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Getting Families Outside, One Adventure at a Time

FAVORITE GEAR

CAMP, FAVORITE GEAR, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
The Ultimate Guide to Camping with Kids
- August 12, 2021
The idea of camping overnight with kids can be overwhelming at first. While it does take planning and preparation, we are here to tell you that taking your kids on an enjoyable camping trip is very doable. All you need is a little preparation, the right gear, and a positive mindset! Today, Creative Team members, Colorado parents, and outdoor enthusiasts, Misha and Tyler, share how to relax, enjoy spending quality time with your family, and make some sweet memories camping with kids. They share everything from different types of campsites, supplies to bring, simple camping meal ideas, and so much more.

Overnight camping with kids

Hi! We are Tyler & Misha, an outdoorsy Colorado family enjoying and experiencing the outdoors with our kid. Overnight camping with your little ones in tow may sound like an expensive and stressful effort. However, it doesn’t have to be. With a little bit of courage, some preparation, and the right gear, camping with kids can be easy and enjoyable! Not only will you appreciate the time outdoors, but your kids will also be thrilled with this new outdoor adventure.

Camping is one of our family’s favorite outdoor summertime activities. Unlike most daily outdoor summer activities, camping can cool you down in the summer. This is especially true, if you venture up into the mountains, where the temperatures tend to be at least a few degrees cooler. We’ve spent a lot of time this summer camping with our little one and we’ve learned a lot about what works (and what doesn’t) along the way. We’re here to help guide you towards making a plan for your first (or next) overnight camping trip with your kids.

Camping is a learning experience

Our experience camping, especially with kids, comes with a lot of practice and trial and error. Don’t expect to get everything right the first time. And don’t be afraid to get things wrong. That’s how you learn! (And for the most part, most camping mistakes and forgotten items tend to not be as big of a deal as you might expect). Confidence in overnight camping with kids will only come after you practice, make mistakes, and find your groove. And you can’t make mistakes if you never go — so let’s go!

A fair warning though, once you start camping with kids, there’s no going back! Camping with This amazing outdoor activity will be so much more fun than you can imagine. It’ll be worth all the work. At the end of your trip, the stories and experience will pull on you and you’ll be compelled to take your kids out almost every weekend for a fun camping trip.

Benefits of camping for kids

There are so many benefits of camping under the stars and even more when you’re camping with your kids. The biggest benefit to camping is breaking the monotony of daily life. Did you know kids love change? Not only does a new activity or location change a child’s perspective, but it also stimulates their brains. Kids love challenges and doing something different from everyday routines. Introducing new activities with camping can also make the trip that much more of an adventure. They learn new things, try new things, and push their potential.

As a family, camping can also help you rediscover your bond, away from the creature comforts of home. While camping, kids learn valuable skills hands-on, responsibility and independence. It is a great time to introduce lifestyle changes and distribute responsibilities by giving simple chores for everyone to do at the campsite. Camping is not just a fun activity, but a life skill. It is a survival tactic and every kid deserves to get exposed at a young age.

There’s also no denying that kids love the outdoors and spending time in nature makes everyone feel better. Happiness doubles when they are able to be outdoors all day and night. The fresh air, sunshine, Vitamin D and lots of unstructured free time to play and explore are all great for kids.

Planning a perfect camping trip with kids

There’s no one right way to plan the perfect camping trip. Each family should evaluate what type of camping trip they’d like to experience and plan accordingly. Start by thinking about or writing down the things you want to accomplish with this family camping trip and/or things you’d ideally like to do. Once you’ve listed your target idea(s), do some research on the best location for achieving your goals and move towards the execution part of the trip.

It’s always good to have a purpose, but the goals for your trip don’t have to be lofty or aspiration. If your only goal for camping is to spend a great evening with your family in the woods around a campfire, then gear your preparation and research towards finding a wooded campsite and bringing lots of firewood and marshmallows. If you envison fishing, swimming or canoeing, look for a campsite near a stream. If you’d like your kids to be able to run around safely with a bunch of other kids and play, look for a group camping area in a park.

Choosing the right camping location

We always recommend that for your first camping trip, choose a location close to home. Maybe within your city (or close enough to drive home if you need to bail in the middle of the night). If for any reason you find you or your kids are not enjoying the camping vibe and desperately want to leave, you can easily get back to civilization or your own home easily. With kids, you never know how they react to anything they are doing the first time. Being close to home and having the option to leave at any time gives first time campers extra peace of mind. Hopefully, you won’t need to leave, but knowing you can makes the decision to try camping in the first place a lot easier.

If you’ve gone camping before and are ready to venture out a bit farher, here are few tips for choosing the right camping spot for your family:
- Check out overnight campgrounds nearby and the availability of camp spots at your local state park/national park. Pick a location that has trees or preferably a water stream.
- Look for locations that are not too remote. Camping areas should not disturb wildlife and should avoid wildlife encounters.
- Find a spot close t0 other people camping in a dispersed fashion. It’s wise to choose an area as a first-time camper with other people just in case you need help at any point. Other campers are usually more than happy to lend a helping hand.
- Do a little research about the location you choose for camping. For example, read up on the local wildlife and know whether it’s mosquito/tick season, rattlesnake season, what poisonous plants are nearby, etc., so that you can take necessary precautions beforehand (bring bug spray, warn kids of poison ivy).
- Choose a spot that caters to your hobbies. For example. if you like hiking you can camp up in mountains or a state park that has trails to explore. Or if you like boating, paddle boarding, look for a campground close to a lake or water body. It’s always fun to do activities you love along with camping.
Types of campsites and camping locations

There are so many campsite options you can choose from when it comes to taking your family camping. Weigh your needs and requirements and choose the type of campsite and set up that suits you best. Timing can play a big role in choosing camp spots; it can be time-consuming to research options and during peak camping seasons, campsites book up quickly (and sometimes way in advance). Beginner campers should opt for comfort and safety when going with kids. However, with that said, camping is a rugged activity, so don’t be afraid to get a little off the beaten path!

1. Reserved campground (paid )

If you’re a first-time camper, we’d highly recommend you to choose the option of camping at a reserved campsite.

Reserved camp spots are a hassle-free smooth option for convenient camping. For this, you will have to look into camping options at your local state parks, National Parks, lakes, BLM, etc. to book a spot. You can usually book online and get all the info on the website that you need about what ammenies are available nearby and what’s provided. These spots are usually open reservations 6 months to 1 year in advance, so you need to be way ahead to book a spot for yourself. This is not always the case, but for peak season (summer) expect to book further out.

Reserved camp spots are usually set up for you beforehand and offer you a site to pitch your tent and park your RV/camper. They often provide you with picnic tables, grill/campfire pit, trash cans, clean toilets (if you’re lucky you may find clean showers). These campgrounds may offer a good amount of shade from the trees and are usually well maintained.

2. First come first serve (paid or free)

Most US National Parks and National Forests hold a loop in the campground that is open for first-come, first-serve purposes. These are a great option for spontaneous campers. These spots are under the state authority hence they usually provide you with all basic amenities as the reserved camp spots.

Sometimes these sites have restrictions, like tent camping only, so make sure to read the fine print and weigh your options before camping here. They also usually offer a picnic table, toilets, trash cans, and some shade depending on what state you’re at. No prior booking is needed so there’s a good chance you may find a spot if you arrive earlier in the day.

3. Dispersed camping (free)

Dispersed camping is a term used for camping on land outside of a designated campground. Yes, you guessed it right, it’s camping on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land. BLM land offers you the opportunity to camp anywhere on public land. You can take your RV’s/campers/tents and camp under the stars wherever and whenever.

Sometimes there are readily used BLM campgrounds, which operate like first-come, first-serve campgrounds. They may have campfire rings and they may have toilets, but these are usually not part of the BLM camping experience.

There’s almost always no fee involved for dispersed camping because there are usually no amenities that come with it. You just have a giant chunk of land all to yourself to enjoy with your family. This is our favorite camping style and the camping style we prefer 95% of the time. You’re usually not dealing with any other campers nearby, so you don’t have to keep the kids quiet (and you won’t have rowdy campers waking you up in the middle of the night).

However, dispersed camping also calls for a lot of personal responsibility because there’s no one around to help you out if needed and no one there to question your actions. That said, you must be mindful to pick your own trash and dump it at a nearby dump when you get a chance. Always remember the Leave No Trace principles!

4. Camping on private land (paid or free)

If you’re lucky enough to know someone with private land, that’s another option for camping. Similar to dispersed camping, camping on private land means that you’ll probably have the entire area to yourself. There may not be cleared locations for a fire and/or tent, so be mindful of your surroundings and make sure you have permission to clear spaces or make a fire.

You can also pay to camp on private land. Websites like hipcamp.com are great for finding provide land to rent that’s away for others or only allows small dispersed groups. HipCamp rents tent and RV sites, as well as unique camping and glamping properties like teepees, hammock camps, cabins, etc.

Choose a style of camping that suits you best

Just like there are a variety of different campsite options, there are also a lot of different ways to set up your camp. Whether you’re tent camping, car camping, cabin camping or something in between, you’re guaranteed to have fun. Try one, try them all! Find the style of camping that best suits your family and have fun experimenting along the way. Camping with kids is all about getting outside together. The point is to connect your kids to nature and encourage them to spend time outdoors right? Any form of camping does just that!

Tent camping

A good tent can cost anywhere from $250- $1000 new. However, you can also get a tent second-hand much cheaper, or you can borrow a tent from a friend, if you are new to camping and just want to try it out. In that case, any tent that will fit your family is perfect for this adventure.

Tent camping is the cheapest most affordable option without a doubt. It’s also a lightweight option when camping with kids. Tent camping is our most preferred option because we love sleeping under the stars and feeling the earth beneath us. Also, this is the simplest style of camping. If you love the outdoors and love hiking, this will give you more opportunities to explore than any other option out there.

Please note, tent camping comes with a little more safety prep than other options. (Please refer to the Safety section above for details.)

Rooftop tent

Rooftop tent can cost anywhere from $750 (basic) to $5000. These are more expensive than regular tents and you need to make sure your vehicle can handle them. We recommend looking for used ones.

Rooftop tents are an upgraded version of plain ol’ on-the-ground tent camping. A lot of parents are opting for it due to the convenience of it being a smooth camping option, off the ground, but still under the stars. You don’t have to worry about pitching and un-pitching a tent because your rooftop tent is practically already set up (you just have to unfold it). Plus, they come with a thick mattress pad and are set on top of your car roof, so you can basically take it anywhere and anytime without paying any extra cost.

This is a fun way to camp with your kids on the go! Also, you have a lower risk of bugs and critters bothering you.

RV/camper camping

RVs and/or campers can run anywhere from $6000 and up (way way up). You can get them used (we highly recommend this) or buy a new one from a dealer. You can also rent an RV/camper before purchasing to see if this is the type of camping you and your family enjoy.

If you’re a first-time camper, unless you have a lot of money to invest on your first camping trip, this is not the most recommended option. RVs are expensive, so it makes sense to ensure you enjoy camping before you jump in and spend a lot of money. However, if you know you love camping and exploring the natural world around you, RV camping can enable you to extend your adventures, camp in dispersed campgrounds for longer periods of time, and camp in pretty much in all weather conditions very very comfortably.

While RV camping is a more glamourous way of camping (glamping got its name from somewhere), you and your family will still spend a lot more time outside and will connect with your kids more than you may have by remaining at home. Campfires, hiking, playing with nature finds, digging in the dirt, playing card games or board games on a picnic table, swimming in the nearby water, fishing, cooking over an open flame, enjoying a campground playground, and so many more outdoor adventures still happen while RV camping.

Vehicle camping

Yes, it’s a thing! And all you really need is a car (or truck, or minivan, or SUV) with room enough for all of you to lay down and a mattress pad for comfort. Vehicle camping means that you can camp even if you do not have a tent or RV. If you have a vehicle with seats that flip down, an air mattress, and some blankets, you can cruise over to the mountains for some car camping with your kids.

The most spontaneous camping trips we’ve ever done, and the most successful ones, have to be when we decided to take the road less traveled and made our way to the county roads. Try it once and thanks us later!

Be aware of the weather in your camp area

Weather plays an important role when it comes to camping. Prepare ahead of time by checking the weather forecast for the area to help you avoid forecasted rain, strong winds or storms. But also know that sometimes rain and other inclement weather can appear suddenly, without much warning.

Rain is a common thing when overnight camping in the woods. Luckily, tents usually come with a rain cover. Make sure your bring your rain fly and know how to use it. Also, be prepared with a few indoor tent activities (card games, coloring books, etc.) or rain gear (boots and rain coats), so that you can continue to enjoy your camping experience despite the surprise weather.

NOTE: Along with weather, you may want to check forest fires and flash flood warning in your area. Interstate openings/closing info to avoid waiting in long traffic and your local weather-related forecast.

Camping essentials for first-time campers

There’s a lot of gear you can take with you when you go camping. However, you don’t always need all that stuff. Your first time caping with kids means that you’ll probably significantly overpack (and that’s ok!). With a little experience, you’ll quickly realize that you don’t need much for an overnight camping trip with kids. And actually, the less stuff you have, the easier it is to get out of the house and the more creative and resourceful you (and your kids) will learn to be.

We have made a list of essential camping gear for overnight camping with kids that exclusively caters to tent camping/roof tent camping.
- Tent (with rain cover)
- Tarp
- Mattress pad/air mattress
- Mattress pump
- Sleeping bags, pillows, blankets
- Down jackets (or any cold-weather jacket)
- Rain jackets, boots
- Water containers (keep two 10 gallons)
- Water filter
- Food supplies
- Coolers/ice chests (to keep necessary food cold and fresh)
- Stove/grill
- Lighter/matches
- Dry wood (for campfire)
- Plates, utensils
- Soap
- Trash bags
- Towels
- Toilet paper (even if the campground has toilets, sometimes the bathrooms run out of TP)
- Ziplock bags
- Totes for supplies
- Lighting (headlamps, lanterns, flashlights, fairy lights)
- Music/speakers (optional)
Camping safety is important

Safety is of utmost importance when camping out in the wild, especially with kids. It is always good to be proactive and prepared. Below is a list of the most basic things you can take along with you to keep you safe and prepared for any situation.
- First aid kit
- Flashlights
- Airhorn
- Bear spray
- Bug spray/tick spray
- Sunscreen
- GPS-device
- Map of the location (internet may not work everywhere)
- Tool kit
- Rope
- Duct tape
Note: If a life-threatening emergency happens, do not fiddle around using your first aid kit, call 911 immediately. First aid kits are for minor injuries. Unless you are a skilled medical practitioner or have some kind of training related to a medical emergency, call for help!

Camping food that can save you time and energy

Usually, when camping, you can take pre-prepared meals or raw produce to cook at the campsite. If you opt for the latter, we have some quick meals that we cook at the campsite and you’d enjoy it too.
- Chicken/turkey cheese sandwiches. All you need is sliced meat from a deli, some cheese, bread, and any condiments you like. You can eat it raw or grill on your campfire. (If you have never used a cast iron skillet before this is a great time to make good use of it)
- Pasta/ mac & cheese. Kids love pasta (with tomato sauce or just butter) and mac & cheese. Both are pretty quick meal ideas or sides you can offer them.
- Soup (any kind your family loves). You can make your own or buy cans or packets from the grocery store. Heating up soup is quick and easy.
- S’mores! Do we have to explain that?
- Burgers (or hot dogs) on the campfire. Burgers are the most cooked food at our campsite. Throw some patties on a cast iron pan, cheese on top, grill some buns and you have another quick meal ready. Hot dogs can be cooked on a stick!
- Sauteed veggies, mashed potatoes, and campfire grilled chicken with toasted buns. This looks like a super fancy thanksgiving dinner kinda meal but this is a very quick and yummy meal that gives everyone their favorite item on one plate.
- Box of oatmeal – Oatmeal packets make for an easy breakfast. (Pancakes or waffles are other delicious easy to prepare options too.)
- Pack some beverages of your choice and juice for kids to cool yourselves down. Make sure you have plenty of water in addition to your other beverages.
- Coffee or tea for mornings, so you don’t run around like zombies the whole time.
- Chips and dips. Kids enjoy this snack and so do adults. It’s a great appetizer to keep everyone satiated while you learn how to cook over the campfire.
- Grab and go fruit. Apples, bananas, mandarines, and even grapes are perfect fruits to pack on camping trips. They don’t require any prep work (except washing) and are easy to store outside of an ice chest.
- Lots of snacks & protein bars. These are obviously perfect for snacking on all day, but also for when you go off on adventures away from the campsite.
You can add anything you like to this list. These are just simple food ideas we use on our camping adventures. Make sure you have good coolers so your food is fresh and ziplock bags to store leftovers.

NOTE: Do not put food anywhere close to your tent or even inside of it, as it will attract wildlife. To be safe lock the food in your car, use provided bear boxes or other campground recommended options.

Easy ways to pack your food supplies and camp gear

When camping with kids, be sure to organize your supplies and camping gear in a way that makes sense and works for your family and situation. You do not want to reach your campsite and not be able to find important things. As a parent, we already have our hands full and we do not want to leave any room for more any issues or forgotten items. Camping with kids is not hard, but it is way easier when you pack what you need and can find it easily.

Organizing camp gears

When leaving for a camping trip, make sure you have everything organized and ready to load. Separate things into categories and pack accordingly. We suggest making separate totes/crates for these separate supplies.
- Dry food & supplies
- Camp gear
- Coolers full of cold/perishable foods
- Miscellaneous
Label your totes

Once you’ve separated things into totes, label and make sure they are closed securely. One trick is to take a piece of paper, write the contents of the totes, and seal it with clear tape. This looks like a lot of work but it comes in super handy for parents. If you have older kids this is a great way to start distributing responsibility amongst them and start your trip in an organized manner. That’s right! Getting your older kids to help you organize for the camping trip, helps them build skills they can use their whole life.

Pack perishable food in a cooler

Invest in at least two good size coolers. We highly suggest having one 60-65 hard and one 40-45 Soft cooler. The hard cooler can be used to store all beverages, meat, milk, and premade food from home. The soft cooler for cheese, dips, sauces, and other quick food items you may wanna eat on the way. A bag or two of ice is gonna be good for an overnight trip, if you plan to extend the trip, dry ice is a better choice. You can always buy more ice at local grocery stores or gas stations if you are camping near a town.

Insulated coolers that keep the food cold and fresh for over 5 days are good to invest in. Also, look for bear-proof coolers, those are a game-changer.

Organize baby/toddler or kid items in a separate box

Basic everyday essentials for your baby/toddler should be easily accessible. Do not forget to bring extra diapers, wipes, itch/rash creams, or their favorite toys. Keeping it separate will keep your children from digging through other important supplies (where they shouldn’t reach). Kids tend to dig into stuff and during camping trips because items that are usually inaccessible are stored in different locations. They can find lighters, matchsticks, or certain items they shouldn’t play with or be close to.

Explore, pitch, and enjoy your night

When you arrive at your destination, well equipped with all the essential items, the first thing is to find your campsite. If you have pre-reserved your camping location, you just have to unload and pitch your tent or park your camper in your designated spot. The site is almost ready for you to start your camping adventure.

If you haven’t pre-reserved the campground and reach a National Forest for dispersed camping, here are a few tips to get started.

Explore the area thoroughly

Before you begin to unload your stuff, it’s a good habit to investigate the area. As parents we all have an instinct, we know if the place gives us the right vibe. Go explore the place and see where are you on the map. We mentioned GPS as one of the essentials and it comes in handy right now. It basically gives you a solid idea of your location, nearby forest, weather, etc. Also, you may want to decide where you want to park your family for the night so this is the time when you can find a spot at your dispersed camping area.

Pitch your tent

After you’ve found that perfect spot, it’s time to unload your stuff. We recommend pitching your tent before unloading everything. You want to do it before dark unless you have a rooftop tent or a camper. Spread a plastic tarp under your tent before you pitch your tent, this will keep all the dirt and dust out of the tent and you will have a clean tent to step into.

Once you have pitched your tent, spray the bug spray inside your tent and zip your tent back up. You will have no mosquitoes or bugs all night this way. If you have made it to your camp early and you have a lot of daylight time, you can go and explore or do some fun activities with kids before the campfire or you can just let your kids play around and spend this time settling down and unload rest of the stuff.

Campfire and food time

Gather the wood or use the dry wood you bought for this camping trip. If there is not an existing campfire ring, use some rocks/bricks to make one. We have a great post on how to build a campfire with kids. This is a great time to teach your kids fire safety and caution. This is also a great time during the camp night for music, discussions, or just fun with kids. The campfire is also perfect for making S’mores with your kids and cooking or reheat your meals.

Make good use of this time because we truly believe campfire nights are magical. You can make your own family campfire songs or a game that you play during overnight camping with your kids. Have a great time together, eat delicious food, and watch stars the whole night. Create something exclusive to your family, so your kids enjoy spending time with you and you can make some beautiful memories together. Here are some ways to make campfire and bonfires magical for kids!

Sleep under the stars

As it gets dark, you will want to switch on your tent lights or lanterns for everyone to find their space to sleep. If you have a baby/toddler you might want to place a travel bed inside or co-sleep, whichever you are more comfortable with. Change your kids to warm clothes. Generally, nights are colder, and tents, cars, and RVs are not insulated as well are your home.

You all might want to wear an additional layer to keep yourselves toasty throughout the night. Get inside your sleeping bags or under your blankets and call it a night. It’s gonna be a cozy night, so hug each other before bed. Have a wonderful night!

Note: Go into a camping trip knowing that you probably won’t sleep as well as you do at home in your own bed. Yes, you may be extra tired in the morning, but that’s a small price to pay for the memories you’ll have of this adventure. Knowing this before going into your trip will prepare you.

A few more tips and tricks for camping with kids
- Plan and prepare your trip ahead of time. If you leave it for the last minute, important things may get missed.
- Leave anything you find at the campsite as-is. If it doesn’t belong to you, it may belong to people who camped before you. Leave it behind. Except for obvious trash. Always pick up trash and leave the campsite looking better than you found it.
- Do not leave any traces behind. It should look like you never camped there.
- Be extremely mindful of trash disposal. A simple trick is to throw trash in trash bags as you make it. Hang a trash bag from a table or your car and keep loading it until full. Do not litter. If there’s a place to dispose of your trash properly, do so. Otherwise, take it with you and make sure it gets taken care of.
- Minimize campfire impacts. Use campfire wood in small chunks to avoid creating a big fire. Once you are ready for bed, calm down the fire and put the fire out before going to bed. Forest fires are a major issue! Be careful.
- Please respect the wildlife in your camp area and do not disturb their lifestyle. Always remember you are visiting their home and you need to give them their space.
- When camping at campgrounds with other people, make sure you are not disturbing their peace or encroaching their space. With kids, it’s hard to not be loud but this is the time you can teach your kids to be considerate of other’s space and privacy. Also, remind kids not to walk through other people’s campsites.
- Before you go into the tent at night, use your flashlight to check for bugs or other critters. This is just for extra peace of mind.
- Keep the airhorn, bear spray, or other items like this in the tent, but away from the kid’s reach. Maybe keep a child-proof box or just clip it in your tent.
We hope this guide, full of tips and tricks for an overnight camping trip with kids is handy for you as a parent. We would love to hear how it went for you as a first-time camper.

Additional camping resources for parents

If you’re looking for even more info on how to camp with kids, we’ve got you covered. Check out these great camping resources below:
Printable camping gear lists for families

To make it easier for you to get started on your next family camping trip, we put our ultimate camping packing list for your family in a free printable 2-page PDF for you! Use this as the perfect start to create your own master packing list. You’ll also be signed up to receive our AMAZING weekly newsletter, filled with fun outdoor activities and inspiration for getting your kids and family outside! You can opt-out anytime (although we’d hate to see you go).

[maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://mailchi.mp/6ad1ea8208c2/fw0osm9qnr” text=”PRINTABLE CAMPING GEAR LIST” ]

Where will your next (or first) camping adventure be?
Happy camping!

About the author

Indian Oracle is an interracial family of 3 based in Boulder, CO: Juno (Tyler), Misha (Uplabdhi), and their son Zen (Tarakshya). Juno and Misha have been raising Zen exclusively outdoors ever since he was born. His first outdoor exposure was a short hike at 2 weeks, and his first travel experience was an international flight at 2 months to India. Misha firmly believes that the outdoors brings out a holistic personality and growth of a child. Their family is always in the wilderness, raising their kid in the wild outdoors. They are passionate hikers, mountain bikers, and motorbikers. The Indian Oracle family is always on the go and encourages other families to quit a monotonous lifestyle by opting outdoors. They share easy, doable, and feasible ways to live an outdoor lifestyle. “You don’t need awesome gears and comfy campers to be outdoors, you need a passion and love for mother nature.”

You can find more from Misha online in the following locations:
Instagram: @indianoracle
RWMC posts: Indian Oracle
FAMILY TRAVEL, FAVORITE GEAR, SUMMER
30 Screen-Free Road Trip Ideas for Kids
- August 3, 2021
Summertime means vacations, road trips, and the inevitable chorus of “are we there yet?” Indeed, spending long car rides with kids can be hard and children, especially younger ones, often tend to get bored quickly. This can lead to children spending a lot of time in front of a screen, which is not ideal for anyone on a road trip. Children will not remember the drive day adventures if they are playing tablet games or watching a movie. Road trips with kids can be wonderful opportunities for children to explore new activities, see and learn new things, and play time-tested road trip games. Today, Sara Lesire, St. Louis based civil engineer, outdoor-loving, mom of two, makes road-tripping with children a breeze with these 30 screen-free road trip ideas for kids!

{This post contains affiliate links.}

Screen-free road trip ideas for kids

Our family has been taking long road trips since our kids were babies. We rarely have to resort to screen time to keep them entertained and happy during our drives. Our kids don’t own tablets so I have had to get creative over the years on new ideas for those annual 14+ hour each way drives. If you are looking for ideas on how to get your kids’ eyes off the screens without the whining, here are some great screen-free road trip ideas for all ages.

Invest in a travel tray

First, while this is not exactly an activity, it does help make traveling with kids easier! We have been using travel trays in the car for several years now. They provide a flat surface for activities while the raised edge helps keep items from rolling off. They can use the surface for coloring, drawing, or any other hands-on activities. There is even a cup holder and pockets for storage. While they have a flat surface, the edges of the trays are soft and padded for safety in the event of a crash. They are also perfect for meals and snacks on the go.

