Month: December 2021

FALL, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SPRING, SUMMER, WINTER
Tips for Spending More Time Outside with Your Kids in the New Year
- December 29, 2021
The new year means a fresh new start and is the perfect time to reconsider your priorities. We hope this year you’ll choose to be more intentional with how much time you spend outside with your kids. Kids today need outdoor time (away from screens) now more than ever. If you want a sure-fire way to raise happier, healthier kids, spending more time outside is your answer! Today, Las Vegas photographer and mom of four, Megan Havelaar is here with new year’s resolutions that will get you and your kids outdoors more and is sharing some tips for spending more time outside with your kids in the new year.

Welcome to a new year

You did it, parents! You made it through another year.

I’m sure we can all agree that 2021 proved to be another difficult one, but I’m here to applaud you and say, “great job!” There’s something so wonderful about starting a new year and the fresh start it brings. It gives us all an opportunity to look back on the past and take inventory of our lives. It also gives us a great excuse to make changes and set some goals and intentions that will better ourselves and our families.

Spend more time outside this year

Most parents usually set a goal to simply spend more time with their kids and family. If that’s the case, we implore you to take some of that time outside! I can speak on behalf of all of us here at RWMC and say that making it a priority to get outside with our loved ones has been a game-changer!

Spending time outside, engaged with each other, and off screens is a great way to better our emotional and physical selves. Getting outside makes you healthier and happier (and who doesn’t want that?). But we also know that getting outside with kids is easier said than done. So, I’m here to give you some tips on how to set some realistic and practical goals to start spending more time outside with your kids. Are you ready to get started?

Be intentional with your actions

When it comes down to it, the thing that is going to get you and your family outside and spending more time with each other is to be intentional. Intentionality is where it all starts, and it starts with us, the parents.

Being intentional about your choices of what you do is something that takes a lot of practice and willpower. This is definitely something I haven’t mastered and I think we will always have to work on it, but when we are intentional about certain things we can see the good that comes from it. If we want our children to learn to put their phones downs, turn their iPads off, shut down their laptops, then they need us to do it first. When we model balance to our kids they will see it and learn from our examples, maybe not right away, but they are watching and looking to us to teach them.

If we are intentional about getting off our screens, our kids will see that. If we are intentional about making getting outside a priority, our kids will see that. Spending time with our kids away from technology is a gift and a treasure. In a world where so much is competing with our time, it seems like now more than ever we need to show our children they matter to us more than our screens.

Children still need a childhood with dirt, mud, puddles, trees, sticks, and tadpoles.” – Brooke Hampton

Practical tips for spending more time outside with your kids

Now I want to share some practical tips that are easy to implement and have worked for my family and others I know. Taking little steps at a time, making small changes here and there really go a long way! Over time, each of these little things add up to big things and before you know it, you’ve become an outdoor family!

Set yourself up for success

I think one of the best things you can do when you start any new routine or make a lifestyle change is to start small. Big change doesn’t come right away and usually leads to overwhelm and giving up. If you start with small and make spending time outside attainable and achievable, you’ll set yourself up for success and grow to love that quick wins.

Instead of focusing on all the big things you’d like to do outside with your family (eventually), focus on what you CAN do easily and realistically right now. Start with one day (and not even the whole day). Set aside an afternoon once a week where you do something outside. Start small and local by heading someplace that’s easy to get to and doesn’t require a lot of planning or prep work. Local parks are great for these outings. Our family has a few favorite local parks that we have on rotation. I will usually let the kids decide which park we go to that day, and if there’s a stalemate then we try and come up with a solution to go to the other park next time.

Incorporate their interests into your outings

Another tip for spending more time outside with your kids is to make sure to incorporate the things that they like to do in your outings and adventures. Before heading out, think about what you and your kids enjoy doing when you’re outside? When my family and I head to a local park I let each of my kids bring something they want to do like a basketball or soccer ball. If your kids enjoy riding bikes or scooters, turn your outing into a weekly bike ride, instead, or pack up the bikes and head to the park.

I think it’s important to let kids have a choice in what they want to do. If you have a child that has a hard time getting off screens or off a video game letting them choose what you do outside is going to help motivate them! Also, be prepared to join them in whichever activity they plan on doing! One of the biggest draws for kids spending time outside is that their parents are there spending that time with them.

Don’t let the weather ruin your plans

Unless the weather in your area is really extreme (and dangerous), don’t let less-than-ideal weather keep you from getting outside and playing. There are amazing things that happen in all kinds of different weather. The great thing about playing outside during “bad weather” is that you’re teaching/showing your children that they don’t have to wait for a warm sunny day to get outside and play. You’re teaching them resilience and grit. You’re showing them that there’s beauty and joy in all seasons. These are lifelong lessons that will help them get outside year-round.

Since it’s January, if you need some ideas for fun things to do during the winter and fun winter activities, check out a few of the posts below for inspiration! Winter can be such a magical time of year where we can still enjoy making memories outside.
Every child needs nature. Not just the ones whose parents appreciate nature. Not only those of a certain economic class or culture or set of abilities. Every child.” -Richard Louv

Invite friends to join you

If your kids are anything like mine, then they are probably much more willing to go out and do something if they know their friends will be there! Another great tip for spending more time outside with your kids is to invite other kids (and families) to join you!

Maybe once a month you plan an outdoor play date with another family (or multiple families). Ask some of your mom friends and find out if they would be up for a group hike, a lake/beach day, or to go sledding. For the most part, you don’t even have to have an activity planned. When kids get together outside, they naturally find things to do and games to play. The creativity really starts to shine! Plus, this will give the parents a chance to catch up with friends while the kids play! (and we could all use some extra friend time right now)

How to find outdoorsy families in your area

If you don’t have a lot of mom-friends in your area or know of other families that would be interested, never fear! Local parenting groups on social media can be good places to start. Or, you could join a local Hike it Baby chapter and tag along on a group hike with other moms and kids. You can find other outdoorsy families by signing the kids up for a nature class at your local conservation area, botanical garden, or science center. Or look into Tinkergarten or a similar outdoor class for kids.

When I first moved to Las Vegas a new friend told me about a hiking homeschool Facebook group she was a part of and invited my family on one of their hikes. I have to say that was one of the best things I did during my first year in a new place. We got to know other local families, visit some amazing local spots, and find community in other like-minded people! Some of the places we visited ended up being family favorites that we still visit often!

Go somewhere new!

Sometimes we all need a break in our routine or a change of scenery. If your outdoor adventures feel stale or boring, it’s time to shake things up a bit. And maybe it’s time for a bigger adventure.

Is there a place you’ve been wanting to check out but just haven’t yet? Perhaps a hiking trail, a different beach, or a newly built park on the other side of town? Find a free weekday afternoon or weekend when nothing is going on and put it on your calendar! Schedule it. Commit to it in advance and make it happen!

If you’re stuck when it comes to finding new inspiration or places to explore, simply Googling “best hiking trail” in your area can often show you some trails you haven’t explored yet. Or open the AllTrails app and just pick one! Ask other moms what their favorite “off the beaten path” thing to do with their kids is. Start a list and add to it anytime you hear of a new place. Who knows, this new place could end up being a favorite place to adventure and make memories.

Your kids will remember the adventures you went on, not the stuff you bought them. Kids outgrow stuff they never outgrow adventures.” -Unknown

We’re here to help

I sincerely hope that these tips for spending more time outside with your kids help you and your family get closer to each other this year outside making magical memories. We here at RWMC truly believe that spending time outside with our families is life-giving! I want to encourage you to try and make it a priority as much as you are able and watch the good it will bring.

And if you ever need help with planning your outings, purchasing the right gear, motivating your kids, finding things to do, or remembering why outdoor time is so important, we’re here to help. Feel free to drop any questions or comments below or send us an email. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for daily tips and inspiration. Sign up for our newsletter to get outdoor activities sent to your inbox weekly! Check out the hundreds of amazing blog posts we have on our website. Join our Facebook community or sign up for one of our free challenges! We’re honored you’re here and we hope this community gives you all the love and support you need!

“Teaching children about the natural world should be seen as one of the most important events in their lives.”

-Thomas Berry

About the author

Megan is a wife and a homeschooling mom of four. She is originally from Colorado, but has spent much of her life overseas. First in Eastern Europe, specifically, Hungary, where her first two kids were born. Secondly, in Ethiopia, where she and her husband adopted their second two kids. She and her family are now stateside, currently living in Las Vegas, Nevada. She loves traveling with her kids, either on planes, road trips, or just in their local area! Most of her family’s outdoor adventuring includes water of some kind like beaches, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, or pools. They especially love paddleboarding, hiking, rock climbing, camping, and even just going to the local park to play soccer or basketball. Megan also has a passion for photography and loves to bring along her camera to document all their adventures!

Find more from Megan in the following locations:
Instagram: @meghavelaarphoto
RWMC posts: Megan Havelaar
CHALLENGE, HOLIDAYS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, WINTER
Outdoor New Year’s Day Activities for Kids: Setting an Intention for the Year
- December 27, 2021
A new year is right around the corner and many parents make a resolution to spend more time outside with their kids. Spending time outside together can be fun, easy, and super beneficial for both the kids and the grown-ups! If getting outside more often with your kids is a goal for you this year, start the year off right and spend New Year’s Day outside! Today, Katie Fox, full-time RV-roadschooling mom of two, is here with all kinds of fun and easy outdoor New Year’s Day activities for kids and families. She’ll help you make outdoor time a priority for your family this year by setting your intention on the first day of the year!

New year, new start

With each new year that comes around, people plan to do things a little bit differently. You can call these changes for the year resolutions, intentions, goals, promises, or even simply plans. The point of them is to focus on something good, try something new, or do better than the year prior. We all want that. Especially, when it comes to raising our kids and doing what we feel is best for them.

Getting our children outside is one of those things that we all know is important. We know the benefits of spending time outside: in short, you get healthier, happier kids. Some families seem to always find the time to make outdoor time happen. But, most of us struggle to balance all the things we need to do each day, and getting our kids outdoors ends up falling to the wayside.

Don’t worry! If spending more time outside with your family is something you’d like to try doing in the new year, we’re here to help!

Commit to spending New Year’s Day outside with your kids

You can absolutely make it a goal (or whatever form of new years resolution you prefer) to spend more time outside with your kids. In fact, I encourage you to set an intention for the entire year with action – by beginning the new year outside with your kids. That’s right – let’s go outside this New Year’s Day!

We’d love it if you’d join us in starting the new year out with action that matches the goal you’d like to achieve. Spend new year’s day outside with your kids and start the year on the proverbial right foot. Not only will this reinforce your commitment to spending more time outside, but it’ll show your kids you mean it and give you a jump start on the new year in a fun and refreshing way!

Below, you will find a variety of ways to spend the first day of the year outside as a family. Not only are there many different outdoor New Year’s Day activities for kids, but I’ve also included a few outdoor and family-focused Run Wild My Child challenges you can sign-up for!

Let’s kick this year off right and enjoy the great outdoors with our families!

Outdoor New Year’s Day activities

New Year’s day is the perfect time to spend quality time together as a family, and there are so many ways to spend the day outside with your kids. Here are some simple and fun outdoor New Year’s Day activities for Kids. I’ve included lots of examples to help you find the perfect way to embrace your desire to be outdoors and spend more time together with your kids.

