HIKE

  • FALL, HIKE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PARK, PHOTOGRAPHY

    How to Find Frost Flowers While Hiking

    With summer fading and temperatures dropping as we prepare for the first frost of the year, you may not be super excited about getting outside in chilly weather. However, today’s post just might change your mind as we’re about to introduce you to an amazing phenomenon that only takes place this time of year. Have you ever heard of frost flowers? Today, Midwest mom of two and local STL adventure guru Sara Lesire is here sharing everything you need to know to find frost flowers with your kids while hiking. From what a frost flower is (it might surprise you), to where to find them, when to look, how they’re formed and why they’re so elusive, this post is filled with all kinds of amazing info. Nature is SO neat! 

    how to find frost flowers while hiking with kids

    Fall is frost flower season

    Fall is finally here and the temperatures are starting to drop. This season is a great time to get kids outdoors and hiking due to milder temperatures, beautiful fall colors, and fewer nuisance insects.  Another great advantage to fall hiking is the surprise discovery of frost flowers!

    These elusive cool weather gems provide a wonderful outdoor treasure hunt opportunity for the whole family. Frost flowers are rare and fleeting, but quite the experience to discover. Not only does searching for frost flowers provide a fun way to explore nature, but it also is an opportunity for a science lesson to learn about how they form.

    While you may never have even heard of frost flowers, I will explain the formation process and tips for how to find frost flowers while hiking. 

    What are frost flowers?

    Despite the name, frost flowers aren’t actual flowers at all! Did you see that plot twist coming? These delicate creations are actually composed of thin ribbons of ice that curl into intricate petal shapes.

    They may also be called ice flowers, ribbon ice, or rabbit ice. Stunning and short-lived, frost flowers emerge from the stems of specific plants as the temperatures begin to dip below freezing. Once the sun rises and warms the ice, these fragile ice crystals vanish away quickly. You can’t plant them or grow them, but when the weather is right they appear almost like magic. 

    What is a Frost Flower?

    How frost flowers form

    While it may look like fairies spin these lovely creations overnight, in reality, frost flowers require very specific conditions in order to form. Frost flowers develop when the air temperature drops below freezing, but the ground is still warm. This usually occurs around the first frost of the season when the thermometer drops sharply at night, but the days are still warmer.

    The higher ground temperatures are enough to keep the plants’ root systems active. As water or sap is drawn up into the stems, the cooler night air causes the moisture to freeze. The frozen moisture expands and forces pressure against the stems. This causes small cracks or fissures through the stem surface.

    The moist and warm roots continue to send liquid up through the stem which then pushes out through the cracks in the stem. When this water reaches the colder air, it quickly freezes. As more water continues up the stem, the liquid continues to be forced out through the cracks and freezes upon contact with the air. (You can explain it to kids as similar to pushing toothpaste out of a tube.) This continued liquid to ice cycle creates fragile ribbons of ice that can curl and morph into unusual nature sculptures. 

    Size and shape of frost flowers

    The size of the cracks in the stem and the type of plant determine the shape of the frost flowers. Wider stem cracks will lead to thicker flower petals. Thinner cracks create even more delicate ice crystals that twist and curl. Some stems split completely in a vertical line.

    Just like snowflakes, no two frost flowers will look alike. As the ice ribbons form, they can join into each other to create petals, flowers, and even heart shapes. 

    frost flowers ice ribbons rabbit ice - where and how to find themhow to find frost flowers ice flowers ribbon icehow to find frost flowers

    Which plants create frost flowers?

    Not all plants form frost flowers. According to American Scientist, about 40 different species worldwide are known to develop frost flowers. Scientists are sure exactly why only certain plants form frost flowers, but it may be due to a more active root system or stems that more easily rupture.

    The more common species that lead to frost flowers include dittany, stinkwood, ironweed, crownbeard, frostweek, tickweed, Indian tobacco, and wingstem. You may even see frost flowers in wood, where water vapor is forced through the wood pores. I have also witnessed frost flowers emerging from rocky surfaces under the right conditions. 

    Plants that create frost flowershow to find frost flowers - when and where to look for frost flowersHow to spot frost flowers

    Where to look for frost flowers

    The discovery of frost flowers can be exciting but you have to look in the right place. Frost flowers will only occur in areas where the temperature dips below freezing and the correct plant species grow. In the U.S., they can be found in the Midwest, Northeast, and portions of the South. An internet search may be able to help discover if or where in your area these plants grow.

    Natural areas that are not mowed are a good place to search in these regions.  Many of the plants that produce them grow in more moist or woody areas. I often find them in areas that are mossy, forested, or near a creek. Hilly and shades areas where the temperature is cooler are also good hunting spots. Another common location is a field near the edge of a wooded area. You may have to look closely or peek under fallen leaves to find them. 

    You could try looking while hiking at a local state park or nature preserve to find undisturbed areas. In Missouri for example, I have found them at parks with heavy woods, mossy hills, and streams such as Meramec State Park and Rockwoods Reservation. 

    How to spot frost flowers

    When you first happen to witness frost flowers, they may appear as trash or tissues littering a field or forest floor. Upon closer inspection, they appear as delicate as cotton candy or a spider’s web. Once you are fortunate to find one, keep an eye out and see how many more you can discover. My kids find this process a fun scavenger hunt. 

    how to find frost flowers - what are frost flowershow to find frost flowers in Missouri

    When to look for frost flowers

    The timing of frost flowers is very difficult to predict as proper conditions are very specific such as when catching a rainbow. Typically, frost flowers emerge after the first good frost in fall or early winter. The first hard temperature drop of the season can cause the moist plant stems to rupture and initiate the process of the moisture being forced through the previously cracked stems. This process can continue for days or weeks depending on how the weather cooperates. 

    If the weather continues in an up and down pattern of warm days and cold nights, you can witness frost flowers emerging for a much longer period. While most common in fall, the process can also occur in winter and spring. Once the ground freezes, the process will cease as moisture can no longer move up the stems.

    Early morning frost flowers

    In order to witness the frost flower phenomenon, you need to get an early start to explore. The ice crystals form in freezing overnight hours just like typical ground frost. However, they melt away quickly when the sun begins to shine and warm the ground.

    For the best chance of finding frost flowers, try to time a morning hike for soon after sunrise if you can drag the kids out of bed in time to go searching. If the day stays cool or cloudy, you may even be able to spot frost flowers into the late morning hours. 

    frost flowers - where to find frost flowers in the midwestWhen to go looking for frost flowers

    Preparing to look for frost flowers

    Since frost flowers emerge after a hard drop in temperatures, be prepared with the proper gear and attire for exploring outdoors. A warm hat, gloves, and coat are key for keeping little ears and fingers warm.

    Since the ground will often be frosty and damp, a good pair of water-resistant hiking shoes and wool blend socks can keep toes dry. While the nights and mornings may be cool, the daytime weather can warm quickly as the sun rises. Layers are always a good choice to allow shedding warmer outerwear.  

    Explore responsibly

    Frost flowers are both rare and short-lived. In order to allow others to enjoy the spectacle, please teach children to observe gently. I allow my kids to carefully touch a few in order to understand what they are made of and how they are created. However, we try to avoid damaging them in case other hikers are in the area to view these special ice creations.

    Always respect all rules as far as whether venturing off-trail to explore is allowed. Even with cooler temperatures, please keep an eye out to avoid disturbing nature and wildlife. Make sure you follow (and teach) all Leave No Trace principles. 

    How to find frost flowers when fall hiking hiking with kids

    Have you ever seen a frost flower?

    About the author

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

    You can find more from Sara online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @midwestnomadfamily
    Facebook: Midwest Nomad Family
    RWMC posts: Sara Lesire

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

    How to Have Adventure Days with Kids

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

    how to adventure with kids

    Adventure days with kids

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

    adventuring with kids

    How our adventure days started

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

    What we did have was the great outdoors. 

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

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

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

    hiking with kids

    Creating adventure days with kids

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

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

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

    catching frogsexploring dandelion field

    Simple and intentional activities

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

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

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

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

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

    blowing dandelion wishespicking dandelion bouquet

    Adventure day activities

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

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

    picking wildflowersscooter rides on bike pathsplashing in puddlesriding scooter

    Low maintenance, low-cost activities mean a lot

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

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

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

    exploring nature

    How to have successful adventure days

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

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

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

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

    winter walk with dogwinter hike

    How to prepare for adventure

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

    Most importantly: let it be fun!

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

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

    fall corn maze

    When to spice things up

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

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

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

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

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

    exploring wooded area

    How to get started with adventure days

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

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

    building snowmanpicking tulips

    Incorporating the seasons

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

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

    fall leaf fight

    Creating multiple activities from one

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

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

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

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

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

    adventuring in wooded area

    Adventure Day ideas

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

    Simple

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

    Seasonal

    Field trips

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

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

    rocking throwing in river

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

    Angie Mahlke

    About the author

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

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

  • CRAFTS, HIKE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Rock Painting Fun with Kids

    Are you looking for a way to encourage your kids’ creativity and keep their little feet moving on the hiking trail? Maybe those two things don’t seem related, but they are! Today, adventure travel and homeschooling mom of three, Rebecca Jimenez, is sharing her tried and true secret to getting kids excited about hiking – rock painting! Not only put all those rock nature treasures your children adore to good use, but your kids will have artistic and creative fun, and will be begging you to hit the trails so that they can leave them behind! This is a game-changer, my friends! Hiking with kids “ROCKS!”

    A child is excited to draw, paint, and create rock art! She is going to take the painted rocks out hiking so she can hide them for other hikers. Children love to get creative and go outside.

    Family hiking

    Our family loves to hike. We are always looking for the best trails to hike and the best mountains to climb. If your kids are like mine, they have tons of energy, and they are always ready to run around, be loud, and explore their surroundings.  Spending time hiking is a great way for kids of all ages to get outside in nature. Children need to exercise and breathe in the fresh clean air. Kids can be themselves outside! They can be loud, and they are free to run around, explore, and see what kinds of treasures they can find in nature.

    Hiking with kids can be an amazing adventure and a great way to spend quality time as a family in the great outdoors. But, sometimes kids get bored on hikes, or easily distracted. A perfectly planned family hike can quickly become a literal uphill battle both mentally and physically. That’s no fun for parents or kids. Even my kids that love hiking only have “so much” they can take. Sometimes we need an activity to keep those little feet moving down the trail. That’s when we discovered the beautiful simplicity of leaving painted rocks on our hikes. This simple activity made our hiking adventures so much more fun for the kids. Let me explain…

    Kids love rocks

    My children have always been fascinated by rocks. Big rocks, small rocks, smooth or rough. It does not usually seem to matter. It makes me smile whenever my child hands me a rock, and says, “Look, mommy! Isn’t this the best, most colorful rock you’ve ever seen?! I bet it’s super old! Maybe as old as the dinosaurs!”

    Sometimes I can see them feeling shy holding what they perceive as a “special rock” and they want to ask me more about it. My kids have sometimes asked me if the rocks could be “real gold” since there is often a fleck of shine to them. Maybe silver? Maybe a diamond? It must be a special mineral of some sort, right? Kids are always daydreaming of striking it rich with their miraculous finds. 

    A child hiking and finding rocks on the trail. Streams and Rivers are a great place to find rocks!

    “When a child gives you a gift, even if it is a rock they just picked up, exude gratitude. It may be the only thing they have to give, and they have chosen to give it to you.” -Dean Jackson

    Rocks are everywhere

    If you’re like me, you love everything your child gives you. I always want to “exude gratitude” when they give me a present. Since our family spends most of our time outdoors, the presents my kids kept giving me were rocks. Yep, rocks.

    Lots and lots of rocks. Small rocks. Big rocks. Heavy rocks. Dirty rocks. Sometimes rocks with little creepy crawlies on them. Sometimes rocks with a unique shape, a smooth spot, a special color, or a cool fossil.  Our pockets and packs are always filled full of rocks, and still… the rocks kept coming. I’m just as guilty – I love looking for unique rocks and showing them to the kids. Every now and then, one ends up in my pocket, too!

    When we come home from a day outside, the kids empty their nature treasures onto the table. Sometimes we have other nature goodies like leaves, acorns, and sticks, too. But always rocks. They are a constant. Rocks are always fun and so easy for kids to find. We then and sort, count, and often times clean the rocks that the kids found. 

    Children playing with rocks at a lake in the mountains

    What to do with all these rocks?

    Our rock collection was starting to get a bit unwieldy. With so many rocks at home, this got me thinking about how could I make finding (and getting rid of) rocks even more fun for kids? I got the idea to paint the rocks to look like real gold, silver, or diamonds. More fun than that would be painting rocks with bright colors, fun designs, inspirational quotes.  We’d seen “kindness rocks” around and loved the idea of making our own to place in fun spots on our hikes. I had a feeling my kids would love this. And I was right! 

    Creating rock art with kids is as easy as 1, 2, 3

    1. Your kids will have a blast finding rocks (they probably already do).
    2. Everyone has a super fun time painting rocks and coming up with unique designs.
    3. It’s even more fun hiding, and (re-finding!) beautifully painted rocks.

    A painted rock with a sunflower that reads "You are my sunshine"

    Painted rocks and hiking

    Now instead of bringing rocks home to live in our house forever, we were turning them into art and taking our painted rocks with us to leave on the trails. A hide and seek of sorts. Now the kids were actually asking me to go hiking! Yep! You heard that right. They were actually begging me to take them on long hikes to hide and look for more rocks!

    Share the rock painting fun

    Do you know what makes hiding rocks even more fun? Including others. People you don’t even know. We loved the idea other rock painters and rock painting groups did to brighten people’s days and share their painted rock art. So we started leaving messages on the bottom of the rocks for other people to take photos of the rocks! We make it easy by using a hashtag so we can see where the rock will ‘travel’!

    If you’re impatient like me, the hashtag is #RunWildRocks, but more on that later.

    A rainbow painted rock with beautiful intricate designs.

    Rock painting ideas for kids

    What is your child really into right now? Maybe it is dinosaurs, cars, fairies, superhero characters, space, rainbows, unicorns, bugs, or monsters. Try easy ways to incorporate what your children love into your rock art.

    You can also do seasonal rock art. Creating ghost rocks around Halloween or ladybug rocks in Spring are both super simple and they look cool too. 

    Remember, you don’t have to be a Picasso to have fun painting rocks! If drawing a dinosaur sounds like a daunting task, simple words work great! “Beep beep” for cars, “bam” for a superhero, or the word “magic” for fairies work great too. Write your favorite quote or saying. Paint rocks with words of encouragement for people to find on the trail – things like “keep going” or “you’re doing great!” You can also paint one letter on each rock and hide them in order to spell out a secret message! 

    If all else fails, it is hard to go wrong with a smiley face, heart, sunshine, cloud, or rainbow.

    A Curious George painted rock. It says Stay Curious

    Getting started painting rocks with kids

    Getting started painting rocks is easy! All you really need are some rocks, some paint, and some creativity! The main thing to keep in mind is these rocks will be outside. So, washable paint or other supplies that are easily cleaned up is not ideal. I also would not recommend using crayons, washable markers, watercolors, chalk, or colored pencils. If it can wash out of your clothes, it can wash off your rocks. So dress for mess and let’s get started!

    A rock painted with a beautiful night time camping scene with a lit tent and a little campfire

    Supplies for rock painting with kids

    1. Rocks – Large, flat, smooth stones work best for rock painting. Include the kids when you’re finding/collecting your rocks. Make sure your rocks are also washed and dried before painting. Kids are great at washing rocks!
    2. Waterproof paint – I like to use inexpensive craft paints such as acrylic paint. Acrylic paint comes in squeeze bottles, tubes, paint pens, and little paint craft kits. You could also use nail polish, permanent markers, or paint pens. 
    3. Brushes for each color – Acrylic does not wash off easily between colors, so I suggest buying a cheap pack of brushes to keep things simple and clean. 
    4. A paint holder – I like using plastic paint wells to keep the paint separate. 
    5. Paint smock or messy clothes – Painting can be fun, but let’s remember to dress for mess. Don’t dress your kids in anything that you wouldn’t mind getting ruined or covered in paint. 
    6. A flat surface that will be painted on – I suggest a paper plate, table cloth, or even a poster board. All these items can also be turned into works of art.  
    7. Stencils – Stencils are optional, but they can be a tremendous help if you are intimated by art or want to make something more intricate.

    If you are looking for additional supplies suggestions or a full list of recommended rock painting art supplies, I’ve got you covered. Just click this link and see all my rock painting supplies suggestions.

    Art Supplies Needed for Successful Rock Painting

    Every child is an artist.” -Pablo Picasso

    Tips for successful rock painting with kids

    Rock painting with kids will be most successful if you ensure the following key points are met:

    1. Make sure to have your “art studio” ready.
    2. Have all your art supplies ready.
    3. Dress for mess and tons of fun!
    4. Come prepared with some creative ideas for art.

    Spark creativity with a comfortable studio

    Kids love to be independent. Especially with all things messy, right? Set your child up for rock painting success by creating an “art studio”. Get creative with your studio setup. An outdoor art studio on the back patio or on a picnic table at the park can be an amazing way to spend a day outside. Let your child take charge with their paint and creativity. I promise you will be rewarded with lots of smiles. 