Road trip surprise boxes

1. The surprise box! Each and every road trip, my kids always look forward to seeing what is in their “surprise box.” The boxes are just lunchboxes I found at a garage sale. Each long trip I fill them with inexpensive trinkets and toys from garage sales, Dollar Tree, or things I find on clearance. This is always a hit, because the contents are new to my kids, making each item or activity that much more exciting. I also add in some snacks and special sweet treats.

If you want to extend the suspense or use it as a reward for good behavior, you could try making multiple small surprise bags to be opened at certain times or at each road trip stop. Ideas of things to include are Legos, Hotwheels cars, fidget toys, small dolls, small stuffed animals, stickers, crayons, notebooks, travel games, fruit snacks, applesauce pouches, or coloring books. Dollar Tree is an amazing resource for budget-friendly goodies.

Keep little hands busy

There are so many great interactive and no mess activities available to pack along. Do a little browsing in your house and online to prepare some of the following activities.

2. Fine motor control games: Use an empty can with a lid such as oatmeal or a whipped topping container. Cut in some holes in the lid just large enough for kids to push pom poms through.

3. Pipe cleaners: These are so simple but so much fun for kids. See what shapes they can make with them or what sort of creation they can make by bending them in different ways.

4. Fidget toys: Any kid (or adult) that loves popping packing bubbles will enjoy popper toys.

5. Busy toddlers: Busy boards can be a huge win for toddlers and preschoolers as they learn to buckle, snap, and tie.

6. Window art: For kids that have a window seat, inexpensive window clings from the dollar store offer a creative way to stay entertained while making an artistic impression.

7. Magnetic toys: Our kids enjoy the challenge of making different shapes using a magnetic tangram set or making funny faces with this fun kit. You can also grab a cheap dollar store cookie sheet and bring along alphabet magnets or magnetic tiles that you probably already have around the house.

8. Water painting: Melissa and Doug created a hit with their Water Wow books. Kids will love the easy painting while parents love that they are mess-free. Even if they happen to leak or spill, the amount of water is pretty small. Hold them up to the air vents in the car for a quicker drying time.

9. Post-it art: Give kids a set of sticky notes and crayons. Let them draw pictures to stick around the car and make their own “art gallery.” (Just remove when you get out of the car to avoid the glue getting too hot and sticky on car surfaces!)

10. Toy tubes: These toy tubes and pipes were huge hits for my kids when they were toddler and preschool ages. The pieces are larger too, which helps avoid them getting lost in the car.

11. Mess-free coloring: Crayola’s Color Wonder markers have been in use in our house for years. They only color on the special paper for no messes!

12. No mess drawing: This simple LCD drawing tablet has been a favorite of our kids. Easy to draw and it erases with just the press of a button.

13. Lego box: Use double-sided sticky tabs to stick a lego baseplate into the bottom of a dollar store tray or plastic box. Add in a variety of lego bricks for a traveling box of creative fun. If you are worried about losing parts of a set, Dollar Tree sells lego sets and baseplates for an inexpensive version.

14. Make a sensory I-spy game: Fill a plastic bottle or Ziploc bag with rice. Add in several small toys, tape closed the container, and let kids shake the container to search for the treasures.

15. Etch-a-Sketch drawing: This is a hit with most kids, especially preschool age and up. Twisting those knobs to create a drawing is a challenge and children love seeing what they can create (even if the results are often staircases).

Let them follow along

16. Map fun! Print out a map of your travel plans or pick up a state paper map and let them follow along on the route. Mark off your stops with a star to give them an idea of how far there is to go. Both my kids absolutely love looking at maps. Add in a toy car for some pretend driving fun.

Make a road trip binder

17. Create a road trip binder full of printables! There are so many amazing and free road trip game printables out there created by graphic snazzy parents. I like to put a group of them together in a binder for each child. The pockets of the binder are great for adding in crayons or markers. Pro Tip: If you want to avoid the expected lost markers, try taping string around the crayons and markers and then taping it to the binder.

Some of the blank pages I leave tucked in the binder pockets to be used for any sort of coloring or drawing. But, others I put in clear, protective sleeves to be used multiple times with a dry erase marker. If you are reading this at midnight the night before a long road trip and need something quick, a clipboard instead of a binder also works great too to keep the pages together.

Below is a list of free printables for kids of all ages.

Preschool/Elementary Ages
- Tot Schooling has this super cute printable pack with dot pages, I-spy games, travel bingo, and more.
- This travel-themed drawing prompts from Picklebums are so fun.
- Playdough to Plato has another road trip pack with multiple games and activities.
- Paper Trail has a selection of different I-Spy games with different themes. My daughter loves these hidden picture games.
- Crayola has a huge selection of coloring pages and activities to print while Wood Jr. has tons of printables included themed mazes.
Older Elementary/Tweens
- Carla Schauer Studio’s Travel Scavenger Hunt for Tweens is perfect for the older kids to keep their eyes away from the screens and out the windows.
- Krazy Dad has printable mazes for all ages. Choose the right difficulty level to keep kids challenged.
- 3 Boys and a Dog has these unique restaurant sign I-Spy games.
- A Suburban Mom has the best license plate game I’ve seen. It has actual pictures of what each state’s plate actually looks like.
- I love Sunny Day Family’s printable Vacation Journal. Kids can keep a record of the places they have been. If you want a ready-made version, this kid’s travel journal looks adorable.
Let them capture the moment

18. Take pictures! My kids have loved being able to take photos of both the journey and the destination. And now that almost everyone has a smartphone, you can often find cheap point-and-shoot cameras at garage sales or local swap pages. My kids have been loving these child cameras that are just the right size for little hands. They often will spend part of the ride reviewing their past shots on the camera.

Play car games

There are so many great games that the whole family can enjoy together. Most of these ideas can be adapted for a variety of ages. Even better, most of them require no prep.

19. Counting game: Pick an item to keep track of and then count them together. For example, count the number of red cars or the number of barns, train crossings, or speed limit signs.

20. Car hide and seek: Take some small objects or print out some pictures of animals, cars, etc. and hide them around the car but in viewing sight. Tell kids to look around and find them.

21. Ask questions: Have everyone take turn asking a question such as everyone’s favorite ice cream, or a place they want to visit someday. If you need some ideas, check out these cute printable conversation starters. You can also buy this ready-made Table Talk list of questions for kids.

22. Travel scattergories: Take turns picking a topic such as animals, fruits, ice cream flavors, etc. Try to name as many as you can in each category that starts with a certain letter.

23. Would you rather: Older kids many enjoy Landeelu’s printable Would You Rather game plus a list of road trip games for tweens and teens.

24. That’s different: Take turns pointing out something you see out the window that is out of the ordinary. It could be a crazy sign, a fun-colored car, or a unique landmark.

25. When I go: The first person starts off with “When I go to (destination name) I am bringing a (an object, the sillier the better.) Then the next person repeats the phrase and adds on another item. For example: When I go to Florida, I am bringing a flamingo, a picnic basket, an umbrella, and a guitar. See how long you can keep it going.

26. Guess the animal: One person thinks of an animal and everyone else takes turns asking questions to try and figure out which animal it is. This is similar to 20 questions, but we never set a question limit. Model asking broad questions first, such as does it walk on four legs or does it have fur, before moving onto the more direct questions, like is it a fish or is it a hippo.

27. Mad Libs: Mad Libs are sure to bring a laugh to everyone in the car. You can find versions online to print or buy a whole book for endless smiles.

28. Travel games: Magnetic and travel-sized versions of classic games like Bingo and Fishing can be fun for multiple kids. I’ve already added these super adorable chicken shuffle and woodland animal strategy games to my kid’s wish lists.

Book it

29. Read or listen to books! Hit up your local library before your trip for some new reads for the car. I like to search garage sales, thrift stores, and local book shops for some new-to-them books to help the miles fly by. Another great option is Audiobooks! This way the whole family can enjoy listening to the books together.

Make a game out of it by having an informal book review when the books are finished. Ask the kids what their favorite book of the day was and why. Extend the conversation to ask what they would do if they were the main character in the story or which character they liked the most and why.

Plan kid-friendly stops

30. Make the stops fun! One final easy way to keep kids from becoming restless on long trips is to break up the journey with some fun stops. I like to use the GoWhee or Roadtrippers apps to look up fun destinations along the route. Or you can just search for “best playgrounds near city/town” to find a good spot for a break.

If you travel often, I highly recommend the Next Exit travel book. It lists all the gas stations and restaurants at each exit along the entire U.S. interstate system. It also lists amenities and locations of all rest areas so you can see which rest areas have playgrounds.

If you’re traveling in/around either the St. Louis, MO area or the Bentonville, Arkansas area, be sure to check out our Get Out Guides for all kinds of fun OUTDOOR things to do in these cities!

What are your favorite ways to keep kids busy and happy while traveling?

About the author

Sara has been married to her high school sweetheart for 17 years and together they have two children. Sara spent many childhood hours outside on her grandparents’ farm and strives for her kids to have similar carefree kid adventures. Based in the St. Louis area, she loves to share on her blog and social media all the scenic and fun places to explore around the St. Louis area and beyond. Hiking is the most popular activity for her whole family followed by hitting up the best local playgrounds. Photography is also a passion of Sara’s and she continues to be amazed at the natural beauty and wonder of God’s creation. When she is not hitting the trail, Sara works as a civil engineer.

You can find more from Sara online in the following locations:
Instagram: @midwestnomadfamily
Facebook: Midwest Nomad Family
RWMC posts: Sara Lesire
FAVORITE GEAR, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER
How to Get Started Playing Golf with Your Kids
- July 21, 2021
Summer is the time of year when children tend to have a lot more downtime. School is out, the days are longer, and children want to be outside doing something fun. What better time to introduce a new sport to your child! Not only will it give them something new and exciting to spend time doing outside, but learning a new sport is full of opportunities to gain new skills, make friends, burn off energy, and so much more! Today, Creative Team member and outdoor adventure dad, Matthew Marvich, is sharing his knowledge on introducing golf to kids. This guide is perfect for anyone interested in golfing with kids, including what equipment is needed, ideas for practicing, the steps to encourage a love of the game, and much more!

{This post contains affiliate links.}

Introducing golf to kids

Have you ever wanted to introduce your kids to the game of golf, but do not know where to begin? Perhaps you play the game yourself and want to get your kids involved to create a family experience. Or, maybe you are a grandparent who wants to pass the knowledge of the game down to your grandchildren? If you have contemplated these questions, breathe a sigh of relief because I have too!

Golfing with kids is a fun activity for the whole family. A golf course is a great place to make memories and spend quality time together. You don’t have to be Tiger Woods to enjoy a round of golf. (Trust me, you don’t have to be very good at all to have fun.) I am here today to share tips on how to get started golfing with kids.

Golf is a generational family sport

Golf is a generational game. I am not only referring to its origination in Scotland during the 13th century, but more so the generational relationships it will create. If you are reading this and play golf, then you are already taking the steps to pass down the game to your children. My grandfather played golf, his sons (my dad and uncles) still play, and most of their children (including me and my siblings) play. And now I am teaching my four-year-old son to play. I want my son to have similar memories of playing with his father and other family members. I want him to take this game through his teenage years and into adulthood. Someday I hope he teaches his children how to play golf.

So, if creating generational family memories with your children is something you want too, I encourage you to try golfing with your kids.

Golf teaches life lessons

Many other sports allow you to bend the rules or push them to their limits. In some professional sports, you are encouraged to break the rules until the referee catches you. Golf couldn’t be further from this. It is an individual sport and you are the ref of your own game.

In the Professional Golfer’s Association (PGA), integrity must be held to the highest standard. If you feel some intimidation at this point, let me ease your mind. The point is to encourage your kids to enjoy golfing and to do this, the rules of the game are gradually introduced as a child’s skill level increases. We will discuss below how to adjust the game to your child’s skill level and enhance their experience.

Golf takes time and patience to learn, but if you see it through the payoff is a lifetime of enjoyment. Once you learn to play, you can play well into your latest of years. That is an advantage that golf has over many of the other sports. Other sports also depend upon your physical attributes and fitness level. This is why golf is a great sport to learn at a young age, even as a secondary sport. As time goes on the main or number one sport may fade, but golf will always be an option. Golf was always a secondary sport for me and I am glad I listened to my dad years ago and stuck with it. Now, it is my main sport and I get to play with my son.

Benefits of golf

There are so many physical and mental benefits of playing golf. Golf is a great way to get the kids physically active in a safe environment. It teaches them a sport they’ll love that can last a lifetime. It helps develop hand-eye coordination and large gross motor skills. Golf is a low-intensity sport that won’t over-tax their small, growing bodies. It’s low-impact, but still provides vital cardiovascular exercise that promotes overall health and staves off obesity.

Through learning the game of golf, children will also learn discipline, patience, respect, and individualism. There is prestige to the game of golf because of its desire for honesty. These are learned character traits that will stay with them forever. Golf can help with mental and emotional development. It can serve as a stress reliever, as well.

Because golf can be played both alone and in groups, it’s a good sport for both introverts and extroverts. It can help quiet kids become more confident. It can help active kids with concentration. When played with others, golf can foster friendships and help develop conversational, social, and emotional skills that will last a lifetime.

Golf is gaining popularity

We all can agree that 2020 was difficult for everyone. We all were challenged, tried, and forced to seek new outlets. Golf was a beneficiary of everyone’s recent emphasis on spending time outdoors. For the most part, this is because golf can be played individually (socially distanced), doesn’t require any gear-sharing, and is all outside. In 2020, golf had a net increase of 500,000 players. This includes new golfers such as those who played their first-round ever and returning golfers who had not played in years.

It is the highest increase for the sport in over 17 years! I can speak directly to these statistics! I played more golf in 2020 than I played in the last 5 years combined. And many friends who hadn’t played before decided to pick up the game on their local courses as well. These numbers are important because I want you to know that you are not alone. Right now, there are mothers, fathers, caregivers, grandparents, and beyond who are deciding today is the day they will go golfing with their kids!

So let’s join in on the fun and get started together!

Best age to start playing golf with kids

There’s no right time age to learn how to play golf. You can learn to play golf from age 2 through 102. Research suggests that kids that start playing golf early are more likely to play golf as adults, but there’s no right or wrong time to start. If your child needs lessons or formal instruction, it’s best to save that until your kids are school-age (5-6) when their attention span is long enough for them to take in the lessons and rules. All kids (all golfers) progress and develop at different rates. What is right for one child is not necessarily right for another, so use your judgment as a parent (or grandparent) to know what’s best for your kid based on his/her age and personality.

Golf equipment for kids

Here’s a list of basic golf equipment you may want to have when playing golf with kids:
- clubs (driver, iron, wedge, and putter)
- golf bag
- golf balls
- tees
- ball markers (you can use a coin for this as well)
Having the right golf equipment is important, but, golfing with kids does not need to be expensive. You don’t need to go out and buy a bunch of new equipment and clothes. For your first outing, try renting clubs (or borrowing them from a friend), just to see if this is a sport you’d like to continue to play.

If you know you want to purchase clubs and/or any gear, let your children be a part of the process. Your purchases can be as simple as tees, a sleeve of balls, and ball markers, and your child’s involvement can go a long way with increasing their engagement level. What kid doesn’t love using the new toy or equipment they helped pick out?

Golf clubs for kids

The first thing you will need is golf clubs. Golf clubs can be purchased new or used. Clubs are categorized by height and club weight when they are at the junior level. You can measure your child’s height and determine which set is best for them. The most essential clubs that a child would need when playing golf are a driver, a wood, irons, sand-wedge, and putter. You’ll also need a golf bag to carry your clubs in.

Having the right size and weight of the club is really important when you’re just beginning. Golf is a hard game to learn and clubs that are not the right size can make it impossibly hard. It’s better to only have a club or 2 that’s the right size/weight than a whole bag of clubs that are way too big and unwieldy.

Best golf clubs for kids

I am a researcher at heart and before I do anything, go anywhere, or make any purchase I research everything possible regarding the subject. I hope that I can make your search for golfing equipment very simple and ease the burden for you. You can get a full set of very decent junior golf clubs brand new that includes a bag and enough clubs for $80-$200. You can usually find gently used junior sets in resell shops for a fraction of that price.

Here are the golf clubs for kids that I recommend:
- 5 and up – I purchased the Top Flite Junior Boys Set for my son. He is almost 5, so I bought the 5-8-year-old size. He is 45” tall and this set is for 46-52.” I purchased them with the future in mind, so my child can get multiple years out of them. This is set is perfect for this age and has the essential clubs that he would need. The club set also comes with a bag with a stand and back straps so he can carry it with ease.
- Under 5 – For the younger golfer, the Precise XD-J Junior Set is a great option for 3-5-year-olds. This set comes highly recommended from multiple sites and is similar to the Top Flite set. The only difference is it does not include the sand wedge. This is intentional because shots from around the green and in sand traps are difficult for that age group.
- Under 3 – If your children are younger than 3, then there is a perfect plastic set for them! It comes with three clubs (driver, iron, and putter) and a bag with a carrying strap. This particular set looks more similar to an adult set than other plastic versions out there.
Best golf balls for kids

The next item is golf balls. Here’s a place where you certainly don’t need to spend top dollar when getting started. For the most part, any ball will do to learn the basics of swinging a club and chasing down your ball. Plus, kids are much more likely to lose balls, so don’t give them anything expensive that you’re not ok with mysteriously disappearing.

You can purchase any low-dollar golf balls such as the Nitro golf balls which come in multiple colors. Letting your child pick a color will help them feel a part of the process and get them excited about using them on the course. You can also purchase practice balls that can be used in the backyard or a nearby park. These can be a great way to introduce the game without having to leave your house.

Golf attire for kids

What do golfers wear? This is usually specified in the rules of the golf course or club where you’re playing. Some courses require a collared shirt. Unless otherwise stated by the golf course you are golfing on, it doesn’t really matter what you wear. But, in case you want to look like a typical golfer, here is what you may consider wearing.

Typical golf attire for a male from top to bottom is a hat or visor, polo/collared-shirt, shorts (no jean shorts), belt, and golf shoes. For a female, it is a hat or visor, polo/collared-shirt, shorts/skirt/skort, and golf shoes. These do not need to be expensive “golfing” clothing line choices like Titleist or Nike. They can be any clothing brand that fits and makes your child feel comfortable.

Golf shoes have adapted over the years from spikes to a hybrid shoe. I believe the hybrid shoe is more practical and convenient for beginners and the average golfer. I personally use a hybrid shoe. Kids and young people usually do not need anything fancy or specific golfing shoes. Flat-soled non-slip tennis shoes work just fine. Since my son is only 4, he just wears regular sneaker shoes when we play.

Golf instruction for kids

Now that you have the proper equipment it is time to start swinging! The object of golf is to get the ball from the tee box into the hole on the green in as few strokes as possible. You hit the ball over and over until you accomplish your goal. Sounds easy enough, right? Yes and no.

If you’re a golfer, you know it’s not as easy as it sounds. And if you’re new to golf, you may be surprised by how easy golf is (in theory), but how difficult it can be (in practice). Golf can take years and years to get good at. That’s why it’s a wonderful sport to play over a lifetime. Every day and every course is different. It’s what makes golf so exciting (and frustrating) for players.

If you’re familiar with the sport, you can easily teach your child how to play golf yourself. I recommend keeping instruction as simple as possible for beginners. Let your child’s natural swing take over and do the work. If they have played baseball previously then the swing and grip can be easily adjusted for golf. If not, there are plenty of Youtube and PGA instructional videos out there to give you the basic idea. You don’t want to get too technical and make them overthink it. The most important thing is that you have fun with it. Show them how much fun you’re having and make sure to laugh at your own mistakes.

Make sure you communicate with your young golfer on their level. Kneel down and look them in the eye. Talk gently with enthusiasm when teaching them how to play. Simplify the terminology and teach them in ways they will relate to and understand, using shapes, sounds, and humor.

Golf lessons for kids

If both you and your child are beginners, I recommend getting a lesson from a local golf pro at a nearby driving range or golf course. Lessons are a great way to not only learn the rules of the game, but perfect your swing and get some pointers on how to play and improve. This will help take your skills to the next level.

Practice golfing

Golfing with kids should be fun, even while practicing! Even experienced golfers need practice. We all know how children can turn on an activity when it is no longer fun or captivating. It is important your children feel involved, so ask them what they would like to practice (driving balls or putting). Let their minds explore the sport and answer any questions they may ask.

Practicing is also a great time to encourage your child with a “great swing” or “wow, awesome putting stroke!” My son loves to try and make long putts, so I help him line it up and he tries to get as close as he can to the hole. Practicing is a great way to get younger kids involved with golf without actually taking them to the course just yet. Let their confidence and comfort level grow with these activities.
- Make it a game: You can practice in your backyard with plastic balls and make games out of it. Set up a bucket or crate in the yard and see if they can hit the ball near it or better yet, in the bucket.
- Take them to a driving range or practice green: Look up what is available to you locally and let your child see others practicing the same way they are.
- Sign your child up for lessons, golf camp, or junior programs: I worked at a country club during my college summers and helped with the junior program there. It is fun for the kids to be with friends and play the sport together. It’s also really beneficial for kids to see other kids their age playing golf and their skill level (and not just that of a parent or grown-up). They’ll get instruction from a golf professional who can guide children in getting better at the sport. The PGA is focused on golfing with kids so there are plenty of ways to find assistance through their association as well, including lessons and summer camp.
Tips for taking kids to a golf course

Congratulations, you have made it to the best part…actually golfing with your kids! My first time taking my son to a golf course was one of the best days of being a dad for me. I woke up excited for the opportunity to enjoy this moment with my son.
- Be prepared: I prepared all of our equipment, snacks, and drinks the night before so that I could avoid forgetting anything or getting stressed out by the preparation.
- Shorten the hole distance: Golf courses have grown in size to keep up with technology and the strength of today’s players. However, we don’t need to let that interfere with our goals for our kids. Instead of having them hit from the tee box, have your child tee the ball up from where you hit your drive or 100 to 50 yards from the hole in the fairway. This will allow them to play the hole without having to hit it over and over again to keep up the pace. You can also hit the ball from the same spot as your child. We all know children are visual learners. Golfing with kids is a bonding experience and they will watch and learn from you.
- Shorten the number of holes you play: You can play 9 or 18 holes, or maybe you play 6 or 12. Whatever lets you have the best experience with your child is the right number of holes to play.
- Forget the rules. When you first start golfing with your kids, throw the rules out the window. Allow your junior golfer to enjoy this experience without having to worry about the rules in the beginning. Let them hit the ball a couple of times and pick the best ball to use.
- No scorecard: Our objective is not to see who won or lost. If your children are older and they want to keep score you can still adjust the way you do it. You can come up with your own method together. Maybe you just keep track of good shots and bad shots by getting a + or a – sign.
- Embrace the golf cart: This is one of the best parts of golfing with kids. Children love riding around and viewing the golf course from it. Make sure you take safety persuasions while driving the cart but also enjoy it.
- Make it about them: It’s not about you when you take your kids out golfing for the first time. Forget about your game and focus all of your attention on your child so that they can enjoy it as much as you do.
- Choose the right time: I recommend going to the course during non-peak times. Choose tee times later in the day or early evening, to avoid a crowded course. This will give you more time to enjoy the moments and the practice without feeling rushed through your game or like you’re holding others up.
Different types of golf

18 hole courses aren’t the only option when it comes to playing golf. There are a few other ways to play golf and all of them are a blast to do with kids.
- Miniature golf (putt putt): Mini-golf is where it all started with my son. We have a great miniature golf course nearby that has a fun putt putt course and sells ice cream we like to enjoy as a post-game treat. This was the best way to get him interested in the sport. Even if that is all the further it went, we always have a blast together. And who doesn’t love ice cream?!
- Par 3 courses: If you are lucky enough to have a Par 3 course nearby, take advantage of it. Your children will greatly benefit from having this smaller course to practice on. I recommend seeking one out even if you are on vacation visiting a new area.
- Top Golf: Golf is a family sport as well and Top Golf brings that to fruition. Regardless of skill level or interest, a family night out at Top Golf will not disappoint. It is an interactive driving range with large holes to hit the balls in for points. There are a variety of games you can play. There is also food and drinks available for you to make an event out of it.
Take a full swing

Golfing with your kids can be one of the best choices you make today. They will be able to play golf their entire lives and they will have you to thank for it. Go get started and encourage them to stick with it s0 they will be able to play with their friends, coworkers, and maybe someday their own children.

Where are you planning to take your kids golfing?

About the author

Matthew is a loving father to one nature-seeking son. They live in western Pennsylvania and focus on visiting every trail, waterfall, and scenic view they can find. He works full-time and his son is in preschool. They are adventure enthusiasts who love to hike, travel and learn everything they can about nature. Matthew grew up loving outdoor play and adventures so he has become intentional about displaying that love for his son to emulate. He focuses on creating and capturing moments that they experience together through photos and writing in a journal to one day give to his son about their journeys together.

You can find more from Tine online in the following locations:
Instagram: @matthew_marvich
RWMC posts: Matthew Marvich
FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SPRING, SUMMER, WATER
Outdoor Rainy Day Activities for Kids
- April 29, 2021
It’s raining, it’s pouring! So, now what? When it’s rainy outside, you have two options: stay inside and let your kiddos run amuck, or get outside and enjoy some outdoor rainy day activities for kids! In my opinion, this isn’t a hard one – let’s go and play in the rain! We know that most rainy day activity posts are usually about things you can do inside, but that’s not our style! There is so much fun to be had when you play outside with your kids. Today, SarahRuth Owens, Creative Team member and Georgia homeschooling mom of three is here sharing her family’s favorite outdoor rainy day activities for kids (and toddlers, too!), as well as the gear and supplies you might need to enjoy these days the most!

Fun things to do on rainy days outside

While playing outside in the rain might not sound like a blast for parents, it’s so much fun for kids! Rain makes everything feel more magical and can turn ordinary adventures into extraordinary ones! Today, I’m sharing some of our favorite screen-free rainy day activities for kids. All of these rainy day activities have been tried and tested by my crew of adventurers and are sure to get your kids excited about the rain. Because there’s no such thing as bad weather!

Best rainy day gear for kids

When engaging in rainy day play, one might ask oneself: to be wet, or not to be wet? A lot of factors play into this. Things like…how much laundry is already sitting in piles on your couch. And whether or not there are currently any crayons melted to the inside of your dryer (just me, eh?).