First-day hike

Have you heard of the concept of a first-day hike? This themed hike is exactly what it sounds like — a hike you do on the first day of the year! It is so easy to implement and completely customizable to fit your family’s needs. All you do is pick a trail (it can be new to you or a family favorite) and hike it together as a family. If you’re looking for a new hike, check out the All Trails app and pick one in your area.

Never been hiking and want to give it a try? The first day of the year is the perfect time to explore this activity as a family. Hiking is much easier to do than it might sound. You don’t need much to get started and you’ll get to spend some quality time outside with your little ones. Need some tips on hiking? Our website is full of hiking tips for families.

Play outside together

Outdoor New Year’s Day activities don’t have to be elaborate. Simple play is more beneficial for your kids than you can imagine. And when you play outside with your kids, you’re not only modeling, you’re making memories with them. There are so many fun ways to play and make that your outdoor New Year’s Day activity.

Whether you are wanting to spend more time together in the coming year or simply want to spend more time outside together, this list of 100+ Outdoor Winter Activities for Kids is sure to help you start the year on the right track. Pick any activity from the list (or let the kids pick one) and make it happen! There’s even a free printable checklist of all the activities you can print out, hang on the fridge and check off as you complete them!

Photo credit: @melindaellenmitsouras

Make and hang bird feeders

Spending the first day of the year giving back to nature is the perfect way to begin the new year. Believe it or not, birds can struggle to find food in the winter months, so setting up bird feeders is a wonderful way to help them out. Not only that, but bird feeders also give you and your children the perfect opportunity to bird watch in your own yard. It’s a win, win!

Setting up a birdfeeder sounds simple (because it is), but it’s a great way to bring more nature to you! And maybe you didn’t know, but birds are fascinating to watch! Every day it’s like a mini soap opera at the feeders in the backyard. Here are some easy-to-make bird feeders you can try with your family.

Photo credit: @photos_by_klynn

Go for a walk

Taking a walk together is a great outdoor New Year’s Day activity, and a wonderful way to set an outdoor intention for the year! It’s simple and it is such a great way to connect with your children. No planning, fancy gear, or expensive equipment needed!

Start a new tradition and make family walks through your neighborhood a daily or weekly occurrence in your family. Try going for a walk at the same time, like an evening walk after dinner. Not only will the schedule help to make it a habit, but it is also the perfect way to get out excess energy before bed. Plus, this time is a great way to let the daily frustrations go and spend quality time talking with your kids.

Photo credit: @wendycoxphotography

Polar bear plunge

If you like the idea of jump-starting the new year by giving your heart and body a literal jumpstart, a polar bear plunge is perfect for you! The polar bear plunge gets its name from the fact that you jump into cold water, in the winter, and swim around – sort of like a polar bear. It’s a really exciting outdoor New Year’s Day activity to try with your kids!

There are official polar bear plunge events all over the world and participating in one of these is quite the experience. But, all you really need is some really cold water to jump or swim in. If you have an unheated pool, it will work perfectly. If you live near a lake or other natural body of water that is safe to swim in, jump on in and swim like a polar bear.

The best part? Kids are generally excited to participate and doing something once a year, even when it is super cold and sort of unpleasant, is a ton of fun. Just keep in mind even the best swimmers can struggle from the shock of the cold water, so plan ahead and make sure kids wear a flotation device. Also, make sure to have someone waiting with warm towels and piping hot cups of hot chocolate to warm you up after!

Partake in a fun run/walk

Fun runs are a great way to get outside and do something active on the first day of the year. Not only are most fun runs raising money for some organization, but you are also out and about with like-minded people. Fun runs are usually 5Ks (3.1 miles) and can be walked or run together as a family. Some places even offer 1 mile runs/races for kids. Check your local community for a new year’s themed fun run in your area.

If there are no organized runs near you, that’s ok! With so many things going virtual these last few years, fun runs have too! You can always opt to complete a virtual fun run and do it on your own time. There are a few options available for virtual fun runs/walks out there. Some of the proceeds from Medal Dash’s New Year’s virtual event go toward Make-A-Wish Foundation and Virtual Run offers a variety of themed run/walk options throughout the year, including a new year’s option.

Photo credit: @trail.magik

Go camping

Camping in the winter is totally a thing! If you already have camping gear and you want to do something different this year, consider ringing in the new year while camping! If sleeping in a tent in the cold is not something you are excited about, consider car camping with your kids. It’s exactly what it sounds like –camping in your car with as many pillows and blankets as you can bring! Want something a bit easier, how about glamping? Book a cabin in the woods or a yurt somewhere and wake up immersed in nature!

If you don’t know much about camping and want to give it a try for the new year, this ultimate guide to camping with kids is sure to be helpful.

Try something new

What better way to start the new year than to try something new outside!? It can be literally anything, so your options are endless! Think about it — what’s something that you’ve been wanting to try/do with the kids, but just haven’t (for whatever reason). Now is the perfect time!

Don’t have an idea of your own? We’re here to help. Take a look at the RWMC 100+ outdoor winter activities for kids and pick one your family has never done before and give it a go. What have you got to lose? (You might even love it and have fun!)

Photo credit: @harper.rey.c

Volunteer

Your outdoor New Year’s Day activity could be charitable, beneficial, and educational. Giving back to your community and nature on the first day of the year is such a wonderful thing and can be done in a variety of ways. There may be some organized volunteer opportunities already planned for new year’s day that you can sign up to participate in. Check in with your local environmental group, community garden, school, conservation department, nature center, or other organizations you want to support in your area. If you don’t know where to start, this post about volunteering with kids may be useful.

Photo credit: @londonandarabella

Enjoy a family bike/scooter ride

Grab the bikes/scooters and helmets and enjoy time together on a leisurely ride through your neighborhood or along your favorite bike trail. Bike and scooter rides are two really fun and easy outdoor New Year’s Day activities for kids of all ages. If you (parent) don’t all have a set of wheels, no worries! Kids love to be chased by and race the grownups in their lives. The point is to all go out and enjoy the outdoors together on the first day of the year. Making a point to do something your kids enjoy, will help them want to repeat the activity with you in the future!

We’ve got all the info you need for how to get started (and be safe) biking with kids. And if you’re already comfortable on a bike, consider taking it up a notch and try mountain biking with your kids.

Pick up trash

Another way to give back to nature is to spend some time on new years day picking up trash and cleaning up nature. You can simply do it while you walk through your neighborhood or along a hiking or biking trail.

If you want to spend more time giving back in the new year, consider trying to organize a small group of friends with kids and pick up trash at the local park. After your kid’s tire of picking up all the tiny micro-trash pieces they see (or is it just my kids that zero in on the tiny pieces?), set them loose on the playground. Not only are you spending time with friends and family on the first day of the year, but you are giving back in a great way too.

Go birding

Is nature something you want to spend more time exploring this year? Then give birding a try. Birding just means watching the birds out and about in nature. Again, there’s no special gear or equipment needed. You just need curiosity and a vivid imagination so you can make up fun stories about the birds!

Winter is a great time to sit and watch the birds because the trees are bare and the birds are easy to spot. Level up your nature exploring by bringing along a bird identification book or download a birding app and see if you and your kids can identify some of the birds you see. This helps build observation skills in your kids. They have to pay attention to the color, size, markings, chirps, and song of the bird to identify it.

Photo credit: @heather.ann.taylor

Play in the rain or snow

Maybe it is raining or snowing on new year’s day and so getting outside together doesn’t seem like a feasible option. Guess what? It totally is! There is no such thing as bad weather, right?!

If it isn’t storming and it is safe to go outside, go! Be sure to bundle up, put on rain jackets, boots, mittens, or any other weather-appropriate clothing. Then, let your children explore this “less than pleasant” weather with you. Puddles are a blast on their own, but there is also something magical about running through puddles while it is raining. Same with the playing in the snow. There is just something about water (frozen or not) falling from the sky that makes winter outdoor activities more whimsical. You don’t have to stay outside for long, but if getting outside more in the new year is something you want to do, don’t let cold and wet weather slow you down!

The great thing about playing outside during weather like this is that you’re teaching/showing your children that they don’t have to wait for a warm sunny day to get outside and play. You’re teaching them resilience and grit. You’re showing them that there’s beauty and joy in all seasons. These are lifelong lessons that will help them get outside year-round.

Photo credit: @hedgecottage

Play in your backyard

Getting outside does not need to be a big event. Outdoor New Year’s Day activities can be as simple as going out in your backyard. If you want to spend more time together outside, it’s ok to start small. Play with chalk, blow bubbles, build a snowman or throw snowballs at each other, play tag or hide and seek, dance in the rain, or play together with your kid’s toys. It really is that easy.

Participate in a challenge

If you are looking for ways to hold yourself accountable in the new year, Run Wild My Child has created some easy and fun challenges to help you get outside and connect with your children. Not only are these challenges a great way to kick off the new year, but they will help inspire you all year long! These challenges can be done any time, with kids of any age, no matter where you live!

52 Outdoor Family Adventure Challenge

This is a simple free challenge you get in one little printable PDF. The idea is to complete one single outdoor activity with your kids each week of the year. Do you think you can do it?

The PDF offers a seasonally appropriate outdoor activity option to complete each week of the year, but the list is just a guide. If the chosen activity doesn’t work for you, just pick another! The point is for you and your kids to get outside together once a week, everything else is just a bonus!

Sign up for this free challenge anytime by clicking here.

Intentional 10 Challenge

Now more than ever, kids need face-to-face uninterrupted time with their grownups. If finding time to spend with your kids is difficult or if you want to focus on connecting with your children on a deeper level, the free 10-day Intentional 10 Challenge is for you!

Once you sign up, you will receive 10 daily emails with different ways to spend 10 meaningful minutes with your kids for 10 days. That’s it! Surely you can commit to 10 minutes a day? That’s all it takes to make a huge difference!

This challenge begins on January 10, 2022. Sign up for the Intentional 10 Challenge by clicking here.

Wildhood Challenge

Our Wildhood Challenge is designed to “rewild” your child with simple outdoor activities built around a daily theme. This 7-day challenge comes in the form of an e-book and shares so many easy ways to explore nature and get outside with your kids. Tons of great outdoor activity ideas that can be done with kids of all ages. It is perfect for parents who want to rewild their child and just need a little help doing it.

Check out the details for and to buy the e-book for this challenge here.

How are you spending new year’s day outside?

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 snails. 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
RWMC posts: Katie Fox
CRAFTS, HOLIDAYS, WINTER
Holiday Candle Making with Kids
- December 23, 2021
As December peaks, we’re getting closer and closer to the holidays. If you’re looking for a fun, easy to make, nature-inspired gift idea, we have a great one! Today, Creative Team member Tine Voeten, Belgian mom of two, shares one of her family’s favorite holiday traditions – candle making! She’ll walk us through the process of how to make your own holiday candle with kids to light up your home or give out as gifts. Making your own candles is a great way to recycle old candle remains, add some life to old containers, and make your home feel cozy for the holidays. We hope this post inspires you to give candle making with kids a try!

