nerve functioning.

When my anxiety starts to get worse, I also add in my special anxiety-reducing tea. I add Holy basil and magnesium powder to chamomile tea. This is a great way to calm your muscles and nerves fairly quickly. I recommend Nature Calm magnesium powder to all my friends. Watch out, though. A little goes a long way with this stuff! You only need a very small amount to get the benefits.

CBD oil

The other supplement I use on a regular basis that has really been life changing for me is CBD oil. When it comes to CBD, you need to do your research. Not all CBD oils are created equally. I’ve tried various brands, types and strengths and it took quite a lot of trial and error to find the exact brand, strength, and dosage that works for me. It’s similar to a prescription medication in that way. It may take a little time to find what works for you.

I found that a small amount of CBD oil daily helps to keep my mood level, and then I take more as needed. When I know I’m going into a situation that can be a trigger for me, I take some of my oil about 20 minutes in advance. It’s been very helpful.

4. Essential oils

Speaking of oil, essential oils are another gift from nature that we can use to help ease anxiety. Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient cultures in China, India, and Egypt. When I’m feeling stressed at home, I can often reset my body and brain by using some essential oils. This also helps my kids reset, so it’s a win-win!

At home, I use a diffuser with my oils. When I’m on-the-go, I love my lava rock jewelry. I just absorb a few drops of my favorite oil into the lava stone and I can smell it all day! Again, this is also great for my kids, too. They’ll often ask for my jewelry when we’re out in public or even riding in the car. They love it!

If you’re unfamiliar with essential oils, do some research. Different oils will have a different effect. Some oils can boost your mood and energy, while others can calm you down and help you sleep! You can change the oils to match what you need. Two of my favorite oils that help me calm down are lavender oil and a blend called Balance.

5. Plants

You may be seeing a recurring theme here. Not only can we benefit from plants by adding more of them to our diets and using plant oils, but we can also benefit from just surrounding ourselves with plants! Did you know that just having plants in your home can improve your mental health, improve your air quality, help you sleep better, boost your immune system and increase your productivity?! Amazing, right?

Gardening is another activity that can improve your mental health and help ease anxiety. You’ll get fresh air and sunlight, exercise, and the right kind of mental stimulation. There are two main modes of attention: focused attention and fascination. Focused attention is the kind you use at work, and too much of it can lead to stress. Fascination is the kind you use in hobbies and can help reduce anxiety when we’re feeling so much stress we can’t cope.

Gardening can help ground us and help us stay in the present moment. If you’re growing foods and herbs in your garden, you can also use the produce and herbs to heal you from the inside! One activity, but double the benefits for your mental health!

6. Animals

Whether it’s a household pet or a creature you meet in the wild, animals can be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. I’ve found that having a dog in our home greatly reduces my anxiety levels. Having a warm pet snuggled up to me helps me slow down when I need to slow down. And on the flip side, my dog helps me get moving when I’m feeling sluggish. When the dog has to go out, I have no choice but to pull myself up and go walk him. It’s wonderful because once I’m outside for even a few minutes, I start to feel better. Pets can also be a needed distraction when you’re stuck in an anxiety loop. Distraction is a great way to interrupt a pattern or cycle, and pets are great for that!

If you’re not able to have a pet in the home, you can still enjoy the same stress-reducing benefits outside in nature. I’ve found so much joy just watching the birds that visit our bird feeder each day. We’ve become used to hearing their familiar chirps and songs each morning to start the day. We love watching them visit our window. Similarly, I’ve found it so comforting to visit the large waterfowl that live in the inlet nearby. I walk one trail regularly and often see the birds in their favorite spots. It’s wonderful to sit and watch them. It’s another activity that can help you embrace the present moment and stop the cycle of worrying. I’m not going to lie… I’m that person on the trails speaking out loud to each creature along the way. I always greet them with a “Hello, friend” and thank them for visiting with me. Yes, I do also say goodbye when I move on. (You talk to wild animals too, don’t you? It’s okay. I won’t tell.)

Check out this post for more info on the benefits of raising kids around animals.

7. Water

Get in the water! I know it sounds extremely cliché to say take a bath, but TAKE A BATH. Or a shower. Or even go for a swim, if that’s an option for you. The reason we even exist is because our planet has water. The planet is mostly water. Our bodies are mostly water. And water can be extremely calming for humans. If you have kids, you may have used a nice, warm bath to calm your baby. It can work just as well for adults!

I’ll be honest, I was never a bath-taker until recently but it has been an amazing tool for me when coping with anxiety. It took a lot of work (which sounds weird, I know) but I had to practice sitting in a bath! I was so used to moving quickly from one thing to the next, that it felt very uncomfortable to just sit in a bath and relax. If this sounds like you, try starting with 5-8 minutes and then add a few minutes each time you’re in there. I found that listening to meditation music or a podcast like Affirmation Pod with Josie also helps!

Again, I know this one also sounds cliché, but drink more water. Seriously. Go get some right now. I’ll wait.

Great! Your body thanks you for that!

Your body takes in a lot of toxins every day. Not only are they unhealthy for you physically, but they’re unhealthy for your mental health. Drinking lots of water is one way you can help wash out those toxins. Water also helps your brain by preventing dehydration, which can cloud up your thinking. Your brain is about 75 percent water! And 1 in 4 adults is dehydrated right now. You need lots of water to make sure oxygen is flowing to your brain and ensure it has enough energy to produce serotonin. Dehydration can also be a trigger for panic attacks, so be absolutely sure you’re getting enough water every day.

Treating anxiety with nature

I know it seems simple. Almost too simple. But truly the most effective treatment for my own depression and anxiety has been to get back to basics. Get back to nature. Get closer to the life our bodies and minds lived for millions of years, before modern-day society changed everything.

Three weeks. Do these things for three weeks consistently, and then reassess how you feel. I think you’ll be amazed.