If you don’t care how wet they get, then just send them outside to play in whatever they want to wear. If the weather is warm and your kids aren’t sweet enough to melt, let them out to play in the puddles and engage in rainy day play outside, getting as wet as possible.

Doing outdoor rainy day activities with kids sounds good, but maybe you just don’t want soaking wet kids? If you are in the not-to-be-wet crowd, there is a great solution! Rain gear has come a long way in the past decade. It can be found in a variety of sizes, patterns, and even price points. We’ve got a huge comprehensive list of the best rain gear for kids and toddlers, if you’re in the need of new gear.

When it comes to great quality rain gear for kids, here are a few of our favorites:
- Mk Nordika sells rainy day gear in a mid-point price range. It is high quality and includes adorable and cheerful rainbow stripes! They have sizes from toddler up to adult. We own this brand and it is so easy to care for. You simply wipe it down if it is muddy.
- Oaki also has a great full-body rain suit that easily slips over kids’ clothing. It is lightweight and you don’t have to keep up with multiple pieces. They have toddler-sized rain suits all the up through big kids.
Safety concerns playing outside in the rain

While outdoor rainy day activities are fun, here are some safety considerations to keep in mind:
1. Never encourage children to play outdoors in a thunderstorm. Lightning is real and does strike. Teach children to come indoors and speak to an adult if they hear thunder and are unsure about safety.
2. Be certain your children have on the right shoes for their location. If they are headed on a hike, the muddy trail is different than the puddles on the pavement. Choosing the correct gear for where your child will play in the rain is important.
3. No swimming in storms, please. Remember when the lifeguard had everyone get out of the pool for half an hour when there was thunder? There is good reason for that as water is a conduit for electricity and lightning spreads over the water, impacting anyone in it.
4. If you’re near running water (streams, creeks, rivers), keep a close eye on the water level, as streams can rise very quickly in rain. You never know if it may have rained much more higher upstream, so always keep a careful eye out and stay in shallow water, away from currents.
Be sure and keep safety in the forefront of your mind during outdoor rainy day activities!

You don’t need anything special to do outdoor rainy day activities with kids

There, I said it. You don’t actually need anything special or planned or extravagant to enjoy rainy day play. You don’t need Pinterest perfect crafts or any special rain toys. The rain itself creates so many fun things outside. Rain makes everything ordinary feel different. It’s a full-body sensory experience that kids can’t get enough of!

So, what do you really need for outdoor rainy day activities for kids? A smile is your best supply!

Go for a rainy day walk

One of my boys’ favorite things to do on a rainy day is gear up, bring umbrellas, and walk to town. Would you believe that they can walk miles in the rain? Without complaining! They can, and I bet your crew can as well. This activity requires absolutely no planning or prepwork. It’s something we could do at any time, but the rain makes it extra special and novel.

Things you can try if your kiddos do begin to get the rainy day blues on your walk:
- Sing songs (Singing in the Rain is always a fun tune)
- Jump in puddles
- Have a contest to see who can save the most worms (this means put them back in the grass and off the sidewalk)
- Collect nature items
- Watch water go into a sewer drain (I promise this entertains children)
- Cup your hands and see who can overflow their hands with rainwater
- Play “I Spy” as you walk
- Wave at passerby and vehicles
Outdoor rainy day activities for kids in the woods

Are you ready to unlock expert outdoor parenting level? Go play in the woods….in the rain! Let’s do this. Honestly, rainy day play in the forest is absolutely magical. Some special things happen when you visit the wet forest and see the changes happening as the flora and fauna drink in the rain. There is so much to do while in the woods on a rainy day.

I organized a forest playgroup for kids for years and rainy days in the woods were some of our favorites! Here are some of the best and favorite rainy day outdoor activities to do in the woods from our forest school excursions:
- Build a shelter – bring tarps, some twine, etc. and challenge the kids to build a dry shelter
- See if you can build a fire when it is wet outside
- Go on a mushroom hunt (fungi love wet conditions)
- Sketch the woods in the rain
- Get in the creek – hey, you’re already wet, right? (be careful and cognizant of rising water)
- Play rainy day hide and seek
- Bring a ruler and a clear glass or cup and measure the rainfall during your time in the woods
Outdoor rainy day activities for kids that use supplies

Ok, so you tried the rainy day activities without supplies (or maybe you didn’t…that’s ok, we won’t tell), but maybe you want to enjoy some structured organized fun like crafts and games. That’s great! I’ve got you covered!

Here are some fun outdoor rainy day games, crafts, and activities for kids and what supplies you need:

Rainy day bike ride

Clearly, you need your bikes and helmets. My sons like to have bike gloves because in the rain, your hands tend to rub the handlebars more. Try sloshing through puddles! We also like to have a manual bike pump on one of our bikes, and don’t forget to bring water!

Water-gun fight

This one is so much fun during Summer showers. Each person gets a water gun and you can go to town. I suggest having buckets of water on hand, or even a large rubber maid tub filled with water for refills.

Water balloon fight

Yep, let’s do this water thing all the way! About 100 balloons usually works for our crew of 5. We like to prefill and place them in the fridge in Summer. This means that humid, warm weather won’t be an issue! Swimsuits are smart gear to have on during this activity. Also, be certain to clean up any broken balloon bits; they don’t decompose.

Water table fun

You can create a simple water table at a mud kitchen, or even just at a table, by providing your kiddos with scoops, spoons, a colander, shovels, bowls, and cups. Sometimes simple is best.

Bob for fruit

This one is so much fun in the rain. I cannot explain it, it simply is! Add some apples, peaches, or whatever round fruit is in season, to a big bowl or rubber maid container filled with drinkable water. Now bob!

Paint with mud

All you need is some mud, a few paintbrushes and something to paint! This could be anything from a piece of paper or cardboard to your driveway. It doesn’t have to be fancy. If you want more ways to play with mud, check out this post with lots of fun and creative Mud Activities for Kids.

Boat races

Have your kids find natural materials (sticks, leaves, pinecones, etc.) and make a small boat. Then race them down the run-off water in the street or down a stream. This is a great way to also teach kids about engineering and what floats (and doesn’t).

What are your favorite outdoor rainy day activities?

We want to see you and your kids having fun doing rainy day play. Use the hashtag #runwildmychild for a chance to be featured on our Instagram account!

About the author

SarahRuth is a homeschooling mother of three boys. She was raised in cities across the East coast, but now resides in the Appalachian Mountains of Georgia where her husband grew up. Passionate about inspiring others to shift from the status quo of Western indoor life, she launched a local Free Forest School chapter in 2017. Her family clocked over 2k hours outdoors in 2019 and believes that outside time as a family is vital to a joy-filled life. She collects books, stray children, and as much coffee as her body will permit. When not foraging, chasing waterfalls, or camping with her crew, you can find SarahRuth crossing the globe from her laptop, teaching English full time online! She has two bachelor’s degrees in Education and is passionate about teaching children to love learning through outdoor adventures.

You can find more from SarahRuth in the following online locations:
Instagram: @kindle_togetherness
RWMC posts: SarahRuth
FAVORITE GEAR, HIKE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
10 Hiking Essentials for Families
- April 27, 2021
Have you heard of the concept of the 10 essentials for hiking? It’s a basic gear list that attempts to prepare you for all the things that could possibly happen while out hiking. The list is composed of items in ten categories, to cover everything you may need out on a hiking adventure. And hiking with kids is definitely an adventure! Today, Creative Team member and Arkansas mom of 2, Nichole Holze walks us through 10 hiking essentials for families. She breaks down the list to what’s practical for parents, what she’s tried and tested, along with tons of pro tips for hiking with kids.

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Hiking essentials for families

Hiking has always been one of our family’s most favorite hobbies. Before having kids, while I was pregnant, then with littles, and now with not-so-little children (when did my kids get so big!?), hiking has been a big part of my life. Hiking can be such a fun family adventure, but it also has a few inherent risks. The best way to be prepared for those risks is to be aware and make sure you packed your hiking essentials.

In this post, I’m going to share the 10 essential things you should have with you on any hiking adventure with kids. I’ll also break our hiking essentials list down for shorter hikes, longer hikes, and everything in between. Plus, I’m including a few tips I’ve learned after hiking with kids for almost ten years!

But, before we begin, I have this piece of advice for you regarding sustainability and eco-friendly choices. Before buying anything new, start with what you have. Most likely, you can find something for each of these categories that you already own. Begin there. Then, as you’re ready for more challenges you can make adjustments, tweaks, or additional purchases where necessary. Alright, let’s go!

What are the 10 essentials for hiking?

The official idea of the “ten essentials” came from Mountaineering magazine back in 1974, but has gained popularity since then as being an excellent way to be prepared while exploring the outdoors. While the original list of essential hiking items was designed with extreme adventure in mind, it can still be used by families. Because, let’s be honest, hiking with children of any age is undoubtedly an extreme adventure, whether it’s two miles or ten!

The 10 essentials of hiking gear list has always sought to answer two basic questions:
1. Can you prevent emergencies and respond positively should one occur?
2. Can you safely spend a night (or more) outside?
The list of hiking essentials falls into these categories: navigation, light source, sun protection, first aid, knife, fire, shelter, food, water, and clothing. Generally, I keep something in my backpack to check off each of those categories. But, what you need for hiking with your family can change depending on the adventure. So, let’s dig a little deeper into each category and modify them a bit for what you’ll need when hiking with kids.

Choosing a hiking backpack

Before I get into the details of what essential items you need for hiking with kids, I want to talk about a bag to carry it all in. In my opinion, a backpack is an essential piece of gear! It needs to 1) be comfortable, 2) have enough pockets to hold your important items, and 3) be something you love.

My “adventure bag” is a Jansport Agave 32 that I’ve had for years. It’s held up well to all kinds of adventure. I’ve added patches and pins to make it my own, and it even has a sleeve for a hydration bladder (more on that later).

Hiking backpacks for kids

My children’s first adventure packs were the Scout backpack from Camelbak. They worked great up until around age six, when they outgrew them. You can check out a video of the little backpacks in action HERE.

As my children grew, their next (and current) packs are the Osprey Daylight packs, which they use with the water bladder from their old Camelbak packs. The packs are a little bigger, very comfortable, and have plenty of pockets for stashing treasures.

Quick note: I believe in letting kids carry backpacks as soon as they’re big enough to hike on the trails. Yes, parents, you’ll end up hauling their bags for the second half of the hike, but if you plan on bigger adventures as they get older, it’s a good habit to begin while they’re little. Greta Eskridge talks about this in her book Adventuring Together.

1. Navigation

The first item on your hiking essentials for families’ gear list relates to navigation. You probably already have an excellent navigation tool in your hand. In fact, it’s probably what you’re reading this blog post from. Yup, it’s your cell phone. Your phone, with its built-in GPS is already an extremely powerful navigation tool! And navigation is one of the ten hiking essentials for families!

Depending on where you’re adventuring, you may or may not have cell phone service. One of the ways that I prep for this is to download a map offline. Using an app like AllTrails is a great way to do that. I pay for the pro version of the app because I use it so frequently and love all the extra features I get with the upgraded paid version. Always check the trail map before you go, but as an added level of safety, having an offline (or hard copy map) saved is important.

Note – For safety’s sake, I recommend NOT recording your hike through the app. You can record it another way and save it privately, there’s no need to share where you adventure unless you feel comfortable doing so.

I also carry a compass in my backpack. It is a small compass that also has a mirror for emergency signaling. I’ve never used it, but I do know how to, if the situation were to ever arise. Learning to use and navigate with a compass is a really great skill to learn as a family! Someday, the ability to read a map, terrain, and use a compass may save your life. I recommend the book Squiggly Lines as a starting point. Geocaching is also a great way to learn directions and reading a map.

2. Light source

Another hiking must-have for families is a source of light in your backpacks. Even if you plan on being back to your car well before dark, it’s critical that you have light, just in case you need it. The outdoors can be unpredictable so it’s best to be prepared.

For our family, we each carry a headlamp in our backpacks. All of our headlamps are from Black Diamond. Mine is a rechargeable headlamp and the others use triple-A batteries. I let my children carry their headlamps in their own backpacks, because when they’re little it makes them feel pretty special. When I first gave my daughter her own headlamp, she wore it the entire hike, in broad daylight. But, it made her feel like she could conquer the world.

Pro tip – if you’re going to invest in headlamps, don’t bother buying children’s headlamps. Your kids are only going to grow so get them a piece of gear that will grow and last for them.

Flashlights or pen lights also work great as a light sourcet! As a last resort, you can also carry a lighter or matches in your pack and emergency candle.

3. Protection from the elements

Having something that can protect you from the elements is one of the hiking essentials for families that can vary depending on the seasons and weather. Where we live and hike most often, our protection needs to be from the sun. It’s always important to be mindful of sun protection wherever and whenever you’re hiking, but how much protection you need will change.

For us, I like to carry extra sunscreen and sunhats just in case. My children each carry a Sunday Afternoons sunhat in their backpacks, which my daughter wears more often because she’s prone to sunburn. If you’re going to be adventuring near water or the ocean, please be sure that you’re using a Reef Safe sunscreen! We also really like the Sahara shirts from REI. They are moisture-wicking and lightweight enough to not be too warm in the heat of the sun, but also provide great sun protection.

Pro tip: Children grow, quickly, so if your kids are over the age of four, I recommend just getting them an adult size hat and not a child-sized one. Most of them have a chin strap and head strap you can cinch down, and it will last them into adulthood.

It’s important to be mindful of what season you’re in or what weather you may encounter. For us, it’s all about layering. In cooler or cold weather, we layer a warm sweatshirt with our rain jackets to stay warm. It works twofold: it locks in body heat while also keeping out moisture and wind. Get in the habit of checking the weather as you prepare for your adventure day! But also, prepare for the unexpected. A lightweight raincoat can provide protection from the sun as well as wind, rain, and cold.

4. First Aid

I’ll be the first to say it: I am not a wilderness first aid expert. Shocking, I know! I’m just a Mom, who has learned through experience what works, what doesn’t, and what is important. First aid is definitely important, especially with wild rambunctious kids. So, the next thing on your hiking essentials for families’ gear list relates to first aid.

If you plan on bigger and more epic expeditions, I would recommend picking up a book on Wilderness First Aid to read at your leisure or taking a wilderness first aid class. This training and knowledge will make you much safer and more confident on the trail.

For our first aid, I always carry an Ultralight/Watertight first aid kit from Adventure Medical Kits. They’re very compact, last for years, and hold up to being fully submerged in a creek (yes, I know this from experience). Having some sort of first aid kit is essential for families, whether your hiking solo or with your whole crew.

Pro tip: when my husband and I rode Amtrak out to Glacier to go backpacking (that’s a story in and of itself) we made our own First Aid kit. This is easy to do with a waterproof bag (like a Ziploc bag) and supplies you already have at home. For space-saving and durability, I do recommend purchasing an adventure or camping-type first aid kit.

For a full list of what should be in your first aid kit and how to be safe on the trail with kids, check out our post on Hiking Safety Tips and Hiking First Aid.

5. Multitools or a knife

Having a multitool or knife is a hiking essential that is up to interpretation and what each family feels comfortable with. What you choose to carry as an essential is based on your needs. This essential hiking item could come in handy in a variety of ways and scenarios, but should always be supervised around small children.

I always carry a knife and my children each have their own multitool. My daughter even named hers, it’s called her “Brave Tool.” A multitool or even a first pocketknife make wonderful gift items for outdoorsy kids. My children love carrying their own multitool and whip out the little knife on theirs almost every chance they get to whittle their own little spears.

The knife that I carry serves a dual purpose; as a survival tool, but also as self-protection, should I need either. My knife is one of the tools in my backpack that always stays there, along with my headlamp, compass, and first aid kit, so that it’s always ready to go. The same is true for my children’s multitools. They always stay in their backpacks. They can get them out to play or use at home, but they are stored in their adventure packs.

6. Fire

I never plan on needing to make a fire while out on day hikes with kids, but there have been times that I’ve done so just to keep warm while we stop for lunch, or relax for a little while. The ability to start a fire can literally mean life or death in a survival situation, so I always carry a way to start a fire on every adventure, big or small. A method of making/starting a fire is the next hiking essential for families.

The easiest thing to do is to always carry a lighter, which I do. It’s just a simple Bic lighter that takes up minimal space. However, I also like to have a backup, so I also carry a magnesium fire striker. You can also look into a flint and steel rod.

Pro tip: whatever backup method you choose, practice with it! Make sure you know how to use it! Here’s a great post about teaching kids how to build fires from another creative team member!

7. Shelter

One of my kids’ favorite activities is to practice building survival shelters in the woods. Because who doesn’t love building a fort? While those forts are great practice for an emergency. And shelter is the next essential hiking item for families.

I like to be prepared for the worst and carry an emergency bivvy in my backpack, especially if it’s a hike over five miles or very remote. A “bivvy” is short for bivouac shelter, which means any sort of temporary or emergency shelter usually employed by soldiers, mountaineers, backpackers, or other outdoor adventurists. The ones we use are basically a reflective blanket in sleeping bag form. They are packed very small and take up little to no weight or space in an adventure backpack.

For our big hikes (ten miles or more) I have each of my children carry one. We like the Emergency Bivvy from Adventure Medical Kits, which is no longer available. But, here is a great alternative: Go Time Gear Life Bivvy. This piece of essential hiking gear may not be one you ever need, but when you need it, it could save you or your children’s life. They trap body heat while also providing protection from the elements.

8. Water, water, water

Never underestimate how much water you’ll need when hiking with kids. On our last big hike (a ten-mile round trip hike to see a hidden waterfall), I forgot that the hike had no access to water. This meant I was sharing what I had in my hydration bladder with our dog. (ps – do not recommend). I ended up running out of water with two miles to go still. Don’t do like I did, plan ahead. Water is one of the most important hiking essentials for families.

Both of my children carry their own hydration bladder (also from Camelbak). We introduced these when they received their first hiking packs when they were tiny and they LOVED them. Water is HEAVY so it’s important to find a way to carry it without added weight. The insulated water bottles are nice, but they also add a lot of weight. We prefer hydration bladders, for any and all outdoor endeavors.

The last piece of essential hiking gear for families is a means to purify water. We love the water filters from Sawyer, check out their mini filter in action HERE. I keep one of those filters with a straw in a Stasher bag, in my adventure pack at all times. You can also check out Lifestraw or this neat on-the-go filter from MSR. In a survival situation (or if your water filtration fails, which we’ve had happen to us) you can start a fire to bring water to boiling. It’s critical that the water reaches a boiling point for sixty seconds to kill off any bacteria. Water is the most important thing for all adventures and will be priority one in any survival or unexpected outdoor mishaps. I would recommend doing your research to find what feels right for your family and your situation.

9. Extra food

The ten hiking essentials require extra food, water, and clothing. Again, what you carry depends on your situation, the season, and the weather predictions. Just remember, the outdoors can throw all kinds of wrenches in your plans so it’s best to be prepared.

In general, I carry one to two extra snacks for each person (and my kids don’t know about them.) Those “extras” can be a bonus on the ride home, but will also come in handy if our day takes a turn. Once on a nine-mile day hike with a very poorly marked trail, I had to ration out the extra food. But those extra chocolate chip granola bars were the perfect motivation to keep little legs going, mile after mile.

For other extra food options, sometimes I grab a few meals from our stash of dehydrated meals in our camping gear. These are lightweight, easy to prepare, and last a long time. I never use them unless we have to. My favorites are the meals from Good to Go foods. And here’s a great post filled with awesome trail-test kid-approved hiking snacks.

10. Extra clothing

The final item on our hiking essentials for families gear list is a bit of extra clothing. Extra clothing can be essential when hiking with kids, but we’re not asking you to pack a suitcase or bring along a closet of clothes for everyone. Extra clothes can also take up a lot of room in your backpack, so pack smart. For extra clothing, we start our hike in all of our layers, then peel them off as we warm up. But as a general rule, we always carry lightweight rain jackets in our bags, just in case. I also recommend an extra pair of dry socks for everyone. Dry socks can help prevent blisters and keep you warm if/when your feet get wet. The same goes for extra gloves in the winter. If you know you’re going to get soaking wet or muddy on a hike (hello creeks!), then bring the essentials on the hike with you and pack a full set of change of clothes to leave in the car so you can change before driving home.

Backpack essentials and who carries what

I know, I know. I just shared LOTS of information with you. These ten hiking essentials for families may sound like a lot to pack and carry with you on a hike. So, here’s a little breakdown of who carries what in our family that may help you divide and conquer:
- Mom – water filter, first aid kit, knife, emergency bivvy, sunhat, sunglasses, my own water, main food, compass, fire starter/striker, phone/map
- Kids – their own water, a multitool, two granola bars/snacks, emergency whistle
That’s just for the essentials. Please remember that these are meant to be guidelines, you can adapt and change what you need for your family. Just be sure to have at least something from each of the ten categories listed above. I also recommend letting your children get used to carrying a backpack with some of their own essentials as soon as they are able to hike more than one mile.

Additional items to pack when hiking with kids

Now that we’ve covered the basic hiking essentials for families, here are a few more items that you might also want to pack and take with you (which may or not be essential, but could definitely be useful!):
- Baby wipes – I always bring a few in a reusable Stasher bag. Why? Because they’re amazing.
- A garbage bag and disposable gloves – Thes are great to carry out our own trash, but also any trash we see. Because inevitably we will see other peoples’ trash on the trail and we are determined to leave the trail better than we found it. It’s just good outdoor etiquette.
- Net – My kids would like to argue that a net is also essential, along with a small container for critters or nature treasures found along the way. (Please collect responsibly.)
- Charger – If you’re going to be out for an extended period of time, a backup wireless phone charger is helpful!
- My kids also love their Relay Go – a screen-free, smartphone that lets me give them a little more freedom to run ahead on the trail, but also lets me keep track of where they are and stay in touch. Learn more HERE.
Family hiking checklist

There you have it! The 10 hiking essentials for families that will help you feel more prepared, safe and confident when out on the trails with your little ones. Here’s a quick recap of the ten things you need when hiking with kids:
1. navigation
2. light source
3. sun protection
4. first aid
5. knife
6. fire
7. shelter
8. water
9. food
10. clothing
Be prepared, be responsibly brave

Thanks for reading, friends! If you’d like to follow along with all of our shenanigans, you can find me on Instagram HERE. You can also sign up for my once per month Field Notes newsletter HERE.

P.S. If you join my newsletter you’ll be the first to know when I open up my FREE Respsonsibly Brave Adventure course again! Here’s to chasing the adventure, prepared for whatever gets thrown our way. ~Nichole

More resources for hiking with kids

If you’re interested in more great content about hiking with kids, be sure to check out the following posts:
About the author

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

You can find more from Nichole online in the following locations:
Website: http://www.luckeywanderers.com
Instagram: @coleyraeh
RWMC posts: Nichole
FAVORITE GEAR, HIKE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SKI/SNOW, WINTER
Beginner’s Guide to Snowshoeing with Kids
- February 12, 2021
Do you dread winter? Feel like you’re trapped inside with wild kiddos because winter activities take a lot of preparation, skill, time, or money? We have some great news for you! There is a simple winter activity that requires just a few resources and will inspire you and your children to get outdoors, enjoying the winter, and getting your family much-needed exercise and fresh air. Today, Creative Team member Ashley Greenhalgh, Nevada mom of two, is here to walk you through the basics of how to get started winter shoeshoeing with kids! Consider this your beginner’s guide to snowshoeing!

How to get started snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is an amazing way to get outside and enjoy the beauty of the winter months. As a beginner, it can be hard to know where to start. I have taken countless friends snowshoeing for their first time, and I will tell you that every one of them was nervous and intimidated before we stepped foot on the snow. Also, by the end of the afternoon, every one of them was saying “Wow, that was so easy, fun, and beautiful!”

Snowshoeing is one of our family’s favorite activities. It’s a relatively easy sport to pick up, even for kids, and requires no prior experience or training. Everyone who is able and willing to snowshoe can and should, no matter their age! It is a great way to get the kids outside and hike through pristine powder snow. Today, I will be giving tips and tricks so you’ll feel confident to start snowshoeing with kids. Everything you need to get started; minus the information about your local area.

What is snowshoeing?

Let’s start with the question some of you may be asking…”What is snowshoeing?” Basically, snowshoeing is a type of hiking that involves walking over or on top of the snow with the assistance of footwear that displaces your weight over a larger area (so you don’t sink). With origins roughly 4,000 to 6,000 years ago, snowshoeing has played a vital role in remote mountain survival, with trappers and traders utilizing snowshoes to traverse the inaccessible regions of the wilderness. What started thousands of years ago as an essential mode of winter transportation has evolved into a popular recreational activity.

Snowshoeing is a great way to start enjoying winter!

Benefits of snowshoeing

There are so many great benefits of snowshoeing for kids. One of the best things about snowshoeing is that you and your children will get a great workout (you’re more likely to be warm than cold while snowshoeing). Snowshoeing is a wonderful way to get your body moving and work on those big gross motor skills. Snowshoeing is an excellent low-impact aerobic exercise and works muscles that kids may not otherwise exercise at home.

Also, snowshoeing is a relatively quiet and peaceful activity. You can easily talk to your children or friends or listen to the sounds of nature (birds, running water, etc.). It’s a wonderful way to bond with the kids and talk about their day or challenges. It allows you to get out of your own head and let nature clear away your thoughts and worries. Snowshoeing can be therapeutic!

Speaking of talking, it’s a great social activity to do with friends and family. Adults, kids of all ages and ability levels can enjoy snowshoeing together. For families that love hiking together, snowshoeing lets you extend your hiking season through the year and lets you enjoy solitude in areas that might be crowded in summer. In general, there are way fewer people venturing outdoors in the winter, so it’s easy to find an area for a peaceful snowshoe adventure.

Snowshoeing is also easy to learn and inexpensive to try. If gear and lift-ticket prices for skiing or snowboarding give you pause, you’ll be happy to know that snowshoeing is affordably priced. Your required gear includes snowshoes (see below for more on this) and appropriate outdoor winter attire. Poles are recommended, but not required.

Good for kids of all ages

Individuals of any age and ability can go snowshoeing. Your outing can be tailored to match your interests and fitness levels, making this a great way to get outside as a family and have fun together (big and little kids alike). Snowshoe outings can be anything from a leisurely walk in the park, a casual outing to explore nature, or a steep and difficult backcountry hike!

