OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

  • GOOD FOR NATURE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Garbage Collecting, Recycling, and Sustainability for Kids

    Teaching our kids about the importance of taking care of our planet is one of the most important things we can do as parents. It can be scary to think of the state of the planet that we’re leaving to them. But there are lots of ways to get them involved, to lead by example, and to help them understand the importance of their actions. Today, Tine Voeten, Belgian mom of two, is here sharing tips for garage collecting, recycling, and sustainability for kids. She’s included two fun hands-on science experiments to teach kids about weather and the effects of climate change, as well as ways to get kids involved in recycling, and crafty ways to reuse waste. 

    Garbage collection

    Talking to children about the environment

    What crazy summer weather we all had, don’t you agree? All over the world, we have seen the results of climate change in the form of wildfires, record heat waves, drought, mudslides, and more. Environmental activism and climate change are quite heavy topics for kids. Nevertheless, raising awareness about our planet and what’s happening to nature is important for children.

    And while these conversations are important and can sound intimidating, they don’t have to be dull and serious. There are plenty of ways to make learning about our planet (and all the ways we can help it) easy for kids to understand. Today, we’re going to discuss how you can make climate change, recycling, and garbage collection fun topics to talk about with your kids. 

    Talk to your kids about recycling 

    One of the easiest and most entertaining ways is to bring up conversations around climate change and how our behavior influences nature is by talking about recycling (and by the act of recycling). Recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be thrown away as trash and turning them into new products. Recycling is important because it prevents further pollution and reduces the need to harvest new raw materials. Recycling can make a huge difference to our environment, our quality of life, and our future. It also saves energy and money, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, and allows products to be used to their fullest extent.

    Small actions make a big impact

    The first place to start is in your own home. Small changes in our everyday life can make a big impact. There are a wide range of materials that can be recycled through your curbside recycling program. These consist of obvious materials, including paper and glass, as well as less obvious materials, including most forms of metal, and even food. Knowing and understanding what can be recycled in your area, as well as properly sorting your recyclables is important in ensuring that the items in your recycling bin actually make it to your local recycling center, don’t slow down or burden the system, and in time, actually get turned into something new. 

    Just because you’re starting small doesn’t mean that your efforts are useless. Your actions will change more than you think. But, also try to think big with your kids. Look for ways to get them involved in the process and take ownership over their eco-friendly actions. One way to do this is to go on a garbage collection mission with the kids! Outdoor clean-up projects are the perfect way to talk to your kids about the importance of recycling, how imperative it is to live by “leave no trace” rules, and spend time outside together. 

    Waste picking with kids

    10 facts on recycling and waste

    Before we get to the fun part of garbage collection with kids we should talk about what effect mankind already has on the climate. Here are 10 facts on recycling and waste that you can use to teach kids about the importance of reducing our footprint and making sustainable changes.

    • One-third of the produced food is thrown in the garbage
    • A variety of raw materials including paper, plastic, metal, glass, electronics, and textiles can be recycled
    • Aluminum can be recycled forever without any loss of quality
    • If you throw away your aluminum cans, they can stay in that can form for up to 500 years or more
    • Half a million trees have to be cut down just to produce the Sunday newspaper each week
    • Every minute forests the size of 20 football fields are cut down
    • The average family uses 6 trees worth of paper each year
    • Glass can be recycled over and over again
    • Our plastic waste created a gigantic ‘plastic soup’ in the Pacific Ocean that’s 1.6 million square kilometers (which is twice the size of Texas)
    • More than 1,200 species of fish and sea mammals are impacted by plastic, through ingestion or entanglement (both which can make them sick or kill them)

    Garbage collection with kids

    Inspiring change through hands-on learning

    Giving them facts and info about our planet and consumption is one thing, but how do we inspire our littles ones to take action that will help make a difference? How can we teach them about taking care of our planet in a tangible way that will produce real results for the right reason? 

    We can start by showing them exactly how the climate works and what our effects are on the environment. Kids learn best by doing, by playing, by being a part of the action. Science experiments are one way that we like to teach our daughters about the world around us. Below, I’ll walk you through two cool experiments you can do with your kids at home to produce a cloud and demonstrate the effects of global warming on the ice caps.  Both these experiments are interactive and creative ways to teach kids about weather and climate with hands-on science experiments. 

    Garbage collection with kids

    Experiment 1 – Creating clouds

    Our first hands-on science experiment is to create clouds! Most kids are disappointed when they realize that clouds aren’t made of cotton candy or pillow-fluff like they’re often depicted in cartoons. Unfortunately, you can’t sit on a cloud! Clouds are made of cold water vapor that is condensed into droplets of water around dust particles. This super fun and simple science experiment will help teach your kids about the physical changes and reactions that happen as clouds form within the atmosphere. 

    All you need is:

    • Glass pot or another open container (we used a vase) 
    • Warm water
    • A match
    • A cold plate or lid to close the pot

    Instructions:

    1. Pour a layer of warm water into the glass container and stir
    2. Light a match, blow it out and quickly drop it in the water
    3. Cover with a cold plate (We used a metal lid we put in the freezer. A plate with ice will also do the trick)
    4. Watch as a cloud of water vapor is produced in the container! You can remove the plate on top to see the result even better.

    But what happens here?

    Water vapor blends with soot/dust particles coming from the match. When these particles reach the cold surface on top, it cools down and condensates and forms a cloud. The same process happens outside in real life. The only difference is that the particles mixed in the vapor can consist of anything – dust, smog, pollution, etc. are all picked up.

    This is the perfect experiment to show our children how clouds are created and formed. Don’t forget to highlight the difference between weather and climate. Weather is what we see when we get out of the house, very locally. This can change every day, and if you are lucky (as in Central-Europe) it changes every hour of the day. Our climate though is based on averages, taken over years and years and measured over bigger surfaces. 

    Garbage collection with kids

    Experiment 2 – Melting ice caps

    We’ve seen how water can be transformed from a liquid to a gas (above), now, let’s consider what happens when it’s changed from a solid (ice) to a liquid. At the North and South pole of our planet are expansive sheets of ice. This ice can have a significant impact on our entire planet’s climate. If the temperature of the air and water gets warm enough, the ice melts. And as the ice melts, water absorbs warmth from the sun (which white ice would’ve reflected back into space). The water warms, contributing to the increasing temperature of our planet. In addition, this melted freshwater can also change ocean currents, affect conditions for wildlife, and potentially contribute to extreme weather conditions. This melting ice caps experiment is easy to do, and helps demonstrate what climate change and global warming can do to our polar ice caps.

    All you need is:

    • A transparent container
    • An object to use as a piece of land in the box
    • Water
    • Ice

    Instructions:

    1. Place the ‘land’ in the box and add with some water, so that the land is not covered. 
    2. Put some ice on top of the land.
    3. Check the level of the water in the box and note how much land is not covered.
    4. Wait until the ice melts.
    5. Investigate how the water level has changed. Observe whether the water level is higher or lower. Is more land covered with water now?

    What happens here?

    The melting ice represents the ice that is melting in the arctic region (parts of Russia, parts of Alaska, Northern parts of Canada, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Greenland, and the Arctic Ocean). It shows the impact of the level of seawater and coast communities.

    When you explain this experiment and its effects to your children, you can refer to the first experiment where warm water forms a cloud. The warmer the earth is getting, the more ice will melt, which will impact the level of the seawater.

    Warning: Don’t expect great enthusiasm immediately with this experiment. It takes some time before the ice cubes melt, as you can see in the picture below. 

    Garbage collection with kids

    Recycling and sorting waste

    Now that we know some of the science related to our planet and climate, it’s time to put that knowledge to good use with some tangible action to make a difference! Let’s start with recycling!

    The first part of recycling is to sort your waste. Separating waste in a proper and correct way is the most basic thing you could do in order to preserve the environment.  Knowing what can be recycled and what can’t in your city is essential to improving the operations of your local recycling facility, as well as ensuring that items that cannot be recycled curbside are being taken to the right place to be recycled. It may seem like a trivial thing, but this simple task actually has a significant impact on our planet.

    Categories of waste and recyclables

    Knowing what can and cannot be recycled in your area is one of the smartest things you can do to ensure that you are diverting as much of your waste from landfills as possible, while avoiding recycling contamination through proper separation. Here are the different categories of waste. Some of these categories can be recycled and others cannot.

    • Organic waste: food waste, grass, leaves, eggshells, coffee grinds, tea bags
    • Glass: white and colored glass 
    • Plastic/metal: plastic bottles, plastic packages, jars, cans
    • Paper: cardboard, paper bags, paper cups, paper
    • Toxic waste: printer ink, lightbulb, batteries, electronic waste
    • Residue: whatever doesn’t fit the others, such as used diapers, animal waste.  

    Garbage collection with kids

    What can (and cannot) be recycled?

    Recyclable items:

    • Paper including newspapers, magazines, and mixed paper
    • Cardboard
    • Glass bottles and jars
    • Rigid plastic products
    • Metal containers, including tin, aluminum, and steel cans

    Non-recyclable items:

    • Greasy paper, such as oil-soaked paper plates and pizza boxes
    • Used paper towels, tissues, and diapers
    • Broken ceramics, light bulbs, and mirrors
    • Film plastics, such as plastic bags, shrink wrap, and bubble wrap
    • Styrofoam, otherwise known as expanded polystyrene
    • Electronic waste (e-waste)
    • Construction and demolition debris, such as concrete and drywall
    • Carrier stock; the paper packaging around packs of drink cans

    Garbage collection with kids

    Getting kids involved in recycling and sorting waste

    If you separate your waste in a proper way, you can help avoid 80% of your waste from going to landfill. And this is a great place where you can get the kids involved. Give them each some chores so they can help you separate waste properly to ensure that it gets recycled.