    Where is your child most comfortable? Sitting in a chair? Lying on the floor? Bouncing up and down? Find the spot that works best for you and your child. Giving your child the space to stretch out may keep the creative juices flowing, and the rock painting fun lasting longer. 

    A child painting a rainbow on a rock with a paintpenA child laying down while painting rocksRock Painting Fun Rainbows and Art Supplies

    Ideas for rock art

    Everyone enters creating rock art at different artistic stages. There is absolutely no wrong place to start rock painting. Younger children and beginning artists will likely fall under the beginner’s section below, but they may be interested in trying more advanced ideas. There’s no right or wrong way to paint rocks – it’s more about the fun than anything! Roll with it and enjoy painting rocks with your kids.

    Beginner rock painting ideas

    Small children love to get messy and create their own work of art. With your young artist, I’d suggest just letting them have fun making whatever they want. Super messy toddler rocks oftentimes are the sweetest rocks to find on the trail. Here are some examples of easy to do beginner rock painter

    • Thumbprint art works well at this age. You can assist by making thumbprint hearts, bugs, and butterflies.
    • Children who are beginner painters do great with simple art projects such as suns, hearts, smiley faces, and rainbows.
    • Simple words are always fun too. One of my favorite rocks we made had the word “hi” and a smiley face.
    • Splatter art can also be really fun for beginner painters. Jackson Pollock is a famous abstract expression artist that is famous for his “splatter art.” 

    Splatter art is easy!  All you need to do to create amazing splatter art is:

    1. Start by placing your rock in a shallow box to prevent mess.
    2. Paint your rock completely in any solid color, and let it dry.
    3. Splatter contrasting colors onto the dry painted rock!

    Child Painting a Sunshine on a rock

    Intermediate rock painters

    For the intermediate painters, I’d suggest more slightly more elaborate painting and longer words. For example, add a cloud above the rainbow, snow on top of the mountain, a sparkle on the water, or trees in the forest.

    Words of inspiration are also amazing on intermediate rocks. Some words we like to use are: love, hope, smile, dream, wish, peace, and happy. If you’ll be leaving your rocks on hiking trails, consider adding hiking words like: keep going, you’re doing great, almost there, hike away, or hiking rocks.

    Extra decor on rocks is also fun! Don’t be afraid to add a little glitter, sparkles, feathers, pom poms, or glue on some google eyes to those little bugs or monster rocks!

    little girl with painted lady bug rocks

    Advanced rock painters 

    For the advanced artist, there are so many fun things you can do with your rocks. What inspires you? Longer quotes or messages of hope and inspiration can be a magical way to adorn your rocks. Intricate patterns, flowers, scenery, nature, and animals are also an amazing way to express your creativity. Draw your favorite cartoon character, book character, animal or portrait. Mandala-style rocks are a fun way to introduce intricate patterns onto rocks.  

    colorful rock art painted in a variety of colors, rainbows, mountains curious george and Bluey

    Hiding rocks for others to find – #RunWildRocks

    A really fun aspect of painting rocks with kids and then hiding your painted rocks is leaving them for other people to find! I’m so excited to help you with that! Follow these easy instructions so that we here at Run Wild My Child can see your rocks!

    Using a permanent marker or paint pen write the following on the back of your rock: 

    1. Take a pic and post to #RunWildRocks
    2.  If there is room on your rock, you can add: “Keep, move, or hide me!”
    3.  Take a picture of your rocks and use the hashtag #RunWildRocks on Instagram so we can see your beautiful works of art!

    painted ladybug rocks and #runwildrocks painted rockChild hiking and leaving painted rocks on a trail

    Tips for hiding painted rocks with kids

    Once you’ve painted your rocks, hiding rocks is just as much fun as painting and finding them!

    • We like to leave rocks in obvious places so that the youngest hikers can easily spot them.
    • A child’s eyes are low to the ground, so make sure to leave your rocks so that a child can easily find them.
    • Avoid bushes or placing the rocks where they could easily fall over.
    • It’s fun to leave the rocks at the beginning, middle, and toward the end of the hike. That way the children feel that extra reward when finishing a hike.
    • We like to leave rocks at obvious bends in the trail, and significant stopping points or views.
    • Position the rocks so that they can be seen from far away.
    • We often prop our painted rocks on other rocks or trail signs. 

    Art book recommendations for kids

    If you want some extra fun reading material about art, painting, and even rock painting, here are a few of our favorite art books for kids:

    Let’s rock

    I hope you and your family are motivated and excited to make amazing rock art with your kids! Your family is going to have the best time hiding and finding your beautiful works of art outside! Don’t forget to use the hashtag #RunWildRocks on the back of your rocks so we can see your beautiful works of art! Post them to Instagram so we can share!

    Are you ready to hit the trail with painted rocks?

    About the author

    Rebecca is a wife, and mom to 3 thrill-seeking, hiking-addicted, and healthy-living kids. But..it wasn’t always that way. This multicultural family was living the fast-paced city lifestyle outside of Miami, Florida. After seeing so many screen-addicted indoor kids, Rebecca and her husband decided to make some drastic changes. They began an epic homeschool road trip across the United States! Now, based in the Rocky Mountains of Utah, you can find Rebecca and her family exploring and seeking adventures in the great outdoors. They are always finding the best mountains to climb, and the most epic trails to hike. They particularly love finding adventures in the US State and National Parks. The family enjoys all outdoor activities and spending time in nature. They enjoy hiking, camping, rock climbing, paddleboarding, and looking for native plants and animals. She is passionate about creating an active and healthy lifestyle for her family and getting kids (and adults!) off screens and outside!

    You can find Rebecca online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @familyonthetrail

  • CRAFTS, HIKE, NATURE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, RECIPES, SPRING

    How to Make Foraged Tree Tip Syrup with Kids

    Are you curious about foraging? Have you ever made anything edible with foraged materials you found in nature? Well, today’s post just may inspire you to get outside with your kids, collect a simple item from nature and then take it home to create a delicious simple syrup. Today, Sarah Warburton, photographer and mom of 2 living in the Swiss Alps, is here sharing advice on how to collect fir tree tips and make a forage tree tip syrup with your kids. She’s included the recipe, plus everything you need to know to get started on your foraging adventure! 

    How to make DIY foraged evergreen tree tip syrup with kids

    Foraged tree tip syrup

    If, like me, you like to find simple but fun activities to motivate your kids to go hiking, then this tree tip syrup is for you! From foraging the fresh spring growth of fir, spruce or pine trees to making the syrup, the process is so easy that kids can do it all by themselves. Although traditionally used to soothe coughs and sore throats, the syrup also tastes amazing in both sweet and savory dishes and makes a useful and original gift. 

    Since discovering the recipe a few years ago, making this delicious, tangy syrup has become an annual tradition. My kids get excited and remind me of our activity as soon as they spot the bright green tips appearing on the trees in spring.  They are always excited to scout out the best trees for harvesting, and armed with just a few basic supplies the syrup can even be prepared straight after foraging for the tips out on the trail. As the tips are generally plentiful and the process so simple, even younger children can proudly make their own jar. 

    Children running along a hiking trail in the forest in the mountains

    What you will need to make the syrup

    • Something to collect the tips in – a tub, small basket, bag, etc.
    • A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid (we use screw-top mason jars)
    • Brown sugar 
    • Spoon
    • Sieve
    • A bit of time and patience! 

    bright green fir spruce tree tips on a tree in spring - tips for foraging evergreen tips

    Foraging conifers

    Conifers are widely found in the forests of the temperate and sub-arctic climates of the Northern hemisphere. Did you know that spruce, fir, and pine trees all have edible needles, each with a slightly different taste. However, before eating anything wild, ALWAYS make sure you know how to identify exactly what it is that you’re foraging. This article on how to recognize the different conifer species will help you if you’re not sure what’s what! 

    Where to forage the tree tips

    The tree’s new spring growth is used to make the syrup. As the weather warms up after winter the trees grow fresh needles at the end of each branch. The new growth is easy to spot – it’s bright lime green and much softer than the mature needles. This is the portion that you’ll forage to make your syrup. 

    When and where to forage evergreen tree tips for syrup

    How to choose trees for foraging

    As with any kind of foraged food, select trees that are away from roads (at least 100m is best) and other sources of pollution. Also, be sure to check that you are outside of any protected zones and not on private land. Also be sure to spread out your foraging and not to collect everything you need from the same tree, in order to ensure you don’t put too much stress on the tree. 

    Children picking spruce tips from a fir tree in the mountains - foraging evergreen with kids

    When to collect the tree tips

    Here in our alpine region of Switzerland new growth starts to appear in early May, but latitude and altitude have an important role in determining the timing of this. This past year I left it a bit late to collect the tips in our immediate area, so we had to take a gondola up the mountain to find them. We were still able to find lots of tips at higher altitudes as late as the end of June but they were starting to get quite large. As a general rule, the younger the tips the better for this particular recipe.

    a child's hand foraging tree tips from a fir tree - how to pick tree tips for making syrupBoy picking tree tips from a fir tree in springCollecting foraged tree tips for making syrup - harvesting evergreen tips

    Harvesting the tree tips

    Now comes the fun part! My kids LOVE to have a ‘mission’ while they are outside and get really excited about finding the best trees and the nicest tips. If you are planning on making the syrup once you return home (rather than while out hiking), all you need to pack is a container to put them in.

    Before we get started, I make sure to remind my kids how to forage responsibly. Removing the tree tips is essentially pruning the tree so aim to collect tips from several trees rather than one, and choose mature rather than young trees. It’s especially important to avoid removing the top tip of a young tree as this can stunt its growth. 

    Green spruce or fir tree tips on the tree

    Tree tips are easy for young children to harvest

    Plucking the tips off the trees is a straightforward process and even little hands can manage it. You don’t need scissors or any special equipment.

    Select tips from the lower branches and make sure that you only take as many as you need. I find that if each child loosely fills the jar that they will eventually use to make the syrup this works out quite well. Once we’ve finished collecting the tips, we say thank you to the trees for sharing them with us. 

    Freshly picked spruce or fir tree tips in a tub

    Storing the foraged tree tips for later use

    If you can’t prepare the syrup right away, then the tips store really well in the fridge or freezer. I have kept tips in the fridge for up to a month but freezing is best for longer-term storage. When refrigerated, keep the tips in a tub or a bag with a damp paper towel to ensure that they don’t start to dry out. 

    brown sugar for making tree tip syrupTree tips and sugar layered in a jar to make syrup

    How to prepare the tree tip syrup

    If we can, I like to plan to do prepare the tree tip syrup on the same day as collecting the tips while we’re still out hiking. Often we’ll find a spot for lunch and do it there. Bear in mind that to do this, you’ll need to carry the sugar and glass jars with you. This is only really practical if you aren’t hiking too far! 

    Start by putting a good layer of tree tips in the bottom of the jar. Follow this with a layer of brown sugar, and then repeat the process until you’ve completely filled the jar. Use a spoon to really pack down the layers, and finish with a thick layer of sugar on the top. Screw on the lid and voilà, you’re done! 

    Combining the sugar and the tree tips is so simple that even small children can do it by themselves. Pouring or spooning the sugar is great for exercising their fine motor skills. Try providing a variety of different brown sugars for an even more fun and tactile experience! 

    tree tip syrup in a jar after 7 daystree tip syrup in a jar on a sunny windowsill

    The best tasting tree tip syrup needs time

    Once you’re home, place your jar(s) somewhere warm and wait for the magic to happen! A bright windowsill is perfect, but a warm cupboard such as an airing cupboard would work well too. The jar can also be left outside in the sun.

    As the sugar melts, it draws out the natural moisture from the tree tips and gets infused with their aromatic goodness.  After a week or so, most of the sugar should have melted and the contents of the jar will have reduced by about a half.

    This is a good time to give the mixture a stir to break up any remaining lumps of sugar and push any stray tips down under the accumulating syrup. At this point, the jar doesn’t look very pretty as the tips will have discolored. But don’t worry about this – it’s perfectly normal!

    We then wait at least another few weeks for more of the goodness to leach out of the tips but some traditional recipes call for waiting months or even up to a year! 

    A sealed bottle of finished tree tip syrup on a bed of green spruce fir tips

    Bottling and storing the tree tip syrup

    When you’re ready to bottle the syrup, simply strain off the tree tips with a sieve, using a spoon to squeeze out all of the beautiful, fragrant liquid. Discard the spent tips, and pour the syrup into clean glass bottles or jars.

    You can also boil the syrup before bottling or can the jars in a water bath to increase its shelf-life. For ultimate freshness and flavor, store the syrup in the fridge. Failing that, a cool, dark cupboard is best. Reports vary as to how long it can be kept, but as it’s pretty much pure sugar it’s very shelf-stable. 

    Tree tip syrup in a metal spoon on a bed of spruce or fir tree tips

    How to use tree tip syrup

    The first bottle of tree tip syrup that we made we used exclusively as a natural remedy to soothe coughs and sore throats. It’s safe to say we had no problem convincing the kids to take it! Soon I began looking into how else it could be used.

    Here are a few suggestions on ways to use evergreen tree tip syrup:

    • drizzle over cheese (my personal favorite – soft cheese and goat’s cheese were made for this!)
    • pour a little over your favorite pancakes
    • glaze or marinate meat, fish, or vegetables
    • add a spoonful to a hot herbal tea
    • sweeten cold drinks and cocktails – mix with still or sparkling water and add a splash of lemon juice for an easy summer drink

    Small bottles also make an interesting homemade gift for friends, neighbors, teachers, or family members. Your children will be so proud to gift a bottle of something they worked to make. 

    two cupped handfuls of spruce fir tree tips for making syrup

    The health benefits of tree tip syrup

    There are so many amazing benefits of foraging conifers and evergreen trees. The needles and cones of conifers have traditionally been used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans and Eastern and Northern Europeans. The needles contain potassium and magnesium and are a potent source of Vitamins A and C. 

    Using alternate sugars for making the syrup

    It’s entirely possible to replace the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup. The ratio of tips to sugar would need adjusting to account for the difference in water content. This is not something that I myself have tried but I have heard that the result is equally delicious!

    two children foraging tree tips from a large fir tree to make syrup

    Other uses for foraged conifer tips

    If you have tree tips left over after making the syrup, don’t throw them away! The tips can be used to garnish a variety of dishes, eaten raw in salads, and even pickled! There are so many amazing uses for your foraged finds! 

    Have you tried making tree tip syrup?
    What’s your favorite way to use it?

    About the author

    Sarah is originally from the UK but moved to Switzerland 14 years ago and never looked back! She lives with her Swiss partner and 2 children, aged 8 and 5, in a beautiful corner of the Swiss Alps. Together they run a large chalet and are kept busy looking after the groups and guests that stay there. Sarah enjoys anything that gets herself and her family out into nature. Skiing, hiking, and paddling on local lakes are favourite family activities, and annual camper van trips are always highlights of the year. Hugely inspired by the landscapes around her, she loves nothing more than taking her camera along to photograph or film their adventures and capture all the beautiful details of the natural world around them.

    Find Sarah online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @swissmountainlife
    Website: http://www.sarahbach.ch
    Chalet: @bnbvieuxchalet

  • ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, GOOD FOR NATURE, HIKE, LESSONS, OUTDOOR SCHOOLS, WATER

    Discovering the Wonders of Salamanders with Kids

    Exploring nature with kids is always an adventure. There are so many things for them to discover and learn with their senses. Sometimes, they find new plants and creatures that even we parents know very little about. This can be unnerving because we don’t always know if it is safe for our children to explore. Salamanders, with their bright colors, potential toxicity, teeth, and generally strong ability to remain unseen, are one such creature many parents may be wary of when stumbling upon one in nature. Not to fear, Somer Pickel, Creative Team member, and nature-loving Tennessee mom shares everything you will ever need to know about discovering salamanders with kids.

    Discovering Salamanders with Kids
    Eastern newts, in the juvenile red eft stage, are strikingly red-orange.

    Teaching kids to love nature through sensory experiences

    The cognitive, emotional, and physical benefits for kids spending unstructured time outdoors are well documented. And I am guessing you wouldn’t be on this website if you didn’t already believe in the wonders of time spent outside. But how do we get our kids to defy the allure of screens and seek more time outdoors?

    What if we could help our children foster a personal relationship with the natural world? If our kids develop a passion for being outside, they’ll take more interest in leaving the screens behind. I’d argue the most long-lasting (and fun) way to encourage your child’s love for the outdoors is through complete and total immersive play. Our kids are sensory beings. They learn most easily when they’re having fun and allowed to explore.

    In less fragile areas (and where you have permission), let them venture off-trail to experience the thrill of wandering and independent discovery. Let’s encourage them to literally delve in and make their own connections. Mother nature is tough, surely she can handle a bit of child’s play.

    It may seem like it on the surface, however, I’m not promoting the abandonment of leave no trace (LNT) principles. LNT values have their place. But too, if all our kids are never granted the freedom to roam or learn as their little heart’s desire, how will they connect with the natural world? So, from time to time, seek balance. Let your child run wild and discover salamanders in their natural habitats.

    Why salamanders?