Waterproof boots and snowshoes with a simple strap are important.

Where to find snowshoes

If you want to give snowshoeing a try, the first thing you’ll need to do is locate some snowshoes. Snowshoes are basically large flat “shoes” that distribute your weight over the surface of the snow so that you can walk (or float) over it. The design of the snowshoe is to deter snow accumulation and allow for optimal maneuverability. You may remember seeing cartoons with large wood frames with lattice (that look like a giant tennis racket). But today’s snowshoes have evolved to use durable lightweight metals, plastics and synthetic fibers.

For your first time, I’d recommend either borrowing snowshoes from a friend or renting them for the day. Snowshoe rentals are available at most REI stores, or local sporting good stores as well as a lot of ski resorts for a small fee. For example, our local REI rents children’s snowshoes for $8 per day.

After your initial snowshoeing excursion or two, it is likely you’ll want to invest in some snowshoes of your own, and some for your kids. I’ve listed the equipment we use, love and recommend near the end of this post. Some things to look for are simple but secure straps (that eventually the kids can put on and remove on their own), and good grip on the bottom, for secure footing in slippery and deep snow.

How to dress for snowshoeing

How you dress for any winter activity will make or break your day. And with kids involved, I like to minimize the risk of them being uncomfortable. If they stay warm and have fun, it is more likely they will want to go out snowshoeing again and again. Which, in turn, will make your winter so much more enjoyable. The easiest way to dress for snowshoeing is basically to dress the same way you would to go sledding. At the end of this article, I’ve listed recommendations for the gear we have been using for years.
- Start with a base layer – The best base layers are wool or synthetic material. Also known as long-johns! This layer is temperature regulating and wicks moisture. Nice warm wool socks are a great investment for winter activities.
- Add a mid-layer – This is your insulating layer ~ think a fleece, sweater, or even a down vest.
- Finally, add an outer layer – Snowsuits (or snow pants and a winter coat), mittens (waterproof), and a good hat. The best outer layers are waterproof! We love our Reima snowsuits.
- Snowboots – Again, start with a waterproof option, or at least a boot with a waterproof base (a lot of boots will be waterproof just over the foot area, but not up to the calf.)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses – Sunscreen in winter might seem weird, however, the sun is hitting you from the top and also reflecting off of the snow, so double whammy. The good news is that usually only their little face is showing under their winter gear, so it will only take a few seconds to rub some sunscreen on. We love All Good Sunscreen.
Investing in warm winter clothing will determine whether you and your children enjoy winter…or dread it. I, for one, choose the first option. Life is better outside!

Bring a sled and your furry friends as an added bonus! Make snowshoeing even more fun!

How to snowshoe with kids

Now comes the important part…how to snowshoe with kids! The good news is, that if you can walk, you can snowshoe! It’s about that easy! Have you ever tried walking in snorkel fins? Walking in snowshoes may feel similar to that at first. You’ll need to take bigger steps, and lift your knees higher than you normally do. Your heel will be mobile though (it’s not strapped down), so really, it’s much easier than snorkel fins!

Starting on a packed-down trail will be easier than starting in deep snow. Many winter areas have cross-country ski and snowshoe trails that are relatively flat and very easy for beginners to get started. Your stride should be wider than it is for hiking in order to avoid stepping on the insides of your snowshoe frames. Because of that, you may find your hips and groin muscles aching a bit after the first few times you snowshoe, but those muscles will get stronger quickly and you won’t notice it so much after a few outings.

Where to go snowshoeing with kids

There are so many places you can go snowshoeing, and your location will dictate the types of terrain and available areas that you have as options. However, here are few places you can look into, which may allow snowshoeing in your area:
- City, county, state, and national parks
- Golf courses
- Open or backcountry space
- Your own backyard
- City streets or country roads
- Flat hiking trails
- Nordic centers (around ski resorts)
- Mountain lodges & resorts
Simple tips for beginner snowshoeing

While snowshoeing is a very easy outdoor activity to do with kids, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to make your outing successful. Here are some tips that we’ve learned over the years of snowshoeing with our kids.

Research trails

On your first couple of outings, keep it short and sweet. Aim for a flat, groomed trail and try snowshoeing for 30 minutes. Heck, with little kids, 15 minutes may be all that you get out of them the first couple of times. Praise them for their efforts! Praise yourself! You got outside in winter! It will get easier, and I truly believe you’ll love winter more.

Invest in good winter gear

Good quality winter coats, snowpants, and boots for the whole family can be expensive. Try a second-hand store for gently used winter gear. Kids grow out of things so quickly that rarely their gear is worn out by the time they need the next size. That is why it makes sense to buy second-hand. Not to mention, it is much easier on the environment. If you cannot find any gently-used gear, REI is a great place to buy clothing and supplies. They have a great return policy if something doesn’t end up working out for you or your children.

Bring a backpack

It’s always nice to have a backpack on you, filled with some essentials. We always pack a compass, map, snacks, water, camera, spare gloves, sunscreen, First Aid Kit, and phone. Include whatever essential items you may need to stay safe and warm (extra gloves, hand warmers, etc.).

Pack snacks

As I mentioned before, snowshoeing is a really great workout. You’ll be burning calories from snowshoeing itself, and if it is cold outside, your body will be using energy to keep you warm. Solution? Snacks. Always snacks. Having a filling snack on the trail will keep everyone happy. Think carbs and protein. Also water! It may seem counterintuitive that you’ll need to drink water, but in the cold and during exercise you breathe faster so you lose water just with exhalation. An easy thing to bring is a PB&J sandwich and a water bottle. Also, a quick dose of sugar (a piece of dried fruit or hot chocolate, for example) is always nice to have on hand in case someone starts to meltdown.

Have fun

As parents, we all know that our attitudes affect our children’s attitudes. If we’re not having fun, chances are that they aren’t either. But if they see how excited we are to do this, they just might be more open-minded about it. Point out the trees, plants and animals around you. Tell them repeatedly how well they’re doing. This applies to any activity, not just snowshoeing. If they’re not enjoying the hike, stop and build a snowman! Or bring a sled to play on. Or have a delicious snack.

Be safe

Before you leave for your outdoor adventure, tell someone where you’re going, when to expect you back, and mark the location where you parked. It is easy to get turned around in the snow when the entire ground is white. If it starts snowing, it can be even worse.

Snowshoeing gear recommendations

Again, snowshoeing is a great entry-level outdoor activity for kids that doesn’t require a lot of gear or equipment. However, there are definitely benefits of making sure you’re dressed appropriately for outdoor weather when doing anything outside with kids in the winter. Obviously, none of this is required for a good time, but here is the gear that we have tried and tested over the years and love and recommend to you.
- Snowshoes – When you’re ready to invest in snowshoes for yourself or your kids, start with flat terrain snowshoes. They’re designed to walk on flat, groomed, or rolling terrain. Smaller snowshoes are better for compact snow, larger snowshoes provide more “floatation” and are best for deep powder. The snowshoes will list the recommended weight (this is your body weight plus gear).
- Boots – We have had the best luck with Kamik boots – waterproof, warm, and durable.
- Base Layer – We like a fleece-lined long john layer. This option comes in plenty of colors.
- Insulating (mid-layer) – A fleece jacket is a great mid-layer and can also be used year-round to take the chill off during evenings outside. We love Columbia Fleece.
- Outer layer – We can’t say enough about our Reima snowsuits! Waterproof and toasty warm!
- Mittens – Fingers warm each other (so we like mittens better than gloves) these are a good option, affordable and waterproof.
- Sunscreen – All Good Sunscreen
- Extra socks, as well as hand and foot warmers.
Outdoor winter activity for kids

Starting a new winter activity can be so exciting, and snowshoeing is a simple, fun way to enjoy an afternoon outside with your children. It is quiet enough that you can talk as you go, but also gives a great workout. The views you can find in the winter are incredible and it will give you a whole new appreciation for the beauty of winter. We really hope you’ll give snowshoeing a try this winter. Get those kids (and yourself) outside for a fun new adventure!

Have you ever tried snowshoeing with kids?
I would love to hear about your snowshoeing adventures!

About the author

Ashley is an RN certified in Advanced Wilderness Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. She’s a nature-loving mother of two who is passionate about outdoor education for parents and their children. Ashley grew up in Alaska, where her family spent most of their time outdoors fishing, camping, skiing, and hiking. She currently lives with her husband and children near the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Lake Tahoe, where they can be found outdoors year-round; hiking, backpacking, biking, skiing, and camping. She is also very passionate about photography and owns a small photography business.

You can find more from Ashley in the following online locations:
Instagram: @sage.and.summit
Website: Sage & Summit Photography
RWMC posts: Ashley Greenhalgh
FAVORITE GEAR, INFORMATION, NATURE SCHOOL
Teaching Basic First Aid to Kids
- December 14, 2020
The more time you spend outside with your kids, the more likely we all are to encounter some sticky situations. Cuts, scrapes, burns, and bruises can happen. Even when we’re being careful. And as kids get older and more independent, they’re more likely to need some basic first aid knowledge and skills. Today, we have Creative Team member, mom of two and nurse, Ashley Greenhalgh here to give you a primer on teaching basic first aid to kids. Take a little time to familiarize yourself with the basics and then go over these practical first aid tips with your child. That way you can both be more confident and capable on your next outdoor adventure!

{This post contains affiliate links}

Teaching basic first aid to kids

Whether we spend a little or a lot of time outside with our children, there comes a point when they will be venturing off on their own. We are trying to raise our kids to be kind, curious, thoughtful, and smart. We want them to make good decisions for themselves. But even when they do, injuries can happen. In that case, we want them to be as prepared as they can be to take care of themselves (and others). Injuries and medical care can be intimidating for many people, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little knowledge, preparation, and forethought, you can prepare your kids to handle the basics of first aid.

This article is designed to help your children help themselves. Whether that’s in an emergency scenario or an everyday situation where basic first aid is necessary. Teaching first aid to children is something that will make you and your children more safe and confident in the outdoors.

Outdoor injuries happen…

While enjoying an outdoor adventure, there are inherent risks. Kids playing outside are running, jumping, climbing, roasting marshmallows over a fire, crossing a river, riding bikes, and countless other amazing activities. These things foster creativity, independence, self-esteem as well as mental and physical health. Nothing comes more naturally to children than play. And we want nothing more than for them to enjoy these activities with full abandon! Yet, injuries do happen.

When a child gets an injury while outside, usually, someone runs for an adult. But, wouldn’t it be amazing if your kids could properly care for their own minor injuries when there isn’t a knowledgeable adult nearby? Wouldn’t that give you more peace of mind and give your child more independence?

This article will assist you in teaching your child some basic first aid. We’ll cover (1) how to treat minor injuries, (2) what skills to use, (3) kid-friendly first aid supplies, and (4) other helpful first aid tips.

…so, don’t panic

First things first. If you can only teach your child ONE thing, it should be to stay calm in an emergency. When panic sets in, many times multiple people will be injured instead of just one. Things can go from bad to much worse if you panic. Injuries can be scary, so staying calm is easier said than done. But, with a little advanced preparation and knowledge, it’s much easier to keep your cool.

In any situation, the first and most important thing to do is to assess the situation. When something scary happens, one way to slow down panic is to count backward in your head before acting. “Three, two, one… ACT.” This allows just enough time for your brain to assess what needs to be done and cut down on mistakes. Also, practicing deep breathing (big breath in through your nose, out through your mouth) can have a calming effect on our bodies.

Roleplay with your kids to prepare

One of the best ways to teach children first aid is through scenarios and role play. Be aware that scenarios involving mom or dad getting hurt can cause anxiety in children; so try to keep it light-hearted and not super scary. Explain the situation and ask your child what to do first. Always remind them to take some time to fully assess the situation and think about it before acting or blurting out an action plan. This will remind your child to stop the panic and think.

Teaching kids to care for scrapes and cuts

While jumping on rocks, climbing trees, or making marshmallow sticks; scrapes and cuts are some of the most common injuries of children. Most of these will be minor and washing with soap and water and keeping it clean will aid in healing.

Simple steps for taking care of a cut:
1. Stay calm and assess the situation.
2. If there is major bleeding, immediately call for help and apply pressure to the area to stop the bleeding.
3. If the injury is not major, apply pressure (usually just a few minutes) to stop bleeding and allow the body to form a clot.
4. Clean the area with soap and water if available, if not wipe with an alcohol wipe or iodine swab and let dry.
5. Apply an antibiotic ointment.
6. Apply a clean bandage or piece of gauze (secure with tape or Tegaderm), as needed.
If there is a laceration that is deep and won’t stop bleeding after applying pressure, a SteriStrip may be necessary. A SteriStrip can be used in place of stitches in a pinch. Say your child fell and hit her head on a rock and now has a two-inch long gash that is 2cm deep and looks like it will need stitches. Now imagine you’re three hours from an urgent care or ER. A SteriStrip will do wonders until you can seek proper medical attention.

Steps to apply a SteriStrip:
1. As previously stated, apply pressure to get the bleeding to stop or slow enough to apply the bandage.
2. Clean the area as much as possible with soap and water and/or sterile gauze.
3. Open the SteriStrip and measure the length of the cut and cut the appropriate number of strips that match the wound length.
4. Remove the backing from one side of the SteriStrip and apply the adhesive to one side of the cut.
5. When the adhesive has attached to the skin, pull the other side of the Steristrips across the laceration (this will close the wound)
6. Remove the backing and press to adhere the other side to the skin.
We recommend keeping SteriStrips in your first aid kit and practice using them (and let the kids practice) before you ever need to use them in real life.

How to treat minor burns

What is camping without a fire? We all love sitting around a campfire, telling stories and roasting marshmallows! These nostalgic moments can be cut short if someone touches a burning stick or spills a hot meal or drink on themselves. A burn is essentially your flesh cooking, and it is very painful. To stop the pain, you must stop the cooking.

Your first instinct may be to run to the nearest ice-cold stream and place the affected body part in the water. However, you can actually do more harm that way. Very cold water can constrict the bloodflow and cause damage to the surrounding tissues.

If you or your child gets a small burn, apply a clean, cool (but not ice cold) wet towel or sheet to the affected area to cool it down and keep it clean. Do not apply a tight dressing over a burn, as it can attach to the flesh and peel away tissue upon removal.

Clear away any hanging or dead tissue with clean scissors or nail clippers. Then, apply an antibiotic ointment, and a clean dry bandage or gauze. This only applies to small burns. For larger and more serious burns, you need to seek medical attention right away.

Burn prevention

Prevention of burns is something worthwhile to teach children. Some burn prevention basics are:
- “Stop, drop, and roll” if their clothes catch on fire.
- When pouring hot liquids, set the cup or bowl on a hard, stable surface to reduce the risk of tipping the liquid over.
- Emphasis walking around fires and stoves, no running or jumping close to a fire.
- Never touch items used for cooking without a potholder (they could be hot).
Also, be aware of basic (and sometimes innocuous looking items) that can cause burns. If you’ve used a JetBoil (amazing and so convenient when camping!), you know how benign this piece of equipment can look. It’s small, quiet, and the flame is tiny. However, there are metal elements that heat quickly and can cause burns. We love our JetBoil, but it can be very dangerous for little ones.

Be aware and cautious about any item that gets hot or is used in cooking. If you get new camping cooking equipment, be sure to test it out and know how it works before letting your kids try it. It is so fun to learn about a new piece of equipment together – review the dangers and read the instructions.

How to handle a twisted ankle

Unfortunately, twisted ankles (ligaments stretching or tearing) are a common injury for children and adults. Running, jumping, climbing, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, you name it…all put you at an elevated risk for a sprained ankle. Getting your children into the habit of wearing stable footwear while enjoying outdoor activities is the best way to prevent such injuries.

However, if you or your child gets injured, these steps can help them get to medical care safely.

First, have them sit in a safe place and take off their shoes and socks. This allows you to look at both feet and ankles together – for comparison. The injured ankle may be bruised or swollen, and painful.

Check for a broken bone. If there is an obvious deformity that would likely indicate a broken bone, you’ll need to call for help to have the injured person evacuated or taken to a medical facility for care. Keep the injury resting with no pressure put on it.

If there is not an obvious broken bone, apply ice or a cold pack for 20 minutes. This can help with swelling and pain. Another option would be to place the foot and ankle in a cold stream or lake – the cold water will do the same thing.

Next, elevate the affected area. If you’re sitting on the ground, rest the sprained foot up on a backpack, for example. This will also help reduce swelling.

After a period of rest, the next step is to assess the range of motion. Move the foot up and down, and side to side. If there is minimal pain and swelling, and if the person can move the ankle through the full range of motion, likely the injury can be treated in the field with athletic tape and you can head back to your home or vehicle to continue resting. Or if you have a SamSplint (more on this near the end of the article), you can use that.

How to tape up a twisted ankle

Step 1: To tape an unstable ankle, first, wrap a piece of tape completely around the leg about two inches above the ankle bone. This is called the landmark tape.

Step 1 – Apply athletic tape as a landmark; 2 inches above ankle bone

Step 2: Apply three additional pieces of tape in a U-shape (like a stirrup) to support the foot. Start at the landmark tape, then pull the tape below the foot and up the other side. Cut the tape and repeat twice, overlapping the tape.

Step 2 – Apply athletic tape stirrup

Step 3: Apply three additional strips of tape in a J-shape for additional stability. Again, start at the landmark tape on the uninjured side of the leg, pull the tape down below the foot, over the top of the foot and secure back where you started the J-shape. Repeat this two more times, overlapping the tape.

Step 3 – Apply athletic tape in a J-shape. Repeat three times.

Step 4: Apply athletic tape in a figure-eight. Start where the J-shape begins. Pull the tape below the foot, up the opposite side of the foot, over the top and around the back of the ankle, then over the top again and attach. Repeat this two additional times, overlapping the tape. Ensure that the injured person’s toes are pink, can wiggle, and they can feel them. This is known as “CMS” – circulation, motor, sensory.

When comfortable, walk out slowly, and seek additional medical treatment if needed. If the foot is not too swollen, the shoe can be worn for the walk out.

Again, this is an activity you can practice at home (while safe and calm) before ever having to use these skills out in a real-life situation. Practicing taping an ankle will give your kids confidence to know exactly what to do in case the situation ever arises.

How to treat a bloody nose

More than likely, either you or your child has experienced a bloody nose at some point. You’ve probably heard many different tactics on how to stop a bloody nose. The problem is, many of the previous recommendations (tilting your head back, for example) can result in swallowing blood. This can result in your child throwing up. Our bodies do not like blood in our stomachs, and as a result, it will force itself to expel the blood.

The better and easiest way to stop a bloody nose is to sit down, lean your head slightly forward, and pinch your nose just below the bridge (where you can feel the bony area stop and the cartilage (the soft tissue that forms your nostrils). Continue to apply pressure for about 5 minutes until the bleeding stops. Many times, this is enough time for a clot to form. Try not to be alarmed when you attempt to remove the tissue and a large clot pulls away from the nostril. This is normal. If the bloody nose cannot be stopped after trying this technique, please seek medical attention.

First aid kit for kids

Teaching kids first aid tips and techniques is one thing. If you want your children to feel not only cool but also confident in their first aid abilities, let them take some basic first aid supplies along with them on their adventures. We have put together first aid kits for our girls and they love being able to help others or themselves when someone has an injury. This list of items can easily fit into a daypack and can treat most minor injuries.

Top row (left to right): Tegaderm, Ace Bandage, tweezers, Welly first aid kit Middle row: gauze, Steristrip, SamSplint, iodine swab, antibiotic ointment Bottom row: alcohol swabs, small scissors, athletic tape, and contact solution

Make your own first aid kit for kids

Tegaderm – Tegaderm bandages are incredibly useful if you have an injury in an area that may get wet. They are clear and gentle on the skin, and also water-resistant! Say you have a cut and have cleaned it well, but will be out camping for a couple more days. If you put a Tegaderm bandage over clean gauze for a cut, it will stay on, keep moisture out of the area, and you can see any redness (a sign of infection) through the bandage. After a few days, you can gently peel the Tegaderm off in the shower. I’ve used these extensively throughout my career as a nurse, and I cannot recommend these enough.

Ace bandage – As mentioned above, Ace bandages would be applied over a splint or large bandage to reduce mobility and can provide some compression.

Multipurpose tool – A good multipurpose tool provides tweezers, a knife, and small scissors all in one compact tool. These are great for removing splinters and hang nails, and cutting gauze or athletic tape.

Welly Kits – We love the Welly Kits. The adorable metal container includes first aid basics such as bandages for small cuts, antibiotic cream, hand sanitizer, and hydrocortisone cream. I start with these kits and leave a few of those items in the container, then add a few more items to it to make it even more functional. The container keeps everything secure and dry when in a larger kit or backpack.

Burn bandages – These handy bandages are great for protecting a scalding burn.

Gauze – It’s definitely worth carrying some gauze with you when adventuring outside. Usually, gauze is individually wrapped (to keep sterile), great for cleaning wounds and applying to cuts/ abrasions on top of antibiotic ointment. You can then apply a Tegaderm directly on top of the gauze to keep it in place or apply another type of bandage.

SteriStrips – As previously stated, SteriStrips are great alternative to stitches when you’re away from medical help. Apply pressure to the cut to get the bleeding to stop. Clean the area as much as possible with soap and water and/or sterile gauze. Open the SteriStrips, measure the length of the cut and cut the appropriate number of strips that match the wound length. Remove the backing from one side of the SteriStrips and apply the adhesive to one side of the cut. When the adhesive has attached to the skin, pull the other side of the SteriStrips across the laceration to close the wound. Remove the backing and press to adhere the other side to the skin.

SamSplint – I learned about the SamSplint a few years ago when I earned my Advanced Wilderness Life Support certification. These things are amazing! You can splint an arm, ankle, wrist, etc. so quickly! They even have instructions printed right on the front! Use the SamSplint, then apply an Ace Bandage to keep the splint in place while you evacuate the area and get to professional medical care. When splinting a bone, remember the anatomical position. For example, our youngest broke her radius and ulna a few weeks ago after a fall. The correct way to splint the area was to have her bend her elbow, then support the broken bones from beneath. This not only provides a degree of pain relief, but aids in appropriate healing.

Alcohol wipes or Iodine swabs – Both are a great option for cleaning injuries. You will want to choose alcohol wipes if you have an iodine allergy, or vice versa. In a pinch, smelling an alcohol wipe can also decrease nausea. Make sure to remove any debris from the injury with clean hands or a tweezer. Then wipe the area with either an alcohol wipe or Iodine swab. Let the area dry, then apply the appropriate bandage or dressing.

Antibiotic ointment – After cleaning a cut, abrasion, small burn, or other minor injury, apply antibiotic ointment directly to the CLEAN DRESSING (bandage, gauze, etc.). DO NOT apply directly to the skin, as you can contaminate the entire tube of ointment if you touch the container to the skin. Antibiotic ointment will help kill any germs that are present on the skin.

Athletic tape – This can be used to secure a bandage or dressing, to splint a sprained ankle, or fix that hole in your tent! Talk about multipurpose!

Contact solution – A few weeks ago, we were playing down by a river with some friends and one of the kiddos, unfortunately, got sand in her eye. If you’ve ever had a corneal abrasion, you know how painful it can be! Luckily we had some contact solution on hand and we squeezed it into the girl’s eye and were able to remove the sand before it did any major damage. A travel-sized container of contact solution works well. I’ll always carry one in my first aid kit now.

First Aid Guide – Last but definitely not least, is a First Aid Guide. It’s a great addition to any outdoor adventure to assist with any first aid you or your children may need. Adrenaline can sometimes get in the way of logic, so a book for reference is a great item to have on hand. This one is not only lightweight but waterproof!

First aid lessons for kids

Teaching first aid basics to kids is a great step in raising strong, capable, confident, and helpful children. I hope this article was informative and will help you (and your child) feel more prepared for your next outing! Educating your child about outdoor safety, injury prevention and treatment is so important. Plus, having a first aid kit equipped with the right supplies can make or break a trip. I wish you all happy and safe trails. And if you or your child are injured, I hope you now feel more confident to handle it!

Take care, Ashley (RN)

About the author

Ashley is an RN certified in Advanced Wilderness Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. She’s a nature-loving mother of two who is passionate about outdoor education for parents and their children. Ashley grew up in Alaska, where her family spent most of their time outdoors fishing, camping, skiing, and hiking. She currently lives with her husband and children near the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Lake Tahoe, where they can be found outdoors year-round; hiking, backpacking, biking, skiing, and camping. She is also very passionate about photography and owns a small photography business.

You can find more from Ashley in the following online locations:
Instagram: @sage.and.summit
Website: Sage & Summit Photography
RWMC posts: Ashley Greenhalgh
FAVORITE GEAR, GIFT GUIDE
75+ Non-Toy Gift Ideas for Outdoorsy Kids
- November 1, 2020
The holidays are almost officially upon us, so I thought I’d share just a few (ok, a lot!) of our favorite gifts, products, services, gear, and ideas for active outdoorsy kids! If you’re desperately looking for the perfect gift for a curious, fun, active kid in your life, but are tired of giving cheap plastic toys that break or get discarded after a few uses, this gift guide for outdoorsy kids is the best one out there!

This ULTIMATE gift guide for outdoorsy kids contains 80+ awesome gifts for kids of all ages. Everything from DIY gift ideas, to gift bundles, kid-friendly services, memberships, products, experience gifts and so much more! No matter what age, size, interest, location, or budget, we’ve got a gift idea for you and the outdoorsy kid in your life!

(Updated October 2021)
(This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.)

