FAVORITE GEAR

  • CAMP, FAMILY TRAVEL, FAVORITE GEAR, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Tips & Advice for RVing with Kids

    We’ve had a few recent posts here on Run Wild My Child about what it’s like to go RV camping with kids. (spoiler alert: it’s awesome!) But how do you even get started going on an RV adventure with your whole family? Where do you go? What do you pack? How do you cook? Well, today we have the amazing Kathleen White, photographer and full-time RVing homeschool mom of three here sharing everything you need to know to get started RVing with kids. Kathleen and her family are just beginning their adventures across the country and are documenting the entire journey (links below where you can follow along). If you have any questions about how to get started on your own RV adventure, she’s here to help!

    RVing with kids 101 - tips and advice for RV camping with kids

    Let the adventure begin!

    As a kid, my summers were filled with pool days, going to camp, and traveling. I cherish those simple childhood memories and will never forget our adventures. Now, as a mother to three, I want to fill my children’s childhood with amazing memories, too. As they say, we only get 18 summers with our kids. If that’s not a motivator to soak it all up, then I don’t know what is! It’s what spurred our year-long RV roadtrip across the USA, with three kids in tow in a 300 sq. ft. RV. Adventure is out there and we haven’t looked back!

    Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind, and fills your life with stories to tell.” -Paula Bendfeldt

    How to get started RVing with kids

    RVing with kids tips and advice

    Whether you are looking to go full-time in your RV or are just planning your next weekend adventure, getting started RVing with kids can be a bit overwhelming. Where do you even begin to know what to pack, where to park or what to bring? What do you eat? Where does everyone sleep? And how do you make your RV feel like home? If you’ve ever had these burning question, wonder no more! Based on our travels and adventure experience, I’m here to share some helpful tips and advice for RVing with kids to get you started on your next RV trip.

    RVing with kids tips and advice

    How to choose the right RV for your family

    There are so many personal decisions and consideration to take into account when purchasing your RV. Starting the RV buying process is extremely overwhelming. Travel trailers, fifth wheels, Class A’s…oh my! Where do you even start? And then you need to consider price and condition (used vs. new), gas mileage, features, etc. Making this decision is not easy and every family’s needs will be different. I could write an entire post on just this one decision – actually, I did! If you want more information on how we chose the right RV for our family, check out our post on how to decide between a travel trailer and a fifth wheel.

    Safety first

    Before the adventure begins, you have to make sure you are protecting your precious cargo. Remember, when RVing with kids, you are never in so much of a rush to disregard safety! Mistakes are more likely to happen when you are rushing, so slow it down, if you can. Towing an RV is a whole other beast on its own and there are a few things you must be aware of. First, always double-check that your tow vehicle and RV are set up correctly. Second, always do a walk around your entire rig before pulling off. Third, be sure to check your towing capacity and cargo weight to make sure you are not overcapacity. We also carry a first aid kit, tool kit, emergency roadside kit, plenty of flashlights, and extra water, just in case.

    This is obviously not an extensive list of all the safety tips when RVing with kids, but it’s a good place to start.

    What to pack and how to cook when RVing with kids

    You know your child best

    RVing with kids allows you to experience things with your family in a whole new way and in lots of new places. Your RV can take you on adventures you never thought possible. The world is literally right outside your door and you get to choose your own adventure daily. However, sometimes that can be a bit much for kids. As the parent, you know your kids best. Can they hike for a while on their own, or do they get tired easily? Do they love being in the water or do they come alive in the forest?

    Knowing your kids and planning your adventures to suit their strengths and interests will really help with keeping your kids excited about the trip and minimizes meltdowns! Of course, there will be an adjustment period after first setting out on your adventure. Especially if they are used to constant streaming shows, video games, and larger spaces. However, don’t give up! The reward is so great when you see them playing outside, experiencing new things and interacting with nature on their own!

    Just have patience, and remember why you are RVing with kids in the first place!

    Best tips and advice for beginner RVing with kidsRVing with kids tips and advice for beginners

    Setting up your RV

    Once you arrive at your awesome new location, it’s time to set up! The first thing to do is check into your campsite, if you need to and park according to the rules (is it a pull-through or do you need to back in?). Make sure there are no low-hanging branches to scratch your vehicle or interfere with awnings, pop-outs, etc. Once you’re positioned on flat ground or leveled out, park and unhook the RV from the truck. Connect your power/water/gas hookups and check to make sure everything is working properly. Assigning tasks to each person can also be helpful to make things go smoothly!

    Next, we put out our outdoor rug and chairs and call wherever we are at home for a little while. I even set out a candle, plants, and pillows inside which helps make the RV feel homier. This is one of my favorite parts about RVing!

    Beginner RVing with kids 101How to make your RV feel like home for your kids

    Full hookups vs. dry camping vs. boondocking

    If you are coming from a “sticks & bricks” house, then you are used to the conveniences of home (long showers and A/C all the time!). This is why a lot of RVers love full-service campsite that have electric, water, and sewer hookups. You can shower to your heart’s content and not have to worry about filling up your black and grey tanks. You can run the A/C and have a movie night if you want! A lot of them also include other amenities such as laundry facilities, pools, playgrounds, restaurants, shops and dumpsters. However, these kinds of RV parks usually come with close neighbors and high price tags.

    The other types of RV camping are dry camping or boondocking. Dry camping essentially means staying in a campground without hookups, whereas, boondocking typically means staying in a completely undeveloped area (also without hookups).

    There is a time and a place for each type of camping and they all have their pros and cons. While I love having amenities, some of my favorite campsites have been when we are boondocking. If you’re wanting to get away and have a place to yourself, this is definitely the way to go. Just be sure to check the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service for rules and regulations.

    How to get started RVing with kidsRVing with kids storage and organization

    Cooking in an RV

    There are many ways to prepare food in an RV, which many people don’t realize! If you have electric hookups or a generator, you can use your Instant Pot, crockpot, microwave, toaster oven or other electric cooking appliance. I love using the Instant Pot because it makes a lot of food in a short time!

    Another way I love making food when we’re RVing is using our stove, which I can use anywhere and anytime since it runs off of propane. There is really no limit to what you can cook. RVing adventures are not just eating BBQ and s’mores (although those are really yummy!).

    Keep in mind that RV refrigerators are a bit smaller depending on your RV type. Buying refrigerated perishables in bulk is not necessary. We are a family of 5 and have had no issues with not having enough food. We also use our pantry to store dry goods, snacks, and household goods. And because we have kids, we always have plenty of snacks on hand. Being active outdoors makes for hungry kiddos! Crackers, granola bars, fruit, and pretzels are some of our favorites.

    RV storage organization tips and advice

    RV organization

    One of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to RV life is, “How in the world do you store all your stuff?!” Well, the first answer is to downsize, downsize, downsize. Everything in your RV needs to have a place, and there aren’t a lot of places. I highly recommend downsizing before starting your RV adventure. We downsized our clothing, furniture, pots and pans, and the kids’ toys. It is so refreshing to get rid of so much stuff and eye-opening to see how little we really need.

    As for what we kept, my husband and I each have a closet in the bedroom and we use hanging storage organizers for our clothes. The kids each have a storage bin filled with all of their clothes. If it doesn’t fit anymore, we donate it. Right now, all of their clothes have to fit in the bins!

    When organizing your RV, storage baskets will become your best friends. Baskets and bins make everything look less cluttered. We also use hanging organizers for the back of the pantry and bathroom doors to maximize storage, which is my favorite RV storage hack!

    What to pack for full-time RVing with kidsHow to get started RVing with kidsRVing with kids

    Enjoy the memories

    Spending time together on your RV adventures is an incredible experience your entire family will never forget. RVing allows you to camp in some of the most amazing places and experience the world in a whole new way. We have just begun our RV journey and the hard work of RVing has been so worth it. The memories we will make together make up for all the stress of planning, downsizing, and packing. RVing is an experience in and of itself. I can give you all the tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way, but my best piece of advice is to soak it up and enjoy the journey.

    RVing with kidsHow to get started RVing with kidsRVing with kids basic tips and adviceWhat to pack when full-time RVing with kidsFull Time RVing with kids and homeschoolingBenefits of RVing with kids

    What questions do you have about RVing with kids?

    About the Author

    Kathleen
    Arizona
    @faithboundtravel

    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 in our lives and are traveling full-time around the United States in our RV! You can follow our adventures at http://www.faithboundtravel.com or subscribe to our YouTube channel.

     

  • CAMP, FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Pop-Up Camping With a Large Family

    Camping is a summertime essential activity! If you haven’t gone camping with your kids yet, what’s holding you back? Does it sound intimidating? Do you not think you have the right gear? Don’t know where to go? Have more kids than fit in a tent? We’re here to help! Camping might sound overwhelming, but it’s always worth it. Seasoned campers will tell you that sometimes even the most disastrous camping trips are the most memorable and fun. Today, we have the absolutely wonderful Ginny from 1000 Hours Outside here to share her best tips and advice on how to do pop-up camping with a large family. Ginny has 5 kids, an old pop-up camper and a great sense of humor. That’s the perfect recipe for a great adventure! Here’s how their family does camping. 

    Pop-Up Camping with a Large Family

    Less stuff, more fun!

    We live in an age where we celebrate minimalism. Less is more! If it doesn’t bring you joy, pitch it! As it relates to parenting, we are encouraged to own fewer toys, fewer clothes, and to have less clutter. You either own your stuff or your stuff owns you, as the old adage goes. There are certainly many benefits of a more minimalistic approach to life, but one area of childhood that we should not want to have less of is experiences. Why? Because experiences equate to learning and they bond us together as friends and as family.

    Today, I want to encourage you to build as many outdoor experiences into childhood as you possibly can! Outdoor play provides significant developmental benefits to children. One way our family has substantially increased our yearly outside time is through camping. Camping can be done in a myriad of ways such as tent camping, hammock camping, car camping, staying in a rustic cabin, or even sleeping directly under the stars. With five young kids, we have tried several of the options above (hammock camping hasn’t happened yet). We found that pop-up camping with a large family is a great way to get out and see the world!

    Pop-Up Camping with KidsPop-up Camping tips and advice for large families

    Benefits of camping

    Life is hectic and no one can really prepare you for the demands that children bring along with them. Beyond the wants and needs of children, there are many other adult responsibilities to juggle. Sometimes it’s nice to get away from it all. Camping is an excellent choice for R&R because it’s affordable, accessible, and it completely removes you from the daily hustle and bustle. It’s a quick and convenient way to set all the expectations aside for a few days and to reconnect with family, friends, and with nature.

    In nature, children disperse and become engaged with their surroundings. In this way, camping is an ideal vacation when you have young kids because it’s not the type of vacation that you need a vacation from. When you camp, nature surrounds you and your kids! Nature deeply occupies any age child and so this simple change of surroundings can offer some desperately needed moments of reprieve for parents and caregivers.

    Why a pop-up camper?

    After many years of camping with children, we found that camping with a pop-camper made camping indescribably easier and more accessible. Because it’s easy, this means camping happens more often! Campers come in all shapes and sizes, but pop-up campers tend to be on the cheaper end of the spectrum and they can offer a notable amount of sleeping space. We bought an ‘experienced’ camper (15 years old to be exact). It cost about the same as a week or two of lodging at a summer cabin. In exchange for one week of luxurious accommodations, we purchased an item that has the potential to offer us years of adventures.

    Inside the Pop-Up Camper with KIdsCamping tips and advice for large families

    Vacationing as a large family

    No one talks too much about large family logistics. In fact, the only thing people told as baby number four was about to make her debut was that once we had four kids we would never get invited anywhere again. We still weasel our way into people’s lives, but the truth is there are some logistical issues once you hit the category of “large family.” Hotel rooms don’t accommodate large families well. Our vehicle choices are limited. Restaurant waits are much longer. Given these “obstacles,” camping quickly becomes an ideal way to see the world.

    Pop-up camping with 5 kids

    Our pop-up camper provided the answer to so many of our large family vacationing problems. To begin with, we all fit! We searched for the largest pop-up we could find. Double beds aren’t going to cut it but if you can find a pop-up with at least one king bed, you’ll find there will be ample inside space and storage. We actually found a camper with two king-sized beds that pull out on either end! Plus, there’s a bench that turns into a small bed, and a table that also turns into a small bed, fitting all seven of us comfortably inside.

    Our bedtimes in the camper have provided some of our favorite memories, all together laughing and telling stories. Additionally, camping is a vacation where you can easily plan your own meals and bring your own food. Most pop-ups have storage where you can leave kitchen items at the ready! We took a quick trip to a goodwill shop to originally stock up for what we needed. Finally, we can travel and explore almost any area of the country at a fraction of the cost! The savings for a nightly campsite versus two (or more) hotel rooms rings in around 70 – 90%!

    Pop-Up Camping Tips for large familiesget immersed in nature through camping

    Pop-up camping tips for large families

    Once your pop-up is packed with essentials, you are only a few outfits and a grocery trip away from some lifelong memories. Here are a few of our best pop-up camping tips that we’ve tried, tested and approved!

    1. Research your campground and your campsite

    Different campgrounds have different things to offer. Depending on the ages of your kids you might be looking for a campground that has a play structure, one with a great bike-riding trail, one with a beach you can walk to, or one with all of the above. There are typically so many options to choose from!  Some have pools and others have laundry facilities. We read about a campground in Virginia that had wild rabbits running all around! Once you’ve narrowed down your campground, think through your campsite. Do you prefer shade or sunny? Close to the bathroom or closer to the beach? At each campground we visit, we make a few notes about our favorite sites for if we book again in the future.