And if you don’t see improvements, or ever find yourself in a situation where you’re truly struggling, please ask for help. These are difficult times for everyone. You’re not alone. You can find a list of free, 24-hour helplines here. Don’t ever be afraid to pick up the phone and call.

What are your favorite nature-based ways to improve your mental health?

About the author

Chelsea is a photographer, a mother of two busy boys, and a sunshine and fresh air addict. Her family lives in Virginia Beach, and they spend as much time outdoors as they possibly can! Most of their outdoor adventures involve exploring the beach, inlets, and nature trails nearby. They love biking, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, building forts, and playing in the sand! During the warm months, you can find them enjoying the Chesapeake Bay almost every night until long after the sun goes down. They’re doing our best to reduce their carbon footprint and always try to leave every trail cleaner than it was when they arrived.

You can find Chelsea online in the following locations:
Instagram: @dimples.and.the.blonde
Website: dimplesandtheblonde.com
RWMC posts: Chelsea Furlong
CRAFTS, FALL, HIKE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Five Simple Autumn Nature Adventures
- October 21, 2020
Getting kids outside this fall is more important than ever. As we continue to navigate unprecedented times and deal with stress and anxiety, kids (and parents) desperately need fresh air, sunshine and Vitamin N (nature!). However, we also know that parents are maxed out in terms of what they can plan, research and execute. That’s why we’re here! We want to help busy and exhausted parents come up with fun and EASY ways to get outside with your kids. Today, Katie Fox, a full-time RV-traveling mom of 2, is here sharing five really simple autumn nature adventures that you can do with your kids with little to no planning! These ideas are easy to implement, fun for kids of all ages, adaptable for wherever you live and many can even be done in your neighborhood or backyard.

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” – George Eliot

Finding the fun in fall

Is anyone else’s soul wedded to autumn? The fading summer heat, beautiful autumn colors, cozying up to a good book, pumpkins, apples, scarves, and tasty warm beverages, all really delight my body and soul. Autumn is my favorite time of year.

This autumn, however, also brought with it the challenges of distance learning, working from home, and Covid-19 restrictions. With new restrictions on what we can do safely indoors and out, traditional fall activities look different or aren’t available. Now, maybe more than ever, it is important to take mental breaks to help with the stress and anxiety a lot of us are feeling. And nature really is one of the best ways to easily do this.

Yet, finding time to plan and implement fun nature adventures can be so hard when you are busy juggling all the other things life is throwing your way. Who has the time to do research on what can be done and what the restrictions are and when to schedule? So let me help make it easier with these five simple autumn nature adventures for kids.

Five simple autumn nature adventures

These five outdoor adventures are simple to do and easy to implement. They can easily be done during a virtual learning break, after school, on a weekend or any time your family needs a quick romp in nature to restore your mental equilibrium. They require little to no advanced planning and can easily be done in your own neighborhood and some even in your own backyard!

1. Rainbow hike

There is no doubt about it, autumn is a colorful time of year. So why not enjoy the colors with a fun rainbow hike to see if you can find all seven colors of the rainbow? The first half of the rainbow is fairly easy in North America in autumn. But those last three colors – blue, indigo, and violet – may prove more difficult.

Preparation:

This is one super easy to prep for because it can be as simple or elaborate as you want to make it.

Don’t have time to prepare anything? This hike is perfect. Indeed, all you have to do is take a walk through your neighborhood and look for the colors of the rainbow. Nevertheless, if you wanted to prepare something, you could simply grab a piece of scratch paper and some markers draw a simple box for each color of the rainbow. Or print a rainbow. And there is always the option to have your children create their own rainbow hike worksheet making rainbow-colored squares or use my free rainbow hike worksheet.

Hike implementation ideas:

Once you get out the door, the fun really begins. Try one or more of these ideas to make your rainbow hike super successful!
- Just start searching for all the colors and try to find all seven!
- Go in rainbow color order! This will add a little extra challenge, especially for those children already very familiar with their colors.
- If you are bringing a printed worksheet for your children to use on the hike, bring one for each child. Each child having their own printed worksheet will likely avoid some sibling bickering (trust me, I know).
- If you want to keep your findings, bring some tape (to tape them to your paper) or a small bag to collect them.
2. Spiderweb hunt

Get into the spooky autumn spirit with this engaging adventure and nature activity. Spiderwebs are everywhere, probably even in your backyard or patio. They are simple enough to find and children delight in being able to spot them. A spiderweb hunt is a great way for your kids to become observant of their surroundings and aware of the nature all around.

Preparation:

Again, this one requires little to no preparation. You can simply walk out the door and exclaim, “we are hunting for spiderwebs today!” Then, all you need to do is explore your neighborhood, searching nooks and crannies for spiderwebs. However, if you have time and energy, you could also pair this nature adventure with a book (we love The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle) or a nature journaling exercise. And if you are feeling really ambitious, you could even dive deeper into how spiderwebs are made, what web material is made out of, the strength of the web material, and so much more.

Hike implementation ideas:

For this hike, I recommend bringing along a misting spray bottle to gently spray water onto the spiderwebs. This makes some of the more difficult webs easier for little kids to see and observe. An added benefit is you get to see the water droplets form on the web too, exposing all the incredible designs. Just be careful not to disturb or destroy the webs. These intricate webs took a spider a long time to make and help them catch food. Be respectful and observe with eyes only.

3. Autumn leaf hike

Once those autumn leaves begin to fall it is almost impossible for children to not enjoy them! They find delight in all aspects of the colorful leaves. And what better way to enjoy your autumn nature adventures than to explore the autumn leaves with your kids.