    For example, one week, give one child the responsibility for paper waste and give another child the responsibility for organic waste. The child responsible for organic waste can use food scraps and such to add to the compost pile. We have our own compost pile and we use it to fertilize our plants in spring. The child in charge of paper waste can make sure that paper makes its way into the proper bin. That child can be in charge of disposing of (and eventually eliminating)  items such as mail, newspapers and magazines, drawings, cardboard boxes, etc. Rotate the following week. 

    Garbage collection and clean up projects with kids

    Another fantastic way to get the kids directly involved in helping out our planet is going hiking with one mission: garbage collection with kids. We bought ourselves a few waste sticks and some gloves and set out on our mission – to fill our garbage bag with waste.

    When collecting litter and trash with kids, it’s important to be safe. While the areas next to roads or highways are often some of the most polluted areas, they’re often not safe for cleaning up with little kids. Save this project for a time you can go out without the little ones in tow. 

    Instead, take the kids hiking in a forest or to a local park or nearby pond/creek. These places are much more kid-friendly and you can almost always find something to pick up (unfortunately). Collect as much trash as you can and at the end of the day, your kids will feel proud of their work and the difference they ade. The next time you go out they will be more aware of what they find along the way.

    A lot of schools organize events where they focus on garbage more and go picking in groups. These are fun, but cleaning up shouldn’t be limited to organized events. We want to make cleaning up after ourselves (and others) a habit in our children. 

    Garbage collection with kidsGarbage collection with kids

    Getting crafty with garbage

    Another way to extend the life out of items before throwing them away or recycling them is by using them in craft projects. You can create so many cool things with objects you usually throw away without even thinking twice.

    Items such as bottles, bottlecaps, rolls of toilet paper, acorns, leaves, ice cream sticks, and can tabs can all become useful in new ways. You can create a sensory game for little ones. Or let your kids create a masterpiece with these simple but beautiful tools.

    It’s amazing how happy those little ones are with their original artistic creations. From now on our kids never want us to waste another thing anymore. Even small paper wraps get reused and turned into something beautiful in this house! There is nothing the children cannot design, as long as you let them use their creativity. And the world is a better place because of this! 

    Garbage collection with kidscreative kids by recyclingGarbage collection with kidsGarbage collection with kidsArt by recycling with kids

    Making the world a better place

    It’s never too early to start talking about sustainability with your children. Adults don’t give kids enough credit – they understand more than we often realize. The more time we spend discussing these issues and leading by example, the more our children will learn. Then we’ll have a whole generation of environmental thinkers and activists coming up after us. 

    We also know there is a lot of room for improvement when it comes to climate awareness, waste reduction, and recycling, amongst other environmental issues. Sustainability is a lifelong journey and one that we need to get our kids involved in. Sometimes the best way to start is, to begin with really small, manageable goals. One thing at a time. Take your time and continue your journey by making the next best choice. If you’d like some additional help with making small (but very important and impactful) eco-friendly changes in your house and life, check out our Earth Day Action Guide. 

    How do you get your kids involved in recycling and sustainability?

    About the author

    Tine is a natural-born adventurer from Belgium. She met her husband, soulmate, and the father of her two girls while working and living in the Dominican Republic. Nine years ago they moved back to Europe and are still exploring European grounds. Her happy place is wherever her kids are, but she spices up life by discovering unknown places, planning new adventures, and going outdoors as much as possible. Having kids added a big value to her life, because seeing life through the eyes of her little ones lifted it to a completely different dimension. Their family goal is to travel the world, living a location-independent lifestyle. The family is now working on a couple of projects to make this dream happen! In the meantime, they keep on exploring and Tine keeps on writing and inspiring other families to explore just like them. 

    You can find more from Tine online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @kidsdelmundo
    RWMC posts: Tine Voeten
    Website: http://www.kidsdelmundo.com

  • FALL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Exercising Outdoors with Kids

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

    exercising outside with kids

    Why exercise is important 

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

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

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

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

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

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

    playground workout area

    Go outside and exercise 

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

    Getting the kids involved in outdoor exercise

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

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

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

    exercise outside

    Make outdoor exercise fun for kids

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

    running with kids

    Tips for starting a family outdoor exercise routine

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

    1. Schedule it

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

    2. Let the kids get themselves ready

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

    family race

    3. Decide what exercises to do

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

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

    4. Let your surroundings help choose your activity

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

    family fun run

    Outdoor exercise ideas with kids

    1. Ladder drills 

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

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

    2. Playground turned fitness center

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

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

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

    3. Family relays at the track 

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

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

    4. Fun runs 

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

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

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

    kids color run

    Creating healthy habits

     

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

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

    About the author

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

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

  • FALL, FARM, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, RECIPES

    Tips for Apple Picking with Kids

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

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

    Apple season

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

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

    Benefits of apples

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

    Types of apples 

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

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

    Child laying on ground under Apple rainbow

    U-pick apple farms and orchards

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

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

    What to know before you go apple picking

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

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

    Two boys picking apples

    Apple picking with kids

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

    What to pack for apple picking with kids

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

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

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

    Boy in blue shirt picking apple

    How to pick and choose your apples

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

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

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

    Exploring an apple orchard with kids

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

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

    Kid-friendly apple recipes 

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

    Sweet apple treats

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

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

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

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

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

    Two boys making apple nachosChild decorating apple slices

    Savory apple recipes for kids

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

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

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

    Apple crafts for kids

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

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

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

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

    A favorite fruit 

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

    About the author

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

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

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

    Tips for Hunting with Kids

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

    Tips for how to get started hunting with kids

    Hunting season is upon us

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

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

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

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

    How to introduce your kids to hunting

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

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

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

    Safety first – hunter safety and education

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

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

    teaching kids about conservation and food cycle with hunting

    Start small

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

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

    kids kids proper gun handling and hunter safety

    Teach children to respect the animal

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

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

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

    teaching kids to respect the animal - hunting with kids

    Give children your old game calls

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

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

    duck hunting with kids

    Having a successful hunt

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

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

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

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

    Set their expectations

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

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

    Let them have fun

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

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

    Enjoy the moments

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

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

    Make sure they’re ready

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

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

    The joy of the hunt

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

    About the author

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

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

    Image credits: @kristcx and @sara_mccarty

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

    How to Have Adventure Days with Kids

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

    how to adventure with kids

    Adventure days with kids

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

    adventuring with kids

    How our adventure days started

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

    What we did have was the great outdoors. 

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

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

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

    hiking with kids

    Creating adventure days with kids

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

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

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

    catching frogsexploring dandelion field

    Simple and intentional activities

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

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

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

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

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

    blowing dandelion wishespicking dandelion bouquet

    Adventure day activities

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

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

    picking wildflowersscooter rides on bike pathsplashing in puddlesriding scooter

    Low maintenance, low-cost activities mean a lot

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

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

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

    exploring nature

    How to have successful adventure days

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

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

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

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

    winter walk with dogwinter hike

    How to prepare for adventure

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

    Most importantly: let it be fun!

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

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

    fall corn maze

    When to spice things up

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

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

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

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

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

    exploring wooded area

    How to get started with adventure days

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

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

    building snowmanpicking tulips

    Incorporating the seasons

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

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

    fall leaf fight

    Creating multiple activities from one

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

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

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

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

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

    adventuring in wooded area

    Adventure Day ideas

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

    Simple

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

    Seasonal

    Field trips

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

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

    rocking throwing in river

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

    Angie Mahlke

    About the author

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

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

  • INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER

    Bubbles with Kids: Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Bubbles and More

    Can you think of an activity that captures the attention of children of all ages? Or one that can be a fun energy-burning undertaking, a science experiment, a leisurely way to pass the time, and a neat sensory fun project? Give up? It’s playing with BUBBLES! Creative Team member, full-time traveling mama of two, Katie Fox, shares everything you will ever want to know about exploring bubbles with kids. Scroll down and get the very best bubble recipes, fun bubble activities, and games, silly bubble jokes, how to make different bubble wands, ways to use bubbles for art, and so much more! 

    Exploring bubbles with kids

    You probably already know this, but bubbles are a fun and engaging activity that kids (and adults) love. Watching them float up and away on a breezy day, chasing them in an effort to pop them, and learning that soap causes these delightful floating orbs are all part of childhood.

    Without a doubt, bubbles are fun and exciting. But they are also so much more! Bubbles are an activity that enables science learning, artistic exploration, a lot of movement, and DIY projects. Indeed, there is so much more to bubbles than meets the eye (I don’t recommend getting bubble solution in the eye though, ouch). Below you will find so many different ways to explore bubbles with your children. Let’s get started! 

    Photo Credit: @suzugarintonaru

    Benefits of bubbles

    Yes, bubbles are fun, but they’re also good for you! The act of playing with and exploring bubbles with kids is actually quite beneficial for both a child’s mind and body. Below are just a few ways that playing with bubbles is valuable to you and your children.

    • Gross motor development. Your children are building their gross motor skills as run, jump, balance, skip, chase, reach, crawl, and otherwise engage with the bubbles.
    • Fine motor development. As your littles grab bubble wands or help build their own wands and bubble blowers, they are working on fine motor development.
    • Hand-eye coordination. Following the bubbles and then reaching out and actually popping one is a skill and it takes practice to get it right. Bubbles help children practice hand-eye coordination in a fun pop-tastic way.
    • Sensory exploration. Bubbles offer a chance to explore new sensory input. That’s right, the sticky, slimy, soap-tasting, orbs allow children to explore their senses.
    • Building social skills. If your child has ever popped bubbles with another living creature, it may not have ended well. Children need time and practice to learn to share and popping bubbles offers the perfect practice setting. If a bubble your child is chasing is popped by another child, you can easily redirect them to the many other bubbles floating around. It probably isn’t that easy (and when is it ever?), you can keep at it and know that playing in the same bubble popping zone still provides social skill building – even if it ends in crying.
    Photo Credit: @mistyhofert

    Bubble solution recipes

    There are so many different ways to make bubbles. Obviously, the tried and true method of using plain ol’ dish soap and water is there for a reason. It works, it’s easy, and parents already have those items on hand. But, if you are looking for a different way to make bubbles with your kids, look no further. Here are some of the best bubble solution recipes for making bubbles with kids.