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1. Walkie-talkies – Walkie-talkies are a fun way for the kids to play together (inside or outside), but they can also be a great way for parents to stay in touch with kids when they’re out exploring close to home (but may not be visible). Plus, they’ll be useful on hikes and camping trips.
2. Toolbox & tools – I’m talking real “grown-up” tools, none of that cheap plastic pretend stuff. Kids love helping out around the house. So if they’re old enough, why not give them a set of real tools that they can use to work on their own handy skills. You can buy a beginner set or DIY your own. Any small toolbox will do with an assortment of tools (either new or hand-me-downs). For example, screwdrivers, tape measure, hammer, wrench, level, pliers, nails, drill, etc.
3. Sleeping Bag – If you know a kid that loves to camp or is about the age to start attending sleep-overs, a quality sleeping bag is a must-have item. We love these Kelty sleeping bags because they’re lightweight, super warm, easy to stuff and will last for years.
4. Tent – This 4-person dome tent would make a great gift for kids. It’s relatively inexpensive (only $53!) and can be used on camping trips or set up in the backyard for camping. Let your kids learn how to set up the tent by themselves and practice putting it up and taking it down at home.
5. Wonder Club Explorers – Get ready to explore! The Wonder Club Explorer Kit is a self-guided scouting program with no meetings or fund-raising obligations. The kit comes with 1 Adventure Vest, 18 Patches, 18 Pennants and string to hang the pennants once your child completes each merit patch. Perfect for the busy parent that doesn’t need the commitment of another meeting but wants fun and easy outdoor activities pre-planned with a fun prize for completion! Use the code BELOYAL for 10% off!
6. Gardening gear – Put together a beginner’s gardening package which includes kid-sized gardening gloves, watering can, shovel, seed packets, gardening books, hose and plant markers. For extra cute packaging, put it all in a kid-sized wheelbarrow or a giant colorful flower pot!
7. Slackline – Slacklining (the act of walking/balancing on a suspended webbing between 2 anchors) is a great outdoor activity for kids. My two kids (ages 5 and 3) love our slackline and can spend hours in the backyard playing on it, year-round. We’ve got a great post on beginner Slacklining for Kids to get you started.
8. Hammock – I don’t know a single kid that’s ever seen a hammock and didn’t want to play in it. Hammocks are a blast! They make the perfect gift for kids of all ages and can be used in a number of locations, such as your backyard, on camping trips or even at the park!
9. Horseback riding lessons – Horseback riding is not only a great way for kids to connect with nature and animals, but it strengthens muscles, improves posture, balance and coordination and has been shown to lower stress levels. Riding and caring for a horse also promotes responsibility, patience, and self-discipline. Give a child a gift certificate for lessons and teach them a skill for life.
10. Fishing pole – Fishing poles make great gifts for outdoorsy kids. We spend a LOT of time fishing and have tested out quite a few poles. The best kid’s fishing poles we’ve found are made by Zebco. The Zebco Dock Demon spin-cast rod and reel are the perfect entry-level fishing pole for little kids (under 6). They’re durable (virtually unbreakable), pre-spooled with a short rod and small reel for little hands. Both my kids learned how to fish on this pole. For older/bigger kids, Zebco has a number of rod and reel combos, including the 33, the 202 (it’s pink!), and the 404.
11. Pocket knife – If your kids are old enough (and mature enough) to handle a pocket knife for their outdoor adventures, this model is high-quality and specially designed for children. It features a rounded edge for added safety. But remember, the blade still has a sharp edge. So be sure to talk about safety and practice safe knife skills.
12. National park passes – If you know a kid that’s into national parks and exploring, a national park pass would be an incredible gift that lasts all year long. Each pass costs $80/year and covers entrance fees and standard amenity fees at more than 2,000 national parks and national wildlife refuges. A full list of federal recreational areas by state can be found HERE.
13. Head lamp – I don’t know a single kid that hasn’t been obsessed with flashlights at some point. Every year we give our kids flashlights as stocking stuffers. Headlamps are even better! Both my kids are getting one this year. I’m sure we’ll get lots of use out of them while camping, fishing, hiking, and chasing lightning bugs.
14. Painted rock tic tac toe game – We’ve got a great tutorial on how to make this fun DIY tic-tac-toe game for kids of all ages. Fun, portable and perfect for playing outdoors – this gift can be used for years for kids and adults alike.
15. Fruit picking gift cards – Experience gifts are high on my list of favorite things to gift kids. Why not make the experience something the entire family can do together outdoors, like picking fruit? Gift a gift card to your local nursery/orchard for a fruit-picking adventure. I guarantee the kids will love the experience and enjoy bringing home boxes of freshly picked strawberries, peaches, blackberries, blueberries, or apples!
16. Camera – A small digital camera is a great gift for any kid and perfect for an outdoor explorer wanting to document their adventures. I love giving our kids a camera and seeing the world through their eyes. Not only do we get some great shots from a whole new perspective, but they’re super proud of their photos and it keeps them interested when out and about. However, I will say that we end up with an extraordinary amount of butt shots, so consider yourself warned. (For a fun twist, try this underwater camera which would be a blast to play with in the pool, ocean, or creek. Or try this fun instant camera that prints your photos out on the spot for instant satisfaction!)
17. S’mores kit – If your kids are anything like mine (or me), s’mores are just about the best treat/dessert in the entire world. Perhaps it’s the perfectly toasted marshmallow contrasted with the cold chocolate bar on the sweet crunch of the graham cracker. Or perhaps it’s the fact that s’mores require being outside, around a beautiful campfire, usually surrounded by loved ones. Either way, a s’mores-making gift bundle of ingredients would make a perfect present for any kid. Make sure to include these fun mallow roasting skewers for the perfect campfire cookout.
18. Bike – Every kid needs a bike. We’re big fans of the entire Schwinn SmartStart lineup, which is specially designed for children and will grow with your kid. If your little one is too little for a pedal bike, try a Strider balance bike. And if you want to start biking together as a family, how about a bike trailer? The Burley Encore is one of our family’s favorite pieces of gear ever! It can be used as a bike trailer or a stroller. It’s a perfect gift for the entire family.
19. Yeti tumbler – If you’re tired of cheap plastic sippy cups and water bottles, the Yeti stainless steel insulated tumbler is the answer. Stay hydrated in style without all the cheap plastic. The Yeti Rambler tumbler is a good size for small hands. It comes in a variety of colors and has a magnetic locking lid to prevent spills. They’re also BPA free and dishwasher safe.
20. Teepee – A teepee (or play tent) is a great addition to any room or play space for kids. Not only does it fuel kids’ imaginations, but it provides a comfortable place for reading or playing. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, usually with wooden poles. Throw in some fairy lights, pillows, and a few books and gift a child their own private reading nook.
21. Rock polisher – I’m going to let my inner-nerd shine and tell you that the rock polisher I received as a kid was one of my favorite gifts of all time. Yes, I’m serious. A rock polisher is a great gift for any kid interested in nature, science, rock collecting or even jewelry-making. Promotes an interest in geology and science and helps kids with patience (because it takes time to polish a rock – it’s not an overnight process)
22. Winter coat – While getting clothes might not be super exciting for kids, a good quality winter coat is definitely something every outdoorsy kid needs. And active outdoor kids are hard on their winter gear, so you’ll need something well made. We love and highly recommend Patagonia outerwear for kids. Their clothes are incredibly well-made, durable, adorable, and sustainable.
23. Rain suit – Give your child the gift of freedom to get as wet or muddy as they want with this amazing full-body rain suit from Polarn O. Pyret, makers of some of the very best outdoor kids clothing. Fleece-lined, PFC-free, waterproof and windproof to keep your little one dry and warm. Super durable, machine washable and easily wipes clean after muddy play. Sizing runs on the very generous side – no need to size up!
24. Scooter – A scooter is another great way to provide exercise, fresh air, and quality outdoor time to a kid. Scooters are great for kids as young as 2 years old (the 3-wheelers) and come in a variety of sizes, colors, and speeds. We’ve got a great review on the new Mongoose Force 3.0 scooter for kids (age 7+).
25. Mud kitchen – If you’re handy, put those DIY skills to good use and make a mud pie outdoor kitchen for your kids. There are a million different ways to make a small kitchen countertop, complete with a sink and storage out of old furniture, cabinet or wood pallets. Throw in some hand-me-down kitchen utensils, dishes, pots and pans and you’ve got yourself the ultimate mud kitchen. It’s sure to entertain your children for hours and hours. Or if you’re not handy and just want to purchase a quality mud kitchen, The Monarch Studio makes the best mud kitchens right here in the US! Just be sure to put it somewhere close to a hose for easy clean-up!
26. Magnifying glass – A magnifying glass is a great gift for any kid interested in bugs, worms or other small details found in the natural world. This magnifying glass is lightweight with an oversized scratch-resistant lens and magnifies items 3x. This one is the perfect size for kids and durable enough to throw in an explorer’s backpack for carrying on outdoor adventures. Pair it with a bug book and a critter carrier for the perfect intro to entomology gift package.
27. Fish tank – This awesome little 5-gallon fish tank with curved glass is the perfect beginner fish tank for any kid. The kit includes a hidden filtration system and an adjustable flow filter pump. The white and blue energy-efficient LED light is bright and features a 3-way switch to toggle between white and blue, off. Also included is a base and a unique glass canopy that slides to the back of the aquarium for easy feeding and water care dosing. It’s easy-to-assemble, beautifully designed and easy for kids to maintain.
28. Binoculars – A decent pair of binoculars is a must-have item for any outdoor adventure backpack. These binoculars are suitable for both adults and kids. They offer 12x magnification and are water-resistant. They’re perfect for taking along while hunting, hiking, exploring, sailing, bird watching, concerts, outdoor sporting events, etc. Bonus accessories include a hand strap, carrying pouch, and cleaning cloth.
29. Fruit tree – I love the idea of gifting a child a small fruit tree that they can plant and care for. Not only does this teach kids about natural cycles, seasons, and responsibility, but can provide fruit to harvest, bake with or gift to others. Ideas include peach, cherry, apple, lemon, or persimmon.
30. Adopt an animal from a local zoo or wildlife sanctuary – A good friend adopted an animal from our local zoo for each of my kids last year and it was one of their all-time favorite gifts. Each animal came with a personalized certificate for the kids, which they loved. Having their “own personal animal” at the zoo made each trip there even more special. They loved checking in on their animals, naming them, and learning about them. You can pair the gift with a print-out of fun facts about that animal, a photo, a book or even a small stuffed animal.
31. Flower press – A flower press is a perfect gift for a kid interested in plants/flowers, making their own gifts or arts and crafts. This kit includes a flower press, glue, brush and double-sided tape. The 4-inch press can make cards, bookmarks, trinket boxes, and more. Pair with some watercolor paints, wildflowers seed packets, or a blank scrapbook for a package gift.
32. Butterfly hatching kit – This is another one of my kids’ favorite gifts, both to give and receive. For the last 3 years, we’ve grown our own caterpillars and hatched our own butterflies for release. The kids absolutely love checking on their progress daily and letting them go in our garden. Even mom and dad had fun with this project and became attached to our caterpillar friends. The kit comes with a netted habitat, feeding tools, instruction manual and voucher to receive 5 live caterpillar (for growing and releasing during the proper season), which will ship to you at a later date.
33. Compass & survival bracelet – These bracelets are the ultimate 5-in-1 survival tool and the perfect accessory for the ultra-adventurous kid. Each bracelet contains: (1) high-quality compass, (2) flint fire starter, (3) fire scrapper, (4) emergency knife, and (5) emergency whistle. It comes in a wide range of colors and sizes (including kid’s sizes) and is made of ultra-strong, military-grade 550 parachute cord. The bracelet itself can be deployed for 12 feet of paracord, perfect for any situation where an extremely strong rope or cordage is needed. Use it as a trap, make a shelter, or use one of the finer 7 inner strands as fire tender, fishing line o sewing string. It also comes with a useful leaflet with instructions, survival tips & ideas.
34. Nature journal with colored pencils – There are so many fun ways to incorporate art and nature into a journal. Gifting a child a blank journal and some beautiful quality colored pencils can open up all kinds of inspiration for journaling. From writing to sketching to including pressed flowers and leaves, a nature journal is a great way for kids to observe and learn about nature.
35. Bird calls – If you know a budding ornithologist or a kid that’s into hunting, bird calls can make fun gifts. You can find a variety of different species, depending on what type of bird you’d like to imitate. This classic bird call chirps and tweets and is perfect for communicating with backyard birds. On the other hand, if you know a small hunter, they may be more interested in an owl, turkey, or duck call.
36. Story stones – Store stones help build imagination and storytelling skills. By using the stone, children can create a story or retell an adventure by using the pictures on the stone. Story stones are a great educational tool and make a great gift for both kids and teachers. There are a variety of story-telling games you can play in a group – hold the bag and let each child pick a stone, then go around the circle and have each child build on the story by adding something about the stone they picked.
37. Giant cardboard box – No, this is not a joke. A giant empty cardboard box is a blank canvas of possibilities to a kid. Pair this box with a box of markers, some stickers and endless imagination. Help a kid turn it into a pirate ship or a princess castle or a dragon’s lair. A box can be a restaurant, a treehouse, or a post office. It’s whatever you want to make it and can be more fun (especially with the help of a fun grown-up) than any toy on the market. If you want a giant box that’s ready for assembly and easy to decorate, check out this one.
38. Gym1 Indoor Playground Set – While this one isn’t technically “outdoorsy” at all, it’s perfect for those days/times when kids are stuck/trapped/forced indoors and need to burn some energy. If your kids are like mine, they literally start climbing the walls after a while. This thing lets them swing and climb indoors with style! It works for kids ages 3 and older and is strong and safe enough to hold 300 pounds (yet weighs less than 10 pounds). The whole thing can be assembled in minutes and installed in seconds without any drilling or holes. It fits regular 25″ to 36″ wide doorways that have trim at least on the top. Includes patented core doorway unit plus swing, ladder, and rings. Fun for all ages!
39. Bait net – Whether you’re at the beach, in a creek/stream or next to a pond, kids love playing in the water and catching things. This is the very best bait net on the market – trust me, we’ve been through a million. Most nets have the netting on the outside of the basket, which means after a while of scraping on sand and rocks, the net wears thin and rips. This one has a metal framing (net guard) and a super durable handle, ensuring it lasts years longer than the others. A bit more expensive, but totally worth it. Perfect for scooping rocks/shells and catching minnows, crabs, crawdads, etc. (slightly smaller version)
40. Geometric Dome Climber Jungle Gym – If you’ve got space in your yard for this awesome geodome jungle gym, get one! Our neighbors have one of these incredibly outdoor toys and it’s a huge hit with all the kid on the street! It helps with upper body strength, coordination and balance, plus helps develop that all-important vestibular sense!
41. Mixed tape/CD – This one might give you a bit of pause, but hear me out. How fun would it be to gift a kid a mixed tape/CD of some songs, sounds and stories that are special to you. Whether this is coming from a parent, a family member or friend, a mixed tape is a really fun way for kids to experience something new that’s personalized and made just for them. Use a microphone and record your own voice on the tape – tell a story about an adventure you had, when you first met them or a funny thing they did when they were little. Add a few of your favorite songs. Make it personal and special for the child receiving it and I promise it’ll be a big hit!
42. Barefoot shoes – Kids are born with perfect feet. Don’t mess them up with tight shoes that restrict their movement and keep them from connecting with the earth below them. Vivobarefoot Kids shoes are my family’s favorites. They have ultra-thin, puncture-resistant soles to let the 200,000+ neurotransmitters in kids’ feet feel the ground while keeping them protected. The more feet can feel, the more the foot-brain connection stays sparking and active.
43. Microscope – For your budding scientist, this beginner compound microscope set provides high magnification for educational applications. The set includes a monocular viewing head with LED lights and mirror illumination and a built-in color filter wheel. The forward-facing rotating turret provides up to 1200x magnifications. Rack-and-pinion focus mechanism on a durable stain-resistant metal frame. It comes with a 52-piece accessory kit and a hard-sided plastic case. Pair it with this awesome book all about exploring nature with a microscope.
44. Gabb Wireless Watch – The Gabb Watch triples as a cell phone, GPS device, and interactive watch. It is a stand-alone device with monthly service (does not go on your cell phone bill) that will give you peace of mind as your kids explore and adventure more outdoors. Fosters a sense of security and encourages independence. Pre-program all contacts, no social media or internet access. Lets your kids send and receive calls and texts from their contacts, without worrying about spam calls or junk mail from strangers.
45. Subscription to a magazine – Kids (and adults!) love getting their own fun mail, so give a gift that gives all year round with a magazine subscription. Offering kids access to magazines at home is not only a novel way to get them to read, but it also hones their skills at reading non-fiction as well. Magazines offer short articles with lots of visual support from pictures and aren’t as intimidating as books for struggling readers. A few of our favorites that encourage outdoor fun and creativity are (1) National Geographic Kids; (2) Ranger Rick; (3) Zoobooks; (4) Sports Illustrated Kids; (5) Click; (6) Ask; (7) Boys Life; (8) Brainspace; (9) Owl/Chickadee/Chirp; and (10) Jack and Jill.
46. Nature books – And while we’re on the subject of getting kids to read, books make great gifts! If you missed it, we’ve got a wonderful list of 30+ of the most beautiful children’s books about nature (storybooks) and this list of 80+ educational nature books for kids (mostly non-fiction). Add a couple to a child’s library and give a gift they can enjoy for years and years.
47. Globe – Speaking of little smarties, how about a globe to encourage a kid’s curiosity about the Earth and the sky! This globe does double duty and teaches kids geography and astronomy. This unique, modern design shows the traditional political map, PLUS 88 modern constellations. The globe is perfect for kids, measuring about 10” (the size of an NBA basketball), without the stand. It is large enough to clearly show countries and major cities, but small enough so your kid can read and spin it. Plus, you don’t need any batteries to make this globe light up – it plugs in!
48. Sunglasses – Protect your children’s eyes while they’re outside playing with these Babiator sunglasses. They come in 2 styles (the Navigator UV and the Aviator) and a variety of colors. They’re designed to withstand the strains of children in everyday life. Frames are made from rubber, making them strong and flexible, shock and impact resistant. Whether your child twists, bends or treads on these sunglasses, they will not break! In addition, these UV400 lenses stop all UVA and UVB rays and protect the eyes of your child against the bright sunlight. Available in baby and toddler sizes and polarization.
49. Membership to local attraction – Another worthwhile experience gift that gives all year-round. A membership to a local zoo, wildlife sanctuary, science center, nature center or botanical garden is a great gift for a kid (or an entire family). Lots of places offer special discounts and perks with your membership, including event tickets, early-access hours, discounts on food/snacks, and free parking.
50. Bow & arrows – This high-quality bow & arrow set from Squire’s Armory (Etsy) in Pennsylvania will entertain your kids for hours while providing a safe introduction into the world of archery. Made in one solid piece design from PVC pipe for long-lasting durability. This bow is both left and right hand compatible, with foam tip safety arrows, and shoots approximately 90 feet.
51. Insulated snow boots – If your kids are in need of new snow boots this year (and aren’t they always?), we highly recommend the See Kai Run Gilman or Atlas waterproof and insulated snow boots. They feature 3M Thinsulate thermal lining and insole good to -35 degrees. Make sure you size up 1 full size to get a perfect fit, due to the gusseted tongue construction that protects the boot from water, snow, and debris!
  Hook and loop closure with faux elastic laces allows for secure fit and custom adjustability
52. Stick-lets fort building kit – Have you heard about Stick-lets? Kids can build a mega fort with just sticks and a set of Stick-let connectors. This set of 18 flexible, safe, silicone connectors can be twisted, stretched, and otherwise manipulated to accommodate almost any kind of construction—forts, toys, animal habitats, geometric shapes, and much more (depending on the size of the sticks). Great for 1–2 builders and includes a carrying bag and informational pamphlet.
53. Sandbox – A sandbox is a perfect gift for the outdoorsy kid. This one, crafted from cedar wood, has a sand screen bottom that helps drain moisture into the ground and a small square design perfect for backyards. Just fold out the doors of the sandbox to form 2 benches that allow your child to sit and play (200 lbs. capacity for each bench). Has a capacity of 750 lbs. of sand for the sandbox. If you’re handy, you can also build this yourself! My dad made one of these (using these plans) for our kids and it was a huge hit!
54. Fitness tracker – Encourage your kids to get outside and active with this waterproof fitness tracker. It syncs via Bluetooth with your phone or tablet and tracks steps, sleep, calories burned, and more. Promotes a healthy lifestyle and sleep habits in your kids. Set goals and challenges for the family, work on math skills, track improvement over time. So many fun ways to use these little devices.
55. Rope climber – This rope climber is a great introduction to a challenging, fun, and traditional fitness sport. It includes a circular rubber bottom disc that kids can stand or sit on to swing, hand, and toeholds to help them climb, and lots of rope to grab and climb without aids. Hang it from a swing set or a tree branch and watch kids have fun with this simple but wonderfully multifunctional invention.
56. Animal masks – Every kid loves to play pretend and now you can let your kids’ imagination run wild with a set of fun animal masks. I love this 18 pack of felt masks that come in a variety of animals and are perfect for younger kids. These animal masks are made of high-quality soft felt, durable and safe. They’d be perfect for playing games with a group of kids at a birthday party or for putting on shows and plays.
57. Hiking backpack – Getting your kid their own hiking backpack is a great way to encourage them to start carrying their own gear and supplies on hikes. Make it comfortable for them with a nice backpack, specifically designed and sized for kids. The Deuter Junior is a great backpack for kids ages 5 and up, with adjustable S-shaped soft-edge shoulder straps that are ergonomically designed to relieve neck strain and a chest strap to helps kids manage load. For smaller kids, try the Mountaintop toddler backpack in pink or green.
58. Slingshot – We love these hand-made slingshots from HellaSlingshot (Etsy). They’re just like the wooden slingshots you made as a kid, but with an added touch of grown-up craftsmanship. Each one-of-a-kind slingshot is handmade in San Francisco from forked tree branches. The bark is left on for an authentic, rustic feel and outfitted it with a leather projectile pouch made from natural latex tubing and imitation sinew. Perfect for hiking and camping, yet powerful enough for slingshot hunting. Choose your own ammo, too! (wooden or felt balls are great starters for kids)
59. Wild Explorers Club membership – The Wild Explorers Club is a monthly, online adventure program designed to ignite a heart for exploration and wonder in kids. The assignments are intended for kids ages 6-12, but younger children can participate with the help of their parents. The membership is $14/mo and includes weekly adventure assignments for each animal level, a monthly “Wild Explorers” print magazine in the mail, a free logo patch for signing up and a patch and certificate for each level completed. One membership covers your entire family, and multiple kids can participate in the program together.
60. Ski pass/lift tickets – If you’re lucky enough to live in an area where you can ski, give a kid lift ticket and a season, weekend or day pass to ski or snowboard. Add a gift certificate for equipment rental if you want to sweeten the deal. Triple bonus points if you throw in ski lessons!
61. Geocaching kit – Geocaching is one of our family’s favorite outdoor activities! It’s basically outdoor treasure hunting with your smartphone and can be done practically anywhere. While you don’t technically need anything but your phone and a free account to start geocaching, this beginner’s kit is perfect for anyone wanting to hide their own geocache. It comes with a weatherproof logbook long outdoor use and an unactivated trackable to release into the wild. If you want more info on geocaching with kids, we’ve got a great Beginner’s Guide to Geocaching with Kids that will tell you everything you need to know to get started.
62. Waders – Have kids that love to fly fish? These Oaki wader for kids are our favorites. They’re made of 90D nylon, which are completely waterproof, but still breathable. The nylon is soft to the touch and the waders are very lightweight, which makes them easier for kids to walk around in and easier for us to pack. They have a full rubber boot, completely neoprene-lined, with great tread, so no need to buy separate boots. The straps are adjustable and they come in sizes starting as small as 2T, all the way up to 14/15. Plus, their customer service is great. If you ever have an issue, they take good care of you.
63. Kayak – A kayak would make an amazing gift for the most adventurous kids. This Evrwild kayak is specifically designed for kids ages 4-12. The wide stance provides a stable paddling platform to keep your child safely in the kayak. Designed to meet the needs of youth, including front storage and a convenient cup holder so your child can easily switch from paddling near the dock to that all-day adventure. Has a padded slip-resistant seat, swim-up deck, paddle rest and stable hull design with great maneuverability and steady tracking.
64. Bubbles & sidewalk chalk – While it may be considered a classic summer combination, bubbles and sidewalk chalk are fun for kids year-round. You can use sidewalk chalk to draw holiday scenes in the winter, color puddles for jumping in the spring, and tracing leaves in the fall. And have you ever tried blowing frozen ice bubbles in the winter?
65. Knot tying kit – Teach your scout (or explorer) the basics of knot tying with this fun kit. This kit includes two 6 foot lengths of 3/16 inch double braided polyester rope and a 6-foot piece of tubular nylon (for water knots). The reference cards are water-proof, durable and credit card-sized. They clearly demonstrate 17 essential knots for anyone who enjoys camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, boating, kayaking, etc.
66. Swim lessons – Teaching a child a life-long critical skill is a great gift! Learning to swim is imperative and important for all children, but swimming lessons can be expensive. Giving the gift of swimming lessons to a local pool or swimming facility not only teaches them a valuable skill, but also makes it fun for the kids.
67. Zipline kit – Ziplines are fun, safe, and easy to set up. Using this kit with thorough installation and safety instructions, you can add a zipline to your backyard in no time. The fully assembled steel trolley comes pre-loaded with an adjustable rope and comfortable seat. The stylish and comfortable rubber grips are screwed into the trolley to ensure a safe and fun ride. This zipline would make great gift and guarantee fun-filled family time outdoors.
68. Trampoline – And speaking of backyard adventures, a trampoline is the ultimate backyard addition for any active outdoorsy kid. It’s a big-ticket item and requires a lot of space, but it’s guaranteed to entertain your kids for hours (and hopefully wear them out!). We suggest getting one with a surrounding net enclosure (for safety) and a basketball hoop (just for fun).
69. Root viewer garden – I love the idea of using this root viewer garden to spark kids interest in growing vegetables indoors, so eventually they’ll want to grow them outside! This root viewer lets you see how vegetables grow underground and serves as a great year-round indoor experiment for all ages. The kit includes a 9-inch x 11.5-inch clear plastic planter with removable top and handle, premium soil, radish, carrot, green onion seeds, and instructions on how to construct and plant.
70. Pitching machine – There are so many great sports for kids that encourage them to get outside and play. Baseball is a big hit (pun intended) at our house and my son loves this pitching machine. It has 3 speeds: 10mph, 15mph & 20mph and an adjustable 3 position pitch angle. There’s a red light that flashes to indicate pitch release, which occurs every 5 seconds. It holds up to 9 balls and includes 4 foam balls. Requires 4 size C batteries or a power adapter (both sold separately).
71. Skateboard or roller blades – Encourage your kids to get outside and active with a beginner skateboard or roller blades. Not only will these help your child with balance and coordination, but they’ll get lots of fresh air and exercise while they’re perfecting their skills. Don’t forget the helmet and knee pads!
72. Sled – There’s no better way to get your kids outside in the snow than to give them a sled! We love this 2-person classic rider toboggan sled with a rope lanyard for pulling. The bottom is slick for speed and it has handle cut-outs on the sides for holding tight!
73. Kids Moon Club Membership – Nicholette Sowder of the Wilder Child and the Wildschooling movement runs a year-long program all about the moon for kids and families. The Kids Moon Club The Kids Moon Club invites you to connect, celebrate, play and walk together through all 13 full moons of the year with families across the world! It includes monthly activities, videos, information on each moon and access to a private Facebook group for building community and sharing ideas. Membership’s only open through the end of the year, so sign up now.
74. Surfer swing – The Swurfer Kick Stand Up Tree Swing lets your kids surf in the air up to 10 feet high! Made of durable plastic strong enough to hold someone up to 150 pounds, this swing is engineered to provide more power, stability & range of motion as kids soar through the air. Hold onto the handles and calmly sway side to side, or use your legs to power higher & carve through the air. Hang it in your backyard or branch out and take it with you on your next hiking, camping, picnic or road trip.
75. RadioFlyer Wagon – A little red wagon is a brilliant and classic kid-friendly gift. This wagon has been a staple in my kids’ childhoods and we use it more than we ever could have imagined. Use it for taking the kids for a walk around the block (they’ll not only love riding in it, but pulling it as well) or use for transporting gear and equipment. The uses are endless and it’s a ton of open-ended fun.
76. Telescope – We love this travel/portable telescope with a tripod and carry bag. It’s a perfect beginner telescope for kids with a 360mm(f/5.1) focal length and 70mm aperture. The fully coated optical glass has high transmission coatings to create stunning images with increased brightness and clarity. Interchangeable eyepieces make locating objects easy. It allows for many different viewing positions and the tripod adjusts for the smaller star-gazers. It’s easy to set up and take outside on a clear night or use during the day to watch wildlife. Perfect for encouraging any kid that’s interested in space, science or astronomy.
77. Metal detector – Get your kids outside and exploring for buried treasure with a metal detector. This metal detector can be used anywhere (park, beach, fields, backyard) to search for all kinds of valuable metal from gold coins to iron relics. It identifies all metal coin-size objects up to 6 inches deep underground and senses larger items up to 2 feet deep. Includes headphones for private searches in crowded places.
78. Kitchen helper bundle – If you have a little one that loves to help out, consider putting together a fun kitchen bundle. Include items like a kid-sized apron, kid-friendly cookbook, child-safe kitchen knives, all packaged together and popped into a mixing bowl. And if your little one is…well, little, then how about a kitchen helper so she/he can be counter-level with you and help.
79. Tinkergarten classes – Experience gifts are so much fun and can create memories that last much longer than any cheap toy. Consider gifting a little one in your life the chance to experience a season of Tinkergarten classes. Each week your child will have the opportunity to spend time outside with other families, learning, playing and exploring. It’s not only a great gift for kids, but wonderful for parents as well.
80. Wild Life Outdoor Adventure Kits – A fun subscription kit for outdoorsy kids that inspire outdoor adventures and learning. Each month a fresh kit of essential outdoor gear, activities, games, crafts, and a merit pin arrives at your door. Your child will earn about the great outdoors, get outside and have fun!
81. Big Life Journal – The Big Life Journal helps children develop strong Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and growth mindset skills through inspiring stories, colorful illustrations, and engaging guided activities. In this illustrated journal, children discover: how to believe in themselves, how to face challenges with confidence, mistakes are opportunities to grow and they can achieve anything when they’re persistent!
82. Hoverboard – Hoverboards were all the rage with the kids in our neighborhood last year. I expect them to be even more popular this year! Hoverboards are great for getting kids outside and building core strength and stability, as well as coordination and balance. There are self-balancing hoverboards for little kids. Hoverboards with built-in lights and connect to Bluetooth to play music. There are even all-terrain hoverboards that go off-road, so you can take them through yards and on smooth trails.
83. Nugget – Part toy and part furniture, the Nugget is one big hit at our house (we have 2 of them). Kids love the Nugget for its infinite possibilities – it can be a fort, a treehouse, a tent, a rocketship, and so much more! Parents love it because it’ll save your couch from certain destruction and provide hours upon hours (I’m not even kidding) or endless entertainment.
What’s on your kids’ wishlist this year?