    2. Organize clothes by how they are used

    With a large family, we have found that it is easiest to organize our clothes by what we use them for. We pack all PJs together in a bag. Everyone’s swimsuits and towels are packed in another bag, while jackets and long pants also get their own bag. We pack complete outfits (including diaper or underwear) so getting dressed in the morning is never a hassle. We store the bags on the beds during the day and then place them on the floor when it’s time to sleep.

    Camping with kids - tips for large families

    3. Add a few special touches

    We have a few small things that always stay in the camper. A set of matchbox cars, one small stuffed animal and flashlight for each child, a pack of glow sticks, and a special tablecloth. We only use these items on family camping trips, so they hold special sentiment for the kids. In case it rains, we also always bring along some card games and some books.

    4. Think through your ideal restroom situation

    As a mom, sometimes the most stressful parts of the day (and night) is figuring out how to navigate young kids to the restroom. We’ve found that keeping a small potty seat in our camper has worked wonders (we use the actual toilet area for storage). As far as showers go, we purchased a few small bathroom caddies that we keep stocked with washcloths, soap, and shampoo. Buy an extra pair of cheap flip-flops to keep feet clean in the camp showers and keep the day-to-day shoes from getting soaked. If getting to the shower is too much of a hassle, remember that toddlers and preschoolers love a bubble bath in a plastic tub at the end of the day!

    Camping Memories and Experiences

    Bring on the memories!

    Our pop-up camper has given our large family easy accessibility to the grandeur of nature, from magnificent sunsets to breathtaking waterfalls. I often tell people it is the best thing we have ever purchased as a large family because of the multitude of foundational memories it has provided us. As our culture becomes increasingly screen-heavy, we are all in for anything that helps us increase real-life moments. 

    Are you a camping family?
    Share some of your favorite camping memories below!

     

    Ginny
    Michigan
    @1000hoursoutside

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

  • BEACH, FAVORITE GEAR, GOOD FOR NATURE, INFORMATION, SUMMER

    The Best Reef Safe Sunscreens for Kids

    Summer is here and so is the sun! That means it’s more important than ever to make sure your kids are protected from the elements. Sunscreen is one way that you can keep your kids’ skin protected from the sun. However, we want to make sure that the products we’re using are not only safe for your kids, but safe for the planet. Climate change, pollution, and other environmental factors are slowly eroding the health of coral reefs around the world, which in turn can affect the health of the oceans. Today, Desirée Macke is here with ways you can keep your kids’ skin safe from the sun without putting the environment at risk. She’s also sharing 6 of the best reef safe sunscreens for kids and other ways that you can help keep our oceans safe from damaging chemicals.

    {post contains affiliate links}

    Six Reef Safe Sunscreens

    Not all sunscreens are the same

    The hot sunny days of summer are finally here! That means your kids will (hopefully) be outside doing fun outdoor activities and spending endless hours in rivers, lakes, pools, or oceans. It’s super important this time of year to keep your kids sun-safe. Sunscreen becomes necessary and unavoidable – you need good stuff and lots of it. If you’re anything like me, you hit up your local market and grab the sunscreen that’s on sale. In the past, I’ve often reached for any big name brand – the cheaper, the better. I lather the kids up and send them on their merry way.

    However, sunscreen has come a long way over the last few years and those changes have made me reconsider the way I choose sunscreens for my family. Not all sunscreens are created equal and there are some very important reasons why you should be considering more than just size and price when choosing a sunscreen for your kids.

    Personal Sunscreen Favorites

    Why choose a reef safe sunscreen?

    It is estimated that 14,000 tons of sunscreen are deposited into our oceans each year. Much of that sunscreen contains oxybenzone and octinoxate. Studies have found those chemicals hurts coral, and contribute to coral bleaching. When coral bleaches, it is not dead, but under significant stress and subject to increased mortality levels. This, in turn, affects sea life and the overall health of our oceans. In addition, sunscreens containing petrolatum (commonly known as mineral oil) and Titanium Dioxide both takes many years to biodegrade and are known to be harmful or fatal to aquatic life and waterfowl.

    Sounds scary for our oceans, right? It is. And it’s important. Hawaii is the first state in the US to ban the sale of sunscreen containing the coral-harming chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate. Most popular sunscreen brands are known to contain these dangerous chemicals. However, there’s good news! We are starting to see a trend of new, less toxic sunscreen lines which are made without oxybenzone, octinoxate and parabens, which are much better for the environment.

    6 reef safe sunscreens for kids

    Choosing the right sunscreen is important not only to protect skin from burns and cancer, but also to preserve our oceans and marine life. Selecting a sunscreen that is both effective and reef safe can be overwhelming, but fear not! We’ve compiled a list of the best reef safe sunscreens for kids that will protect your family from the harmful sun rays, and help to keep our oceans safe from damaging chemicals. In this breakdown, we’ll provide price points for each product. We will also show what the Environmental Working Group has rated each product, on a scale of 1 to 10. A rating of 1 is the safest for consumption/application as well as the environment.Reef Safe Sunscreen Breakdown

    Babo Botanical Clear Zinc Sunscreen

    • $12.50 for 3 oz ($4.13/ounce)
    • SPF 30
    • Be sure to reach for the Clear Zinc, rather than the Sheer Zinc
    • EWG rating: 1

    Beautycounter Mineral Sunscreen Lotion

    • $39 for 6.7 oz ($5.82/ounce)
    • SPF 30
    • EWG rating: 1

    Coola Mineral Body Sunscreen

    Reef Safe Sunscreen Breakdown 2

    Raw Elements Certified Natural Sunscreen

    • $18 for 3 oz ($6.00/ounce)
    • SPF 30
    • EWG rating: 1

    Reef Repair Suncream

    • $15 for 4 oz ($3.75/ounce)
    • SPF 30
    • EWG rating: not available at the time of this publication

    Thinksport Kids Sport Sunscreen

    • $22 for 6 oz ($3.66/ounce)
    • SPF 50+
    • EWG rating: 1

    Other ways to keep kids safe in the sun

    Even mineral-based sunscreens can negatively impact fish and coral reefs at high concentrations. When thousands of people get into the water at a single beach, the oils from even the safest sunscreen products can induce toxicity. The best thing we can do is limit products when recreating in high use areas and find other safe ways to keep our kids safe from the sun.

    If you plan to go into the water at the beach, the best way to protect both your kids and the environment is to cover up with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) clothing. Not only are the kids covered up and safe from the sun, but it’s also so much easier than asking 163 times for the kids to stand still while sunscreen is being applied. There are lots of options for UVF clothing, but two of our favorite companies are Veyo Kids (which has sun hoodies and Noggins sun hats to keep the sun rays at bay) and SwimZip (which offers swimsuits, rash guards, and cover-ups for the whole family). Even regular non-UPF clothing offers excellent protection. You’ll still have to apply sunscreen to any exposed skin, but you’ll need far less—up to half the amount—than you might if you were in a bathing suit.

    Other options for sun protection include giant sun umbrellas and pop-up canopies.

    What are you doing to protect your family and the oceans this summer?

    I’m Desirée; wife to Scott, mom to Marcus and Julia. I’m the domestic engineer (that’s my fancy term for stay-at-home-mom) of the family, here in Southern California. My husband, kids, and I love the outdoors. Our favorite ways to explore are hiking the coastal trails near us as well as combing the tide pools for aquatic treasures. To quench our thirst for wide open spaces beyond the hustle and bustle of our urban jungle. We love to visit state and national parks, as well as conservation areas and nature preserves.
     
    You can find more of Desirée’s adventures in the following locations:
    Instagram: @desireemacke
     
  • ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, FAVORITE GEAR, GOOD FOR NATURE, PHOTOGRAPHY

    Making a Difference with Vivobarefoot Kids

    We humans have been pretty terrible to the planet we live on and the animals that inhabit it. Just since 1970, human activity has destroyed 60% of all the world’s animals. There are now over 16,000 endangered species threatened with extinction. Scientists estimate that 150-200 species of plant, insect, bird, and mammal become extinct EVERY 24 HOURS. Insect populations are declining at a rate that could be “catastrophic” for our ecosystems within two generations. Scientists are describing what’s happening to animal life on earth as “biological annihilation.” Something has to change. And that change starts right here, with us! We are making a difference, one kid at a time!

    making a difference - ways kids can help take care of our planet

    Here come the wild ones

    Last month we had the honor of teaming up with one of our all-time favorite outdoor kid’s shoe brands – Vivobarefoot Kids – to host a hashtag campaign to raise awareness for our planet and its animals. VivoKids recently launched a new line of eco-friendly kids shoes inspired by endangered species. These “Wild” shoes have minimal impact on the environment and are made with cleaner, greener materials. For example, the Ultra Blooms are made from algae blooms and each pair returns 25 liters of clean water and reduces 6 balloons worth of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

    A portion of the profits from the sale of these shoes go directly to The Aspinall Foundation, a British charity that works to promote wildlife conservation through education, captive breeding programmes and, crucially, by reintroducing endangered species into the wild wherever possible. Over the last few years, the Aspinall Foundation has successfully reintroduced a range of animals (including 8 black rhino, 49 Javan Langurs, 9 Javans gibbons, 11 European bison and over 60 western lowland gorillas) back into the wild in their natural habitat.

    #wildkids4wildlife campaign for endangered species

    #wildkids4wildlife

    In connection with this amazing collaboration, we became inspired to encourage kids (and their parents!) to learn more about the animals in whose footprints they are walking and to take action to help our planet. We believe the more kids know about the environment and wildlife, the more ingrained it will be in them to care for it and act accordingly as they grow.

    During the month of March, we ran a hashtag campaign on Instagram with VivoKids and our favorite hub @wildandbravelittles. We encouraged kids (and parents) to take action with a good deed for the earth and tag us! Our #wildkids4wildlife campaign was born and it was absolutely amazing! Throughout the month we featured these tagged images and were blown away with the incredible response and feedback we received.

    vivokids eco-friendly shoes for kids

    Be the change you want to see

    We saw kids doing all kinds of good deeds, from picking up litter to planting a tree. From gardening and composting, to recycling and attending rallies on climate change. Some kids made donations to their local wildlife rehabilitation centers, stopped their use of single-serve plastics and wrote letters to their congressional reps about changes that could be made to protect our earth. We saw kids reading books about endangered animals, visiting their local zoo and learning about them and making a commitment to help. It was inspiring! We hope this will be the starting point for a lifetime of conversations, actions and changes so that we can all be kinder to our planet.

    With VivoKids’ help, we chose three “winners” from the tagged images. Each of these winners received shoes for their kids from Vivobarefoot. Their images were not only inspiring but told a beautiful story about the compassion and power of kids. We asked the winners a few questions about their images and the story behind them. Their answers are below.

    no one is too small to make a difference@amys.place

    NSW, Australia, on the Coffs Coast
    4 children; Lara (10), Dylan (7), Freya (5) and Ciara (3)

    The story behind the image

    On 15 March 2019, I accompanied my eldest daughter to a local student strike against climate change, which was a globally organized event inspired by Greta Thunberg, a Swedish student who began striking each Friday in August 2018. Greta has been a source of inspiration for my daughter, who is an aspiring biologist and who cares deeply for our planet. On 15 March, Lara woke early and set to work on her sign. Her message was clear, and indeed helped set the theme for the day, that no one is too small to make a difference.

    How do you teach/inspire your kids to help protect our planet?

    My husband is an environmental scientist and I have a legal background. Both he and I have raised our children with an awareness that our planet cannot be exploited and taken for granted as it has in the past. On a household level, we make efforts to reduce our waste and produce our own food when possible. We use solar energy at home and we collect rubbish from waterways, parks, bushlands, and beaches. Our children all know and recite the phrase “take three for the sea,” (though we often end up with large collections of plastic after a beach trip). We continue to educate our children to respect our planet and to advocate for it. We encourage them to enjoy it, to learn from it, but to never to take it for granted. They will, after all, be the next generation of leaders and decision-makers. Moving forward, I hope that they will learn from our mistakes, but I also hope that we can show them that we learned from them too. We must not wait for the next generation to fix what we broke, because this is impossible. We have to make the change now.

    how to teach your kids to take care of the earth

    @soulshinephotographer

    Southeastern Wisconsin
    2 children – Lorenzo (4.5) & Halona (3)

    The story behind the image

    This photo was taken while we were planting our first garden at our new house. We really wanted to have the kids be hands-on (literally!) with the gardening process, which they love. This picture was taken on our transplant day when we moved our plants outside. We started all our vegetables from seeds, so when the time was right, most had to be transplanted outdoors into the garden. The kids and I spent the day transplanting our little seedlings with love, care, and tenderness. Yes, it took most of the day as we have well over 200 plants growing!

    How do you teach/inspire your kids to help protect our planet?

    We are a homesteading family and have been teaching the kids all about the natural world and how to help protect it since they were babies. Taking care of our environment is a big part of our lives. Getting the kids involved in gardening has really helped them become aware of the earth and all it has to offer when treated right and what happens when you don’t. I love talking to the kids about the process and teaching them when to water and feed plants, how the soil absorbs the nutrients and what helps the plants grow strong. Then we introduce other ideas, such as what might happen when other (harmful) things are absorbed by the soil? I like to introduce these types of open-ended questions and let the reasoning happen naturally.

    We are also a big hiking family and on our hikes, we observe the natural world. On these hikes we be sure to bring our reusable bags and pick up any trash we see on the way. We have been teaching our children the importance of taking care of our earth by also doing the things listed below. Things you and your family can do too to help protect our earth!

