Category

INFORMATION

10 Tips for Letting Your Kids Help with Chores

In ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, FARM, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Getting kids to help out around the house with chores can feel like an overwhelming task at times. Very rarely do kids offer to clean up the playroom, put dishes away or walk the dog. However, kids are naturally curious, want to spend time with their parents, and love helping out in the right circumstances. Today, we have Creative Team member Jake Smith, Washington farmer and dad of four, here sharing 1o tips for letting…

Continue reading...
Forest School introduction and directory

Introduction to Outdoor Schools

In INFORMATION, NATURE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, OUTDOOR SCHOOLS

Chances are, you’ve probably heard the term “forest school” or “outdoor school” thrown around recently. While the concept is still relatively new in the U.S. and Canada, forest schools and other nature-based outdoor schools are gaining in popularity. But what exactly is a forest school or outdoor school? What makes it different than traditional preschools? And where do you even find one? Well, let’s find out! What is an outdoor school or forest school? Outdoor…

Continue reading...

Hiking Safety and First Aid 101

In HIKE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

You probably already know the benefits of spending time outdoors; healthier minds and healthier bodies. We want everyone to spend as much time as possible outdoors,  and hiking is a great way to get immersed in nature and get some exercise. However, it is important to be familiar with hiking safety and first aid, especially when you’re hiking with kids. Today, we are so lucky to have our Creative Team member and resident RN, Ashley…

Continue reading...

Fun with Fireflies

In ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, INFORMATION, LESSONS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PRINTABLES, SUMMER

Fireflies (or lightning bugs) are one of my all-time favorite things about summer in the Midwest. It can be brutally hot and humid here during the long summer days, but something magical happens at dusk. As the heat fades away and the sun casts long shadows over the yards, you can start to see the faint twinkling of fireflies coming out to play. Today, a few members of our Creative Team are sharing some of…

Continue reading...

Cultivating a Love of Adventure in Homebody Kids

In HIKE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

As parents, we all want to instill a sense of adventure in our kids and a love for the outdoors. But, what happens when your kids would rather stay home? What if you’re a homebody, too? What if you know you should be getting outside, but the struggle to get out the door is more than you want to deal with right now? You’re not alone. Today, we have the amazing Angie Warmington, Wisconsin mom…

Continue reading...

Exploring California Coast Tidepools

In ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, BEACH, FISH, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER

Tidepools are incredible little shallow puddles of seawater with a life of their own! Each one is a microcosm – a tiny little rocky world filled with fascinating creatures and sea life. Exploring tidepools with kids provides endless hours of entertainment and learning for the whole family. There’s so much to observe and discover. Today, Araceli Gonzalez, Northern California mom of three, is here to take you on an adventure through the tidepools along the…

Continue reading...
kidsoutside9

Poison Ivy, Mosquitoes, and Ticks, Oh My!

In ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER

Poison ivy, mosquitoes, and ticks sure do make it less pleasant to spend time outside in the summer, but not impossible! Getting outside is always worth it and more important than ever for kids right now. This time of year, we get a ton of questions from concerned parents about how to keep these summertime pests and nuisances away. Spoiler alert – it’s not always possible. And in that case, how should you treat bites…

Continue reading...

Tips for a COVID-Safe Roadtrip with Kids

In FAMILY TRAVEL, INFORMATION, NATIONAL PARKS

Traveling looks much different right now than it looked last summer. With the COVID-19 pandemic still happening across our country (and the world), there are more restrictions on travel and lots of precautions and considerations that must be taken before leaving, along the way, and while you’re at your destination. Today, Nichole, a homeschooling mom of 2 and road-tripping expert, is here with some COVID-safe roadtrip health and safety precautions that families should consider in…

Continue reading...
Water Sprinkler Games

Creative Backyard Play Spaces for Kids

In INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

We’re all spending a lot of time at home these days. And while that’s fine, we need to make sure a significant portion of that time is outdoors. Kids need outdoor playtime and the good news is that they can usually make the most of whatever outside space they have. This could be anything from a backyard, to a doorstep, a rooftop, a balcony, patio, or driveway. Today, we have the amazing Jemma of Thimble…

Continue reading...

Reflections on Quarantine

In INFORMATION, MCFAMILY

While the pandemic has affected us all differently, it’s affected us ALL in some way. We’re more than two months into the thick of things here in the US and some stay home orders are finally starting to be lifted. While things sometimes feel like they’re trying to get back to normal, there’s still so much unknown about what’s to come. One of the things that’s helped me through some of these difficult times is…

Continue reading...
Baby chick photo

Hatching Chicks in an Incubator with Kids

In ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, INFORMATION, NATURE SCHOOL, SPRING

Bringing nature inside is an excellent way to engage children, learn new things and make family memories. There are many ways to incorporate nature experiences into our homes and schooling. These are a great complement to outdoor nature excursions and adventures. One incredible way to teach your children about nature, caring from animals and life cycles is to hatch baby chicks! Today, we have Ginny Yurich, founder of the 1000 Hours Outside challenge, here to…

Continue reading...
Loading...