    I am sure some of you are wondering what any of this has to do with salamanders. Why should you discover salamanders with kids? Well, these adorable little creatures are a great means to actively engage and immerse your children in nature.  Salamanders are a mostly harmless, yet abundant, class of critters that your kids can explore safely (with supervision).

    They’re also quite elusive. To have any luck finding them, kids will have to put in effort learning about their habitat, behavior, and activity. They’ll need to get out and trek through the animals’ natural habitats if they are to have the honor of eyeing one of these guys up close. Discovering salamanders could be your child’s window into the wonders of nature. 

    discovering Salamanders with kids
    Salamanders love fresh pollution-free creeks under tree canopies.

    What are salamanders?

    Salamanders are in the amphibia class along with frogs. Within the amphibia class, they are members of the Caudata order, meaning “tail” in Latin. Like other amphibians they are cold-blooded critters who (mostly) remain tied to water.

    Salamanders either live wholly aquatic lives and/or lay their shell-less eggs in it. Their eggs hatch into larvae, which resemble tadpoles, and stay in the water until they metamorphosize weeks or months later. During this process, they grow limbs and tails.

    Once mature, most salamanders are like lizards in shape. They tend to have elongated necks and bodies with lengthy tails. But unlike lizards, they lack claws and scales. In lieu of scales, they sport thin permeable skin. And instead of claws, most have adorable little toes. Though, some species lack legs altogether and tend to look more like eels.

    discovering a White spotted slimy salamander.
    Discovering salamanders can be a great introduction to your area’s local fauna.

    Where do salamanders live?

    Salamanders can be found all over the world, with Australia and Antarctica being the exceptions. But, they are most abundant in the northern hemispheres. Those found in the southern hemisphere tend to be in mountainous regions or the Amazon basin.

    Like all amphibians, salamanders’ permeable skin makes them unable to survive saltwater. So, while salamanders do boast quite an impressive range (from nearly the arctic circle of Russia to Bolivia’s Andean Mountains!) they aren’t found in oceans, salt marshes, estuaries, or tidal creeks.

    Discovering a Terrestrial white spotted slimy salamander
    When teaching kids where and how to find these critters, they learn and discover about salamanders’ habitats.

    Salamander diversity in the US

    The United States is home to 186 distinct species of salamanders, which is about a third of the world’s salamanders! Though salamanders can be found almost anywhere in the U.S., four regions contain particularly high concentrations and diversity. The areas are the Pacific Coast; Edwards Plateau region in Texas; Ozark and Ouachita mountains in AR, MO, and OK; and the Southeast.

    As a fourth-generation Tennessean, I was shocked to learn the American Southeast has the highest genetic diversity of salamanders in the world (who knew?!). On that note, all photos in this article are of salamanders native to the southern Appalachian region.

    Discovering an aquatic salamander in souther Appalachia
    Salamanders come in all shapes and sizes, making each species a fun new discovery for children.

    Salamander habitat

    Salamanders are extremely diverse across species, including the habitats they call home. Some salamander species are aquatic and spend their whole lives submerged in creeks, bogs, swamps, ponds, rivers, or lakes. Others live in caves, freshwater seeps, terrestrially in forests, or burrowed within moist forest soil.

    Many terrestrial species tend to return to the same water source each breeding season.  Some salamander species have been known to travel up to nine miles back to the vernal pond where they were born. Imagine traveling that far on teeny legs! After breeding, the new generation hatches and metamorphosizes within the water source. Then they find their way onto land.

    Kid discovering salamanders in nature
    Teaching kids about salamanders in their natural habitats gets them outdoors exploring and discovering.

    Salamander size

    In case you weren’t already thoroughly impressed with these under-rated amphibians, they also have huge variants in size. And I am not talking about a pound or two’s difference. While some salamanders only ring in at a couple of inches, others grow upwards of 6 feet and >60lbs! (I know, crazy right?!)

    The Southeastern U.S. has a species called the Hellbender that can grow up to a couple of feet long (though unfortunately, they’ve become quite rare). The largest terrestrial species are members of the mole salamander suborder and endemic to North America. Some of these species, such as the tiger salamander, can be more than 8 inches long. However, most salamanders that you’re likely to find on your adventures will be less than 6 inches.

    Discovering how small salamanders can be with kids
    Salamanders come in all shapes and sizes. Discovering just how teeny they can be is fun! 

    Salamanders are carnivores

    Salamanders are carnivores from the larval stage through adulthood. Adult terrestrial species tend to consume a wide variety of invertebrates including millipedes, centipedes, insects and their larvae, snails, and earthworms. But large mole salamanders may go as far as to eat small mice, shrews, and snakes. Aquatic species feed on fish, crawdads, zooplankton, mosquito larvae, and even other salamanders.

    Some North American mole salamander species, such as the tiger salamander, require only a few meals a year. Uniquely for cold-blooded animals, they tend to function better at lower temperatures. They’re able to conserve energy and go long periods between meals because they’re more active in colder temperatures. Some species go into a mostly dormant state in their burrows during the hot summer months.

    Toddlers exploring
    Don’t discount toddlers! Kids of any age can explore their surroundings.

    Salamander color diversity

    There’s an incredible amount of body coloration diversity within the >575 known species of salamanders. They come in a myriad of colors, ranging from camouflaging browns, dramatic neons, and even translucent in some cave-dwelling species.

    Biologists who study reptiles and amphibians believe the brightly colored salamanders evolved their beautiful tones as a toxicity warning to their potential predators. As shown in some of the photos within this article, the Eastern U.S. has some strikingly bright species.

    discovering Eastern newt salamander in the juvenile red eft phase.
    Some eastern newts, in their juvenile red eft phase, are so bright they seriously do not look real.

    Salamander toxicity

    On that note, yes, some salamanders are poisonous. However, you must ingest the salamander for it to be of any harm. I don’t think this article will lead folks to run off into the forests to catch and eat salamanders, but let’s just throw it out there, *salamanders are not safe for human consumption*.

    For all practical purposes, if your kids wash their hands after handling, they’ll be alright. However, it’s worth noting some of the larger species, namely Hellbenders, pack a mouth full of teeth and can bite. If you and your kids find the motivation to explore and discover these critters, you may want to stick to the smaller species.

    Child discovering eastern newt salamander in red eft phase.
    Kids love hands-on discovery. As long as you and the kids are careful it can be a safe learning experience for all involved.

    Salamander lifespans

    If you’re anything like me, then you may equate a critter’s small size with a short life span. That’s not the case with salamanders. These typically small vertebrates have uncharacteristically long lives. Some span decades.

    Hellbender lifespans can be upwards of 30 years, and spotted mole salamanders can live up to 20 years. There are accounts of giant salamander specimens in Japan and China living 60-70 years! With such long lives, I guess it’s not surprising that some species, like the eastern newt, spend years in their juvenile stages before metamorphosizing into their adult forms.

    discovering an Aquatic salamander native to the southern Appalachian region.
    Aquatic salamanders are typically less brightly colored than their terrestrial cousins.

    Salamander skin

    Another distinctly amphibian characteristic is the salamanders’ skin. They sport thin permeable skin that must be kept moist. Even so, there’s a lot of diversity in how a salamander’s skin can feel. Some are mucous-covered and slimy. Others (especially juvenile newts called efts) feel more dry, bumpy, and granular.

    Salamanders also differ across species in how they breathe or participate in gas exchange. Some oxygenate through their permeable skin, others through gills or lungs, and still others using a combination thereof.

    Small child discovering salamander
    Children love discovering and learning about the world around them.

    Where to look for salamanders

    One thing that all salamanders seem to have in common, is that they are very sneaky. Depending on species, they may burrow under the ground, logs, rocks, boulders, or leaf litter. With such a wide range, while you are out discovering salamanders with your kids it’s probably best to look up what species are native to your area and where they tend to reside.

    Terrestrial salamanders

    If your local salamanders are terrestrial, take to forests, especially on wet days. Once under the tree canopy, very slowly and carefully look under rocks, fallen logs, or freshwater seepage areas. Just take care to return whatever rocks or logs are moved. You may also want to research your native salamanders’ breeding seasons and seek out seasonal/vernal ponds.

    If you do find a salamander, be mindful to not return the log or rock on top of the creature, as they can be easily crushed. One tactic is to return the rock or log first, then gently release the salamander next to where you found it. You’ll be amazed at how quickly their short legs can get them back undercover! If you and the kids are up for it, you can also go forest exploring on a rainy night when salamanders tend to be more active.

    Aquatic salamanders

    If your area has native aquatic species, go exploring creek beds, bogs, swamps, springs, and ponds. Aquatic salamanders are often easier to find, but harder to catch. They are faster than their land-dwelling cousins. The aquatic salamanders use their tails to propel themselves through the water like little missiles. They also tend to be more camouflaged as compared to the brighter colored terrestrial counterparts.

    If you go searching in freshwater habitats, look under rocks near the bank or in creek beds. Lift the rocks slowly and carefully to limit siltation (murky water), which decreases water visibility. And just like you do for terrestrial species, take care to replace all potential cover back into place prior to leaving. Salamanders may be stealthy, but they need the natural cover of rocks, logs, of organic debris for protection and hunting.

    Discovering salamanders with kids
    Teaching kids from an early age about the environment gets them to care about conservation as they grow.

    How to handle salamanders

    When you are lucky enough to find salamanders, please take care in handling them. Their permeable skin makes them delicate and quite sensitive. Try to remember to wash your hands with soap and water before going out. Make an extra effort to not have any chemicals on your hands including sunblock, bug spray, sanitizer, scented lotions, or any other substances that could be potentially harmful to the amphibians. Many species breathe through their skin and need to stay moist. So, it may be beneficial to wet your hands before touching them.

    When attempting to hold them, keep in mind that they can also be very fast. They will squirm and squiggle right out of kids’ paws if given the opportunity. Try to prepare your kids. You don’t want them to clamp down on the fragile critters should they make for an escape. A gentle loose grip is best.

    For smaller kids, who may not have the dexterity to safely hold small salamanders, bring along a small cup to put them in temporarily. That way your child can see them up close without harming or overstressing them. After you all have gotten a good look, help empower your kiddos to be good nature stewards by releasing the salamanders right where they were found.

    Of note: Some terrestrial species secrete a very sticky mucus when handled as a defense mechanism. The mucus tends to not wash off for a day or two, although in my experience it lost the stickiness within a couple of hours.

    Child discovering Eastern newt salamanders in red eft stage
    Bringing a small cup ca help small children explore salamanders more safely.

    Salamander conservation

    Scientists consider all amphibians, including salamanders, as sentinels or bio-indicators. This means that the health of an area’s species, or group of species, is considered an indicator of the overall wellbeing of that habitat or environment. This is because amphibians are extremely sensitive to environmental change. Due to this sensitivity, amphibian populations seem to be declining globally.

    discovering Aquatic shovel nosed salamander
    Note how camouflaged its skin is with its environment.

    Salamander vulnerability

    Salamanders, like frogs, lay unshelled eggs in water. Without outer shells, the eggs are easily damaged by pollutants, ultraviolet radiation, and other disturbing factors. It’s more complicated for terrestrial species who depend on vernal ponds to lay eggs, as seasonal water sources are being increasingly affected by climate change. And as mentioned earlier, salamander’s permeable skin also makes them quite fragile to chemical pollutants. They can’t survive in polluted waterways.

    Child discovering eastern newt salamander in red eft stage.
    Even very young children can learn how to be gentle and respectful of small critters.

    How to help salamanders

    All is not lost; we can help protect these amazing creatures. There are simple things we can do to benefit salamanders no matter where we are.

    • We can help by ensuring they have shelter. When you see rocks stacked into (unnecessary) “cairns”, dismantle them by gently dispersing the rocks. Removing rocks from creeks and streams to form stacks, causes over-siltation of the waterway and loss of protective shelter for salamanders and other little beasties like crawdads.
    • Advocate against using salamanders for fishing bait, and for the humane release of Hellbenders caught by anglers.
    • Collect litter we come across while out adventuring, especially trash you can reach at the edges of water sources.
    • And if your family is really looking to be a force of change, investigate how you can engage in local habitat restoration efforts in your community.
    • Last but certainly not least, help us spread the joy and wonder of these clandestine critters! The more folks know about them, the more folks will care, and the more likely we’ll be able to make a difference.
    child discovering a salamander
    The more you expose kids to nature the more they learn about the interconnectedness of the world around them.

    Cool salamander facts for kids

    • Salamanders are older than dinosaurs! The earliest found fossil records of salamanders are more than 250 million years old. That’s 40 million years older than the first fossil records of dinos. That means these incredible creatures survived the great extinction events that killed the dinosaurs. No wonder some species (particularly in the cryptobranchidae family) look so prehistoric.
    • “Salamander” is Greek for “fire lizard”. The name has its origin in the myth that salamanders can walk through fire. This myth came about in ancient times. People would often see salamanders as they crawled out from logs that had been thrown onto the fire.
    • A group of salamanders is referred to as a herd or a congress.
    • The axolotl, a native Mexican species, can regenerate missing limbs, eyes, gills, and some organs (cool, right!).
    • Colloquial names for salamanders include snot otter, devil dog, lasagna lizard, walking fish, fire lizards, Allegheny alligators, mudpuppies, waterdogs, and baby dragons.
    • The biomass of salamanders in America’s southeastern Appalachian forests is greater than all mammals and birds combined.
    Child discovering a red eft salamander.
    Teaching children about small creatures is also extremely adorable. Did I mention that yet?

    Salamander fun for young children

    Bring the outdoors in with salamander toys and books!

    Salamander toys

    • Beautiful handmade salamander toys by OutsideEverywhere.
    • Salamander puppets are a good option too. Folkmanis has a couple options; a mud salamander finger puppet and axolotl.
    Kids handmade salamander toy. Discovering salamanders with kids.
    Kids learn through play. So bring the outdoors in through toys!
    child discovering salamander
    Salamanders are beautiful creatures that can teach kids and parents alike so much about our local environments.

    Children’s books about salamanders

    References

    How are your kids developing a passion for the outdoors?

    About the author

    Somer is a mama living in southern Appalachia. Somer’s motherhood journey began when her oldest daughter was born with severe congenital heart disease. Avelyn spent the majority of her 18 months of life within a pediatric ICU. Though she lived her life chronically critically ill, Avie was an incredibly loving and joyous child. After her death, Somer and her husband sought solace backpacking a section of the Appalachian Trail. Before long, they discovered their ability to cope seemed to correspond with time spent outdoors.

    When it came time to add another kiddo to the mix, bringing the baby along was never a question. In an effort to celebrate the freedom provided by healthy bodies, Somer has hiked her second-born 2k+ miles. Even so, she doesn’t believe grand adventures are necessary to reap nature’s wonder. They just as often revel in mundane evenings in their backyard. The family believes it’s prioritizing time spent outdoors that’s important.

    Professionally, Somer has spent the last decade caring for veterans on an acute psychiatric unit as a clinical nurse educator. Over the years she’s become a passionate advocate within the intersectional relationships of mental health, wellness, and the natural world. She truly believes there’s healing and strength to be found outdoors for those who seek it.

    You can find Somer online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @somerpickel

  • BOOKS, HIKE, NATURE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Full Moon Frolics: Evening Moon Activities for Families

    Do you have full moon fever? Are your kids howling at the moon? Do they love staying up late and catching fireflies? Do you ever want to find new and exciting activities to do together as a family in the long summer evenings? Look no further! This post filled with fun full moon frolics for families will give you lots of ideas for creating the perfect evening full of moon-related activities for your kids. Today, Georgia homeschooling mom of three, SarahRuth Owens describes how to frolic under the moon with your kids. You will not only learn why full moon frolics are a wonderful addition to your evening family time, but you will also gain tools and ideas to launch this outdoor activity into action!

    Go out, go out I beg of you
    And taste the beauty of the wild.
    Behold the miracle of the earth
    With all the wonder of a child.”
    ~ Unknown

    Full moon frolics for families

    A full moon occurs when the moon appears as a complete circle in the sky. We see it as a full orb because the whole of the side of the moon facing the Earth is lit up by the sun’s rays. A full moon is a beautiful sight and one that we love to acknowledge and appreciate each month. Our family celebrates each full moon with an evening of full moon frolics! It’s a tradition we started a while back and have come to love doing month after month. I’m here to help you do the same with your little moon-lovers. 

    Planning an evening of full moon frolics is easy to embark on and requires as much or as little prep as you want. It can be leisurely and relaxing or it can be an educational teaching opportunity. You can spend a lot of time planning out your activities for the evening, or just wing it as you go! You can make it as elaborate or simple as you want. But no matter how you structure your evening outing with the kids, it’s sure to be fun!

    Monthly moon outings

    Nearly every month there is a full moon! A full moon happens roughly every 29.5 days. This is the length of time it takes for the Moon to go through one whole lunar phase cycle. Did you know that a month was originally defined to be either 29 or 30 days, to correspond with the lunar cycle? However, some of our calendar months were later padded out with extra days, so that 12 months would make up one complete 365-day solar year. Because our modern calendar isn’t quite in line with the moon’s phases, sometimes we get more than one full moon in a month. This is commonly known as a blue moon.