Preparation:

I cannot stress this one enough, this can be as simple as you want it to be! There is zero need to prep for a leaf hike! But, if your children are anything like mine, you may want to consider the following:
- Bring and bag or basket to carry the many colorful leaves your children fall in love with.
- Collect any art supplies you may want to use with your autumn leaves for art projects.
Hike implementation ideas:

As you meander through your neighborhood, local park or down your favorite trail, keep these ideas in the back of your brain. You may want to try them (or you may not), there is no right way to do an autumn leaf hike.
- Simply enjoy the view of the leaves. Maybe point out the colors and stop to examine the colorful leaves you find.
- Try to match the leaves on the ground with the tree they fell from. Identify the type of tree and what color(s) that tree’s leaves turn.
- Collect a variety of leaves to display in your nature display in your home. (you can dip them in beeswax to preserve the color longer)
- Let your children lay down and make autumn leaf angels in the leaves.
- Rake the leaves into a pile and jump into them!
- Toss a handful of leaves in the air and enjoy their faces as the leaves fall down around them. Let them follow suit.
- Use the collected leaves to make a variety of art pieces. Create fall leaf crowns, make leaf rubbings, construct these adorable leaf wreaths from the Artful Parent, create these neat leaf lanterns, or use them to create a multimedia abstract art piece.
4. Costume hike

Autumn is the time of year when many dress up in costumes for Halloween. Whether you celebrate this particular holiday or not, dress-up clothes are likely a regular occurrence in your home. So why not bring the dress-up fun outdoors? People enjoy seeing children dressed up and children love the added attention the costume brings them. Besides, a stroll through your neighborhood is bound to bring smiles to faces all around.

Preparation:

All you need for this autumn nature adventure is a costume! Costumes don’t have to be spooky or scary. They can be fun and creative! Anything from a simple princess dress to a superhero cape would work. The point is to make a regular nature walk a little bit more exciting with costumes.

Hike implementation ideas:

As with the rest of these ideas, this one can be as simple as you want it to be. There is no need to add anything else into the mix. Just dress up and go for a walk around your neighborhood. But, if you want to add to the adventure, consider some of these ideas for fun costume hike day adventures.
- Have a costume tea party. Pack some snacks, a book to read aloud, some tea, and a blanket. After your costume hike through your neighborhood or favorite trail, find the perfect spot in your backyard (or near the end of your trail hike) to enjoy some tea and a story together.
- Create a simple DIY nature-inspired costume for your autumn nature adventures. For added fun see if you and your children can find the nature creatures they are dressed up as while on your hike.
- Dress up with your kids and make the whole hike extra special! Even just a silly hat or a mask goes a long way.
5. Trash pick-up hike

Autumn is the time of year when the trees make themselves look beautiful! But, it is also typically the start of the rainy season in many parts of North America. So let’s help keep the trash out of the waterways by going on a trash pick-up hike! This autumn nature adventure is not only good for kids, but great for the planet!

Preparation:

All you need for this hike is a container to place the collected trash and a method of picking up trash. We usually use a PikStik and gloves. But we’ve also used a plastic bag around our hands as the barrier between our hands and the trash we are picking up. Again, just like the others, there is no need to travel to a local park for this adventure either, as neighborhoods are often littered with trash as well.

Hike implementation ideas:

Grab a couple of plastic bags, or some gloves and a bucket, and head on outside to make your neighborhood or favorite park beautiful and trash-free! Here are some tips for collecting trash with children.
- Set some basic ground rules based on the age of your children. For example, we let our 5-year-old and 3-year-old pick up anything that is not broken glass, sharp-looking, or cigarettes. However, if they see those things, they let us know and we pick them up.
- Sometimes, trash hunting becomes so much fun that children want to keep going and going. This is amazing, but also not practical. So we’ve set time limits and also have a rule that if we fill up our bag, we will take a break.
- Again, there is no need to travel for this hike. Just walk out your front door and collect the trash you see in your neighborhood. Garbage trucks often accidentally lose pieces of trash on garbage day and sometimes people drop (or toss) trash on the ground, too.
- Finally, consider taking some time to briefly talk about why you are cleaning up the trash. No need for a deep discussion on the topic or environmental activism, just let your children know that there is only one Earth and we need to do what we can to keep it clean.
Enjoy autumn easily

Truly, there are so many ways to enjoy autumn. Outdoor activities with kids don’t have to be elaborate or require a bunch of planning. The activities featured here require not much more than a plan to get outside a few household items. We want to make sure that getting out with your kids is a priority and we’re here to help make it as simple as possible!

Autumn is an amazing time of year to get outside and have fun with the kids. Sometimes, I enthusiastically agree with George Elliot and wish I could remain in an eternal autumn to enjoy all the wonderful bits of the season forever. These are only five simple autumn nature adventures, but there are so many other ways to enjoy the season!

What are your favorite autumn nature adventures to do with kids?

About the author

Katie lives in a tiny home on wheels and travels full-time with her two mostly wild children, tech-minded partner, two well-traveled pups, and adopted pet snail. As they wander the North American continent, Katie explores as much as possible, with a particular fondness for the adventures her family enjoys in state and national parks. When not trekking through the outdoors, Katie enjoys baking, homeschooling, consuming mochas from local coffee shops across the continent, practicing her photography skills, and soaking up as much knowledge as she can. As an advocate for families exploring the great outdoors, Katie co-founded a Hike it Baby branch in her hometown in Northern California and tries to encourage families to get outside whenever possible. Katie has a Master’s degree in human development from the University of Missouri, Columbia, but her passion is really history and humanities (which is coincidentally what her Bachelor’s degrees are in). She currently volunteers on the Hike it Baby National team as a contributing blogger.