    • Basic bubble recipe: Home Science Tools shares an easy bubble recipe to make with your children. Because it includes glycerin, the bubbles are stronger than simple dish soap and water. 
    • Colorful bubble foam recipe: Instead of making bubbles you can blow, give this amazing foaming bubble recipe from Fun at Home with Kids a try. 
    • Glow in the dark bubble recipe: Looking for a new way to explore bubbles with kids? This glow-in-the-dark bubble recipe from Growing a Jeweled Rose is a perfect way to wow your kids with bubbles in a whole new way. 
    • Colorful bubble recipe: How about colorful bubbles? Use this Mama Plus One recipe for creating bubbles in a variety of colors. You could make black and orange bubbles to enjoy during Halloween or each color of the rainbow and then try to get all seven colors in the air at the same time. 
    • Reusable slime bubble recipe: This is not exactly a bubble, but this slime bubble recipe from Little Bins for Little Hands is fantastic for making large reusable bubbles. 
    • Pre-made bubbles: Don’t want to mess with making your own bubble solution? You can purchase premade bubble solution at nearly any retail store that sells toys. We recommend Bubble Tree Sustainable bubble refills that come in a recyclable box since it cuts out all the plastic that bubble solutions usually come in. Or this giant bubble mix concentrate, which is great for blowing huge bubbles, has less plastic, and allows you to make an enormous amount of bubble solution! 
    Photo Credit: @maryammorrison
    Photo Credit: @thesewildwilliamses

    Bubble activities and games

    Playing with bubbles is a ton of fun. There is no need to go beyond the basics of blowing and chasing, but kids also love variety. So if you want to find new ways to explore bubbles, below are a few great ways to do just that!

    • Create giant bubbles. Making bubbles that are large and in charge is always a hit. Happy Hooligans shares how to make giant bubbles with straws and string.
    • Count how many bubbles you can pop. This is a simple and fun way to add a little something more to chasing bubbles and popping them. Plus, if you have a young child that needs to work on counting, it’s a great way to throw in some learning through play.
    • Blow bubbles using your hands. Don’t have a bubble wand or want to try different ways to blow bubbles? How about using your hands to blow bubbles with this helpful guide from Housing a Forest.
    • Chase all the bubbles. This is a classic and likely completely instinctual activity. If you have older kids, have them help you blow bubbles for the younger kids. Younger kids love chasing bubbles and this activity is likely to keep them occupied for quite a while. There are also automatic bubble blowers, which come highly recommended by parents of kids who can play this game indefinitely.
    • Stand inside a giant bubble. Have you ever stood inside a bubble or wanted to? This article from No Biggie will walk you through how to make a giant bubble you can stand in!
    Photo Credit: @travelling_balloon
    Photo Credit: @karenayon__

    Even more bubble fun and games

    • Blow bubbles with bubble gum. This is a skill most children desire to learn and what better time than now! This is an activity you can practice while out on walks or while on a road trip. Bubble gum totally counts as exploring bubbles.
    • Make scented bubbles. This is a neat way to add another sensory element to exploring bubbles with kids. Add a variety of scents to your bubble fun with this post from Momma’s Fun World.
    • Try to catch the bubbles. This is a classic game and one that is not as easy as it seems. Make sure to dip your hands in the bubble solution to make catching the bubble without popping it easier. You can also make this activity more difficult by using bubble wands, spoons, and other items to try and catch the bubbles.
    • Rainbow bubble snakes. This activity from Housing a Forest looks like a blast and creates a really neat continuous line of bubble foam. This is a perfect activity and could probably even be done indoors (like in the bathtub) on a rainy day.
    • Play bubble hide and seek. This game is played almost exactly like the original, except the person who is it blows bubbles whenever they find a hidden player. The newly found players join the “it” person and also blow bubbles each time they find a hidden player.
    • Freeze a bubble. This is the perfect summer (and maybe even winter) activity to do with kids. It is always fun to explore ice and making a frozen bubble with this Fireflies and Mudpies guide is sure to be a hit. 
    • Take a bubble bath. Can’t get outside? No worries, exploring bubbles can happen in the bathtub too! You can add food coloring to the water to make the experience colorful and even experiment with different types of soaps to see which bubbles are the biggest. If you wanted to take a bubble bath outside, try filling up a kiddie pool and adding some soap. 
    Photo Credit: @theresaspector_photography
    Photo Credit: @bella_rose_visualartist

    Bubble science experiments

    Let’s not forget that adding soap to water and seeing what happens is technically a science experiment! With that in mind, bubbles offer a variety of different science experiments. Not only will your children (and maybe even you) be learning, but you’ll also be engaged in even more bubble fun with your kids.

    • Make a bubble inside a bubble. Steve Spangler Science shares a neat and easy-to-follow tutorial on making a bubble inside a bubble.
    • Create a square bubble. Usually, bubbles are spheres, right? Well, Science Sparks shares how you can make square bubbles and it is worth trying at least once.
    • Test what you can use to blow bubbles. This one is fun and walks you right through the whole making a hypothesis and testing the theory aspects of science. Gather some household items (spatulas, whisks, etc.) and nature items and see which items work best for blowing and making bubbles.
    • Bouncing a bubble. Looking for a little fun, some learning, and a lot of laughs? See if you can bounce a bubble following this Little Bins for Little Hands tutorial.
    • Baking soda and bubbles. See what happens when you mix baking soda and bubbles together with this Imagination Tree tutorial.
    Photo Credit: @tbarfield_nine29photography
    Photo Credit: @christinehosleyphoto

    Make your own bubble wands and blowers

    Using plastic store-bought bubble wands and blowers is great and obviously creates hours of fun. But, trying new things is fun too. Here are a few ways to use items you may have around the house to make your very own bubble wands and blowers.

    • Pool noodle bubble blower. Do you have a pool noodle that has seen better days? Consider cutting it up and using this Cut Out and Keep tutorial for making your own pool noodle bubble blower. 
    • Pipe cleaner bubble wands. If you have some pipe cleaners lying around, consider twisting one end into a circle and leaving the other side straight to make a handle. Bam, you just made a simple and effective bubble blower.
    • Giant bubble wand. Puddle Wonderful Learning shares all about making a giant bubble wand and this DIY project is pretty darn easy too. 
    • Bubble shooter made with straws. Straws are not great for the environment, but we see them every day. If you have some lying around or can collect (and clean) the plastic straws you are given at restaurants, you can create this neat straw bubble shooter from Kids Activity Blog. 
    • Recycled plastic water bottle bubble blower. Here is another way to reuse plastics that are otherwise thrown away. Hello Wonderful walks you through how to make a plastic bottle bubble blower.
    • Repurposed cardboard tube bubble blower. If you have toilet paper tubes or paper towel cardboard tubes lying around, this Happy Hooligans easy tutorial is the perfect way to use cardboard tubes for blowing bubbles with kids. 
    • Bubble snake using a sock. Is that missing sock basket getting full? Need to find a way to repurpose those socks that lost their mate? Babysavers shows you how to make a bubble snake using a sock. 
    • Use a fly swatter. This is a simple option that is perfect for younger kids. The tiny holes in the fly swatter make for a lot of really neat bubbles and the long handle, large bubble surface, and the need to swing the fly swatter to make bubbles make it a fun and easy option.
    Photo Credit: @islaandquill
    Photo credit: @sara_mccarty

    Bubble art for kids

    Bubbles are not only for science and games. In fact, there are even ways to use bubbles to make art. Here are a couple of options for you and your little humans to try.

    • Bubble painting with tempera paint. If you have tempera paint, this Typically Simple bubble painting activity is a great way to use it. 
    • Painting with food coloring and bubbles. This Living Well Mom bubble painting activity uses food coloring in the bubbles for a beautiful outcome. 
    • Use a foaming hand soap pump to paint. Have a foaming soap pump lying around? You will definitely want to give this A Little Pinch of Perfect foaming soap pump bubble painting activity a try. 
    • Making bubble prints. Using a straw, a cup, and some colorful bubbles, try this bubble print art activity from Happiness is Homemade. 
    Photo Credit: @prettybittychaos
    Photo Credit: @ps.myfamily

    Bubble jokes for kids

    We can all use a little more laughter in our lives, right? Without a doubt, one great way to round out any bubble activity with kids than to share some silly jokes with them?!

    Q: Why did the bubbles cross the road?
    A: Their Pop was waiting on the other side.

    Q: What did the bubble say to the North Wind?
    A: Nothing, he was just blown away.

    Q: What’s a bubble’s favorite snack?
    A: A pop-sicle.

    Q: What did the kid bubble say to the dad bubble?
    A: Hey, Pop!

    Q: What do you call James Bond in a bathtub?
    A: Bubble 07.

    Q: What do you call bubble music?
    A: Pop.

    Photo Credit: @feelslikehome.photography

    Bubble books for kids

    If you are like me, books are always something to enjoy with your kids. And when it comes to bubbles, it turns out there are a ton to choose from! Here are a few wonderful options you can share with your kids before, during, and after your bubble fun.

    Photo credit: @sara_mccarty

    How are you exploring bubbles with your kids?

