FALL

  • CRAFTS, FALL, LESSONS

    Pumpkin Science Experiments for Kids

    Looking for a fun way to utilize those pumpkins from the patch, while teaching kids about science? Look no further! Today, Texas homeschooling mom Lauren Cain is here sharing four amazing pumpkin science experiments for kids. She’ll walk you through how to make pumpkin bubbles, pumpkin slime, pumpkin elephant toothpaste, and how to dissect a pumpkin. Get your little scientists excited for fall and Halloween with these fun experiments. 

    Pumpkin Science Experiments for Kids

    Pumpkin science experiments for kids

    ‘Tis the season of the pumpkin. There are many clues that tell us that Fall is officially here. For some of us, we know that Fall is here because of the change in weather or leaves turning from green to brown. Well, in our house we know that Fall is officially here when we are suddenly surrounded by pumpkin–EVERYTHING.

    There’s something about pumpkins that piques the interest of children and adults alike. They’re just fun. Do you know what else is fun? Easy-to-follow science experiments that you can do with your children.

    So, why not combine the two and try some fun pumpkin science experiments with your kids? This post features simple and low prep pumpkin science experiments that I have done with my children. They absolutely loved it, and I am sure your children will too!

    Pumpkin Bubbles Experiment Kindergarten

    The bubbles, oh the bubbles!

    Who doesn’t love bubbles?! There’s a really interesting science behind the making of bubbles that is fascinating to learn. If you want to turn this activity into a fun lesson I would suggest watching a few YouTube videos on bubble science for kids. My children especially liked Fun with Bubbles by SciShow Kids. Or, you could just get straight to the bubble blowing.

    Did you ever blow bubbles in your drink as a child (even though your parents would constantly ask you to stop)? Well, the pumpkin bubbles experiment is just like that. What’s great about this experiment is that it is very low prep and aside from the pumpkin, you probably already have everything that you need for this activity.

    How to make pumpkin bubbles

    Materials needed are:

    • Pumpkin (smaller pumpkins work best for this activity)
    • 2 tablespoons dish soap (any brand will work)
    • Straw
    • Dash of water

    Put the soap in your hollowed-out pumpkin and add a dash of water. Insert the straw and then let your children blow bubbles until they spill out the top of the pumpkin. 

    Remind your little one to blow OUT and not suck in because a mouth full of soapy water is no fun at all. My son got a small taste of the soapy water and was not pleased.

    Also, note that the quantities of the ingredients aren’t exact. Experiment with less or more soap/water to see if the outcome changes.

    Pumpkin slime

    Ok, I know that slime is like Voldermort ( I mean “He Who Must Not Be Named”) in some households. But, hear me out.  Can it be messy? Yes. Is messy play important to the development of our kids? Also, yes!

    Making slime can be a lot of fun and promotes great sensory learning which is important especially for early learners. This pumpkin slime recipe is made with the fibrous strands and seeds from the pumpkin which gives it a cool textural feel that is unique from the typical slime. So, give it a try!

    Here’s what you need to make pumpkin slime:

    • Pumpkin guts (aka the seeds and such from inside your pumpkin)
    • Clear glue (about two small bottles or 18 oz )
    • Liquid starch (1 cup)
    • Water (1 cup)

    How to make pumpkin slime:

    Scoop out the seeds and fibrous strands from your pumpkin and set them aside. Pour the glue into your empty pumpkin and then add the water. Add the pumpkin guts back to the pumpkin. Carefully, mix them together. Grab your liquid starch and it to the glue and pumpkin mixture slowly.

    At this point, we mixed with our hands because it seemed easier. But, if stirring with a spoon works for you then go for it. Keep stirring or mixing with your hands until the slime begins to come together as one and is not sticking to your hands or spoon. If it is still sticky, add more liquid starch a tablespoon at a time until the right consistency is achieved.

    That’s it! Now you have pumpkin gut slime!

    Pumpkin Slime

    Pumpkin science investigation

    You’ll be hard-pressed to find a child who cannot recognize a pumpkin. However, opening a pumpkin up and discussing the parts of a pumpkin and the pumpkin life cycle make for a fun learning experiment.

    You can take it a step further and have your kid(s) separate the seeds from the fibrous strands and discuss how they are different, but still work together. For this activity, all you will need is a pumpkin (a smaller one may work best for this purpose) and a knife to cut it in half.

    It’s simple, but it is also a very interesting activity and allows kids to have a different perspective and perhaps a new appreciation for the pumpkin.

    Pumpkin Investigation

    Pumpkin elephant toothpaste

    In discussing pumpkin science experiments, this one reigns supreme. We love making elephant toothpaste because it is such a fun high-impact experiment. Doing the experiment in a pumpkin makes an already fun experiment that much more exciting!

    The level of reaction that you will get from the combination of ingredients really depends on the type of hydrogen peroxide. We have done this experiment many times using the typical 3% hydrogen peroxide that you find in stores and the reaction was pretty mild (which is great for younger kids).

    However, with this pumpkin elephant toothpaste, I opted for a higher concentration at 6%. The reaction was bigger than it has been before without being out of control. If you have not tried to make elephant toothpaste before I 100% recommend that you give it a try, it is such a fun experiment!

    Pumpkin Elephant Toothpaste

    Here’s what you will need to make pumpkin elephant toothpaste:

    • Hollowed out pumpkin
    • 1 cup (4 oz) 6% hydrogen peroxide. I used a 20 volume clear developer (liquid) that I purchased from Sally’s Beauty Supply.
    • Food coloring
    • 6 tablespoons of  warm water
    • 2 packets of active yeast
    • ~ 2 tablespoons of dish soap
    • Recycled plastic water bottle, jar, beaker, etc.
    • Funnel
    • Tray
    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • Safety goggles

    How to make your pumpkin erupt

    In your empty pumpkin place your empty bottle, jar, beaker, etc. I actually used a 2 cup measuring cup in our pumpkin, which worked perfectly.
     
    Pour in the hydrogen peroxide. Add the dish soap and several drops of the food coloring of your choice. Pour the yeast in an empty bowl and add the warm water; stir with a fork for about 1 minute or until the yeast has dissolved.
     
    Using a funnel, pour the yeast into the hydrogen peroxide mixture and step back and watch the reaction!
     
    Please note that this reaction may be very hot and can irritant the skin. It’s typically fine to touch after it has had time to cool down, however, to be extra cautious you should steer clear of letting your little ones play with it.pumpkin science STEM experiments for kids

    Pumpkin STEM activity

    While this activity does not call for the use of real pumpkins, it is an engaging themed activity nonetheless. Kids can channel their inner engineer as they build amazing pumpkin structures using two materials: pumpkin candy and toothpicks. That’s it!

    At this time of year, pumpkin candy should not be hard to find. They are semi-soft and definitely related to candy corn. I purchased mine from Sprout’s Farmers Market, but I am sure they are available at other grocery stores as well.

    I love this activity so much because as I mentioned, it is so engaging and encourages focus and creativity. My almost 5 year old spent a solid 30 minutes building his structure and was so proud of the end result. This is a great activity that can be recreated time and time again using different materials. The pumpkin candy can be swapped for marshmallows, candy peanuts, or any other semi-soft material. So, get building!

    Pumpkin STEM Activities

    Don’t just be a pumpkin eater this season!

    There are so many awesome pumpkin science experiments for kids. This is a great time to engage, learn, and have fun with an item that kids may only know as an ingredient for their favorite pie. So, which pumpkin science experiment will you try with your kids?

    About the author

    Lauren is a California native turned Texan, who loves to get out in nature and discover hidden gems all around the Dallas/Fort Worth area. She is a wife and homeschooling mama to three kids who definitely keep her on her toes. She truly believes in the value of homeschooling and that there are learning opportunities available all around us. In addition to homeschooling, Lauren is also an entrepreneur; she’s the co-owner of Crunchy Boutique (a natural-living/eco-friendly boutique). 

    You can find more from Lauren in the following places:
    Instagram: @crunchymamadfw
    Facebook: @crunchymamadfw
    RWMC Posts: Lauren Cain

  • FALL, GARDENING, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Tips for Fall Gardening with Kids

    Have you ever been the recipient of a giant zucchini or bowl of tomatoes from a friend’s garden? Have you received those tasty veggies and thought, “I wish I would have planted a garden.” I’m here to tell you that it’s not too late to start! Fall is typically thought of as the harvest season, but it’s also a good time to get some seeds planted that you can harvest before winter. Wendy Cox, California mom and gardening teacher is here to help us get started with gardening this fall. These tips will break it down for you in easy-to-implement action items that you can do with your kids. So, grab your gardening gloves, your kids, and let’s get to planting that fall garden!

    Gardening in all shapes and sizes

    One of my favorite things about gardening is that it can usually be done anywhere, with whatever you have available. There are so many different ways to have a garden! You might have an in-ground garden in the backyard, raised beds in a community garden, pots/containers sitting on a windowsill, or maybe you’re lucky enough to have a greenhouse. All of these are great choices and there’s no one right way to garden. Don’t feel that you need to have acres and acres of land to be a gardener. Even containers on your patio can produce more than you might think during the fall season. 

    How to prep your soil for a fall garden

    The first thing you need to do to get ready for planting a fall garden is to get your soil ready. You’ll want to start with good soil so that your plants have what they need to grow strong. For a raised bed or in-ground garden, you’ll want to amend your soil. To amend soil means to improve it with additional materials. Soil amendments improve the physical nature of your soil. They reduce compaction, aerating the soil to allow water and nutrients to more easily move through it and reach plant roots. Some soil amendments also add nutrients to the soil, help retain moisture and help maintain the correct pH balance. Examples of soil amendments are potting soil, compost, peat moss, etc. 

    In San Diego, the city dump sells a truck bed full of compost for $12 and it’s AMAZING! I mix the compost into my existing garden soil and have had great success with it. If you are planting in pots or other containers, don’t scrimp on the potting soil. You get what you pay for in this situation. Go to your local nursery and ask them what brand of potting soil they recommend for vegetables. In my experience, employees at local nurseries are quite knowledgeable or can at least direct you to someone who has answers. That hasn’t been the case for me at bigger chain stores. If you end up there, look for a potting soil specifically made for container vegetable gardening. 

    Planting your fall garden

    Now you’re sitting there looking at your beautiful, possibly smelly soil, and wondering what to plant. My number one recommendation is radishes. Radishes are so much fun to grow with kids! They sprout in 3 – 6 days. This is perfect for little ones who lose interest in things very easily. Every day after it sprouts you will notice a little bit of growth in the radish. Some varieties of radishes are even ready to harvest in just 21 days!

    Here are a couple of the varieties I planted with my kids this fall. Don’t they look like something fun to eat?

    Cool-season vegetables for fall gardening

    Here’s a list of fall/cool-season vegetables that do well in a fall garden:

    • lettuces
    • beets
    • kale
    • broccoli
    • carrots
    • spinach
    • peas
    • turnips
    • parsnips
    • onions
    • mustard greens
    • endive
    • arugula
    • bok choy
    • cabbage
    • cauliflower
    • Brussel sprouts
    • rhubarb
    • celery
    • radishes

    Peas are definitely favorites with my kids. We planted three different varieties of peas in our fall garden this year. One variety has an edible pod, one snow pea variety, and one with purple pods.

    Get to know your growing zone

    I live in San Diego, California, USA. We have a very mild climate. When it hits 65 degrees Fahrenheit I’m probably going to bring out my down jacket. You might live somewhere where even 50 degrees means shorts and a t-shirt. You and I won’t have the same success growing the same plants.

    The climate you live in will determine what plants you will be most successful at growing right now. This is something known as a growing zone, planting zone, or hardiness zone. If you live in the United States you can find the zone you live in by your zip code. If you live outside the US, you can find your zone as well. Once you know your zone you can get a list of specified plants that will thrive in your climate. Choosing plants that grow well in your planting zone will set you up for gardening success. 

    How to pick seeds for your fall garden

    I love picking out my seeds for my garden. I order my seeds from a company called Baker Creek Seeds. This company has a large selection of heirloom seeds. The term “heirloom” is usually applied to fruit, flower, or vegetable varieties that were being grown before World War II. Heirloom varieties are open-pollinated, meaning that, unlike hybrids, seeds you collect from one year will produce plants with most of the characteristics of the parent plant. And that’s key to their survival. Many heirloom varieties were preserved by home gardeners who saved seeds from their family gardens from year to year. 

    It’s also fun to plant new varieties of common veggies because they look and taste a little different. My kids get so excited when they pull a purple carrot out of the ground! The photos above show the seeds that we planted this fall. Pumpkins aren’t really considered a cool-weather crop, but all of my previous attempts with pumpkins this year were sabotaged by pests. I threw a few pumpkin seeds in the ground hoping I might have something to show by Thanksgiving!

    Sometimes gardening is just trial and error friends. You never know what will happen (grow or fail) year over year. A fall garden doesn’t need to be perfect. Never take it too seriously! Let your kids get involved in the process of picking out seeds to plant. They’ll be more excited about growing fruits and veggies if they were part of the process. 

    Getting started now with your fall garden

    Are you feeling inspired to get your fall garden started, yet? Great! Don’t worry about having everything ready right away. To get started, you just need a few small paper cups, soil, and seeds! 

    You can get your seeds started growing long before your garden space or beds are ready for the plants. Last fall, I didn’t have my raised beds ready to plant just yet but I really wanted to get my seeds going. I poked a hole in some Dixie cups and started germinating some sugar snap peas.

    Putting the cups in a plastic or cardboard container will help keep the soil in the cups moist. I wouldn’t recommend doing this with any root vegetables, but lettuces or peas grow well when started in smaller containers. You can even put them indoors for a couple of weeks if you have to.

    The garden classroom

    One of my favorite shirts is from Nature Supply Co and it says, “Not all classrooms have four walls.” Gardens are proof of that and can serve as amazing classrooms! Your kids will learn not only the life cycle of plants and the cyclical nature of the seasons, but also important life skills. Kids need patience when waiting for seeds to sprout or for a vegetable to mature. They learn vigilance by going to the garden daily and checking for pests. Their self-control increases by not watering the soaking wet soil even though watering is so much fun.

    They will get outside, see the sun coming up in the east and setting in the west as they work in the garden this fall. They will pay attention to shadows and sunshine and rainy days, but only if you give them the opportunity. A garden is a beautiful way to reconnect together over a common project. 

    Tell me and I will forget. Show me and I may remember. Involve me and I will understand.” Confucius

    Involve your kids

    You’ve probably heard the quote by Confucius above. That holds true in the fall garden. You could make your soil rich and beautiful on your own, choose and purchase all the seeds, set up timed irrigation, and just let your kids help plant the seeds. This would still be a good experience, but imagine how much more meaningful that garden would be if you involved your children in all aspects of the planning. Planning! There’s a life skill I forgot to mention.

    Let them find the volume of the raised bed. Ask them to calculate how many bags of garden soil and compost you will need to fill those beds. Let them get their hands dirty mixing the soil. Browse the seed catalog together and let them choose what they want to plant. Read the back of the seed packet with them and figure out together if you have enough space to plant an entire packet of radish seeds. Buy a special gardening notebook and keep track of the days you planted. Then research together when you can expect your harvest. Gosh, the possibilities here are endless! 

    Even the smallest kids can get involved in gardening

    Think your kids are too young to garden? There are chores for all ages when it comes to fall gardening! My youngest isn’t super young anymore, but he does love to bring his spray bottle out to the garden and water for me. Even a toddler can manage a small spray bottle. Just plan on changing clothes afterward, if you need to! If your kids are anything like mine, they won’t stay dry for long. And if you have cats, they’ll find somewhere to hide pretty quickly.

    Additional benefits of gardening for kids

    I could go on and on about the benefits of gardening with your kids. We didn’t even talk about the whole nutrition aspect, learning about where food comes from, or the positive impact playing in the dirt has on a child. Cornell University has a wealth of information detailing what researchers have found in relation to kids and gardening. Statistics are great and all, but on a personal level I have found that being in the garden provides me with a great way to spend quality time with my kids. We do taste tests, find bugs, get dirty, and have a lot of fun.