    What are some everyday activities we can do to make a difference to our planet?

    Some everyday activities we have done/do to make a difference to our planet:
    • turn the lights off when you are not using them;
    • unplug things not in use;
    • use cardboard for burning to reduce the amount being put into landfills;
    • use reusable bags instead of harmful plastic bags;
    • recycle;
    • hang clothes on the line to air dry;
    • use cloth diapers;
    • potty train as soon as possible to eliminate diapers and extra laundry;
    • pick up trash even if it’s not yours;
    • be a part of the community and participate in clean ups;
    • plant tree and bee-friendly flowers;
    • grow our own food to alleviate food transportation waste; and
    • eat less processed foods.

    simple things you can do to help the environment with kids

    @erinbethray

    South Florida
    2 boys, ages 7 and 8

    The story behind the image

    My images show my boys cleaning up the Broward County waterways. We participated in the 2019 waterway cleanup, which is held across our entire county, from the beaches all the way to the Everglades, and everywhere in between! Wherever there’s a waterway, river, or canal, we’re trying to clean it up.  It’s our county’s largest and longest running environmental event! 

    How do you teach/inspire your kids to help protect our planet?

    We are constantly learning and trying. Every day is a learning experience on how we can help mother earth and protect our planet. I believe if you do good, your kids are always watching and, in turn, they’ll do good! I try to lead by example. We also love to learn about animals. I believe that if you teach children that our earth is the home for these animals, it can help them want to do better for those creatures and our planet. Give them a love of the world and nature and they’ll WANT to help. 

    What are some everyday activities we can do to make a difference to our planet?

    I think one of the easiest things people can to do to make a difference for our planet is to use metal straws. Also, if you’re going out into nature (to the beach, a park, trail, etc.), bring a bag and pick up as much garbage as you can. It’s simple and effective! Also, we should all recycle as much as we can! 

    how kids can help make a difference in the environment

    The earth is not ours to inherit – it’s on loan from our children and grandchildren. If we want there to be anything left we have to act now. All of us.

    * This hashtag campaign and giveaway is sponsored by and in collaboration with Vivobarefoot Kids. 

  • FAVORITE GEAR, GIFT GUIDE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Creative Gifts that Promote Outdoor Play

    The gift giving season is officially upon us and we know what’s on your mind! Obviously, we’re all about getting kids outdoors. We want your children to spend as much time outside playing and exploring as possible. Therefore, this year we’ve put together a fun list of creative gifts, toys, games and sporting gear that will encourage and promote outdoor play. Some of these things can be played, made and enjoyed indoors as well, but they were all chosen to promote a love of the outdoors and to foster a connection with nature. These gifts are perfect for the active outdoorsy kids that love to run, jump and play and kids that want to learn more about nature. We hope you’ll add a few of these items to your child’s wish list this year.

    Or, if you’re more into giving gear, activities and experience gifts, last year we published the Ultimate Guide to Non-Toy Gifts for Outdoorsy Kids, which will give you even more (50+) ideas to add to your list!

    (affiliate links below)creative gifts for kids that encourage outdoor play

    {PIN IT}

    Remote control car – A remote control car (or airplane or boat) would make a great gift for a kid that likes to race and compete. Choose a vehicle made for outdoor play that will stand up to rough terrain and perform well off-road to encourage your kid to explore. This car has a 30+ minute battery life, easy pistol grip transmitter and spring wheels made to support accidental falls and unstable ground.

    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.

    Walkie-talkies – My kids received walkie-talkies for Christmas last year and use them all the time! Not only are they great for play in, out and around the house, but we also take them on camping and hiking trips, to the grandparent’s farm and every time we go fishing. Great for those places you might not have strong cell service, as well. This set of walkie-talkies is perfect for kids because they’re extra easy to use. Voice-activated means your child doesn’t even have to push/hold a button to send their voice (great for preschoolers). The long-distance range spans over 3 miles and the scan function searches 22 channels and 99 subchannels. Durable and rechargeable.

    Bicycle wheel lights – If you’ve got a biker in the family, consider getting her some fun accessories for her bike. How cool are these amazing Monkey Light wheel lights that attach to bicycle wheels and light up your tires in 2 themes and 16 colors with hundreds of combinations! They’re 200 Lumens with 32 Full Color LED lights. Rugged, waterproof construction designed for daily use in all weather conditions and lasts up to 20 hours on 3 x AA batteries.

    Wildcraft! board game – Wildcraft! is a nature-based educational board game that teaches kids about 27 important healing herbs and edible plants. The game also teaches teamwork and features beautifully illustrated cards and game board. This cooperative game was created in the tradition of the classic board games with waterfalls to slide down, logs to cross and deer trails to wander. It’s icon-driven, so can even be played by little ones that can’t read. No prior knowledge of plants is needed. Wildcraft! purchases go toward a good cause A portion of the proceeds from sales of the game benefits United Plant Savers, a nonprofit with the mission to protect native medicinal plants of the United States and Canada and their native habitats.

    Model rocket launch set – For older kids, this model rocket launch set will reach new heights! This huge rocket stands 30in tall and can reach heights over 650 feet! For recovery, it has a colorful 18-inch preassembled parachute. This set includes two rockets: (1) the Crossfire ISX is a Skill Level 1 rocket that streaks over 1,200 feet into the sky; and (2) the E2X Amazon is just short of 3 foot long and flies over 600 feet. Recommended for ages 10 and up with adult supervision. Be advised that the tools, construction and finishing supplies are sold separately. In order to launch, model rocket engines, starters and recovery wadding are required – also sold separately.

    Stomp rocket – For younger kids not ready for a “real” rocket, try a stomp rocket! My kids LOVE these. Run, jump and stomp to launch these fun stunt planes which are 100% kid-powered with no batteries required. This set includes three different planes (looper, glider and wildcat) designed by aeronautical engineers to perform a variety of amazing stunts. Adjust the angle of flight with the adjustable launch stand, fly into the wind or with the wind and change how these planes fly.

    Lawnmower – If you have a little one that wants to be just like mom/dad and mow the lawn, this adorable mower is perfect for little ones. We’ve had this exact mower for years and it’s withstood the abuse of two kids and countless hours of mowing up and down our yard, street and sidewalk. It has popping beads, a pull cord and a little gas can for refueling. If you want one that also blows bubbles, check out this bubble mower.

    Mini Frisbee golf game – This mini Frisbee golf game lets your kids (or the whole family) play a par 3 round of disc golf. It features six mini Frisbee discs and one Frisbee golf target. It’s designed for ages 5 and up – even adults love it! The metal chains are designed to catch the Frisbee discs so throw your favorite, tossing, hyzers, etc.

    Bubble machine – My kids are obsessed with bubbles – blowing them, chasing them and popping them! They love their bubble machine. This one generates more than 800 bubbles per minute by powerful motor and spinning wands. It’s portable, lightweight and small sized. Comes with an 18-month warranty and a lifetime customer service. 

    Nest swing – If you have a tree to hang a swing in, I highly recommend this nest swing for kids. Our neighbor has one and every kid in the entire neighborhood is drawn to this swing. Hours and hours of playtime! Its large frame (40 inches) is made of steel with tight weave rope platform seat and two 4” monster spring clips for easy install. It’s super sturdy with a weight rated to 600 lbs for swing and spin motion. Fun for kids, teens and adults!

    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.

    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.

    Weather lab – There’s no such thing as bad weather, right? Teach your child about all kinds of weather with this fun weather lab. Kids can build a mini weather station to record everyday weather changes and conduct experiments to discover the science and facts about climate change, the water cycle and other weather phenomena. With a variety of weather measuring equipment, record and measure wind, rainfall, and the temperature outside. In addition to the weather, learn about topics like acid rain, the greenhouse effect, and the water cycle with these experiments. Recommended for ages 8-15.

    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).

    Golf clubs – Another great sport to get your kids outdoors is golf. This set of beginner golf clubs is designed for ages 4-7 or 8-12. The set comes with a driver/fairway wood, 7 iron, 9 iron and putter, all with graphite shafts and flexible soft grips. Carry your clubs in the deluxe junior stand bag with double shoulder strap, 4-way divider, 4 exterior pockets, umbrella holder, Velcro glove tab & rain hood.

    Soccer goals – Soccer is another great outdoor activity that burns a lot of energy, encourages teamwork and strengthens coordination. These collapsible soccer goal nets set-up and can be taken down in seconds with no assembly required. They come with 2 goals, 6 cones, and a carrying case so you can take them anywhere. They can be secured with plastic or metal stakes to any grass surface in your backyard or park.

    Kickball and bases – Nearly every day after school, there’s a kickball game going on in our neighborhood. This is the perfect set for any kickball fan and comes with an 8.5-inch kickball, three rubber bases, home plate, a pitcher’s rubber and inflation pump (with a needle). That’s everything you need to play this super fun and simple game. A great outdoor sport for all ages and abilities.

    Underwater camera – Every little fishy will love taking pictures with this underwater camera. It’s built tough for active kids, submersible up to 10 feet, dustproof and shockproof. Rugged, compact, and lightweight, it goes anywhere and can handle every challenging journey, from the bumpiest, dustiest desert road tour to underwater selfies amid the coral reefs. Photo shooting and video recording underwater. Built-in LED flash with a 10-second self-timer. Two dual-action screens: a rear-facing, 2.7-inch full-color LCD display and a secondary, front-facing 1.8-inch full-color LCD display – the perfect viewfinder for taking selfies.

    Stepping stones – Making your own stepping stones is a great way to promote creativity and give your child something to be proud to put in the yard or garden. This stepping stone kit gives your child hands-on fun by creating a 7-inch stepping stone from scratch. Mix and mold simple ingredients and then design your finished project in a variety of colors, patterns and designs using ceramic paint and gemstones. Your child can add a personal touch such as handprints or writing their name. The kit includes 4 bags of mix (1 lb. each), a 3-D molding tray, assorted plastic gems, 10 ceramic tiles, stickers, gloves, mixing stick, protective mask, paintbrush, ceramic paint strip, and directions.

    Sidewalk chalk – There’s something so simple and perfect about gifting sidewalk chalk to a kid. It’s the perfect gift for kids of any age and encourages creative outdoor play. It can be used for all kinds of games, drawings, activities and adventures. This pack of 72 chalk sticks comes in 48 unique and different colors! Comes in a squarish anti-roll shape to keep kids safe. It washes out of clothing and cleans up outside with water or rainfall.

    Bow & arrow set – This set from Marky Sparky is unique with over-sized arrows that are ultra lightweight providing safety, without compromising distance power and fun! The sports fiberglass bow shoots arrows over 200 feet! Arrows have foam tips that are designed to bounce off and ground any target you create. Aim and try shooting a pyramid of cans 200 feet away! Recommended for ages 10 and up. (not a toy)

    Croquet set – A croquet set is a perfect way to get your kids outside and playing games. This set comes with 6 deluxe mallets, 6 multi-colored balls, 9 steel wickets and 2 scoring posts. It comes with an official rulebook and a nylon carrying bag for easy transport and storage.

    Outdoor playhouse – We have this fun cedar playhouse in our backyard and can barely get our kids to come inside! It takes time and effort to get assembled (make sure you start WAY before Christmas if you want it assembled beforehand), but it’s truly worth it. Our playhouse has a sink, working doorbell, windows, flower boxes, side benches and chalkboards. Just add a few kid kitchen supplies and you’ve got an outdoor restaurant perfect for entertaining the kids for hours!

    Jump rope – This adjustable jump rope from Green Toys is perfect for teaching littles the lost art of skipping rope! It’s suitable for age 5 and up and adjusts with your child as they grow. The handles are made with 100% recycled plastic and rope with US-100% cotton. Made from non-toxic, BPA-free, PVC or Phthalates-free materials — safe for the earth as well as your child. Jumping rope is a fun outdoor activity that improves health and coordination.

    Fairy garden kit – This fairy garden kit from Wild Pixy contains a set of 13 miniature fairy garden accessories and is beautifully crafted to attract fairies, gnomes and magic to your garden. It comes with a cute dollhouse, fairy figurine, bridge, bench, chair, toadstools, stepping stones, glow pebbles and fairy house featuring a working door. Mystical LED lights charge by day and bring your solar powered fairy garden house and stones to life at night. It’s high quality, safety tested and designed to last. The set is packaged in a stunning designer box. This is a fun tool for families to learn together about soils, plants, and water use. Plus, it encourages creativity through planting and caring for your fairy garden.

    Bug Bingo – This beautifully illustrated bingo game features 64 species of bugs from around the world and brings a fun and educational twist to the traditional game. Players learn the names and colorings of both favorite species like the Honey Bee and Kissing Bug and more exotic bugs like the Vampire Moth and Giant Hawker Dragonfly. Contains 64 superbly illustrated bug tokens, one board, 12 bingo cards and brightly colored counters for you to mark up your card, as well as a leaflet containing basic information and a few quirky traits for all of the bugs featured. (Not into bugs? There’s also Bird, Dog, Ocean, Cat and Monkey versions of the bingo game!)

    Sticklets – Encourage your child’s creativity and engineering skills with this set of 18 connectors for fort building with sticks! Outdoor kids will love using these Sticklets to build forts, torys, animal habitats, shapes and more. Comes in a variety of bright fun colors or camo.

    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.

    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!

    Bodyboard – If you’re anywhere near an ocean, I highly encourage you to try body boarding with your kids. We tested this out over the summer and our kids were hooked after catching their first wave! This bundle comes with 2 body boards, each with an innovative crescent tail and slick bottom, designed for all wave conditions. The boards have excellent control, more maneuverability, and increased speed and strength. They’re lightweight, durable and buoyant – ready for action! Each comes with a leash and perfect for kids up to 110 pounds (2-5 feet tall).