    About the author

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

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

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

  • CRAFTS, 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

  • FAMILY TRAVEL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, URBAN NATURE

    Finding Nature in Urban Settings with Kids

    It is a wild misconception that being a “city kid” means depriving young minds of nature and the benefits of a free-range life. When done intentionally, children raised in the city have a unique opportunity to tap into a larger community of nature lovers. While there are some considerations and logistics to giving urban dwellers a sense of connection with the earth, it is possible, and even enjoyable, to find parks and nature within a concrete jungle. Today, Tiana Kubik of @usalongtheway, a city-dwelling and nature-loving mother of two, provides answers to how you can find urban nature with kids. It’s closer than you might think! 

    How to find nature in urban areas with kids - exploring urban nature with kids

    Why you should get your city kid into nature 

    There are many reasons your children should find nature, even in the city. The big takeaway though is that taking the time to connect with nature is good for them, others, and the earth. It is a one-stop-shop for well-being. Here are some additional reasons city kids need nature too.

    • The most pressing reason is the care and knowledge of our earth and nature. As we construct more buildings, creating time to appreciate and engage with nature will be more critical than ever. The more we know about how the earth functions, the more we can preserve it for all living beings.
    • Yoga and meditation have shown that grounding and connecting to the earth and all the elements, fosters positive self-awareness and supports healthy social-emotional development in children (and adults). In fast-paced city life, seeking moments with our earth can help children calm their nervous systems and lead happier lives.
    • The earth is the one thing that connects us with every living being. Finding friends and meeting new people through nature activities supports bonding and social awareness of others. Not to mention, a healthy earth is good for our fellow citizens. So, learning to care for the planet is also about learning to care for each other.

    Now that you know the benefits of exploring urban nature with kids, let’s get outside.

    2 kids in lawn chairs on the Chicago Riverwalk - ways to make city kids more outdoorsy

    Exploring urban nature with kids

    The most basic start to finding nature in urban settings is to get outside. Not every location is nature, but there is nature in every location. Yes, you read that right. Nature is in every outdoor location, even if it isn’t as obvious when you are surrounded by skyscrapers and cement. 

    Here are five easy ways to explore nature in a city environment

    1. The sun, the wind, the rain, and the temperature outside? All nature. Take a mindful and adventurous walk and explore how these elements affect you and the people and things around you. Splash in puddles or play in the rain. Feel the wind on your face or watch how the wind sways the trees. These are things that are all a part of our earth. 
    2. Even the most densely populated skyscraper city has a tree or a patch of grass, someplace. Find it. Study it. Play in it.  
    3. Bugs, birds, squirrels, and so many more critters make their homes in densely urban settings. Go for a walk and count the birds you see, find a bug and study what it does. Find some skat (bird and dog poop counts) and see if you can figure out what kind of animal made it. 
    4. Grabbing a picnic or even patio seating at a restaurant is a practice in enjoying nature. Soak in the experience. Find a farm-to-table restaurant or farmers’ market and get to know the enthusiastic people about where our food comes from. I guarantee most of them will be thrilled to chat up young nature lovers about their process.
    5. Flowers are often planted outside businesses and in various places for landscaping. Find some and smell them. Can’t find any outside, meander through a farmer’s market and find a flower vendor or walk to a grocery store and stroll through the floral department. Flowers do not need to be wildflowers to be enjoyed in nature.

    2 kids running through a community garden in Detroit, MI - getting kids outside in the city

    Enjoying city parks with kids

    Almost every city has a park district. Park districts are a great place to start for some more extensive and often inexpensive activities. Parks are also the perfect place to explore and discover urban nature with kids.

    Going to a city’s park and recreation department website can tell you a few things:

    1. The location of all of the city-owned parks, playgrounds, beaches, conservatories, zoos, farms, pools, splash pads, or other features. This is great for planning and getting the most accurate information on location, hours, and potential activities.
    2. Scheduled activities and programming. The park districts often have classes for kids, adults, and often families. They also may lead volunteer opportunities, concerts, animal encounters, and tours. 

    Once you arrive at a city-owned park, explore the signs and plaques that will often give information about the history or essential facts about where you are. Every city park has a unique story. Especially as urban areas build bigger and taller buildings, nature’s survival in urban areas is a task and a beautiful story of love and care.

    Morton Arboretum Sculpture with 2 girls playing - how to find nature in cities and urban areas

    Explore arboretums and gardens

    Ready to kick it up a notch? Gardens and arboretums are usually the places to go within a city to really up the “WOW” factor. For example, The Morton Arboretum in Illinois has nature+art exhibits throughout the grounds. So, you are getting some great nature plus some art and culture.

    We highly recommend becoming a member at a conservatory or nature center in your local area. There are usually some great benefits. Here are a few of the things we love about being members of an outdoor arboretum or botanical garden.

    1. Take a look at the location you wish to have your membership and see if they belong to any reciprocity organizations like the American Horticultural Society. This will get you into hundreds of similar gardens all over North America, with free or discounted admission. This is especially wonderful if you travel or want to explore lots of places as you travel.
    2. Being in the loop. With social media, this is not as big a consideration. However, members do get the first notices on new exhibits, tours, and programs. And sometimes there are special “members only” events or days where the lines are short and members enjoy special access and treatment. If you are not a natural nature person, getting “personal” invitations to exhibits and programs is a good nudge to get out there!
    3. Your membership fees support those doing the heavy lifting to keep mother nature alive and well. Having a membership to an arboretum or garden will help them continue caring for the earth. Even if it is just within their own space, we need every bit of green world we can keep.

    2 kids on a row boat in Central Park, New York City - ways to find nature in the city

    Finding urban nature that fits your adventure family

    Are you a rock climber, swimmer, kayaker, hiker? Many urban areas have found innovative ways of retaining or creating these experiences. A quick internet search will send you down the rabbit hole of companies and organizations that focus on your specific specialty.  

    Finding experts in your preferred activity will give you the best access to the areas best suited for what you want to do. For example, the local yacht club may offer sailing classes. The park district may have bike and boat rentals. The local nature center may hold classes or nature trips for families.

    You may also connect to small local organizations that have taken on the education and community building around family fun outdoor engagement. For example, Chicago Family Biking in Chicago hosts family bike rides and educational events that help families realize the ease of biking with kids. Big Muddy Adventures in St. Louis hosts family-friendly canoeing and paddle adventures in the Mississippi River, Missouri River, and surrounding rivers and streams. 

    Family Eating beignets on steps in City Park New Orleans - finding urban nature with kids

    Enjoy the city life and nature

    Even with activities that aren’t usually considered nature-y we can discover a connection to the earth and all it gives. Here are a few examples of how you can find and enjoy urban nature with kids in unexpected ways.

    1. Are you going out to eat? Ask to sit outside and admire the planters, trees, sounds, and smells on their outdoor patio.
    2. Walk, ride bikes, scooter to activities as often as possible.  
    3. Volunteer to pick up trash. This can be organized or just buy a grabber and make a habit of going out as a family and picking up trash.
    4. Plant a garden or if you lack space, join a community garden. 
    5. Look for fun programs like outdoor music concerts, festivals, farmers markets.
    6. Use public transportation to check out new neighborhoods and parks.
    7. Take a class. Find family yoga, outdoor art, and movement classes in your urban area.

    Hold your family accountable

    Ideas are great but holding your family accountable to your outdoor goals (or any goals you have) is the only way to increase your outdoor time. Need some inspiration on how to do this? Below are a couple of options.

    1. Join Facebook groups. Run Wild My Child, Hike it Baby, and other outdoor-focused organizations often have online communities where you can gain motivation and learn from like-minded people. There are also likely some local outdoor family groups too.
    2. Follow social media accounts. Believe it or not, seeing pictures of people with their kids outside or reading posts of what others are doing will help you stay motivated to take your own kids outside too.
    3. Join outdoor focused challenges. This is a great way to keep yourself motivated to get outside and may even help create new habits.
      • Hike it Baby hosts a HiB30 Challenge twice a year, with the goal of getting families outside for at least 30 minutes three times a week for one month.
      • The 52 Hike Challenge isn’t geared toward families, but you absolutely can choose to take your kids on 52 “hikes” over the course of the year. And yes, a walk through the same park once a week totally counts.
      • Our Run Wild My Child team is launching a new 7-day challenge that you can use to “rewild your child” called the Wildhood Challenge. This challenge is 7 days, each with a different theme for outdoor play, and will help encourage and inspire you to spend more intentional time outside for a full week, showing you just how easy it can be to prioritize time outside with your little ones when you’re intentional about it. 
    4. Step/health trackers. Seeing how many steps you take each day (whether it’s a few or a lot) is a great motivator to keep taking walks with your kids.
    5. Great a schedule or calendar. If you have a hard time finding time to get outside, set alerts on your phone or schedule time into your calendar. 

    Helping make a difference

    We are big believers that nature should be accessible for all. And spending time outside in nature shouldn’t be just for kids that live in the country, on farms, or in the mountains. City kids need nature and outdoor playtime just as much (if not more) than ever. According to the national PTA organization, one-third of all US children live in urban areas. Living in urban areas can mean it is difficult to access natural areas, even when they’re not far away. Longstanding systems of inequity have influenced the design and distribution of green spaces in and around cities and urban areas.

    Cities across the country are searching for ways to bring nature’s benefits to all children. As are parents, community leaders, educators, and people like YOU (and us) that believe in the importance of nature for all. Achieving change requires a community-based approach and lots of help. Organizations such as Children’s Nature Network have great resources and toolkits to get you started if you’re interested in helping more city kids discover urban nature and making it more accessible for all.

    Additional resources

    Here are a few other resources from our team all about getting city kids outside discovering urban nature with kids! 

    two kids on scooters on a sidewalk - urban nature with kidsFamily on scooter with Chicago skyline behind themPhotography by Thomas | © 2019 TK Photography | http://www.tkphotographychicago.com

    Now go run wild, my city child!
    How do you find nature in the city?