    There’s no time like the present to start something new, so get growing!
    What will you plant in your garden this fall?

    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

  • FALL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Exercising Outdoors with Kids

    Exercising is one of those things you either love or hate. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, we probably can all agree that exercise and being active is essential to living a healthy life. With that in mind, the question that arises is, “how can we pass this healthy habit down to our kids?” Today, Zenovia Stephens, founder of Black Kids Adventures, Inc. and Alabama mom of 3, shares tips on exercising outdoors with kids and how it can help them adopt a lifelong love of moving their bodies. 

    exercising outside with kids

    Why exercise is important 

    According to the Oxford dictionary, exercise is “an activity requiring physical effort to sustain or improve health and fitness.” Although not mentioned in the definition, exercise has also been proven to improve mental health by helping you sleep better, induce happy moods, and decrease stress. Developing a regular exercise routine is crucial to overall health and wellbeing. 

    Kids need exercise and physical activity, too. Maybe now more than ever before. With the increasing amount of time that kids spend on screens or sitting still in school, kids today can really benefit from spending time being active. Regular physical activity can help children and adolescents improve cardiorespiratory fitness, build strong bones and muscles, control weight, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and reduce the risk of developing health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. 

    In March 2020 the American Academy of Pediatrics released a report with specific recommendations for exercise:

    • Infants: physical movement several times a day through interactive floor-based play.

    • Kids age 3 to 5: three hours or more of physical activity every day.

    • Kids 6 to 17 years old: 60 minutes or more of physical activity daily.

    playground workout area

    Go outside and exercise 

    Outside is where the magic happens! When you decide to take your workouts outside and into nature, it’s like giving your activities a power-up. You not only get the benefits above from the physical exercise but there are so many added health benefits of being outdoors. Research shows that exercising outdoors is a natural mood booster, feels easier, is more fun, is good for your vision, boosts your immunity, and increases your creativity. 

    Getting the kids involved in outdoor exercise

    Exercising and physical activity have always been a priority for myself and my own physical and mental health. My husband and I both ran track in college and running has been a big part of our lives. Throughout my parenting journey, I’ve enjoyed finding new ways for my family to connect and spend time together. Just like adults, kids need to decompress from long days, busy days, or overstimulating days. Kids need space to run around, physical activity, and fresh air.

    I’ve found exercising outdoors with kids as a family to be an excellent way for everyone to tune out the noise of the day and find balance. Working out together as a family is a great way to feel better and get healthier. 

    But, these family workouts are about more than just exercising; they’re also about building and strengthening your family muscle. If that’s weak, nothing else matters. Exercising outdoors as a family is a great way to reconnect and build healthy habits for your kids. 

    exercise outside

    Make outdoor exercise fun for kids

    It’s important to keep outdoor exercise and physical activity enjoyable for the kids. You want to create a positive experience that your kids will keep up long after leaving the nest. I suggest getting creative and even letting the kids help plan a few workouts or have some input. My boys always find inspiration from shows like American Ninja Warrior and, more recently, the Olympics. If you keep in mind that exercise doesn’t have to be a chore or boring, you’re already halfway there!  

    running with kids

    Tips for starting a family outdoor exercise routine

    Creating a family exercise routine can be very easy and done by almost anyone. All you need to do to get started is come up with a plan for what activities and exercises you’ll do (and where), then put it on the schedule and commit. There is no right or wrong way to do this. Do what works best for your family. There’s so much freedom and creativity to do whatever makes sense for your family that you may be surprised by just how easy it is to turn outdoor activities into exercise. 

    1. Schedule it

    The first thing you should do is decide which days your family will exercise and write it on a calendar. Make sure the calendar is in a central location so that everyone can see it and know what’s coming up. This helps get your kids mentally prepared for the activity and keeps you all accountable. You’re much less likely to skip a workout if it’s on the calendar for everyone to see!

    2. Let the kids get themselves ready

    After a few weeks of participating in the activity, they should start to know what to expect and how to get themselves prepared and ready on their own. I like to see how they handle getting ready independently – it helps foster their independence and makes my life easier. When kids know their schedules, it helps them learn responsibility in being prepared. So, if they see “park workout” on Wednesday, they know to come home that day and get dressed for the park after school. It works, and they usually are very proud to say “I got ready all by myself!”  

    family race

    3. Decide what exercises to do

    There are many ways to exercise outdoors with your kids; the sky is really the limit as almost any activity can become exercise. I always start with what I know my whole family will enjoy and build from there. We’re pretty competitive, so what works for us is turning things into a competition. 

    You know your kids best, so start with their interests and incorporate those into outdoor physical activities. If you have a kid who loves playing with sidewalk chalk, you can all design your own family obstacle course with chalk and then complete it a set number of times. Maybe your kids are into dancing; grab a speaker and have a dance-off outside. Super hot day? Head to the pool and have races on who can swim the fastest. The key is to make sure that you get your heart rates up in whatever you choose to use to exercise. 

    4. Let your surroundings help choose your activity

    Sometimes we base our exercises on where we are or what we have available. We like to use things we already have at home or other free resources, such as playgrounds. My family used to own a personal trampoline, so we would take turns seeing who could jump the longest for years. We even got the neighbor to join us one time! It was some of the most fun I’ve ever had exercising with my kids. Use what you have and take advantage of public green spaces. You don’t need any fancy equipment or gear to be active. 

    family fun run

    Outdoor exercise ideas with kids

    1. Ladder drills 

    Ladders are typically used to help athletes gain more speed, agility, and quick feet. They also make for a fun tool to get kids happy about moving their bodies. 

    Lay a ladder down flat and take turns doing high knees, quick feet, and running through the ladder. Have one family member time and see if you can improve each round. For more ideas on how to incorporate a ladder into your outdoor exercise routine, check out these agility ladder drills. 

    2. Playground turned fitness center

    A trip to the park can easily turn into a chance to get a workout in and have some fun! Playgrounds are an excellent area to use for exercising. Some are even equipped with outdoor fitness machines or stations, taking the guesswork out for you. If they are, please make sure to follow the instructions and supervise children on the equipment. 

    For those that are just playgrounds, get creative! Use the monkey bars to work on lowering yourself to the ground slowly and in control. Find the bridge and do planks or pushups while maintaining balance. The stairs are great for calf raises or even box jumps, if not too high. 

    For less traditional exercises, use the playground as a ready-made obstacle course. This is our favorite way to work out at the park as a family. The possibilities are endless, and while the kids might more content to play here, I’m sure they’ll eventually join in the workout. 

    3. Family relays at the track 

    A standard track is 400 meters and is easily broken up for a family relay race. Let the kids find a nice stick to use as a baton and have everyone stand around the track. You can either stand at the 100-meter mark or let everyone pick their own spot on the track and begin. The second way will be more challenging because some members will have to run longer than others. The first person (holding the baton) runs as fast as they can to the next person. They pass the baton and start running to the next person until the whole family runs (or makes it all the way around the track). Keep a record of how long each race takes and try to beat your time the next round. 

    You can also have a parent vs. child race, which is always more fun when done on a track. 

    4. Fun runs 

    Typically during fall and spring, you can find a lot of organizations hosting fun runs. They are usually 5k (3.1 miles), 10k (6.2 miles), but some are longer and some have a shorter version for small kids (1-mile). Some races are themed (some even encourage costumes) and some are for a cause, but they’re all excellent, non-competitive ways to exercise a family.

    These events tend to have many people cheering everyone on, and kids love taking to a running course with family by their side. You can go at your own pace, as fast or slow as your family wants. Some will even let you push strollers or bring your dog to run with you! 

    Local running stores are excellent resources to help gather information on upcoming family runs. 

    kids color run

    Creating healthy habits

     

    No matter how your family decides to exercise together, getting out and getting it done is most important. Taking your workouts outside and getting your kids involved is a great way to connect as a family in a healthy and productive way. Exercising today will set the stage for healthy habits tomorrow. You’re also showing your kids how to schedule and prioritize physical and mental health. 

    What’s your family’s favorite way to exercise outdoors? 

    About the author

    Zenovia is an outdoor enthusiast, freelance travel and adventure blogger, wife, and mom to three young boys (ages 8, 5  & 2). Originally from Chicago, Zenovia and her family live in Huntsville, Alabama, and spend many of their days exploring and learning about the area. She is the Founder and CEO of Black Kids Adventures, Inc, a non-profit organization that focuses on getting Black and Brown families to spend time together exploring and enjoying nature. Zenovia is a Visit North Alabama Ambassador, 2021 Land Trust of North Alabama Board Member, YMCA Board Member, WildKind Ambassador and a monthly contributor for We are Huntsville and Huntsville’s CVB. You can follow along with her mom and family adventures and find inspiration for your own family adventures at Black Adventure Crew.

    You can find Zenovia online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @blackadventurecrew
    Facebook: @blackadventurecrew
    Website: Black Kids Adventures
    RWMC posts: Backyard Movie Night

  • FALL, FARM, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, RECIPES

    Tips for Apple Picking with Kids

    Apple picking in the fall is a time-honored tradition for our family. Each year during apple picking season, we head out to our local u-pick apple orchard and stock up on this delicious treat. The kids love the hay rides to the field and running through the rows of apple trees to find the best fruit. I love making a huge vat of apple sauce and how it fills my whole house with the sweet scent of fall (and a touch of cinnamon). Today, Meghan Garriott, Illinois mom of three, shares all the best apple picking tips for kids, plus a few favorite kid-friendly apple recipes so you can put your pickings to good use. So, get on board the apple wagon, and let’s get picking! 

    Tips for apple picking with kids and kid-friendly apple recipes and crafts

    Apple season

    Nothing says Fall quite like Apples. Their colors, smell, flavors, and orchard experiences are Autumnal staples. They have all the reds, greens, and golds of the changing fall leaves.  The smell and taste of caramel apples and apple pies brings me right back to the happy Autumns of childhood.

    Harvest for these favorite fruits spans the whole fall season from August to November giving everyone plenty of time to enjoy the season. Today we are talking about all things APPLE and the many ways you can enjoy them with your kids!

    Benefits of apples

    An apple a day keeps the doctor away. We’ve probably all heard this saying, right? They may not be a cure-all but apples do have many health benefits in addition to being a delicious treat for all ages. Apples are are a great source of fiber and vitamin C. The fiber in apple skins helps to feed the good gut bacteria as well as keeping things moving through the digestive tract as they are supposed to. An apple a day was linked to 28% decreased risk of type 2 diabetes. So while it is a sweet snack, at only 90 calories, it’s one you can feel good about eating and feeding to the whole family. 
    Two boys with bags of apples in front of an apple tree

    Types of apples 

    There are so many types of apples. They vary greatly in their season availability and their taste. Below are some of the most popular varieties, what they are best used for, and when they are in season. Apple season runs from August to November for reference. 

    • Gala – Early picking season. sweet flavor. Good for salads, snacking, and freezing.
    • Red Delicious – Mid to late season picking season. Mild flavor. Good for snacking.
    • Granny Smith – Mid to late picking season. Tart flavor. Good for baking and snacking.
    • Fuji – Midseason picking. Very sweet. Good for snacking and salads.
    • Honeycrisp – Early picking season. Juicy and sweet flavor. Good dessert apple.
    • Macintosh -Mid picking season. Sweet and tart. Good for baking and snacking.
    • Jonagold – Late picking season. Sweet and tart. Good for snacking salads and sauces.
    • Pink lady – Late season picking. Sweet with some tart. Good for baking and applesauce.
    • Ambrosia – Mid picking season. Sweet and Crisp. Good for baking and snacking.
    • Golden Delicious – Mid picking season. Mellow and sweet. Good for snacking, salads and baking.

    Child laying on ground under Apple rainbow

    U-pick apple farms and orchards

    Picking your own apples either at the store or at a local apple orchard is a great family activity. Visiting your local u-pick orchard it’s a great way to support local businesses and shop small. Our local orchard Okaw Valley Orchard grows a wide variety of apples and fresh fruit and veggies, and also carries many products from many other local businesses as well. Letting children pick out their own food items from the farm market can help children try new healthy foods or encourage picky eaters to give things a try. 

    No matter where you live (in the US), there’s a good chance that you have a local apple orchard or pick your own farm nearby. Apples are grown all across the US and are usually available starting late summer through the fall (late October or early November). U-pick orchards are also everywhere. To find an orchard or u-pick farm near you, check out pickyourown.org and search by your state and region. 
    Two children picking app,es

    What to know before you go apple picking

    Before heading out to the orchard be sure to check out the orchard’s website, Facebook page or other social media channels. Different types of apples have varying seasons. Know what’s ripe in your area (and how you’ll use it), so you know what to pick (and how much). If you are in search of a certain variety it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for when they will be available. The orchard may also have specific times or dates for picking your own apples.  Many orchards host school tours and events. Checking their website or social media can help you plan your trip on a less busy day, and ensure you get all the products you are after.

    You’ll also want to know if there’s an admission fee to pick apples, the price (per pound) of apples, whether they take credit cards, what’s available in the farm store, etc. 

    Two boys picking apples

    Apple picking with kids

    Apple picking with kids is a fun and easy outdoor fall activity for the whole family. Every year we make it a point to make a day trip to go pick apples and it’s become a family tradition that we all look forward to. Apple picking is easy enough for little kids (although, they may need some help reaching the high ones) and still fun and enjoyable for older kids (and adults). Apples are available around us from late August through early November, which means we could even go a few times a season in order to get the best varieties for our treats (see below) in a wide variety of weather. Our local apple orchard has a ton of fun activities for the kids that keep us busy all day. 

    What to pack for apple picking with kids

    The good part about apple picking is that you don’t really need any special gear or items. If you have a long drive, pack accordingly for your car ride (toys, entertainment, water, and lots of snacks). Depending on the weather, you may need layers, sunscreen, bug spray, a raincoat, boots, or a jacket. We always pack a change of clothes (because you just never know with kids) to keep in the car. And maybe bring along some cash and/or change for any events, rides, activities at the orchard. 

    For the most part, the only thing you need to pick apples is a container to hold them. Most u-pick farms will provide bags, baskets, or buckets for holding your apple haul. However, check to make sure before heading out the door.

    Finally, don’t forget to bring along a camera! Apple orchards make beautiful backdrops for pretty family photos. 

    Boy in blue shirt picking apple

    How to pick and choose your apples

    When it comes to picking your own apples right off the tree, there are some things to keep in mind to make sure you get the best apples and to ensure the tree is unharmed so we have apples for years to come.  Kids tend to want to just pull the apple down until it comes off. Unfortunately, this method can damage or break branches on the apple tree. To pick effectively without damaging the tree remind kids to “twist, then pull upward”. This helps to loosen the stem and preserve the tree branches.  

    Before twisting and pulling check the apple to make sure there are no openings in the skin and give it a little squeeze before picking to make sure it is firm and not squishy. Little ones might be tempted to fill their bags with apples from the easy-to-reach ground so you may want to double-check them to make sure they are free of soft spots. 

    If you plan to do some baking keep an eye out for “seconds specials”. Seconds are apples that may not look great on the outside but are perfectly fine to eat. These ripe apples are best for baking, where their skin imperfections will go unnoticed. 

    Exploring an apple orchard with kids

    Most orchards have more to do than just picking apples, which is great because kids can sometimes be over the picking part quickly. Local apple orchards can offer a wide variety of games and activities, such as hayrides, bonfires, tractor rides, corn maze, pumpkin cannons, pig races, train rides, cider mill tours, pony rides, live music, pumpkin patch, scenic wagon ride, a petting zoo full of farm animals, farm stand, beer garden, wine tasting, food trucks, bounce houses, carnival rides, face painting, and more! The food is usually delicious too – bratwurst and burgers, funnel cakes, ice cream, apple cider doughnuts, and fresh apple cider, of course! 

    Our local orchard has a playground outside and a lot of products to browse through on the inside at the market. Many of these products are made with or pair perfectly with apples like bbq sauce, cinnamon apple jellies, and ciders.  Our favorite thing to get inside our local orchard store is cider slushies and cider donuts! Local orchards are also a great place to start some of your holiday shopping with small gifts like soaps, home goods, and delicious canned goods. 
    Boy looking at apples in store Two boys drinking apple cider slushees

    Kid-friendly apple recipes 

    Visiting the orchard is fun but let’s be honest, the best part is eating! Apples can be sweet, savory, and even spicy. They can be used in so many different dishes. Here are a few recipes that kids will love to help out with and eat!