You can find more from Katie online in the following locations:
Instagram: @familyinwanderland
Website: http://www.familyinwanderland.com
Facebook: @familyinwanderland
RWMC posts: Katie Fox
CRAFTS, FALL, HOLIDAYS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, RECIPES
DIY Fall Fairy Garden in a Pumpkin
- October 15, 2020
Fall is such a magical time of year! The turning leaves, the beautiful colors and the crisp cool air! It’s also a great time for nature crafts and getting outside to play! One of our favorite ways to spark imagination and creative play in our kids is through fairy gardens. Today, Megan Rigdon, Maryland photographer and mom of three is sharing tips on how to create a fall-themed fairy garden with children! She’s included materials needed, a list of fall flowers that will look beautiful in the magical fall garden, as well as a delicious roasted pumpkin seed recipe for you to make with your little ones!

Children naturally live in the moment and they allow that moment to be what it is, magical and beautiful in every way” -April Peerless

Magical childhood memories

As I look back on my childhood, I have countless memories of times that felt magical! My cousins and I would create forts in my grandparents’ backyard. It did not feel like any old fort, it was a magnificent castle nestled in an enchanted forest. And when we were inside, when my mother would wash my hair in the bathtub, she would have me look way up high at the vent in the ceiling. That’s where the fairies lived! I would imagine the magical world that lived beyond that vent. I would squint my eyes so hard to see if I could see just one of the many fairies that lived up there. The creativity and imagination of little kids have no end!

Keeping the magic alive

When I became a mother myself, I was over the moon excited to create magical memories for children. Fast forward almost ten years. I am now a mom to three children (ages 5, 7, and 9). I absolutely love watching the magic of childhood through their eyes. And I love helping them create and magical places that inspire them to dream. My children enjoy sitting under our evergreen trees and play with their fairy garden that they recreate every summer. We plant a few shade-loving plants and add some fairy accessories to make the garden come to life! They spend hours and hours playing in the charming little garden.

Fall themed fairy garden

Summer quickly came to an end up here and Maryland and we recently welcomed a brand new season. I noticed that our summer plants faded away in the kids’ fairy garden under the evergreen trees. A few weeks ago I asked my children if they would like to create a fall-themed fairy garden. They squealed with excitement and wanted to get started right away!

The children picked out a few large pumpkins at our local family farm stand. We cut a large opening on the top of the pumpkin making sure it was wide enough to allow room for the fairies to play. Then, we scraped out the pumpkin seeds and set them aside in a bowl to make Roasted Pumpkin Seeds later that evening (recipe below). We filled each pumpkin with potting soil to the top and patted it down evenly.

Fall friendly plants

Next, we researched plants that would work well in pots in the fall time. Mums, Pansies, Marigolds, Violas, Celosias, Kale, Asters and Ornamental Peppers are all wonderful choices for a fairy garden in the fall. We had room for just about two plants to be added to each pumpkin. This allowed room for the fairies and some accessories too. The children dug a little hole, placed their plant in it, and patted it down gently. They loved this hands-on activity and the chance to get their hands dirty!

Fairy garden accessories

The hard part was now behind us and they were ready to accessorize their fall fairy garden! This is probably the most fun part of the process for little kids and where you can really see their imagination and creativity coming to life! They get to use natural objects found around the yard and home to decorate and accessorize their fairy garden.

The children found round-shaped rocks and painted them orange with acrylic paint. After the rocks were dry, they drew faces on the orange rocks to make them look like little jack-o-lanterns. My daughter ran over to the cornfield next to our house and picked a cob from the stalk. She pulled the kernels off of the cob and placed them in the soil to make it look like little stepping stones or trails in the garden. They gathered acorns from under our oak tree and pulled some moss that was growing on our patio. So many treasures were found just in our own backyard! The fairies and gnomes can be found at most craft stores.

Fall fairy garden giggles

I sat back and watched them giggle and come up with wonderful stories for their fairies as they explored in their new pumpkin fairy garden. The conversations and questions were priceless and adorable. You could literally see their eyes sparkle and their happiness overflow. My heart felt that same magical joy as I watched them play.

I have always believed in the magic of childhood and think that if you get your life right that magic should never end” – Colin Thompson.

Roasted pumpkin seed recipe

When we cleaned out our pumpkins for the fairy gardens, I reminded my children to save the pumpkin seeds. We made the most delicious Roasted Pumpkin Seeds! To make these seeds, all you need to do is pull the seeds out of the pumpkin and separate them from any pulp. Wash and pat dry the seeds with a paper towel. Then, toss a cup and a half of the seeds in a bowl with two teaspoons of melted butter and a pinch of salt. Stir them up and then spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake them in the oven for about 40 minutes or until golden brown on oven temperature of 300 degrees. Let them cool. Pop them in your mouth and enjoy!

Have you ever made a fall fairy garden?

About the author

Megan Rigdon is a mother to three energetic children and lives on their family farm in Harford County, Maryland. She is a lifestyle family photographer and a lover of joyful and colorful images. Megan has a degree in Early Childhood Education and taught Kindergarten prior to having her own family. They spend as much time as possible outdoors exploring the farm and going on adventures. Raising chickens, fishing, gardening, camping, and crafting are just a few of her favorite things to do with her family.

You can find more from Megan in the following locations:
Professional Instagram: @meganrigdonphotography
Personal Instagram: @megmrigdon
Website: meganrigdonphotography.com
RWMC posts: Megan Rigdon
BOOKS, GARDENING, INFORMATION, LESSONS, NATURE SCHOOL
Homeschooling: Interest-Led Learning
- October 12, 2020
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had the time to delve deeply into those topics that we’ve always been naturally curious about? Would you choose to study a particular time period? A historical figure? An animal, weather phenomenon, or something else entirely? Today we have Nichole, Arkansas homeschooling mom of 2, here showing us what it looks like to tailor your children’s homeschooling lessons around their interests and passions. Interest-led learning is a customized and creative way of teaching and one of the things that makes homeschooling so incredibly unique and special.

Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire” – William Butler Yeats

Homeschooling doesn’t have to be boring

No really, homeschooling doesn’t have to be boring and driven by a curriculum you bought online. Homeschooling can be fun and personalized and engaging for everyone. How? Interest-led learning!