Candle making with kids

The holidays with kids are pure magic! Being together, creating a cozy little place for our family, taking time off from work, and most of all, no stress! Ha! Not quite. When you realize you are late on buying Christmas gifts for your family, or forgot a few people on your list, there’s no need to worry. Today, I am going to show you the secret gift that will fit perfectly in the cozy ambiance of the holidays and makes everyone shine!

Candles made by the little hands of your children are the perfect gift for everyone on your list. No doubt that grandma and granddad or your kids’ godparents will be charmed by this thoughtful and original present. Plus, holiday candle-making with kids is the perfect activity to keep your little ones busy on a cold and wet winter day!

The magic of candles

The holidays without candles don’t really feel the same, don’t you think? The jumping flickering little yellow light brings joy and magic into your house. The moment I light candles around our home, my girls will be next to me asking to blow out the candles. Some invisible power just pulls them towards the light.

I have to admit, fire really scares me. Fire can be dangerous, so please approach this activity (and anything having to do with fire) with the utmost caution. Give your kids constant reminders of fire rules and safety. When our girls were tiny, I would be the first to tell the girls to be careful and stay away from the candles. Now that they are bigger and aware of the danger we’re able to enjoy the beauty together, with a bit less stress.

The history of candles and candle making

Candles have come a long way since their initial use. For more than 5,000 years candles were used as a source of light. Little is known about the origin, but Egyptians were already using candles in 3.000 B.C. Papyrus and beeswax were the base for these wicked candles. Worldwide different ways were found to mold candles. Ancient Chinese candles are said to be made of wax from insects combined with seeds, Japanese candles were made of wax extracted from tree nuts. In India, candle wax was made by boiling fruit of the cinnamon tree. We are very happy to see that this tradition has been kept, as cinnamon is our favorite candle scent!

Holiday candle making safety

Before you begin making your own candles with hot wax, we’ve got some safety groundrules to cover. Make sure you are able to make your candles in a safe location and with the proper equipment. When melting wax, I use a stable pot on our kitchen stove. Make sure you also warn your children about the heat and keep them at a distance. My girls can sit around our kitchen island nearby, so that they can see and follow the process from a safe distance. When pouring the wax, the girls kept a distance good distance to maintain safety. Take your time for this creative activity. It will take you a couple of hours for melting to decorating (and cleaning for the parents).

Take it outside

If you live some place where it’s warm outside (or want to try this activity in the warmer months), consider taking this project outside! You and melt your wax over a campfire or even on the grill. You can add all kinds of fun nature decoration that you find in your yard or local area. It’s a great outdoor family activity that your kids will love!

How to get started making candles with kids

Gather your materials

DIY candle making is not only a fun and easy activity for families, it’s very gentle for your budget. You can probably find all the basic items needed for this activity in your house. When you have creative kids like mine, you probably already have a box (or 10) of craft supplies and little odds and ends.

All about wicks

Some people prefer to buy wicks, but you don’t have to. We just used the cotton twine we had in the house, which worked perfectly. Purchased wicks come in different types and sizes. The types are flat braid, square braid, metal core, and paper core. The sizes are small, medium, and large diameter. The larger or longer-burning the candle, the larger diameter the wick.

Candle molds

There are a variety of cacle molds available for purchase, but you certainly don’t ned to buy anything for this project. You can make candle molds from things you find around your kitchen, such as wax-coated fruit juice cans, milk cartons, canning jars, paper cups, and various empty food containers. Even shells or empty fruit shells make great containers. This is a great way to give some of those soon to be discared/recycled items a bit more life! We just love recycling! Check out for more recycling ideas with kids.

Candle scents

There are a variety of additives to make stylish, trendy, deliciously scented candles. I am a major fan of natural ingredients like cinnamon and dried herbs, and fruits. You can use a few drops of your favorite essential oil or even purchase specific scented oils specially made for candles and other products (soap, shampoos, etc.).

Candle making supplies:
- Leftovers of used candles or old candles
- Glass jar (or other candle mold)
- Toilet paper rolls/Pringles tubes/milk cartons/etc
- Solid cotton string, twice or wick
- Accessories: glitter, beads, dried flowers, herbs or fruits, cinnamon sticks, spices, oils
- Wooden stick or pencil
- Scissors
- A double boiler (you can create one using two pots of a different size)
Making candles in a glass jar
1. Fill the biggest pot of a double boiler with just enough water that the small pot doesn’t float around. Add water to the pot if it evaporates. Don’t let it boil down. Melt the wax in the top double boiler pot.
2. Decorate your jar from the inside before putting the wax in. My girls put glitter inside. We used a paper napkin with glitter glue to transfer it to the glass (a paintbrush would also work great). You could also decorate the inside with dried flowers or coffee beans or whatever you think is pretty. This is where your kids’ imagination gets to shine!
3. Cut a length of wick and dip it in the wax a few times to coat. Wrap the wick around the wooden stick or pencil and roll it until it’s the right length for the mold you choose.
4. When the wax is melted, use a potholder to pour it into the mould, holding it at an angle and pouring the wax down the side. Set aside some of the melted wax for later.
5. Put the wick in the exact middle of the mold. We used different colors, so the wick was already in there after the first layer.
6. Let it cool for about an hour. (If you’re impatient like us, you can put the jars outside to cool.)
7. Reheat the leftover wax. Fill in the holes in the candle around the wick wherever needed by pouring wax up to the original fill line. Repeat as necessary until filled.
We worked in layers to get a different effect. This means repeating the steps above several times. Each time we added a layer, we had to wait until the previous one is hard enough. It takes a little bit more patience, but the result is fantastic.

Making candles in a tube

The steps for making a candle in a tube (paper towel roll or toilet paper roll) or other removable mold are slightly different. Melt the wax as described above, but instead of decorating a glass jar, you’ll need to prep your tube.

Use a straight/flat surface (like the lid of a jar) and put the mould on top. We used an empty toilet paper roll and a pickle jar lid. Pour a bit of melted wax on the lid and inside the mould and let it cool so that it’s connected and won’t leak. Now, as you continue the candle making process (as described above), the wax will not leak out when you fill the mold. Once your candle is completely made to the fill line and hardened, you peel the paper tube off the wax to reveal your beautiful candle!

The fun thing about this kind of candle is that you can decorate the candle once the mold is removed. You can use special wax deco pens or just add fun decorations like sequins or stamps. Your children will love creating their own personal candle!

Keep the candle making going

There are so many different ways of making candles. So one piece of advice I can give you for the next couple of weeks: don’t throw away your candle leftovers! Ask your friends and family to keep their for you as well, so you can make your own candles from time to time. It’s a great way to connect with your children. That way, instead of buying new candles (and spending money), you can recycle your candle remains and make your house shine again!

Have you ever made your own candles?

About the author

Tine is a natural-born adventurer from Belgium. She met her husband, soulmate, and the father of her two girls while working and living in the Dominican Republic. Nine years ago they moved back to Europe and are still exploring European grounds. Her happy place is wherever her kids are, but she spices up life by discovering unknown places, planning new adventures, and going outdoors as much as possible. Having kids added a big value to her life, because seeing life through the eyes of her little ones lifted it to a completely different dimension. Their family goal is to travel the world, living a location-independent lifestyle. The family is now working on a couple of projects to make this dream happen! In the meantime, they keep on exploring and Tine keeps on writing and inspiring other families to explore just like them.

You can find more from Tine online in the following locations:
Instagram: @kidsdelmundo
RWMC posts: Tine Voeten
Website: http://www.kidsdelmundo.com
CRAFTS, HOLIDAYS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, WINTER
20 DIY Nature-Inspired Holiday Ornaments for Kids
- December 16, 2021
We love finding fun ways to incorporate nature into our home and decor. While it may be cold outside, now is a great time to get out into nature, collect some fun items, and get crafty! Today, Meghan Garriott, Illinois mom of three, is here with 20 nature-inspired holiday ornaments that you can make with your kids. These DIY ornaments are all made with items found in (and just outside) your home! Not only are they the perfect (non-breakable) addition to your tree, but they also make adorable gifts for friends, family, teachers, and neighbors.

Nature-inspired holiday ornaments

Decorating for the winter holidays can be a fun family experience. Each year we like to put on music, dance and decorate. Unfortunately, with 3 little kids, it’s hard to not have a ton of broken or damaged decor by the end of decorating, and definitely by the end of the season.

This year we are doing things a little differently. I’m pardoning all my glass bulbs and heirloom ornaments. They’re staying in their boxes, safe and sound this year. Instead, we are made all of our own nature ornaments.

Not only does that mean that we got to spend some time outside in the fresh air collecting items, but we got to spend time together making the ornaments and putting them up.

Plan your crafting day

Below, I’ve included ideas for making 20 different kinds of nature-inspired ornaments. Each ornament uses both natural materials and traditional craft supplies. Making the ornaments is super fun, but so is collecting all your nature items. Since you will be using a lot of the same materials over again, I recommend making a full day out of it and do both the collecting and ornament making in the same day. Spend the morning gathering all your materials and then go home and start making your ornaments. Your nature items will be fresher, there will be less whining about when you’ll make them, ess clean up and fewer sticky/painted fingers this way!

Gather your craft supplies

For our day of ornament making, we used only the craft supplies that we had at home. No additional trip to the store for supplies – we made do with all the scraps, ends, and bits we found in our craft closet and boxes. Every ornament we walk you through below is very easy to customize based on what you have at home and I’ll include fun variations for a lot of them.

Our non-nature material included:
- string
- twine
- glue
- construction paper
- Mod Podge
- wood beads
- oranges
- salt dough (water, salt, flour)
- paint
Some additional fun things to consider using would be:
- leftover ribbon
- leftover wrapping paper
- spare buttons
- popsicles sticks
- glitter
- sequins
- stickers
Collect your nature materials

The next thing to do is get outside and find natural materials. You likely won’t have to venture too far from home to collect most of your nature materials. In our own yard, we collected sticks and pine cones. We went to the park to collect some pieces of arborvitae/red cedar tree clippings and some pine clippings. We had some pressed flowers from over the summer that we used as well. Acorns were on our list of things to find but unfortunately, the squirrels beat us to most of them. I’ve included how we planned it used them.

My kids had a great time finding the perfect sticks and pine cones to use. To make the most of your hunting day check out this Fall Scavenger Hunt how-to.

20 DIY nature-inspired ornaments (and how to make them)

Ok, let’s get to the good part. Are you ready for 20 easy DIY tutorials on how to make the cutest nature-inspired holiday ornaments with your kids? Here we go!

Salt dough ornaments

There are so many different fun types of ornaments you can make with salt dough. Have you ever made salt dough? It’s super easy and guaranteed to be fun for the kids. I’ve included the recipe and instructions below, as well as three different types of nature-inspired ornaments you can make with salt dough.

Salt dough recipe
- 1 cup of flour
- 1/2 cup of salt
- 1/2 cup of water (may add more as needed)
Knead the dough till smooth then use a rolling pin till thin. Use cookie cutters to cut desired shapes. Using a reusable metal straw poke holes for string to go through. Bake at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 20min then flip over and cook for 10 more minutes.

1. Salt dough Christmas tree ornaments

Gather small Arborvitae/red cedar clippings. Choose the pieces that look the most like a Christmas tree. Cut them to fit your salt dough shape. Place clipping on salt dough and paint with thick layer of Mod Podge. It will likely take a few coats with about 20 min dry time between each coat.