    Sweet apple treats

    Apple chips– Thinly slice a cored apple. Place slices on parchment paper. Sprinkle slices with cinnamon. Place slices in the oven at 200 degrees cooking low and slow for about 2-3 hours until they are nice and crisp. As an added bonus the house will smell delicious as these cook! 

    Apple roll-ups– Using pre-made crescent roll dough sprinkle each dough slice with some cinnamon and sugar. Place one apple slice in the middle of the dough then roll up and bake as directed on the packaging. These make great afternoon snacks!

    Apple nachos– These are very customizable and fun to make. Use apple slices as you would chips in traditional nachos. Then cover the slices with all your favorite toppings, we used peanut butter, chocolate, chocolate chips, and marshmallows. Nuts and caramel would be delicious toppings as well. 

    Apple donut rings– Core and slice apples crossways. Decorate slices using peanut butter, Nutella or marshmallow cream for the “donut icing”. Then have fun with the toppings using chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and sprinkles. The “icing” can be difficult for little fingers to spread so it worked best for us if the adults did the spreading and the kids did the decorating. 

    Apple butter– Check out this post on a fun family tradition of making a huge vat of homemade open-fire apple butter outside with the whole family! Apples, red hots, and even some silver dollars make this a really special recipe! Pair with biscuits for cleaning the pot!

    Two boys making apple nachosChild decorating apple slices

    Savory apple recipes for kids

    Turkey apple grilled cheese sandwiches– Spice up the traditional grilled cheese with some deli turkey, cheddar cheese, and some thin-sliced apples. To apple it up even more add some apple butter. Then prepare just like you would traditional grilled cheese. If you happen to have a panini press that would work as well!

    Apple beer bread– This apple beer bread is the perfect combination of apples, honey-wheat, and cinnamon. Plus, it only takes 5 minutes to prepare, so you can enjoy it soon without the long wait. Try it warm with a slathering of butter (or spiced butter!). 

    Apple and pork breakfast sausage– In a bowl combine ground pork, shredded apple, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Form the mixture into small sausage patties. Cook the patties in a skillet for about five minutes per side until golden brown

    Apple crafts for kids

    If eating apples is just not going to happen, don’t worry! Apples can also be used to feed wildlife and for kid crafts. 

    Apple stamping– Cut an apple in half, paint the cut side and use it as a stamp to get a perfect apple-shaped silhouette. Stamp on a paper tree or fill a paper basket with stamped apples while learning about apples at home without going to the store or orchard. 

    Apple suncatcher– Use construction to cut out a large apple outline. In the center of the outline, use contact paper and colored tissue paper to decorate the apple. Hang on windows to let the sun illuminate the tissue paper. This is a fun way to decorate for fall. 

    Apple bird feeder– This is a great way to use apples that may have imperfections or soft spots and aren’t going to get eaten. Cut the apple in half. Hollow out the center of the apple. Fill with peanut butter then coat with birdseed. Then hang in a tree for birds, and probably squirrels, to enjoy. Check out this post for even more fun and simple bird feeders you can make with kids.
    Boy holding apple bird feeder

    A favorite fruit 

    Apple picking is one of those wonderful fall activities that’s fun for the whole family and is sure to be a great time! Hitting the orchards is one of our family’s favorite fall traditions and a fun way to get outside and enjoy the cooler weather and fresh air. Apples are a favorite fruit for kids and adults alike, and for good reason. With all of their uses and their many varieties, they can easily please a wide range of people. There is no shortage of fun and delicious things to do with apples. So get out to your local orchard and start picking today!

    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

  • ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, FALL, GOOD FOR NATURE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Tips for Hunting with Kids

    Are you a hunter? Is hunting something that you’d like to teach to your children? While not for everyone, hunting can be a great way to spend quality time together outside with your children. Hunting teaches children about determination, ethics, responsibility, self-reliance, patience, and respect. It’s also a way for kids to gain an understanding of the food cycle and the importance of our environment and conservation. Today, Oklahoma dad of two, Jared Ryan is here sharing some tips to help you instill a love of hunting in your children and how to make sure you have a “successful” hunt together.

    Tips for how to get started hunting with kids

    Hunting season is upon us

    Every year when fall rolls around and the air begins to get crisp, many of us start to get excited about what all this season has to offer. For some people, it’s “pumpkin spice and everything nice.” But for me? It’s hunting. 

    Deer hunting. Duck hunting. Dove hunting. Pheasant and quail. Turkey. 

    It’s watching beautiful sunrises from a duck blind. Or watching deer graze on the winter wheat. It’s listening to nature’s sounds of life echoing through the woods while sitting in a tree stand. Hunting on a cold fall morning is a time of consciousness, of serenity. It’s a time where I’m completely immersed in nature, surrounded by quiet beauty. 

    So, when my kids started wanting to tag-a-long with me on my hunting outings, there was no way I would deprive them of this! 

    How to introduce your kids to hunting

    If hunting is a part of your life, odds are that you plan to introduce your kids to hunting (if you haven’t already done so). And odds are that you have a pretty good idea of how you want to approach it. Maybe you’ve been dreaming of their first hunting experience with you – their first hunting trip or their first deer season. Maybe you have favorite memories of your first turkey hunt or deer camp trip. Or maybe your kids have been going hunting with you for a while, but are ready to move to the next level.

    This is where I have been the last few years. Excited about introducing my children to a lifelong passion of mine. Excited to teach them the right way to hunt, create memories together and cultivate a passion for the sport of hunting. For me, it’s a way to pass down something I love and teach the next generation life skills and valuable life lessons. 

    And while I am definitely not a professional hunter, I have lots of memories of what (and how) my parents introduced me to hunting. And now I have a long list of what (and how) I will do to pass my love for this outdoor activity along to my own children. I’m hoping this post will help give you a place to begin if you’d like to introduce hunting to your children.  

    Safety first – hunter safety and education

    Regardless of the kids’ ages and abilities, you want to start with safety. Hunter safety and hunter education are serious topics and not to be underestimated. Kids that will be hunting or around firearms should be taught the proper way to handle them, store them, and use them. Most states offer hunters’ safety courses and youth hunting educational classes through their conservation departments. They’re usually for kids age 10 and up and required for anyone hunting on their own. Some schools teach hunter safety as part of their curriculum in/around the 5th grade. Courses can be taken online or in person.

    Hunters’ safety and education are lifelong skills that aren’t just taught once and disregarded. They’re to be reinforced and reiterated every single time you hunt. As the parent, you are the model and the gatekeeper. It’s a big responsibility. You need to know all the rules and safety precautions and practice them the right way every time. Little eyes are always watching. 

    teaching kids about conservation and food cycle with hunting

    Start small

    First-time hunters need to start out small. The right gear is important, both for safety and to help build confidence and control. My dad started me out hunting with a kids’ recurve bow. Once I had demonstrated that I could follow directions and use the bow in a safe and proper manner, it was followed up shortly with a Daisy Red Ryder air rifle. These are a great way to safely introduce your young hunter to a bow and rifle. Along with taking a Hunter Safety Course and certification, these rifles are a great way for you to show young kids how to safely handle a firearm.

    My son did really well starting with a junior compound bow and the air rifle. If you have an older kid or preteen, or if you have graduated your little one through the introductory air rifle, keep easing them into the larger arms. A single-shot .410 gauge shotgun or a youth .22 caliber rifle are a great way to practice their aim and to get them familiar with the bigger “bang” of the gunpowder. 

    kids kids proper gun handling and hunter safety

    Teach children to respect the animal

    It’s also very important for me to instill a deep respect for the animal you’re hunting in my children. From a decently early age of three and four, my kids have watched me clean my game. This has not only allowed me to teach them where our meat comes from, but also that it was a once-living animal that is providing us with meat. This allows them to make the connection between the animal they saw and the meat on their dinner table. If you eat meat, it came from an animal (whether you saw it or not). It’s vital to me that they understand. 

    As an animal-loving kid, respect for the harvest was something that sank in early for me. Possibly because my mother had a strict rule; “if you kill it, you eat it.” No questions asked, no if/ands/buts. Animals are respected and the meat is not wasted. 

    Since we ended up having to eat game that would normally only be seen on the Clampetts’ table, she taught us to be mindful of what we were taking. We didn’t have the urge to fire at any random animal, just what we had set out to hunt for that morning.  This may have become the topic of good banter among my siblings and I, but in reality, it really did stick with us. I still remember when I harvested my first deer at eight years old, placing my hand on the chest of the downed doe and feeling the warmth of the animal. Without knowing why, I thanked it. A simple “thank you.”  I still do this as an adult and have passed it on to my kids. We give thanks to the animal and for its life and for the nutrition it will provide us.

    teaching kids to respect the animal - hunting with kids

    Give children your old game calls

    Allowing my kids to trot around the house blowing on a duck call or chattering a turkey box call may have been the best way to get them interested in hunting with me. They obviously didn’t have a clue what they were doing at first, but to them, it all sounded right. And that was perfect.

    Teaching them how to actually use the call instead of just using it as a trumpet came later and was far easier since they had already been trying to mimic my sound. Anytime we were out in nature on a walk, hike, or bike ride and could hear natural animal sounds, I’d stop and make them listen. Then we’d be able to go home and use the calls to mimic the sounds. Being able to use a call is a fun skill for new hunters. 

    duck hunting with kids

    Having a successful hunt

    When I take my kids on hunting with me, I leave all of my expectations at the cabin. Hunting with little kids can be hard and is usually not very successful (in the traditional sense). We may not come home with any meat. Kids are loud and squirmy and curious and ask a lot of questions. None of these things usually lead to wild animals showing up right in front of you. So, to keep yourself from getting frustrated with them or disappointed in the hunt, you may need to reframe your expectations regarding what a “successful hunt” means to you.

    To me, a successful hunt with kids is just spending time with them in the great outdoors, teaching them, preparing them. It’s about the journey, not the destination. 

    I want our hunting experiences to be theirs, not mine. So, essentially, I’m tagging along with them rather than the reverse. Mostly, because I am aware that while I have my way, style, and method of hunting, it’s not the only way and it may not be the best way. I want my young hunters to start figuring out what works and does not work for them. They have to figure things out. The less managing and direction from me at this point, the more their minds are thinking, connecting the dots, and problem-solving.  

    This is how I approach introducing my kids to any of my interests. I let them make it theirs, too. I think giving them their own interests is the best thing I can do for them.

    Set their expectations

    With all the variables that come with the many types of hunting, planning is key. I think it’s really important to set my kids’ expectations before the hunt so they know exactly what to expect and what will happen. First-time hunters may be really disappointed to learn that it’s not as quick or easy as it might seem. Talking to them about our plans as we pack and get prepared is all part of the adventure. I like to mentally prepare them for withstanding the cold temperatures. I remind them that they’ll need to be very patient and quiet and still. We discuss our plan for what to do if we see an animal and what we’ll do after the animal is harvested.

    Along with the many conversations leading up to the day of our hunt, I like to have a little pre-hunt huddle with my kid(s) before heading out to the duck blind or deer stand for a hunt. We go over our plan and our hunting strategy. We talk about the animal we’re hunting, where they live, how to call or hunt them, what they eat, what they look like, how to spot them, etc. Questions are asked, input is provided, suggestions are considered. It’s a group effort and they’re highly involved.

    Let them have fun

    Normally, I get wrapped up in the details of my hunts. I love the details, from scent-blockers, to fancy calls, to the perfect camouflage pattern on my clothing. But, when I hunt with my kids, this stuff tends to slide a little. I mean normally, I refuse to carry any snacks or liquids with me, let alone goldfish crackers and apple juice! Afraid of any excess noise, smell, rustling, or whatever else. But if my kids want to bring them along, then so be it. As long as they enjoy their hunt, that’s what’s important. Because if they hate it and never want to go with me again, I’ve ruined the experience. I don’t want that to happen. 

    Kids have to be allowed to have fun on the hunt, or they won’t want to go back. Be prepared for this. Let them bring along some things to keep them entertained and occupied in the downtime (and there will be a lot of downtime). Crayons and paper, books, cards, action figures, dolls, fidget toys…maybe even (dare I say) an electronic device or video games. If they’re bored with that, ask them leading questions (what would be your dream vacation?) or play games (would your rather). Or you could always look around at your surroundings and take in the nature around you (count the trees, listen to how many different birds you can hear, etc.). 

    Enjoy the moments

    Sincerely, my most fruitful hunts have been the ones with my kids. Listening to their imaginations run wild while discussing what sounds are coming from the woods is my absolute favorite. Or watching their eyes light up when a deer walks into our field. At the end of the day, all of us parents are just grabbing at these moments to connect and converse with our children before they grow up. Just trying to know who they truly are and living in complete awe that we get the privilege of raising these amazing people. These are the important things in life.

    Sometimes though, deeper than the conversations is the silence. Hunting provides moments of complete quiet, where you can sit with each other and just be present. You can hear nature all around. It’s magic. 

    Make sure they’re ready

    With little kids, they came along with me on the hunt, but they didn’t ever do the actual “hunting” or shooting. They observed. As kids get older, they can become more involved and even do some of the actual hunting. But they need to be ready, physically (strong enough to hold the gun properly and has practiced/trained), mentally (follow all proper hunter safety), and emotionally (they have the emotional capacity to be ok taking the life of an animal). It might take years of just tagging along on hunts before a kid is ready to do the real work of hunting. And that’s ok. Take your time. 

    And even if your child was fully prepared and ready for the hunt, they may still have conflicting emotions about taking the life of an animal afterward. Acknowledge their feelings. Let them know it’s ok to be sad. Don’t shame them or ignore their feelings. Use it as a teaching moment for empathy and continue the conversation through conservation and how the animal will nourish. 

    The joy of the hunt

    If you get a chance to take your kid on an evening hunt, stick around afterward for the encore. Whenever you have packed your firearms or bows away, take a few minutes to just sit back and watch the ducks pour in over your blind as they come in to roost for the evening, or the coveys of quail fluttering in the sunset. This will be a memory your children carry with them forever and will most certainly gain you a lifelong hunting partner. Because hunting is just nearly as much about the stories and the moments, as it is the harvest. 

    About the author

    Jared Ryan is a husband to a talented and beautiful wife, Kristen also a father of two fun-loving and adventurous kiddos. He enjoys leading family adventures to both near and far destinations. Whether it is hiking, camping, climbing, bike riding, or playing in the backyard, he loves it all. He instills in his family the importance of nature and all the benefits it can bring to one’s life. Jared is a GIS analyst by trade, so he is naturally drawn to creating maps and all things trail-related, whether it is creating new trails, recording family hikes, or teaching his kids land navigation, he loves to tie in his own work with family adventures.

    You can find Jared online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @bikeshikesbiners
    RWMC posts: 
    Beginner’s Guide to Mountain Biking with Kids
    Winter Car Camping
    Roosevelt Walks 
    Trail Building with Kids

    Image credits: @kristcx and @sara_mccarty

  • FALL, GOOD FOR NATURE, HIKE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SPRING, SUMMER, WINTER

    How to Have Adventure Days with Kids

    Connecting with our children isn’t always easy. Finding the time for special adventure outings can be even more of a challenge. Life is busy and, as we all know, life with children is even busier. But, what if we told you that elaborate adventures aren’t necessary? Getting outside with your kids doesn’t have to be a challenge. You just need some simple ideas and an adventurous mindset! Today, Angie Mahlke, photographer and Minnesota mom of three, shares all about how to begin and plan simple, connection-building adventure days with kids. Get ready to turn your simple outings into big adventures! 

    how to adventure with kids

    Adventure days with kids

    When I became a professional stay-at-home-mom over a decade ago, I didn’t realize the job position really translated to Chief Entertainment Coordinator. We’ve all heard the dreaded “I’m bored” whine enough times to evoke a Pavlovian response to the statement. Over the years I’ve created tricks out of necessity to survive the long days. One of them is to take a seemingly mundane activity and wrap it up in a pretty package presented as an Adventure Day. Today, I am going to share this mom hack with you to get you outside adventuring with your children.

    adventuring with kids

    How our adventure days started

    What sprouted out of COVID restrictions turned into a new beloved tradition. Because things were canceled or changed to accommodate safety concerns, my daughter and I found ourselves bored at home. A lot. There was no more storytime at the library or mommy and me classes at the school. No more dressing up in leotards and tutus for dance class. No museums to explore, shopping trips, or indoor activities. 