For anyone not familiar with this concept, interest-led learning is the idea of following your children’s curiosity where it takes you and crafting homeschool lessons around their interests. You may also hear it called delight-directed learning, passion-oriented learning, or rabbit trailing (you follow the rabbit trail of your interests).

Every kid has something that he or she is naturally interested in or curious about. As a homeschooling mom, you can take note of those topics and help a child learn about that interest. You can integrate your children’s passions into your homeschool rhythm if you are willing to support and nurture their growing interests. But sometimes you have to think outside the box.

The big box of curriculum

I’ve now been homeschooling for six years. It’s strange to think that I’m no longer a newbie at this. When we first decided to homeschool, I did what most people do and jumped right into internet searches. This was seven years ago, before homeschooling became a front and center hot topic. My internet searching and asking around led me to “the big box.”

Boxed curriculum, as they’re called, are an all in one approach where all of the materials you will need can be ordered in one large order from one curriculum company. While these can be phenomenal resources for many families, I learned very quickly that it was not going to work for us. I spell out how I realized this and what I did to discover my style in HERE. What I quickly realized was that if I wanted to teach my children, I needed to hold their interest. But, how do you hold a child’s interest? Curiosity and passion.

Enter: interest-led learning

The lighting of a fire

In my research, I stumbled on the educational philosophies of Charlotte Mason, Waldorf, unschooling, unit study, and countless others. All of these things kept bringing me back to what I felt pulling on my heart. I desperately wanted the education of my children to be the lighting of a spark, rather than a dousing of a flame. My wish? That their curiosity would carry them through childhood and they’d step out into adulthood, unscathed and unmarred by my attempts to put round pegs in square holes.

In our homeschool and our family, we believe in life-long learning and a permanent curiosity for the world around us. We believe that raising our children with the ability to know how to learn and to be constantly learning, are some of the keys to successful adulthood. Interest-led learning is a great way to keep that spark for curiosity alive and fuel their passions and interests.

You cannot teach a person anything; you can only help him find it within himself.” – Galileo

Pancakes and spacewalks

One of the first interest-led learning studies I put together for my kiddos was a space study unit. My sweet five-year-old boy was completely enthralled by outer space. We read all the books, we assembled our own solar system, we did the Oreo cookie moon phases, we did it all. And it was glorious!

My most favorite memory was a 5 AM pancake party to watch a spacewalk happen LIVE at the International Space Station. My children have always been early risers, but we woke extra early to watch the spacewalk happen. What a marvel of modern technology. I enjoyed chocolate chip pancakes with my children in our kitchen at home, while watching with stars in our eyes as the astronauts floated in space, with the beautiful orb of Earth just in view behind them. A few months later we took a family vacation to NASA headquarters in Houston, to seal in what we had learned and to stoke the flame a little more.

I’ll give you a little hint, dear friends, if you can keep your own curiosity and sense of amazement intact, it will influence and inspire your children. Never be afraid to learn new things and share that awe with your children.

Study through story

One of our favorite methods to learn comes from the Charlotte Mason philosophy – the idea of slowly working our way through beautiful stories. “Living books,” as they are called. The first slow march we did was to follow a little wooden canoe through the Great Lakes in the story Paddle to the Sea. One chapter per week, so we could also learn the flora, fauna, geography, and history surrounding the chapter. The following fall, while a part of a family vacation, we visited a park in Nipigon, Ontario dedicated to that story. We stood on the shores of Lake Michigan and recalled the adventure we had as we slowly studied a book. It was an incredible experience and you can read the full story HERE.

We also studied the Santa Fe Trail through Tree in the Trail. We followed it up with a road trip to visit family (read about it HERE), making stops along the way to solidify and complement what we had learned. Misty of Chincoteague was an easy favorite and I’ll never forget frolicking in the Atlantic waves just after we spotted a mother and foal on Assateague Island National Seashore. Again, you can read all about that trip HERE.

These trips and family vacations are not what brought the learning to life. That was our own special way of celebrating our learning journey and what we’d accomplished. What brought the interest-led learning to life was a slow and steady pace through beautiful stories that my children connected with. That connection is what makes all the difference.

Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand.” – Chinese Proverb

What is interest-led learning?

Interest-led learning really is as simple as it sounds. It can be applied to nearly any schooling philosophy you use. It’s a mindset and an approach to teaching your children. You recognize that they are whole persons, with their own passions and interests. Then, you take the time to gently uncover what sparks their curiosity. This requires a habit of presence and noticing, seeing what makes your children light up.

Do you have a hard time paying attention if you’re not interested in what’s being discussed? Do you struggle to listen if the topic is not personally relatable to you? It’s the same for your children. But, with interest-led learning, they’re doubly excited about the topic and learning because it’s tailor-made for them!

Finding resources

The most important concept with interest-led learning is this: YOU are in charge of finding what makes your children come alive and then you get the opportunity to use that as a tool to stoke their passion for learning.

While that may sound intimidating, thanks to the wonders of modern technology, we are quite literally swimming in homeschooling resources. Never before have there been so many incredible resources, many of which are available right from your phone or computer. An expert in interest-led learning and one of the most inspirational homeschoolers I know is Julie Bogart of Brave Homeschooler fame. Another one of my favorite resources for inspiration is the Wild + Free community, where you can connect with other homeschooling families in your area for support, camaraderie, and resources.

It is… nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction have not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry; for this delicate little plant, aside from stimulation, stands mainly in need of freedom; without this it goes to wreck and ruin. It is a very grave mistake to think that the enjoyment of seeing and searching can be promoted by means of coercion and a sense of duty.” – Albert Einstein

Lessons from our garden

One of our favorite sources for interest-led learning is our backyard garden. As simple as it sounds, a backyard garden is an endless source or incredible lessons and activities. We do botany studies as we learn about seeds sprouting, how pollination happens, and how we get fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Last year, our garden provided us with an abundance of hands-on science lessons with our sunflowers and luffa plants. I’m certain that our sunflower dissection will go down as a favorite “Science Friday” (more on that HERE).