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BEACH, CANOE/KAYAK, FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER
How to Stand Up Paddleboard with Kids
- August 21, 2020
Summer will soon be coming to an end soon, but right now there’s still plenty of time to get out on the water! One of the most fun outdoor water activities for families is stand up paddleboarding (SUP). Not only is stand up paddleboarding a great work-out, but standing upright on a paddleboard lets you look down into the water and really connect with the nature around you. Today, we have Chelsea Furlong, a professional photographer and (new) homeschooling mom of two, here with tips on how to stand up paddleboard with kids and everything you need to know to get started.

Benefits of stand up paddleboarding (SUP)

Paddleboarding is a great way to spend time with your family outdoors. You get fresh air and sunlight, which we can all use during stressful times, as well as plenty of full-body exercise. SUP promotes balance, increases arm, leg and core strength, and improves endurance as well. The balancing works on your foot, leg, and core, while the paddling is great for your arms and shoulders! Paddleboarding is also a great way to build confidence in children. They get so excited when they’re able to stand securely and do it themselves. Being on the water is also amazing for stress release, which we could all use more of right now. Being outside and in nature is imperative to your family’s mental health.

SUP during COVID

Because of the pandemic this year, there’s been a boom in individual sports that allow for fresh air and physical activity, while still following social distancing guidelines. Biking, skateboarding, hiking, kayaking, and stand up paddleboarding are popular outdoor, COVID-friendly family activities. While the beaches may be closed during the pandemic, stand up paddleboarding gives you an opportunity to enjoy the water without using the beach! Our city allowed the residents to exercise outside during quarantine, so stand up paddleboarding was a great option!

What do I need to stand up paddleboard with kids?

The supplies needed for stand up paddleboarding are minimal! You’ll need a stand up paddleboard, a paddle, and personal flotation devices (PFDs) for each person. There is a fairly wide range when it comes to the price of paddleboards, depending on the size, material and brand. We have two solid paddleboards, but many people now are purchasing inflatable stand up paddleboards (iSUP) because they are easier to store and transport!

When picking a stand up paddleboard, it is important to note the size and weight limit of the board. Wider boards are easier to balance on and great for doing yoga and toting kids along! They usually have a higher weight limit as well. The thinner boards can be more difficult to balance on but are better for SUP surfing! If you have young children that you plan riding with, be sure that the board you pick can handle the weight of you both!

Some SUPs come with a paddle, but if you are purchasing the board and paddle separately I recommend an adjustable paddle. With an adjustable paddle, you can make it smaller for the kids when they’re paddling and then make it larger for you when it’s your turn to paddle.

If investing in your own SUP isn’t in the budget, look for a local SUP rental company! Renting equipment is a great option for those just getting started to see whether they’ll like it.

Other items to bring along

Another great item to have, but isn’t necessary is a waterproof bag that can attach to your board. We have one like this that I’m able to clip right to my board. We usually keep bug spray, sunscreen, car keys, and a cell phone in there in case of an emergency. You obviously run a risk of the bag detaching and losing your keys/phone in the water, so always double-check that it’s securely fastened. When we have our whole family on the water, we feel having a way to call someone during an emergency is definitely worth the risk of the bag detaching and falling in the water.

How to get started stand up paddleboarding with kids

Once you have your gear, the only other things you need are water and a sense of adventure! Learning how to stand up paddleboard may sound intimidating, but it doesn’t take long before you’re on your board cruising through the water. Here are a few more tips for getting started.

Where to go to stand up paddleboard?

You can technically try stand up paddleboarding in any body of water. However, I’d recommend that beginners start on lakes and ponds and avoid the open ocean or rivers. This way you don’t have to worry about large waves or fast-moving currents. The more confident and comfortable you are, the easier it will be for you to start transitioning to moving water and the open ocean.

Get comfortable on your board first

Before you get your children involved, you’ll want to be sure YOU are comfortable stand up paddleboarding. You should feel comfortable balancing, paddling, falling and climbing back up on the board. When you add children to the mix, you’ll have to manage all of that PLUS assist them in the water and back onto the SUP if they fall. If you’re brand new to the sport, I recommend taking some time on your own to get the hang of it. Start on your knees and then work your way up to standing.

Practice in shallow water

Once you’re feeling ready, it’s time to add in the kids! Before you toss your kids on a paddleboard and head out of a long adventure, you’ll want to be sure they’re comfortable in the water and on the board. You’ll want to help them practice in shallow water so you can stand beside them, hold the paddleboard, and assist them as they become more comfortable. It may take quite a few spills and retries before they figure it out.

Make practicing fun for the kids

Before taking our kids out on adventures, we made games for them to play on our stand up paddleboards. It’s important that your children feel comfortable falling off the board, swimming back to it, and climbing back up on it. We let our kids practice by standing up on the boards and jumping off into the water! Kids LOVE doing this! It’s like having your own dock to jump off.

The other game they play is a made-up game called “Paddle Battle.” This is better for older children. Both kids stand up on a paddleboard facing each other, a few feet apart. I call out, “3, 2, 1..Paddle battle!” and they each use their legs to rock the SUP back and forth until someone falls off. The last one standing is the winner! This is great for balance and stability practice, and they get used to the feeling of falling off the board and then climbing back on.

SUP with younger children

For younger children, you’ll want to have them feel what it’s like to sit on the board. You can have them explore the paddleboard on land and in the water. Have them sit on the board while you stand next to them holding the board and give them a nice, slow, calm ride around a shallow spot. Once they’re comfortable with that, you can try kneeling on the SUP with them sitting in the front, and paddling from a kneeling position. That way you’re still nice and close to them, and able to provide comfort and encouragement.

Practice paddling

When the kids are comfortable on the stand up paddleboard, you can then have them begin to practice paddling! You’ll want to start in a shallow place so that you can stand next to them and help them navigate. If they’ve been kayaking, learning to paddle on a SUP will be easy! Make sure your children are comfortable paddling in a straight line as well as making turns before you head out too far. My kids like to paddle forward fast and then stop the paddle in the water to make quick turns.

Get out there!

Once you and your children are all comfortable on your stand up paddleboard, it’s time to adventure! Depending on the ages of your children, you may choose to have them sit on the stand up paddleboard with an adult paddling or have them paddle on their own.

Pro tip: Our children are at an in-between age right now. They’re older and able to paddle alone, but not for long distances. So they use these children’s kayaks for longer adventures and paddle in their kayaks while my husband and I use our SUPS. The small kayaks are lightweight and easy to carry. They’re also very easy to turn so it’s great paddling practice. It’s a wonderful way for all of us to have a great experience on the water during a longer journey!

Find what works best for your family and head out exploring! The memories you make together will be priceless, and you’ll all go home feeling rejuvenated.

Have you been stand up paddleboarding with kids?
What’s your favorite tip?

About the author

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

You can find Chelsea online in the following locations:
Instagram: @dimples.and.the.blonde
Website: dimplesandtheblonde.com
RWMC posts: Chelsea Furlong
FAVORITE GEAR, HIKE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Hiking With A Toddler
- January 27, 2020
Hiking with kids of any age is always an adventure. But, hiking with a toddler (age 1-3) presents its own set of unique challenges and obstacles. However, we believe that hiking with our kids, even in those difficult toddler years, is incredibly beneficial, rewarding and (dare we say) fun! Whether you’re hiking in national parks or on local trails close to home, making the extra effort to go hiking with a toddler is worth it and sets your family up for years of amazing adventures together. We’re here to help you get started and answer all your questions about hiking with toddlers.

How to go hiking with a toddler

Hiking has always been a favorite activity for our family. Long before we had kids, my husband and I loved to hike together. We like challenging ourselves, discovering new places, and that feeling of getting immersed in nature. Once we had kids, we didn’t want our adventures to end and decided to bring the baby on hikes with us. At first, we stuck to trails close to home and used a baby carrier. It slowed us down a little, but we didn’t mind. He slept in the carrier or happily took in the sights, kicking and cooing along the way. But then, he turned into a toddler and everything changed!

Toddlers have a mind of their own. They’re often assertive and stubborn, opinionated and demanding. They’re learning what they like and how to assert their independence. These are good things, but they can certainly make any activity much more difficult. After three kids (the youngest still squarely in the toddler years), we’ve learned how to hike with a toddler so that it’s enjoyable for everyone. In this post, we’re sharing our top tips and tricks for hiking with toddlers.

Choose the right trail

Choosing the right trail for your toddler is half the battle. Before you attempt a hike with kids, you’ll need to do a bit of homework to make sure the trail is safe, not too long and enjoyable for the little ones. Be realistic about what kind of hikes you can do with a toddler and what is safe/best for your little hiker. Not only consider the length of the trail, but make sure the hike’s not too steep or has lots of uneven terrain. Stay away from unprotected sheer cliffs, mud, swift rivers, etc. For your first few hikes with your toddler, try a short flat paved trail. As your kids get older and more experienced, you can add tougher and longer trails to your hiking adventures.

If you’re not familiar with the trails in your area, there are plenty of resources where you can ask questions and find answers. Travel guides and local websites are great. The AllTrails app is also very helpful and provides information such as trail length, elevation and difficulty. Plus, there are detailed maps and you can search your area for “kid-friendly” trails. If you’re hiking in national or state parks, ask the rangers and park employees for advice and recommendations for appropriate trails.

Dress for the occasion

When hiking with a toddler, make sure you dress them in appropriate clothing for the season and weather. If you’re hiking in the winter, we recommend layers. Start with a warm base layer, then add on from there. Your toddler may get warm if she’s running around, hiking on her own and playing. At this point, you can remove layers so she’s comfortable. However, if she gets tired and needs to be carried, she may cool off and need to put the layers back on. For winter hiking with a toddler, we also recommend a warm hat that covers ears, mittens, wool socks, and waterproof shoes. Toddlers can’t resist a good mud puddle and nothing will ruin a hike quicker than cold wet feet!

Shoes matter

Speaking of the proper shoes, they matter when hiking. Toddlers in particular benefit from wearing proper shoes when hiking. We know it may seem like a waste of money to buy hiking shoes for toddlers when they’ll outgrow them in a few months. However, sturdy shoes with good treads are essential for a successful hike. Cold feet, uncomfortable shoes or blisters will kill a child’s enthusiasm for hiking.

For winter hiking with kids, we love the waterproof and insulated boots from See Kai Run. They’re seam-sealed and waterproof, with thermoplastic rubbles soles for maximum grip on wet and snowy terrain. They have a 3M Thinsulate thermal lining to keep feet extra warm in cold weather. Because of the thicker lining, we recommend sizing up at least one full size (or even 2 sizes) for a proper fit with thick socks, allowing extra wiggle room for toes.

When investing in good outdoor gear for kids, we also recommend buying gender-neutral gear, so that you can hand down gear and clothing among siblings without issue. This has saved us a lot over the years, as kids tend to outgrow seasonal gear much quicker than they can wear it out. Particularly when you get good high-quality products like these See Kai Run boots.

Invest in a good backpack or carrier

And since we’re talking about gear, we also recommend bringing along a quality backpack carrier when hiking with toddlers. Very rarely will a toddler be able to finish a hike completely on their own. At some point, you’re probably going to have to carry him. When this inevitably happens, you’ll be super grateful for that carrier or hiking backpack.

When just getting started hiking with a toddler, we started out using the ErgoBaby carrier. For short hikes with small kids, this worked out great. However, as our toddler got a bit bigger and our hikes got longer, we upgraded to a structured hiking backpack. There are lots of options out there for quality hiking backpacks and you should definitely try a few of them out at the store to decide which one you like. We highly recommend the Osprey Poco AG carrier. It’s got an anti-gravity suspension system with a lightweight aluminum frame and a mesh harness and back panel to keep you cool and comfortable.

Make your toddler walk

While carriers are great, make sure you let your toddler down to walk and explore as much as they can! One of the best things about hiking with a toddler is watching them explore the area around them. For kids, hiking is less about getting somewhere than having fun and playing along the way. The more your toddler can walk/hike on their own, the stronger they get and longer they’ll be able to go the next time. And if you don’t rush them or force them down the trail at your speed, they’ll be much more excited about your next hike.

Pack a bag

When hiking with a toddler, you need to make sure you bring all the proper and necessary supplies for a successful trip. You’ll not only need to pack hiking supplies, but you’ll need regular “toddler supplies” like diapers, wipes, etc. Here’s what we usually pack in our bag when hiking with a toddler:
- Water (we really like these water bottles for kids)
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Snacks (see below)
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Bug spray
- Phone
- Plastic bag (for hauling out trash and/or dirty diapers)
- First-Aid kit (band-aids, tweezers, etc.) (hiking safety tips)
If your toddler is strong-willed and independent (aren’t they all?), try giving them their own small backpack to carry. Not only will they love feeling helpful and grown-up, but it’ll lighten your load. Put a few of your child’s essentials in their backpack, along with a small toy or lovely. Keep it small and light – you can add more once your toddler gets bigger and stronger. Pack the bag together so that your child figures out what he/she needs for hiking, knows where it is and will know what to pack for future hikes. This is also great for when your toddler finds a particular rock or leaf they love and can’t live without. If she wants it, she has to carry it!

For more info on what to pack when hiking with kids, check out our full list of hiking essentials for families.

Pro tip: Keep additional snacks, water and a full change of clothes in the vehicle for the return. You don’t want to carry it all, but there’s a good chance they’ll be wet/muddy/thirsty/hungry when you return to the car.

Don’t skimp on the snacks

You should never underestimate the power of snacks for a toddler! Just the word is magic and can get a toddler to do just about anything. When hiking with toddlers, use snacks strategically and wisely. Bring along some fun snacks that you normally give them. That way, when they need a little extra motivation, energy or excitement, you’ve got something special. Also, if they absolutely LOVE hiking snacks, they’re going to be much more willing to go hiking again! Stop often for snacks along the way and again when you get to your destination. That’s a good place to have a bigger snack or even lunch.

Some snack ideas my toddlers have loved are apple sauce pouches, yogurt melts, granola bars, fruit snacks or roll-ups, freeze-dried strawberries, pretzels, crackers with peanut butter, frozen grapes, apple slices with caramel sauce, cereal, bananas, Goldfish, trail mix, mixed nuts, granola, etc.

Play games

My kids love exploring the area around us when we hike, but when they (inevitably) get bored or need some extra motivation, we play games as we hike. Fun games have the ability to turn a boring monotonous activity (walking on a trail) into a fun adventure. You don’t need anything other than your imagination to come up with a fun hiking game.

Here’s a list of a few of our favorites:
- Follow the Leader – Young kids and toddlers really love Follow the Leader. We all take turns being the leader on the trail and everyone behind the leader has to do what he/she does. The leader chooses to do things like walking backward, whistling a song, skipping, weaving like a snake, flying like a bird, grapevine walking, hopping, etc.
- I Spy – We take turns “spying” something and give a clue (“I spy something yellow. I spy something that’s triangular.”) The person who spies the correct thing goes next.
- Scavenger hunt – Scavenger hunts are really fun for kids of all ages to play and work great on hikes. You can either print off a list/pictures of things you want the kids to look for on their hike or just tell them. Set them up for success by making sure the things on the list will be present on your hike. Include some hard and some easy to find items. They can be specific items (find a bee, red flower, mud puddle) or more abstract (find something soft, something that makes noise).
- Alphabet game – If you have older kids that know how to spell, you can go through the alphabet and try to find something that begins with each letter. A is for aspen tree. B is for branch. C is for caterpillar.
- Timed trials – Never underestimate the power of a timer for toddlers. They are all about doing things fast and faster. If your toddler’s having trouble getting down the trail, tell her that you’ll time how long it takes for her to get to the next bench/stump/marker. Then pick the next thing and try to see if she can beat her time! You may even end up with a record-breaking hike!
Geocaching

If you have a smartphone with you, try geocaching on your hike! There are tons of fun caches hidden along trails that give kids an extra incentive to keep going and find treasure. We’ve got a great beginner’s guide to geocaching with kids post if you’ve never tried it.

Have a destination in mind

Going on hikes with a predetermined destination in mind gives kids a goal for the hike and helps keep them going. When hiking with toddlers, start with easy hikes that have a fun destination for them, like a creek to explore, a waterfall, a pond where they can skip rocks or a meadow where they can see cows.

If there’s not a natural destination on your hike, create one! You can do this by choosing a spot to call the destination before hitting the trail. When you get there, break out a picnic lunch or a special snack. Your “destination” can be just a place to stop and play for a while or having a treat! The destination doesn’t have to be anything fancy or super exciting, but just knowing that they have a goal and something to look forward to at the end (or mid-point) of their hike will help keep toddlers motivated to move.

Choose the right time

Consider your toddler’s schedule before planning any day hikes. Most toddlers need at least one (if not two) naps a day, plus lots of frequent small meals and snacks. Try to schedule hikes around your child’s schedule to prevent meltdowns, hangry tantrums and over-tiredness. Make sure to bring snacks and water to fuel your child. If your toddler gets too tired, try putting them in your carrier. Our little ones loved napping in the carrier on hikes, which lets the rest of us spend more time on the trails.

Tired and cranky toddlers are a force to reckon with and can ruin a perfectly lovely outing at the drop of a hat. Do you best to choose the right time to hike with your toddler, but know that meltdowns are going to eventually happen, no matter how much planning you do. Give yourself (and your little one) grace and patience. If your toddler melts down on the trail, do your best to calm her down and get back to your car. Don’t worry, it’s happened to all of us! Hang in there and try again another time.

Go slow & explore

Whether you’re hiking to a destination or if you’re just hiking for the fresh air and sunshine, make sure you go slow and let your toddler explore along the way. When my kids started hiking, sometimes it would take us an hour or more just to go half a mile. While this was initially frustrating to me, I learned to embrace the pace and take pleasure in hiking with kids. Consider the trail from their perspective and find joy in the reprieve from going 1000 mph.

Before you even leave your house, be prepared to go SLOW and take your time on the hike. Little kids love stopping along the way to look under rocks, find the perfect stick or throw rocks in a puddle. Setting yourself up for a very slow hike will keep you from getting frustrated or antsy. Be prepared for a million questions, a very slow pace and lots of stopping along the way. While going at your toddler’s pace won’t get you very far, it will do wonders for your child’s imagination and give you the chance to answer questions about nature and connect with him/her.

End with encouragement

At the end of your hike (and along the way), make sure to give your toddler praise for doing such a great job. Compliment their pace when keeping up. Praise them for things they find/spot along the way. Celebrate when they finish a hike, no matter how long it took. Making them feel like a million bucks when they finish a hike is a sure way to get them to want to do it again. Toddlers love praise and a sense of accomplishment. Be sure to tell them how proud you are of them, how hard they worked and how far they went.

Winter hiking with a toddler

Winter weather adds a whole new complexity to hiking with a toddler. Winter hiking can feel a bit harder than hiking in other seasons, just because of the added gear, layers and precautions you have to take. However, we highly encourage you to push through those, because winter hiking with kids is so incredibly beneficial to them. Not only will they get the fresh air, sunshine and exercise they need in these long dark winter months, but they’ll see things they can’t see any other time and hopefully (eventually) develop a love for all seasons for their unique personalities.

A few safety tips when winter hiking with a toddler: (1) keep an eye on the weather and be aware of winter warnings and advisories; (2) always tell someone where/when you’re going and when you’ll be back; (3) bring extra layers, extra gloves and extra socks; (4) take your fully-charged cell phone with you on hikes; and (5) warm treats on a cold hike are delicious! Consider packing a thermos of warm chicken noodle soup, oatmeal or hot apple cider.

What’s your best advice for hiking with a toddler?

* Photos by the amazingly talented Tiffany, mountain mama of three (+) from Texas. Find more of her gorgeous images at @dear.wildlings.
* For more tried, tested and practical info on this topic, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Hiking with Kids.
FAVORITE GEAR, GIFT GUIDE, GOOD FOR NATURE, INFORMATION
Eco-Friendly Holiday Tips, Swaps & Gift Ideas
- December 12, 2019
For many, the holidays are a time of celebration, gift-giving, and abundance. This is the time of year we tend to overspend, over-indulge and make a lot of choices based on what’s easy and convenient. However, we’re all aware of the desperate shape of our planet and how much it needs our help. Now is a great time to make some deliberate decisions to be more eco-friendly in your actions and support brands and companies that are doing good for our planet. Our creative team member and resident eco-mom, Chelsea Furlong is here today to help us make small changes in our actions and purchases this holiday season to be a more conscientious and Earth-friendly consumer. Not only does Chelsea have lots of great ideas and tips for things you can do to be more sustainable, but she’s got a huge list of eco-friendly holiday gifts for everyone on your list!

Eco-friendly holidays

It can be really hard to not get caught up in the consumerism which often goes hand-in-hand with the holiday season. Once those sales start, we tend to get ourselves all worked up and forget that there is ultimately a cost with every single purchase we make. This holiday season, I encourage you to slow down, step back, and really think through your actions and purchases. The decisions we make today will have an impact on our planet for years (decades). If we all make small choices that are better for the environment, the combined impact can be huge! Together, we can make a difference.

Sustainability tips for the holidays

If you’re interested in making some eco-friendly holiday choices this year, stay tuned! In this post, I’m sharing some general tips to be more sustainable and help minimize your environmental impact. These are small actions and eco-friendly swaps that make a big impact. I’m also sharing some of my favorite Earth-conscious and eco-friendly gift ideas. These gifts are not only good for the planet, but most of them will support a small business.

Swap out your wrapping paper

When it comes to wrapping paper, we all know how much waste ends up in our recycling bins on Christmas morning. It’s always upsetting to me to see all that paper pile up! This year, instead of buying regular wrapping paper, make a better decision. Purchase reusable wrapping gift bags or buy them from a small business on Etsy.com.

Want to make your own recycled wrapping paper? If you forget your reusable bags (on one of those countless trips to the grocery store for last-minute ingredients for holiday meals), opt for paper bags. When you need wrapping paper, simply open them up and have your kids decorate the bags. Their art makes beautiful (and very special) wrapping paper! We do this every year and the grandparents love seeing their grandchildren’s artwork all over their gifts. You can also use recycled kraft paper for this.