    What we did have was the great outdoors. 

    We decided to embrace it. I started by making a comprehensive list on my phone of all the free or relatively inexpensive outdoor things to do in our area. Some were big, some were small. Some were locations and others were activities. I included places nearby and a few that were a bit farther out. Lots and lots of opens.

    I decided we would cycle through them to entertain ourselves. Each day that we needed an activity, we’d pick one from the list. I called them Adventure Days. 

    (I also instituted Adventure Days this summer when all my children were home from school. Summer days have the potential to feel long and tedious without new and fun things to explore.)

    hiking with kids

    Creating adventure days with kids

    The activities themselves are rarely anything overly special or glamorous. But by simply giving it a special title of “Adventure Days,” the outing suddenly seems more exciting. My kids may not get all that excited about going on a hike. But, tell them we’re going on a grand ADVENTURE and they’re all in! 

    Plus, the label is also a cue to me that I should be fully present. On Adventure Days, I put the phone away. Work gets paused. They get my attention. I truly exist in the moment with my children, which means more to them than I ever expected. 

    If I had to wager a bet, I’d say the Adventure Days with my kids became more special because of the undivided attention that was given to them, not so much the activity we are doing together. Kids crave attention from their parents and being fully present for our adventures made them ten times as special for all of us. 

    catching frogsexploring dandelion field

    Simple and intentional activities

    So what do these outings look like? Simple. They look simple.

    We often think our adventures must be grand affairs. I know I’m guilty of this. An outing doesn’t have to be EPIC to be an adventure. It is something I’ve had to train my brain to relearn. We worry our children will be bored unless it’s expensive and extensive. But that’s so not true. I promise.

    Small things can make a big impact. Especially when they’re done with love and intention. The whole “less is more” mindset is accurate when planning daily or weekly activities with your children. A lot of it lies in the presentation and the delivery.

    If you’re attentive and enjoying the experience, your child will follow your lead. (Did you hear that…YOU have to be having fun.) I know it’s a taller order than that. We’re busy and distracted as we juggle all the things. I’m right there with you.

    I can say, though, I am grateful for those few hours during our Adventure Days when I sign off and truly tune into the present moment. It takes some practice. Give yourself grace for the times you’re distracted. Children innately know how to have fun. Adults need to relearn it sometimes.

    blowing dandelion wishespicking dandelion bouquet

    Adventure day activities

    Here are some simple ideas to illustrate the simplicity and connection building of Adventure Days with kids:

    • Bike rides into town to buy a treat at the gas station and play at the nearby playground.
    • Throwing rocks into the river.
    • Filling a bucket with nature treasures (rocks, leaves, flowers, pinecones, etc.).
    • Hiking a new trail.
    • Exploring a new park or playground and creating a park tour guidebook together.
    • Riding bikes or walking to a dinner or lunch date.
    • Enjoying warm tea or hot chocolate and a book while on a hike.
    • Taking the dog to the dog park.
    • Ice cream dates.
    • Picking wildflowers.
    • Finding a tree to climb. 

    picking wildflowersscooter rides on bike pathsplashing in puddlesriding scooter

    Low maintenance, low-cost activities mean a lot

    Your adventures don’t have to cost a lot of money (or any money), don’t need a lot of planning, and don’t require any fancy gear. Some of our favorite Adventure Days are the ones that came up naturally when I said YES to adventure and exploration.

    An Adventure Day that sticks out in my mind is a scooter ride along a Mississippi bike path one spring day. We discovered puddles along the way and stopped often for my daughter to splash with her new rain boots. She also befriended many dogs that day. 

    The outing cost zero dollars. The bike path was close to home. It was convenient and free and simple. But, it was so much fun! It just took both of us saying yes to adventure and making the time to get outside. 

    exploring nature

    How to have successful adventure days

    Your Adventure Days will be more successful if you typically keep them small and simple. They’re easier to manage and less stressful. This often means staying close to home and choosing free activities.

    It’s important to keep realistic expectations. Oftentimes we are disappointed when plans don’t go as anticipated. We all know children are infamous for throwing wrenches in plans. Keep an open mind and be ready to veer when necessary.

    A lot of factors can determine the day’s outcome: weather, moods, temperaments, hunger, health, etc. Prepare for as many scenarios as possible to keep the day on track. Here are a couple of ideas that may help your Adventure Day be successful:

    • Bring snacks. Lots and lots of snacks.
    • Wear appropriate clothing.
    • Dressing in layers is always a good idea.
    • Bring extra clothing if your activity is messy or maybe always have spare clothing since children enjoy full sensory exploration.
    • Plan the outing for a time of day where your children are ready to play versus when they’re hungry and tired.
    • Put your phone down/away. 
    • Say yes to things you maybe usually don’t say yet to on Adventure Days (e.g. puddle jumping, getting dirty, ice cream, etc.).

    winter walk with dogwinter hike

    How to prepare for adventure

    Another tip I’ve learned over the years is to prep as much as you can the night before. Set out clothes. Pack up snacks. Get water bottles ready. Also, don’t forget to talk to your children about your plans. I find things run smoother when my kids know what to expect. Then remind them again in the car or on the walk to your destination.

    Most importantly: let it be fun!

    This seems so simple, yet it’s the hardest one for me. When the whining and bickering set in, an alarm in my brain automatically blares at me to jump ship. We can’t control every scenario in every situation. Kids are hard-wired to react to unpleasantries (hunger, irritability, bugs, weather, etc.). Sometimes all it takes is a moment to hit the hypothetical reset button to reframe the activity in a way that everyone can enjoy.

    And sometimes things will go wrong. You’ll get lost, you’ll forget something, you’ll get somewhere only to find it closed. Don’t worry about it! Sometimes, those misadventures are the ones that make the best stories and memories! Try to turn it into a positive experience and you’ll be laughing about it for years! 

    fall corn maze

    When to spice things up

    I’ve been preaching simple, but some days can be grand! Throw in a more elaborate one from time to time. Mixing in some extraordinary with the ordinary can spice it up every so often.

    Travel a little further from home once a month, once a season, or however often you feel is manageable. Research nearby cities for free or cheap things to do. Explore new parks, find nature centers, check out orchards or new hikes.

    We give these Adventure Days a special title of Field Trip. They are typically educational in nature, so the title is appropriate.

    The small zoo near us is a favorite. It’s an hour away (but, as a bonus, it’s free!). The drive adds a level of anticipation that makes it feel bigger than it truly is.

    Occasionally, changing your scenery is key. A playground 45 minutes away is more exciting than the playground two blocks from your house that you frequent regularly. The hiking trail you visit sporadically is bound to entertain your children longer than the one you walk often. A new (to them) creek may provide hours of entertainment as they explore. 

    exploring wooded area

    How to get started with adventure days

    Now that you’ve heard the benefits of Adventure Days, how can you get started?

    • Create a running list of possible things to do in your area. Continue to jot ideas down as you discover or think of them. Make sure there’s a little bit of something for everyone and a wide variety of big and small, near and far. 
    • Scour your area for things to do near you. Facebook community groups are a great resource. Your local library may have programs or information on area activities. Don’t discount word of mouth. Ask other families where they like to adventure. 
    • Explore. Sometimes you wander upon hidden gems, like trails or creeks or a neighborhood playground you never knew existed. When you’re driving, take note of “brown signs” in your area, which usually denote unique hidden-gem destinations. 

    building snowmanpicking tulips

    Incorporating the seasons

    It’s also fun to incorporate the seasons into your Adventure Days. Find a hiking trail or park that has obvious seasonal changes. Make it a point to return to that spot season-after-season and note the differences each time you visit. How have things changed? Every outing is an opportunity for learning.

    You can also use the seasons to brainstorm ideas. Each season has its own built-in activities. Find an epic sledding hill in the winter. Go berry picking in the spring. Discover a small town festival in the summer. Visit a pumpkin patch in the fall. 

    fall leaf fight

    Creating multiple activities from one

    Want in on a little secret? You can stretch one activity into multiple ones. Want to find out how? Here are a few examples.

    Go on a leaf hunt in the fall to find as many different colors and kinds of leaves as you can. You can collect the leaves to use for other purposes later, like a leaf crown or a leaf collage. One of our favorites is to make leaf monsters by gluing leaves onto a piece of paper, adding googly eyes, and drawing arms and legs. This is a great way to turn one activity into several.

    Another example of creating multiple activities from one is with rocks. One day go on an adventure to find unique rocks. Then another day you can set up a painting station on your driveway and decorate them however you want. Create rock animals or transform them into pretty flowers—you name it! Then yet another day, set out in your neighborhood to hide the rocks for others to discover.

    Hit up a farm or orchard to pick fruit, veggies, or wildflowers. Once you’re home, turn the fruits and veggies into tasty treats together. Or make little bouquets, corsages, or bookmarks with the flowers. 

    Can you think of any other activities that can be multiplied into more fun for later?

    adventuring in wooded area

    Adventure Day ideas

    If you’re stuck thinking of Adventure Day ideas, I created a list to get you started. I have them organized by categories: your simple, everyday ones; seasonal; and the grander affairs I like to call Field Trips.

    Simple

    • Skipping rocks
    • Scavenger hunt
    • Nature bingo
    • Neighborhood bike ride
    • Parking lot scooter races
    • Homemade obstacle courses
    • Hiking trails
    • Stick fort building
    • Rock hunting
    • Floor is lava at random locations
    • Kite flying
    • Informal sports games (tennis, soccer, basketball, baseball, etc)
    • Dog park
    • New playgrounds

    Seasonal

    Field trips

    • State park
    • Nature center
    • Zoo
    • Farmer’s markets
    • Museum
    • Botanical garden
    • Golfing (mini golf, disc golf)
    • County fair
    • Festivals

    Don’t forget to include your children while brainstorming. Sometimes they come up with the best ideas! Now get outside and start adventuring with your children!

    rocking throwing in river

    Who do you think will enjoy the Adventure Days more, you or your children?

    Angie Mahlke

    About the author

    Angie is a wife and stay-at-home-mom of three wild hyenas. She resides in rural Minnesota, where there are more cows and cornfields than people. She is an introvert with a creative itch that needs to be scratched, whether it is photographing her children in their daily lives or coming up with fun ways to explore nature in their backyard. Messy hair, dirty faces, mismatched clothing, wild and free children—all these things fuel her creativity and the desire to preserve these fleeting moments. Angie and her family can be found camping, biking, and sitting around a campfire during the summer months and sledding and ice fishing in a million layers during the winter.

    You can find Angie online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @angie_mahlke
    RWMC posts: Angie Mahlke

  • FALL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER

    Backyard Family Outdoor Movie Night with Kids

    Spending time with our families isn’t always easy, especially once we get busy with school, work, and extracurricular activities. Making time, even just once a week, to fully connect with each other as a family unit is important. One way to do this is with a family movie night. Spending time together watching a movie strengthens family bonds. Today, Zenovia Stephens, founder of Black Kids Adventures, Inc. and Alabama mom of three, shares all about making memories with a backyard family outdoor movie night with kids.

    Family Movie Night Ideas

    The thrill of a movie night outdoors

    Movie nights are one of the most memorable family activities of childhood. Choosing what to watch and which snacks to eat are always fun, whether you’re watching a movie in the living room or at the theater. But a change of scenery can take movie night to the next level and make it even better! Outdoor movie night is special and so much fun for everyone. Today, I will share tips on adding a little more sparkle to family movie night and creating everlasting memories right from your backyard.

    Family movie nights are essential for families

    Family movie nights are about so much more than watching a movie. After a long week of work and school, family movie night is the perfect opportunity to unwind and bond as a unit. Here are a few, not so obvious, benefits of sitting down to watch a movie as a family:

    • It gives kids a chance to help plan something. Movie night is an excellent place for kids to take charge and plan the movie, snacks, and make sure everything needed is on hand.
    • It gives everyone something to look forward to. Pushing through work and school can be hard on all of us. Knowing every Friday is family movie night can be the sweet spot that helps everyone get to the end of the week.
    • The movie gives everyone something to talk about together. During the hustle and bustle of the week, our children do things without us. Family movie nights enable us all to have at least one thing in common we can talk about each week.
    • Everyone can enjoy this time together. When you have kids of different ages, it gets harder to find things suited for everyone. Family movie night is a place for everyone to come together despite age gaps.
    • Depending on the movie, it can help reinforce positive values and behaviors. Take Disney’s new film Luca for example. It helped my boys see how important it is to speak positive thoughts over their lives. 
    • Spending time together reduces sibling rivalry. Often children experience disconnect during the week, especially when schedules are busy. This disconnect can also cause your children to act out and most often this results in bickering siblings. Spending time doing the same activity together, helps decrease this disconnect, builds familial bonds, and reduces sibling rivalry.

    Now, take movie night outside into the backyard, and you get a supercharged event with even more benefits!

    movie snack baskets Solo Stove

    Why take movie night to the backyard?

    Remember being a kid and getting excited about your parents stopping for a happy meal? Sure, they could’ve cooked a cheeseburger and fries at home, but the magic in your eyes was from the cute box, fun toy, and having everything packaged just for you. It added an element of excitement to an ordinary cheeseburger meal. 

    Backyard movie nights do the same thing! It adds a new and exciting element to ordinary family movie nights. It’s a movie packaged in an outdoor adventure! You also get the bonus of more time outside in the fresh air, which is always a good thing. Studies show that increased time outdoors helps reduce stress and anxiety and promotes creativity and feel-good hormones (endorphins). 

    movie night treats

    Backyard movie night supplies

    • One heavy-duty frosted shower curtain 
    • One heavy-duty white shower curtain
    • Large clips, duct tape, or pavers
    • Projector (Don’t have one? See below for DIY movie night projectors)
    • Extension cord
    • HDMI or AV adaptor 
    • Table 
    • Snack baskets 
    • Popcorn buckets
    • Snacks
    • Drinks 
    • Blankets or lawn furniture
    • Firepit

    DIY movie night projector

    If you have a projector already, go ahead and skip this section. If you don’t have a projector, don’t worry! You can still hold a backyard family movie night! Do you have a cell phone? If so, you can make this simple projector described at Point Clicker. All you need is the supplied listed below and a little time to throw it together.

    • Cell phone
    • Shoebox (or box of similar size)
    • Magnifying glass
    • Glue
    • Black Paint

    This is DIY projector is simple to make and only takes a few minutes. It is a great option for those who don’t have access to a project and want to create a backyard movie night memories with their families. 

    NOTE: If you don’t have a projector, check with your local library. Many libraries have them available to check out. 

    diy projector screen

    DIY projector screen setup

    Start by choosing the best viewing location in your yard and setting up your “screen.” If you have a projector screen, feel free to skip over the DIY screen portion below. 

    Once you have your location, gather your curtains and smooth them out as best as you can. You will then hang the frosted curtain in the back and the white curtain on the top to create your very own DIY projector screen. We hang ours on a retaining wall in our yard and use pavers to hold the screen down. If you’re hanging from a fence, consider heavy-duty clips or heavy-duty duct tape. 

    You could also project your movie onto a large white wall (maybe the side of your house) or a garage door. 

    DIY Movie Screen

    Outdoor theater setup

    Once your screen is ready, consider adding a canopy tent over the screen. While not necessary for a backyard movie night, adding a canopy tent over the screen will help create a cozy theater feeling. It also blocks light from the sky, allowing you to begin the movie a little before dark. This is great when you have little ones that can’t stay up late enough for it to be completely dark.

    Place your table in the middle of the screen and set up the projector according to the included instructions. Ensure you have the correct connectors if you plan to stream a movie from your phone, tablet, or computer. We made the mistake of not checking when we first purchased our projector and ended up having to move indoors after the kids were outside and ready. Plan ahead and read the instructions in advance! 