Through gardening, my children learn about pollinators, all kinds of insects, seed saving, composting, and soil composition. They broadened their palates by tasting the wide variety of veggies, herbs and plants we grew. Recently, our garden studies went to the microbial level when we broke out the biology microscope and searched a soil suspension for nematodes and other microscopic life.

You can provide a rich and diverse education for your children, right from your own backyard. When you tune your own mind and heart to be constantly curious, it will unlock a universe of learning potential.

To see a World in a Grain of Sand

And a Heaven in a Wild Flower

Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand…”

– William Blake, Auguries of Innocence

How interest-led learning is all-encompassing

Interest-led learning is not a narrow education. While it may be one overarching topic, it can encompass so much and can be expanded to fit multiple children, in multiple age groups, and span multiple subjects. The only limit is your own creativity!

What does interest led learning look like?

So, what does it look like to start with a child’s interest and structure homeschooling lessons around that topic? How do you incorporate all the different subjects they need to learn? Let’s take the example of gardening:
- Science – seed growth, leaf types, pollination, soil content, composting, fertilization, growing the same plant in different soil types or lighting levels, etc.
- History – the history surrounding the cultivation of plants – ancient civilization and Indigenous gardening techniques, crop rotation, slash and burn, the movement of seeds around the globe, the rise and fall of cash crops, etc.
- Language arts – gardening picture books, reading and narration of nature/garden inspired books, create a fictional story that takes place in your backyard garden, craft a report about the garden at the end of the season, etc.
- Math – seed counting and sorting, plotting how many seeds sprout and graphing production results, chart the color of zinnias that bloom, measure daily growth, older students can work on planning out square foot gardening, measure garden space, determine how many plants can be grown, etc.
- Foreign language – learn the words for the plants, vegetables, flowers, etc.
- Miscellaneous – make natural dyes with flowers from the garden, eat a meal entirely from the garden (culinary arts), produce something for a local farmers market and let the kids take the lead (entrepreneurship), create a garden space just for the kids and step back, practice floral arrangements, create nature collages, go on a color scavenger hunt, etc.
When you are genuinely interested in one thing, it will always lead to something else.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Next up

In our homeschool, we are currently taking an extended dive into ocean studies. Why? Because my son as expressed interest in being a marine biologist and loves the ocean! His current favorite book is one about Jacques Cousteau in the WhoHQ series.

We are also reading Island of the Blue Dolphins, the Burgess Seashore Book, and A Seal Called Andre. Up next: Pagoo, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Disney Plus has come in handy with all of the ocean documentaries and we were absolutely enthralled with a National Geographic documentary about a voyage to the bottom of the Mariana Trench.

You are not alone

This homeschooling journey can be a hard one and may feel lonely at times. However, I promise you that you are not alone. Interest-led learning is an easy way to infuse joy, passion and excitement in your education process. It’s a wonderful way to show your child how much fun it is to follow their curiosities and an amazing way to really get to know them and their interests.

And if you’re ever feeling lonely or have questions on where to start or how to do this, there is a beautiful and welcoming homeschool community out there. I, personally, am here to talk anytime you need to. Thanks for reading, friends!

Be sure to check out my article about crystal digging and how it’s a great hands-on geology lesson!

Photo by Tiffany of Three Moons Photography

Are you homeschooling this year?
Are you doing any interest-led learning?

About Nichole

Nichole is mama to two incredible adventurers, an older boy and a younger girl. They are in their sixth year of homeschooling. She’s married to her best friend and they share a mutual love for the outdoors. An Iowan native now living in the south, she is happy to claim Arkansas as home. She is a wanderlust (and coffee) fueled, fearless, road tripper who has been known to take off for epic adventures at a moment’s notice. Hiking and camping (of the backpacking variety) and crystal digging are a few of their favorite family activities. You can find her in the woods somewhere, probably up a creek, and jumping off waterfalls.

You can find more from Nichole online in the following locations:
Website: http://www.luckeywanderers.com
Instagram: @coleyraeh
RWMC posts: Nichole
ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, FAMILY TRAVEL, HIKE, LOCAL GEMS, NATIONAL PARKS
Kakadu National Park, Australia with Kids
- October 8, 2020
Kakadu National Park is Australia’s largest terrestrial national park, situated in the Northern Territory’s tropical north. It would be hard to find a place that is more unique or diverse as this Aboriginal-owned World Heritage-listed National Park. It’s an incredible place. Today, we have Jodie of Territory Mama here to take you along on a trip through Kakadu and give you all the recommendations, tips, and advice you need to plan a trip to Kakadu National Park with kids.

Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park spreads across almost 200kms from north to south and over 100km east to west. The diversity of landscapes it covers range from coastal and estuaries to billabongs and floodplains, through to the rocky ridges and stone country of the Arnhem Land Escarpment. These landscapes are home to more than one-third of Australia’s bird species and one-quarter of it’s freshwater and estuarine fish species. Not only does Kakadu extend across such spectacular landscapes and diverse wildlife, but it’s home to the oldest living culture on earth.

But, the best part about Kakadu National Park is that it’s easily accessible for families. And there are lots of amazing outdoor experiences for families to discover together. It’s a truly magical place and you can’t understand quite how incredible it is until you experience it for yourself, but I’ll do my best to capture a little bit about what makes this place so special.

Things to do in Kakadu National Park with kids

There are so many things to do in Kakadu National Park with kids. I’ve broken activities down by a couple of different categories: cultural experiences, waterfalls, and magical sunsets. These three activities encompass a lot of other activities that can be done at these locations (hiking, swimming, animal sighting, camping, etc.).