Once the Arborvitae is securely on your dough you can paint ornaments or a star on your tree, or leave it as is. (As an added bonus, these clippings smell really lovely)

2. Salt dough pressed flower ornament

As above you organize then pressed flowers on your cut and baked dough. Carefully handle the pressed flowers. They may be delicate. Once arranged how you like paint with. Thick layer of Mod Podge. It will take a few coats.

If you don’t have any pressed flowers this year, keep this idea in mind come spring and summer! Collect them and press them in a book until you’re ready to use them next December. Add some ribbon or twine to hang and some accent beads if you have them.

3. Salt dough pine needle ornament

For this ornament you will coat the whole ornament with Mod Podge before placing the needles. While the Mod Podge is still wet use the pine needles to make designs on your ornament. Let dry then coat with one more layer of Mod Podge.

Acorn ornaments

4. Acorn silver bells ornament

Paint acorns in metallic silver. Add a black cross-hatch on the bottom of the acorn to look like the bottom of a bell. Tie a red ribbon or string around the acorn stem to hang

5. Acorn bulb lights

Paint the bottom part of multiple acorns in bright colors. Hang separately or along one long string like a strand of lights.

Ornaments made from sticks and twigs

6. Stick star ornaments

Use 5 fairly equal in length sticks. Fashion them in the shape of a star and glue edges together. Regular glue works ok, but has a longer dry time. Hot glue works best. Once dry wrap string, twine, or ribbon around the star. Wrap just the points of the star, wrap the individual twigs or wrap the whole thing like we did. There is no wrong way to decorate your star.

A fun variation would be to make tassels and attach them to the end of the points. If you don’t have string or ribbon just paint that star or cover it in glitter ( if you’re brave). You could also paint the sticks/twine or add sequins to make them more colorful.

7. Stick letter ornaments

Use sticks to make the first letter of all the names in your family. This was a good activity for my 3 year old who is learning how to spell his name. Wrap letters in ribbon, yarn or twine. Decorate with buttons, paint, or glitter.

8. Stick reindeer ornaments

Make a triangle with sticks with one point of the triangle pointing at you. This will be the reindeer’s nose. Bring the furthest side from towards you a few inches, the extra length on the sides will be the antlers. Use construction paper to make a red Rudolph nose and put some eyes on each side a few inches above the nose.

9. Stick snowflake ornaments

Using 6 sticks of equal length, glue them all together at one point to create a circle. At the end of each stick glue 2 small stick pieces to each side of each stick to form the full snowflake. Paint it white, cover it with glitter or just leave it as is.

Tree ornaments made of sticks

10. Stacked stick tree ornaments

Start with a stick about 6 inches long, place gradually shorter sticks above to form a Christmas tree. To keep the stack together you can glue to a. Popsicle stick base or tie them together with knots between each stick as seen below.

11. Wrapped twig tree ornament

For this tree we used a stick that naturally branched off into a V then glued another stick across the bottom to complete the triangle. We then use a small piece for the trunk of the tree. Wrap twine, yarn or string around the triangle to fill in the tree. Add a star at the top.

Pinecone ornaments

12. Pinecone Christmas tree ornament

Paint the scales if the pine cone green. Feeling artsy? Try using two or three different colors of green on the same cone. Add a star at the top and maybe some homemade ornaments to finish it off. You can use sequins or little pom-poms for the ornaments. Or even nature confetti (use a hole punch on some vibrant colored leaves).

13. Snow covered pinecone ornaments

Paint the edge of each scale white. For glistening snow add iridescent flake paint on top of the white or sprinkle with white, silver, or gold glitter.

14. Beaded pinecone ornaments

Use smaller pine cones for this one. Tie string to the top of the pine cone, add colored or plain wood beads to the string on top of the pine cone. If you have small beads, glue then to the pinecone scales like ornaments on a tree.

15. Disco ball pinecone

There are a few ways to completely glitter your pinecone in order to turn it into a sparkly disco ball. You can spray the whole pine cone with spray adhesive then put pinecone and glitter in ziplock bag and shake till completely covered. Another way to cover it in glitter is to paint each scale with glittered acrylic paint. Either way you do it these are a great addition to the holiday decor because they are so sparkly and reflect the lights beautifully.

Pro tip: When temperatures are low pinecones tend to close up. To open them back up just put them in the oven at 200 for about 15 minutes.

Globe ornaments

16. Filled globe nature ornaments

Start with some clear plastic globe ornaments (like these). Then, fill them up with your favorite nature finds. You can make beachy ornaments (filled with sand or shells from your favorite beach), pine forest ornaments (filled with pine needle clippings) or even wildflower ornaments (filled with dried flowers). The possibilities are endless!

Pro tip: This is also a great way to remember a particular trip or vacation. While you’re there (wherever you are), remember to collect a bunch of small items that can be placed in a globe ornament. When you get home, put all the things in the ornament and write the destination and date of the trip on the globe.

17. Pressed flower globe ornaments

Instead of putting dried flowers inside a clear ornament, you can decorate the outside of your ornament with them! Paint the entire outside of the globe ornament with Mod Podge. Gently spread pressed flowers onto wet Mod Podge and allow the first layer with the flowers to dry. Next, add a second layer on top of the flowers to seal. The Christmas tree lights shining through the flower petals is so pretty.

Dried fruit ornaments

Decorating with dried fruit is so simple and festive! To dry oranges or grapefruit, slice the fruit into thin even slices. We used a potato slicer/mandolin to make sure all slices were the same thickness. Place slices on parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Before baking punch holes for hanging. We used a reusable metal straw to punch these holes. Bake for 2-3 hours or until dry.

18. Dried orange ornaments

While the dried oranges are beautiful hung just by themselves, we also made a few with pine clippings, cinnamon sticks and beads on the string above the orange. Another variation and to add some color, use grapefruit or blood oranges.

19. Dried fruit garland

Instead of one single ornament, string oranges or grapefruit slices together using twine or string. Add beads, cranberries, acorns or popcorn between each orange for fun variations.

Suncatcher nature ornament

20. Suncatcher nature ornament

Using clear contact paper, place colorful leaves, pressed flowers, ferns, nature confetti, or pine needles in a fun arrangement. Place another layer of contact paper over the top to seal in arrangement. Cut out into shapes and poke a hole in the top to hang on tree. Check out this fun flower suncatcher for more ideas.

Get creative with your nature ornaments

Nature-inspired ornaments are so much fun to make with your kids. The good news is that there is no wrong or right way to make any of these ornaments. You or you children will likely come up with many variations as you are working on them. The beauty of working with natural materials is the are already perfectly imperfect and leave a lot of room for creativity. Thankfully, if any of these get knocked off the tree by tiny excited gift retrievers, you don’t have to worry about glass or ruining an heirloom. You can go outside and gather your supplies to make another.

How will you be using nature ornaments to decorate for the holidays this year?

About the author

Meghan is a country living, mom of 2 boys in rural central Illinois (with a baby girl on the way). She is a Physical Therapist Assistant by trade but spends most of her time outside with her family. At home, she has large flower, herb, and vegetable gardens to tend to and 3 large dogs to play with. As a family, they enjoy hiking, camping, boating, fishing, and helping her in-laws show and raise livestock. Photography became a hobby while in isolation after her oldest son’s bone marrow transplant. It has since become a passion to capture her family’s daily life. Throughout her family’s journey with rare disease and transplant, the outdoors have been a safe space for the whole family to grow, learn, and thrive.

You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
Instagram: @meghangarriott
RWMC posts: Meghan Garriott
GIFT GUIDE, HOLIDAYS
Experience Gifts for Kids
- December 15, 2021
Now more than ever, kids want our time and attention. Plastic toys break and get thrown away. Experiences last forever. This year, with so many supply issues and the price of “stuff” going up, consider giving the gift of your time and experiences at fun locations in your area. Not only are you shopping less and more local, but you’ll make lifelong memories and help your kids try new things! Today, Wendy Cox, California photographer and mom is here sharing all kinds of ideas for fun and unique experience gifts for kids. The outdoorsy active kids in your life will love them all, plus, they usually offer opportunities for the whole family to spend time together. And that’s the gift that keeps giving.

Experience gifts for kids

With the holidays upon us, you’ve most likely been searching Amazon for gifts to give your kids this year. Then you look up from your phone and see a pile of toy cars on the floor, a tea set with only 2 cups left at the play kitchen, dolls, trucks, and rocket ships with missing astronauts strewn throughout the living room. Do they really need one more toy?

The problem is, you want them to have the magic that comes with opening a beautifully wrapped present, but you don’t want to live with any more clutter. How do you make both a reality?

Solution- experience gifts. There are so many ways to give gifts that don’t require any more clutter in your house. This list of experience gifts for kids will open your eyes to a variety of gifts that won’t just get thrown in a closet but will allow you to create lasting memories with your children. The truth is, they don’t want things- they want YOU, your time, and your attention.

Botanical garden/arboretum season pass

Season passes to a local botanical garden or arboretum are great for any outdoorsy kid and family. Many botanic gardens have an area created especially for children. The majority of the gardens also participate in a reciprocal program, which means that if you purchase a season pass to the botanic garden in your area there are many other gardens that you can access with your pass in other areas. It’s the experience gift that keeps on giving! The American Horticulture Society also sells passes that give you access to gardens across the US. Botanic gardens are also located in countries around the world.

Sporting events

One of our family’s favorite experience gifts to give the kids are tickets to a sporting event. Take them out to the ballgame! Baseball, basketball, football, soccer, gymnastics, diving, lacrosse – the list of sporting events you could take your children to is endless. Choose a sport (or a team) that your child is interested in and gift tickets this holiday.

It doesn’t have to be a professional game either. Think about supporting a local college or high school. How about tickets to a sporting event hosted at your alma mater and show them around campus. You can sometimes get season tickets to your local minor league baseball team for less than the price of one major league game. There are also usually mini-packs of tickets available around the holidays so you can spread the games out over the season. You could even purchase a ball or jersey from the team and wrap that to put under the tree along with the tickets.

Amusement parks

Tickets to an amusement park (or the mecca of all amusement parks…Disney) make a great gift for a child. Let’s face it, the magic of Disney is a real thing. Watching your child meet Mickey Mouse or their favorite princess for the first time is a priceless experience. But it doesn’t have to be Disney – there are amusement parks across the country with a variety of options. If you live close to an amusement park consider a season pass so you don’t feel the need to go and stay until closing. If it’s a bit of a drive, a one day pass could be sufficient. For the little ones, amusement parks with water features are fun. For the teenagers, choose an amusement park with lots of big roller coasters.

Family fun centers

On a smaller scale than an amusement park, many cities have family fun centers. This is usually something like mini-golf, go-karts, maybe even bumper cars or bumper boats. Other fun centers do ninja courses, laser tag, indoor rock climbing, arcades, ziplines, high ropes courses, etc. Sometimes they sell yearly passes, but even a night out for mini golf and frozen yogurt afterward is appealing to most kids.

Road trips

Taking a road trip with your kids is always a fun adventure! You could coordinate the destination to somewhere that interests them or make it a first. What is your child interested in? Find a location, museum, destination, or adventure that promotes that interest. Or take them somewhere that they can experience something in nature for the first time. If your child has never been to the ocean, find a beach house to go to. If they’ve never seen snow before, plan a trip to a ski resort. Include them in the planning and map out the route together. Who knows, you might even find your way to the biggest ball of yarn or something equally impressive!