    Also, if your projector doesn’t have built-in speakers, you may need to set up a speaker as well. You can use a portable Bluetooth speaker or whatever you have on hand. 

    Backyard movie setup

    Backyard outdoor movie night seating

    When we do outdoor movie night, we tend to mix seating up every time to keep things exciting and interesting. Sometimes we spread out blankets; sometimes, we use lawn chairs. We’ve also done it camp style and set up tents! Consider bean bags or sleeping bags. I’ve even seen some families have the kids turn empty cardboard boxes into cars and then create a “drive in” movie night feel!

    It’s a family preference, but switching up something as simple as seating can be used to add in another element of fun and surprise. You can leave the kids in charge of deciding which setup to use at each backyard movie night. 

    movie night set up with tent

    Family movie night snacks

    Have fun here and let the kids indulge some. Here are some ideas to get you started.

    • Dollar store snack trip. I take my boys to the dollar store and let them pick whatever movie treat they want. For this day, nothing matters. All of our healthy, balanced eating goes out the door. They’re free to choose whatever they want; the only catch is it’s limited to one thing.
    • Create a snack box. To make it memorable, we package a treat and popcorn in individual baskets along with a drink. It makes the kids feel like they’re at the movies, and it makes cleaning up easy.
    • Make it dinner and a movie. Depending on the day, sometimes we have dinner along with the movie. It can range from pizza to sandwiches to roasting hot dogs over the fire. As long as it’s easy to make and carry, it works well for backyard movie night. 
    • Roast marshmallows. If you have a fire pit in your yard, it might be fun to pause the movie and take a break for a marshmallow treat. 
    • Have a snack tray ready. If popcorn and candy are getting old (can that even happen?), you can mix it up by making a snack tray. Throw some cheese, crackers, veggies, and fruit on a tray and set it out for when the post-dinner movie munchies hit.

    at home movie snack ideas

    Backyard outdoor movie night in Fall and early Winter

    If your kids are like mine, they’ll love watching movies in the backyard and will be hard-pressed to come back indoors for movie nights. Outdoor movie nights aren’t just for summer months. Depending on your weather (and how adventurous your family is), you could do outdoor movie night year-round! As temperatures drop, be sure to add extra layers of warmth to keep your kids toasty. You can also add blankets (even heated blankets). 

    While we’re known to light a fire in all seasons, a fire pit comes in super handy for extending the backyard movie night season. Our Solo Stove gives off some of the best heat ever and is smokeless, so we don’t all smell like a campfire when we go back inside. It does a great job of keeping us warm while we’re enjoying backyard movies.

    solo stove smokeless fire

    Prepare young kids to last the night 

    Backyard outdoor movie night is a ton of fun, but it can be more challenging for littles to stay up after dark. If you have young kids, prioritize nap or rest time on movie nights. That way your little one will be well-rested and in a much better mood. It can make a big difference in how the experience goes for your family. You can also have a quiet activity at the ready for your younger children, especially if they tend to lose interest in movies before they are over. 

    Family movie night success

    How does your family enjoy movie night? 

    About the author

    Zenovia is a self-proclaimed outdoor enthusiast, freelance travel and adventure blogger, wife, and mom to three young boys (ages 8, 5  & 2). Originally from Chicago, Zenovia and her family live in Huntsville, Alabama, and spend many of their days exploring and learning about the area. She is the Founder and CEO of Black Kids Adventures, Inc, a non-profit organization that focuses on getting Black and Brown families to spend time together exploring and enjoying nature. Zenovia is a Visit North Alabama Ambassador, 2021 Land Trust of North Alabama Board Member, YMCA Board Member, WildKind Ambassador and a monthly contributor for We are Huntsville and Huntsville’s CVB. You can follow along with her mom and family adventures and find inspiration for your own family adventures at Black Adventure Crew.

    You can find Zenovia online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @blackadventurecrew
    Facebook: @blackadventurecrew
    Website: Black Kids Adventures

  • FALL, GOOD FOR NATURE, HIKE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PARK, SPRING, SUMMER, WINTER

    The Roosevelt Walk

    Hiking with kids is always an adventure. But, is it a challenge? Can taking a hike teach your children problem-solving skills, creativity, ingenuity, and grit? Have you ever purposely taken a hike to get off the beaten path in order to encounter obstacles? That’s just what today’s post is all about! Jared Ryan, Oklahoma dad of two is here sharing his family’s experience with Roosevelt walks. Inspired by President Teddy Roosevelt, a Roosevelt walk is an intentional hike where, when confronted with an obstacle, you must go over, under, or through it…never around. These walks can be quite an adventure and lead to teaching kids skills and values in new and creative ways. 

    Hiking with Kids - The Roosevelt Walk

    A new spin on traditional hiking

    Have you ever found yourself looking for ways to boost your kids’ enthusiasm for hikes? One of our family’s favorite activities, regardless of the season, is to go venture out onto a hike. Our kiddos always love it. They have tramped hundreds of miles and have worn through countless pairs of little Merrells. From hardpacked clay, tough granite rocks, or supple loam, they’ve hiked it all. Needless to say, sometimes my wife and I are tasked with trying to change things up on them in order to make sure they still experience that wonderful feeling of adventure when we step off the concrete and into the wild. Our favorite way to spruce up the average hike is by doing what we have dubbed as the ‘Roosevelt Walk’. 

    Teaching kids how to overcome obstacles when hiking - Roosevelt Walks

    The inspiration behind the hike

    The 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt is known for his deep love of nature and his establishment of our National Parks system. But, he is quite possibly equally know for his relentless pursuit to maintain a ‘strenuous life’. So much of a pursuit, in fact, that within his first year of presidency, reporters associated ‘strenuous’ with his name over 10,000 times. Yeah, for real.

    When Teddy wasn’t rustling cattle in the North Dakota Badlands, leading expeditions through the Amazon, or lecturing lawmakers in Washington, D.C., he was leading his six children on walks around Sagamore Hill. (Six!) In true T.R. fashion, Roosevelt had one primary rule for the hikes though:

    When faced with an obstacle in their way, the family could only pass it by going: over, under, or through it… Never around it.

    Roosevelt Walks: Hiking with Kids -Get off the beaten path

    What is a Roosevelt walk?

    And so we started taking what we called “Roosevelt walks” – hikes where we could go over, under, or through our obstacles. When we hiked, nothing would stand in our way… or maybe it did, but we’d have to find a way over, under, or through it. Our kiddos (and my wife and I) quickly learned that these Roosevelt walks are, well, amazing. I mean, distance no longer matters, and the terrain hardly matters. In fact, the further away from a smooth, well-worn path, the better. I feel that I should also let you know that these short, adventurous hikes are often far more tiring and grueling than a longer stroll on your average trail. After all, you aren’t taking the easiest route.

    Where can you Roosevelt walk? 

    Roosevelt walks can be done nearly anywhere. But, if you find yourself squirming a little at the thought of leaving a marked trail, no worries I do too sometimes. We have actually found ourselves doing our Roosevelt walks both on and off of trails. A lot of trail networks offer the same geodiversity on them as anywhere off of them. So if this is the case for you, your preplanning may have just gotten a lot easier. When the terrain surrounding the blazed trail is calling for you, there can be a whole new world (cue Aladdin theme song) opened up in even your most familiar parks and trails just by stepping off the beaten path and working through unfamiliar obstacles.

    *Certain trails and parks do require that you stay on the trail, so make sure and check the trailhead or park office for guidance. 

    A new spin on hiking with kids - how to overcome obstacles and teach grit (Roosevelt Walks)

    Why you (and your kids) will love it

    To me, the dad, there is a never-ending search for ways to show my children how to navigate life. How to problem solve, how to persevere and overcome. To keep myself from inhibiting this process I simply:

    • Allow my little teddys to come up with their own strategies
    • Refrain from mitigating the difficulty of the situation
    • Follow along with their lead and let them be in charge of the situation

    Feel free to add additional wrenches to your hike as well. When we are exploring on our family land, I like to reach a point where the kids are not quite sure where we are and then allow them to navigate us back to the cabin. This has taught them new navigation skills along with building their confidence in making decisions. When coupled with our Roosevelt walk, these <1mi hikes can take several hours, but my kids have never complained. Sometimes they get lost on the way, and that is fine, but usually, they’re lost in their thoughts on the task at hand. And that’s perfect.

    It’s absolutely satisfying to me watching them ascend a vertical rock wall that is tip-toe height for them or weave their way through the branches of a felled tree. It’s almost like their confidence is visible and you’re watching grow in real-time.

    For parents: these obstacles usually bring the same feeling of accomplishment and a boost to our confidence. We all know how quickly and easily we all get so caught up in our infinite emails and our daily Teams meetings and that no matter how hard we resist the mundane. We start to lose that internal feeling of overcoming something, of perseverance, of strenuousness. So, when you have overcome that blocker on the trail or when you’ve faced your fear of what’s new and unknown, you also get to feel a little proud, just like your littles. Plus, you will most undoubtedly use muscle groups that you may not have used since the last time you played tag on the grade school playground. 

    Working through the barriers as a family always builds our team closer. Because we’ve overcome something together and we collaborated on it. Although, honestly, I usually let the kiddos give their input and I often just go along with their strategy. In my mind, it’ll either work, or it won’t. Either way, they’ve learned something new. 

    Keeping it safe

    To be real, there are definitely times that we do come across obstacles that could put us into real danger. Not just thorn briar danger, but proper emergency room danger. This just is NOT what these hikes are about. When we’ve stumbled into a situation like this I simply explain it to the kids. The purpose of the hike and why it’s okay that we’re rerouting. I mean seriously, my son is far too willing to try and hurl his 4’0″ frame across an 8ft gap. So, I do have to reign them in.

    To this point on dangerous situations, my wife and I try to plan ahead in order to find locations that will allow us to safely roam and ramble with consideration of the type of terrain and the time of year. When venturing out, we always have an idea of where we’re going, what we are getting into, and a sense of the severity of any situation.

    Where we live, in the central United States, we know the following truths:

    • There is a venomous snake in every brush pile during the summertime (at least in our heads).
    • Loamy woods are much more forgiving after a rain than the slick sandstone bluffs.
    • Creeks that are dry in February are deep and flowing in April.
    • Poison oak leaves look a heck of a lot like normal oak leaves.
    • In July, whatever water you brought isn’t enough.

    Regardless of how intense or how chill your family’s version of the Roosevelt walk is, make it your own. Roosevelt walks are such an easy way to bring some fun and excitement to your short hikes.

    Keep your eyes on stars and your feet on the ground” – Theodore Roosevelt

    Have you ever heard of a Roosevelt walk?
    Are you ready to give them a try?

    About the author

    Jared is a husband to a talented and beautiful wife, Kristen, and a father of two fun-loving and adventurous kiddos. He enjoys leading family adventures to both near and far destinations. Whether it is hiking, camping, climbing, bike riding, or playing in the backyard, he loves it all. He instills in his family the importance of nature and all the benefits it can bring to one’s life. Jared is a GIS analyst by trade, so he is naturally drawn to creating maps and all things trail related, whether it is creating new trails, recording family hikes, or teaching his kids land navigation, he loves to tie in his own work with family adventures.

    You can find Jared online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @bikeshikesbiners
    RWMC posts: Jared Ryan

  • FALL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, RECIPES

    Family Traditions: Making Open-Fire Apple Butter with Kids

    If this past year has taught us anything, it’s that family matters more than ever before and we should not take the time we spend together for granted. We’ve also learned that sometimes it’s nice to slow things down and it’s even nicer to do that outside, surrounded by those you love. Today, our Creative Team member and Ohio homeschooling mom of four, Leslie Alvis, shares her family’s tradition of making old-fashioned homemade open-fire apple butter. This is a time-honored tradition that’s been passed down generations, from great-grandparents to the grandkids. It’s a beautiful story of slowing things down, getting everyone involved, and spending quality time together. Grab a cup of tea and enjoy this one!

    Apple Butter

    Good old-fashioned traditions

    The skills of past generations were often passed along verbally and through hands-on experience. Children learned the wisdom of their parents and grandparents as they worked alongside them. Sometimes we call the ways of past generations “old fashioned” because they didn’t have the modern conveniences we use today. But often the slower ways tied people closer to each other and the rhythms of the earth. This fall our family had the opportunity to experience this firsthand as my husband’s grandparents taught us a new skill in an old-fashioned way: making apple butter over an open fire.

    Apple Butter

    Apple butter tradition

    Years ago, my husband’s grandparents would get together with a group of friends every fall to make apple butter. They peeled the apples by hand—five bushels of them. Then, they gathered together for a full day of cooking, stirring, and canning the delicious results. Several years back, Nanny and Grandpa acquired their own equipment and began teaching their grandchildren the tradition of open-fire apple butter making.

    It’s been a few years since anyone organized the event and we all missed it. So, this fall we decided to make it happen. We wanted our children to enjoy this experience, spend time with their great-grandparents, and make these memories together. With practical wisdom, special traditions, and a lot of laughter, they taught us their way of making apple butter.

    Making Apple Butterstirring apple butter

    Old-fashioned apple butter

    Making apple butter over an open fire is a slow process. Even if you precook your apples to soften them, it still takes lots of hours of stirring and cooking. Peeling bushels and bushels of apples takes a lot of time, too! We spent most of a Friday and Saturday on our apple butter project. But, an important part of the experience is the gift of spending time with friends and family, working and visiting together. We had four generations involved with our apple butter making this year.

    Peeling ApplesApples for apple butter

    In my mind, this is the heritage of doing things “the old-fashioned way.” It’s slowing down and spending time with your people, learning from each other, and helping each other. Plus, there really is something about the taste of food cooked long and slow over an open fire. No other apple butter tastes quite the same.

    Making Apple Butter

    Kids helping make apple butter

    Even though making apple butter involves a lot of sharp knives, hot fire, and boiling liquids, our children found plenty of ways to be involved. Even the little ones used apple peelers (with careful supervision) and helped us with the peeling process. Our bigger kids helped stir the apple butter. All of them helped add the cinnamon candies and cinnamon oil into the apple butter as it cooked. Our son is always ready to build and feed a fire, and our oldest daughter also joined the canning assembly line. We found ways to get them all involved.

    Making Apple ButterKids making apple butter

    All four of our kids were all outside with us all day, playing and helping and eating. One of their cousins was able to join us, and they also played in the woods and played board games near the fire. They especially loved getting to spend time with their great-grandparents, since Covid has limited our family activities this year. The time together was a gift, and I think the pandemic has reminded us of just how precious that gift is.

    Making Apple Butter

    Peeling the apples

    The process of making apple butter begins with peeling the apples the day before. We bought several bushels of “seconds” apples from an local Amish orchard. Nanny taught me to get several different varieties of apples to give our apple butter the best flavor. Several family members came over and helped us peel apples all afternoon. I found my children out peeling apples while I made supper, and they filled a half a bucket of apples by themselves. Then my sister-in-law and I picked up our paring knives again that evening and peeled until late into the night.

    Peeling apples

    The apples can sit in covered pans or buckets in a cool place overnight. Nanny assured me that it wouldn’t harm the apple butter if they browned a little. A few of us took some apples home to pre-cook before putting the apples in the big copper kettle. This cuts down significantly on cooking and stirring time over the open fire. We worked off an old photocopied recipe with Nanny’s handwritten notes and instructions on it. She thinks perhaps this recipe is for a 30-gallon kettle, and we only had a 20 gallon one. We modified the ingredients based on the amount of apples we could fit into the kettle.

    Apple Butter recipe

    Weather challenges

    Although the weather was beautiful and warm the day we peeled our apples, a stormy cold front blew in overnight. Saturday morning dawned gray, raw, and blustery. We tried to set up our cooking fire in our backyard and found that the wind made our project impossible. We had the apples all peeled–people invited–cinnamon rolls ready to eat. Somehow we had to save our apple butter making day.

    My husband and I walked across the road and down the farm lane to a small clearing at the edge of my dad’s pine woods. It was a little farther from our house, but the trees gave us just enough protection to start a fire and spend the day in relative shelter from the wind. We were still chilly, but it was bearable. We built a second fire to heat water over for hot chocolate and cooked soup over it for lunch.