    About the author

    A city girl through and through, Tiana wasn’t always thrilled with outdoor adventures. However, learning the importance of nature + play through her journey to a Master’s in Early Childhood Education changed her heart. She still prefers the hustle and bustle of city life. She also has learned to love all that nature is and gives. Tiana has discovered unbelievably amazing North American destinations by traveling in a DIY converted Sprinter Van with her husband and two kids. She looks forward to new adventures and discoveries every day.

    You can find more from Tiana in the following online locations:
    Instagram: @usalongtheway
    Website: US Along the Way

  • 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

  • BEACH, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SPRING, SUMMER, WATER

    Tips for Sandcastle Building With Kids

    If you’ve ever been to the beach (or even played in a sandbox), you know that building a sandcastle is a fun and easy outdoor activity for kids. Making small structures out of wet sand is easy enough for even the smallest kids. However, building elaborate sandcastles with towers, details, bridges, and moats takes a bit more skill, patience, and expertise! California mom and founder of Wonder Club Explorers, Michelle Garret had the chance to meet up with local sandcastle building experts, San Diego Sand Castles, to learn the ins and outs of how experts build those amazing sand structures. She’s here today sharing all the tips and tricks you need to know to up-level your sandcastle building skills. 

    Tips from Experts on Sandcastle Building with Kids

    Sandcastles mean summer

    Nothing signals summertime fun like sand, surf, and sandcastles! For many families, a trip to the seashore is not complete without building a sandcastle. If you’re like our family, then you might take along a bucket, a few shovels for digging, and brightly colored molds for making sandcastles. I don’t know about you, but we rarely form a complete structure without the sides caving in.

    In search of wisdom and good advice, we did what all modern parents do and we googled how to make sandcastles like a pro! 

    Sandcastle building with kids - San Diego Sand Castles

    Meet the sandcastle pros

    This is how we came to meet the award-winning sandcastling pros behind San Diego Sand Castles. JT Estrella, owner of San Diego Sand Castles, first came to my attention through his amazing displays at my hometown’s annual Ocean Festival. Every year, sandcastle artisans and professional builders compete in this yearly competition and amaze festival-goers with their elaborate and gravity-defying sculptures.

    In search of much-needed tips to fix our crumbling sand towers, we connected with JT’s team member Oona. We hoped that we might soak up some sound advice to level up our sandcastle game. We learned a ton! And now, we get to share the top 7 tips that anyone can follow to make a sandcastle like a pro with you! 

    So, are you ready to up your sandcastle building skills? Are you ready to wow your friends and fellow beachgoers? Here’s everything you need to know to get started sandcastle building like a pro! 

    Sandcastle building tools

    But before we get to those tips, let’s talk tools. Fortunately, very few tools are needed for building sandcastles. You may already have quite a few of these basic tools at home. Here’s a list of what you need:

    • A good size bucket for transporting water and mixing sand. If you forget one at home, don’t fret and see tip #1 below.
    • A sturdy shovel makes the work of scooping heavy wet sand a lot easier. A larger size shovel makes it easier than trying to do it with smaller shovels or one’s hands.
    • Carving tools are essential for intricate sandcastle work. If you’re looking for custom sandcastle tools you can purchase a professional sculpting toolkit from San Diego Sand Castles. To build your own kit, grab a plastic knife from your picnic basket or cake decorating spatula from the kitchen, both tools will come in handy when adding in all of the fun details to your sand creation. 

    sand castle building sand consistency

    Sandcastle building tip #1 – prep your sand

    The first step to building amazing sandcastles is to prepare the sand, which is your building material. If your sand is too wet, it’ll be too heavy and sloppy to use. If your sand is too dry, it won’t keep its shape and crumble. You need the perfect mixture of sand and water, which means wet saturated cement-looking sand. 

    San Diego Sand Castles teaches all of their students a sandcastle building technique called hand stacking. The hand stacking technique is just like it sounds. With your bare hands, you take sand (very wet sand), scoop it and then stack it. The key to handling your sand is to add lots of water so that your building materials look like wet cement or really thick mud. 
     
    To get the consistency of wet cement, it’s helpful to use a good-sized bucket to transport water for your sand. If you don’t have access to a bucket, dig a 12-inch hole where dry sand meets wet sand and allow water to fill the hole. The hole will function similarly to a bucket and provide a basin in which to prep your sand. 

    Sandcastle building with kids- plop & jiggle

    Sandcastle building tip #2 – set the foundation

    When building anything, you need to start with a good foundation. The super-secret technique that professionals use to build up the foundation of a sand sculpture is called “plop and jiggle.” Yes, it’s a very highly technical term!

    The plop and jiggle technique is great for setting a very study foundation of sand on which you’ll build your sandcastle. Luckily, it’s an easy-peasy thing to do! All you need to do is scoop up a heap of sand, plop it down, and give it a jiggle. As the sand dries, scoop, plop and jiggle another heap atop the first one.  

    Sand castle building with kids- stack high

    Sandcastle building tip #3 – stack it up

    The trick to making a tall sandcastle tower is to build up your stacks. It’s easier to build straight up by plopping, jiggling, and stacking on one mound of sand. It is not advised to add additional stacks around the base or you might compromise the foundation of your castle.

    Not sure on how high to stack? A good rule of thumb for kids under 10 is to plop and jiggle a stack as high as their elbow. 

    Sandcastle building with kids- carve & add detail

    Sandcastle building tip #4 – cure and carve

    Once your sandcastle structure has been created, you need to let it “cure” for a bit of time. This means that you let the moisture slowly evaporate from the sand. The length of time needed to cure your sandcastle will depend on a variety of factors, including how wet your sand way, how big your sandcastle is, how hot/sunny it is outside, etc. You don’t want it to completely dry out, but you do want to give it enough time to settle a bit.

    Once your castle is cured, it’s time to add start adding detail. This is the point in your construction where access to carving tools makes the work of carving and adding texture a lot easier. Whether you want to add mermaid scales, diamonds, bricks, windows, steps, battlements, or other intricate details to your creation, the right tools can help you carve into the delicate sand with precision and ease. 

    Sandcastle building with kids- keep it tidy

    Sandcastle building tip #5 – keep it tidy

    After you’ve added detail and interest to your sculpture, it’s time to clean up loose sand from its seams and grooves. A plastic air pump, tube or straw are all great tools that can be used for clearing out extra sand.

    A plastic microfiber feather duster is another tool that professional sandcastle builders use to clean out errant sand from their detail work. You could use a regular paintbrush for this. Regardless of the tool, this is an important step in sandcastle construction that helps to make the details in your sand sculpture really pop. 

    Sandcastle building with kids- crenellation blocks

    Sandcastle building tip #6 – add crenellation blocks

    If you’d really like to embellish your structure, here’s a bonus tip: add crenellation blocks! What’s a crenellation block? Crenels are the rampart blocks you see atop medieval castles. Rectangular in shape, these blocks fortify a castle against would-be intruders.
     
    To make a crenellation block, start with a fresh stack of wet sand. After it dries a little, square it off by slicing into it with your carving tools. Just like slicing a sheet pan of brownies, you’ll want to cut little squares or rectangles.

    Next, slice the base and use your hand to support the block of sand while lifting it. Then,  gently place it atop the tower. It might be tempting to try to carve the blocks directly into your tower, but don’t give in to that temptation! Cutting into the tower will likely cause it to collapse! 

    Sandcastle building with kids- building bridges

    Sandcastle building tip #7 – how to build bridges

    Let’s say you have two towers and you’re planning to go big with your sand fortress. You might find yourself in need of a bridge or two! Bridges are easier to make than you might expect (and really up the “wow” factor), especially when you have two sets of hands helping out.

    To make a bridge, you’ll start with wet sand. As you shape the bridge, a second set of steady hands* can support its underbelly until the sand has dried. Once the sand has sufficiently dried, remove the hands. Voila! Your bridge is done.

    *According to the pros, steady hands generally come from people 10 years of age or older.  

    Sandcastle building with kids

    The science and fun of sandcastle building

    Following these tips, we hope your next sandcastle will be spectacular! Sandcastle building is a fun way for people of all ages to indulge their imaginations. For homeschooling families, sandcastle building is also an opportunity to learn about science. The Australian Academy of Sciences has an excellent article highlighting lessons in the fields of geology, engineering, and physics- all associated with the everyday act of building sand structures.

    The next time you find yourself at the beach, we hope you’re inspired to incorporate these sandcastle building tips! Happy sandcastling! 

    SPECIAL THANKS to San Diego Sand Castles for sharing their tips and helping make our sandcastle dreams come true. 

    Do your kids love to build sandcastles?

    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: Outdoor Etiquette & Nature Manners for Kids, Outdoor Resolutions for Nature Kids, How to Cultivate Nature-Inspired Literacy in Kids

  • 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

  • FALL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER

    Backyard Family Outdoor Movie Night with Kids

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

    Family Movie Night Ideas

    The thrill of a movie night outdoors

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

    Family movie nights are essential for families

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

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

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

    movie snack baskets Solo Stove

    Why take movie night to the backyard?

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

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

    movie night treats

    Backyard movie night supplies

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

    DIY movie night projector

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

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

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

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

    diy projector screen

    DIY projector screen setup

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

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

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

    DIY Movie Screen

    Outdoor theater setup

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

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

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

    Backyard movie setup

    Backyard outdoor movie night seating

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

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

    movie night set up with tent

    Family movie night snacks

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

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

    at home movie snack ideas

    Backyard outdoor movie night in Fall and early Winter

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

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

    solo stove smokeless fire

    Prepare young kids to last the night 

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

    Family movie night success

    How does your family enjoy movie night? 