    Since there’s a full moon every month, this means that you’ve got an amazing opportunity to create a year-round experience for your kids, month after month. Being consistent and making your full moon frolics a monthly tradition means that your kids will grow to appreciate and observe the moon. We’re raising “look at the moon” people! 

    Creating special family traditions

    But before we dive into how to set this all up and make your full moon evenings a reality, let’s talk about why…

    Why skip a 6:30 bedtime (wait, maybe I am the only one who does that) and hit the trails during or even after the witching hour? Why stay up late and look at the moon? Why plan all these evening activities for your kids? 

    Because it’s fun! Simple, but true. Families that have fun together, thrive. Consider a full moon frolic for families your invitation to be light-hearted and enjoy something beautiful and magical with your children. Something changes at dusk. Fairies become a real possibility, frogs croak louder, and wonder appears without needing any special encouragement. The evening is a magical time and a little break in your normal evening routine means your kids will think this is a very special adventure! 

    Beyond fun, there are so many benefits to observing the night sky. It is science and all that jazz (insert cute winking emoji here). So don’t worry, you can write your kiddo a note to take the teacher when they skip out on their homework because the fam was busy checking out the moon. 

    How to plan full moon activities for kids

    Now, let’s get to the specifics so you are equipped with ideas and resources for creating evenings full of magic, laughter, and learning. Otherwise, full moon frolics will likely remain something you want to do, but don’t. This is the good stuff.

    So, how on earth do you plan such a thing as an evening of full moon frolics? Does a full moon frolic just mean you step outside and look at the moon? Nope. (Well, okay, it can. But, only if you want it to be that simple.) Luckily, like most activities with kids, there’s no one right or wrong way to do things. There’s no one-size-fits-all-families option. Your family is unique. You know your kids best and what they’d like to do and be interested in. And again, you can plan as many things as you can (or just a few). 

    But, let’s say you want to go all in and do this thing one hundred percent. Go big or go home, right? Here is how you do that.

    1. Note the dates

    A quick internet search will give your the dates of the full moon each month. This will help you plan your evening outing on/near a full moon. We try to schedule our full moon frolics on the date of the full moon, but we’re usually flexible (due to weather/clouds, etc.). Jot down all the dates of the full moon on your calendar, which will help you plan. Once it’s on your calendar, it’ll be easier to remember to celebrate. 

    2. Pick a spot

    You need to know where you can see the moon. A quick google search can tell you where and when the moon will rise in your area. Sometimes a full moon shows up in the middle of the night or the wee hours of the morning, don’t worry about that. Just go when you know it can be seen (the day before the full moon, or even a couple of days after it peaks, is just fine).

    We chose a spot a little ways away from our house. Our family enjoys having a brief hike over to where we will make observations. The evening hike just adds to the fun and makes the outing seem a little more special than staying in our own backyard (but that’s also totally fine, especially for families with small children). 

    3. Learn some basic moon facts

    Equipping yourself with some simple knowledge about the moon is helpful when making observations and enjoying your family full moon frolic. With an evening of activities centered around the full moon, your kids are sure to ask a lot of questions about the phases of the moon, the color, the size, and the shapes. You’ll want to know that the moon has eight phases and the same “face” or side of the moon is illuminated during each observable phase. My kids find it most interesting that a new moon is not observable (as in, it is the phase when we cannot see the moon from Earth). You don’t have to know all the facts, though. Learning about something together with your kids is always encouraged. 

    4. Bring snacks

    We also love having food at our frolics. You can keep it simple and bring simple snacks (fruits, veggies, chips, pretzels, etc.), or you can decide to have an entire campfire meal! We’ve done both and neither disappoints. Any food enjoyed outside under the light of the moon is delicious!

    If you are feeling up to it, prepare a moon-themed snack to enjoy while you gaze up at the moon on your frolic. Moon pies or moon cheese, for example. Or cut your fruit (banana or kiwi slices) into phases of the moon shapes. During the warmer months, moon-shaped cookies (or any cookies) are perfect, and during cooler months bring some hot chocolate. 

    5. Grab some books 

    Taking books with you on your moonlight adventure is the perfect way to learn more about the moon while sitting under it. Plus, if you plan on eating a snack or stopping to sit and watch the moon, it gives your family (think younger kids) something to do while they sit. Below are some of my family’s favorite moon-themed books to get you started.

    Best moon books for kids

    Books somehow always make it into our full moon frolics. There are so many amazing books and resources out there when it comes to this. Here are some of our personal favorites. Often we read these around a fire or while we are enjoying our snack during our frolic. You can check these out from your local library or you may also find many of these titles on thriftbooks at lower prices than buying them new. 

    Fiction

    Non-Fiction

    Activities to do during a full moon frolic

    One of the most spectacular benefits of doing regular full moon frolics is noticing seasonal changes. As you go out each month, you and your family will begin to take note of how things change outside around you through the seasons. Here are some fun ways to enjoy the various changes in nature during each frolic throughout the year.

    Summer full moon activities

    • Bring a mason jar and lid with holes poked in it to catch fireflies. Of course, if you do not have fireflies in your area, you can listen and watch for the creatures that you have around you (frogs, crickets, cicadas, etc.).
    • Collect flowers to press (be sure and check the area you are in for permission to ethically collect wildflowers).
    • Bring a telescope and observe the constellations in your area.

    Autumn full moon activities

    • Walk silently and listen to the changing creature sounds. What do you hear that you didn’t hear during the summer (or what don’t you hear)?
    • Make notes about birds you see.
    • Paint the colors of the leaves in the moonlight.
    • Make a campfire. 

    Winter full moon activities

    Spring full moon activities

    • Observe moths.
    • Go to a pond for the frolic, and find frog and toad spawn.
    • Identify trees by their buds.

    Activities based on the name of the moon

    A quick search will also help you find out the name of each full moon. For example, a few types of moon names are Harvest Moon (fall), Strawberry Moon (June), Wolf Moon (January). Each full moon has a name and a story behind it. Consider telling the story of the reason behind the moon name to your kids each month. Or plan activities and food that corresponds to each moon name (all strawberry-flavored treats for the Strawberry Moon, a scavenger hunt for the Hunter’s Moon, etc.). 

    Photo Credit: Molly Pratt

    Connection and conversation with kids

    One of the reasons I personally enjoy an evening of full moon frolics with my kids is the connection it builds with our family. We have these monthly walks in the woods, at dusk or later, where we have a goal and we have a topic of conversation. In truth, this will work for the oldest kiddos in your home as well as the babies. You can make your frolics simple, like a walk through your neighborhood. Evening walks open us up; there is something unassuming about strolling at dusk or in the moonlight. Guards down, you may find your conversation drifts from the moon to your teen’s concerns at school and questions about life. 

    If you want to keep focused on the moon, our family likes to choose one picture book and one non-fiction book or general facts about the moon. We learn the common name based on the Farmer’s Almanac as well as some of the names given by Indigenous People. The full moon connects us to the past, to religion, to customs, seasons, nature, the beyond, and so much more. 

    We didn’t realize we were making memories, we were just having fun.” -Unknown 

    Everyone will remember these full moon frolics

    Making memories is the best part of this amazing activity. Full moon frolics can become a family tradition – a monthly adventure that everyone looks forward to. Some months you may go all out and other months you may keep it simple. No matter what, taking a frolic together under a full moon will create fond memories for all!

    If you are looking for a more in-depth guide, I created a resource that includes activities, recipes, book suggestions, music, and more for every full moon. It is a Charlotte Mason-inspired approach to moon frolics and includes some faith-based content. 

    When are you headed out on a full moon frolic?

    About the author

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

    You can find more from SarahRuth in the following online locations:
    Instagram: @kindle_togetherness
    RWMC posts: SarahRuth 

  • BIKE, HIKE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PARK

    Trail Building and Maintenance with Kids

    Have you ever traveled down a trail and wondered who built it or how it got there? Have you given any thought to how trails are actually made? Have you ever thought about creating your own hiking trails that go exactly where you want them to go? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’re going to love this post! Today, Jared Ryan, Oklahoma dad of 2 and literal trailblazer is here sharing his experience building trails with kids and how to maintain hiking trails. 

    How to Build and Maintain Hiking Trails with Kids 2

    An idea is borne

    As a father who is constantly seeking ways to inspire my kids to be adventurous, and wild, and borderline primal, I usually find our journeys heading down a trail. We LOVE hiking, and mountain biking, and even just finding a place to picnic where our conversations and thoughts are not interrupted by other people… Ironically, people like us. 

    We wanted to get away from it all. And so, an idea was borne. 

    The idea started on a particular hike when my son (7) and I were looking for rocks to add to his collection. We had let my wife and daughter hike ahead while we searched and chatted. He made a comment on how “cool” the trail had been. This sparked an amazing conversation about what he’d do if he could build his own trail. I kept note of this conversation and naturally as any sane and loving father would do, I started cutting a private trail on family land. With my kids…

    building hiking trails

    Planning our trails

    Using a little Field Notes book, we began collecting data on all of the trails we hiked. We noted what we liked, what we disliked, what we would do differently, what worked well, etc. We even started taking pictures of how features were built and laid out. This really helped my kids recall previous conversations we had as we could pull up the photos and discuss. 

    Then, when we were ready to start creating our own trails on our family land, I allowed my kids to pick the routes we wanted to take and even choose what features they wanted to incorporate. Luckily they kept it mild, aside from a few bridges. 

    Survey the land

    We started by completing a hasty survey of the land to determine what we were working with. Then, we flagged and staked the trail. Initially, we did this with orange flagging ribbon so that it stands out in the timber. Once each section of trail is completed we will go pack and remove the flagging, replacing it with wooden DIY arrows and trail ducks (stacked rocks).  Our arrows are simply burned into 1-inch thick slices from a wooden fence post. 

    hiking trail maintenance

    Blazing trails and teaching moments

    Currently, we have hand-cut 1 mile (one way) of singletrack hiking trails on our land. This has allowed me to teach my kiddos the parts of a trail and how they function. Through our trail building experience, they’ve learned about adding berms to allow mountain bikers to carry speed through a turn. They know how to benchcut an off-camber section to keep the trail from eroding downhill. They’ve even learned how to out-slope the trail to keep water from pooling on it.  These are all attributes of any good trail that no longer go unrecognized by our kids. Trail building is much more than just a path through the woods (although, sometimes that is exactly what it is). 

    Trail building has given us so many opportunities to get them to think outside the box and exercise those engineering and problem-solving skills. I like to ask them how they think we should fix or mitigate a problem with the trail, which allows them the opportunity to have input and use what they’ve learned so far. They’re quite the problem-solvers and often bring up ideas I hadn’t thought of. And then sometimes their ideas are along the lines of “just build a ramp, Dad, so we can jump the creek!” 

    Helping build trails on public land*

    Our favorite public trail systems can almost always use our help. If you’re interested in helping build or maintain trails on public land, reach out to your local trail bosses or state parks. Volunteer yourself (and your family!) to help them cut and maintain those magnificent trails that you use and love. Most organizations even have designated trail workdays that you can jump in on. This is a great way to use the knowledge you already have and gain even more experience working with professionals. 

    *I should probably add that you should never do any work that is not authorized or planned by the maintainers of the trail. Even something simple like removing rocks or detouring around a mud puddle can completely alter the layout of a trail. 

    trail_arrow - getting kids involved in trail building

    Trail building tools

    Whether you are joining a trail crew for the occasional workday or starting your own network of trails on your land, there are need a few basic tools you need for building trails. 

    Rakes

    After flagging your trails, you’ll want to rake away all the loose grass and leaves down to the dirt. I like to use a leaf rake where the grass is already sparse and a garden rake when trying to pull out any shallow roots or small rocks. (A garden hoe works well for this also). Raking the path is an easy, simple, and safe task for any age kid and gives them immediate gratification. 

    Hatchet

    A good hatchet might become your most used tool on the trail. You’ll want to use the hatchet for most smaller diameter limbs and little shrubs. I also find myself using it for ripping out briar bushes and busting up softer sandstone rocks with the blunt side.  Make sure to closely supervise kids when using tools like a hatchet. Older kids can probably handle them, but little ones will need assistance. 

    Handsaws

    Carrying a compact handsaw will make quick work of any small trees or medium-sized limbs. Where a hatchet may take several minutes to chop a small tree, a handsaw can fell it half the time. Again, supervise kids and make sure to teach them proper tool safety lessons. 

    Quality work gloves

    It only takes forgetting your work gloves once and a nice big blister to realize your mistake. I prefer to use leather gloves over synthetic ones, but it’s really a personal choice. For my kids, I was able to find full leather gloves at our local Tractor Supply store. I’m sure you can find them at most big box stores, or online if you know your kid’s glove size. 

    Other trail building supplies

    Probably goes without saying, but pack in plenty of water and snacks when you’re out building trails with kids. It’s really easy to lose track of time when you’re all working hard. Time has escaped us enough times now that set alarms on my phone to remind us when to eat and when to call it a day. 

    I prefer to bring a backpack to carry anything that will fit. After working all day, the last thing you and the kiddos will want to do is hike out while fumbling around with your hands full of your tools.  

    I also like to bring along a map so that I can map my trails and see the progress we’re making as we work. While I use a combination of my Garmin watch along with the Motion-X GPS app on my phone (any GPS device will work). The app is free and allows you to record your tracks and even set waypoints with notes. There are plenty of GPS apps out there and most will work just fine as they all use your phone’s built-in GPS receiver.

    Trail building with kids & trail maintenance

    Some necessary trail building rules

    After building trails for a while, we’ve figured a few things out. We’ve had to set a few ground rules for the kids (and adults) that we’ve laid out for our trail building workdays:

    The hatchet is BY FAR my son’s favorite tool, naturally. So we have a little saying of “One swing, one strike”. Simply meaning that he swings once, and then resets before swinging again. This was just my way of keeping him from swinging too fast or uncontrollably. The other hatchet rule is to never swing the hatchet over their heads. This is really a sound rule for kids and adults alike.

    We all wear our gloves anytime we are working. Aside from avoiding blisters, I require them to prevent cuts from the handsaw and to protect our hands from scorpions and “trick sticks” (what my son calls snakes) that often hide under the rocks and brush. 

    We also stop when it is time to stop. My kids have really impressed me with how dedicated they are to their task-at-hand. And how hard they will work to complete it. But, the last thing I want is for them to have overworked muscles the next day and to be tired at school. So we set a sort of ‘quitting time’ and when it’s time to stop, we stop. This also allows us time to admire our day’s work and not be rushed to leave it. 

    Maintaining trails with kids

    Building trails and maintaining them is a never-ending project. Nature continuously repairs itself, so maintenance and upkeep will be necessary for the life of any trail or nature will take back over. That’s both a wonderful thing and an exhausting one. Once you’ve got a well-packed centerline along your path, most of the maintenance will consist of seasonal upkeep.

    In the spring and summer months, weed-eating along the edges and trimming limbs will be the bulk of your work. But, be prepared to fix any low spots that are holding water or eroding away as a result of the spring rains. 

    Winter and fall maintenance is a little easier, in my opinion. We walk our trail with a rake and leaf blower and this is usually all that needs to be done. For us, this needs to be done 2-3 times per season. The cooler months are also when we prefer to add any new features or big projects to our trail. While my kids prefer the warmer work days, working in the cooler temps provides more safety for the kiddos from any slithery snakes or even scorpions. 

    tools needed for trail building and maintenance

    Trail building through all weather

    My kiddos have never shied away from the tough work, so I never shied away from letting them do it, even in tough weather. As I mentioned above, trails are a never-ending project and always need work. That’s why I don’t cancel a trail day due to “bad” weather. I’m not talking about thunderstorms or sauna temperatures, but if the weather forecast calls for showers or hot weather, I simply plan accordingly.

    Pack up the rain jackets for storms or the frozen water bottles for the heat. Dress accordingly (always layers). It’s much cooler in the woods than you might imagine on a hot day. And, working in the rain can be an easy way to see where your trail might be holding water requiring more adequate drainage points. 

    Kids are resilient. I am continuously impressed with how often my kids want to work on our trails regardless of the weather. We have had plenty of HOT workdays and days where a warm fire and some hot chocolate were the perfect end. They seem to forget about the conditions when they’re focused on their task at hand.

    Why we love the work

    We love being in the woods, getting dirty, and how we always feel better after exerting our energy through a productive outlet. There is so much about trail building that we love and too few ways of explaining it. Everything from the pride you get in your labor to the sense of ownership you get to have over the trails you love.

    For me, the benefits of trail building seem to come in unexpected ways. Like when we’re hiking in a state park or on any public trail and my son points out the attributes of a trail that he wants to incorporate into ours. Or even parts he’d fix differently. This has been a wildly unexpected and prideful result of this entire process. I knew my kids would learn and grow from the physical and mental work, but I could not have imagined the joy they would have from working so hard and how proud I would be of them. 

    Get into the wild

    At Run Wild My Child we are adventurists and explorers of the wild. We all have a connection to trails, so let’s not be scared to reach out to a local trail boss and offer up our weekend to help maintain them. The trail crews and patrons alike will GREATLY appreciate you and your littles’ hard work. And we can all continue to reap the benefits of like-minded trail-lovers everywhere. Because we are all part of nature and it belongs to us all. It’s our responsibility to take care of it. 