    Making Apple Butter

    Apple butter equipment

    A copper kettle is essential for open fire apple butter making because it conducts heat so evenly and helps keep the apple butter from scorching. You can buy a copper kettle new, if you have several hundred dollars for it. They’re a pretty major investment. If you’re really interested in making apple butter this way, I’d recommend watching farm auctions or antique stores. Or go in together with some friends and begin your own apple butter tradition together!

    Stirring apple butter

    Fire it up

    We had a hard time getting the fire the right temperature at first. Too much flame and the apple butter will bubble right out of the pot. When it’s really bubbling, you also need to watch out for it popping out. It can burn if you stand too close!

    The apple butter has to be stirred constantly with a long-handled paddle with holes drilled through it. Nanny and Grandpa bought theirs at Lehman’s Hardware, a local store that has made it big by specializing in old-fashioned equipment. You can find one online at http://www.lehmans.com. Again, buying one new is pretty expensive. If you know someone with rudimentary woodworking skills, you could probably get them to make you one for a fraction of the price.

    Making Apple ButterApple butter

    Apple butter traditions

    One of Grandpa’s traditions is for the children to toss a couple silver dollars into the kettle to help keep the butter from sticking to the bottom of the pan. (Nanny says they use two because only rich people can afford to throw more money than that into a pot.) After putting in the silver dollars, our kids raced off to get their own pennies to add to the kettle. At the end of the day they had some shiny clean copper pennies to remember the day by. They washed off Grandpa’s silver dollars and he slid them back in his pocket for next time.

    Making apple butterapple butter pennies

    After all the apples had cooked down and the mixture was smooth, we got to experience another one of Nanny and Grandpa’s unique apple butter traditions. Their recipe calls for cinnamon red hot candies to be stirred in for color and flavor. So the kids munched on candies while tossing them into the pot by the handful. I think that may have been their favorite part. (Also, I spared myself the angst of running from store to store, trying to find red hot candies at this time of year. I ordered these off Amazon.)

    candies for apple buttermaking apple butter

    Finishing the apple butter

    After the cinnamon candies comes the sugar. 15 lbs of it! (That’s about 1 lb per gallon of finished apple butter, so that’s not quite as alarming as it sounds!). We stirred it in gradually, then cooked it for a couple more hours.

    The girls and my husband took turns stirring, and we drank coffee and hot chocolate while we waited. We also set up a sawhorse table for the finishing assembly line. When the apple butter is finished, it will appear “set up” when you dab a bit onto a glass dish and turn it from side to side. No water runs out from the edges and it holds its shape. At that point, you add cinnamon oil and stir for another half hour while preparing to can it.

    cooking apple butter

    Canning apple butter

    Hot apple butter can be canned with the cold pack (or hot seal) method. We set up our assembly line and Nanny assigned us all our jobs before we moved the kettle off the fire. Then, as fast as we could, we ladled our apple butter into clean canning jars. One person ladled and the next wiped the rims. Another person pulled canning lids out of hot water and set them on top, and the last one screwed the rings on. I moved the hot jars off the table to keep the workspace open. You have to work quickly to can the mixture while it’s still hot. The apple butter will create a vacuum and seal itself in the jars as it cools. 

    canning apple butter

    Cleaning the kettle with biscuits

    It was at this point, as we began filling jars, that I realized I had totally forgotten about another important tradition. Nanny had told me we needed to have hot biscuits ready to eat as soon as the canning was done. Hot biscuits are how we would clean out the copper kettle. I raced across the road to our home and whipped up the fastest batch of biscuits I’d ever made! Then, I set a timer on my phone and ran back to join the assembly line again while the biscuits baked.

    apple butter jar
    apple butter on biscuits

    Thankfully, the timing worked out. There was a tray of hot biscuits waiting when we were ready to scrape the last bit of apple butter out of the kettle. Everyone spooned apple butter onto their biscuits and we got to enjoy the fruits of all our labor. The kids broke off pieces of biscuit and wiped the kettle clean. It was a perfect way to end a long day of work on a chilly fall day. We all enjoyed the experience, the apple butter, and the memories we made together.

    apple butter kettleapple butter on biscuits

    Passing down the traditions

    Thank you for letting me share this experience of passing down our family’s tradition of making old-fashioned apple butter with you. The process and time spent together are so special to us and our family. I hope our apple butter days are a memory my children never forget and may even want to create with their grandchildren someday. Does your family have any special traditions or recipes they’ve passed down generations? 

    What old fashioned skills or traditions
    have you learned from someone special to you?

    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. You can 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
    RWMC posts: Leslie Alvis

  • CRAFTS, FALL, HIKE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Five Simple Autumn Nature Adventures

    Getting kids outside this fall is more important than ever. As we continue to navigate unprecedented times and deal with stress and anxiety, kids (and parents) desperately need fresh air, sunshine and Vitamin N (nature!). However, we also know that parents are maxed out in terms of what they can plan, research and execute. That’s why we’re here! We want to help busy and exhausted parents come up with fun and EASY ways to get outside with your kids. Today, Katie Fox, a full-time RV-traveling mom of 2, is here sharing five really simple autumn nature adventures that you can do with your kids with little to no planning! These ideas are easy to implement, fun for kids of all ages, adaptable for wherever you live and many can even be done in your neighborhood or backyard. 

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

    Finding the fun in fall

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

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

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

    Five simple autumn nature adventures

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

    Rainbow hike with kids - collect rainbow colored nature items

    1. Rainbow hike

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

    Preparation:

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

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

    Hike implementation ideas:

    Once you get out the door, the fun really begins. Try one or more of these ideas to make your rainbow hike super successful!

    • Just start searching for all the colors and try to find all seven!
    • Go in rainbow color order! This will add a little extra challenge, especially for those children already very familiar with their colors.
    • If you are bringing a printed worksheet for your children to use on the hike, bring one for each child. Each child having their own printed worksheet will likely avoid some sibling bickering (trust me, I know).
    • If you want to keep your findings, bring some tape (to tape them to your paper) or a small bag to collect them.

    How to do a rainbow hike with kidsspiderweb hunt with kids

    2. Spiderweb hunt

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

    Preparation:

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

    Hike implementation ideas:

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

    How to nature journal your spiderweb findings

    autumn leaf hike for kids - easy outdoor fall activities for kids

    3. Autumn leaf hike

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

    Preparation:

    I cannot stress this one enough, this can be as simple as you want it to be! There is zero need to prep for a leaf hike! But, if your children are anything like mine, you may want to consider the following:

    • Bring and bag or basket to carry the many colorful leaves your children fall in love with.
    • Collect any art supplies you may want to use with your autumn leaves for art projects.

    Hike implementation ideas:

    As you meander through your neighborhood, local park or down your favorite trail, keep these ideas in the back of your brain. You may want to try them (or you may not), there is no right way to do an autumn leaf hike. 

    • Simply enjoy the view of the leaves. Maybe point out the colors and stop to examine the colorful leaves you find. 
    • Try to match the leaves on the ground with the tree they fell from. Identify the type of tree and what color(s) that tree’s leaves turn. 
    • Collect a variety of leaves to display in your nature display in your home. (you can dip them in beeswax to preserve the color longer)
    • Let your children lay down and make autumn leaf angels in the leaves.
    • Rake the leaves into a pile and jump into them!
    • Toss a handful of leaves in the air and enjoy their faces as the leaves fall down around them. Let them follow suit.
    • Use the collected leaves to make a variety of art pieces. Create fall leaf crowns, make leaf rubbings, construct these adorable leaf wreaths from the Artful Parent, create these neat leaf lanterns, or use them to create a multimedia abstract art piece.

    leaf crown for kids - easy autumn nature activities for kids

    Leaf manadala nature art with kids

    leaf painting and art ideas for kids - simple nature activities for kids

    4. Costume hike

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

    Preparation:

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

    Hike implementation ideas:

    As with the rest of these ideas, this one can be as simple as you want it to be. There is no need to add anything else into the mix. Just dress up and go for a walk around your neighborhood. But, if you want to add to the adventure, consider some of these ideas for fun costume hike day adventures.

    • Have a costume tea party. Pack some snacks, a book to read aloud, some tea, and a blanket. After your costume hike through your neighborhood or favorite trail, find the perfect spot in your backyard (or near the end of your trail hike) to enjoy some tea and a story together.
    • Create a simple DIY nature-inspired costume for your autumn nature adventures. For added fun see if you and your children can find the nature creatures they are dressed up as while on your hike.
    • Dress up with your kids and make the whole hike extra special! Even just a silly hat or a mask goes a long way.

    Costume hike and tea party

    Costume hike for kids - easy fun fall outdoor activities for kids

    fall outdoor costume hike with kids

    how to make a fall hike fun for kids - let them wear costumes!

    5. Trash pick-up hike

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

    Preparation:

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

    Hike implementation ideas:

    Grab a couple of plastic bags, or some gloves and a bucket, and head on outside to make your neighborhood or favorite park beautiful and trash-free! Here are some tips for collecting trash with children.

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

    Trash clean-up hike with kids

    Enjoy autumn easily

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

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

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

    About the author

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

    You can find more from Katie online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @familyinwanderland
    Website: http://www.familyinwanderland.com
    Facebook: @familyinwanderland
    RWMC posts: Katie Fox

  • CRAFTS, FALL, HOLIDAYS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, RECIPES

    DIY Fall Fairy Garden in a Pumpkin

    Fall is such a magical time of year! The turning leaves, the beautiful colors and the crisp cool air! It’s also a great time for nature crafts and getting outside to play! One of our favorite ways to spark imagination and creative play in our kids is through fairy gardens. Today, Megan Rigdon, Maryland photographer and mom of three is sharing tips on how to create a fall-themed fairy garden with children! She’s included materials needed, a list of fall flowers that will look beautiful in the magical fall garden, as well as a delicious roasted pumpkin seed recipe for you to make with your little ones!

    DIY fall fairy garden for kids

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

    Magical childhood memories

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

    Keeping the magic alive

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

    pumpkin clean out

    Fall themed fairy garden

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

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

    pumpkin clean out for fairy garden

    Fall friendly plants

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

    pansy - fall friendly plants for fairy garden fall plants for use in pumpkin fairy gardenplanting mum in a pumpkin

    Fairy garden accessories

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

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

    little girl holding rocks - decorating fall pumpkin fairy gardenfall-themed fairy garden nature craft for kidswhat you need for making a fairy garden

    Fall fairy garden giggles

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

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

    how to make an decorate a fall fairy garden with kidsfall fairy garden made from pumpkins

    Roasted pumpkin seed recipe

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

    Have you ever made a fall fairy garden?

    About the author

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

    You can find more from Megan in the following locations:
    Professional Instagram: @meganrigdonphotography
    Personal Instagram: @megmrigdon
    Website: meganrigdonphotography.com
    RWMC posts: Megan Rigdon

  • BIKE, FALL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SPRING, SUMMER

    How to Get Started Mountain Biking with Kids

    Mountain biking with kids is not only a great way to get outside and immersed in nature, but the benefits go above and beyond. Mountain biking is great for kids’ physical and mental health, improves their coordination and balance, and helps instill confidence. Today, we have Creative Team member Jared Ryan, Oklahoma dad of 2 and avid cyclist, here to give us a primer on how to get started mountain biking with kids. He’s covering all the bases, from how to choose the right mountain bike, what to pack on your adventures, how to get the kids trail-ready and how to mentally and physically prepare for inevitable wrecks. Are you ready?!

    Get out, get dirty

    Let’s be honest, most of us are feeling pretty confined right now. As parents, we’re all looking for new (or any) ways to get our kids outside and soak up what’s left of this summer. This can be difficult with current social distance guidelines and park closures. However, there are options and lots of great ways to get outside away from it all. For me, it’s all about mountain biking!

    Hold up, you say. It’s a 12-hour drive to your nearest mountain range? No worries! That’s not what mountain biking is…at least not all mountain biking. 

    The mountain biking gear shed

    One thing about mountain biking is that you can spend your annual salary on gear. But, let’s not do that… While in some cases it’s really important to buy quality gear for your kid’s safety (i.e helmets), other times, it makes more ‘cents’ to purchase more practically. Let’s lay this out a bit.

    Helmets for kids

    First off, never ride without a helmet. Yes, you, the adult. This is about the only time I get strict on my little shredders when it comes to the bike. I stress the importance of helmets ALL the time. This often means that I’m wearing my helmet when we’re cruising on the neighborhood sidewalks or pedaling around in the yard. That’s fine, because I’m modeling the behavior I want to see. Now my kids never ask if they really need to wear one. They know my answer.

    When shopping for a proper helmet I’d suggest going to your local bike shop or sporting goods store. This ensures that your helmet meets the proper helmet safety regulations in your country. It’s also helpful for getting the right fit and size for your child’s head. While buying online may be easier, it will not give you that same guarantee. 

    how to choose the right mountain bike for kids

    How to choose a mountain bike for kids

    Oh man, the bike. This is where it gets fun. I get just as excited when my kids get a new bike as I do when I get my own… Well, maybe not quite, but almost. Depending on your budget, you can spend $100 or $1200+ on your kid’s bike. Each end of the cost spectrum has its validity. Bike shops are a great place to go for all the insight and wisdom that you seek. They’re always ready and willing to nerd out on bike topics and answer your questions. They can absolutely square your kid away on the proper bike and gear with no effort from you. This is the quick and easy way to get kitted up.

    If the bike shop route isn’t what you’re looking for, online distributors or even second-hand bikes are both great options. It’ll require a little more homework for you and you’ll forfeit that lifetime maintenance program that so many shops offer, but both of these options can allow you to get that upper-level bike for a lot less cost.

    When doing your research, ask yourself, “does this bike make sense for our trails?”. Most entry-level “mountain bikes” out there for kids are actually too heavy for the trails and have inoperable front suspension due to the rider being too light to compress it. They look the part, but when put to the trails they’re too rigid to absorb any rocks and too clunky to be pedaled up any hill. This will NOT do you any favors when introducing your kiddo to the trails.

    Suspension and gears

    Having made the mistake of buying my daughter’s bike with front suspension and narrower (1.75in) tires, I actually prefer my son’s bike. It has no suspension. Instead, a wider (2.6in) tire gives him the plush feel that a proper suspension fork would. As a bonus, not having suspension on the front also cuts down dramatically on the bike’s weight. Mountain bikes for kids with an air suspension fork (like the Woom OFF AIR recommended below), give you the best of both good suspension and lightweight. 

    A range of gears is an absolute must for the trails. Bikes with six to seven gears on the back and one gear up front are the most common for kids’ bikes and will work perfectly for most trails. You may see bikes with two or even three gears on the front, but this is not usually necessary and can add more confusion for your young rider learning to shift gears on the fly.

    Mountain bike tires for kids

    When choosing tires for your child’s mountain bike, you want a relatively wide (2.25in-2.6in) tire with a knobby tread (think of a dirt bike tire). This will not only help with the dirt/mud, but it will grip better in turns and provide more traction and confidence on the downhill sections. Confidence is key. When you’re airing the tires, you don’t need to max out the psi for the tire. Putting in about 5psi less than the tire’s max press rating can go a long way in providing your little rider with more traction on the trail. 

    Best mountain bike for kids

    Woom OFF AIR

    Woom has changed the sport of mountain biking for kids with their durable mountain bikes! The Woom OFF AIR bike delivers off-road performance in a lightweight package. Child-specific ergonomics bring comfort and added safety to each adventure. This bike is well equipped and capable of handling almost anything it encounters, from the bike park to gravel roads to singletrack. With its air suspension fork, the Woom OFF AIR  provides off-road capability and ergonomics designed for growing bodies and developing skills. Stable, responsive, and equipped with high-performance components and tubeless-compatible rims and tires, it provides best-in-class value in its category. 

    how to go mountain biking with kids

    How to dress kids for mountain biking

    In the hot summer months, it’s relatively easy to figure out proper attire for the season. When riding in the cooler fall and spring months, I start my kids with a base layer of cooler clothing and then add layers according to the weather. It’s often cool or even cold at the beginning of ride, then within the first couple of miles, your body warms up pretty well. This is especially true for kids. I account for the storage of the extra layers in my pack so that there’s no reason for the kids (or I) to not shed a layer when it’s needed. Wearing too much clothing for the temperatures can be just as detrimental as wearing too little.