    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.

    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.

    What’s your favorite gift to encourage outdoor play?

     

    And don’t forget to check out our “Ultimate Non-Toy Gift Guide for Outdoorsy Kids” from last year:  

  • CAMP, FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Camping with Kids: 101

    If camping with kids sounds fun but overwhelming, this post is for you! Today, our friend Tabby is sharing her very first camping experience with kids, since becoming a parent. She’s here to tell you that while it might seem intimidating, camping with kids is easier and more fun than you can imagine! If camping with kids is on your summer bucket list, here’s everything you need to go before you go. And if it’s not on your list, here’s why it should be!

    Camping with Kids: 101

    Reasons to camp with kids

    Kids need nature. I don’t feel like access to nature should be a privilege for children. Being immersed in nature is a necessity. Have you heard that quote floating around, “Children can’t bounce off the walls when you take away the walls”? I think that quote is so perfect and completely describes one of the biggest benefits of getting children outdoors and into nature.

    Camping is one way to give kids the space they need to play and learn. Camping gets us away from the noise, the TV, the Wifi and all the constant begging for the tablet. We go camping and trade tablets for smores and TV for making stick-men and women. Camping allows us to tune out all the things that don’t matter in exchange for quality family time and memories that will last a lifetime. I pinky promise you, camping with kids isn’t as intimidating as you may think it is and it’s more important than ever.

    what you need to pack when camping with kidscamping activities for kids

    Why I was intimidated

    Before this experience, I was under the impression that camping with kids would be stressful, exhausting and expensive. I was convinced it would not be worth it while the kids were so young and overall not fun for us parents. I am a classic over-thinker and I was feeling incredibly overwhelmed by the idea of camping with kids because I literally had no camping gear. However, now that I have camped as a parent, I can promise you that it is so much easier than I imagined.

    One thing I learned is that you don’t need nearly as much as you think you do. You don’t need to plan elaborate activities for the kids. You don’t need to go somewhere exotic. Your gear doesn’t need to be expensive. Camping with kids is not only easy, but really fun for everyone! In fact, after our first camping trip as parents, we decided to go back out into the wild only two weeks later and we have two more trips planned for next month. I already know each trip will get even easier now that we gave it a shot and have one experience under our belt.

    camping packing list for kidscamping with kidstips for camping with kids

    What to pack when camping with kids

    I know myself well and I know that I tend to overthink things. I make everything more complicated than it needs to be. When coming up with a packing list, I purposely tried my best to avoid Pinterest and all the millions of articles about EVERYTHING you need to pack. Instead, I thought about what we really needed. Then I asked for personal opinions from groups I am in with like-minded people (Hike it baby, Wildschooling). I also met one new friend at a park to talk about camping with kids. It was seriously so helpful to hear from someone who had done it successfully.

    how to plan a camping trip with kidscamping with kids

    Here’s what we packed:

    • Weather appropriate clothes for the whole family (check the weather where you are going beforehand)
    • Rain boots, we use Lone Cone boots (they are affordable and durable)
    • Sand toys
    • Tent (preferably with rain cover)
    • Camping chairs for the whole family
    • Cooler with food and ice
    • Flashlights and/or headlamps
    • Glow stick bracelets or necklaces for the kids to wear at night (to keep track of them and because they’re fun!)
    • Paper plates and paper plate holders
    • Utensils, roaster sticks for smores or hotdogs (or you can find and use a stick)

    hiking while camping with kids

    • Firewood (a lot of campgrounds will also sell firewood, but you will want to find that out first) (be aware of restrictions on bringing your own)
    • Sleeping bags (Our first trip it got to 32 degrees at night and we used 3 comforters and were toasty all night. If you’re camping where it gets cold at night put a blanket UNDER your air mattress or sleeping pad, on top of it and then 1 or 2 more blankets on top of you.)
    • Bug spray (I just found out they make bug repellent WIPES! There are wipes with DEET OR wipes without DEET)
    • Sunscreen
    • Waterproof matches for starting a fire
    • First Aid kit just in case (I bought a standard one and added Benadryl, children’s ibuprofen, a $3 snake bite kid because it eased my mind)
    • One or more hammocks and hammock straps! (Man, this was a huge hit…the kids couldn’t get enough of the hammock. Our second trip we had 7 kids total at the campsite and they all had so much fun with it.)

    I may be forgetting some things on this list, so before you go, just think “What do we really NEED?” Basically, you need somewhere to sleep, food and weather-appropriate clothes. Everything else is for fun and comfort.

    what to pack when camping with kidskids camping tips and advice

    Where to go camping with kids

    If you have young kids that don’t know how to swim I suggest not camping close to water. This way you don’t have to worry about turning your back on the kids for a second. Finding a great campsite is as simple as Googling “campsites near me” and looking at a map. I highly suggest camping with friends who have kids around the same ages as your kids. We’ve done that twice now and it’s a blast! The kids love playing with friends, its endless fun for the kids and the parents! Another resource to look into is HipCamp, it’s the Airbnb for camping. <— By clicking my affiliate link we both get $20 after your first camping trip towards another stay!

    camping with kidsadvice for camping with kids for the first time

    What to do when camping with kids

    If you’re camping at a campsite with a camp host, use their knowledge! Our host told us about a hike nearby and helped guide us to a hot spring that was also close. Otherwise, you can do your research on Google when you’re planning your trip. For us personally, we mainly like to relax.  I don’t go camping to be on a rigorous schedule.

    Above, I mentioned bringing sand toys. The kids will love digging and playing in the dirt. I was against bringing too many other toys, but that’s just me. Try a scavenger hunt or set up a slackline. Go collect wildflowers or splash around in a creek. One of our favorite activities was making Stick-Men. I found a tutorial in the CAMP bundle from Wild and Free. Basically, the kids use their imaginations to make stick people. So simple, yet it was a huge hit for us!

    family camping trip tipstips for family camping tripscamping with kids

    The moral of the story

    Overall, camping with kids is so much more fun and easier than I ever imagined. All you have to do it go and have fun! If you are an anxious person like me, fight those feelings that tell you to fear everything. Try not to be a Debby Downer and kill the fun vibes while camping! Instead, give it a try and you’ll be sure to create some happy memories in nature with your kids and spouse. Make a list, bring the necessities (and a camera), relax and have fun!

    Also…drown out your fire after use! Make Smokey the Bear proud!

    camping with kidsCamping with Kids: 101what to pack when camping with kidscamping hammocks for kids

    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:

    family camping gear packing checklist

    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” ]

                 We hope you’ll consider a camping trip with your kids this year!
    What’s your best advice for camping with kids?

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    My name is Tabby, I am homeschooling mama of two little wild ones. I love photography, being outdoors, dogs, podcasts and rollerblading!
     
    You can find me on Instagram @sunshine_and_kewpie
  • BEACH, FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    8 Tried & True Tips for a Successful Beach Trip with Kids

    As we get closer to our family’s upcoming Florida trip, I’m so excited about spending time on the beach with my kids. I envision hours of fun in the waves, building sand castles and flying kites. However, I’m also aware of the meltdowns and non-stop action required to keep the kids entertained.  In addition, this will be our first time taking a 4 month-old to the beach. A baby adds a whole new element of preparation and packing.

    This is why I’m so excited for today’s post, by the fabulous Dr. Autumn Hanson of Permission 2 Move. Autumn is a physical therapist, blogger, mom of 2 and Florida-native. She’s here to share her tried and true tips on how to make your next beach trip with kids stress-free and fun! Not only will she help you prep for your trip, but she’ll get you moving out on the beach and making memories to last a lifetime.

    8 Tips for a successful beach trip with kids

    Meet Autumn

    Hello everyone! I’m excited to be here on Run Wild My Child sharing some tips and advice on how to make a beach trip with kids as successful and stress-free as possible. As a Florida native, I’ve spent a lot of time at the beach over the years. I was fortunate enough to grow up within walking distance to the beach in beautiful Treasure Island, Florida. With 3 girls in my house growing up (ranging in ages from 6-16), it was challenging to find activities we could all enjoy doing as a family. It was always a struggle just to get out the door. However, we were always happy to be at the beach once we got there.

    Not much has changed since I began my own family years later. Now, as a parent of two girls aged 3 and 1, I appreciate the effort that makes a beach trip enjoyable for both the parents and kids. Without adequate preparation, the happy beach trip you imagine will likely end with one (or all) of the following: sunburns, crying children, a miserable spouse, sand covering everything, or even a strike from a stingray (as my husband suffered through and ranks as one of his most painful experiences)!

    With dozens of family trips to the beach under my belt, from Hawaii to Bermuda and back to Florida, I’ve got boatloads of experience in what works and what doesn’t. Here are my 8 tried and true tips to make your beach trip run smoothly and enjoyable for everyone!

    8 Tips for a successful beach trip with kids

    Timing is essential

    Make sure that you choose the right time to hit the beach when going with little kids. While mid-day might sound appealing, there are two elements working against being at the beach mid-afternoon: the intensity of the sun’s heat and nap time. Those two factors, when combined, are exponentially harder to overcome and can lead to major meltdowns, both figuratively and literally. The best times to beach are mornings and evenings when the sun and heat are less intense.

    In order to get to the beach early, pack the car the night before and plop your kiddos in the car as soon as their eyes open! The longer you spend in the house getting ready to go, the later you get to the beach. If you are like me and get great ideas of what to pack and clean and rearrange at the last minute…don’t! JUST LEAVE! (see below for more info on prepping the night before)

    If you miss the window of leaving early or the day is heating up quickly, don’t despair. Going to the beach in the evening is wonderful! Usually, the crowd disappears shortly before the sun does, so you’ll have more space to run free. You can enjoy the beautiful sunset with cooler temperatures and without worrying about getting the sand on the lady next to you when your child uses her towel as a superhero cape.

    planning a beach trip with kids

    Protect yourself from the elements

    There is nowhere to hide from the sun at the beach. Long gone are the days where your sole purpose to go to the beach is to get tan. Little children need the shade, not only to protect their skin but also to hide their meltdown from the rest of the beachgoers. Trust me on this one.

    Whether you choose a sun shelter, a giant umbrella or tent, you need something to protect your littles from the harsh sun and any sand-blowing wind. We have tried several options for beach protection from the sun and we love the Ikea Sommarvind.  Once you master the folding process (after watching a few dozen YouTube videos), this pop-up tent cannot be beaten for its simplicity, storage size, and function.

    fun beach activities for kids

    Bring a cooler with hydrating snacks

    Just before you anticipate a meltdown, call everyone over for a refreshing treat. The most enjoyable snacks are those that cool you off under the summer sun. Pro tip: these almost always include some sort of dripping liquid, so bring napkins or wet wipes, too! Our family favorites are watermelon, frozen grapes, coconut water, sparkling water (or bubble water as my 3 year-old lovingly refers to it) and popsicles.

    If you are concerned about the amount of sugar in your children’s beach snacks, I have a great popsicle swap idea for you! Fill a silicone popsicle mold with water (or healthy juice) and fresh fruit, then pop it into the freezer. My girls really enjoy their own fruit popsicles at the beach and I love not having to constantly say, “NO MORE POPSICLES!”

    To keep everything cool, you’re going to need a good cooler. Our favorite cooler is the Yeti Hopper Flip 8, but simpler options will also suffice. We also pack insulated water bottles to keep our water icy cold even when it is out of the cooler. Our favorite water bottle is this 64-ounce Hydroflask.

    best beach planning tips for kids

    Prepare the night before

    In our house, preparation starts the night before. Since we have a habit of doing ‘just one more thing’ before we leave, we have better luck getting out of the house on time without a mess if we prepare ahead of time and leave as soon as we wake up. Pack a bag with your sun protection, accessories and beach activities the night before and put it in the car. Tidy the house and check everything off your list as you pack. Leave the delicious snacks in the refrigerator until it is time to go.

    Prepping the night before ensures we get out the door with everything we need at a decent time. We love the feeling of coming home after a long day on the beach and walking into an unusually clean house with overtired kids (and adults). The sigh of relief from everyone is quickly followed by a smile, as well as a lighter-hearted approach to showers and rest.

    planning a beach vacation with kids

    Play with your kids!

    If you are in the mindset of going to the beach to ‘sit back and relax,’ you’re in for a shock! That’s the mindset of your former pre-family self. With little kids, those days are over! Sorry! Save that thought to motivate you to take a trip with your girlfriends later in the summer and instead switch gears to being active at the beach with your family.

    If you are active at the beach, you will feel twice as successful. An enjoyable family outing and a full body workout all wrapped into one beautiful day at the beach! Think of the calories you’re burning as you drag that overflowing wagon through the sand. Try walking barefoot in the soft sand to strengthen your lower legs. Chase the kids (or the birds) for excellent cardio! But most of all, just play with your kids. That typically includes activities like shoveling sand, tag, body surfing in the waves while attempting to keep your kids’ faces out of the water and hauling buckets of water for the amateur sand sculptors. This is when the best memories are made!