Cultural experiences at Kakadu

The traditional owners Bininj Mungguy have lived and cared for this country for more than 50,000 years and you can experience firsthand their connection to the country through many of the cultural experiences and tours on offer within Kakadu.

Guluyambi Cultural Cruise – Kakadu Cultural Tours

The Guluyambi Cultural Cruise is a scenic boat tour upstream of the majestic East Alligator River. Your Aboriginal guide will provide insight into their culture, traditions, and beliefs. You will experience traditional hunting and gathering techniques and learn about the many uses for the plants and animals that call this area home. You may also spot many of the local saltwater crocodiles that inhabit this spectacular river. The cruise operates between May and November and is owned and managed by the traditional owners of Kakadu.

Yellow Water Cruises

Ran by the Indigenous-owned Kakadu Tourism, the Yellow Water Cruises offer a year-round boat cruise along the ever-changing Ngurrungurrudjba (Yellow Water) Billabong. It is recommended to take the cruise during sunrise or sunset when the wildlife is most active but many visitors undertake more than one cruise during their stay to experience the changes in wildlife at different times of the day. While cruising along the tranquil wetland there is an abundance of wildlife to encounter, up to 60 different bird species, saltwater crocodiles, wild horses, buffalo, and wallabies all in their natural habitat.

Warradjan Culture Centre

Warradjan Culture Centre was developed by the Aboriginal traditional owners of Kakadu to help tell their story. Displays include artifacts, bush tucker, and local artwork. During the dry season (April – September) local Aboriginal artists often conduct demonstrations here from painting to traditional weaving techniques and the kids are always welcome to join in.

Waterfalls at Kakadu National Park

There are so many stunning waterfalls to choose from at Kakadu National Park its hard to know where to start. Some can be a little more difficult to access than others and depending on your family’s level of hiking, its always a good idea to check with the Bowali Visitor Centre to see which falls would best suit your family. Here are our picks that are easily accessible but still have spectacular views and perfect swimming holes.

Gunlom plunge pool

Only a 100 metre walk from the carpark this sandy beach-like pool is perfect for young families. A shallow entry means the smallest members can splash by the edge while the more adventurous can swim to the waterfall. Gunlom is a seasonal waterfall and best visited in the early dry season (May – June); however, the bottom pool remains swimmable usually until August-September. (Gunlom waterfalls pictured below)

Maguk

Maguk requires a little more of a walk-in with a rocky 2km track. However, the effort is worth it when you reach the stunning turquoise pool. This waterfall is spring-fed so it flows year-round, which makes it a perfect stop even for travelers visiting later in the year when other falls start to dry up. Seasonal closures do still occur due to crocodile movement, so always check with the visitor centre before your visit.

Igoymarrwa

Igoymarrwa is a small crystal clear plunge pool located in the southern end of the park. Although a short drive in from the main Kakadu Highway, you will still require a 4WD. The waterfall however is just a short walk from the carpark opening up to a lush little oasis. (Igoymarrwa pictured above)

Jim Jim and Twin Falls

If you happen to visit Kakadu during the wet season (October – April) a scenic flight over Jim Jim and Twin Falls is an experience you will never forget. You can choose between a light aircraft or helicopter, with flights leaving from both Jabiru and Cooinda airstrips.

Magical sunsets at Kakadu

There’s a number of sites to take in the incredible Kakadu sunset but here are our top three.
1. Gunlom Top Pools – Gunlom is perched at the top of a waterfall. You can take in not only some of the best views in Kakadu but watch as the sunset lights up the bush and surrounding escarpment.
2. Ubirr Rock Art site – This point is overlooking the Nadab floodplain. It’s a stunning cultural site where you’ll feel as though you’re on a set from a movie scene. Channel your inner Lion King while watching the sun set into the horizon and the birds find their way to roost for the night. Ubirr is also home to some of the oldest artwork in the world, with galleries dating back thousands of years.
3. Nawurlandja Lookout – Nawurlandja overlooks the mighty Burrungkuy rock and Anbangbang billabong. The sun here sets behind you but you have front row seats to a spectacular display as Burrungkuy escarpment transforms before your eyes with the setting sun. (pictured below)
How to get to Kakadu National Park with kids

Kakadu National Park is approximately 250km south of Darwin. If you fly into Darwin you can hire a car to explore the park on your own terms. Alternatively, you can join one of the many tours on offer, but be prepared these are often rushed and on a strict time schedule. We recommend 5-7 days to explore the park at a leisurely pace and to really explore all Kakadu has to offer.

When planning your visit keep in mind the scale of the Park, 200km from North to South. Many attractions are a full day out. If hiring your own vehicle, we highly recommend a 4WD. While much of the park is still accessible via 2WD, it will limit the sites you can visit, particularly, the waterfalls.

Where to stay at Kakadu National Park with kids

Kakadu National Park has a range of accommodation options to suit most budgets. Cooinda Lodge Kakadu, Aurora Kakadu Lodge and Caravan Park, and Anbinik Kakadu Resort all offer a range of air-conditioned cabins, eco tents or unpowered and powered campsites. For those looking for a little more luxury on their visit be sure to check out the Mecure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, which has been built to resemble a crocodile!

There are, of course, many campgrounds throughout Kakadu if you have your own camping gear. We love the campgrounds at Gunlom, Mardukal, and Garnamarr.

It is always a good idea to check in with the staff at the Bowali Visitor Centre before your visit to get the most up to date reports on road conditions, site openings. You can also get more in-depth information about the walks, level of difficulty, and whether they are suitable for you and your family.

Our land has a big story. Sometimes we tell a little bit at a time. Come and hear our stories, see our land. A little might stay in your hearts. If you want more, you can come back.”

Jacob Nayinggul, Manilargarr Clan

About the author

Jodie is a mum of two little adventurers living in the Top End of Australia. With a passion for nature and a lust for adventure, she is always exploring with her two littles in new and exciting places or special old favourites.