    Lastly, get them some riding gloves. I prefer full-fingered gloves, but I can’t say that it really matters. Proper fitting gloves will really cut down on blisters. 

    beginner's guide to mountain biking with kids

    Getting familiar with the dirt

    After your kiddo gets that nice and shiny steed, go get it dirty! Assuming your rider has mastered the bike basics, you should introduce them to the dirt by finding a local dirt or gravel path. These paths are often unpaved walking/biking trails winding through the trees. No obstacles, no undulations, just smooth packed dirt. I find that this is an organic way of getting young riders comfortable with navigating through the narrow and confined space of the trees.

    While a lot of single track trails are no more narrow than a sidewalk, the tunneling effect of the trees can be pretty intimidating to any new rider. Once they’re more comfortable on the dirt path, feel free to find little branches and rocks (smaller than 3in in diameter) to let them roll over and experiment with. They may get bucked around at first riding over these obstacles, at first. But soon they’ll gain more control and intuition over the bike. Your goal should is to get them used to the feeling of rough terrain and to trust their bike.

    If you don’t have a smooth dirt path near your home, no worries. I often take our kids to a nearby park and lead them around hopping off and rolling up curbs, racing in the grass (as it’s often uneven ground), and riding up/down short little grassy hills. All for the sake of building up their handling skills. Kids get comfortable on their bikes far quicker than their parents, so if you’re not already familiar with mountain biking, jump in and take turns doing these with your little rider.

    everything you need to know to get starting mountain biking with kids
    Leading or towing them into new obstacles can provide them more confidence before trying it themselves.

    What to pack when mountain biking with kids

    Okay, so your ‘little rider’ has now morphed into a ‘little shredder’ and they’re ready for the real deal…the Red Bull Rampage circuit. What should you bring on the trail? Some rides just require sufficient water and maybe a flat kit. But, for longer rides or for trails that I haven’t ridden before, I prefer to carry a hydration pack with our necessities in it.

    While I have my own list of carry-on items that I take for each of my own rides, my list is a bit longer when my kids are with me. There is just more that can go wrong and I don’t really expect them to carry their own packs at this point in their progression.

    In my trail pack:

    • Water – The amount is dependent on your planned ride, but usually 32oz in a hydration pack and a 20oz bottle per person is more than enough for our 1hr rides. You’ll need to figure this for your local climate and personal needs
    • Flat Kit – I carry 1 tube per rider, 1set of tire levers, and a CO2 inflator w/one CO2 cartridge per rider. I often carry a hand pump too just in case we have a rough day.  
    • Bike Tool – It never fails that a seat is too high or a derailleur is not adjusted. There are a lot of options out there to fit you budget/needs. I’ve been really pleased with the Crankbrothers M-17
    • Small First-Aid kit – Just a simple a kit with antibiotic creme, alcohol wipes, and bandages.
    • Snacks – Um well, yeah kids and dads love snacks.

    For after the ride I keep in my vehicle:

    • Wet wipes – Quick easy way to wipe of the trail dirt and sweat.
    • Lint roller – After the wet wipes are used, I find a lint roller to be a great way to get rid of ticks before they attach
    • More Water
    • Zevia – Because the kids definitely earned them!

    what to pack when mountain biking with kids

    Hitting the trail

    At the start of your ride, review and even take a picture of the map at the trailhead to make sure that you know which trails are designated as “Easy” or “Beginner.” I recommend sticking to easy trails at first so that you can keep the rides short and simple. This allows your young rider to decide their own rate of progression. Roll out on these rides with ZERO expectations.

    So often on the drive to the trails, my kids are so excited!  They tell me all the jumps they’re going to “send.” All about how fast they plan to ride. I love it. However, that’s not always the case once we’re on the trail. Fatigue sets in and suddenly, without warning, they’re mentally and physically wiped. Or even (dare I say it) bored! That’s fine, it happens. If you set your expectations low, it’s easier to roll with whatever comes your way and to improvise on the ride. I’ll often let them hang out and session a trail feature. Or, sometimes, this means taking a LOT of breaks. But regardless, since I don’t have any particular goal for the ride, I’m able to fully embrace the outcome…even if that means we’re hitting the bypass trail back to the parking lot.

    When they’re just not feeling it that day and want to head back early, I don’t force the ride. I want this to be a fun experience. I’m completely aware that some days they’re just not that into it. That’s fine, we’re not training for world titles…yet.

    I’ve also found that with both of my kids, when they’re up front and leading the group, they tend to ride a little more confidently and are far more engaged in the ride. This is natural since the lead rider is forced to choose the correct lines and has to be alert for any obstacles. If you notice a kid falling behind, maybe give them the chance to lead for a while. 

    how to prepare kids for mountain biking
    Let your kids lead – this will help them pick better lines and navigate terrain on their own, making them more well-rounded riders.

    Prepare for wrecks

    Be ready…wrecks are going to happen. Yes, they are GOING to happen. No biggie. Most mountain bike wrecks do not result in serious injury, but they can definitely hurt. Ironically, the first step to overcoming the fear of wrecking for any new rider is to wreck! Honestly. Once they get that first fall on their Pro Mountain Biker resumé, young riders nearly always conclude that it’s not really that bad. Or even that it was worth it. 

    My little shredders wreck A LOT. In a positive way. Usually, they wreck because they’re pushing their abilities or conquering a trail feature that has continued to best them. And I’m good with that! Once I’ve verified that my kid is okay, I usually become the hype man. For us it’s something like “Whoa! You alive, dude? That was incredible! Your bike did three flips off that rock!” Or “Dang girl! You good? You’ve gotta hit that one again!”

    Sometimes the pain is real though and we make our way back to the trailhead. Usually, we talk through how the wreck played out and figure out what happened. Was it a bad line choice? Did they have too much or too little speed? We try to learn from the crashes so that next time they aren’t beat by the same feature.

    mountain biking with kids

    The biggest perk

    Mountain biking is SO incredibly rewarding for kids. They learn new skills with balance and coordination. Reach new levels of fitness and health. They will be exhausted, and dirty, and happy. They’ll face obstacles that previously made them tremble, and then they will conquer that obstacle! For us parents, we get to watch this unfold and have a front-row seat to their growth. We can sit on a rocky overlook while taking one of those frequent breaks and soak it up with our little shredders. To me, this is the biggest perk of mountain biking. Now get out there, go ride your bike.

    About the author

    Jared is a husband to a talented and beautiful wife, Kristen also a father of two fun-loving and adventurous kiddos. He enjoys leading family adventures to both near and far destinations. Whether it is hiking, camping, climbing, bike riding, or playing in the backyard, he loves it all. He instills in his family the importance of nature and all the benefits it can bring to one’s life. Jared is a GIS analyst by trade, so he is naturally drawn to creating maps and all things trail related, whether it is creating new trails, recording family hikes or teaching his kids land navigation, he loves to tie in his own work with family adventures.

    You can find Jared online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @bikeshikesbiners

  • CRAFTS, FALL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    How to Make an Autumn Leaf Lantern

    If you’re looking for an easy fall craft to make with kids, you’ve come to the right place! Today, the amazingly crafty mama and teacher Jemma, of Thimble & Twig, is here to show you how to make an autumn leaf lantern with your kids. These autumn leaf lanterns are a fun and easy nature craft to make with kids of any age. They look fantastic on a window sill or as part of a fall decor display. You can even take them with you to light your way on a night hike in the woods! Kids love collecting the leaves and the gluey, messiness of it sticking it all together. They also love taking their own little lantern on a trip outside or hanging it in their garden to light their way at night.

    Fall leaf lantern

    DIY autumn leaf lanterns

    Making an autumn leaf lantern is a relatively easy project to make with kids (particularly older kids). In addition, these lanterns use real leaves found in nature, in your backyard, local park or found on a walk. So not only to do inspire creativity, they encourage kids to get outside and explore! There are a few complicated steps to make these autumn leaf lanterns (plus, the tissue paper is very delicate), so adult assistance is probably required. But, they’re guaranteed to keep little kids busy and excited to use their lantern for night-time exploring!

    autumn leaf lantern

    Leaf collecting with little ones

    The first step in making a leaf lantern is to collect the leaves. Take your little ones on a walk around the neighborhood when the leaves are looking pretty and colorful. Give them each a paper bag to fill with leaves they like. To mix it up, you could assign each kid different color, size or specific tree to collect leaves from. This will help ensure you get a variety of colors, sizes and styles.

    Prep your leaves

    Once you’ve collected all the pretty leaves, you’ll need to get them prepped for crafting. In addition, leaves need to be dry and flat. Lay a couple paper towels on the kitchen table and spread the leaves out on them to dry for a little while (a few hours or a few days). The glue won’t stick if the leaves are wet, so make sure they’re completely dry. If you have some large wrinkly leaves, try flattening them under some heavy books to make them easier to glue!

    fall leaf mobile

    Supplies for making autumn leaf lanterns

    You will need the following supplies to make your leaf lantern. All of these supplies can be found at your local craft store or online.

    • Bamboo circular frame (or you could use a wooden craft or embroidery hoop)
    • White or cream tissue paper
    • Glue or Mod-Podge (the best is the type of glue that is clear when it dries)
    • String
    • Battery operated tea lights
    • Autumn leaves

    fall leaf mobile

    Autumn leaf lantern instructions

    STEP ONE:

    Take your hoop/frame and cut two pieces of string long enough to stretch from one side of the hoop to the other (plus a little extra for tying). Tie the ends of the strings to the hoop to make a cross (X) shape and secure the knots with masking tape. This is the handle of your lantern.

    STEP TWO:

    Take 3 large sheets of tissue paper lay them out flat. Carefully glue your autumn leaves onto one side of the tissue paper. Be very careful, as the tissue paper is very delicate. It will feel strange, but be sure to put the glue on the side of the leaf that is the most colorful. This ensures that the pretty colors shine through the tissue paper. Remember to leave some white tissue paper showing so your light will shine through. Allow the tissue paper to completely dry for at least an hour.

    STEP THREE:

    When your leaf covered tissue paper is fully dry, carefully glue the seams of the tissue paper together so that you have a circular lantern.

    Seams of Autumn Leaf Mobile

    STEP FOUR:

    Cover the rim of the circular frame with glue. Lay the hoop/frame on its side and and carefully line the rim of the from with the white tissue paper, leaving an inch or two at the top. Glue the top of the tissue paper onto the frame, leaving the sides and bottom hanging open. Fold the top down over the hoop, all the way around.

    STEP FIVE:

    Cut the bottom of the tissue paper to the size required and fold it onto itself a few times. Add a layer of glue so that the paper overlaps, creating a bottom to close your lantern. Be sure to fold it several times in order to make a strong base.

    STEP SIX:

    Cut a small piece of cardboard into a circular shape which will be used to line/support the bottom of your lantern. Carefully use a little bit of sticky tape and stick 2-3 battery operated tea lights to the cardboard. Place the piece of cardboard gently into the bottom of the lantern with the tea lights secured to it.

    lantern leaf

    Go on a lantern-lit night hike

    Why not use your autumn leaf lantern to go on a night hike? Kids love adventuring out in the dark when they’re usually inside. It’s so exciting to visit even a familiar place in the dark! Darkness transforms the natural world into a different place. And by helping children to discover the mysteries of the night they might come to enjoy the dark and not be fearful of it. Take your leaf lantern with you on a nighttime walk in the woods. Or venture out to a grassy place to have a sit down and do some star spotting! To really appreciate the stars or the moon on a clear night, go out to an open space with as little man-made light as possible, bring a star constellation chart and see which ones you can spot!

    Fall leaf lantern made from tissue paper and leaves

    * Please note that these lanterns are made from a very light tissue paper and therefore you should NEVER use use real candle tealights with them because it could start a fire. Try not to leave your battery lights on for too long so they do not overheat.Fall leaf lantern - glowing at night

    Additional nature-inspired crafts for kids

    If you are interested in crafts, we’ve got lots more ideas for fun nature-inspired crafts to make with your kids! So try some of these easy ideas from my website, Thimble & Twig and here on Run Wild My Child.

    • Hapa Zome – Flower Printing – Hapa zome is the Japanese term for beating (or tapping really) leaves or flowers with hammers, pounding their natural pigment into cloth.
    • Making Journey Sticks – Incorporate elements of your hikes, adventures and outings into beautiful physical storytelling devices.
    • DIY Moth Wings – These can be made from materials you probably already have in your craft closet and yard. While the moth wings are a perfect project for fall, this tutorial can also be changed and adapted for any season based on what’s available in your location.
    • Woodland Crafts for Kids – There are lots of fun woodland crafts for kids to make from the brimming baskets of treasures that they will inevitably find and collect. This post contains three simple leaf crafts for kids.

    About the author

    I’m Jemma and I live in London, England with my husband and 4 kids. My all-time favorite thing to do is take photos and capture memories of my family. I’m on a mission to ensure parenthood doesn’t rush by so quickly by creating mini family outdoor adventures and hopefully some big adventures too one day! I’m a mum to four and an English teacher to many; my passion for storytelling, adventures and nature crafts is packaged up into my blog http://www.thimbleandtwig.com. You can also find me on Instagram at @thimbleandtwig.

  • FALL, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    How to Have a Screen-Free School Week

    In our fast-paced world, it can be challenging to set screens aside and engage full-on with the things and the people right in front of us. Kids are bombarded with a plethora of fun games, shows, videos and apps designed to suck them in and keep them in front of a screen. As parents, we know that screen time can be detrimental to kids and we’d all like to be better about getting our kids off screens. Today, we have Ginny Yurich, founder of the 1000 Hours Outside challenge, here to encourage us to take a week (or two or three) this school-year and designate them as screen-free weeks! Ginny’s sharing some tips and advice on why it’s so important for kids (and families) to take an intentional screen-free school week and how to do it properly.

    Tips & Advice for Parents on How to Have A Screen-Free School Week for Kids

    Borrow a Waldorf lesson

    When I was growing up there seemed to be two main options for school: public or private. These days the list is much longer. In addition to public or private, you can choose charter schools or forest schools, Waldorf or Montessori, homeschooling or worldschooling, just to name a few!  Though some of these options have been around for a while, the diverse approach to education today is prominent.

    Of the options above, many Waldorf schools have an interesting philosophy that really appeals to me. It is common practice for parents of Waldorf students to sign a contract agreeing that students will not have screen time from Sunday evening through Thursday evening. No screens all week, every week the kids are in school. I know what you’re thinking. . . “What’s a child to do after a strenuous day of school work? What about those witching hours when nerves are frayed and dinner needs to be prepared? Aren’t screens a good choice for decompressing?” 

    how to plan a week without screens for kids

    The importance of screen-free time

    What we have found in our home is the more screen-usage we allow, the more enslaved we become to it. While some screen time can be seen as “educational,” too much of it may have a negative effect on a child’s development and overall well-being. An excess amount of screen time can affect sleep, increase the risk of childhood obesity, lead to poor eyesight and physical coordination, and problems with behavior or attention.

    Kids need time off of screens to develop the skills that will serve them in life. They need physical activity and face-to-face social and emotional connections. They need time to explore their environment and discover new interests. There is great freedom in taking an intentional screen-free school week because it gives children the opportunity to re-engage with their surroundings and most importantly, their own inner resources. 

    The Importance of Screen-Free Time for Kids & Benefits of Unstructured Play

    How to have a scree-free school week

    Childhood is when humans soak in the mystery and wonder of life. Kids need time off screens, just to be kids. As parents, we know that living completely screen-free lives is not always practical or desired. However, we can make small changes here and there to give our kids a digital detox from screens and give them back an important part of childhood. Make the choice to shut off the devices for a mere seven days and watch your kids thrive! Observe their creativity and thoroughly enjoy the moments where you can all be present together.