    8 Tips for a successful beach trip with kids

    Bring activities, but not many

    Don’t go overboard packing entertainment for the kids. After all, the great thing about the beach is that it serves as its own entertainment. I do suggest bringing some activities though. My mother used pre-planned activities to achieve the family bonding she was interested in cultivating. While the rest of us were focused on what we like to do individually, she was focused on what activity drew us together as a family. These activities will vary on the age and interests of your family. Try to think of activities that promote teamwork like playing soccer, baseball, kan jam, Frisbee, or bocce ball together. These activities transfer your focus from the heat to the game.

    best beach gear and tips for kids

    Explore & make friends

    Remember how I mentioned early that the beach serves as the entertainment as well as the destination? Use that to your advantage. Grab a shovel from your sand castle building crew and start digging. Have a contest to see who can find the most unique shell. Then head over to the edge of the water where the coquinas lay buried just below the surface, until, like magic, they resurface as the sand gets pulled away with the tide. Walk the beach for sea treasures. Cue the kids to find out what items float or not and why. Explore why you need water to make a sand castle or why a bucket of water gets heavier each subsequent one you carry.

    You can also use your beach time to make new friends. Maybe it is as simple sitting near a family with kids your children’s ages. Kids make fast friends at the beach and then they’ll have new friends to explore and play games with. Plus, they’ll likely be much more understanding of the sand in the face from the superhero cape…I mean, towel.

    beaching with kids tips advice

    Change your perspective

    Little kids have a different idea of fun than parents do. I challenge you to view your beach trip from their point of view. Spend a whole day focusing on what’s important to them and you’ll be so pleasantly surprised at how much fun the beach can be.

    Your kids won’t remember that you forgot the organic sunscreen and had to use the aerosol stuff you swore you would never use. They just know that you made sure they were protected. They don’t remember their meltdown over saltwater in their eyes. But they will remember you surrounding them with a towel and blotting it out. They won’t remember that the blueberries were covered in sand, but rather that you packed their favorite snack. They won’t remember the time they fought with their sibling about how big the sand castle has to be. But they will remember that they built the biggest sand castle ever and that you helped them do it.

    What’s your best piece of advice
    for beach outings with kids?

    Hello, my name is Autumn! I am a wife to my high school sweetheart (a pilot in the Coast Guard) and mama to two spunky little girls that are frequently playing with dinosaurs in dress-up clothes. When I am not out adventuring with my family, I work as an outpatient physical therapist and Pilates reformer instructor. I love that my career allows me to help people move and feel better. However, after years of hearing my patients say, “I wish I would have learned the importance of movement sooner in life,” I started Permission2Move. I am grateful to have an avenue to inspire people to move more adventurously!
    Learn how to creatively add movement into your daily life by following along at:
    Website/Blog: permission2move.com
    Instagram: @permission2move
    Facebook: permission2move
  • BIKE, FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Tips for Biking with Kids

    Biking with kids is a fun adventure and a great way to create memories as a family. It’s also a great way to get outdoors, explore new areas/trails and get in shape. However, the thought of biking together as a family can sound intimidating and overwhelming with the amount of gear you need and safety concerns. That’s why we’ve put together this great post with lot of tips, advice and recommendations on how to get started, what to pack, what gear to use and what to expect!

    Why bike?

    As a fan of (nearly) all things that get kids outside and active, biking is at the top. Learning to ride a bike is an important skill that every child should learn and comes with a range of benefits. While most of us know that regular exercise contributes to better physical health, there are plenty of other reasons why learning to ride a bike is more important than ever. It builds confidence and fosters independence in kids. Riding a bike not only improves physical fitness, it also benefits your child’s learning development and mental health. Plus, using active transport like cycling instead of driving reduces carbon emissions, eases traffic congestion and eliminates parking problems. Less pollution and traffic means our communities will become greener, healthier and less stressful places to live.

    Kids that ride bikes connect with their neighborhoods, community and nature in new ways. They get to know the people, geography, and landmarks of their area. Kids who are driven around in cars most of the time aren’t as likely to know their way around in their own neighborhoods. They can also feel less emotionally connected to their communities. Think about it: unlike traveling by car, when you’re on your bike, you can easily stop and smell the roses (literally!). You can stop to play at a park, by a neighbor’s garden for a chat, or at food stand for a bite. Even when you’re zooming along, you’re still going at a pace that allows you to take in the sights and smells. Biking is a full sensory experience.

    How to choose your biking set-up

    Before you can start biking, you’ll need to decide what kind of set-up you want to use for your family. Whether you biked a lot before having kids or just recently thought about biking as a fun way to exercise together and get around, biking with kids is easier than ever these days. There are so many great set-up options for king with kids – individual bikes, bike seats, tow bars, carts, buggies and trailers.

    However, all these options can be a bit overwhelming. When making the decision on your biking set-up, you’ll want to consider the following criteria:

    • number of kids you have;
    • children’s ages;
    • kid’s sizes;
    • children’s expertise on a bike;
    • price of gear;
    • weight of gear;
    • size and transportability of gear;
    • your comfort-level with the different biking options.

    Individual bikers

    If your kids are old enough to ride their own bike, by all means, give them the chance to learn how to bike with the family. The more experience they get, the better riders they’ll become. My son is five and finally got rid of the training wheels last year. Since then, he’s become pretty proficient at riding his own bike and being independent. He still crashes occasionally, but that’s just part of the learning process. He rides a Schwinn Amplify SmartStart bike, which is the perfect size for him (you can read our gear review on the bike HERE).

    Trailers, tow bars and bike seats

    For younger kids and infants, you have a few options: a pull behind trailer, a bike seat, a cargo bike or a tow bar. Obviously, there are pros and cons to each of these set-ups, which you’ll need to consider. It will also depend on the age/size/activity level of the kid and how long you’d like the product to last. Tow bars are great for bigger kids that want to ride their own bike, but they add weight to your set-up and won’t work for small kids and infants. Bike seats are great for small kids, as they’re fully restrained, close to the adult and can even sleep in the seat. It’s also nice to have them close to you so you can talk to and hear them. However, some of these seats don’t give the child much of a view or any freedom to move around.

    We chose to get a pull-behind trailer for a couple reasons: (1) our daughter is 3 years-old and big, so she fits much better in a trailer and has her own space; (2) it has an area for cargo, because we never travel lightly; (3) it’s safe, with a full aluminum roll cage and 5-point harness; and (4) we can add a snuggle seat inside for our next baby, starting at age 1. By that time she’ll hopefully be able to ride her own bike. You can get trailers for one or two kids and some even convert into a jogging stroller. Check out our Burly Minnow bike trailer gear review.

    Always wear your helmet

    Safety is a top priority when biking with kids, so make sure that everyone wears a helmet at all times when biking (even in a trailer or seat). Helmets should fit snugly around the head and not move or flop around. The chin strap should be tight, but not uncomfortable. Kids grow fast, so make sure you check for fit every time you ride.

    If your kids aren’t used to helmets, they might not like wearing them, but make it a rule: no helmet = no bike. Don’t give them an option not to wear one. And the more you bike, the more they will get used to it.

    Don’t forget about helmets for mom and dad, too. As parents and protectors, we tend to think about our kids first, but your safely is just as important to your kids. Set a good example by always riding with a helmet and your kids will be more likely to grab theirs every time they go biking.

    Pick the right location

    You’ve heard that “location, location, location” are the three most important things about buying real estate, but choosing the right location is also extremely important in ensuring that you have a safe and enjoyable bike ride with your kids. The right trail or bike path can make the difference between a stressful exhausting ride and an enjoyable one for both you and the kids.

    Try to choose a location that’s away from traffic, if possible, for safety and peace of mind. Young riders can be a bit unpredictable so it’s nice knowing they aren’t going to swerve in front of a car if they lose control of their bike. Lots of local parks have bike trails free from cars and trucks.

    Depending on your bike and tires, paved trails will be easier for beginners. Flat trails are ideal for young riders and anyone pulling a trailer. Once the kids get older and can go longer distances, you can add more challenging trails with hills, gravel, off-roading and other exciting features.

    To find great trails in your area, do some research. Most parks have trail maps and information online. Lots of cities/towns have designated biking lanes on certain streets to get you to and from bike trails safely. Ask friends or local mom groups for suggestions.

    Have a destination in mind

    Kids do much better riding and staying focused when they have a goal, so choose a route with a specific destination. Make it a park, an ice cream shop, a restaurant, picnic location or even just a landmark that lets them know they’ve reached their goal. Bonus points if the destination has a playground, food or treats! Our favorite bike trail leads us right to a beautiful little creek, where we can stop, play and throw rocks for a while before getting back on the bikes to head home.

    Keep older kids in between adults

    If you are riding with kids who are riding their own bike, the safest option is to put them in between two adults. One adult rides in front and one behind. Having someone to follow ensures that your kids stay on the right track, stop when they’re supposed to and don’t get too far ahead of everyone else. Having an adult in the back also ensures no stragglers get left behind.

    If you have more than one kid riding independently, form a duck line. Either Mama Duck or Daddy Duck up front, and then the youngest solo rider to the oldest, single file behind the leader. The other parent (or oldest child) is in the back. No one breaks the duck line until the leader gives the all clear, which will give the first and last rider time to check for cars. Your kids may need practice both getting into the duck line without panicking and not flying so close together that they’ll all crash if someone stops. It takes practice, but it’s worth it for the safety.

    Be prepared

    In addition to making sure your bikes are maintained and in well-working order, you’ll also want to be sure to dress your kids accordingly for the weather and conditions. Be sure they wear appropriate footwear so they don’t get blisters. Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen if it’s sunny. Feed them before the ride so they’re not tired, cranky and hungry.

    As with any outdoor adventure, getting prepped ahead of time is half the battle. Biking trips are no different; although the gear and supplies you pack might vary a bit from a regular outing. Here are few things we recommend you bring along on your next biking outing:

    I hope these tips encourage you to get out and bike with your kids soon!

  • FAVORITE GEAR

    Gear Review: EcoSurvivor

    This post is sponsored by EcoSurvivor. The products were provided for review purposes. All opinions expressed and photos herein belong to the author. This post may contain affiliate links.

    Every now and then we come across a product or brand that we fall in love with. Whether it’s because the product is amazing, the brand is reputable or the company supports a worthwhile mission, we are all about promoting products we use and companies we believe in. EcoSurvivor is one of those brands that satisfies all of the above attributes. Their products encompass our nature-loving core values in every possible way. From recyclable packaging and energy efficient lighting and power solutions to supporting nonprofit partners like Water4 and their sustainable solutions that are saving millions of lives and changing the world into a cleaner, safer and more eco-friendly place for all.

    We had the chance to try out a few of the EcoSurvivor products and were super impressed with them. Not only were they durable enough to stand up to my kid’s abuse, but they’re super functional, practical and affordable. Plus, there’s the added bonus of feeling great about your purchase by supporting a company that’s making a difference in the lives of so many people around the world. If you and your family are outdoorsy, you’re going to love these products!

    EcoSurvivor Gear Review - USB Lantern and Bluetooth SpeakerEcoSurvivor USB Lantern

    Durable dual-purpose products

    EcoSurvivor offers a wide-range of durable outdoor tech products such as lighting, speakers and battery packs. Lighting options include LED lanterns, pyramid tent lights, headlamps, night lights and compact lanterns. Their products strike the perfect balance between form and function without sacrificing performance. EcoSurvivor products are made to stand up to the elements – they’re water, dust, sand and impact resistant – making them the perfect gear for hiking, camping and outdoor adventures.

    Quite a few of their products are also dual-purpose, making them double handy when you’re outdoors and unplugged. Whether you need portable power combined with LED lighting or a Bluetooth speaker that can also charge your phone, EcoSurvivor products are reliable, versatile and always ready for the next adventure.

    Gear Review - Eco Survivor USB Lantern

    EcoSurvivor USB Lantern

    If you are an outdoor adventure seeker, make sure you add the EcoSurvivor USB Lantern to your gear list. Built for outdoor use, the lantern has a rugged, impact-resistant construction and rubberized gray finish. It’s waterproof, dust-proof, sand-proof and impact-resistant for those accidental drops and tumbles.  It has a locking carabiner handle for carrying or easy hanging in any location. It’s lightweight, brilliantly bright, tough and durable. This lantern will keep your path well lit during an evening hiking excursion or at the campsite after dark.

    The lantern’s energy efficient LEDs provide bright white light (800 lumens) anywhere you need it. The light is dimmable with 3 (high, medium, low) settings to choose from (high is super bright!). All it needs are 6 size D batteries and you’ll get 200-hours (!!) of  battery life when the lantern’s on low. The lantern has a 360° omnidirectional light, so it illuminates a much larger area than flashlights or headlamps. Plus, the light source never needs to be replaced.

    Gear Review - Eco Survivor USB LanternBest Outdoor lantern - EcoSurvivor

    But my favorite feature is the charger. In case of emergency, the lantern comes equipped with a standard USB port to charge your phone or mobile device using the lantern’s battery power. How handy is that when you’re out on the trail?

    USB Phone charging lantern ecosurvivor

    This lantern is a big hit at our house! My only regret is that we don’t have two of these, so the kids could each have their own. With a new baby in the house, we haven’t had time to take it camping or on a night hike, but we will soon! Instead, we are using it for evening backyard/neighborhood exploration in our pajamas (What? You don’t do this?), a bedtime nightlight and basement camping in the kids teepee downstairs. We even dined in the dark with only lantern light the other night, for fun (ok, maybe we’re weird).

    It’s stood up to constant love (abuse) from a rowdy 3 and 5 year old. I’m pretty sure it’s been dropped down the stairs a few times and it’s still in great shape. It’s lightweight enough for both kids to carry around and durable enough to be fought over and not break. We highly recommend!