When I was in elementary school I was obsessed with the Little House on the Prairie Books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. One summer my grandparents took me (just the three of us) on a trip from California to Missouri (the place where Laura wrote all of her books) and back. We stayed in KOA’s along the way, and it was unforgettable!

Camping

Have your kids ever been camping? This could be your chance. I truly believe that there is something incredibly magical about sleeping in the great outdoors. Gift your child the experience of camping – it just might change their life!

If it will be their first time camping, the excitement will be through the roof! If your kids have been camping before, use this as an opportunity to try a new campsite to change it up. When they’re old enough, you could make this trip special by giving them a specific task. For example, wrap up a flint and steel and tell them they’re in charge of making the campfire this time. Chances are they’ll want to make a fire the minute you drive up to the campsite!

Cabins/yurts/glamping

If tent camping isn’t your thing, there are lots of other fun options! Who doesn’t love staying in a cozy cabin in the woods or by a lake? How about a yurt with an open-top where you can see the stars at night? Maybe it’s the coziness of the wooden beams or the rustic feel, but kids love experiences like this! Yurts and glamping tents are also becoming more and more prevalent at campgrounds across the country. Getting away from home even just for one night will excite your kids more than you might think. Add that excitement to an epic location and it’s an experience gift that puts any remote control car to shame!

Backpacking

For the extra adventurous family, try backpacking as an experience gift. Backpacks and backpacking gear are available to rent at some sporting goods stores like REI, but if you plan on making this a tradition you could buy a backpack as part of the gift. There is a great sense of satisfaction that comes from knowing you were able to carry everything you need to stay alive for a couple days. Backpacking teaches perseverance, mental strength, and so many other important life skills. This is an experience gift that has lasting positive effects for your child’s health as well as the health of your relationship with them. Here’s a great post on how to get started backpacking with kids and everything you need to pack.

Water activities

Sure, it’s winter, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look ahead to warmer days and plan our experience gifts accordingly. Now is a good time to plan ahead and book fun water activities like canoeing, rafting, paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, etc. Maybe there’s a reservoir near you that has inflatable trampolines you can purchase tickets for. How about a tubing company that will take you down the local river. Rent a pontoon boat for the day and cruise your local lake. Or gift sailing lessons so that your kids can learn a valuable skill. These gifts will teach patience as your kids wait in anticipation for the time when they can cash in on their gift!

Lessons/clinics

Has your child been asking you to sign them up for a specific sport such as tennis, basketball, soccer, or dance? Do they have a favorite activity that they can’t get enough of? Now is the perfect time to get them on the roster, or even get one-on-one attention in a specific sport. The skills they learn will mean so much more than any toy. This could be something like horseback riding lessons, a private hitting/pitching lesson, rock climbing lessons, ice skating, or dance lessons. A couple of years ago my son was gifted private swim lessons and it was such a great experience for him.

Classes/courses

Maybe it isn’t sports that your child is really into, but something like painting, baking, or pottery. Local rec centers often have a variety of classes that offer great exposure to different areas that your child might want to try. In my experience, the cost is reasonable, too. If you aren’t worried about cost, try looking into private companies to see if they have a course for your child’s age group. Sometimes courses can even be done online – there are lots of online courses for kids on photography, art, music, and more.

Restaurant date

Experience gifts don’t have to cost a lot of money. It could be as simple as a dinner out at their favorite restaurant, but just with mom or just with dad. Make it extra memorable by getting dressed up in your fancy clothes. Especially if you have more than one child, this gift will make all the difference. It’s difficult to find the time in the business of our lives to really sit down and listen to one child for an extended period of time. This provides the perfect setting to do just that. You could even let them choose the restaurant. Don’t be surprised at how long the smile stays on your child’s face after a night out with you and only you!

Dinner/meal at home

This doesn’t sound that exciting at first, but if you have a child that likes to cook or bake like my daughter does this could mean the world to them. Let your child plan the menu, find the perfect recipes, then go shopping for the ingredients together. You could even make a centerpiece for the table and bring out the good china and linen napkins. Or, set a blanket out in the yard and make it a picnic. Kids love getting the opportunity to show off their skills and be helpful. Serving a meal that they made (start to finish) will make them so proud. Chances are, years down the road she’ll say, “Remember that one time when we …” and think back on this experience fondly!

Musical performance/concert

For the musically inclined kid, a concert might be the perfect experience gift. There are indoor and outdoor venues all over the world that play all different kinds of music. Gift tickets to your child’s favorite band or singer. If your child plays an instrument, consider purchasing tickets to a performance where that specific instrument is featured. Local symphonies often put on family-friendly performances (sometimes to movies) that are perfect for kids.

Drive-in movie

Drive-in movie night is always a really fun experience for a kid. Winter is my favorite time to take the kids to the drive in because it gets dark so much earlier, and they can still get to bed at a reasonable hour. (The mom in me is always concerned about bedtime!) We do live in a fairly temperate climate though, so if you have to plan this one for a warmer season, that works too. Grab some cozy blankets and their favorite snacks and you’ll be set! If you don’t live near a drive-in, check out this post about hosting your own family movie night.

Museums

Children’s museums are absolutely amazing experiences and passes/tickets to one would make a great gift for a child or a family. I can still remember going to the children’s museum as a kid because I had so much fun! These places are built specifically with kids in mind, so take advantage of them if you have one in your area! In addition to children’s museums, there are science museums, space museums, art museums, and the list goes on. While not all museums are made specifically for little ones, many at least have a children’s area. Teenagers or tweens that have specific interests would appreciate you taking notice of what is important to them.

Ice skating

Make the magic of the holidays last a little bit longer with a trip to the ice rink! Buy a season pass or just go for a couple of hours, but ice skating is an experience that no one should miss out on. Ice skating is something that the whole family can do together. Depending on where you live, you could find outdoor ice skating rinks or even frozen ponds so you get the fresh air while skating. Oftentimes these places also have fire pits for warming up (or making s’mores), as well as hot chocolate and other goodies.

Rock climbing/bouldering

Have you ever been to a rock climbing gym? My kiddos have been asking to go back for months because they had such a great time! Rock climbing is a great activity because it is adaptive to many different skill levels, and it gives your children the opportunity to try and try again until they reach the top. Many climbing gyms offer open climb time for kids in a “kid-friendly” climbing area. Or, you could sign up for lessons and learn proper climbing and belaying techniques in the big gym. If you want the real deal and have children that are able to, bouldering is also a fun option.

Laser tag

Laser tag is a super fun and active game for kids (and the whole family). Some arcades or family fun centers have a laser tag option, other places specialize in laser tag. If you’ve never played before, you’re in for such a fun time. One of my sons is asking for a laser tag kit for Christmas this year. Whether you have the kit at home or not, laser tag is so much fun! (Alternative option: paintball.)

Ziplining

Ziplining is a great activity for any little adventurer, but not for the faint of heart. If you have a daredevil child or one that’s really into pushing the limits and trying new things, ziplining could be a fun experience gift. Be sure to check on the height or age limit at your local zipline location. Sometimes, depending on the course, the company will have certain limits in place, but if your children are eligible then I highly recommend trying the ziplines. Last January my family and I did a nighttime zipline course over the river that was lined with Christmas lights and we had so much fun! And if heights bother you, maybe now is your chance to let your children see you face your fears!

Zoo/animal experience

Zoos also make really fun experience gifts for kids. Where else can you go and see lions, tigers, and bears all in one day? The zoo is a huge hit with the little ones, but if it’s been a while, I bet even your teenagers would have a good time at the zoo. Our local zoo offers the chance for kids to “adopt” an animal – they receive a certificate and a stuffed animal that represents the animal they adopted. The money goes towards feeding and caring for the animal. Sometimes zoos offer classes or camps that teach kids how to care for animals. Some zoos even offer special experiences like behind-the-scenes tours or the opportunity to be a zookeeper for the day. If you have a little one that’s really interested in animals, this would make a great gift!

Aquarium

Even if you don’t live near the coast, you might have an aquarium near you. Seeing all of the living things that make the water their home is astounding. Tickets or season passes to an aquarium could be an amazing experience gift. Aquariums can be pricy, so a special trip to the aquarium is usually a big treat for our kids. Aquariums are great learning experiences as well, as we all learn something new every time we visit.

Driving range or Top Golf

I never imagined my kids getting into golfing much, but one of my boys really loves going to the driving range! Gift certificates to your local driving range would make a great experience gift for a kid that’s into golf. Some smaller golf courses charge a small fee to rent a club and a big bucket of golf balls, so it might not be as expensive as you might think. Or, if you have a Top Golf location near you, a gift certificate there might be a fun experience for the whole family. You can rent a bay and challenge each other to any of the fun games!

Batting cages

Even if your kids have never played baseball or softball, a trip to the batting cages can still be a hit (pun intended). Most batting cages allow you to set the speed of the ball so a beginner can still be successful. Alternatively, you can increase the speed if you have an experienced batter on your hands. Most kids who have played on a baseball team before will tell you their favorite part is hitting the ball, so batting cages give you just the best part. Don’t forget to step up to the plate yourself for a few pitches and show the kids how it’s done (or what not to do).

Photo session

If you have a child who loves to ham it up for the camera, a professional photo session would be the perfect experience gift. It could be a mommy and me session, daddy and me session, individual session, or even a best friends session. Photographers can also set up fun experiences for your kids based on their interests. For example, a photo session at a professional ballpark or at a dance studio. Maybe the photographer could come take photos of them doing a sport that they love or at one of their games. Can you order prints and hang them on the wall or the fridge. Make a book for them to flip through anytime they like. Studies show that children who have their photos on display in their homes have overall better self-esteem.

Experiences matter

The list of experience gifts you will want to give your children will change over time as they get older and their interests change. One thing that will remain constant is the fact that when you spend time with your children, those experiences will shape them into the people they grow up to be. There are so many things in the world today that want to influence your children. If you want to be the biggest influence in their lives, that is going to take time, not things. This year, invest in gifts that show them you’re willing to put in the time for them. Plan to do the one-on-one activities as well as the whole family adventures. Next year instead of a bunch of lost or broken toys, you’ll have a photo album full of smiles.

What are your favorite experience gifts?

About the author

Wendy is a married momma living in central San Diego, CA, raising 4 human kids, 2 goat kids, 4 chickens, and one grumpy cat. She enjoys gardening, hiking, camping, backpacking, going to the beach, and generally getting out-of-doors. Wendy is a family photographer and also works at several local elementary schools as a garden educator. She dreams of traveling to all 50 states and beyond, and believes that there is great beauty to be found in all parts of the earth, we just have to open our eyes to see it.

You can find more from Wendy online in the following locations:
Instagram: @wendycoxphotography
RWMC posts: Wendy Cox
INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
How to Embrace the Outdoors when You’re Not Outdoorsy
- December 6, 2021
Getting outside and enjoying nature doesn’t come easily to everyone. Some people are more comfortable inside. Others are intimidated by nature and think that to be “outdoorsy” you have to be climbing mountains and own expensive hiking boots. But, anyone can be outdoorsy – it just takes a mindset of enjoying and appreciating the outdoors. Today, Tiana Kubik, Creative Team member and Chicago mom of two, is here with some advice on how to embrace the outdoors when you’re not outdoorsy. She’s sharing some really fantastic tips for how to get yourself more comfortable and confident spending time outside with your kids. We hope this inspires you to try some new things and want to learn to embrace the outdoors.