    National Trail Day is June 5

    Did you know that National Trail Day is coming up? This Saturday, June 5th is National Trail Day. How are you going to celebrate? By hiking your favorite trail or blazing a new one? If you want to help, visit the American Hiking Society, International Mountain Bicycling Association, or your State Parks Department to find out how you can become involved. 

    About the author

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

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

  • BEACH, FAMILY TRAVEL, GOOD FOR NATURE, HIKE, LOCAL GEMS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER, WATER

    West Coast Road Trip: California to Oregon with Kids

    Family road trips are some of my fondest childhood memories and should be experienced by every kid at least once. There’s something extra special about a road trip, where the journey is just as much (if not more) fun and important than the destination. Road trips are wonderful opportunities for families to reconnect and experience new things together. Today, Araceli Gonzalez, a California mom of three, shares her family’s West Coast road trip from Northern California to Oregon. She shares her favorite spots along the way and reminds us just how magical a road trip can be. 

    West Coast road trip from California to Oregon with kids

    I love road trips. And I especially love road tripping with my little people. I’ve spent a significant amount of my life on the West Coast and there’s always more to do, to see, and to explore. Driving the coast is a great way to immerse yourself in all the wonders and adventures this area has to offer.

    Last summer, we set out on an EPIC West Coast family road trip. Our seven-day adventure had a jam-packed adventure itinerary, filled with fun outdoor activities for the family. We traveled from California to Oregon and had some amazing adventures along the way, making memories and enjoying our time together. From Northern California, where we paid a visit to the magnificent California Redwoods, on up the Oregon Coast, this road trip was amazing.

    West Coast Family Road Trip - welcome to California sign

    Planning your west coast road trip

    There was so much to see and do. We could have spent an entire summer exploring this area! We made the most of our road trip by planning each stop and outlining exactly what we wanted to do at each location along the way.  Yes, it takes a bit of planning, but it’s worth it. And chances are, if you’re traveling with kids, things won’t always go according to plan and you’ll have to make changes and adjustments along the way. The good news is that no matter where you visit along this part of the West coast, you will be sure to find gorgeous spots to explore, trails to hike, beaches to comb and so many observation points along the way. 

    My kids described each stop and place we visited as epic! Every hike topped the next.  It was definitely a memorable adventure and one that would be fun and easy for other families to do if you’re looking for a fun West Coast road trip with kids. 

    Redwood National Park with kidsKid Friendly Hikes in Redwood National ParkRedwood National Park hiking with kidsExploring Redwood National Park with kidsCalifornia Road Trip Stop - Redwood National Park

    Exploring the California Redwoods with kids

    Our first stop was to see and explore the magnificent California Redwoods in Redwood National Park. We are from California and we love to visit the beautiful redwoods as often as we can.  Walking through the redwoods feels like you are walking into an enchanted forest, each hike is better than the next.  Each trail more beautiful than the last.  Our kids have a rating system for each hike, fun, super fun, epic, and LEGENDARY.  This place is LEGENDARY by all standards.  

    You will find creeks filled with huge redwood tree trunks, making it the most magical playground around.  We could spend hours exploring this magnificent place. If you are road tripping and have the chance to drive the length of the park, there are some really great options and things to do to fill an entire fun day (or more). Some do require that you drive on narrow, windy, dirt roads, so just be prepared for that. 

    Redwood National Park with kids

    Boy Scout Tree Trail

    If you’re looking for a moderate hike on the Northside Redwood National Park, try the Boy Scout Tree Trail. This trail is challenging, but so rewarding! It may take you a while to do this one, especially with kids, as it’s a 5.5 mile round trip trail. But if your kids are experienced hikers, they can handle it. The trail goes through fun creeks and falls and you’ll see lots of very big trees! 

    Each one of our kids is responsible for their own backpack. They carry water, snacks, and often a change of clothes. If you need to know what to pack, here’s a great post on the 10 hiking essentials for families.

    Hiking is one of our family’s favorite activities. I enjoy observing their expressions, seeing the magic and the look in their eyes as they find a new cave or a new giant tree trunk to climb.  There is nothing like it.  Pure joy.  Childhood played out in all its glory.  It is always worth all the effort.  

    Family Hikes in Redwood National Park

    Trillium Falls Hike

    Another favorite hike is the Trillium Falls Hike. This one is located on the Southside of the national park and is really family-friendly. There’s plenty of parking, bathrooms, picnic tables, trash cans, and more. This hike will take you past some gorgeous super huge trees, beautiful flowers and ferns, and even a couple of small waterfalls if you go after a rain. Plus, there’s a chance you may see elk on this trail! They’re definitely around – be sure to look for evidence (have you ever spied elk poop)? The full loop is just under 3 miles, but there are turn-around points at various locations if you don’t want to do the whole thing. 

    This redwood forest is the perfect combination of everything a kid could possibly dream of; lush jungle-like vegetation, cold crisp creeks, glorious redwoods, vast canyons, and a ton of SLUGS!  We love discovering new trails, seeing what is around the corner, and losing ourselves in the magic that the forest offers. 

    Southern Oregon coast

    After spending some time in Redwood State and National Parks, we made our way up the 101 to the Southern coast of Oregon. This area is full of amazing places to visit and we had a hard time narrowing down what we wanted to do and see. There are so many wonderful lush hiking trails with spectacular views followed by sand dune-like beaches.

    If you have the opportunity to travel through this gorgeous state I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.  It surpassed all our wildest expectations.  We have plans to explore other parts of this state and cannot wait to visit again. 

    Southern Oregon coast - west coast road trip ideas for kids

    Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

    In southern Oregon, there’s an area known for amazing sand dunes and adventure. The Oregon Dune National Recreation Area is a 31,500-acre portion of the Siuslaw National Forest and is one of the largest expanses of temperate coastal sand dunes in the world. 

    Our hikes normally take hours because there are distractions such as these.  We pause to roll down sand dunes and it means everything to me to see my kids enjoying the great outdoors.  I have seen their love for these places grow a little more with each adventure.  This is why we make the effort.  My hope is that this will remain in their heart forever, that they will always treasure these places. 

    Southern Oregon coast - Sand DunesOregon Dunes National Recreation Area - West Coast Road Trip IdeasOutdoor Oregon Ideas for Kids

    Oregon waterfalls

    Oregon is full of these grand waterfalls.  Millions of years ago, geologic activity created the diverse landscapes of southern Oregon and created some of the most beautiful alpine lakes, rushing streams, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. If you have the opportunity, you must visit the Cascade Mountain Range in southern Oregon. You’ll find some of the most incredible waterfalls, including those in the Umpqua National Forest.

    Waterfalls in the Umpqua National Forest

    You are almost guaranteed to be mesmerized throughout your time in Oregon, particularly if you’re a waterfall chaser. The waterfalls in Umpqua National Forest have been labeled by my kids as LEGENDARY.  Every single one of them. The fascination is like no other. There are so many great hikes within Umpqua National Forest and the prize for getting down them is usually a stunning view of an Umpqua waterfall. Trust me, each one is worth the effort! 

    Best Oregon Waterfalls - west coast road trip ideas for kidsWaterfalls in the Umpqua National Forest

    Keeping up on hikes is easy for kids when you are greeted by a beautiful waterfall at the end.  I find that our little guy is keeping up with the rest of us easier here than anywhere else.  He is learning the art of exploration first hand from his sister and brother and I can’t think of a better way to spend our time. 

    And if you want an even bigger reward at the end of a long day of hiking, be sure to unwind in the revitalizing geothermal hot springs of Umpqua National Forest. The terraced pools of warm water provide a fabulous view overlooking the Umpqua River. It’s an incredible way to relax, rest your legs and reward yourself for a hike well done. 

    Chasing Waterfalls in the Umpqua National Forest with Kids

    West coast family road trip

    A west Coast family road trip is like no other. Along the way, you can explore jungle-like forests, discover historic lighthouses, spot whales and elk, peer into tide pools, find secret sand-dune beaches, and stared up into towering cascading waterfalls. The west coast really is amazing and diverse and beautiful. I hope our adventures have inspired you to plan a trip out west to see what you can discover!

    Check out this post for advice on how to road trip safety during the pandemic.

    Happy road-tripping from our family to yours. 

    West Coast Road Trip Ideas - Oregon

    Is a west coast road trip on your summer bucket list?

    About the author

    Araceli is a wife and momma to three wild and adventurous littles. She believes that nature and free play are truly the foundation of a beautiful childhood. Araceli and her husband have made it a priority to raise their children with a strong bond to the great outdoors. Araceli is a working mom with an extensive career in Project Management. She’s creative, crafty, and loves collecting houseplants. As a family, they love exploring wild places and she loves documenting their adventures.

    Find more from Araceli in the following locations:
    Instagram: @roaminggonzalez
    All RWMC posts: Vista Verde Ranch (Colorado), Winter Crabbing with Kids, California Tide Pools, Sun River Resort (Oregon) 

  • FAVORITE GEAR, HIKE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    10 Hiking Essentials for Families

    Have you heard of the concept of the 10 essentials for hiking? It’s a basic gear list that attempts to prepare you for all the things that could possibly happen while out hiking. The list is composed of items in ten categories, to cover everything you may need out on a hiking adventure. And hiking with kids is definitely an adventure! Today, Creative Team member and Arkansas mom of 2, Nichole Holze walks us through 10 hiking essentials for families. She breaks down the list to what’s practical for parents, what she’s tried and tested, along with tons of pro tips for hiking with kids. 

    This post contains affiliate links

    Hiking Essentials for Families - What to Pack When Hiking with Kids

    Hiking essentials for families

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

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

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

    What are the 10 essentials for hiking?

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

    The 10 essentials of hiking gear list has always sought to answer two basic questions:

    1. Can you prevent emergencies and respond positively should one occur?
    2. Can you safely spend a night (or more) outside?

    The list of hiking essentials falls into these categories: navigation, light source, sun protection, first aid, knife, fire, shelter, food, water, and clothing. Generally, I keep something in my backpack to check off each of those categories. But, what you need for hiking with your family can change depending on the adventure. So, let’s dig a little deeper into each category and modify them a bit for what you’ll need when hiking with kids. 

    hiking essentials for families hiking with kids

    Choosing a hiking backpack

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

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

    Hiking backpacks for kids

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

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

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

    hiking with kids 10 essentials backpacks

    1. Navigation

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

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

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

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

    10 hiking essentials for families waterfall backcountry

    2. Light source

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

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

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

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

    headlamps essential hiking gear for families

    3. Protection from the elements

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

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

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

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

    4. First Aid

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

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

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

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

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

    hiking essentials for families first aid kit adventure medical kits

    5. Multitools or a knife

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

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

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

    hiking essentials for families kids multitool

    6. Fire

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

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

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

    7. Shelter

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

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

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

    hiking essentials for families hiking with kids creek crossing

    8. Water, water, water

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

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

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

    9. Extra food

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

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

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

    10. Extra clothing

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

    Backpack essentials and who carries what

    I know, I know. I just shared LOTS of information with you. These ten hiking essentials for families may sound like a lot to pack and carry with you on a hike. So, here’s a little breakdown of who carries what in our family that may help you divide and conquer: 

    • Mom – water filter, first aid kit, knife, emergency bivvy, sunhat, sunglasses, my own water, main food, compass, fire starter/striker, phone/map
    • Kids – their own water, a multitool, two granola bars/snacks, emergency whistle

    That’s just for the essentials. Please remember that these are meant to be guidelines, you can adapt and change what you need for your family. Just be sure to have at least something from each of the ten categories listed above. I also recommend letting your children get used to carrying a backpack with some of their own essentials as soon as they are able to hike more than one mile. 

    Additional items to pack when hiking with kids

    Now that we’ve covered the basic hiking essentials for families, here are a few more items that you might also want to pack and take with you (which may or not be essential, but could definitely be useful!):

    • Baby wipes – I always bring a few in a reusable Stasher bag. Why? Because they’re amazing. 
    • A garbage bag and disposable gloves – Thes are great to carry out our own trash, but also any trash we see. Because inevitably we will see other peoples’ trash on the trail and we are determined to leave the trail better than we found it. It’s just good outdoor etiquette. 
    • Net – My kids would like to argue that a net is also essential, along with a small container for critters or nature treasures found along the way. (Please collect responsibly.)
    • Charger – If you’re going to be out for an extended period of time, a backup wireless phone charger is helpful! 
    • My kids also love their Relay Go – a screen-free, smartphone that lets me give them a little more freedom to run ahead on the trail, but also lets me keep track of where they are and stay in touch. Learn more HERE. 

    Family hiking checklist

    There you have it! The 10 hiking essentials for families that will help you feel more prepared, safe and confident when out on the trails with your little ones. Here’s a quick recap of the ten things you need when hiking with kids:

    1. navigation
    2. light source
    3. sun protection
    4. first aid
    5. knife
    6. fire
    7. shelter
    8. water
    9. food
    10. clothing

    Be prepared, be responsibly brave

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

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

    More resources for hiking with kids 

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

    About the author

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

    You can find more from Nichole online in the following locations:
    Website: http://www.luckeywanderers.com
    Instagram: @coleyraeh
    RWMC posts: Nichole

  • ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, GOOD FOR NATURE, HIKE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Outdoor Etiquette & Nature Manners for Kids

    If you’re raising outdoor-loving kids, chances are that you’re also teaching your kids outdoor etiquette (whether you know it or not). Nature manners are a set of rules that help kids understand how to treat outdoor spaces, the environment, and wildlife. They’re practices that help us show respect to our planet and our fellow outdoor adventurers. Today, Creative Team member Michelle Garrett, California mom, and creator of Wonder Club Explorers, is here with some guidance for parents about teaching outdoor etiquette to kids and seven easy nature manners to teach your little nature-lovers. 

    Outdoor Etiquette & Nature Manners for Kids

    Outdoor etiquette and nature manners

    Our littles have a great big world waiting for them to explore. With a little help from us grown-ups, we hope they will grow to love and appreciate all the joys that nature has to offer. For many, nature’s benefits include the serenity that comes from being outdoors, breathing in the fresh air, or feeling the sunshine on one’s face. Being outdoors also affords nature-goers the wonderful pleasure of meeting other kindred spirits who, too, enjoy being outside. 

    One of the benefits of spending time in nature is the opportunity to teach children how to be good stewards of the outdoors. Whether the mountains are calling or the beaches are beckoning, there is a certain set of etiquette for the outdoors. We’re not talking Emily Post-style etiquette, but rather a handful of good manners and practices to set in motion while kids are young to help them appreciate and respect nature, as well as preserve the enjoyment of the outdoors for others.

    What are nature manners?

    Nature manners are a set of rules that help kids understand how to treat outdoor spaces, the environment, and wildlife. They’re practices that help us show respect to our planet and our fellow outdoor adventurers.

    Nature manners are equally as important as the ones we learn around the dinner table. Especially if nature is to be enjoyed by everyone. They’re not hard and fast rules that are difficult for kids to grasp or implement. We’re certainly not asking your kids to be quiet outside or stay calm at all times (don’t worry, that’s not our style).

    Our nature manners for kids are merely ways to teach kids how to respect and appreciate nature, without doing harm. They’re based on the “Leave No Trace” principles, but adapted for little ones. 

    7 easy nature manners for outdoor-loving kids

    Today, we’re sharing seven easy manners to teach your kids when adventuring outside. We hope these easy-to-implement manners will help to raise awareness and decrease frustrations when we are out enjoying our beautiful outdoor spaces together. These concepts are all practices that we can teach our kids through modeling and with gentle reminders when we’re out and about in nature. They’ll pick up on these nature manners quickly and they’ll become second nature to them as they grow into nature-loving adults. 

    Nature Manners when Hiking With Kids

    1. Give a hoot, don’t pollute!

    Woodsy the Owl said it best, “Give a hoot, don’t pollute!” Teaching kids to properly dispose of their trash – food wrappers, juice boxes, and bottles – is one of the easiest manners to teach kids. Trash has no place along trails, waterways, and oceans. Not only does trash not look nice, but it is also harmful to native flora and fauna.

    One of the best ways to prevent littering is to teach kids the “pack in, pack out” mindset. On your next adventure, carry along a grocery bag and stuff it with all of your trash. This includes food scraps and toilet paper. When the adventure is over, ask your little one to toss it into a trash can so they know how to dispose of it for next time.  

    And if you want to go a bit above and beyond and really teach amazing outdoor etiquette, teach your child to practice “negative trace” where they also pick up the trash and litter others have left behind. Leaving an outdoor area even better than you found is one of the best things you can do for our planet and a wonderful concept to teach kids. 

    2. Just say no to graffiti

    Kids are natural artists, but we certainly don’t want to encourage them to leave their mark on nature in a damaging way. On our family hikes, we would often let our son grab a stick and draw zigzags and numbers in the dirt along the trails. But, when we came upon graffiti carved into trees or painted on rocks and signs, we made sure to point out that it was destroying the natural beauty of the trails we all enjoyed. 