    Gear Review - Eco Survivor USB LanternBest Durable Camping Lantern EcoSurvivorGear Review - Eco Survivor Bluetooth speaker

    EcoSurvivor Bluetooth Speaker

    We also had the chance to try out the EcoSurvivor Bluetooth Speaker. I don’t know about you, but we’ve gone through a number of outdoor Bluetooth speakers and have yet to find one that can stand up to the abuse we dish out by taking it hiking, biking, camping, canoeing and beaching. However, we may have finally found “the one.” The EcoSurvivor speaker is super durable and designed to withstand impact and vibration. The IP65 rating means it’s protected from dirt, rain and splashing water.

    This speaker pairs wirelessly with your smartphone, tablet or other Bluetooth device, giving you convenient access to your favorite playlists while you’re outdoors and on the go. It has a 30-foot range, perfect for playing DJ at a campsite or on a hike. Use the built-in rubber lanyard for a convenient carrying or hanging options. Perfect for the beach, home, poolside, golfcart and camping.

    Best Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker EcoSurvivorGear Review - EcoSurvivor speaker Best Outdoor Gear - Eco Survivor Bluetooth Speaker

    This portable speaker uses a rechargeable 4,000 mAh battery, which provides up to 12 hours of play time. It is equipped with a fuel gauge button – just press it to display the remaining battery capacity. Similar to the lantern, this speaker is dual-purpose! It features a USB port (1.0A output) so you can charge your other devices while you listen.

    This speaker is also a huge hit with the family. My husband and 3 year-old are the music lovers in our house and they take turns with it (or just fight over it). It’s constantly either playing Avett Brothers or the Trolls soundtrack (I’ll let you figure out who’s picking which). It’s a constant companion for my daughter in my playhouse in the backyard. We also take it with us on our evening bike/wagon rides around the neighborhood. The sound is great, the battery life is long and it’s survived multiple drops in the yard and on the street. We are hard on devices (not on purpose!), but this one has already taken a beating and lived to tell the tale.

    best outdoor speaker ecosurvivor

    EcoSurvivor + Water4 

    While I’m super impressed with the EcoSurvivor products, I’m even more impressed with their mission and charitable giving. When you buy EcoSurvivor products, you’re making a difference around the world. EcoSurvivor donates 50% of its net proceeds to Water4, a 501(c)3 charity that is committed to providing at-risk, indigenous people access to clean water.

    The biggest challenge for millions of people today is access to clean water. The world water crisis impacts nearly 1 billion people and causes over 3 million preventable deaths each year. Did you know that women in Africa walk an average distance of 3.75 miles to collect water? And did you know that 80 percent of illnesses in developing countries are linked to poor water and sanitation conditions?

    However, your EcoSurvivor purchase can help make this crisis become history. Jasco is helping the fight to end the water crisis by donating 50% of EcoSurvivor net proceeds to clean water projects with Water4 – a nonprofit organization empowering people to eradicate their own water crisis through entrepreneurship, education and technology. It’s Water4’s mission to see the global water crisis eradicated in this lifetime. With each new well that’s drilled — in some of the most remote, hostile places on Earth — the arrival of clean water improves the health of entire villages, provides dignity and self-reliance, freedom from waterborne disease and death, and the promise of long-term health and food security. Access to clean water is truly the foundation for transforming these communities.

         Gear Review - Eco Survivor USB Lanternecosurvivor products give back to charity

    For all EcoSurvivor products and to learn more about the company,
    please visit the EcoSurvivor website. 

  • BIKE, FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Gear Review: Burley Minnow Bike Trailer

    This post was sponsored by Burley. Bike trailer was provided as post compensation and for review purposes. All opinions expressed and photos herein belong to the author.

    Burley Minnow bike trailer for kids - Gear Review on Run Wild My Child

    Biking with the kids is quickly becoming one of our family’s favorite ways to spend time together outdoors. We are lucky to live in an area with some incredible state and local parks full of beautiful bike trails. The fresh air and exercise feel fantastic, but getting the entire family out on the trails is never easy.

    Our kids are as different as they can be. The 5 year-old is all wild unbridled energy. He rides his own bike and expects us to keep up with him. The 3 year-old, on the other hand, is like molasses sometimes. She takes her sweet time and would much rather twirl around and pick wildflowers than get anywhere in a hurry. She has little to no interest in riding a bike right now and is certainly not ready for any lengthy family bike rides. We’ve been looking for the best way to include her in our rides in the most efficient, cost-effective and whine-free way possible. Which is why we love our Burley Minnow bike trailer.  Gear Review: Burley Minnow bike trailer for kidsgear review burley minnow bike trailer

    Benefits of a bike trailer

    While being outdoors with your kids and getting fresh air and exercise are all amazing benefits to biking with kids, having a bike trailer offers benefits beyond the obvious. Here a few of our favorite things about using a bike trailer when biking with kids:

    • Storage – Most bike trailers have a cargo area in the back to store a backpack, groceries, diaper bag, toys, camera, small cooler or whatever gear and supplies you need for your biking adventure. We tend to overpack on outings with the kids, so without a storage area, we’d have to purchase a separate storage basket for our bikes or pack everything in a backpack we wear during the ride.
    • Safety – I don’t claim to be an expert bike rider, so having a bike trailer behind the bike, as opposed to a large toddler in a bike-mounted seat, feels much safer to me. Bike trailers are much sturdier and less likely to tip over the adult’s bike. Plus, good bike trailers have a durable roll-cage and 5-point harness to keep children secure.

    best ways to bike with kids - burley minnow trailer

    • Longevity – Bike trailers can be used for years and can accommodate kids and cargo up to about 100 pounds. This means kids can ride in a trailer for a much longer time than they can fit in a mounted seat.
    • Weather-protection – While we don’t ever plan on biking through rain or storms, bike trailers offer a level of weather protection that bike-mounted seats or tow bars don’t. Lots of bike trailers have water resistant covers to protect from wind, rain and/or snow. You can even get a separate Amazon that will keep little ones (up to 2) snuggly and warm.
    • Stroller option – Some bike trailers also offer the option of converting in to a stroller, jogger or even a sled!! Depending on what you want (and how much you want to spend), there are a lot of options out there for whatever outdoor needs you have.

    best bike trailers for kids single seatbest bike trailers for kids burley minnow

    Features and specs of the Burley Minnow

    If you’re looking at adding a bike trailer to your family outings, check out the Burley Minnow. It’s the newest trailer in the Burley line-up and perfect for families looking to haul around one kid and some gear. Here are few features and specs that we love about the Minnow:

    • Single-seat – While Burley does make a number of other trailers that accommodate more than one kid, the Minnow seats one and that’s all we needed. This single-seater is perfect for our 3 year-old and will last a few years until she’s ready for rides on her own.
    • Safe –  The Minnow has a full aluminum roll cage, 5-point harness system and passes rigorous Burley Standard durability testing. It comes with a safety flag, reflectors and UV protection on the tinted windows.
    • Smooth ride – While I haven’t actually sat back there myself to personally test it out, both kids have tried it and love it. They both said it’s comfortable, not too bumpy and lots of fun.

    burley minnow bike trailersbenefits of bike trailers for kids

    • Storage – The Minnow has a ton of storage space. There’s a spacious rear-cargo area large enough for a full back-pack and my camera bag. Plus, there’s upfront storage for water bottles, keys, phone, snacks, etc.
    • Infant seat accessory – I love that Burley offers a separate infant seat (Amazon) that you can  use to secure babies 3-12 months old. While I was certainly not expecting anyone but Mim to get use out of this trailer, turns out that it will be the perfect biking accessory to have when baby #3 gets old enough to be able to go on biking outings with us. Although, be advised that the baby seat should only be used on trailers that have stroller option if your child is less than 12 months old. When towing behind a bike, baby needs to be able to sit up unassisted and wear a helmet.

    trailer options for biking with kids

    • Easy to assemble – The trailer comes nearly unassembled, but it’s a quick project. There are no extra gear or parts that you’ll need to order or purchase. It comes ready-to-bike and includes a hitch, tow arm and safety flag.
    • Fold-flat design – The Minnow folds flat for easier storage and transport.
    • Affordable – Starting at $215, the Burley Minnow is a quality, entry-level trailer that won’t break the bank.

    best bike trailers for kids burley minnowbest bike trailers for kids burley minnow

    Our Burley experience

    We have thoroughly enjoyed having the Burley Minnow bike trailer as an option for biking with the entire family. My daughter calls it her “buggy” and asks to take rides daily! We bike around our neighborhood and to local parks and playgrounds. We’ve biked to a local farm to feed the horses carrots. We’ve even ventured out a few times to hit more serious trails. Having the trailer keeps the little one safe and prevents (so much) whining! She gets to sit back and enjoy the ride…maybe even take a nap! It’s also nice to have a place to store gear and supplies while we’re out. Even small items like water bottles and Goldfish car be a hassle to carry. It was a breeze to assemble and takes no time at all to hook up to our bikes whenever we’re ready for a ride.

    biking with kids burley minnow trailergear review burley minnow gear review burley minnow bike trailer

    Find Burley online

    Burley was started nearly 35 years ago in Eugene, Oregon. They’ve built a reputation for safe, durable products. The name Burley is synonymous with “bicycle trailer.” They’re known around the world for recreational transport gear that sets the standard for safety, durability and thoughtful design. While they’ve continued to perfect the bicycle trailer, the product line has grown to include multi-functional child carriers, jogging strollers and balance bikes. To shop Burley products and/or get more biking inspiration, you can find them online:

    Website // Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Amazon        burley minnow bike trailer for kids

    Anyone else use/have a bike trailer?

  • FAVORITE GEAR, HIKE

    Gear Review: See Kai Run Boots

    This post was sponsored by See Kai Run. The boots were provided as post compensation and for review purposes. All opinions expressed and photos herein belong to the authors and photographers, as noted below. This post may contain affiliate links.Gear Review: See Kai Run waterproof insulated boots for kids

    Winter is coming!

    Getting your kids outside during the winter months is not only important for their physical health, but for their mental health as well. The winter months provide different ways of moving our bodies, such as sledding, walking up a snowy hill or building a snowman. Children’s larger muscles are put to great use in the winter months due to the challenges that snow provides. This large-muscle use and increase in physical activity support children’s gross motor development and overall health. In addition, getting lots of fresh air and Vitamin D decreases the likelihood of winter colds and illnesses, such as the flu.

    If your kids are like mine, they’ve probably outgrown all of last year’s clothing, coats, layers and boots. Which means it’s not only time to size up, but it’s time to reevaluate your needs and check out any new gear on the market. Winter boots are one item that we always need as soon as the weather turns cold. My kids are outside a LOT in various conditions, so we need tough durable, yet comfortable boots. Boots that will hold up to the abuse, allow their feet to grow during the winter and keep them warm and dry. That’s expecting a lot.

    See Kai Run waterproof insulated boots for kidsSee Kai Run waterproof insulated boots for kids

    Get the right gear

    One thing I’ve learned about getting kids outdoors is that having the right gear can make or break your experience. Icy hands and feet are not only uncomfortable, they’re dangerous and easily preventable. And there’s nothing like cold fingers or toes to guarantee whining and complaining about outdoor weather.  To ensure that your child has fun in the cold, the most important thing to consider is appropriate clothing, including winter boots.

    Over the last few years, we’ve made various mistakes with our winter boot selections and learned many valuable lessons. For example, insulated boots that aren’t waterproof, get wet, soggy and cold after playing in the snow. Waterproof boots that aren’t insulated don’t keep little feet and toes warm enough. The opening of the boot needs to be wide enough to accommodate thick socks and pant legs, but tight enough to keep the boots on in deep snow and keep pant legs secure. Tie boots seem to come untied all the time. Leather boots need treatment and protection. Who knew there were so many considerations when buying kid’s boots?

    See Kai Run waterproof insulated boots for kids

    See Kai Run boots

    That’s why I’m really excited to share the newest line of insulated and waterproof boots from See Kai Run, one of our favorite kid’s shoe brands. See Kai Run was started in 2004 by a Seattle mom on a quest to find a shoe that was best in health and design. She ended up launching her own line of shoes that are fun, fashionable and feature the finest in materials and craftsmanship. All See Kai Run shoes are proportionally engineered for a child’s foot and designed to promote healthy foot development. They are flexible, which helps develop proper balance, gait and stride. The broad toe boxes give little toes lots of room to move, which build strength in muscles and tendons. Plus, the wide openings and secure closures provide optimum fit for a shoe that’s easy to get on and actually stays on.

    See Kai Run waterproof insulated boots for kids

    We had the opportunity to test out a couple pairs of boots from the new line of See Kai Run insulated and waterproof boots. My kids each put a pair of boots to the test as we hiked on a chilly Midwest morning. We also sent a couple pairs out to Salt Lake City, Utah, to make sure they could also withstand the cold and snow of the mountains. I’m happy to report that each pair was a big hit from both kid and parent perspective. Here’s what we thought of them and all our favorite features.

    See Kai Run waterproof insulated boots for kidsSee Kai Run waterproof insulated boots for kids

    Waterproof and insulated

    The first thing I noticed when unpacking these boots was how thick and durable they were. They are not only insulated with a 3M Thinsulate™ thermal lining that is good to -35°, but the insulation is soft and fuzzy (not hard or scratchy). Plus, the bottoms of the boots are made with a thick, seam-sealed, waterproof membrane that keeps water and debris out and increases durability. The rubber traction outsoles are perfect for wet surfaces and aren’t slick or slippery. Both kids said the boots were really comfortable, roomy and sturdy. My son loved jumping around in them and smashing pinecones and acorns. Not once did we receive a complaint about the boots on our hike — complaints about the weather, the distance and the lack of snacks was abundant, but not about the boots! We can’t win them all, right?!