Not outdoorsy

Some parents introduce a love of nature to their kids because they were raised outside and love spending time outdoors immersed in all things nature. However, some of us went our whole lives avoiding the woods until we had children. Maybe we didn’t necessarily love (or hate) going outside, but it wasn’t a priority. Maybe we just always felt more comfortable indoors? For whatever reason, it was our children who introduced (or reintroduced) us to the beautiful connection we can have to the earth. We’ve grown to appreciate nature, but it doesn’t come naturally. Does this sound familiar?

What does it mean to be outdoorsy

There is no one all-encompassing definition of what it means to be outdoorsy. I think that being outdoorsy just means that you enjoy the outdoors, in whatever capacity you want that to include. Maybe it means that you enjoy sitting around a campfire, telling stories and roasting marshmallows. Maybe it means that you like taking walks in the park, listening to the birdsong, and feeling the breeze. Or maybe it means you love to camp, fish, hike, kayak, climb, ski, bike, or run outside. Being outdoorsy can mean whatever you want it to mean. It’s embracing nature and enjoying spending time outside.

Learning to embrace nature

The good news is that you don’t have to be typical “outdoorsy” to get outside with your kids and enjoy nature. You don’t have to be into mountain climbing or thru-hiking. You don’t have to like bugs or own a bunch of fancy gear. All you need is an appreciation for the beauty of nature and what nature can do for you and your kids.

The benefits of getting outside are undeniable. We can all agree that playing outside is great for children. We tend to downplay how important it is for adults as well. Spending time outdoors reduces anxiety, improves overall health, and helps anyone feel more connected to the world and community.

You can seek nature experiences for your kids, but you can also take it to the next level and seek nature experiences with your kids. This can happen even if you are not outdoorsy or a natural-born nature lover, even if you are itching just thinking of walking in the woods with bugs, even if the thought of hiking is exhausting. You can work to overcome those negative associations and embrace the wonder of the world with your kids. Here are some tips on how.

Find inspiration through education

Inspiration and education tend to go hand in hand. If you’re not outdoorsy, it may just be because you don’t know much about nature or the amazing things going on right outside your door! The more you know about nature, the more you can learn to appreciate and respect it. The beginning of overcoming any fear or limitation is wanting to overcome that restriction. So, if you think the outdoors are horrible, you have no motivation to push you out of your comfort zone.

On the flip side, if you are flooded with inspiration on how beautiful the world is and how much people enjoy it, your FOMO (fear of missing out), will motivate you to explore ways to obtain the experiences and views that others say are not to be missed.

After you are motivated to get outside, learning about nature and the earth will snowball your motivation and lead you to take concrete steps to engage in nature.

1. Documentaries

Documentaries are a great family activity for inspiring and educating. Often these documentaries can lead to philosophy shifts and encourage everyone to engage more with the earth. A documentary can motivate you to be eco-friendly and do simple things around your house to be more sustainable. A documentary can inspire you to travel, raise awareness about topics, and give you a glimpse into other cultures. The wonderful thing about documentaries is that you don’t have to wish you were in a location. You can set goals and plan to visit them.

Some of our favorite documentaries to inspire a love of nature and travel?
- DisneyNature Series — This is a stunning and heartwarming “Time in the life of…” series for a ton of different animals (penguins, elephants, butterflies, and so many more).
- Down to Earth with Zac Efron – This is a fantastic journey around the world with Zac Efron (yup, THAT Zac Efron). He takes you on trips to explore sustainable and innovative communities across the globe.
- National Geographic – Available on Disney+, NatGeo has an extensive library of documentaries on everything in nature, from animals to the ocean to space exploration!
2. Books

Books are another great source of information for learning to love and appreciate nature. The options are endless between kid-friendly storybooks and books focused on adults. Either way, reading about nature, animals, and topics such as sustainable living, will leave a lasting impression that will push you closer towards a goal of getting out there.

Want some recommendations for books about nature? Here are some of our curated book lists for nature books for kids:
3. Make friends

“Just go make new friends!” I know easier said than done, but this truly is the best way to be inspired. Find friends with children of similar ages and interests as yours that love being outdoors. Not only will this inspire you to get out, but you will also have buddies to be your co-conspirators. If they already adore the outdoors AND they adore you, they will naturally want to be a resource for you. You can all explore and learn together and from each other about nature and be more willing to try new things.

You can find friends from your kids school or daycare, from local mom groups on social media, from apps, from visiting local parks or playgrounds, or attending outdoor events. Making new friends as an adult can be hard, but it’s worth it! Sometimes you just have to put yourself out there and give it a try.

4. Social media

Curating your social media feeds to include accounts that are living the life you are working towards is a great way to stay inspired and learn a lot about the real deal of that lifestyle. For getting outdoors, Instagram and Youtube have the most prominent communities and wealth of information for living, traveling, or just playing outside with kids. Not only will you be able to follow accounts to get an accurate snapshot of what life is like for them, but you will also have constantly NEW inspiration with minimal effort. Follow accounts that will introduce you to guides, tutorials, challenges, and resources to help you in your journey to embrace the outdoors.
There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.” Scandanavian saying

Prepare for the experiences you want

Being prepared will play the most significant part in becoming outdoorsy and having successful outdoor adventures with your kids. That means not only being prepared physically with the right gear and snacks, but being mentally prepared and having realistic expectations.

Going back to inspiration and education, you can find the best ways to prepare for any outdoor adventure. It is also essential to consider what you are concerned about and prepare yourself for that experience. For example, if the mosquitos love to feast on you, being prepared with repellent, anti-itch, Benedryl, etc., will make your experience much more enjoyable and less irritating.

Preparation extends beyond the “things” you will need. Making sure that you are physically and mentally ready is also vital. Here are some considerations for preparing for a successful outdoor experience with your kids.

1. Mental preparations for getting outside

Sometimes the first step to becoming more outdoorsy is a mental mindset shift. Overcoming mental blocks, changing negative associations to positive, and healing unhealthy associations will take some work and isnt’ always easy or quick. The amount of work and time depends on your experiences and how deep the associations go.

But, just because you may have had past experiences that made you dislike or uncomfortable in nature doesn’t mean you’re doomed to be a homebody the rest of your life. The following activities can help you promote a healthy and positive connection to the earth and help you get more comfortable being outdoors.
- Grounding – Grounding is the act of connecting your physical body with the earth. The act of grounding (also called earthing) is a therapeutic technique that involves doing activities that “ground” or electrically reconnect you to the earth. Meaning, when you physically touch the ground electrical charges are transferred from the earth – providing positive effects to your body. In simple terms – go outside, take your shoes off, and make direct contact!
- Yoga – Practicing yoga is about physical and mental grounding. Some benefits will help you physically, however, yoga teaches you to control your breathing and connect your mind to how your body moves. This can be enormously helpful when engaging in outdoor activities.
- Meditation – Much like yoga, learning to be more aware and present will prepare you to take in and love all that nature has to offer, especially when you reach the point in a hike where cell phones are no longer working.
- Sit spotting – Similar to meditation, sit spotting involves the natural world around you and it becomes incorporated into your mindful meditation. The idea of sit spotting is simple: find a special place in nature and then become comfortable with just being there, still and quiet. In this place, nature will surround you, soothe you, entertain you and seep into you. Sit spotting gives you a personal and intimate place in nature which will soothe, comfort and relax you, as you get to know the location.
- Therapy – Depending on your past experiences, level or fear/dislike, and negative associations with the great outdoors, therapy might be an excellent option for working through mental blocks and creating strategies to shift the narratives you hold about nature.
2. Physical preparations for getting outside

Physical ability to sustain outdoor activities is usually a huge deterrent for most adults. If you are physically uncomfortable or in pain, of course you’re not going to enjoy the activity. Eliminating any physical discomfort can help you reframe your mindset around spending time outdoors. For example, if you are preparing for a longer hike or adventurous and physical outdoor activities (like downhill skiing or climbing), you can train your body so that you can approach these activities relaxed and ready to enjoy the time in nature with your children. Here are few ways to help eliminate the physical discomfort around being outside:
- Start taking frequent walks. Choose to walk instead of driving. The the stairs instead of the elevator. Move your body more every day.
- Take on elevations. Start gradually adding some higher elevation hikes to what you’re already doing. Increase the elevantation and difficulty very slowly.
- Strength training can help you in a variety of ways. Not only will it make you feel more confident in your abilities, but will be beneficial when your toddler decides mid-hike that they no longer want to walk.
- Increase your water intake. This is an easy one that you can do well before you go outside. Hydrate ahead of time while you have easy access to bathrooms while your body adjusts.
3. Medical preparations for getting outside

Slightly different from physical preparation, medical preparation is necessary for anyone that has a medical issue that is keeping them from getting outside. This preparation is very specific to what medical needs you have. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your plans and concerns before making any changes to your medical regime. A doctor can help give you suggestions on how to manage the issue outdoors, prepare you for various scenarios and help you get more comfortable getting out of your comfort zone.

For example, if you are prone to allergic reactions or dehydration, your medical fears about what could happen might be keeping you from spending time outside. Talk to your doctor to see if there are options for you to find some relief or even underlying causes to treat.

4. Having the right outdoor gear

Having the right gear can really help a “not outdoorsy” parent feel more comfortable and confident being outside. Where your budget allows, purchase high-quality durable items and find room for items on your wishlist. Having the right equipment, and the gear that makes you feel good will make the experience of the outdoors feel more like an extension of who you are.

While a lot of what you need will depend on where you are going, here are some quick gear items to think about adding to your outdoor gear stash for nature adventures with kids:
- Waterbottles
- Weather-appropriate clothing – for travel or hikes, layers will keep you prepared to change at a moment’s notice. This includes rashguards, hats and sunglasses for outdoor play in the summer, as well as wool layers, hats and gloves for wintertime play.
- A great camera or phone with a great camera
- For younger children, a compact baby carrier so that you can walk but be prepared to hold them and keep your arms free.
- A great backpack for ALL the water, diapers, and snacks!
5. Setting realistic expectations for outdoor activities

Setting realistic expectations about getting outside with your kids might be the hardest part of the adventure, but it will set you up for the best experience. Going into any activity that you previously found difficult and expecting to love it is not realistic. Shifting your mindset can be a gradual experience and it may take a bit of time. Start by taking notice of the things that you liked, enjoyed or appreciated during the activity. Focus on the good and try to hold on to those feelings and let everything else go.

The goal is to curate love and embrace nature as a beautiful part of your life. There is time to let that love grow, and if you are frustrated because you didn’t love it, you are less likely to try it again. It’s ok not to love it. But do try to appreciate the good and be willing to try again. The more you do something, the easier it will become and you may just find yourself enjoying the activity.

So, go into a new activity open-minded but know this relationship will grow over time and not need to be an instant connection.

Now, go play outside!

Once you’ve addressed the ideas and issues discussed above, it’s time to get outside and learn to embrace nature and the outdoors. There’s so much out there waiting for you. So many adventures to be had and memories to make. Let’s get started embracing nature and becoming more outdoorsy.