    About the author

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

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

  • BEACH, CAMP, FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER

    A Mother’s Guide to Backpacking with Kids

    Are you looking for a way to get off the beaten path and reconnect with nature and your family? Do you love camping and want to take your adventures to the next level? Have you ever considered venturing into the woods to get away from it all for a few days with your kids? Well, then today’s post on backpacking with kids is going to inspire you! Creative Team member and Washington mom of 4, RyAnn Peverly shares her experience backing with her sons. She’s giving us the lowdown on how to choose the right backpacking location, what permits you need to backpack and camp, how to plan your adventure, what (and how) to pack, what to eat, and so much more! This post gives you everything you need to feel confident hitting the trail for your first backpacking adventure with kids. 

    Mother's Guide to Backpacking with Kids - everything you need to know for your first backpacking trip

    Starting our backpacking adventures early

    Camping is one of my family’s favorite pastimes. Loading up the car with tents, sleeping bags, a cooler full of our favorite foods. Camping is a blast no matter where you camp, but every so often we yearn to get off the beaten path and find a little solitude away from the busy campgrounds and everyday noises. Backpacking allows us the opportunity to connect with each other and the world around us in an up-close and personal way. 

    We started backpacking when the youngest was six months old. Back then it meant shorter trips, with mom and dad carrying heavier packs. Now that the youngest is 6 years old, everyone is carrying their own weight, and our trips are getting more adventurous. 

    As my children start to get older, and more comfortable in their own skills, I wanted to teach them about all it takes to put a backpacking trip together. 

    How to plan a mother son solo backpacking trip

    Planning a mother/son backpacking trip

    My boys and I decided that we would go on a “mom and me” trip. Just me solo, with them. I was really looking forward to the time we’d spend together bonding and I was excited to show them (and myself), just how capable I could be.

    We sat down together and started planning our trip together. Backpacking is the perfect adventure to blend hiking with camping. It allows you to explore the area a little more, and spend a night under the stars. There are no designated campgrounds, no bathrooms, or running water. No one else around. And it’s glorious. 

    Because you’re away from your car and campgrounds, backpacking means that you carry everything you need for a camping trip on your back. All food, water, clothing, and camping gear. There’s a lot of packing and thinking ahead that goes into backpacking, so a good plan is key to a successful trip. 

    How to choose a place to go backpacking with kids

    Where to go backpacking?

    Our first step was to choose where we wanted to go for our backpacking adventure. Our favorite resource here in Washington is the Washington Trails Association website. Their website, wta.org, has the most comprehensive list of trails in Washington state. This list of kid-friendly backpacking trips is a great resource. Some of our other favorite resources for choosing a location are:

    • All Trails
    • Local guidebooks
    • National Park websites
    • National Forest website

    Things to consider when planning a backpacking trip with kids

    When choosing a location to go backpacking, we take a few important things into consideration.

    • How many days are we going out?
    • How far do we want to drive?
    • What will the weather be like?
    • How far do we want to hike to a campsite?
    • What type of permit or reservation do we need?

    There are so many questions! For this trip, we decided to return to one of our favorite places, Sand Point out on the Olympic Peninsula. This backcountry camping area lies right on the coast of the Pacific ocean and offers so many opportunities to explore. Since the trip would be just me and the boys, we decided to stick to a shorter, easier trail. At just three miles in, we knew the hike wouldn’t be a challenge and would give us plenty of time to spend the day playing at the beach. 

    How to plan a backpacking trip with kids

    Secure your camping location and get the necessary permits

    After choosing our location, we had to make sure we could secure our campground spot. For this particular location, we needed to get a backcountry permit since we would be camping in a National Park. Areas like National Forests and BLM (Bureau of Land Management) do not require permits or reservations. Wherever you decide to go, be sure to check your local rules and regulations and acquire the proper permits before leaving the house.

    To secure our permit we visited Reservation.gov, made our date selection, and paid the associated fees. In addition to getting our campsite secured, we checked the weather and downloaded a map of the trail and area we were going. The All Trails app (paid version) allows you to download maps to an app on your phone for easy navigation. You can also download and print maps from the National Park and National Forest websites to bring along.

    Backpacking trips are a great way to teach your kids map reading skills. 

    Mother Son backpacking trip - how to plan

    What’s in your backpack?

    Now that our location was set, we needed to make sure we brought everything for a great trip. Since backpacking requires you to carry everything in your pack with you to your campsite, it requires lighter, more compact items. This may mean that not everything in your car camping kit will work.

    5 essential items for backpacking trip

    1. Backpack: This pack needs to be large enough to fit all of your gear inside. As the parent, I generally carry a 45-65 liter pack, and the kids each carry their own day pack. It is important when selecting a pack for backpacking that it fits comfortably. Remember, you could be carrying upwards of 30lbs. on your back. The kids carry their own water, snacks, extra clothes, and their sleeping bag. 

    2. Tent: Car camping tents can be used if that’s what you have, but be forewarned that they are generally bulky and heavy. A good backpacking tent is an investment that can be used for car camping also. This tent made by REI has served our family well for many types of camping trips.

    3. Sleeping bag: Because we live in Washington state (and it gets cold here!) we have decided 32 degree bags were the best buy for our money. A sleeping bag at this rating will take us through most seasons. When choosing a sleeping bag for backpacking take into consideration packed weight, temperature rating and type of insulation. This sleeping bag by Kelty is one of our favorites.

    4. Sleeping mat: Sleeping mats play a key role in a good sleep system while backpacking. If your mat is not comfortable you likely won’t sleep well. The same is true for insulation and keeping you warm through the night. There are a lot of pads on the market, and the choice can be a big one. For our family the kids use a closed cell sleeping mat, like this one. For mom and dad, we chose something with a little more cushion. This is one of my favorites!

    5. Stove: There are so many stove options out there, but for backpacking, we have found that we like to keep meals simple and lightweight. For this all we needed was a stove that could boil water, and make a good cup of coffee. So we chose to bring along a Jetboil stove that comes with a french press kit. How perfect is that!

    Some other fun items to bring along are a hammock, a blow-up lantern, small toys, a book for family storytime, and binoculars. For a comprehensive list of what to bring, I generally print off this great list from REI.

    Mother's Guide to Backpacking in the PNW with Kids

    What to eat on a backpacking trip with kids?

    Our next step was to plan out what to eat on our backpacking trip. The boys and I sat down and made a meal plan together. Because we can’t bring the whole camp kitchen with us, we decided to stick with simple foods. When deciding how much food you need, take into consideration how many days you will be out, and how much energy you will be using. We all know busy and active kids get hungry.

    For breakfast and dinners, we stuck with foods that could be cooked with just boiling water. Oatmeal is a great filling breakfast, and adding freeze-dried berries to it is a fun way to add some flavor and nutrition. For dinner, we chose pre-made dehydrated meals that come prepackaged. They are lightweight and generally have 2 servings in each pouch. There are so many great brands out there (Mountain House, Peak Refuel, Alpine Aire) with fun flavors to try. Our family’s favorites are chili mac and teriyaki chicken & rice. I suggest getting a variety of them and trying a few out at home to make sure you like them and pack your favorites. 

    For lunch and snacks, we stuck with foods we know we love. This is the meal plan we came up with.

    2-day backpacking meal plan

    Meal Day 1 Day 2
    Breakfast At home Oatmeal w/ freeze dried berries & coffee/ hot chocolate
    Lunch Backpackers charcuterie 

    (crackers, baby bell, olives, salami, tangerine/ apple)

    		 Tuna wrap

    (packaged tuna, mayo packet, mustard, hot sauce, celery chunks)
    Snack Dried mango, cliff bars, meat sticks Peanut butter M&Ms, banana chips, salmon jerky 
    Dinner Dehydrated meals x2 At home or restaurant
    Dessert Apple Crisp  Extra snacks in car for ride home

    Backpacking meals grocery shopping list

    • Instant oatmeal
    • Crackers
    • Baby bell cheese
    • Olive or pickle packet
    • Salami or summer sausage
    • Packable fruit (apples, cuties)
    • Meat sticks
    • Salmon jerky
    • M&Ms
    • Banana chips
    • Cliff bar (or other granola/energy bars)
    • Dehydrated meals (Mountain House, Peak Refuel, Alpine Aire)
    • Freeze-dried fruit
      • apples
      • mangos
      • strawberries
      • blueberries
      • raspberries
    • Granola
    • Walnuts
    • Cinnamon
    • Brown Sugar
    • Tortillas

    Easy snacks and meals for overnight backpacking trips with kids

    How to store and pack your food for backpacking

    The first thing we need to know is if there are any regulations on food storage in the area we are going to. Each land management has its own guidelines on how to safely store food. It’s important when researching your location that you find out how you are required to do this.

    There are two general ways to safely keep food out of the hands (or paws) of the animals in your area.

    • Bear canister: A bear canister is a hard-shell plastic cylinder with a lid that humans can screw on and off, but animals can not get inside of. The plus side of this type of storage is that you can leave it on the ground. The con is that these canisters are bulky and take up quite a bit of room in your pack. For our trip we were required to bring this, so we filled it with all our food and a few other supplies so as not to waste space. 
    • Hanging your food: The food hanging method is easy to implement, transport, and is made up of a few easy-to-find components. You will need a bag that closes (we use a dry sack), 50 feet of rope or para-cord, and a rock. The idea is to tie one end of the cord to your bag, and the other end to the rock. Then you toss the rock over a tree branch and use the weight to pull your bag off the ground. Then secure the rock end to another nearby tree. When using this method make sure your bag is at least 10 feet from the ground and six feet from the tree trunk. The con of this type of storage is that you have to have larger trees where you are going.