    See Kai Run waterproof insulated boots for kidsSee Kai Run waterproof insulated boots for kidsSee Kai Run waterproof insulated boots for kids

    Wide openings

    I loved that these boots all had really wide openings, large enough to fit my kid’s wool-sock-clad feet. The double-velcro straps on my son’s boots (Charlie) actually made the opening incredibly wide, allowing me to stuff the bottom of his pant leg into the boot opening no problem. Then I could secure the boot around the pants with the velcro. Genius. The tongue on that boot is attached on both sides, so no issue with it moving around, making it easy for him to put his own boots on. The openings on my daughter’s boots (Abby) were not quite as wide, but still gave her plenty of room to get her feet into. The laces on the Abby boots are stretchy, allowing the tongue to fold down for easy access. Both boots had wide enough openings for the kids to get them on by themselves, but the velcro straps made them tight enough that they won’t slip off while trudging through heavy snow.

    See Kai Run waterproof insulated boots for kidsSee Kai Run waterproof insulated boots for kidsSee Kai Run waterproof insulated boots for kids

    Stylish

    While function definitely outweighs fashion when it comes to buying quality outdoor kid gear, this is one of those times that you don’t have to sacrifice cuteness in your quest for quality.  The entire line of See Kai boots are absolutely adorable.  I had the hardest time deciding which boots to choose because there were so many great styles and color combos. We chose the girls Abby (brown) and boys Charlie (navy) styles and the kids loved them both. The colors and tweeds are perfect for fall. They’re not obnoxious or super bright or gaudy. Most of the styles come in both toddler and big kid sizes. There are tall boots and ankle boots in the new line. Whatever your style is, there’s sure to be a boot that you love.

    See Kai Run waterproof insulated boots for kidsSee Kai Run waterproof insulated boots for kidsSee Kai Run waterproof insulated boots for kids

    Shop the line

    The new line of See Kai Run boots are available nationwide in stores such as Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Ave, REI, Zappos and Amazon! Basically, they’re everywhere! Most pairs are priced between $60 – $75, which I think is very reasonable for such a durable, quality boot. These will definitely last all season, get tons of use/wear and can probably even be passed down to the next kid when they’re ready to size up. Well-made, comfortable, quality gear is something that you’ll never regret purchasing and will make your time outdoors that much more enjoyable!

    See Kai Run waterproof insulated boots for kidsSee Kai Run waterproof insulated boots for kids

    See Kai Run

    If you’re in the market for a great, quality kids boot this season, check out the entire line of waterproof and insulated boots from See Kai Run. I have a feeling you’ll be just as impressed as I was! You can find them online in the following locations: Website // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram
    See Kai Run waterproof insulated boots for kidsSee Kai Run waterproof insulated boots for kidsSee Kai Run waterproof insulated boots for kids
     

    What’s your favorite outdoor (boot-friendly) winter activity? 

  • BIKE, FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Gear Review: Schwinn Amplify & Circuit Bicycles

    This post was sponsored by Schwinn Bicycles. Bikes were provided as post compensation and for review purposes. All opinions expressed and photos herein belong to the author.

    Gear Review: Schwinn Bikes Amplify for Kids and Circuit Women's Hybrid

    This has been a year of big changes at our house, especially for my son, Mac (5). Not only did he start kindergarten, but he got rid of his bicycle training wheels, learned to swim without floaties, bait his own hook and got to go hunting with daddy for the first time. Of all of these milestones, learning to ride a bike on his own has probably made the biggest day-to-day difference for us. Suddenly, he wants to ride his bike everywhere!

    Getting those training wheels off has given Mac a newfound sense of independence, adventure and confidence. My husband loves riding with him around our neighborhood and local park. After a while I started to get frustrated being stuck at home with no bike, unable to join them on their adventures. It had been years since I did any riding, but I had to admit that it was finally time for me to get a bike, too.

    Gear Review Schwinn Bicycles

    With new bikes needed for us both, Mac and I were really excited to have the opportunity to each review a Schwinn bike. Schwinn is a tried and true company that’s been around for ages. It is associated with high-quality, affordable, durable bikes. From “walk ‘n’ roll” kids bikes to the Le Tour Legacy, they offer a comprehensive line of bikes that suit the needs of any rider, young to old. Their bikes are built to the Schwinn Quality standard, with over 100 years of cycling heritage, passion and expertise. With a quality brand selected, all we had to do was pick out the perfect bike best suited for each of our needs.

    Schwinn Amplify Kids Bike Review

    Choosing the right size bike for kids

    Schwinn believes a well-fitted bike makes the child more comfortable; and being comfortable inspires confidence and the motivation to learn. However, figuring out children’s bicycle sizing can be tough and overwhelming. Kids bicycle sizes are determined by the wheel size of the bicycle (12″, 16″, 18″, 20″, 24″). The wheel size of children’s bicycles directly correlates with the frame size of the bicycle. Oftentimes you can make a good estimate for what size bike your child will need based upon their age. However, with children going through growth spurts and varying in height, it is always better to measure your child’s height to find the right bike for them. Of course you should have them test ride the bike as well!

    Schwinn Kids Bike Size Guide

    Finding a bike that fits is crucial to your child’s safety, especially since both oversized and undersized bikes can prove hazardous. Bikes that are too large can prevent a child’s feet from touching the ground and keep hands from reaching the hand brakes. Bikes that are too small, on the other hand, force a child to pedal awkwardly with substantially bent knees, which can cause knee pain and make a child’s legs tire quickly. When fitting a bike, make sure your child, while seated, can touch the ground easily with both feet when the seat is in its lowest position. (The seat can be raised gradually as your child grows.) Adjust the seat so that your child’s legs bend slightly at the bottom of each revolution when pedaling.

    schwinn amplify kids bike gear reviw

    For more info on kids bike sizing, see the Schwinn website here.

    Schwinn SmartStart bikes

    Parents are often concerned that their child will grow out of a bicycle to quickly. That’s why the Schwinn SmartStart is a great solution to help your child’s bike “grow” with them. Schwinn SmartStart bikes are built with a child’s proportions in mind. The grips are smaller, the pedals are closer together, and the seat is angled in a way that will make the body angle needed to pedal less stressful. Raising the saddle of a Schwinn SmartStart bicycle raises the angle of the seat and the distance from the seat to the handlebars and pedals. This means that as your child grows, the bike evolves and fits your child longer.

    If your child is more comfortable, then they will want to ride, and learning will be less frustrating for everyone involved. Plus, you can’t loose with the Schwinn name, since it is backed with a limited lifetime warranty for as long as you own the bike, and has been building great kids bikes since 1895.

    schwinn amplify smart start boys kids bike

    Schwinn Amplify

    We ended up choosing the 18″ Schwinn Amplify SmartStart bike for Mac and it was a great choice to get him started on his cycling journey.  The bike is black and blue (two of his favorites) and designed specifically for kids (as opposed to a shrunken version of an adult bike).  Like all the Schwinn SmartStart bikes, the grips are sized for smaller hands for easy steering, and the pedals are positioned closer together, so picking up speed is a snap. It’s fast enough to give him the thrill he desires, but can stop on a dime. It has back-pedal coaster and hand brakes, both of which he utilizes. He couldn’t love this bike any more. It’s been so much fun watching him gain power, strength and confidence as he rides. And while we’ve only had it for a few months, it’s already survived multiple crashes and wipeouts. It has proven to be durable and tough.

    schwinn amplify boys bike gear review schwinn bikes boys amplify kids bike

    Amplify stats and features:

    Model & Size: Schwinn SmartStart 18″ Amplify
    Color: Sidewalk Bike
    Fits heights: 42-52″
    Age: 6 years – 10 years
    Retail price: $119.99

    • Rigid high-tensile steel child frame
    • Coaster and front and rear hand brake
    • Single speed
    • Rigid frame and fork
    • SmartStart design features smaller grips and pedals that are closer together to promote a comfortable fit
    • Training wheels included

    schwinn amplify kids smart start bike reviewschwinn amplify boys age 6 - 10

    Picking the right Schwinn bike for adults

    With so many different types of bikes to choose from it can be hard to determine which bicycle is best suited for you. However, if you know a few basics about each type of bike it will be easier to zero in on a bicycle that fits your lifestyle.

    • Cruiser Bicycles: These retro looking bikes have wide balloon tires, wide saddles, and keep you in an upright seated position. These bikes have a simple mechanical design and a single-speed drive-train. They are incredibly durable, which makes them very easy to maintain. A cruiser is a great choice for the casual and stylish cyclist who is looking for a stable bike. This cyclist is not concerned about how fast they get from point A to B, and will primarily be biking on flat terrain.
    • Mountain Bicycles: These durable bikes typically have wide knobby tires, a stout frame and shock-absorbers. They have straight handlebars with a raised seat that keeps you in a more upright seated position than a road bike.  With stable wheels, these bikes can handle the dirt, potholes, and gravel of off-roading. While the sturdy features make this bicycle excellent for rough terrain, they can also make a ride on the road heavy and slow.
    • Hybrid Bicycles: This bike combines features of both the road and mountain bike styles to create a perfect compromise. The Hybrid has skinnier tires and a lighter frame, which allows it to go faster than the mountain bike. It’s ideal for the cyclist who wants a general-purpose bike that can handle multiple terrains and riding conditions.  This bicycle is not only durable and comfortable, but is also fast. Ideally suited for beginning cyclist or commuters who want a quick, comfortable ride.

    how to pick the right bike type for adultsschwinn circuit hybrid bike review

    • Urban Bicycles: These bikes are durable with strong frames to handle any possible hazards of the city road. This type of bike comes with fenders to keep the rider free from mud and water kicked up. The handlebars allow you to sit upright for a comfortable ride. Urban bikes are ideal for practical city dwellers who want to use their bike for running errands or commuting to work.
    • Bike Path Bicycles: These bikes keep riding simple and smooth. Wide plush saddles, upright seating, plush suspension, and tires similar to those found on mountain bikes (but smoother) make riding a Bike Path bike extremely comfortable, although less efficient then a Hybrid. The Bike Path bike is ideal for a casual cyclist who desires comfort and leisurely rides.
    • Road Bicycles: These bikes have skinny tires, light frames, and a forward leaning riding position that allows a cyclist to go fast on pavement. The road bike has two types of handlebars for the road cyclist various needs. Drop-bar handlebars are for the cyclist who wants to go faster. They are lightweight and create a more aerodynamic riding position, while also allowing you to better transfer your energy to moving the bike. However they may also put more strain on your back. The flat-bar handlebars allow you to sit up in a more upright position to reduce strain on your back, wrist and shoulders, but they are less efficient in speed.

    For more information on choosing the right Schwinn bike, visit their website here.

    schwinn circuit womens bike reviewschwinn circuit bike review

    Schwinn Circuit

    Choosing the right bike for me was a bit tougher. While I’m no longer growing (at least not up…out is a different story!), I wasn’t sure exactly how/where I’d be riding the most. I wanted a model that I could ride on the paved streets of our neighborhood and the gravel trails at local parks. I ended up choosing a Schwinn Hybrid Bike called the Circuit. As mentioned above, the hybrid combines features of both road and mountain bike styles. The Circuit has skinnier tires and a lighter frame than a mountain bike. It’s a great general-purpose bike that can handle multiple terrains and riding conditions.  While I’ve known how to ride a bike forever, I still consider myself a beginner, so this bike is a good one to start with.

    The Circuit is agile and responsive, yet seriously durable and tough. It comes with 21-speed Shimano EZ-Fire shifters, which were very easy for me to learn and pick up on quickly. I’ve never owned a bike with gears before! It has powerful mechanical disc brakes for fast and efficient stopping. Trust me, they’ve been tested and work great! Riding behind my impulsive (and easily distracted) 5 year-old has made me quick on the breaks! The ride is smooth and comfortable, even when four + months pregnant!

    schwinn hybrid bike circuit reviewschwinn circuit bikeschwinn circuit bike review womens hybridschwinn circuit stats and features womens hybrid bike

    Circuit stats and features

    Model & Size: Schwinn Women’s Circuit 28″ Hybrid Bike
    Color: Teal Blue
    Gear Speeds: 21
    Bicycle Frame Height: 15″
    Bicycle Frame Material: Aluminum
    Wheel Height: 28″
    Maximum Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
    Dimensions: 58 inches L x 35 inches H
    Weight: 35 pounds
    Retail price: $289.99

    schwinn circuit womens hybrid bike reviewschwinn circuit womens bike tealschwinn bikes gear review for kids and adults

    Add a Schwinn to the family

    Riding a bike is a rite of passage for a kid; a passport to worlds beyond the front lawn. Bikes represent fun, freedom, and fresh air – everything that’s good about childhood. Moreover, biking is a healthy pastime that kids will never outgrow. One that encourages them to be active, safe and aware of their surroundings. And once you have a bike, it’s fun, free and easy to do with the entire family. Biking with kids and as a family has never been easier. If you’re looking to add a bike to your fleet, I highly recommend Schwinn’s line-up of kids and adult bikes.

    You can find more information on Schwinn Bicycles in the following locations:

     Website // Instagram // Facebook // Twitter

    And don’t miss the next post in this series – Tips & Advice for Biking with Kids (coming soon!).

    What kind of bike do you and your kids ride?

  • FAVORITE GEAR

    Mongoose Scooters – Force 3.0 Review

    This post was sponsored by Mongoose Scooters.  A scooter was provided as post compensation and for review purposes. All opinions expressed and photos herein belong to the author. 