1. Create a plan and stick to it

Start planning your experiences. Make a list of the things you’d like to do. Include realistic things that you can do now that are comfortable and easily accessible. But, also include a few things that are stretch goals that you’d like to be able to do someday. Those will keep you motivated to keep going.

For each outdoor adventure you take, get yourself comfortable with the outing before you ever leave the house. Map out where bathrooms are, think about any snacks and meals, consider what gear and clothing you’ll need. Then do it! Eventually, you will find things won’t take as much planning, but being over-prepared ensures that you won’t run into as many unexpected problems.

2. Start small and work your way up to bigger adventures

If you’re not outdoorsy, but want to spend more time in nature, taking baby steps will ease you in and create a snowball effect for embracing the great outdoors. It will also help you narrow down which experiences you really like and which ones are just not for you.

For example, before you go camping for a whole weekend, do an under-nighter outside. Sit by a fire, cook outdoors, sing songs and tell scary stories, all with the expectation that you are going home at the end of the night. (This can also be done in your backyard.) Once you are comfortable with that, try camping overnight somewhere familiar and close to home (so you can bail in the middle of the night, if you need to).

Same with hiking. Start with a walk in a flat nature preserve. Then seek out longer hikes with more inclines. Just like setting realistic expectations, you are building a foundation and nurturing your relationship with nature. Start small and build the trust over time. Jumping into something well beyond your comfort zone is dangerous and a sure-fire way to make you never want to try that activity again.

3. Say yes to adventure

As adults, we often find that saying no to non-preferred activities becomes a habit. Particularly, if you are not outdoorsy, saying no to a hike, canoe trip, or camping weekend will come out without even considering the experience. But sometimes there are opportunities to get outside all around you if you just start looking for them and saying “yes” when they come up. Friends are more likely to start asking you to do outdoor things if you make a habit of saying “yes!” to experiences you previously said no to. The more you agree to being outdoors, the easier those yesses will come and the more opportunities will arise.

4. Move your favorite activities outside

Do you love to read? Are you a fabulous cook? Do you enjoy working out? Is your home filled with plants? Do you paint or draw? Start with the things you love and enjoy and slowly shift them outside. Ttaking the things your family already does inside to the outdoors will add a whole new level of excitement and help you get more comfortable being outdoors. Piggybacking things you already enjoy to unknown experiences will give you a head start knowing you will enjoy it.

Creative ways to hold yourself accountable

If you’re intimidated by the outdoors or need some additional motivation to get outside, one of the best things you can do is to find ways to hold yourself accountable to your outdoor goals. Sometimes this means enlisting help! Here are some ways that you can help hold yourself accountable to your goals of getting outside more often with your kids.

1. Tell your kids

Nobody on earth will hold you more accountable than your kids. They are watching you. They probably want to go outside! Make it a family goal to get you to love the outdoors as they do. Let them call you out when you aren’t meeting your goals. Let them show you how much they love the outdoors and how much fun they’re having. They will be empowered as human beings and will be your best cheering section when you show them how much you want to embrace changes.

2. Use a tracker

If you’re someone that loves seeing your progress or finds comfort in trackers and lists, consider using a fitness tracker, step tracker, or even just a calendar for goals you want to reach. Create a goal that you can reach and find tangible ways to measure your outside time. Having concrete goals will keep you accountable while you are forming a new habit. And make sure to celebrate when you hit that goal!

3. Do it with friends

There’s nothing like having a friend to get you through some of the initial hurdles and make it less scary. Find friends with similar goals and friends who are natural-born outdoorsy people. Set up playdates with mom friends outdoors and let the kids explore together. Picnics, hikes, and camping are all great activities to do as a group. Take turns checking out new parks, new trails or new activities. Or you could even start your own forest playgroup with some local like-minded friends!

4. Start a social media account or a blog

Small or large following, having a social media account is a fun way to keep people updated with what you are doing and hold yourself accountable. Post a photo and caption about all of your adventures and create an online community of people to cheer you on! Share your experience and what you learn. Not only will it help motivate you to continue trying new things and getting outside, but you may also inspire others to do the same!

5. Challenges and paid activities

Spending money is one of the most potent tools we have to help hold us accountable. There has been a lot of research on how paying for something gives us a sense of obligation. Sign yourself up for a paid challenge to get outside more. We have a great one that’s designed for parents of little kids with 7 themed days of fun (and easy) outdoor activities called The Wildhood Challenge. Paying for a curated experience will motivate you to follow through and help you be prepared for a great experience.

Enjoy the transformation to becoming outdoorsy

So, are you feeling “outdoorsy” yet? We hope these ideas and advice will help get you over any hurdles you might have to embrace the outdoors and get more confident and comfortable outside. Bookmark this post and refer back anytime you need some extra motivation or encouragement.

Now, take a deep breath and get ready for a new, nature-loving you. Find those adventures that feed your soul and bring your family closer together. The kids will love having you present in their world and you will love feeling on your way to becoming outdoorsy.

About the author

A city girl through and through, Tiana wasn’t always thrilled with outdoor adventures. However, learning the importance of nature + play through her journey to a Master’s in Early Childhood Education changed her heart. She still prefers the hustle and bustle of city life. She also has learned to love all that nature is and gives. Tiana has discovered unbelievably amazing North American destinations by traveling in a DIY converted Sprinter Van with her husband and two kids. She looks forward to new adventures and discoveries every day.

You can find more from Tiana in the following online locations:
Instagram: @usalongtheway
Website: US Along the Way
RWMC Posts: Tiana Kubik
CAMP, INFORMATION, LESSONS, NATURE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, TEENS
Wilderness Survival Skills for Teens and Tweens
- December 3, 2021
Getting kids outside to experience the wonders of nature isn’t limited to the early childhood years. In a world infused with technology and fast-paced demands, our teens and tweens need the great outdoors more than ever. However, by the time they’ve reached their teen years, our kids are often past the days of playing at the park for hours on end. So, how do we encourage them to continue to love nature, to explore its beauty, and appreciate its allure? Today, Leslie Alvis, Ohio homeschooling mom of four, shares some ideas for engaging your teens (and pre-teens) in the outdoors through the challenge of learning wilderness survival skills.

Survival skills are important

Anyone who spends much time out in nature knows that your situation can change in an instant. A storm can blow in, an injury can occur, an insect can sting, or an animal could attack. What started out as a simple hike can quickly become dangerous.

I’m not saying any of this to scare you or deter you from spending time outside. None of us really expect our kids (or ourselves) to be thrust into life-threatening situations in the wild–and maybe they never will be! But, as we raise our kids to love being outside, we should also be giving them the tools to face an emergency that could happen outside.

A level head, an emergency kit, and some basic wilderness survival skills will help them be prepared for the unexpected, both now and throughout their lives. And in the meantime, bushcraft skills are just a lot of fun. Sure, they’re useful in a survival situation. But they’re also a fun challenge for you and your teen to enjoy!

The need for survival skills

Many years ago, wilderness survival skills were necessary for life. It’s hard for us to wrap our 21st-century brains around, but children from past centuries had to acquire survival skills early. They needed to know how to build a fire, to create a shelter, to forage for food—and many of them survived because of those skills.

Today, although wilderness survival skills aren’t necessarily essential for everyday life, they are still good to know for emergency situations. In an emergency, previously acquired skills can mean the difference between life and death. Many of these skills can be useful in everyday situations as well. And wilderness survival skills provide an outdoors-based challenge for the developing minds and skills of our young adults. Plus, many of them are just fun to learn!

Building outdoors skills

My husband’s younger brother was still in his late teens when our two oldest kids were small. Too old to go outside and just play, this favorite uncle still enjoyed gathering up his little sisters and my kids to “play scouts.” They would pack up some supplies and tromp around in the woods, studying nature, playing survival games, and building forts. They all loved and benefited from the hours they spent doing this.

As kids get older, the way they “play” and spend time outside changes. Our son is thirteen now, and I’ve watched him make this same type of transition from purely imaginative nature play to constructive skill-building outside. Wilderness survival skills have given nature time a purpose and challenge as he’s grown up. It’s given him a reason to spend more time outside (and isn’t that what we all want for our kids, no matter what the age?).

Developing outdoor survival skills is a gradual process

For our kids, the development of these skills has happened gradually. As they aged and matured, they’d get access to an emergency kit and a pocketknife; they learned fort-building skills and fire safety. As our children express interest in these new challenges, we carefully and gradually introduce the tools and concepts for wilderness survival. There’s no magic age for this. In our family, it continues to vary based on interest and maturity. You know your kids best and can judge whether they’re ready or not.

At thirteen, our son is capable and independent with many of these skills. But, he’s not just picking them up right now. His training and experience started very early, working in the woods with his dad and grandpa, and playing with his uncle. He frequently reads woodsman and bushcraft books, and loves to head out to the woods to practice these skills.

As he and I have collaborated on the material for this article, I’ve honestly been amazed at his knowledge of and passion for all things bushcraft. He’s become very proficient in these skills due to practice, persistence, and merely spending time outside getting to know, understand and appreciate nature.

Growing maturity with wilderness survival skills

Each of the wilderness survival skills here will require some level of adult supervision and responsibility, at least initially. Again, as the parent, you know your own children, with their unique abilities and maturity levels. Only you can decide how these skills should look for them. You get to determine what they can handle (and how) based on your own comfort level.

For instance, in the beginning, our children are only allowed to use pocketknives with our permission and supervision. When they have demonstrated capability and maturity with a knife, they may be allowed to carry and use it as they see fit. If we find that they ever use this tool unwisely, we put it away until they grow up a little more. We learn from our mistakes, just as they do.

As parents, our children’s safety is our responsibility. But we also want to see them grow in wisdom and maturity. As they do, it’s amazing to see how a challenge like learning wilderness survival can help them develop and grow.

Wilderness survival skills for teens and tweens

If you’re interested in encouraging your teens (or pre-teen) to spend more time outside and learn some valuable lifelong skills in the process, we’re here to help. Here are some wilderness survival skills that perfect for teens and tweens.

Make a survival kit

Making a survival pack is a fun and simple way to begin developing wilderness survival skills. Even a younger child can create a survival kit for a family hike or for a solo adventure like building a fort in your own backyard. It’s a great way to help kids begin to be prepared for the unexpected in nature. A survival pack doesn’t have to be fancy—just a backpack or little pouch with some basic tools and provisions.

Items you can include in a survival kit:
- First aid kit (our kids have created their own)
- Non-perishable snacks
- Water
- Flashlight
- Emergency blanket or rain poncho
- Rope
- Compass
- Knife or multi-tool (depending on age and maturity)
- Fire-starting tool (also depending on age and maturity)
I’ve been amazed at what my older kids pull out of their packs sometimes. They’re better than I am about carrying first aid supplies on outings and hikes. I can’t count the times our son has used his survival kit to supply or create something useful when we’re outdoors. When we’re working at our homestead property, I often find him unloading a small cast iron skillet and canned goods from his pack, building a fire, and heating a snack for himself and his sisters. Our girls haven’t reached that stage of independence yet, but I love how thinking ahead helps them be helpful and prepared for different circumstances on our nature adventures.