    No one wants to see spray paint or carvings when they’re outside enjoying nature. Graffiti and vandalism have a permanent impact on beautiful places. Even when it can be cleaned up, the parks don’t always have the resources to take care of it. There are appropriate ways to express selves artistically in nature such as Plein air painting or taking photos, but graffiti sure isn’t one of them!

    outdoor etiquette and nature manners for kids

    3. Look with your eyes, not with your hands!

    How remarkable is it to come across the habitat of an animal in nature? Nests, dens, hives, and other habitats give rare glimpses into the animal kingdom and are the equivalent of a science textbook come to life! Bu animal habitats can be delicate, carefully constructed, and teeming with life. They should be observed with an abundance of caution. 

    Kids, however, are naturally curious creatures. The lure of touching these habitats is strong. And while we are all about hands-on learning, nevertheless, it’s important to impart respect for our animal friends and teach kids to follow the simple adage, “look with your eyes, and not with your hands” in these instances. There are plenty of other things in nature that kids can touch and experience up-close. 

    4. You had me at “hello”

    One of my favorite nature manners to teach my son is to be friendly and courteous to other outdoor adventurers and nature-goers. By saying hello, smiling, or nodding one’s head, you’re acknowledging another person’s presence without being overbearing or intrusive.

    The benefits of engaging in this type of hiking etiquette extend beyond just being warm & friendly. Being courteous gives folks a chance to share potential hazards ahead or landmarks to assist with navigation or distance. Conversation with fellow hikers also makes one more memorable in case a rescue team needs to locate a lost adventurer. 

    And while it’s really nice to be friendly with your fellow explorers, remember that most people aren’t out there to make new friends or hang out with other people. Say hi and be helpful, but do not monopolize your time or help yourself to another group’s space or resources.

    Outdoor Nature Manners for Kids

    5. Leave it as you found it

    The simple, yet effective, phrase “leave it as you found it” speaks to one’s influence in maintaining nature for everyone to enjoy. Some might even say, “leave it better than you found it.” Regardless, don’t do anything to destroy the outdoors. Try not to disturb things and leave items in their natural condition, whether it’s rocks or vegetation. 

    We all know what happened when Goldilocks explored the home of the three little bears. Had she “left it as she found it,” that particular nursery rhyme would have ended a lot differently. 

    6. Be mindful where you walk

    When you’re out exploring, teach your kids to be mindful of where you walk, sit, put down your bags, and allow your pets. Life outside in nature can be fragile and our missteps can damage it for years to come. When possible, stay on the marked trails and try not to disturb the plants and environment around you. Sometimes this is a hard concept for kids because they’re naturally curious and want to explore. We’re not telling you that you can never go “off trail,” but if/when you do, just be mindful of your steps and your actions to not harm or disturb your surroundings. 

    7. Show respect for wildlife

    It’s important to teach your kids to respect wildlife and wild animals. Don’t feed wild animals or leave food scraps behind. Animals fed by humans may become dependent on that food and have difficulty learning how to fend for themselves in the wild.

    For the safety of both kids and animals, keep a safe distance from wild animals. Animals need privacy (particularly during breeding seasons) and can be very protective when approached. A good rule of thumb is, actually using your thumb: close one eye, and then if you hold your thumb up to your open eye and can cover the animal with your thumb, you are at a safe distance.  This works out to about 100 yards for large animals like bears and moose, and 25 yards for most medium-sized wildlife. 

    Wonder Club Explorers - Nature Scouting for Kids

    Use your nature manners to love Mother Earth

    As Earth Day approaches, families will have opportunities to talk about nature and how to protect our planet. A great way to underscore nature manners is to repurpose items found during hikes and beach days into art. Known as process art, kids can creatively make unstructured art projects like sculptures and collages using bottle caps, straws, and other commonly discarded items. Shore Collections Art has some really creative and inspiring ways to think artistically about the impact our individual actions have on Mother Earth.

    Connect with Wonder Club Explorers

    If you’re looking for other fun ways to connect with your kids and nature, Wonder Club Explorers might be for you. A fun scouting alternative, Wonder Club Explorers offers merit patches and adventure vests to inspire wonder and curiosity in kids. Open-ended and self-guided, kids earn patches such as “Nature Explorer,” “Process Artists,” and “Good SamariKids.” These are just a few patches that can be earned by practicing good “nature manners” like the ones above.

    Have fun exploring and remember to tag #runwildmychild on your next outdoor adventure. Until next time!

    What nature manners are you teaching your kids?

    About the author

    Michelle spends her days working on projects to improve the quality of life for the citizens of her community and her nights reading books to her 6 year-old about every kind of dinosaur there ever was (there are 900 validated species, in case you’re wondering). Together with her son, Michelle created Wonder Club Explorers, a company to inspire wonder and curiosity in kids. She carves out time for herself on the weekends as an early morning exerciser and metalsmith of fine jewelry. She resides in Altadena with her husband and son amongst California Oak trees and a stone’s throw of the San Gabriel Mountains.

    You can find Michelle online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @wonderclubexplorers
    Website: http://www.wonderclubexplorers.co
    RWMC posts: Michelle Garrett

  • BEACH, BIKE, CAMP, FAMILY TRAVEL, HIKE, LOCAL GEMS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PARK, SPRING, SUMMER, WATER

    7 Family-Friendly Places to Explore in Illinois

    Illinois might not be on the very top of your family’s outdoor adventure bucket list. But, this Midwest state just might surprise you with some really incredible hikes and trails, amazing state parks, camping options, lake adventures, and more! Today, Creative Team member Meghan Garriott, Illinois mom of 2 (soon to be 3) shares 7 of her family’s favorite free family-friendly places to explore in Illinois! (try saying that five times fast!) If you’re in or around Illinois (or even just driving through on a road trip this summer), make sure you check out this post and add a few of these destinations to your adventure list! 

    Family-friendly outdoor places to explore in Illinois

    7 outdoor places to explore in Illinois

    Let’s be honest here, Illinois is not usually a top destination for scenic views or epic outdoor adventures. When most people think of Illinois, cornfields and Chicago are probably the only 2 things that come to mind. And while both of those are a big part of this state, you might be surprised to find that between the big city and miles of corn and soybeans, Illinois has some of the most beautiful landscapes and natural habitats in the Midwest. There are high waterfalls, deep canyons, enormous bluffs, and prairies and waterways that are full of life and beauty. Read along to discover some of Illinois’ most beautiful and fun-filled outdoor places to explore with your family. 

    1. Matthiessen State Park 

    Matthiessen State Park is in Northern Illinois, just about an hour or so outside of Chicago. It is positioned just south of the Illinois River and next to its better-known neighbor Starved Rock State Park (see below).

    Thanks to the Vermilion River that winds and curves throughout Matthiessen, there is no shortage of waterways to play in or gape at during your visit. The most scenic of these waterways are the upper and lower dells. The lower dells is home to a towering 45 foot waterfall called Cascade Falls. This waterfall is breathtaking to view from the bottom, inside the canyon. 

    Cascade Falls at Matthiessen State Park

    Favorite Matthiessen trails 

    Matthiessen State Park is broken up into two areas: (1) the Vermilion River Area, and (2) the Dells Area, as seen on the trail map. Dells area is where you will find the Cascade falls along with other falls and sights like “Giants Bath Tub” and “Devil’s Paint Box”. The best trail to see all the sights is the Dells Canyon and Bluff trail. Along this trail there are many stairs, bridges and wet crossings.

    Both these trails are fun for kids of all ages. However, make sure you bring a change of clothes for everyone. The trails are often wet and/or muddy during the spring and summer. If you’re going down to the lower dells, be prepared for a lot of stairs. This is not a stroller-friendly trail and little legs may tire quickly.

    When visiting Matthiessen State Park in prime season (spring and summer), I recommend going on a weekday. Due to its proximity to the city it can be a very popular destination for those looking to escape into nature. If you love chasing waterfalls put Matthiessen on your list!

    Wet crossing at Matthiessen State Park - Family friendly places to explore in Illinois
    Wet crossing at the upper Dells

    2. Ferne Clyffe State Park 

    Ferne Clyffe State Park is an all-time favorite for my family. Its versatility in scenery and low difficulty trails make it an easy place to spend the entire day with little kids. Tucked right in the middle of the Shawnee National Forest, Ferne Clyffe has some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring rock formations. One of my children’s favorite rock formations has been named “Spider-Man Rock” (pictured below) because you can slide down like Spider-Man does on buildings. In addition to rock formations it boasts beautiful waterfalls and tons of fern-covered foliage. 

    Moss covered rocks Ferne Clyffe State Park - Family friendly places to explore in Illinois
    Spider-Man Rock

    Kid-friendly Ferne Clyffe trails

    When hiking with children, especially young children, it’s nice to have some short trail options. Ferne Clyffe has 8 trails that are under 1 mile. While these trails are short, they definitely do not lack views. Many of short trails begin in the same area centered around a picnic area, which is great for resting, snacking, and potty breaks between trails. I love how different each trail is despite being so close in proximity to each other.

    Rebman Trail, Hawks Cave Trail, and Big Rocky Hollow Trail all start from the same parking lot but boast very different views. Rebman Trail has high rock formations where rock climbing and repelling can be enjoyed. Hawks Cave Trail (pictured below) leads to and under one of the largest shelter bluffs in Illinois. Big Rocky Hollow Trail is a wide wheelchair accessible trail that leads to a 100foot tall waterfall. Learn more here about accessibility and exploring the outdoors with medically complex children.

    Family in shelter bluff
    Hawks Cave trail

    Ferne Clyffe waterfalls

    Nearly every time we visit this waterfall at Ferne Clyffe we have it all to ourselves. Even on the weekends, this stat park is relatively slow, which is great for being able to sit back and enjoy nature’s beauty. This waterfall is intermittent, however. It is usually flowing the most in the spring and dries up with little rain or during the heat of that summer.

    The trail to the waterfall is easy and the water around the bottom is shallow and fun for kids to splash around in. With all the green foliage and the mini waterfalls that surround the big one, it is easy to forget you are in Illinois, as it feels much like a jungle. 

    Boy in blue at the bottom of a waterfall

    3. Rock Springs Conservation Area

    We are bringing things back to the middle of the Prairie State with our third favorite outdoor Illinois destination – Rock Springs Conservation Area. Rock Springs is one of 5 conservation areas in Macon County, Illinois. Their mission is to promote the conservation of natural and cultural resources by acquiring, maintaining, and restoring natural areas and cultural sites so as to leave them unimpaired for future generations.

    At Rock Springs, there is so much to learn about native Illinois. You can easily spend a day learning, exploring, and enjoying without spending a dollar. Its many trails lead through historic prairies with native grasses and wildflowers. There is a paved bike trail as well as many grass and dirt trails.

    One of our favorite places to hike through is the old Christmas tree farm, which now boasts tall pine trees and an open forest floor.  If hiking is not your thing you can still spend the whole day here learning at the historic prairie house, fishing from the ponds with borrowed equipment from the nature center, or exploring the nature center itself. 

    Sun burst through pine trees
    Pine Forest at Rock Springs

    Rock Springs Nature Center 

    The Rock Springs Nature Center is a great place to hang out on hot summer days or cold winter days. There are many fun and educational exhibits that focus on habitat and history in Illinois. The Ecocenter is a hands-on and interactive museum exhibit inside the nature center. This exhibit features life-sized native wildlife inside their habitat, and shows how the environment in Illinois is ever-changing.

    The other part of the nature center houses live animals like turtles, snakes, fish, and salamanders. The nature center also has a free-to-the-public library, which is great for curious kiddos when that weather doesn’t allow outdoor exploring.

    One of our favorite rooms in the nature center is bird viewing window. There is a big comfy couch in front of a wall-sized window that allows you to comfortably enjoy many birds as they come and go from the many feeders. If you are going to be in the area be sure to check out their website, as they often have educational events for children year-round, making it one of the best family-friendly places to explore in Illinois.

    Boy viewing birds out large window
    Bird Viewing Window at at Rock Springs Nature Center

    4. Garden of the Gods 

    Garden of the Gods is definitely one of those places that you cannot believe is in Illinois. The views year-round are breathtaking. Garden of the Gods is said to be one of the most photographed places in Illinois. It’s not hard to see why. Garden of the Gods is one of the best family-friendly places to explore in Illinois.

    The Observation trail leads you high above the treetops looking over unique sandstone rock formations. This trail is only about .25 miles long but there are many stops and observation lookouts along the way so it can take up to an hour to finish. While short, the Observation Trail can be dangerous because of the high cliffs. You will want to make sure children walking this trail have a good safety awareness and stay close to the trail itself. While the Observation Trail is the most popular trail there are many other trails to explore. There is also a campground and picnic area so that you can stay a little longer. If coming through Illinois Garden of the Gods is a must-see site.

    Garden of the Gods - Family-friendly places to explore in Illinois
    Garden of the Gods from the Observation Trail

    5. Allerton Park and Retreat Center 

    Allerton Park is unlike any of the other locations on this list of family-friendly places to explore in Illinois. Allerton Park started out as a private residence, then was donated to the University of Illinois. According to their website, the property is used by the University as an education and research center, as a forest and wildlife and plant reserve, as an example of landscape gardening, in a public park. U of I now oversees its 14 miles of hiking trails, 1500 acres of woodland and prairie, a 10-acre meadow, it’s many many gardens. The gardens include sculpture gardens, annual and perennial gardens, a conifer garden, and many more.

    Boy looking at purple flowers
    One of the gardens are Allerton Park

    Allerton Park garden trails 

    While Allerton Park has lovely woodland trails, but when we visit, it’s usually for the garden trails. You can spend a lot of time walking and enjoying the gardens through many different seasons. In the spring the peony garden has many different varieties of peonies and is one of the most pleasing smelling gardens. One of my kids’ favorite things to do at Allerton Park is to walk between the arborvitae where small trails allow kids to walk along the main trail (pictured below).

    If you were looking for somewhere to stay in the area, the Allerton has many overnight options, including guest rooms in the Allerton historic mansion or 3 different guesthouses around the property. You can plan your visit or look at lodging options here. 

    Boy in red hat among the arborvitae
    Arborvitae trail that runs along the main garden trail

    6. Giant City State Park 

    Giant City State Park, in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest, is one of our top family-friendly places to explore in Illinois. Like Ferne Clyffe and Garden of the Gods, it has beautiful rock formations. Giant City’s rock formations differ from the other two though, in that many of the trails take you through rock formations that look much like walls of a city for giants! This is where the park gets its name. The Giant City Nature Trail is a favorite for viewing the scale of these large rock walls as well a heap of plants, animals, and insects. 

    Giant City State Park, Illinois - Family friendly places to explore in Illinois
    Giant City Nature Trail

    Giant City camping and lodge

    The campground at Giant City is one of my family’s favorites. We have camped here in both the summer and fall seasons and thoroughly enjoyed both. Each time we’ve stayed we’ve eaten one meal at the Giant City Lodge restaurant, which is great. In addition to 85 campsites, they also offer 34 cabins with heating/air conditioning. Just down from the Lodge and restaurant is a Nature Center, which is a great place to start your day and learn about all that you may see while hiking the trails of Giant City.  If you are looking for a one-stop place to camp/stay, hike, eat, and learn, then Giant City should be on your list!

    Giant City Nature Trail - Family friendly places to explore in Illinois
    Giant City Nature Trail

    7. Lake Shelbyville 

    Our final place to explore in Illinois is back in the heartland of the state. There is no shortage of outdoor activities to be done on and around the banks of Lake Shelbyville, making it one of the best family-friendly places to explore in Illinois. This man-made lake which runs along the Kaskaskia river is made up of 11,100 acres of water, and 23,000 acres of land.

    There are over 50 miles of developed multipurpose trails. The bike trails are a favorite for our family. Our favorite bike trails are: (1) Camp Camfield, outside Sullivan, Illinois, (2) The General Dacey Trail, and (3) the Pumptrax at the head of the Dacey Trail. Both of these last two trails are located at the southern part of the lake in Shelbyville, Illinois. 

    Child in red shirt and helmet riding bike over ramp
    General Dacey Bike Trail

    Water fun at Lake Shelbyville

    While most of the places on this list are most enjoyed during the fall, spring, and summer seasons, Lake Shelbyville is definitely your go-to place for summer fun. There is not a better summer day than hanging out with the family in the hot sun and splashing in the cool water.

    Whether it be by boat or beach, there is no shortage of family-friendly outdoor places to explore along this lake for outdoor fun.  If you don’t have a boat, both Findlay Marina and Lithia Springs Marina have rental options for fishing boats, pontoon boats, or houseboats. While out enjoying the lake you will see all kinds of water sports, from water skiing to tubing, to fishing and everything in between.

    When visiting Lake Shelbyville, don’t forget to visit the 108-foot high dam that allows water from the lake to flow into the Kaskaskia River. Down the road from the dam is the Lake Shelbyville Visitors Center. The visitor center includes aquariums and terrariums, a library, an art exhibit, an education room, and expansive views of the lake and dam areas. It’s a great place to learn about water safety, wildlife along the lake, and the building of the lake itself.  

    If you are interested in spending a fun-filled week in the water, check out the many campground and cabin rental options. 