    I’m excited to bring you a really fun review of a new scooter for kids from Mongoose Scooters. Mongoose created their line of Force 3.0 scooters based on feedback from interviews and product testing with a sample group of kids and their parents. They’re durable, safe, stylish and affordable – a great overall combination and perfect for kids ages 7+. We had the awesome Araya Sunshyne (her mom Sarah is one of our fabulous Instagram moderators) test out the Mongoose Force 3.0 and give us her feedback. It was a hit!

    Mongoose Scooter for kids Force 3.0 review

    Mongoose scooter highlights

    • Bike style grips – these hold up better than traditional scooter grips and the kids like the feel more than the cushier fabric grips; we heard that this is something they wanted so we put that on a few of the scooter options
    • Max Grip Tape – kids complained about sliding off either the deck or brake as many of the recreational scooters out there now don’t offer the same grippy coverage; we’ve put it across the entire deck and brake of all scooters
    • Kickstand – both parents and kids complained of their scooters getting dinged up quickly so we added a kickstand to three of the 5 folding scooters
    • Pro-style at an affordable price – we took our pro style scooters to Camp Woodward for the counselors and camp-goers to test out. These are people who follow trick scooter riders and athletes. After testing, they reported back that our scooters stood up to their entry level expert trick scooters but costs much less.

    Mongoose Scooters for kids - Force 3.0 Review

    Mongoose Force 3.0

    • Portable – easy folding kick scooter for storage and transport
    • Protected – kickstand allows you to store the scooter upright to protect frame from damage
    • Durable – bike-style grips and heavy duty frame that supports up to 220 pounds
    • Smooth ride – wide handlebars offer enhanced steering control and 142 mm wheels provide a smoother ride
    • $44.99 (available at Target)

    Mongoose scooters for kids - Force 3.0 scooter reviewMongoose scooters for kids - Force 3.0 scooter reviewEasy to assemble

    My 7 year old daughter was so excited to get her Mongoose Force 3.0 Scooter! We opened it up and I was thrilled that it was so easy to get rolling. I was afraid it was going to be some complicated assembly where I needed tools and directions to put it together. But quite the opposite, it was so easy to put together! You take a bit of wrapping off and the handle bars pop right in. I only had to look at the directions one time to see which button to push to get it to unfold. Other than that, it was completely self-explanatory. Easy to understand directions are included, just in case you need any help.

    Mongoose scooters for kids - Force 3.0 scooter reviewMongoose scooters for kids - Force 3.0 scooter review

    Taking it for a spin

    We folded it back up and headed down to the park to try it out. It was very easy to fold and unfold and it easily fits into the trunk of my car. And as soon as we got to the park, off she went! She rode around and around and loved it. I had a hard time getting her off of it to go home that night. Her little brother (4) wanted to give it a try, and even with his smaller height, he was easily able to ride it with no problems.

    Mongoose scooters for kids - Force 3.0 scooter reviewMongoose scooters for kids - Force 3.0 scooter review

    Great features

    The grip on the board is great for keeping her feet steady on the body of the scooter.  No slipping off! The wheels roll smoothly, making it a quick and smooth ride. She could also get some good speed going! The kickstand is also a nice feature. Instead of throwing it down on the ground as most kids do, she can put down the kick stand to keep it up right and help keep it from getting beat up like it might if was just being tossed on the ground every time.

    Mongoose scooters for kids - Force 3.0 scooter reviewMongoose scooters for kids - Force 3.0 scooter reviewMongoose scooters for kids - Force 3.0 scooter reviewOverall recommendation

    Needless to say, we give this Scooter an A++. We have nothing bad to say about it! Easy to assemble, easy to ride, smooth, portable and so far it is holding up beautifully! She loves riding it to the park, around the neighborhood, and even around the house! It is easy to turn and maneuver so she hasn’t taken out any walls or furniture yet. Fingers crossed!

    We highly recommend getting a Mongoose Scooter!!!

    Mongoose scooters for kids - Force 3.0 scooter reviewMongoose scooters for kids - Force 3.0 scooter reviewMongoose scooters for kids - Force 3.0 scooter review

    Sarah Robinson is mom of two, photographer, blogger, model and outdoor adventurist in Arizona. You can find her at any of the following locations:

    Sunshyne Life Blog

    @Sunshyne.Diaries on Instagram

    Sunshyne Pix Photography

    @SunshynePix on Instagram

     

     

    This post was sponsored by Mongoose Scooters. Mongoose Scooters are available at Target. For more information on all Mongoose Scooters, check out their website: http://www.mongoose.com/usa/scooters.

  • FAVORITE GEAR, FRIDAY FAVORITES

    Friday Favorites: Moon Child

    This post is a partnered collaboration with Moon Child clothing. The clothing items in the photos were provided for review purposes. All opinions expressed and photos herein belong to the authors and photographers, as noted below.

    For today’s Friday Favorites post, I want to take a minute to shine a spotlight on the cutest little online shop for adventurers – Moon Child. Based out of the UK, Moon Child sells awesome and adorable (and durable) ethically produced, organic clothing for free-spirited little ones. Co-owned by two friends, Emma and Sophie, each item in their shop encourages kids to stay wild, never stop exploring, be themselves and howl at the moon – all passions that we at RWMC completely support!

    Moon Child UK - online children's clothing boutique

    Moon Child UK - online children's clothing boutique

    Adventure is out there

    We had a chance to receive some items from the Moon Child shop and couldn’t be happier with the quality, colors, style and comfort of the clothes. They’re relaxed and comfortable for kids outdoors exploring in nature. The designs are super cute, from classic basics to trendy tees. The colors are very gender-neutral and not overly girly pink or camo boy. The fabric is soft, thick and durable and has held up after a number of washings. They also sent us the sweetest fabric crowns, stickers and temporary tattoos, all of which my kids love playing with!

    We took our Moon Child digs out for a spin in our favorite local creek on a hot late-summer day. Both kids said they loved their outfits and that they were cool and comfortable the whole time we hiked, splashed and explored. Mac’s wearing the classic white “Moon Child” tee and Mim’s in the Tillie set, which might just be the cutest thing ever. Stay on the lookout for the baseball tops on the kids, coming to a post soon about our Arkansas fishing trip.

    Moon Child UK - online children's clothing boutiqueMoon Child UK - online children's clothing boutique

    About Moon Child

    Moon Child offers comfortable casual clothes for kids aged 1-⁠6 who love to run around exploring in the wild. With a strong belief that childhood should be about adventuring and being in touch with nature, Moon Child provides clothing to fit in with the ‘running around in mud’ kind of lifestyle, without the compromise of style. Using natural tones with stripes, adventure patches, campfire prints, they aim towards the free-spirited kids who are wild at heart.

    With tees ranging from £20 and co-⁠ords up to £45, the range is complemented by quirky prints and stickers for aspiring explorers of the world.

    Moon Child UK - online children's clothing boutiqueMoon Child UK - online children's clothing boutiqueMoon Child UK - online children's clothing boutique

    Organic and ethically produced

    Moon Child believes with all of the trillions of stars within this little universe, that organic & ethically produced clothing is one of the key ingredients to ensure that our very own planet Earth becomes a sustainable world to live in. Not only that, but zero pesticides means that it’s also great for the development of your little one’s skin.

    That is why Moon Child works fairly with each of their suppliers, paying a decent price so that they can in turn, pay decent wages. Moon Child produces their organic cotton in a fair trade workshop in India, not only because it is close to the cotton farms, but also because they are experts in cotton weaving. The pieces are hand made in Harrogate, England, SWEATSHOP-⁠FREE. Moon Child aims to help towards being a part of a fairer world.

    Moon Child UK - online children's clothing boutiqueMoon Child UK - online children's clothing boutique

    Q&A with Emma and Sophie of Moon Child

    Tell us a bit about you and your family growing up:

    Emma: I spent my younger years growing up with my mum and younger sister. We would spend every day exploring parks and nature reserves near home searching for creepy crawlies + fairies, making mud pies and perfume from flower petals! My mum made every day magical for us and so I think that I have inherited my love of nature and the outdoors from her.

    Sophie: My childhood was similar to Emma’s in the way that my two younger sisters and I were always outside playing and exploring (I can definitely relate to the mud pies and petal perfume!). Our Mum would always take us out and about – we looked forward to the summer holidays when she would have plenty of activities planned for us! My Dad used to also take us on a lot of nature walks through forests and exploring different areas around where we lived, so we spent a lot of time outdoors and my love of nature has grown from there.

    Moon Child UK - online children's clothing boutiqueMoon Child UK online children's clothing boutique

    How did Moon Child get started?

    We met in 2015 where we became work colleagues, our friendship grew based around our similar interests and in 2016 we both became Aunties to our awesome little Nieces; Elodie and Tillie. With the little ones on the way, so was our need to spoil them with only the coolest clothing. Having just watched “The True Cost” on Netflix (if you haven’t watched it, do it!) we were bemused with the lack of organic and fair trade cool clothing for little ones. Not only that, but it seemed that the same old ‘pink is for girls’ + ‘blue is for boys’ limited style was still the main offering. Both girls and boys can love dinosaurs and running around in the mud. And in essence, we designed and created clothing with a unisex aimed handwriting and designs.

    After a year of research and sourcing the perfect suppliers, Moon Child was born. Our pieces are handmade in England and the US, sweat-shop free, most of our stock is made from organic cotton but it is our aim to one day be fully organic and we will continue to work towards this.

    Moon Child UK - online children's clothing boutiqueMoon Child UK - online children's clothing boutique

    What is your personal favorite product in your shop and why?

    Our favourite product(s) in our shop at the moment would have to be our ‘Tillie’ and ‘Elodie’ sets. These were the starting point of our range and so it only felt right to name them after our nieces! The fabric is weaved and hand printed by a wonderful fair-trade workshop in India. They are experts in cotton weaving/printing and the lightweight organic cotton is great on children’s sensitive growing skin. The peplum design and elasticated waist shorts allow for a lot of movement, which is great for adventurous little ones exploring the outdoors!

    What is your favorite outdoor activity?

    We both have a huge passion for nature and the outdoors which we think shows through our design style. We are very lucky to both live in North Yorkshire, England where there are lots of lovely scenic walks, reservoirs and magical forests! There’s nothing quite like an afternoon spent getting together with family, having a picnic and exploring Brimham Rocks!

    Emma: I recently spent a weekend in the Lake District climbing up the hills and mountains – trying (and failing) to get a cuddle from the little lambs. But there’s nothing more I love in the world than a good dog walk with my mum around the lake next to her house.

    Sophie: I recently ventured a little further afield and went on a 3-week adventure across Canada, where I spent a lot of time exploring forests and mountains and canoeing on lakes and rivers!

    Moon Child UK - online children's clothing boutiqueMoon Child UK - online children's clothing boutiqueMoon Child UK - online children's clothing boutique

    Any advice for parents that want to get their kids outdoors more?

    From a young age, encourage green fingers – get them interested in helping and learning about things in the garden. Maybe they could have a patch that they’ve grown (with your help!) and tend to themselves. Connect them to the Earth. Turn every day into an adventure; go on a bear hunt, search for fairies, and embrace the magic of the outdoors!

    Moon Child UK - online children's clothing boutiqueMoon Child UK - online children's clothing boutique

    Moon Child UK - online children's clothing boutique

     

    Moon Child UK - online children's clothing boutique

    Pop over to the Moon Child website and check out all their adorable products. From tees to prints to tats, they’ve got everything your wild child needs for an amazing adventure. 

    Moon Child: Website // Shop // Instagram // Twitter // Facebook

  • FAVORITE GEAR, FRIDAY FAVORITES, SUMMER

    Friday Favorites: Summer Shoes for Kids

    Summer is officially here and it’s time to get outside to explore. If your kids are anything like mine, they’re constantly on the go, in a creek, up a tree, hiking a trail, jumping out of a swing or digging for worms, so they need clothing and footwear that’s durable, waterproof and comfortable. Over the last few years we’ve gone through many a pair of summer sandals and water shoes. Some were destroyed and some were lost. Some were worn only once because they were “pinchy.” Some were worn well past their prime because they were so beloved. I’ve had a few recent requests and questions about summer shoes and gear, so I put together a list of our favorite summer kids sandals below, along with the top picks of a few of my fellow outdoor mamas.

    Favorite Summer Shoes and Sandals for Active Outdoor Kids

    1.  Nike Sunray AdjustSandal ($28) // 2. KEEN Newport H2 Sandal ($50) // 3. Crocs Kids Unisex Coast Clog ($18)
    4. KEEN Unisex-Kids Moxie Mary Jane Flat ($26) // 5. Plae Mimo ($35) // 6. Nike Sunray Sandal ($28)
    7. Merrell Hydro Monarch Water Sandal ($39)  // 8. Stride Rite Made 2 Play Phibian ($32) // 9. CIOR Water Shoes Quick-Dry Swimming Sneakers ($18)
    10. Teva Toachi Sandal ($38) // 11. Crocs Classic K Flip Flop ($19) // 12. Plae Sam 2.0 ($50)
    13. Crocs Kids’ Swiftwater Easy-On Shoe ($40) // 14. Native Slip-On Sneaker ($33) // 15.Chaco ZX1 Ecotread Sandal ($55)

    These summer shoes, sandals and water shoes range anywhere from $18-$55. Most styles come in a wide variety of colors and sizes (from toddler to teen). I’ve found a few of these brands super cheap on sale sites like Zulily or at Nordstrom Rack.  I’ve also had great luck finding some of the more durable brands (Keens, Tevas, Chacos) in excellent shape at local resale shops, so I didn’t pay full price. These brands are super sturdy and hold up for more than once season. They can be passed down to a younger sibling or resold, so you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.

    What shoes are your kids sporting this summer?