You can also skip the wrapping paper altogether! Instead, just DIY a little decoration made from materials you find in nature. Attach a branch of pine or a twig of holly to the unwrapped gift instead!

Finally, if wrapping paper is your thing and you do choose to purchase those large rolls of wrapping paper, try to opt for a brand made with recycled paper. Every little action matters.

Eco-friendly tips for holiday meals

Speaking of those last-minute trips to the grocery store, we all know this is the season for lots of parties, baking, and eating. Whether you’re bringing a potluck dish to a family member’s house or hosting your own big shindig, there are lots of ways you can make your meals more eco-friendly and better for the environment. Here are a few ideas. Keep these in mind for all your party planning.

Avoid single-use tableware

While it may be easy to grab some single-use paper or plastic plates, napkins, and utensils, it’s truly unnecessary if you already own these items. These materials are used for maybe 15-20 minutes, and then they’re generally tossed right into a landfill. In addition, think about the significant resources used to create those items in the first place. From the trees or oil from which they’re made, to the energy that runs the factory which produces them. The entire process uses up valuable resources. While it may save you some time doing dishes, it’s really not worth the trade-off when you look at the big picture.

The same goes for paper towels and napkins! Although they may be easier to use, it’s so much better for Mother Earth to skip them altogether. You can purchase reusable napkins for almost nothing at your local thrift store. Keep a basket of folded-up cloth towels and napkins right on the table for your family and guests to use instead. If you’re not comfortable offering mismatched towels and napkins during gatherings, you can go a little higher end with unpaper towels made by one of my favorite companies, Marley’s Monsters. And while you’re over there, feel free to grab a couple of their reusable sponges to use instead of throw-away ones you have sitting on your sink!

Avoid single-use food storage

Most of us will have leftover meals and baked goods from our holiday gathering or have baked goods to give to others during the holiday season. Instead of using a plastic sandwich bag to store the items, pick reusable sandwich bags or use washed-out food jars.

We try to buy items packaged in glass jars over plastic anytime possible. Once the olives, pickles, salsa, etc. have been consumed, we give them a second life before they end up in a landfill. (Did you know: only about 9% of your recycling actually gets recycled? So even if you usually put your glass/plastic jars in the recycling rather than the trash, there’s still a good chance it ends up in a landfill.) You can store all sorts of products and leftovers in glass jars! And if you’re sending guests home with leftovers, you won’t have to worry about getting the food containers back!

If you usually store your food on plates or bowls covered in plastic wrap, you could opt for a reusable beeswax wrap instead. And most of us know that it’s always better to purchase stainless steel or glass food storage containers in place of plastic ones. But, since they’re significantly more expensive than plastic ones, I still recommend using the free glass food jars most of you already have sitting in your fridge instead!

Buy your food locally

When planning your holiday meals, try sourcing your food locally! Look for a local CSA for your produce or your neighborhood farmer’s market. See if there’s a local farm nearby where you can buy your meat. Go to a local bakery for your bread. You may be surprised at all the amazing options you have nearby once you start looking into it! Not only will the food be fresher and locally-grown, but you’ll also be supporting small businesses in your area.

Christmas tree dilemma

One of the biggest eco-friendly holiday swaps relates to trees. When it comes to Christmas trees and the environment, there are arguments for both real and fake trees. On the one hand, an artificial tree can be reused many times and keeps a real tree from being cut down and then decomposing. But, on the other hand, cutting down a live tree can be both environmentally beneficial and economically conscious. Let’s take a deeper dive into both options.

The environmental impact of a real tree

I’ve read many articles on the environmental impact of both real and artificial trees and I’m still “Team Real Tree.” We know that decomposition does put carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. And we know that fossil fuels are used to deliver them. However, the benefits of purchasing (or cutting down your own) real tree outweigh the few environmental costs.

For example, when you purchase a live tree you’re supporting a farm that depends on the income from those trees to continue to run. While the trees are growing, they’re helping to clean the air. Once the trees are cut down, they’re replaced with new ones. Once you’re finished with the live Christmas tree, it can often be repurposed. Here at the beach, we bring our trees over to the water to help prevent beach erosion. Many cities also collect the live trees and turn them into mulch or other products that are used throughout the year. In those cases, the tree gets another life before it decomposes.

The environmental impact of artificial trees

While artificial trees can be reused for several years, they’re made from products that will sit in a landfill for generations after we’re gone. They’re often produced in factories overseas and use lots of resources to reach the United States. Instead of supporting a small farmer, you’re likely supporting a large corporation. Unless you do a significant amount of research, you’ll also not know how that factory operates. How does it treat its workers? What are the carbon emissions produced by that factory? There are lots of details we don’t immediately know about the production of those artificial trees. But, if you have any local Christmas tree farms, you can talk directly to the farmer!

If you do have an artificial tree, don’t beat yourself up or immediately throw it out. Data shows that you should reuse it for at least 7 years to balance out the environmental impact. And when you’re done with it, try donating it to a school, hospital, nursing home or somewhere that might be able to squeeze a few more years out of it! The longer we can keep them out of landfills and in use, the better.

Another option (which I think is the best option), is to get a live tree that hasn’t been cut! Some places even rent them out! However, buying a full tree that can be planted after Christmas is the most expensive option. A small potted tabletop tree (not a full-sized Christmas tree), runs around $70. And as the size goes up, the price goes up. Not everyone can afford it, but if it’s in your budget and you don’t mind the much smaller size, it’s a great super eco-friendly Christmas tree choice!

Eco-friendly holiday cards

Like everyone else, I truly love receiving holiday cards. I used to excitedly send them out, but in the last few years, I’ve opted out. Considering that those cards will most likely just be thrown away in two weeks, it’s sadly not worth it to me. The wasted paper, the cost of the cards, the fossil fuels necessary for delivery all add up. Plus, the overwhelming stress of choosing the perfect card and all the time necessary to address, stamp and stuff the envelopes. It’s one thing I’ve taken off my to do list and has the added bonus of being good for the planet. Feel free to give yourself this same break!

But if holiday cards are your jam, instead of traditional paper cards, consider sending eco-friendly holiday cards made from plantable paper. These have seeds incorporated into them and can be planted in your garden. Another alternative is to send digital cards. I know this doesn’t have nearly the excitement as a real card and may not seem as personal, but it also won’t have the environmental impact. If you truly love sending traditional holiday cards and can’t give it up, look for a brand that uses recycled materials or is compostable.

Eco-friendly holiday gift-giving

When it comes to gift-giving, I’ve become much more conscious as a consumer over the last few years. When I’m looking for items for our family or to give as gifts, I often spend a lot of time researching. It’s important to me to spend my money on brands and companies that support my values and beliefs. I like to choose products that are made with the environment’s best interest in mind. These little changes can make a big difference, especially if we all start shopping with our hearts and our heads.

Choose slow fashion

As a society, we are very hung up on “fast fashion,” for example. Fast fashion is the result of clothing companies making the consumers believe that your wardrobe needs to be replaced at least every quarter. Because of this, many people are purchasing cheaper fashion items to be used only for weeks and then tossed out. Instead of falling into this fast fashion trap, I recommend taking the time to really research where your clothing is being made and how long that item will last. It is definitely more expensive to buy higher quality items, but those items will last years (often decades, depending on the brand.)

Patagonia is one of the best examples of slow fashion that I know. This company intentionally makes products meant to last a long time to reduce the number of clothing items tossed in a landfill. They also have a repair service they encourage you to use if your gear gets damaged. They prefer that you fix a product you’ve purchased from them before purchasing a new one! Not many organizations put the planet before their bottom line. Obviously, you will pay significantly more than you would at your local Target, but you’ll have the items a long time or you’ll be able to pass them down to other people several times.

Buy second hand

There are also many options for purchasing pre-loved fashion items now, too. Thrift stores and online used boutiques allow you to avoid falling into that fast fashion trap! If you’ve never purchased second-hand clothing, just give it a chance. Years ago, the thought of second-hand fashion products freaked me out. I get it. But trust me, it’s actually pretty awesome! I get so excited when I have a good thrifting day and get lots of name brand gear without the guilt. You may find that you love it, too!

Purchase high-quality brands

If you are going to buy new items, look for ones that have a track record of lasting a loooong time. You don’t want to purchase something that’s going to fall apart after a few washes. When we purchase items, we also consider things like:
- Are the items sustainably made?
- Is the company certified fair trade?
- Is there a product guarantee or warranty?
- Does the company participate in/donate to any organizations that positively impact the environment?
I’ve often found that the brands we’re interested in purchasing from are part of 1% for the Planet or One Tree Planted. If I’m considering similar products from a couple of different companies, I will always pick the one that gives back in some way. As an added bonus, usually, when a company participates in one of these organizations, they’re more likely to be careful about their carbon footprint throughout the entire process.

Buy products locally

I used to be someone who ordered almost everything online. It was so easy! However, as I saw the boxes piling up on my doorstep (and all my neighbors’) the more it started to bother me. Not only did it make me aware of how much Americans are consuming on a DAILY basis, but it also made me start thinking about how many resources we’re using up for every single item we get delivered. I realize that many of us will still need to purchase some items online because we may not have direct access to stores that sell the items we’re looking to buy. But I highly recommend putting in that extra effort to check your local stores first. Instead, you’ll put your hard-earned money right back into your local community and avoid the use of resources it takes to deliver every individually boxed item to your door.

Best eco-friendly holiday gift ideas

Phew! That is a lot of information! Now that we’ve gone over the general best practices, let’s get to the fun stuff! Here is a list of some of my favorite eco-friendly holiday gift ideas. I hope this will help as you work on your holiday shopping! This list has everything you need for everyone on your list to have a truly magical and eco-friendly holiday! Hopefully, some of these items will even inspire the recipient to make more earth-conscious decisions and take more eco-friendly actions in the future. Our planet needs more conscientious consumers.

Eco-friendly stocking stuffers
- Metal or paper straws
- Bamboo toothbrush
- Soap or shampoo bars by Chagrin Valley Soaps
- Bite toothpaste bits
- Reusable utensils
- Compostable phone case by Pela
- Safety razor
- Eco-Dough
- Deodorant paste or eco-friendly Deodorant Sticks
- Silk floss
- Kooshoo hair ties
- Bath bombs or bath salts (you can even DIY)
Eco-friendly holiday gifts
- Ansel + Ivy plants
- Stainless steel travel mugs or water bottles
- Children’s clothing from Sawyer
- Hamilton Perkins Collection bags
- Plan Toys
- Lil Bellies products for outdoor kids
- Paperless towels from Marley’s Monsters
- KeepCup
- Fazl socks or hat
- Clothing from Christy Dawn
- House of Marley speakers or headphones
- Bamboo bowls or cutting board
- Greenpan cookware
- Yoga mat by Manduka
- Plant Therapy essential oils
- Tea strainer with loose leaf tea
- Compost bucket or tumbler
- Food storage containers
- Eco crayons
- Cosmetics by Elate or Aether Beauty
- Rothy’s shoes
- Lux Woods watches
- Proof sunglasses
DIY a gift

There are also tons of eco-friendly holiday gifts you can make yourself. Pinterest has an endless supply of ideas. This year I’m making vanilla extract using some vanilla my husband brought back from a work trip to Madagascar! I plan to reuse some glass jars and dress them up a bit to use as gifts for friends.

Another great DIY gift for kids is to make an art cart! We have a cart like this in our home and we have all sorts of art supplies and “trash” items. Our kids love making art from trash. I have a constant collection of plastic, cardboard, and paper products that I add to our cart throughout the year for the kids to use to create whatever they want. Whenever we have other kids over at our house, they always head right to the art cart to see what fun items are stored in there. You can even use a storage unit you already have in your house or find one at the thrift store instead of purchasing one new. Grab some items from your recycling bin, get some art supplies at the thrift store, and let your kids create! They’ll love it!

Give experience gifts

I’m sure many of you already do this, but gifting someone an experience rather than a possession is always a great eco-friendly holiday gift idea! You could gift a membership to a local museum, rec center, zoo, aquarium, nature center, science center, children’s museum, or botanical garden for families with children. You could even gift memberships to AAA, a local gym, yoga studio, spa, etc. for adults. Gifts like these keep on giving and you can avoid the guilt of getting someone “stuff” that they may or may not even use.

Gift cards and activities

Similarly, gift certificates and gift cards are another great eco-friendly holiday gift option! You could gift an experience using a gift card to the movie theater, an indoor golfing facility, climbing gym, local pool, digital music or movie service. Local spas, painting or art classes, or restaurants are also great options. If you have a traveler in your life, you can even get AirBnb and airline gift cards now!

For families with children, how about offering to pay a month’s worth of tuition to things like dance lessons, music lessons, sports, swim lessons, or other activities? As a parent, I LOVE when family members offer to help with these kinds of activities. They get really expensive, and since the kids are already doing the activities, it’s very practical. Another great idea is to offer babysitting services so the parents can have a night out! Most parents I know would welcome any of these in place of toys that will clutter up their house.

Make a donation

Finally, making a donation to an organization in your friend or family member’s name is a wonderful eco-friendly holiday gift alternative to giving material items. You can find an organization you know the person is passionate about and donate directly to that cause. It’s a great way to show someone you truly listen to their heart while contributing to a cause in need of funding!

Eco-friendly holiday changes

There are so many ways to keep your holidays eco-friendly. I hope you’ve come up with some small, but impactful changes to make this year! If we all choose to make even a few eco-friendly decisions, we can make a big difference. Hopefully, we’ve convinced you it’s worth trying! I’m always looking for new ideas to reduce my carbon footprint, so I’d love for you to share some of your small changes with me.

What small changes have you made to reduce your carbon footprint?
What are your favorite eco-friendly gifts to give?

Hi there, I’m Chelsea! I’m a photographer, mother of two busy boys, and sunshine and fresh air addict. We live in Virginia Beach, Virginia and spend as much time outdoors as we possibly can! We spend most of our time exploring the beach, inlets, and nature trails nearby. Our family loves biking, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, building forts, and playing in the sand! During the warm months, you can find us enjoying the Chesapeake Bay almost every night until long after the sun goes down. We’re doing our best to reduce our carbon footprint and always try to leave every trail cleaner than it was when we arrived.

You can find Chelsea online in the following locations:
Instagram: @dimples.and.the.blonde
Client work: @chelsea.lyn.photography
Website: dimplesandtheblonde.com
RWMC posts: Chelsea Furlong
FAVORITE GEAR, FISH, INFORMATION, MCFAMILY, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Teaching Kids to Fly Fish & Best Fly Fishing Gear for Kids
- December 3, 2019
Fly fishing is a beautiful, peaceful, yet very intimidating sport. Fly fishing requires abundant patience, intense focus and lots of determination. Those aren’t usually qualities possessed by small children. However, teaching kids to fly fish doesn’t have to be overwhelming or daunting. We’re here to give you some fun and easy ways to introduce kids to fly fishing and help you share the love of fishing with your kids. We’ve got great advice for getting started fly fishing with kids, how to start casting, plus, our family’s personal recommendations for all the best fly fishing gear for kids.

Teaching kids to fly fish

It’s only natural for parents that fly fish to dream of having their child become their favorite fishing buddy. And while that may eventually happen (20-30 years from now), it takes a lot of work, patience and many years to turn a wild child into a patient fisherman. It’s about a strong connection with nature first, then making fishing fun by any means, and finally, learning how to fly fish. We’ve been fly fishing with our kids since before they could walk. Here’s how we’ve nurtured and developed their love for the sport, as well as fostered a conservation mindset and strengthened their love for nature.

Fly fishing starts with plain old regular fishing

Teaching kids to fly fish starts with teaching a child how to fish with a plain old regular push-button or spinning rod and enjoying time spent outside on the water. Little kids don’t necessarily enjoy the process of fishing – they enjoy catching! And they enjoy looking for cool bugs and snakes, skipping rocks, exploring the pond/stream, eating a picnic lunch and spending quality time outside with you.

Set kids up for fishing success

If you want kids to love fishing right off the bat, you need to set them up for success. While adults may love the peace and serenity of a quiet day fishing, kids want action! Even the most focused kid will get bored if there are no bites or catches. Start kids off by fishing with a small spinning rod in a local stocked pond for fish that are easy for kids to catch (bluegill, sunfish, bass). The more fish available to catch, the greater your chances. Adults may be willing to wait all day for that one giant fish, but kids would rather catch 50 little fish as fast as possible.

Make fishing fun for kids

Use live bait, if you can. This not only entices the fish, but keeps kids interested. If possible, don’t buy your bait, but help your kids catch it! That’s half the fun for most kids, and sometimes more fun than the fishing itself. More often than not, our kids are way more interested in playing with worms, shrimp, crickets, grasshoppers and minnows than actually fishing.

Put a bobber on their line. This helps them visually know when they’re getting a bite. If your kids are little, use smaller fishing poles that are easier for their small hands. Give them your 100% undivided attention, which they’ll remember, even if they don’t catch a thing. And when they do catch a fish, make sure you yell and clap like crazy! If they see you lose your mind over catching a fish, they’re definitely going to want to do it again!

For more on this, see our post on how to raise kids that love to fish.

What age kids should start fly fishing?

Like many generic answers about the right time to try anything, the answer to when you should start teaching a kid how to fly fish is…it depends. A lot of people will tell you not to start teaching kids to fly fish until they are between eight and ten years old. That’s about the time kids’ attention spans lengthen and patience develops so that they can fish in a serious way. However, every child is different.

Our oldest son started fly fishing with dad when he was two years old. He could cast pretty well by four years old. Now, at seven, he’s learning to tie his own flies and knots and can fish on his own for decent periods of time. Our daughter, on the other hand, is five and doesn’t have the patience or focus to fly fish beyond a few casts here and there. But, she loves being outside on the water with us, chasing butterflies and catching crawdads. Every kid is different and you know your child best.

Take them fishing with you

No matter what age your kids are, feel free to take them along on your casual fishing outings. That way they can watch you fish, get excited about catching a fish and spend time with you in nature. If your little one is too young to walk, consider a carrier or a backpack (we’ve used both). If your child’s old enough, you can practice cast with them every now and then. Keep it light-hearted with no pressure. When they start to get frustrated or super wiggly, stop and do something else. Working with young children on casting basics and letting them experience catching fish on a fly rod are great at any age. The most important thing is to make it fun so they don’t get frustrated and completely give up before they’re patient enough to really enjoy it.

Practice a cast

If you think it’s time to introduce your child to fly fishing, start by teaching them the basics of casting. We recommend practice casting off the water because then it’s really about practicing and not about catching fish. Spend some time in your backyard, driveway or at the local park practicing casting with your child. Use a leader that’s no longer than 8 feet and tie something light (with no hook) to the end to mimic a fly. Choose a spot to cast to or set up a target/indicator so they know exactly where to cast.

Make a few casts in front of them to show them how it’s done. Explain that for a fly cast to work, they will need to stop the tip of the rod up high on the forward and backward casts to allow the line to shoot accurately. Show them how to keep your wrist locked, your elbow moving on a flat surface and punch forward with their thumb. Next, let them have a few turns on their own. Introduce a cadence or rhythm and give them something to say out loud as they cast—for example, “front, back, front, back.”

Provide gentle guidance

After a few attempts on their own, next, help them out by standing/kneeling behind them and gently guiding their cast. Kids can learn fly casting very quickly by feeling someone else make the cast while holding the rod. With your child holding the fly rod in one hand, place your hand over theirs on the rod and make the cast for them. Finally, let them try on their own again.

If you can get thirty minutes with them holding a fly rod and getting used to how it feels, you’ve done well! Be very patient and verbally reward them when they do well, make improvement or hit the target. Kids love to receive positive approval from adults, their parents.

Keep fishing trips short & fun

When your kids first start fishing (fly fishing or otherwise), let them set the pace. Kids learn best by discovering in their own way and on their own time. Let your child fish for as long as he or she stays interested (probably about 30 minutes for kids under 7). Never push a kid to keep going when they’re obviously done. At this point, it’s more about making it fun for them than anything else. We know it’s hard, but try to avoid fishing yourself on some of these outings and resist the urge to show them how to do it over and over. Once is enough and then hand the rod over. And when they’d rather skip rock in the water or hunt for frogs, by all means, take a break!

Get others involved

There is absolutely no harm in letting someone else help teach your child how to fly fish. It’s particularly hard for older kids and teenagers (or even adults) to take instruction from their parents. If you have a child that wants to learn, but gets frustrated with you as their teacher, get help from a friend or relative that fly fishes. Hire a guide for a day. Or sign them up for a lesson, class or camp. Sometimes all kids need to put everything together is for someone else to show or tell them how to do something (even if it’s the exact same advice you’ve been giving them).

Another way to get others involved is to let your child bring a friend along. Sometimes kids can teach each other lessons or learn things together better than individually. Maybe it’ll spark some healthy competition between them to see who can cast more accurately or the farthest. And then, when their attention is spent, they’ll have someone to explore with or help them dig for worms.

A few other fly fishing suggestions

No matter what age or skill level your child is, there are some other things you can do to ensure the fishing outing is a success (even if you don’t catch any fish). Here are few additional ways to keep your kids safe, happy and entertained:
- Pack lots of snacks and a cooler full of drinks
- Use kid-friendly bug spray and sunscreen
- Dress kids comfortably and pack extra clothes in case they get cold or wet
- Choose fishing spots with a playground nearby or a place where kids can catch frogs/minnows/crickets
- Always bring along a spinning rod or push button rod (in addition to the fly rod)
Best fly fishing gear for kids

For the most part, kids learning how to fly fish can usually use their parents’ gear. With the exception of waders/boots and clothing, there aren’t a lot of items that need to be specially geared towards children. However, giving a child their own fishing gear that’s their size and they’re proud of is a great way to get kids interested in going fishing.

Choosing a fly rod for kids

Because their motor skills are not yet developed, and because they don’t have the diligence necessary to care for expensive rods appropriately, it can be daunting to find an appropriate fly rod for a child. You want a fly rod that is strong yet flexible, inexpensive but not cheap quality.

Most child fly rods are designed for kids aged six to nine. If your child is older or will be fishing beyond those years, it’s probably best to go with a “beginner” fly rod, as opposed to a “child” fly rod. Many fly rods designed for children are made of flimsy plastic that easily breaks or cracks. However, don’t go all out on an expensive overly-delicate fly rod. Kids can be hard on gear and you don’t want something that will break the first time your child trips or walks it into a tree (because it will happen). Constantly worrying about your kid handling and transporting expensive equipment will also kill your enjoyment of the overall experience and turn you into a nervous wreck.

Choose a fly rod that’s limber and not too long

The first and most important quality of choosing a fly rod for your child is finding a rod that is not too stiff or long. A limber lightweight action rod will allow your child to feel the rod load. This leads to a much quicker grasp on the proper timing and casting technique. A shorter rod may not necessarily help a child learn to cast better, but will weigh less and eliminate some extra weight for the child’s young arms while they’re learning to cast. A long rod will also increase the likely hood of it interacting with trees, bushes, your face, and anything else within the range of the new angler’s casting, so shorter can save you time and hassle. Between 7-8 feet is the ideal rod length for a child to start fly fishing.

Best weight fly rod for kids

A 5 or 6 weight fly rod is the norm for adults who fly fish on lakes/ponds and small streams. However, the majority of children will find rods of this size too long, heavy and unwieldy to cast (especially for kids under 10). We recommend starting with a 3 or 4 weight rod for children. This is the ideal fly rod size for kids to fish on most ponds, lakes or shallow streams. Plus you add feel when fighting a fish. Pair it with a nice light reel and a good fly line and you’re ready to go.

Kids fly rod recommendations

We started our kids off fly fishing with a 7’6” three-weight made by Temple Fork Outfitters. It’s the perfect bluegill rod and works for trout and smaller bass. It’s also not going to break the bank or be a huge disaster if it gets broken. Our recommendation for the best fly rod and reel for kids:
- TFO Rod / Reel Combo, 7’6” three weight
If you have a fly shop nearby, a lot of them will let your child try out a few rods before you buy one. Many places will let your kid test cast with a few different rods to see which one they like best. Some places will even give you a free casting or fly tying lesson when you buy from their shop! Shopping local not only supports your local fly fishing business, but provides lots of opportunities to meet like-minded people and learn new things about your local fishing areas.

Best fly line to use when teaching kids to fly fish

As I mentioned above, when teaching a child how to cast a fly rod, they often find it tricky to feel the weight of the fly line loading the rod. One common technique to help with this is to use fly line one (or even two) line weights heavier. For example, if you have a four-weight rod, use a five weight line. This “over-lining” technique is ideal if the kid is making shorter casts since won’t need to get a lot of line in the air to make a cast. Once your child has their timing mastered, you can drop the line back to the manufacturer-recommended weight for their rod.

Best fishing waders for kids

There are only a handful of companies that make really durable and quality waders for kids. We love the toddler and children’s neoprene waterproof fishing waders by OAKI. Their child-sized waders are made of 90D nylon, which are completely waterproof, but still breathable. The nylon is soft to the touch and the waders are very lightweight, which makes them easier for kids to walk around in and easier for us to pack. They have a full rubber boot, completely neoprene-lined, with a great tread, so no need to buy separate boots. The straps are adjustable and they come in sizes starting as small as 2T, all the way up to 14/15. Plus, Oaki’s customer service is great. If you ever have an issue, they will take good care of you.

Head over to Oaki.com and use the code RWMC15 to save 15% on anything in the store!

Polarized fishing glasses for kids

Protective glasses of some kind are absolutely essential for young anglers. Our kids are not allowed to fish without proper protective eyewear and a hat. When it’s sunny our kids love the polarized Babiators sunglasses. We’ve been using this brand of sunglasses since our oldest was 1. They’re amazing. The polarized glasses have anti-glare lenses that help kids see more clearly into the water. The lenses offer 100% UVA and UVB protection. They have flexible rubber frames and impact- and shatter-resistant lenses. They DO NOT break when you bend, twist, or step on them! Trust us, we’ve tried. But my favorite thing – if you lose or break them in the first year, they replace them for free!