You can find more from Jodie online in the following locations:
Website: territorymama.com
Instagram: @territorymama
ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, CANOE/KAYAK, FAMILY TRAVEL, INFORMATION, LOCAL GEMS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Family Travel: Sunriver Resort, Oregon
- October 5, 2020
Adventure is out there for those that know where to look! And we love sharing those hidden-gem locations that are jam-packed with outdoor activities for the entire family. Today, our Creative Team member Araceli Gonzalez, a California mom of three and adventure-seeker, is here sharing her family’s recent experience at Sunriver Resort just outside of Bend, Oregon. While travel may not be possible for everyone right now, we highly encourage you to bookmark this post and immediately add Sunriver Resort to your travel bucket list for your next outdoor adventure getaway!

*This post was sponsored by Sunriver Resort. All opinions expressed and photos contained herein belong to the author.

Sunriver Resort in Bend, Oregon

If you are looking for sunshine 300 days out of the year, Sunriver, Oregon is waiting for you! This region of the PNW experiences a warm-summer Mediterranean climate and lots of sunshine year-round. In Sunriver, you will find a little gem known as Sunriver Resort. Sunriver is located about 15 miles south of Bend, Oregon right at the foot of the Cascade Mountains. The Deschutes River (a major tributary of the Columbia River) runs right through this beautiful resort and alongside the bike trails and golf courses.

If you’re looking for a fun getaway with plenty of adventure right at your doorstep, Sunriver Resort has so much to keep the entire family entertained, occupied and having fun outside. We spent a few glorious end of summer days enjoying this beautiful resort and absolutely loved every minute. I’m so excited to share our experience with you and encourage you to consider adding Sunriver Resort to your “must-see” list as soon as you can. This place is a true gem. My family and I will definitely be back. Sunriver may just be our new summer tradition.

Outdoor adventures at Sunriver Resort

The best way to get around Sunriver Resort is on a bicycle. Bike to grab your morning coffee, go shopping at the village square, dine at beautiful restaurants, all while filling your day with outdoor adventure and exercise. Every activity is within biking distance. If you don’t want to bring your own bikes, the Bike Barn has over 300 bikes ready to ride! Bikes are available first-come, first-serve and rentals include a helmet, lock and bike map.

Biking is definitely the most popular outdoor activity in the area and something this resort is known for. The bike trails are extensive, impressive and exquisite! Ride alongside the Deschutes River or through the forest on over 40 miles of paved bike paths and some of the best mountain biking trails in Oregon.

Horseback riding at Sunriver

One of the highlights during our stay was our visit to Sunriver Trail Rides. It is a magnificent Horse Ranch with over 54 beautiful horses. Sunriver offers guided trail rides in the spring, summer and fall for all experience levels, as well as pony rides for kids ages 2-6. If you need a lesson or refresher course, they also offer horseback riding lessons for those that want to polish up their riding skills.

We spent the day riding along the river and across stunning meadows. My youngest enjoyed a pony ride while the rest of us set out on “The Great Meadow Experience.” We saw coyote, deer, and other wildlife roaming through these serene meadows, which was just spectacular!

Also, this is a great place to meet genuine real-life cowboys! How about that? If you do the ride, you will get to experience a trail ride led by a real-life cowboy who will not only teach you, but entertain you with incredible stories and tales of cowboy life. These two had so much to talk about as we galloped down the meadow.

We also made friends with the most amazing horses. My children absolutely fell in love with these gentle animals and within minutes, they were the best of friends.

We spent the entire day horseback riding and getting to know these beautiful creatures. I love adventures where we can slow down and really take it all in. This adventure was one that I will always remember for it’s calm and soothing experience. The entire day felt relaxed, un-rushed, fun and grounding. It was such a great way to spend our last days of summer.

Deschutes River float trips at Sunriver Resort

The next day, we set out on a water adventure down the Deschutes River. A quick bike ride from the resort and we explored a 6 mile stretch of the Deschutes River. This is such a great way to see the beauty of this entire area. You can float, kayak, or paddle down the river on a raft, canoe, kayak or paddleboard. All rentals are available at the Sunriver Marina and include life jackets, paddles and a shuttle ride back to the marina at the end of the float.

We rented canoes and slowly made our way down the river. This felt just like a real-life lazy river, only better! The scenery was incredible, the company was fantastic and the weather was perfect. We stopped for snacks along the way and enjoyed a slow morning cruising down the river. We had so much fun floating down this picturesque river while lazy ducks moved right along with us!

Sunriver Resort pool

And last, no trip to Sunriver Resort would be complete without a trip to the pool! The Cove pool is the resort’s outdoor pool and is zero-entry (great for little ones). It also has a hot tub, private cabanas, a waterslide, nature walk and discovery area, a poolside restaurant, lakeside trails, and a spacious deck and lawn. My kids absolutely LOVED the rock slide. The pool offers gorgeous mountain views and was such a serene experience.

Adventures for everyone

Sunriver Resort is the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation for the whole family. The adults had just as much fun as the kids and we all got to do something (multiple things, actually) we loved. Our days were filled with so much adventure and we never had to leave the resort. The location is inviting and offers so much fun for the entire family and we are already making our list of what we’ll do when we come back. Because, we will definitely be back!

Have you been to Sunriver Resort in Oregon?
What activity would you be most excited about?

About the author

Araceli is a wife and momma to three wild and adventurous littles. She believes that nature and free play are truly the foundation to a beautiful childhood. Araceli and her husband have made it a priority to raise their children with a strong bond to the great outdoors. Araceli is a working mom with an extensive career in Project Management. She’s creative, crafty and loves collecting houseplants. As a family, they love exploring wild places and she loves documenting their adventures.

Find more from Araceli in the following locations:
Instagram: @roaminggonzalez
All RWMC posts: Araceli