    Setting up your backpacking camping kitchen

    After food storage had been sorted I asked the boys to help me decide which kitchen items would be helpful for our trip. Since we decided on foods that either didn’t need to be cooked or only required hot water, that meant we could pare down our camp kitchen to a few essentials. Besides the stove we were bringing to boil water, our kitchen kit looked like this:

    • Mug for hot beverages
    • Folding bowl for breakfast and dinner
    • Spork
    • Small pack of wet wipes
    • Biodegradable soap 
    • Small microfiber towel
    • Water filtration system

    best water filtration when backpacking with kids

    Water filtration system for backpacking

    One key factor when you go backpacking is to know where your water sources are. Is there a lake, river, stream nearby? If you are hiking into an area with few (or no) water sources you will need to carry more with you. Our chosen campsite had a freshwater stream that fed into the ocean. This meant we only needed to carry enough water for the hike in, and then would be able to gather and filter more as needed.

    It’s important to filter your water before drinking because all natural water sources carry microscopic pathogens. Ingesting these tiny critters can cause some serious upset tummies. In order to avoid this, bringing along a water filter is necessary.

    There are several types of water filtration systems for camping on the market, but our favorite is a gravity filter. These types of filters allow you to fill a larger “dirty” water bag attached to a filter, which then runs through a hose into your water bottle or “clean” water container.

    how to pack your backpack for overnight backpacking with kids

    How to fit everything you need in your backpack

    There’s a lot of gear and supplies that need to go into your backpack. You need a good packing system in place so that you have easy access to the items that you’ll need first and most often. This will keep you from having to dig through your pack every time you need something. Plus, a well-packed backpack means equal distribution of weight, which helps tremendously when carrying a full pack. 

    You should pack your backpack in layers. The bulkiest items will be on the bottom (the stuff you don’t need access to throughout the hike). The most frequently used items at the top. 

    Here are the levels for packing a backpack:

    • Top
      • snacks
      • first aid
      • map
      • personal items (phone, camera, toiletries, bathroom kit, etc.)
    • Middle 
      • food
      • water
      • stove
      • tent
    • Bottom
      • sleeping bag
      • sleeping pad
      • extra clothing

    Now that we had our plan in place, our gear sorted out, our meals planned, and our bags packed, it was time to head out for some fun!

    backpacking with kids - everything you need to know

    Choosing a campsite when backpacking

    My boys and I had such a great backpacking trip. We enjoyed three miles of hiking among old-growth trees that opened onto a classic Pacific Northwest rocky beach. As we continued hiking down the trail we found the perfect campsite right on a point that allowed us to enjoy the beach as the winds changed direction throughout the day. We worked together to set up our tent and lay out our mats and sleeping bags inside. 

    When camping in our area, there’s a right way to set up your campsite in order to keep everything (and everyone) safe. After setting up our sleeping area, we selected a good spot about 70 steps from our tent to set up a cooking area. It’s important to not get food near your sleeping site to ensure you don’t get any visitors in the night. As stewards of wild spaces, it’s our responsibility to ensure that animals don’t eat human food.

    We also picked out a spot where we would store our food when not in use. Again, this should be at least 70 big steps from your campsite. My youngest had fun counting out the steps and finding the “perfect spot”.

    how to safely set up your campsite to keep food away from bears

    A little potty talk…

    Another topic that must be thought about when backpacking is where one will use the restroom. Unlike car campgrounds, there may not be a toilet when backpacking. Fortunately, our site had a shared pit toilet for the area. But, if you find yourself selecting a location that does not have this amenity, you have two options.

    1. Blue bag system: This system is the easiest, but requires you to carry out your poop when you leave. For this style you will collect your poop and toilet paper in a “blue bag” (essentially a dog poop bag), tie it up and put it inside a resealable plastic bag. You take this with you and dispose of it properly after your camping trip.
    2. Dig a hole: This method is a little more work, but means you carry less out with you. First, dig a hole with a small trowel at least four inches wide and six inches deep. Only put human waste in this hole. When you are done bury the waste and put your paper waste in a resealable plastic bag to dispose of properly after your trip.

    Make sure you use the facilities at least 200 yards (or 80 big steps) from your campsite and all water sources. In my pack, I always carry a “bathroom kit” that I keep stocked with a small roll of toilet paper, travel-size wet wipes, small trowel, resealable bag, blue bags and hand sanitizer. This way when one of the kids needs to go I can hand them the kit and they’re on their way.

    how to go to the bathroom when backpacking - bathroom kit

    Backpacking is worth it

    Backpacking can seem like a daunting task to take on when you are new to the idea. I’ll admit, when our family first decided to start this type of camping, I had my reservations. Will we be able to bring everything we need? Can I actually carry all of that on my back? Will the kids complain too much? What if I forget something? 

    Yes, there’s a lot to consider, but its doable, I promise! With a little planning and forethought, it’s easier than you imagine. After our first few trips I realized that backpacking was an amazing way for our family to bond, not only with each other but with the world around us. We have seen some beautiful places because we were willing to get a little uncomfortable, put in the work, and step off the beaten path.

    A few years ago I may not have embarked on a trip with just my boys. I would have been too intimidated, too nervous, too scared to try something new. But, I have watched my kids grow and strengthen their own skills. I’ve seen them become independent and capable, helpful and thoughtful. We work together so it’s not all on me. It builds their confidence and independence. And I can joyfully say that I look forward to many more backpacking adventures with my boys.

    Have you ever been backpacking with kids?

    About the author

    RyAnn is a mom of four (20, 18, 15, 6) that loves exploring her home in the Pacific Northwest. She works as a youth outdoor program instructor for the Mountaineers Org. in Washington state. RyAnn also loves getting out and adventuring with her family as much as possible. They enjoy traveling around the PNW in their converted Sprinter campervan. On her days off she generally loads up the van and hits the trails for hiking, mountain biking, skiing, or climbing. RyAnn is passionate about instilling love and respect for outdoor spaces in her kids and the youth she is lucky to work with.

    You can find more from RyAnn in the following locations:
    Instagram: @mountain_mama4
    Website: Mountain Mama

  • ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, BEACH, BOOKS, GOOD FOR NATURE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Tips for Fossil Hunting with Kids

    Are your kids dinosaur-obsessed?  Do they love treasure hunts? Do they enjoy using tools? Then this outdoor activity is going to blow you away! Today, teacher and UK mom, Hannah Martin, is sharing all the best tips and advice on how to go fossil hunting with kids. Fossil hunting is a fun, exciting, and educational activity for the entire family!  You can do it nearly anywhere and it doesn’t take a lot of fancy gear or equipment. Just a love of learning and exploring. Let’s go fossil hunting!

    The case for dinosaur-obsessed kids

    Before I had a child, I didn’t have a clue about dinosaurs or fossil hunting. Another confession, despite hours upon hours of reading dinosaur books and taking all things dinosaur, I am still no dinosaur expert. However, I admit that I have enjoyed learning all about them with my son. From the armored Ankylosaurus to the sea-dwelling Plesiosaurus, we have played, watched, and read about what feels like every dinosaur possible.

    Interest in dinosaurs not only evokes questions and learning about history, geography and nature: a study by the University of Indiana and the University of Wisconsin reported that interest in dinosaurs as a child, leads to enhanced perseverance (definitely a skill needed when fossil hunting!), improved attention and “enhanced skills of complex thinking, such as processing information.” Turns out that your child’s dino-obsession just might be good for them! 

    Child using magnifying glass to examine leaf fossil imprint

    Benefits of fossil hunting with kids 

    While I’m not expecting my son’s interest in dinosaurs to turn him into an archeologist or paleontologist, I like that it’s made him curious about the world around him (and what came before us). Fossil hunting is an activity that we use to connect the past (and his interest in dinosaurs) to the present (and our interest in nature and outdoor activities).

    Fossil hunting takes patience and perseverance. This is an activity that definitely suits his characteristics; he’s calm and always interested in facts. Fossil hunting is a fun outdoor family activity with many benefits for children: improving their fine-motor skills when selecting small treasures amongst pebbles, risk management when working with tools along the coastline and under cliffs, sorting and ordering, encouraging reading about and researching what you collect, and best of all, it seems to have a positive effect on mental well-being.

    In my son’s own words “Fossil hunting makes me feel calm.”

    Fossil Hunting encourages reading to discover what treasures you've found

    Where and when to go fossil hunting with kids?

    We are very lucky to live near the Jurassic Coast in the UK. It’s a coastline where thousands of sea-dwelling creatures and dinosaur fossils have been discovered over the years. It is a UNESCO site for its outstanding value of rocks, fossils, and land formations.

    But don’t worry! You don’t have to live in a UNESCO site to enjoy fossil hunting and find fossils. Every continent on earth has many fossils. And new species are yet to be discovered in all areas. So, no matter where you live, you can go fossil hunting.

    From research (but sadly not personal experience), I learned that there are tons of amazing fossil hunting locations across the US. There have been hundreds of great dinosaur and ancient discoveries from Texas to Montana, Alaska to Hawaii. The Morrison Formation in the Western part of the US is a great place to be inspired, with Aptasaurus, Allosaurus and Stegosaurus fossils on display.

    There are many other amazing places across the US where you can actually fossil yourself, check out this website for an array of destinations.

    Fossil hunting can be done at any time of year but in the UK, the best months are between November and April. This is due to the rough seas churning up the beach and revealing more fossils. In the US, more fossils are found inland so, lucky for you, it can be an all-year-round activity!

    How to get started fossil hunting with kids

    Fossil hunting books for kids

    The only thing you really need to get started fossil hunting with kids is an interest in the activity! If you have a dino-loving kid, the interest has already been ignited. In order to help your kids make the connection between dinosaurs of the past and the rocks they can find today, check out Fossils for Kids or Dino Dana Both will help your child identify and understand dinosaurs and how they’re still relevant (and being discovered) today. 