    This time of year is incredibly busy. It can be easy to fall into the trap of using screens as a way to entertain and occupy kids. But it’s also a great time to take an intentional break and reset your screen habits. You’ve made it through the back-to-school transition. It’s not time to capitalize on family time together at the end of the day. Make the commitment to take a digital detox. Here are some tips on how to have a screen-free school week.

    Plan a screen-free week for your kids

    1. Know the importance of unstructured play

    When we are tired and busy, it can be easy to forget the value of unstructured play. This is an easy time to hand your kids a screen or turn on the TV. However, unstructured play could benefit them so much more. Unstructured play benefits every phase of the development. While you’ve probably heard this before, knowing how crucial unstructured play is for your kids will better equip you to say NO to screen time when you’re exhausted or need a break. 

    What is unstructured play?

    It’s a type of play where children engage in open-ended play that has no specific learning objective. Unlike “structured” play, unstructured play is not instructor-led. Parents do not give directions. Unstructured play is often referred to as simply “letting kids be kids” or “just play.” Sounds easy enough, right? But why is it so important? 

    • Unstructured play benefits kids academically. Play helps their brain connections become quicker and stronger. If you include some outside nature play, children will naturally be drawn to complex movements that will contribute to brain growth. Additionally, kids learn so much through hands-on experiences. Knowledge flies to the mind of a child who can hold and observe something in his or her own hands!
    • Unstructured play builds social skills. Invite a friend over for the afternoon and observe the conversations, compromises, and creativity. Kids are naturally motivated to keep playing and so they utilize extensive social skills to maintain whatever play scheme they have invented.
    • Unstructured play develops emotional support. Children work through significant life issues through play. Taking kids outside helps calm them through the gentle sensory integration of nature. Flashing screens actually stimulate the flight or fight response. After a long day of standardized tests, adult-directed activity, and social pressure, it’s so important for kids to have some moments of true calmness.

    Screen Free School Week Tips & Ideas - Playing Outside After School

    2. Prepare some alternative activities

    If your child is in the habit of having screen time after school, spend a few days breaking that habit. Until they can come up with their own ideas, consider offering some different options to choose from during your screen-free school week. Screen time is often the result of boredom or lack of creativity in coming up with something to do. It’s the quick and easy choice, but not the best one. So having an arsenal of options and activities at the ready makes it much easier for you to say NO to screens by giving kids ideas and choices of what they can do instead.

    The activities we utilize the most are ones that are open-ended and lead to lots of fun unstructured play. Things like mud kitchens, mad libs, paper dolls, magnet toys, play dough, jump ropes, tangrams, string games, felting, puppets, stamps and stencils, origami, baskets for nature-collecting, or finger-knitting are some of the screen-free pastimes our kids enjoy. Set up a slackline in the backyard or a tent for the kids to play in. Give them some sidewalk chalk and have them create a masterpiece. Give them a shovel or a net and go on a minibeast hunt. Have them build something with blocks, sticks or whatever they can find. Or task them with writing and acting out their own play or favorite storybook. Let them get creative! 

    Tips & Advice for Having an Intentional Screen-Free School Week

    3. Be ready to say…

    “It’s okay to be bored.” Boredom truly is a gift. It is the bridge between nothing and creativity. When properly encouraged, bored kids can come up with some ingenious ideas for things to do! We know that it can be incredibly annoying and irritating to listen to the complaints of bored kids that have absolutely NOTHING to do except play on screens. Being prepared for this is half the battle and will help you stick to your guns about staying off of screens.

    I’ve found the best way to deal with the whining is to have a short and sweet comeback. I’ll choose my response and repeat it over and over again like a broken record. Besides, “It’s okay to be bored.” I sometimes use “That’s okay. I know you’ll figure it out.” And finally, when all else fails and my patience has been tested, my response of last resort is “Great! I have some chores that need to be done!”  That response works every time! The kids scatter and find something to do! 

    Engaging Screen Free Play - How to Have a Screen Free School Week

    All things in moderation

    Children thrive when they are given ample time and space to play both inside and outside. Since much of their day is already accounted for (school, sports, extra-curriculars, etc.), kids greatly benefit from screen-free time. It is very possible that someday our kids may ask us why we didn’t limit their screen time even more. Screens are not evil. Technology provides amazing benefits. However, for children the passive time spent using screened devices takes away precious childhood time that could be devoted to other worthwhile pursuits. So as parents and caregivers, we need to protect the afternoons, evenings and weekends, giving our children hands-on experiences that will profit them in the near future, but also for a lifetime. 

    Lifelong Benefits of Screen Free Play

    Do you find it hard to build screen-free time into the school year?
    What are some of your favorite screen-free pastimes?

    About the Author

    Ginny is a Michigan homeschooling mother of five and the founder of 1000 Hours Outside. She is a thought-leader in the world of nature-based play and its benefits for children. Her 1000 Hours Outside Challenge spans the globe and many people from all walks of life look to her for inspiration as well as practical tips on how to put down the screens and get outside. Ginny has a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Michigan and is also a children’s book author and illustrator. Her book, The Little Farmhouse in West Virginia was published in February 2019.

    You can find more from Ginny in the following locations:
    Website: http://www.1000HoursOutside.com
    Instagram: @1000hoursoutside
    Facebook: @1000hoursoutside

  • FALL, INFORMATION, OUTDOORS INSIDE, RECIPES

    Five Easy Fall Treats to Make With Kids from the Orchard or Patch

    Chances are, when you envision fall, your thoughts not only include changing colors and cooler temperatures, but incorporate the smells and taste of pumpkins, apples, and spices. Fall brings with it bountiful harvests and some of the most delectable foods of the year. Today, we have California mom of two and cookie-maker extraordinaire, Desirée Macke here sharing 5 easy and fun fall treats to make with your kids from ingredients you pick yourself at your local pumpkin patch or apple orchard. So, get yourself to a patch, orchard or farmer’s market soon and whip up some delish fall-inspired treats with your kids!

    Apple Pumpkin Recipes with Kids

    Fall in the kitchen

    For me, being outside and being in the kitchen are two of the most therapeutic places. In one place you can quite literally get lost amongst the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. In the other, you have ingredients to marry, creating an entirely different set of delights to saturate the senses. This time of year is one of the best times to blend those two worlds, all while including the kids.

    By now you may have had the fortune to visit an apple orchard or pumpkin patch. If you’re like my family, you can’t walk away from either without a few bushels of the literal fruits of your labor. And, after a few days of your kitchen overflowing with said goods, you’re at a loss as to just what to do with all your fruit.

    That’s where we come in! We’ve compiled a list of five fun, easy, delicious, apple/pumpkin kid-friendly treats that you can make together as a family.

    But first…

    Do a little prep before you get started

    Before everyone is corraled into the kitchen, do just a little legwork at the front end to make the process as smooth as possible for everyone.

    Select a few recipes you think you and your family would enjoy. Read through said recipes to make sure you 1) have all the necessary ingredients 2) it’s not too difficult that the kids (and you) will get frustrated. Pull out your ingredients, measuring cups/spoons, mixers, bowls, baking sheets, etc. and have them ready to go so you’re not wasting precious time. We all know how short our kids’ attention spans can be.

    apple pumpkin recipe prep

    Get the kids in the kitchen

    More often than not, when cooking or baking, I like to go at it alone. But, when it comes to making family treats, I welcome the help of my kids. They are always thrilled when I tell them we’re going to bake together. With some guidance and direction, I’m always amazed at how well they do. Turning a blind eye to the spilled flour, or knocked over salt, comes with the territory. Much like when we go outside to play in the rain, we expect the kids to get wet and muddy. The same concept applies here. It all cleans up in the end.

    Fall Recipe Kids Help

    Know when to fold ’em

    This probably goes without saying, but know when to let them do things themselves and know when to step in. Most kids love being able to do grown-up things (like operate a mixer or use a knife) themselves. Give them as much freedom and independence as you can, but know when to step in. Are the kids losing interest? Is there a step in the recipe that seems too advanced for them to complete? Let them experience as much of the baking process as possible, but step in when needed. You’ll save them from potential injury, serious mishaps, or a botched recipe, as well as saving your sanity.

    Apple Pumpkin Recipe Kids Help - best fall treats to make with kidsFive fall treats to make with kids

    The hardest part of this post on fall treats to make with kids was narrowing it down to just five recipes. I fell down the rabbit hole of autumn-inspired recipes – there are so many good ones! Anything with apples and cinnamon or pumpkins sounded amazing. I wanted to make them all! I decided to let the kids help me choose and they voted on three recipes to try (we bookmarked others to make later).

    Full disclosure, I steered the kids in the direction of baking more traditional fruit-filled treats. I know my kids and know that any recipe involving marshmallow teeth and chocolate chip eyes would result in those items being devoured. The sad-looking apple or pumpkin snack would be left to a fate in the rubbish pile. However, it’s safe to say, anytime the kids are allowed the hand-mixer or apple peeler, they think being in the kitchen is fun!

    Without further adieu, here are five fun, easy, and delicious fall treats to make with your kids.

    Making apple crisp with kids - Best fall treats to make with kids

    1. Apple Crisp

    This apple crisp is easy and comes together quickly, but tastes like you were in the kitchen for hours. The kids shook up our apples and did most of the ingredient dumping and dry-ingredient mixing, which is their favorite part of helping. The layers of cinnamony apples and the more than generous layer of crumble topping are positively drool-worthy. We had enough to share with neighbors, who ended up asking us for more. This is a recipe has been in my fall-recipe wheelhouse for years, and there’s no sign of stopping.

    Easy Apple Crisp

    This apple crisp comes together quickly and easily and uses ingredients you most likely already have on hand.

    This is delicious served alone, or with a scoop of ice cream.

    • 7 cups peeled, cored, sliced apples (Using a variety of apples ups the flavor.)
    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
    • 1 tsp cinnamon
    • 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
    • 1 cup oatmeal (Any oatmeal will work. I had quick oats and old-fashioned oats, so I used both.)
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 tsp baking powder
    • 1/4 tsp salt
    • 1/4 tsp baking soda
    • 2/3 cup butter (softened, but not melted.)
    1. Pre-heat oven to 350º.
    2. In the large mixing bowl or gallon-size baggie, add apples, granulated sugar, 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour, and cinnamon.
    3. Toss apples until they are evenly coated.
    4. In an even layer, add apples to 9×13 pan.
    5. In the small/medium mixing bowl, mix together brown sugar, oatmeal, 1 cup all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
    6. Cut in softened butter and mix until you have created a crumbly mixture.
    7. In an even layer, distribute crumble mixture to the top of the apples.
    8. Bake for 30 minutes.
    9. Allow to cool before serving.
     

    2. Apple Peanut Butter Teeth

    These adorable apple peanut butter teeth are one of those snacks that look so cute and beyond easy. It involves zero baking and are super fun for the kids to prepare and assemble themselves in only a minute or two. All you need to do is spread peanut butter (sun butter, cookie butter or apple butter) on one side of two slices of apple.  Arrange a line of mini marshmallows on one side of the apple and put them together to make an apple mouth filled with teeth! Easy peasy!

    This is one of those snacks my kids voted to make, but we didn’t (hence, no photo). I already know that my kids would have one-hundred percent picked out the marshmallow teeth to eat and left the rest of the goods to spoil. When I’m feeling brave enough to part with perfectly good apples we’ll make this one. That said if your kids will eat more of this snack than mine, be sure give this cute snack a try. It would be great for hungry after-school tummies.

    Easy & delicious fall treats to make with kids from the pumpkin patch or apple orchard

    3. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

    I couldn’t put this post together without including some sort of cookie. This pumpkin spin on the classic chocolate chip was so good it did not last long in my house. The kids were central in the creation of the dough, and even more vital in the role of devouring. Though these didn’t stick around long, they made for great after school snacks. It was also fun to slip into the kids’ lunchboxes as a little at-school treat. Since the last morsel has been polished off, I’ve had multiple requests for these to be made again.

    Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

    A pumpkin twist on the classic chocolate chips that will be sure to disappear quickly.

    • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 tsp baking soda
    • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
    • 1/2 tsp salt
    • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened, not melted)
    • 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
    • 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
    • 1 large egg
    • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
    • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
    1. Pre-heat oven to 375º.
    2. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
    3. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
    4. In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat pumpkin, egg, and vanilla extract until combined, then add flour mixture. Beat on low until no raw flour appears, then fold in chocolate chips.
    5. Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes.
    6. Scoop 1-inch balls onto prepared baking sheets, 2 inches apart, and bake until puffed up and golden around the edges, about 12 minutes.
    7. Once baked, transfer to a cooling rack, and allow to cool before serving.

    Prior to baking, note the dough does require refrigeration. 

    pumpkin cookies with kids - fall treats to make with kids

    4. Pumpkin Pie Parfaits

    These awesome little pumpkin pie parfaits are another easy no-bake treat! I was (and still am) itching to make these cute little pumpkin treasures with layers of pumpkin-spiced pudding, whipped topping and cookie crumbs. These are also easy enough for kids to make and you can keep them stored in little jars in the fridge for when hunger strikes. To make the pudding, combine vanilla pudding with a can of pumpkin and some traditional pumpkin pie spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and ground cloves. Next, grab some whipped cream and let the kids crush some vanilla sandwich cookies in a plastic bag (why sure, you can use a hammer!). Line up nine half-pint jars and layer the ingredients starting with the cookie crumbs, followed by pudding and whipped topping.

    As much as I wanted to make these, that little voice in my head told me the kids would eat just the whipped cream. Which would inevitably lead to me eating all of the leftovers. While that sounds glutinously glorious, my jeans will likely thank me for opting to wait on these. These parfaits can be altered in multiple ways to fit your desired taste. And, they only take about 10-minutes to make. If you can convince your kids to eat past the whipped cream, please give these a try!

    super easy apple chips recipe to make with kids

    5. Apple Chips

    Last, but certainly not the least of the fall treats to make with kids are these crisp gems – apple chips! Who knew that apple chips would be so mind-blowingly easy to make. I gave the kids the reign of our apple peeler/corer/slicer, and they thought it was even better than the hand-mixer. I swear, it’s the little things…

    This was our first go at these, and my kids ravenously attacked them. We blew through about a dozen apples in two days thanks to this snack. I discovered this is the perfect way to get the kids to eat the not-so-perfect apples, which they tend to reach past. I also found these were great for packing in school lunches. Since our last chip has disappeared the request for these has been made almost daily.

    If you only try one of our suggested recipes, I urge it to be this one!

    Easy Apple Chips

    These easy-to-make apple chips are the perfect fall snack.

    • 2 apples (thinly sliced)
    • 2 tsp granulated sugar
    • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
    1. Pre-heat oven to 200º.
    2. In the large bowl, add sliced apples, cinnamon, sugar. Close lid tightly and toss apples until they are evenly coated.
    3. Place a cooling rack or grilling rack onto a baking sheet.
    4. Lay apple slices onto the cooling rack/grilling rack so that no apples overlap.
    5. Cook for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through. (We baked ours for 3 hours for a crispier apple chip.)
    6. Bake until apples are dried out but still pliable. Apples will continue to crisp while cooling.
     

    fall treats to make with kids

    5 easy fall-inspired recipes to make with kids

    There you have it! Five super easy and insanely delicious fall treats to make with kids with goodies you bring home from the pumpkin patch or apple orchard. Let your kids have some fun in the kitchen with the fruits of their labor and create some delicious snacks. Getting them involved in the process from beginning to end not only teaches them about where food comes from, but helps them develop a skill and makes them appreciate the snacks even more.

    Have you tried any of these?
    What are your favorite fall treats to make with kids?

    Desiree Macke

    I’m Desirée; wife to Scott, mom to Marcus and Julia. I’m the domestic engineer (that’s my fancy term for stay-at-home-mom) of the family. Our family loves the outdoors. Our favorite ways to explore are hiking the coastal trails, as well as combing the tide pools for aquatic treasures. To quench our thirst for wide-open spaces beyond the hustle and bustle of our urban jungle we love to visit state and national parks, as well as conservation areas and nature preserves.

    You can find more from Desirée in the following locations:

    Instagram: @desireemacke
    Cookie business: @coolingrackconfections
    Website: Macke Monologues
    Cookie Facebook: Cooling Rack Confections
    All RWMC posts: Desirée Macke