    Lake Shelbyville - Family friendly places to explore in Illinois
    Playing in Lake Shelbyville on a summer day

    Budget-friendly outdoor family fun in Illinois

    Illinois may not be at the top of everyone’s vacation bucket list, but there is no shortage of beautiful views and fun adventures to be had. And because everyone isn’t flocking to see the views, all of these adventures are budget-friendly and almost always less crowded than well-known tourist destinations. Each of these family-friendly places to explore in Illinois can be visited for free, all you have to do is get there! If you are looking for a fun adventure getaway for the whole family, without breaking the bank, make sure you put Illinois on your list. You never know…Illinois might surprise you with its beautiful views and outdoor adventures to be had. 

    About the author

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

    You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @meghangarriott
    RWMC posts: Meghan Garriott

  • CAMP, HIKE, INFORMATION, NATURE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Outdoor Skills: Teaching Kids How to Build A Fire & Fire Safety Tips

    Having outdoor skills like knowing how to build a fire are important when you spend a lot of time outside. Teaching kids how to build fires isn’t very difficult, but it does take some thought, planning, and time. Plus, teaching your children basic fire safety tips and advice is something that may be invaluable and could possibly save lives. Today, Georgia homeschooling mom of three, SarahRuth Owens walks us through the basic fire safety skills and tips for teaching kids how to build a fire. 

    Teaching Kids How to Build A Fire & Fire Safety Tips for Kids

    Teaching basic fire skills to kids

    If your kids are like my boys, they love the idea of creating a fire, cooking over a fire, and even extinguishing a fire. Having a firestarter in your home is a fun journey. Kids learn so much as they practice following directions, caring for the environment around them, and more. Furthermore, they begin to feel responsibility and ownership of their time outside. When children have a buy-in, a role, they really want to be in that place often. So let’s get started; let’s teach our kids how to build fires. 

    Smokey the Bear says “safety first”

    Conversations and practice are the best ways to teach kids how to build fires. When my boys were 2-3 years old, we began this process. As we were outdoors nearly daily, they sat around a fire, gathered kindling, and helped put out a fire from a very young age.

    Let me begin by telling you that 6 years ago, I knew nothing about building a fire. Zero. Zilch. So do not be intimidated. You can learn just like I did. Go with a friend who enjoys building fires and knows how. Watch, ask questions, be like a kid learning to build a fire. In truth, I think this might be the best way anyhow. If you don’t have someone to show you how, you can always Google it! There are tons of videos and articles out there that will show you exactly how to build a fire. 

    Fire safety tips for kids

    If you recently learned how to build fires, then you will remember the safety rules, the steps involved, etc. If it’s been a while, here’s a quick refresher of some important rules to establish when teaching kids how to build a fire and teaching children about fire safety:

    • Location – Only build a fire in an area you know allows it.
    • Fire ban – Make sure there are no fire bans. 
    • Check the wind – Windy days are not fire-friendly days. 
    • Clear the area – Make sure there’s nothing in the area where you’ll be making the fire. This is such a good project for littles, they can begin this in their toddler years.
    • Wood only – Remind kids that the only thing that goes into a fire is wood. No fresh weeds or vines. No food. No plastic. 
    • Water supply – Have a working water hose or a vessel filled with water near your fire ring.

    These fire safety tips can be parts of conversations you have while you build fires near your children. It can take months of this type of conversation before some will feel comfortable heading into fire building with a child. Eventually, your firestarter should be able to tell you these rules independently. Knowing this information and being able to implement it without reminders, is the first step towards autonomy when building fires. 

    Fire Building and Campfire Safety Tips for Kids

    Basic steps of building a fire

    Once a child knows the basic safety rules, they’re ready to start building a fire. Teaching kids to build a fire occurs in steps. Dependent on the age of your kids, they can help with various tasks. Before the actual fire starting can begin, they’ll need to clear the area, gather kindling, and demonstrate that they know and observe safety practices near an active fire. Then, they are ready to begin to build.

    The basic steps of building a fire go like this:

    1. Location – Choose a spot with at least a 10-foot circumference of clearing, there should be no overhanging branches.
    2. Clear the area – Remove all brush, twigs, leaves, etc. from around the fire area.
    3. Dig a small pit – Some sites recommend as deep as one foot. Our family chooses to not make so deep of a pit and instead focus on a larger fire ring.
    4. Create a ring – Arrange rocks around the space you will build an active fire. 
    5. Gather wood – A fire needs three things: fuel, oxygen, and heat. Wood is the fuel. You want three types of wood: Tinder, kindling, and logs/large wood.
    6. Arrange the wood – There are a couple of different options for setting up your firewood. We go over the teepee and log cabin styles below. 
    7. Ignite the kindling – Finally, ignite the kindling to get the fire started.

    Looking at the list above, things might feel overwhelming. So, let’s move through the fire-building process step-by-step. 

    How to choose a safe fire location

    Choosing a location is probably the easiest and most self-explanatory part of teaching kids how to build a fire. Kids should understand where are good fire spots and where are not. Having adults help with this is necessary and not something I would pass off to a child until they have shown their understanding many, many times. Practically speaking, I let my boys show me where they would like to build. They typically choose well, but, occasionally they need a reminder about being too close to a tree or other structure, or if there’s a limb hanging overhead. 

    Clear the area and make a fire ring

    As I said earlier, clearing an area can be something even your youngest firestarters can help with. Having a space for your fire free from things that could burn is essential. In our family, digging a pit is optional. If you have properly cleared an area and created a ring with rocks, plan to maintain and remain with the fire, you can decide if you need a pit or not. They can be great for camping, as it creates an easily reusable space. One of my boys’ favorite parts of fire building is the ring itself. Something about hunting rocks and shaping the ring is just fun!

    Fire building tips for kids

    Gathering wood for a fire

    When teaching kids how to build a fire, you’ll need three types of wood: tinder, kindling, and fuel wood. We actually like to bring our own tinder (see below). For those times when you have no tinder with you, it can usually be found in your immediate surrounding area. You can use dry bits of grass, pine, moss, lichen, and leaves. Focusing on finding dry, crunchy leaves is the best.

    Once you have collected a good handful of tinder, you need kindling. It is fun to assign roles if more than one child is involved. Someone can be the tinder person, the kindling person, and the fuel wood person (of course, you’ll want to rotate). Kindling will be the small sticks and twigs you set up over the tinder. It will catch fire first and then ignite the fuel wood. 

    Choose your campfire style

    There are a few different ways to stack your wood so that it gets proper aeration for a long-lasting burn. For this discussion, we’ll cover the basics of the teepee/cone method and the log cabin method. Both are easy for kids to understand and create.

    A teepee tends to be a great and easy starting place. For the teepee/cone method, make a small teepee/cone of kindling around a few handfuls of tinder that are loosely piled in the center of the fire ring. Your tinder goes at the base of the fire and then your kindling is placed over it in a tent/cone shape. Once you have your kindling in place, you will build a larger tent shape with your fuel wood around your kindling. Light from beneath and blow as needed. Once the fire is going strong and the temperature increases, you can add larger logs a few at a time as needed. My boys love to build this and enjoy the challenge of getting it to stay upright.

    For the log cabin method, place two larger pieces of fuel wood parallel to each other on the ground in the center of the pit. Leave some room in between the logs. Then, place two more pieces of fuel wood criss-crossed on top in the other direction (like you’re building a log cabin) to form a square. Place your tinder inside the square. Continue adding a few more layers of fuel wood around the perimeter, getting a bit smaller with each layer. Finish your log cabin with a layer of kindling and tinder across the top to make a roof. Make sure you leave some space between the fuel wood logs so the fire can get plenty of oxygen. This build is great for longer and slower burns. 

    Some additional info on firewood

    Depending on where you’re making your fire, there may be restrictions on firewood. Usually, it’s recommended that you do not bring firewood with you if you’re traveling from more than 50 miles away or crossing large rivers. Some campgrounds may even ban bring-your-own firewood regardless of the distance you travel. This is to keep local insects out of certain areas and to prevent the spread of new (and possibly invasive) species into areas.  

    If you forage for firewood, make sure to show the kids how to gather only downed wood. Never cut live trees or break off branches from standing trees, even dead trees. Birds and wildlife make use of dead branches and snags. Fresh wood can also be an issue because sometimes it can be wrapped with poisonous vines that can cause reactions to the skin when burned. 

    Starting the fire

    Matches are our favorite item for lighting our campfires. Kids can simply toss the match into the fire once ignited. Easy peasy. Just make sure to supervise and stay close to your kids at all times. 

    DIY firestarters

    One of our favorite types of kindling is homemade firestarters. DIY firestarters are super easy to make and truly make the fire lighting process so easy. We gather our dryer lint and keep it in a bag in our kitchen along with any old candles (with that wee bit of wax in the bottom), used wax melts, string, twine, etc.

    When you want to make some tinder, you can use an old cardboard egg carton. Simply put some of the dry burning things in, heat the wax you’ve saved, and pour it over the dry pieces. This makes amazing firestarters. You can break off the carton cups and use one section at a time to start your fire. This is also another way children can be involved in the whole process. 

    Fire Safety for Kids - Teaching Kids About How To Build A Fire

    Putting out a fire

    Possibly the most important part of teaching kids how to build a fire and about fire safety is to teach them the proper way to put out a fire. Having a shovel and a bucket is a must. Bring these with you any time you build a fire outside. The shovel is to toss some dirt and stir your fire. A fire must be cold when you leave a site. A person should be able to touch the coals and not feel any heat. If there is heat, repeat!

    What do you repeat? Water, stir, touch. Adults only for touching, please (at least until you have a child who knows and understands when it may be too hot). Putting out a fire is a simple process, but teaching your kids to be sure it is stirred and cold it where it’s at. 

    Teaching kids how to build a fire is fun

    There is something truly magical about outdoor campfires. I love cooking over a fire, roasting marshmallows, and sitting beside a fire and crocheting. Teaching my kids how to build a fire has been an important outdoor survival skill. Seeing my sons take pride in a fire they built and can now enjoy, is the icing on top! There are so many fun things to do with a campfire. Once they can build a fire, they can practice making food in the campfire! They can catch fish and roast them. Kids will love the responsibility, the wonder, and the memories made!

    Don’t forget to ALWAYS use common sense and safety practices with fires. Especially as your children are learning. 

    Do you have tips for teaching children to build outdoor fires?

    Show us your campfires!
    Use the hashtag #runwildmychild and tag us on Instagram! 

    About the author

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

    You can find more from SarahRuth in the following online locations:
    Instagram: @kindle_togetherness
    RWMC posts: SarahRuth 

  • ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, HIKE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, URBAN NATURE, WINTER

    Owling with Kids

    Have you ever spotted an owl in the wild? Have you heard one calling through the woods at dusk? Owls are fascinating, yet elusive birds, made even more mysterious by their silent flight and their nocturnal habits. But, finding owls isn’t impossible—you just have to know where and when to look. Today, Leslie Alvis, Ohio homeschooling mom of four shares her family’s experiences owling with kids and some tips for your own owling adventures.

    Owling with kids

    “When you go owling, 
    you don’t need words
    or warm
    or anything but hope. 
    That’s what Pa says.
    The kind of hope
    that flies
    on silent wings
    under a shining
    Owl Moon.”

    Owling inspiration

    When I was growing up, my mom had a beautiful collection of illustrated nature books she read aloud to us. One was Owl Moon, a simple yet fascinating first-person story of a young girl going out owling with her father under a full moon in deep winter. They walk and watch and call until an owl replies. Eventually, they spot the majestic owl swooping above them in the bare tree branches.  Owl Moon was one of the first books she bought for my own children, and it’s one of our favorites.

    Reading Owl Moon

    Owling with kids

    The sweet story told in Owl Moon brings nature close. It always makes me want to go owling too, tromping in the snowy woods by moonlight. But, even though I grew up in the country, somehow I never realized until this past year that I can go owling with my kids—and so can you!

    Owls are fascinating creatures. Day or night, their haunting calls are enough to make you stop in your tracks. There are actually many common owls throughout North America, as well as the rest of the world. And owling is a great nature activity you can do with your kids! 

    And although a full moon adds light, and snowy woods at night are lovely, you actually don’t need any of those things to go owling. You can go looking for owls anytime (day or night) wherever you live!

    Owl Moon

    Our first owl encounter

    Last February, wanting to return to our country roots to raise our children, my husband and I sold our house in town and moved our children to the country. One of our first experiences on our quiet country road was climbing out of our car at dusk and hearing a startlingly loud, haunting cry from the woods across the road. We all froze.

    “Did you hear the owl?” my husband asked our kids, trying to hush everyone who was exclaiming over the weird noise. “That was an owl!” It certainly wasn’t like any owl sound I’d ever heard! Honestly, it was a little terrifying. But there it was—a low hooting off in the distance, followed by an answering cry nearby.

    After convincing our five-year-old that it was safe to actually get out of the car (for weeks we had to talk her through the process every time we came home in the dark. She would cover her ears and race inside so she couldn’t hear the creepy owl chatter! But she finally got used to it and now loves to hear the owls call.), we went inside and looked up owl calls.

    We learned that we had just heard a Barred Owl pair calling to each other. Sites like this one teach you to easily identify common North American owls by their calls. This little bit of knowledge fueled a desire to learn more about these amazing birds. We’ve been looking for owls, calling owls, and heading out on owling walks ever since.

    Owling with Kids

    What is owling?

    Basically, owling is the practice of calling and searching for owls. Going owling with your kids is an easy and fun nature activity, and seeing (or hearing) one of these majestic birds is an experience they won’t soon forget! The first time anyone in our family actually spotted an owl, my husband and two-year-old were coming out of the woods at dusk when a Great Horned Owl flew across the path in front of them. Our toddler talked about seeing that owl for a long time!

    By this point (a year later), we’ve all caught glimpses of these magnificent birds in the woods near our home. Just this morning my son saw one fly out of the pine trees just ahead of us on our walk. Last week we saw a huge pair of Great Horned Owls. The sight of them never ceases to amaze us all.

    Where to go owling

    While owls may be known for being elusive and hard to spot, they aren’t as rare as many people think. You simply have to learn where and when to look. You can find owls in many places, from forests and deserts to mountains and prairies. Owls love wooded areas, but many also live close to cities and suburban areas because of the ready food supply. They often live in trees (often conifers) and eat small rodents, so owls can be found almost anywhere those things exist—even in Central Park in New York City!

    owling with kids

    When to go owling

    Owls become especially active during mating season in winter. The colder months are a great time to go owling because you are more likely to see or hear owls. Plus, the lack of foliage makes seeing the owls easier. During the summer months, we were afraid the resident owls in our area had moved away because we didn’t see or hear them for a long time. But, as fall drew on, we began to hear “our” owls again. We’ve even heard the parents calling back and forth with a juvenile offspring. 

    As I mentioned, most owls are nocturnal, which means they do much of their hunting and calling at night. However, it doesn’t have to be pitch black outside for you to go owling! We’ve spotted Barred Owls sitting on power lines near our home in the middle of the day. We’ve seen owls swooping from tree to tree in the woods, and often hear them calling, especially as winter days draw to a close. 

    Despite their close proximity, I’ve never yet been lucky enough to get a photo of one. That’s a testament to my lack of wildlife photography skills, not to the absence of owls. Maybe someday I’ll be able to capture a photograph of one of these beautiful birds.

    owling with kids

    Daytime owling

    One day as we explored the woods, we noticed a commotion of birds in a stand of tall pine trees. Crows and other smaller birds were calling raucously and diving in and out of the trees. I had heard that smaller birds will sometimes “mob” owls in this fashion, so we headed that way to see if we could spot one. Sure enough, as we approached, a Barred Owl swooped out of the trees to go look for a quieter location!

    It might have been the high point of our nature walk if our dog hadn’t flushed out a white-tailed deer just then. Our owl sighting dropped dramatically in importance as my son and I took off chasing the dog, who took off chasing the deer, howling all the way. At the end of that misadventure, I was just glad to have everyone, including the dog, all in one piece!

    owling with kids

    Owling at dusk

    Owls do become noticeably more vocal as twilight approaches. The hour before sunset is a great time to go owling with kids if you don’t want to be out at night. It’s also a good time to try owling at local parks or trails, which may close at dark. Park rangers can be a great source of information about owls in their area. If you go to a public place wanting to find owls, ask around! There may be someone who knows just when and where to look.

    owling with kids

    How to look for owls

    Searching for owls can be a bit tough and you have to have patience and good detective skills. Owls leave a couple of distinct signs of activity in the woods. If you know what to look for, you’ll have much better luck spotting one.

    First of all, you can look for “whitewash” (owl excrement) on tree trunks. An owl’s excrement is chalky and white and can usually be found at the bottom of a tree that an owl is roosting in. You can also look at the base of trees for owl pellets, which are prized treasures for curious little ones. Owl pellets are small bits of indigestible hair, bone, etc. from an owl’s meal. 

    Finally, look for owl feathers lying on the ground. Owl feathers are large and are very soft. If you need help identifying the type of bird by a feather, check out the US Fish & Wildlife Service’s Feather Altas – a free online tool to identify feathers. 

    We have been able to find owl trees in our woods by looking for these signs. Some common owls, like Barred Owls and Great Horned Owls, like conifer trees, in particular, so check those a bit closer. Check out this article for more information about where and how to find owls. It’s full of helpful tips for owling.