Outfitting your kids with flies and boxes

A simple basic bright-colored foam fly box is probably the best type of fly box to get for a child. We like this one from Orvis. That way, if they drop it in the water it’s easy to see and recover. Plus, it will float! Stock your child’s fly box with a few of each of the following basic flies that will catch just about anything:
- Woolly buggers (size 8 and 10) in olive, black and/or white
- San Juan worms in red and pink
- Large (size 12 and 14) pheasant tails
- Egg patterns
Other fly fishing tools and gadgets for kids

There are any number of fun little fly fishing gadgets and tools you can equip your child with, if you want. Most of these items are probably already in your fly pack, so no need to duplicate if you’re always the one tying their knots and attaching their flies. However, once your kid becomes a bit more self-sufficient, consider stocking their fly pack with the following items:
- box of flies
- a pair of nippers
- a small pair of hemostats for de-barbing new flies and unhooking
- some tippet
- leader
- strike indicators
- split shot
Tips for fly fishing with kids

We hope these tips and advice on how teaching kids to fly fish will help prepare and inspire you to get outside with your kids and catch some fish! Keep your expectations low and your rod tip high. Relax, be patient, and let the kids lead. Whether you catch 10 fish or just chase frogs around the water’s edge, spending time together outside will always be worth it.

Do your kids fly fish?
What tips would you add?
CAMP, FAVORITE GEAR, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
20 Must Have Items for RV Camping
- September 26, 2019
Getting started RV camping with your family can be quite an overwhelming task. While it may sound easy enough to pack up food, your clothes and some camping gear, there are so many items you need for RV camping that aren’t obvious. Today, we have full-time RVing mom of three, Kathleen here sharing her family’s 20 must-have items for RV camping. After spending months on the road with her family, Kathleen’s RV packing list includes all those essential RV items you never knew you needed to stay safe, organized and have fun!

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Learning our lesson

When we rented our very first RV, we were completely clueless as to what we would need. We thought we’d fill our suitcases with clothes and the pantry with food and we’d be good to go! Boy, were we wrong! We forgot so many important items. We brought stuff we didn’t need that took up space and caused clutter. And we ended up wasting a lot of time and money going out and purchasing all the things we forgot to pack or figured out we needed along the way.

Must-have items for RV camping

We’ve been a full-time RV family for a few months now. When we look back at those first misadventures in RV packing, it seems obvious where we went wrong. There are so many factors that go into RV life that I didn’t know about until I experience them! So, to make life easier on you, take some advice from someone who’s been through this and learned our lessons. Here is my list of our top 20 must-have items for RV camping with kids.

Spoiler alert: Not every item is fun, but these items are necessary to get set up and start making memories with your family!

Must-have RV camping basics

The most important things are water, power, and sewer when it comes to camping. Not at all glamorous, but extremely necessary! Here are a few basic essentials that you’ll most definitely need for cooking, cleaning and living comfortably in your RV.

1. Freshwater hose

A water hose for freshwater is a necessity. Make sure it is drinking water approved/safe. We also have a second hose strictly for cleaning out our black tank. We never swap them out or use them for the other’s purpose. We also store each of them in separate storage containers.

2. Water filter & regulator

When you are camping, you never know what the quality of the water will be. That is which is why a water filter is super important. We still purchase gallons of water for drinking, but we use our filtered water for cooking, showering, etc. It’s also a good idea to have a water pressure regulator so you don’t destroy your plumbing. In fact, in some RV parks and campgrounds, it’s mandatory!

3. Surge protector

Depending on the amperage of your RV, you will either need a 30 amp or 50 amp surge protector. Always, always, always check this when plugging into shore power. The surge protector will let you know if the wiring is okay, or if something isn’t right it will protect your RV from harmful power surges!

4. Sewer hose kit

Yes, this one is just what it sounds like – a hose kit for cleaning out your sewer. Okay, I get it! You’re probably now thinking, “We’re supposed to be making memories, not dealing with all this boring maintenance!” But trust me, basic RV maintenance and protection is a necessary evil. If you’re going to live in your RV, you need to protect it and keep it well-maintained. After getting this sewer hose kit, make sure you also stock up on some holding tank treatment.

5. Generator

If you know ahead of time that you will ALWAYS be camping with full hookups, a generator might not be necessary for you. However, when boondocking or dry camping in warm weather you must have a way to power your air conditioner, keep the fridge running and charge your battery. Inverter generators are preferred in the RV community because they are much quieter and lighter!

Pro tip: We blew through 2 different generators (causing many stressful days) because they weren’t strong enough to power our A/C. Make sure you determine how many watts your RV needs to run your A/C and other necessary electrical appliances.

6. Solar charger

This solar-powered charger is our favorite! It won’t power the air conditioner in the RV, but it charges our batteries and is much easier to set up than a generator. All we do is set the panels out and plug it into our RV solar connection! This is perfect for keeping your batteries charged, and also for boondocking or dry camping in places where you don’t need A/C.

Essentials for setting up your RV

The next few items are necessary for getting your RV set up and level at your campsite. Again, these items might not be the most interesting or novel, but they’re each essential for making sure your RV camping experience is fun, easy and memorable (for all the right reasons). Here are a few more must-have items that will help make RV camping better and easier.

7. Leveling blocks

Sometimes you arrive at a campsite and it’s not level. It’s the worst! If you’re not prepared, you can waste a ton of time trying to get level and frustrate yourself to no end. Save your sanity and use these nifty little leveling blocks to help with leveling your RV. In addition, they can also be put them under the tongue and stabilizer jacks. Plus, your kids will think they are giant Legos!

8. X-Chock wheel stabilizers

No one wants their RV to accidentally roll or take a trip on its own! Sometimes your RV has a mind of its own! Give yourself some peace of mind that that won’t happen with these awesome x-chock wheel stabilizers. These little guys go in-between the wheels of your RV, on each side, to keep your RV safe and sound in one place.

Best RV tools & equipment

It goes without saying that there are lots of tools that come in handy when you’re RV camping. Basic tools like screwdrivers, hammer, wrench set and pliers are obvious. Here are a few not-so-obvious extra tools we have found to be extremely helpful when RV camping.

9. Robertson square-tip screwdriver

Who knew these square tip screwdrivers even existed? Before owning an RV I definitely didn’t. The interior of most RVs is assembled using square tip screws. If you want to be able to unscrew anything in your RV for any reason at all, you will need one of these!

10. Air compressor

You could say that tires are a pretty darn important part of your RV. Unless your RV is parked and never moving, you’re going to want a way to keep your tires well-maintanced and full of air. This portable air compressor will give you peace of mind while on the road and allow you to inflate your tires on the go. We like this one since we can use it on the RV, as well as our truck tires.

11. Tire pressure gauge

Yep, this tire pressure gauge does exactly what it sounds like! It makes sure your tires are all set at the correct pressure. Don’t underestimate how important it is to maintain proper tire pressure, particularly when you’re hauling such precious cargo. It’ll save wear on your tires and get you better gas mileage. Both of those things will save you money in the long run and is definitely worth it. We use this every time we get ready for a travel day.

12. Torque wrench

Each time before heading out with your RV you should check your tires not only for correct pressure, but also check that the lug nuts are secured properly. Both items are crucial in ensuring your tires are safe on the road. A torque wrench is the best and easiest way to make sure everything is tight and secure.

13. External battery charger

We love finding ways to harness our planet’s natural energy and this battery charger works great. It’s solar-powered and includes 3 USB ports for charging all your devices. We set it outside the RV while we’re out and about, exploring, eating, and playing. It also has a built-in LED light that we can use in and out of the RV when it’s dark.

Thank me later items for you RV

Alright, we’re now to the fun part! These are the items I’ve learned from experience that we could not live without while RV camping. Most of these are items I would not have thought of before spending a significant amount of time on the road in the RV with our kids. These are the fun items that make life easier, your RV better and your memories amazing!

14. Bug spray

If you’re going to be spending any time outside while you’re camping (and of course you will be), you’re going to need bug spray. This bug repellent is the BEST bug spray ever. It’s organic, hypoallergenic and DEET-free. It keeps the bugs away, is safe for the whole family and doesn’t stink!

15. Mattress topper

If you’ve spent any time at all in an RV, you know that they’re not known for not having the most comfortable beds. However, there is a quick fix! We purchased this mattress topper and it helps so much! We are also considering putting one on the bunks for the kids. It is super easy to trim to whatever size you need. We may eventually buy a new mattress, but this works for right now!

16. Instant Pot

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few years, you’ve heard the hype about the Instant Pot. Everyone loves the Instant Pot and it’s easy to see why – it does everything! It’s a slow cooker, a pressure-cooker, a steamer, a rice-maker, a yogurt-maker and more! I love cooking in the RV with our Instant Pot because it’s super fast and makes large amounts of food to save for later! Plus, it doesn’t take up a lot of space, doesn’t fill your RV with heat and is easy to clean up. What’s not to love?

17. Scratch-off map

While maybe not technically a must-have item for RV camping, having a large scratch-off map in your RV adds so much fun to your trips. We love documenting where we have been with this giant fun map! We scratch off each state as we travel and it is a perfect memory of our travels. The kids love pointing out where we are (and where we’re going next) and scratching off states as we pass through. And I love that they’re learning geography as we travel!

18. Hanging organizers

Space in an RV is limited! There’s never enough room for everything you want and it’s easy to lose things if they get boxed up and put ouf of sight. We love having these over-the-door hanging clear organizers for storing things. These have been lifesavers for us! We hang one over the pantry door (to hold food, spices, etc.) and one over the bathroom door for all our toiletries and bathroom items. They keep things from moving/sliding around and give us easy access to the things we use most.

19. Command Strips

Command Strips are everything when it comes to hanging things in an RV! These little guys are so incredibly useful and versatile. We use them to hang our picture frames, all decorative items, and more. We also use the hooks to hang our keys. They hold strong and remove easily with no residue, mess or holes left behind.

20. Collapsible dish drainer

Our final must-have item for RV camping is a good one! Are you ready for this…a collapsible dish drainer! (Yeah, ok, not as exciting as you may have thought). However, counter space in an RV is precious territory. You never have enough! This dish drainer is perfect for saving space while doing dishes (because those never end). Plus, it folds up small for easy storage (because storage space is precious, too).

And there you have it, friends! Our most used and beloved items that make our life easier while traveling full-time in our RV. Of course, there are many more items we love and use all the time, but these are 20 must-have items you need to get you started with your RV adventures. I hope this helped and that you feel even more prepared for your next family road trip!

And if you’re looking to spend more time on the road in your RV, be sure to check out Kathleen’s post: Tips & Advice for RV Camping with Kids.

What are your must-have items for RV camping?

I’m Kathleen, wife to my high school sweetheart and mama to 3 energetic littles. I’m a photographer in love with telling compelling stories of life’s beautiful chaos and photographing families authentically. I am slightly obsessed with window light, Saturday morning snuggles, and documenting our adventures. We recently took the biggest leap of faith of our lives and are currently traveling full-time around the United States in our RV!

Kathleen can be found in the following online locations:
Website: http://www.faithboundtravel.com
Instagram: @faithboundtravel
YouTube channel: Faith Bound Travel
CANOE/KAYAK, FAVORITE GEAR, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, WATER
Beginner Tips for Canoeing With Kids
- September 19, 2019
Canoeing with kids is a great way to spend time outside, exploring and exercising. If going on a canoe trip with kids sounds fun, but intimidating or overwhelming, we’re here to show you just how much fun (and easy) it can be. Today, we have outdoor adventurer and mom of two, Brianna from Adventure Families, here sharing the best beginner tips for canoeing with kids. With her practical advice and packing tips, you’ll be expertly paddling your way across the water before you know it!

Adventures in canoeing

As we pushed off the shore for our first family canoe trip of the summer, I held my breath. Our one-year-old daughter had protested loudly when I strapped on her life jacket, making me think we might be in for a miserable afternoon. While our son, Talon, had dozens of canoe trips under his size 4T belt, Lyra hadn’t yet been afloat as a busy toddler. We were not quite sure what we were getting into.

Luckily, Lyra’s screams turned into delighted coos as our boat skimmed across the green water. She bounced between my legs, pointing at the birds and trees. From his perch in the center, Talon picked up his small paddle, proud to help propel us across the lake.

Got water? Just add kids

My husband and I are water people. We’ve sailed across the Pacific Ocean, snorkeled around the Caribbean, paddled through the Everglades, and rafted down plenty of wild rivers. Once we had kids, we began integrating them into our adventures from the get-go.

Canoes have been the perfect way for us to introduce our children to the water.

Two years ago we bought a used 15-foot Coleman to explore lakes and rivers near our home in Montana. We’ve since added a small outboard motor and a sail, too. Sometimes we go out for an hour, and sometimes we pile in the camping gear and head out for a week.

Reasons to canoe with kids

There are so many amazing benefits of canoeing for kids and families. From spending time outdoors together to learning a skill, canoeing with your children is a great way to get active on the water at any age. Canoeing is something my family has enjoyed through many phases/seasons with (hopefully) many more years of canoeing in our future. Here are my top reasons why I’d recommend canoeing for your family, too.

Low-risk and low-investment

Canoeing is a low-risk and low-investment sport to try out. You can buy a good used canoe for ~$300, or rent one for ~$50/day to try it out first to see if it’s something your kids and family would like. Canoes come in a wide range of sizes and styles, ranging from sleek wooden boats (which tend to be very expensive) to wide plastic boats and even inflatable versions. (Hint: these are the cheapest options and easiest to transport, but they don’t last as hard-shell canoes and require more time to inflate/deflate.) Some canoes are specifically-designed for speed or to handle whitewater, but all canoes will work on any calm water bodies you want to float.

Tough and transportable

Canoes can be stored in or outside, and are virtually maintenance-free! They’re also easy to transport, which means you can take them nearly anywhere. Most canoes only weigh 50-80 pounds, which is totally manageable for 1-2 adult(s). They can be placed upside-down on top of your car, no trailer needed.

Pro tip: Use foam pool noodles to protect your vehicle’s roof/paint if you don’t have a roof rack.

Aluminum and plastic boats are particularly good for kids and families. They are tough, washable, and more stable. When choosing a good canoe for kids, look for boats with flatter bottoms, which feel less “tippy.” As you might expect, it’s possible to tip over in a canoe, especially with squirmy kids around. Test the stability near the shore, wiggling hips and moving around in the boat to see how much side-to-side leeway you have before it feels uncomfortable.

Pro tip: You can purchase stabilizer pontoon floats for your canoe, which make it super safe and allow you to walk around the boat or stand up to cast for fish.

Beginner tips for canoeing with kids

It doesn’t take long to learn how to paddle a canoe, even for young kids. You can watch videos online to see the basic steering strokes and rowing positions. Or if you’re a hands-on learner, play around in a small pond to figure it out on your own.

Ready to try canoeing out this fall? Here are some helpful tips for beginners when canoeing with kids:

1. Get excited!

Your happiness (or crankiness) is contagious to your children. Kids love seeing their parents get excited about things, particularly things that involve spending time with them. If you’re thrilled to be on the water, your kids will be, too. Spark excitement for this adventure in them by talking about your canoeing trips, the things you’ll do/see, the reasons why you love it and how much fun canoeing will be for them. Let them help plan the trip and help pack the canoe so the whole family is invested in the outing.

2. Offer clear safety rules and rewards

Before you launch, set a few clear safety rules: (1) don’t stand up without asking, (2) no leaning or jumping over the side, (3) keep life jackets on at all times, (4) no whining (ha! good luck with that one). Spending time together outside in a canoe is a reward in and of itself, but if your little ones need a bit of extra incentive to follow the safety rules, try offering a reward at the end of the day, such as a sweet treat or a movie.

3. Designate a special spot for everyone

Having a plan is half the battle. Before you get started, decide which adult will be in the stern (back seat) steering. This person will have less leeway to help manage the kids. The adult in the bow (front seat) can help paddle forward when needed, but can also take breaks easily. If you have a toddler, stand them between the adult’s legs in the bow where they can be the lookout and move around a little. Babies can be worn in a soft carrier. Older kids can sit on the center crossbars or a middle seat (if the canoe has one) to help paddle. Or kids can hunker down to play in the bottom of the boat. Letting the kids know exactly where they’ll be and what their “job” is, helps manage expectations.

4. Take your time

Like most outings with children in tow, the trip will probably take longer than you think. While you and your partner might want to race across the lake, the kids will enjoy it more if you take plenty of breaks. In fact, much of the joy in canoeing is playing on shore! Stop often at interesting spots to swim, have lunch, and explore islands or beaches you couldn’t get to without a boat. And don’t expect (or force!) the kids to add much (any) horsepower. Paddling is simply a fun diversion for them.

5. Just remember, it gets easier

As with any new activity with kids, canoeing as a family might be tough at first until everyone learns the ropes. This is doubly true if your kids are very young. But don’t give up! Remember that even if canoeing isn’t quite as fun as you’d hoped the first couple of times out, you’re building skills that will last you and your kids a lifetime. You’re creating wonderful bonding opportunities for years to come. And trust me, eventually, it will get easier!

Canoeing trip packing list

I’ve also put together a list of necessary, helpful and optional items that you may want to include in your bag on your first/next canoeing trip with kids. All of the items below should be placed in a waterproof bag since the bottom of the canoe usually gets wet from everyone’s shoes and dripping paddles. If you don’t have a dry bag, wrap your backpack or tote in a sturdy trash bag. Buckets also make for great storage in a canoe.

Life jackets

Everyone in the canoe needs to wear a life jacket. Even if the grown-ups are stellar swimmers. You’re the role models for your kids and safety starts and stops with you. Have kids practice wearing theirs before you get in the boat, so they get used to them.

Pro tip: If you can’t find a comfortable jacket for your kiddo, try U.S. Coast Guard-approved water wings that are less bulky.

Clothing

Certain clothing will help out on your canoe trip with kids. Here’s a shortlist of must-pack clothing items.
- Sandals with straps or waterproof rain boots.
- Sun hats and sun-protective clothing.
- Rain gear, which can double as windbreakers.
- Extra outfit for little kids who will likely get wet and muddy playing.
Food and drinks

Like all outings with kiddos, make sure you pack lots of easy-to-grab snacks to keep them occupied, fueled, and happy. We like to bring “special” drinks for the kids to make sure they stay hydrated in the sun: lemonade powder in their water bottles is a favorite.

Gear
- Toilet paper if you’re not near public restrooms
- Umbrella or pop-up tent for shade in the boat or on shore—perfect for passing rainstorms, too!
- Seat pads or stadium-style folding seats
- Rope to attach to the bow to help pull the boat on shore
- Maps of the area you’re paddling
- Tarp or blanket for picnics or for “beds” for kids in the bottom of the canoe
- Extra paddle(s) for the kids: emergency paddles that are adjustable and light-weight work well
Fun stuff
- Binoculars (monoculars work best for you young kids—we love ours!)
- Field guides
- Fishing rod
- Frisbee
- Bubbles
- Chalk (to draw on rocks or the inside of the boat—it washes right off!)
- Bucket (have the kids fill it with rocks/sticks/leaves on shore, then throw them overboard one at a time while you paddle)
Have you ever gone canoeing with kids?
What tips would you recommend for beginners?

About the author

Brianna Randall of Adventure Families is a mother of two, writer, dancer, traveler, and nature-addict. She owns a small communications business, and her articles have appeared in The Washington Post, BBC, Outside, Backpacker, Mamalode, Scary Mommy, Working Mother, and High Country News. Her husband Rob is a photographer, adept outdoorsman, and all-around Mr. Fix-It. He works for Trout Unlimited conserving rivers and streams. They’ve made a pact to keep adventuring as a family, with the kiddos in tow.

You can find Brianna in the following online locations:
Website: adventurefamilies.org
Instagram: @exploreoutsidewithkids
Facebook: @adventurefamilies.org
BEACH, FAVORITE GEAR, FRIDAY FAVORITES
Friday Favorites: i play
- August 30, 2019
This post was sponsored by i play. Products and merchandise featured in this post were provided as compensation and for review purposes. All opinions expressed and photos herein belong to the author and creative team members.

Meet i play

Today, we’re super excited to feature a family-run company that we’ve come to know and love and hope you will too. i play., Inc. is a brand of healthy and practical baby products that support child development, health and safety. The products are also good for the planet and are super functional. Started by a mom (and now run by a mother-daughter team), we fell in love with the story behind this brand and were inspired by the parents making these great products. Here’s a bit more about this fantastic company.

A brand is born

After earning a degree in child development, i play founder Becky Cannon moved to Japan to teach at a unique kindergarten based on holistic philosophy and natural foods. Back then (over 40 years ago), words like organic, holistic, locally-grown, and eco-friendly were not commonplace. However, while there, she was introduced to a holistic way of understanding the world that profoundly influenced how she lived, ate and eventually raised her children.

While living in Japan, Becky had her first daughter, Emi. There, she discovered unique, quality baby products with special functions, made from natural materials and cute designs. These features, combined with a shift in perception which opened her mind toward practicing a harmonious, healthy, and environmentally-responsible lifestyle, became the basis for the products at i play., Inc.

After Becky moved back to the U.S. and had her second daughter, Mari, she started i play., Inc. as one mail-order item. Today, the company’s grown into an offering of multiples brands and hundreds of natural baby products. Becky is now a grandmother and works together with her daughters to refresh the principles of natural parenting to meet the modern world. The i play brands are available in 68 countries worldwide.

Care, wear & fare

The i play brand offers three separate lines of products: (1) baby wear (swimwear, sun wear, organic clothing); (2) baby care (toys, teethers, sippy cups, etc.); and (3) baby fare (nutritious cereals). i play pays special attention to the baby’s perspective and parents’ lifestyle priorities during product development. They also incorporate real feedback from families and customers into their products.

i play clothing

i play organic clothing was designed around movement, fostering a connection with nature and having fun. The i play organic clothing line is made from organic cotton that is grown without toxic, synthetic chemicals. The lightweight jersey knit is breathable and made with inside-out seams for extra comfort against baby’s delicate skin. It helps regulate baby’s body temperature, and the items can be worn alone or as a base layer for warmth. The pieces (short and long-sleeve bodysuits, pants, footies, swaddles) come in a variety of fun, bright colors made with azo-free dyes.

i play swimwear

The i play line of swimwear is spectacular. From the adorable prints (that aren’t obnoxious) to the high-quality materials, i play really knocked it out of the park with their swimwear line. They pride themselves on their patented reusable swim diaper. It comes in a wide variety of colors, prints, sizes and styles for all the little ones. The entire line is very mix-and-matchable, with adorable head-to-toe options for girls and boys. Plus, the price-point on all the items make them really affordable for everyone, even for families with lots of kids!

A few of our favorite things

Reusable swim diaper – i play is the original swim diaper manufacturer and has a patented three-layer design: (1) the wicking liner helps prevent diaper rash; (2) the inner absorbent layer helps protect against messes outside the pool; and (3) the waterproof outer layer works with the snug-fitting waist and legs to provide secure protection from unsanitary and embarrassing accidents in the pool. No other diaper is necessary! Also, the trim lightweight diaper has easy-lock snaps and a secure fit. Available in 5 solid color plus multiple seasonal and year-round prints (plus, optional ruffles and bows!).

Rashguard shirts – These shirts provide all-day UPF 50+ sun protection. That means not having to apply sunscreen to your child’s delicate skin (hallelujah!). The stretchy, quick-dry material, and flatlock seams are comfortable and allow kids to move freely and play actively in and out of the water. The rashguard also helps keep baby warm during those first swim lessons in the pool. The easy-on long sleeve rashguards have a lap-shoulder design allows for easy on and off. Comes in a variety of bright, solid colors. Long-sleeve (with or without zipper), short-sleeve and cap-sleeve options available through size 4T.

One-piece swimsuits – These super cute suits come with a built-in reusable swim diaper, which helps provide ultimate, secure protection for babies & little swimmers. Comes in a variety of prints, with and without ruffles, from 6 months through size 4T.

Sun hats – The sun flap hat protects baby’s head, neck, and eyes while playing in the sun and water. The lightweight, quick-dry material is breathable for comfort, and the UPF 50+ wicking material dries quickly. The water-friendly foam brim keeps its structure when wet to stay out of baby’s eyes while swimming. Also, the elasticized back adjusts for custom fit & grows with baby, while the tie strap keeps the hat in place. Lightweight and packable, comes in a variety of solid coordinating colors.

Wet & dry bags – While on the go, the i play wet and dry bag keeps baby’s clean items separate from soiled/wet ones. Two large, waterproof pockets and zippered closures add security and allow for easy access. The attachable strap snaps to make a loop for hands-free use. Also, the wet bag rolls up for compact storage when not in use! Perfect for carrying swimwear, diapers, training underwear, clothes, toys, & more.

Water shoes – These adorable water shoes keep baby’s feet safe and comfortable in and near the water. Quick-dry material and no-slip soles support baby’s active play and provide traction when walking on slippery surfaces. Parents love the flexible material and pull-loop for easy on and off. Comes in three solid colors, from size 4-9.

Swim trunks – The i play pocket trunks for boys comes with a built-in reusable absorbent swim diaper. Comes in a variety of prints (sharks, boats, turtles, stripes and solids), with and without ruffles, from 6 months through size 4T.

Muslin hooded towel – The muslin hooded towel is so great! It keeps kids warm and dry after bath, beach, or pool time with thick, thirsty, and super soft layers of organic cotton muslin and terry. The hand pockets on each side make it easy for your toddler to dry off independently. Organic cotton is formaldehyde-free with azo-free dyes, so only the safest materials touch baby’s delicate skin.

Putting i play to the test

A few members of our creative team had the honor of testing out a some i play swimwear products and we were super impressed with the style and quality. Here’s what our team members had to say:

“My daughter loves running around in her i play swimwear. The fabrics move easily with a preschooler and give great sun protection. I love the vibrant colors and how easy it is to mix and match. She’s still not potty trained (age 3 – boo!) so it’s nice that the swim diapers come in bigger sizes. Larger sizes in swim diapers can be really hard to find.” Ginny, 1000 Hours Outside

“We really love our i play baby products! Everything is so well made with bright colors and cute prints. The toddler swimsuit with the built-in reusable diaper is amazing! So easy and just so adorable. The reusable swim diapers and swim top separates are great, too—great for all those random occasions my toddler finds to get wet every single day. I love them all!” Leslie, @c_l_allofus

“We absolutely love our i play swimwear! The swim tops are adorable and fit well. The prints are super cute too! The hats are a must-have for summer sun!” Brandi, Brandi Markham Photography

Which item is your favorite?
You can find and follow i play online in the following locations:

Website: iplaybaby.com
Instagram: @iplaybaby
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iplaybaby

Photos by RWMC Creative Team members:
Leslie – @c_l_allofus
Brandi – @brandimarkham
Ginny – @1000hoursoutside