Teaching survival skills to teens (and learning yourself)

Before we cover some key elements of wilderness survival, I’d like to mention that some bushcraft skills may sound intimidating. In particular, handling sharp tools and starting fires might be scary, especially if they are out of your own comfort zone! They sound even scarier when you consider your child doing them. I am in no way advocating turning your child loose with anything. All of these skills require a learning period, patient instruction, and some maturity. With time and practice, he or she can gain safety and competence.

If you’re not comfortable or knowledgeable about these skills, don’t let that stop you. You and your teen can learn together. Letting them see you learn something new is encouraging and shows them that learning a new skill can happen at any age. If you don’t know where (or how) to get started, don’t be afraid to ask for assistance! For instance, if your teen or tween is interested in learning more about safe knife handling, but you’re not comfortable teaching it, consider reaching out to a trusted adult for help. Somewhere in your circle of family and friends, you probably know someone who is a fisherman, a hunter, or a dedicated hiker.

People with hobbies like these often have a keen interest in wilderness survival skills. Many of them also love to share this knowledge, especially with the next generation. So, if you feel insufficient to teach/supervise any of these skills, look around for someone you trust to help you. And try learning right alongside your teen! You will never regret the time you spend together, discovering new skills and spending time in nature.

The Five C’s of wilderness survival

In Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival, author Dave Canterbury identifies the key elements of survival skills as the Five C’s. Here are the Five C’s of wilderness survival:
1. cutting tools
2. combustion
3. cover
4. containers
5. cordage
Other guides label them in different ways, but we think the Five C’s make a helpful and memorable presentation of these skills. So, with due credit to the author for his outline, we would like to share with you the first three key elements of wilderness survival.

1. Cutting tools

The first C of wilderness survival is a cutting tool. Once again, this is something that may initially require your supervision and participation with your child. But, a sturdy pocketknife, multi-tool, or hatchet is one of the top tools necessary in a wilderness survival situation.

A knife should be attached to you, worn on a belt, or in a secure pocket. This is the one thing you never want to be without in an emergency. With a knife or other cutting tool, you can create a fire starter, cut materials for fire and for shelter, and recreate almost any other tool you will need to survive. A knife can also be vital in emergency medical situations (cutting bandaging, removing clothing) and rescues (cutting away obstructions or creating other tools to work with).

In the meantime, gaining skill and competence with a pocketknife or hatchet is a fun challenge for any teen.

Cutting tool options

Because a knife is essential for so many areas of wilderness survival, it’s important to own a good one. The Field and Stream Total Knife Manual is a complete guide to any and every kind of knife, its pros and cons, with every style and brand known to this modern world. On our shortlist of most useful knives, though, are these suggestions:
- Pocketknife: Sturdy, simple, and compact, this knife has a strong blade that locks open, preventing it from accidentally closing on your hand. As a basic survival tool, this knife is adequate and effective for a number of tasks.
- Multi-tool: A step up from a basic pocketknife, the multi-tool provides a number of useful features in one tool. Although this brand is pricey, the quality and durability of their tools is proven. In our experience, they last forever and work for everything.
Learning knife safety early

We live in a rural area where many of our friends and family members carry a pocketknife or multi-tool at all times. A cutting tool is useful for so many tasks in our lifestyle. With that kind of mindset, our kids have asked for pocket knives pretty young.

When we think they can handle a knife without being a danger to themselves, we let them start using one for some basic whittling or cutting. They’ve had to learn basic safety rules:
- do not ever cut toward your body,
- do not move around with an open blade, and
- no using a knife with other kids close to you.
Only after we see them demonstrating responsibility and maturity with those guidelines do we consider letting them carry the knife or using it on their own.

2. Combustion: tools and skills to make a fire

Another key element of wilderness survival is fire. Although it might sound a little scary, the skills and tools to create fire are essential in emergency situations. They also come in handy in many everyday situations throughout life. With proper instruction and supervision, your teen or preteen can learn these skills safely and gain efficiency in fire starting.

Start with fire safety

Since we heat our home with wood, as well as burn a lot of outdoor fires, our kids have been exposed to fires and learned safety rules from toddlerhood. Early on, we teach them never to get near a fire, and never to mess with matches or lighters. But, as our son approached his preteen years, he was demonstrating carefulness, capability, and a lot of interest in fire starting. We’ve continued to emphasize fire safety, but allowed him greater responsibility in building and maintaining fires.

For him, the rules of fire safety are now more focused on choosing a smart location when building a fire, helping his little sisters be careful around the fire, and making sure it is properly contained. It’s also important to know and follow local burning regulations wherever you are. Wilderness survival skills always include being aware, smart, and ethical about your choices.

Fire starting skills

Building a fire in a sheltered area with dry kindling is a great way to start. But wilderness survival takes fire building much farther. If you’re ever in an emergency situation and need a fire, you might not have ideal conditions for starting it. Bushcraft skills teach you how to use the materials you have on hand to create fire for heat, protection, and cooking. It takes practice to learn to build fires with wet materials or without a lighter, but it can be done. And it’s a fun outdoor challenge for a teen to learn!

Choose a proper fire location

To build a safe and efficient fire, find a location that is sheltered from the wind. Scrape away all debris, down to the dirt, in a wide ring around the fire area. If possible, build a stone ring around your fire to help contain it. (Use dry stones, since wet rocks can explode if they’re heated too rapidly!) If there aren’t any stones available, try digging a depression into the dirt or building a small dirt wall around the fire. Practicing wilderness survival skills always includes showing carefulness for the environment surrounding you. This includes keeping the fire contained and controlled.

Fire starting materials

Look for small twigs, leaves, or dry grass for fire-starting material. If it has been raining or snowing, try to find an evergreen tree. In wild areas, the lower, dead limbs of evergreen trees haven’t been trimmed away. Sheltered by the overhanging branches, they provide the perfect source for dry fire materials in a wilderness survival situation. If you’re having a hard time finding dry starter material, you can use a knife to shave one end of a dry stick to carve a “feather stick” (pictured above) to help light your fire.

Starting the fire and choosing a firestarter

Ideally, your wilderness survival kit will contain some way to create a spark. A small lighter, waterproof matches, a magnifying glass, or a ferrocerium rod can all serve as fire starters. While some are easier to use and/or more reliable than others, part of the fun of developing survival skills is learning to start a fire with what you have on hand. I think the dramatic sparks from the ferrocerium rod (shown above) might be the most exciting way to try to start a fire!

Once you have a flame going, gradually add small bits of dry leaves and twigs. Feed the fire slowly with lightweight materials until the flame is steady and strong. Be careful not to smother the fire or let the wind blow it out! With some patience and wilderness survival skills, you can have a strong fire to provide warmth, light, and protection in almost any situation.

3. Cover: shelter in the wilderness

The third C of wilderness survival is cover. If you’re ever stranded in the woods, injured on a hike, or caught in a storm, you need to be able to take shelter. Survival may depend on you knowing the most efficient way to use the materials around you. This is a great challenge for teens and tweens! Survival skills add a whole new dimension to fort building.

First, look around for any natural cover. A cave, a crevice in a hillside, or a ravine can help provide shelter. But sometimes there isn’t a natural cover to be found. If you need to build a simple survival shelter, you can gather materials from around you and build this basic shelter. You need two stakes to drive into the ground, a ridge pole to run between them, and smaller branches to lean against them. The stakes determine the height of the shelter, and the ridgepole its width.

Shelter building basics and tools

A hatchet really comes in handy for creating the point on the stakes, plus a notch in the top for the ridge pole. You can use the flat edge of the hatch to drive the stakes in or use a rock. Once you have your stakes set and the ridge pole set, lean the smaller branches against the ridge pole as thickly as possible. If there are evergreen trees nearby, evergreen branches make an ideal cover against wind and rain. But part of wilderness survival is learning to use what you can find. In the spring and summer, green leafy branches will also work. In the fall and winter, gather armfuls of fallen leaves to fill in the gaps in the wall.

The thicker you pile the branches and leaves, the better shelter you will have. Even dried leaves provide surprisingly good protection from the elements. Being able to build a shelter is one more skill your teen will enjoy learning as he or she gains proficiency in wilderness survival skills!

Practicing wilderness survival skills

Although all these wilderness survival skills are helpful in an emergency situation, they’re also just a lot of fun to practice throughout life. The basics aren’t hard to learn, and there are many ways to continue to develop better bushcraft skills. From how to light a fire without man-made materials to creating a drinking container out of natural materials, survival skills can present endless new challenges and encourage your kids to spend more time outside.

So head outside with your teen, and see what skills you can learn together!

Is your teen interested in wilderness survival?

About the author

Leslie is an Ohio farm girl and chaser of light, children, and sometimes chickens. She’s a lover of Jesus, wife to her high school sweetheart, and a homeschooling mom of four wild rascals who love the great outdoors as much as she does. As a family, they love hiking, camping, fishing, and just about any outdoor activity. She and her husband are just beginning the process of building a homestead from the ground up, doing most of the work themselves. Leslie has a lifelong obsession with writing and capturing everyday life from behind the lens. Follow along with their homesteading, homeschooling, and everyday adventures on her Instagram account.

You can find more from Leslie in the following locations:
Instagram: @c_l_allofus
Client work: @lalvisphotography
Leslie’s RWMC posts:

Month: December 2021

Welcome to a new year

Spend more time outside this year

Be intentional with your actions

Practical tips for spending more time outside with your kids

Set yourself up for success

Incorporate their interests into your outings

Don’t let the weather ruin your plans

Invite friends to join you

How to find outdoorsy families in your area

Go somewhere new!

We’re here to help

About the author

New year, new start

Commit to spending New Year’s Day outside with your kids

Outdoor New Year’s Day activities

First-day hike

Play outside together

Make and hang bird feeders

Go for a walk

Polar bear plunge

Partake in a fun run/walk

Go camping

Try something new

Volunteer

Enjoy a family bike/scooter ride

Pick up trash

Go birding

Play in the rain or snow

Play in your backyard

Participate in a challenge

52 Outdoor Family Adventure Challenge

Intentional 10 Challenge

Wildhood Challenge

How are you spending new year’s day outside?

About the author

Candle making with kids

The magic of candles

The history of candles and candle making

Holiday candle making safety

Take it outside

How to get started making candles with kids

Gather your materials

All about wicks

Candle molds

Candle scents

Candle making supplies:

Making candles in a glass jar

Making candles in a tube

Keep the candle making going

Have you ever made your own candles?

About the author

Nature-inspired holiday ornaments

Plan your crafting day

Gather your craft supplies

Collect your nature materials

20 DIY nature-inspired ornaments (and how to make them)

Salt dough ornaments

Salt dough recipe

1. Salt dough Christmas tree ornaments

2. Salt dough pressed flower ornament

3. Salt dough pine needle ornament

Acorn ornaments

4. Acorn silver bells ornament

5. Acorn bulb lights

Ornaments made from sticks and twigs

6. Stick star ornaments

7. Stick letter ornaments

8. Stick reindeer ornaments

9. Stick snowflake ornaments

Tree ornaments made of sticks

10. Stacked stick tree ornaments

11. Wrapped twig tree ornament

Pinecone ornaments

12. Pinecone Christmas tree ornament

13. Snow covered pinecone ornaments

14. Beaded pinecone ornaments

15. Disco ball pinecone

Globe ornaments

16. Filled globe nature ornaments