    Owl pellets

    Owl pellets are a sure sign that owls are in the area. As mentioned, an owl pellet is made from indigestible material left in the gizzard (such as teeth, bones, skulls, claws, and feathers) are too dangerous to pass through the rest of the owl’s digestive tract. To safely excrete this material, the owl’s gizzard compacts it into a tight pellet that the owl regurgitates. 

    It may sound gross, but dissecting an owl pellet is a really fun activity for kids, as they can see what the owl ate and sometimes find the bones and teeth of small animals.  Although their diet largely depends on the species of owl, most owls like to eat insects, small mammals (like hares and rabbits), and other smaller birds. It is also common for owls to eat rodents, squirrels, bats, weasels, woodchucks, and even a domestic cat!

    owl trees

    Owl nests

    Did you know that owls do not build their own nests? Instead, they occupy nests left behind by other birds. Look for owl nests up high in the crooks and hollows of trees, any of the usual places you might spot a nest. 

    You can even build nesting boxes to attract owls to your own backyard! Screech Owls are considered the easiest owls in North America to attract with a nesting box. You can find directions for this simple DIY project here. We have plans to build a Screech Owl box for our homestead property, and maybe even add a barn owl box to the loft of our barn as we build it. Some of the wooded environment near our property is changing and threatening the natural habitat of the owls, so we want to encourage them to stay close by.

    Spotting an owl

    Hopefully, you get the chance to spot an owl on your owling adventure. They definitely look different than other birds and while they may be hard to spot, they will be easy to distinguish. Most owls have notably large eyes, a flat face, a large head, and a small, downturned hooked beak. They have very sharp talons with four toes and one is opposable (like the human thumb), which helps the owl grasp things like tree branches and food. 

    Although owls vary in color, size, and appearance, they have one interesting ability in common – they can turn their heads an astonishing 270 degrees due to more vertebrae than other birds. 

    And if you’re listening, you’ll notice that not all owls make that infamous “hoot” sound. Owls can actually make many different sounds – they can screech, hiss, and even growl! But despite the sound they make when they call, they make no sound when flying. This silent flight is due mainly to very broad wings and special flying feathers that limit noise when an owl flaps its wings.

    owlingwithkids

    Owling essentials

    You don’t need anything special to go owling, but a pair of binoculars can be useful. Other than that, you just need some sharp eyes and ears, a sense of adventure, and your detective skills.

    If you hope to call for owls, work out your plan ahead of time with your kids. Do you want them to walk into the woods silently, trying not to scare away the owls? At least in our family, that has to be clearly explained! Otherwise, the owls are going to be scared away by wild yelling long before we can see them. Are you going to designate one person to try hooting? Take turns?

    I’ve learned that if you don’t have a clearly communicated plan, the owling walk will quickly become a hooting free-for-all! And although Barred Owls, in particular, will respond to imitation calls—even not very good ones—no owl is going to be fooled by 3 or 4 different pitches of hooo-hoooo-hoooing simultaneously. 

    owling with kids

    Common owls

    There are 19 species of owls are found in North America, including the following: barn owl, burrowing owl, eastern screech owl, great grey owl, spotted owl, and the long-eared owl, among many others. These owls not only live in wooded, rural areas, but also in suburban areas with trees. I’ve read that owls can be found commonly in cemeteries, since many cemeteries contain both large trees and also open areas where it’s easy for owls to spot their prey.

    To learn more about owls in your area, check out this site about owling. It’s full of detailed information about owls all across North and Central America. 

    Make owling a family activity

    Exploring the woods and hiking around while owling is such a fun and easy outdoor activity to do with kids. You don’t need any special gear or equipment to do a little owl hunting. Before you head out, just be sure to do a little research about what owls can be found in your area and when they are most active. Listen to an owl call and practice your “hoo’ing!” If you’re owling during the day, look for whitewashed tree bottoms, owl pellets, or feathers that could indicate an owl’s presence. If you find one (and it’s possible), try going back there during the night to see if the owl is active. 

    Finally, a word of caution: you may not always see an owl when you go owling. As the little girl says in Owl Moon,

    “That’s how it is when you go owling.
    Sometimes you see one, sometimes you don’t.”

    Be prepared to enjoy whatever wildlife you do see—you’re bound to spot some beautiful birds, squirrels, animal tracks, and other fascinating bits of nature. So, make it an adventure, have fun, and enjoy the beautiful world out there!

    Have you ever gone owling?
    What did you see?

    About the author

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

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

  • FAVORITE GEAR, HIKE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SKI/SNOW, WINTER

    Beginner’s Guide to Snowshoeing with Kids

    Do you dread winter? Feel like you’re trapped inside with wild kiddos because winter activities take a lot of preparation, skill, time, or money? We have some great news for you! There is a simple winter activity that requires just a few resources and will inspire you and your children to get outdoors, enjoying the winter, and getting your family much-needed exercise and fresh air. Today, Creative Team member Ashley Greenhalgh, Nevada mom of two, is here to walk you through the basics of how to get started winter shoeshoeing with kids! Consider this your beginner’s guide to snowshoeing! 

    How to get started snowshoeing

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

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

    What is snowshoeing?

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

    A Beginner's Guide to Snowshoeing with Kids
    Snowshoeing is a great way to start enjoying winter!

    Benefits of snowshoeing

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

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

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

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

    Good for kids of all ages

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

    Best snowshoes for kids - where to rent snowshoes
    Waterproof boots and snowshoes with a simple strap are important.

    Where to find snowshoes

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

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

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

    How to dress for snowshoeing 

    How you dress for any winter activity will make or break your day. And with kids involved, I like to minimize the risk of them being uncomfortable. If they stay warm and have fun, it is more likely they will want to go out snowshoeing again and again. Which, in turn, will make your winter so much more enjoyable. The easiest way to dress for snowshoeing is basically to dress the same way you would to go sledding. At the end of this article, I’ve listed recommendations for the gear we have been using for years. 

    • Start with a base layer – The best base layers are wool or synthetic material. Also known as long-johns! This layer is temperature regulating and wicks moisture. Nice warm wool socks are a great investment for winter activities. 
    • Add a mid-layer – This is your insulating layer ~ think a fleece, sweater, or even a down vest. 
    • Finally, add an outer layer – Snowsuits (or snow pants and a winter coat), mittens (waterproof), and a good hat. The best outer layers are waterproof! We love our Reima snowsuits. 
    • Snowboots – Again, start with a waterproof option, or at least a boot with a waterproof base (a lot of boots will be waterproof just over the foot area, but not up to the calf.) 
    • Sunscreen and sunglasses – Sunscreen in winter might seem weird, however, the sun is hitting you from the top and also reflecting off of the snow, so double whammy. The good news is that usually only their little face is showing under their winter gear, so it will only take a few seconds to rub some sunscreen on. We love All Good Sunscreen. 

    Investing in warm winter clothing will determine whether you and your children enjoy winter…or dread it. I, for one, choose the first option. Life is better outside! 

    What to wear and how to dress to go snowshoeing with kids
    Bring a sled and your furry friends as an added bonus! Make snowshoeing even more fun!

    How to snowshoe with kids

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

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

    Where to go snowshoeing with kids

    There are so many places you can go snowshoeing, and your location will dictate the types of terrain and available areas that you have as options. However, here are few places you can look into, which may allow snowshoeing in your area: 

    • City, county, state, and national parks
    • Golf courses
    • Open or backcountry space
    • Your own backyard
    • City streets or country roads
    • Flat hiking trails
    • Nordic centers (around ski resorts)
    • Mountain lodges & resorts

    How to Snowshoe with Kids - Beginner's Guide to Snowshoeing with Kids

    Simple tips for beginner snowshoeing 

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

    Research trails

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

    Invest in good winter gear

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

    Bring a backpack

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

    Pack snacks

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

    Have fun

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

    Be safe

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

    How to get started snowshoeing with kid - winter outdoor activities for kids

    Snowshoeing gear recommendations

    Again, snowshoeing is a great entry-level outdoor activity for kids that doesn’t require a lot of gear or equipment. However, there are definitely benefits of making sure you’re dressed appropriately for outdoor weather when doing anything outside with kids in the winter. Obviously, none of this is required for a good time, but here is the gear that we have tried and tested over the years and love and recommend to you. 

    • Snowshoes – When you’re ready to invest in snowshoes for yourself or your kids, start with flat terrain snowshoes. They’re designed to walk on flat, groomed, or rolling terrain. Smaller snowshoes are better for compact snow, larger snowshoes provide more “floatation” and are best for deep powder. The snowshoes will list the recommended weight (this is your body weight plus gear).
    • Boots – We have had the best luck with Kamik boots – waterproof, warm, and durable. 
    • Base Layer – We like a fleece-lined long john layer.  This option comes in plenty of colors.
    • Insulating (mid-layer) – A fleece jacket is a great mid-layer and can also be used year-round to take the chill off during evenings outside. We love Columbia Fleece. 
    • Outer layer – We can’t say enough about our Reima snowsuits! Waterproof and toasty warm! 
    • Mittens – Fingers warm each other (so we like mittens better than gloves) these are a good option, affordable and waterproof. 
    • Sunscreen – All Good Sunscreen 
    • Extra socks, as well as hand and foot warmers. 

    How to dress when snowshoeing with kids

    Outdoor winter activity for kids

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

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

    About the author

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

    You can find more from Ashley in the following online locations:
    Instagram: @sage.and.summit
    Website: Sage & Summit Photography
    RWMC posts: Ashley Greenhalgh

  • HIKE, HOLIDAYS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Valentine’s Day Outdoor Activity: Nature Heart Hunt

    Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and that typically means a whole lot of love and hearts! Let’s embrace the hearts and invite nature to be our valentine this year. Today, Creative Team member, Katie Fox, an RV-living roadschooling mom of 2, takes us on an outdoor nature heart hunt. She shows us how we can take this love-filled holiday outside and enjoy time together as a family, connecting with each other and nature. Let’s all go hunting for nature hearts!

    Nature Heart Hunt - Outdoor Valentine's Activities for Kids

    “Keep close to Nature’s Heart…” – John Muir

    Hearts aplenty

    It’s the time of year when many of us get crafty with heart shapes and spend time with our children making cards and decorations to show friends and family how much we care. If you are looking for ideas, these heart-shaped seed bombs are amazing! Or, maybe, we are busy (or our kids beg us) and we buy pre-made decorations and boxed valentines for our children to complete on their own. There’s no shame in saving your sanity and buying Valentines with your child’s favorite character.

    But, no matter how your family prepares and celebrates, Valentine’s Day is the time of year when kindness and love shine through. This is important. Many holidays focus on giving, but Valentine’s Day is tied to the heart. Indeed, the holiday’s focus is entirely about love and kindness. It doesn’t have to be romantic love, either. It can be about the love you feel for your family, friends, and neighbors.

    You do not need to buy into the commercialized element of the holiday to spend time with loved ones focused on connecting, being kind, and your love for each other. And today, I’m sharing with you a fun outdoor activity for the entire family. Going on a nature heart hunt is the perfect way to spend some time outdoors exploring and have a little adventure with the kids. 

    how to find nature hearts

    Valentine and heart fun facts

    In fact, connection and love are essentially where the heart shape and holiday stem from.

    I am a lover of history and learning new things, so naturally, I delight in finding reasons to look into why things are the way they are. For instance, why is the heart a symbol of love? Why does the heart shape occur in nature? Who was Saint Valentine? And why is this holiday named after him? 

    These are just a few examples of the questions that ran through my head as I began to brainstorm writing this nature heart hunt post. I won’t share all of the new facts I learned after diving down this rabbit hole of information (the amount of information may overwhelm you, as it did me), but here are the most interesting discoveries.

    Valentine's Day Outdoor Activity - Nature Heart Hunt

    The heart as a symbol of love may actually find its origins in nature!

    Ivy leaves, lily pads, and silphium leaves (an extinct ancient North African plant) are all heart-shaped, and their respective cultures connected them, in some way, to fidelity or reproduction. Over time, the depictions of these plants in art may have morphed from heart-shaped leaves to simply the heart shape.

    The heart shape connection to love may come from anatomy drawings dating back to the Middle Ages.

    Since the heart organ has long been seen as connected to human emotions, the heart-shaped drawing of the organ eventually began to represent love.

    Saint Valentine and his role in the love-filled holiday is equally uncertain.

    Some say Saint Valentine did not agree with a law forbidding young men from marrying (in hopes of making them more battle worthy), so he performed marriage ceremonies in secret. However, others believe Saint Valentine was another (of the dozen or so who held the name Valentine) martyred man altogether.

    The heart shape’s prominence in nature was a difficult one to find information on.

    The only thing that even suggested the reason for the occurrence of this shape in nature, referred exclusively to the leaf shape. It proposed the heart shape enabled the plants to obtain more sunlight.

    The holiday was likely invented by a poet!

    Geoffrey Chaucer, who often combined or altered traditions in his poems, wrote Parliament of Foules in 1375 and suggested that on the day February 14th birds and humans should come together and find a mate.

    “For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne’s day / Whan every foul cometh ther to choose his mate.”

    Hearts found in nature

    Now, you might be thinking, where are some good places to start hunting for nature hearts? This is a great question and the answer is simple. Pretty much everywhere outdoors! Check out these ideas to get you started on your nature heart hunt.

    • Clouds
    • Rocks
    • Leaves
    • Puddles
    • Fungi
    • Lichen
    • Tree bark
    • Shadows
    • Animal spots
    • Tree cavities
    • Animal tracks (think deer hooves or dog prints)
    • Cactus limbs
    • Shells
    • Tree stumps
    • Cracks in mud or sidewalks
    • Snow mounds
    • Tree branches
    • Flowers
    • Black walnuts (look inside)
    • Graffiti or murals

    Outdoor Valentines Activities for Kids - nature heart huntnature heart hunt with kids - Valentine's Day Activities

    Hunting for nature hearts

    The first rule in nature heart hunting is that there are no rules in heart hunting. There is absolutely no wrong way to go hunting for hearts in nature, so your heart hunt can be anywhere and any way you want. My family started going on nature heart hunts a couple of years ago. I cannot remember where I got the idea, but it stuck and we love it. So, whoever you are who shared this idea, thank you!

    You may be surprised to know this, but the heart shape naturally appears in nature everywhere! There are literally hearts all around you! Once you start looking, you will notice them all the time. And if you are anything like me, you will begin to snap a photo each time, too. As a result, you may develop quite a collection of nature heart photos. 

    nature heart hunt

    Eye spy – the heart-shaped version

    Hunting for hearts is such a fun and easy outdoor activity. It’s basically iSpy (eye spy?) where you’re only looking for hearts. You can play this on any hike, walk, or outing. A nature heart hunt is perfect for kids of all ages (and adults). It can easily keep my young children engaged and moving forward on our outdoor adventures. So far, each and every time I suggest we hit the trail and search for hearts, my kids are 100% committed instantly! Certainly, this activity will fail me one day, but for now, I am enjoying hunting nature hearts with my children.

    I search for heart-shapes right along with them and show them any I see. I always make sure to give them an opportunity to point them out first. My 3-year-old enjoys spotting the heart-shaped rocks, tree cavities, and lichen. Whereas, my 6-year-old usually dedicates his time to finding heart-shaped leaves or plants.

    nature heart hunt - how to find hearts all around you

    Find them or make your own

    Do you want to know the best part about this particular nature heart hunt activity? We almost always find several examples, even if they are not perfect. And, if for some reason we don’t find any nature hearts. we simply make our own! It’s super fun to make a heart shape using a few pieces of nature nearby on the ground (leaves, sticks, flowers, etc.) and the kids consider it a complete success! 

    Outdoor Hiking Games for Kids - nature heart hunt

    Love actually is all around

    Hearts are literally all around us. They are in the sidewalk cracks, tree bark, playground equipment, leaves, rocks, and clouds. Most importantly, all of these things are available in most outdoor environments and all are great places to find those hidden hearts. You don’t need to go far or anywhere fancy for your nature heart hunt because love is all around, wherever you are!

    So, as this love-filled holiday draws closer, take your family outside (a park, playground, neighborhood walk, trail hike, or any other adventure) and go hunting for nature hearts. It is easy and fun and will fill your heart with happiness. 

    Have you ever found a heart in nature?

    “When you realise Earth and Heart are spelled with the same letters, it all begins to make sense.” — Unknown author

    About the author

    Katie lives in a tiny home on wheels and travels full-time with her two mostly wild children, tech-minded partner, two well-traveled pups, and adopted pet snail. As they wander the North American continent, Katie explores as much as possible, with a particular fondness for the adventures her family enjoys in state and national parks. When not trekking through the outdoors, Katie enjoys baking, homeschooling, consuming mochas from local coffee shops across the continent, practicing her photography skills, and soaking up as much knowledge as she can.

    As an advocate for families exploring the great outdoors, Katie co-founded a Hike it Baby branch in her hometown in Northern California and tries to encourage families to get outside whenever possible. Katie has a Master’s degree in human development from the University of Missouri, Columbia, but her passion is really history and humanities (which is coincidentally what her Bachelor’s degrees are in). She currently volunteers on the Hike it Baby National team as a contributing blogger.

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