    We set the scene for our first fossil hunting day out by using a story by Linda Skeers titled Dinosaur Lady. It’s about the historical figure, Mary Annings, who is now known as one of the most successful palaeontologists in UK history. What excited our son was that the story was based in the place we were planning to visit so he was expecting to find a whole dinosaur, just like Annings did!

    Best fossil hunting dinosaur books for kids

    Fossil hunting songs, games, and activities

    On the journey to our destination, we carry on the fossil theme and, as a family, we sing along to “I’m a Palaeontologist” by They Might Be Giants. It’s a fun and catchy tune that will get kids excited about fossil hunting and the fun things they can potentially find.

    We also play a game where we named a dinosaur for every letter of the alphabet. I warn you this gets pretty tricky at N and O but we had help from our 199 Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals book. 

    The Etches Museum, inspiring kids about fossils

    Dinosaur museums

    In order to give your child a better understanding of what they are looking for and how cool fossil hunting is, consider taking them to a local, child-friendly dinosaur museum. We are lucky since where we fossil hunt, there is a small museum set up by a local man who started fossil hunting at the age of 6 and now, 50 years on, he has a great collection of fossils including a whole Pliosaur and an Ichthyosaur. Our son was very inspired by The Etches Museum and was definitely in the mood to find his own fossils once we left.

    There are loads of museums around the world with great collections of fossils and dinosaur bones. If you’re lucky enough to be near any of these places, they were listed as the 10 best Dinosaur Museums in the world by http://www.thetravel.com:

    1.  Zigong Dinosaur Museum (Zigong, China)
    2. Natural History Museum (Paris, France)
    3. Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Science (Brussels, Belgium)
    4. Royal Tyrell Museum of Paleontology (Alberta, Canada)
    5. Natural History Museum (London, England)
    6. The Field Museum (Chicago, Illinois, USA)
    7. Fukui Dinosaur Museum (Katsuyama, Japan)
    8. Badlands Dinosaur Museum (Dickinson, North Dakota, USA)
    9. Smithsonian Museum of Natural History (Washington D.C, USA)
    10. National Dinosaur Museum (Canberra, Australia)

    Fossils we collected on day out fossil hunting

    Fossil hunting gear and equipment

    There’s really not a lot of gear or equipment you need when fossil hunting with kids. There are a few things that help make the experience safer and feel more legitimate for kids, though. I’ve included a list of optional fossil hunting gear below. 

    Fossil Hammer – While not essential, a fossil hammer will make the fossil hunting experience more of an adventure for your child and give him/her more independence and responsibility.  Our son was very excited that he had his own fossil hammer, but of course, always make sure you talk through safety with them and supervise them while using it.

    Eye Protection – If you’ll be using a hammer and smashing rocks and chipping away at stone and dirt, safety goggles are a good idea to protect their eyes from flying stone and debris. Nothing spoils fossil hunting like a piece of stone in a little eye.

    Collection Tools – Another great thing to have is a little tin or a small collection bag so the children can collect and look after their own treasures. Our son also enjoyed using a small brush to clear away the dust (a paintbrush will work just fine), and a magnifying glass to inspect his findings.

    Hammers make fossil hunting super fun

    What else to bring on a fossil hunting outing

    That’s all the essentials tools you’ll need for fossil hunting; however, there are a few other things you should bring along on your outing. Make sure to pack and dress for the weather. A spare change of clothes is always useful whenever you’re out near the water We’ve learned this lesson the hard way – once we fossil hunted around rock pools and it was a rather soggy affair. We now take our lightweight waterproof suit whenever we’re out and about. Then again, we do live in England!

    Shoes with a good grip are also recommended as some areas can be slippery under cliffs. Also, don’t forget lots of snacks and a picnic for a day trip. In the winter we always take our Kelly kettle so we can have a hot chocolate to warm up and refuel.

    Keep the kids energy and motivation high with regular snack breaks when fossil hunting

    Where and how to look for fossils

    The most important tool you need for fossil hunting is your eyes! While you can find lots of tips on where to look for fossils, fossil hunting success is largely down to luck. The longer you spend on the activity, the more chance you have of spotting some cool finds. Here are a few of the places we tend to find the most and best fossils.

    Look for fossils in and at the bottom of cliffs

    Look for sedimentary rock in the cliffs, so anything from sandstone to limestone or shale. On our last fossil-hunting expedition, there was slate which is composed of volcanic ash and clay. It is soft and can be flaked apart or gently tapped with the hammer, which was ideal for fossil hunting with kids. The main fossil you want to look out for in the cliffs are ammonites. But, also look out for Coprolites (dino poop) and leaf imprints. We discovered lots of imprints when splitting rocks apart and along the coastline on large rocks. Sadly, many of these rocks were way too big to take home!

    Make sure that you do not hammer the cliffs, as this can cause landslides and displace large amounts of earth. Just hammer the rocks that have already fallen from the cliffs on the beach. Sometimes, when you look along the side of a rock you can see different layers of earth. This is a good sign that there might be a fossil inside. We didn’t spend too much time under the cliffs as they were constantly falling around us as we had rain the night before.

    Ammonite imprint in rock - fossil hunting with kids

    Fossil hunting in shingle and sand

    When fossil hunting, we enjoy sitting down amongst the shingle and just gently moving the sand and pebbles back. This is usually when some chill-out time is needed. Some of our most successful finds have been here!

    Keep a lookout for “precious jewels”, or sea glass gemstones (small pieces of different colored glass).  Occasionally, you can find semi-precious gemstones such as Rhodonite.  All of these treasures have history and we enjoy looking in our rocks and fossils book to see what they are and learning about them.

    We love looking in the shingle for sea glass gemstonesfossil hunting tips for kids

    Shoreline fossil hunting adventures

    During our shoreline fossil hunt, we play a game we call ‘dinosaur footprints.’ We follow behind our son, walking like dinosaurs, and whenever he turns around we have to freeze. While you’re playing, keep your eyes down and look out for black or white stone-looking objects. You will probably need to pick in the sand with your hands to find them.

    When you’re at the shore, it’s also worth looking for sea snails, echinoids (fossilized sea urchins – they are quite rare), Belemnites (sea creatures similar to modern-day squids), and Crinoid stems (ancient animals related to sea urchins and starfish).

    If you are unsure what you are looking for, there are loads of websites specific to certain areas that you can look up and research before leaving for your fossil hunting adventure.

    The great thing about fossil hunting on the coast is that if you or your kids get bored, impatient, or tired of searching there are rock pools and the sea to splash in and explore, too! Activities on the beach are endless, we love making rock towers (but remember to put rocks back when you leave), and why not have a sandcastle competition or look for wildlife in a rock pool.

    Searching along the shore line for smaller fossils and shark teethThere are loads of things to look out for along the shorelineRock pooling

    Sorting and displaying your treasures

    One of our favorite parts of fossil hunting is coming back home and seeing all the treasures we found. We put our fossils into a collection box and have even made a little resin display for them. Hobie loves taking his collection to school for show and tell and even gets them out sometimes when playing with his dinosaurs.

    Idea for displaying and presenting fossil treasures found

    Fossil fun for the whole family

    Fossil hunting is a great activity for all the whole family. We always come back from our fossil hunting adventures invigorated by the fresh air, with a good feeling of tiredness from walking and playing. We go home feeling a sense of achievement and with a tin full of historical, educational, free goodies!

    I hope this post has inspired you to get outside and see what fossils you can find in your area. We hope to see you out fossil hunting sometime soon!

    Are your kids into dinosaurs?
    Have you ever gone fossil hunting?

    About the author

    Hannah Martin has worked as a PE Teacher in the UK for 15 years. She has always loved being active outdoors. However, she discovered a new passion for nature and appreciating the environment when she had her son Hobie (now 5 years old). Hannah and Hobie’s vision is to inspire parents to spend time doing fun, creative, nature activities outdoors with their children; no matter where they live and whatever the weather. They believe spending time together outdoors as a family will encourage future generations to love and care for the world, wildlife, and environment.

    Find more from Hannah (and Hobie) in the following locations:
    Instagram: @hobies_nature_club
    Website: hobiesnatureclub.co.uk
    YouTube channel: Hobie’s Nature Club

  • ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, FAMILY TRAVEL, GOOD FOR NATURE, LOCAL GEMS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, WATER

    Tips for Whale Watching with Kids

    Observing whales in the ocean is a phenomenal experience. Whales are fascinating and breathtaking. They’re one of the most important creatures in the ocean and vital to our planet and ecosystem. Because of their size and importance, the only place you can see a whale is in the wild. Today, Cape Cod mom of 2, Lissy Perna is here sharing her experience whale watching with kids. She’s sharing tips for parents on what to bring, when/how to purchase whale watching tickets, how to spot whales in the ocean, interesting whale facts for kids, the best places to spot whales, favorite whale books for young children and so much more! Ahoy! Let’s get started!

    Tips for whale watching with kids

    The wonder of whale watching with kids

    There’s something truly magical about seeing the world’s largest mammals up-close and personal, right before your eyes, in their natural habitat. Sharing that miracle with your child and watching their eyes widen when a 40-ton cetacean vaults itself clear out of the ocean is something you both won’t soon forget.

    That’s the kind of wonder that a whale watch with your kids provides! It’s truly spectacular in a way that’s hard to describe in words. You just have to experience it to understand how massive and magnificent these creatures are. Whale watching is magical for the whole family, no matter what age, interest or ability. It’s nearly impossible not to be impressed by these amazing animals. 

    whale watch kids humpback whale provincetown cape cod vacation

    Whale facts for kids

    1. Whales are mammals – Whales breathe air (just like we do), so they need to reach the surface of the ocean to breathe. To breathe, whales have a blowhole in the top of their heads. Whales also give birth to live young. Baby whales are nursed and taken care of by their mothers until they reach a certain age.
    2. There are two types of whales: baleen whales and toothed whales – Baleen whales feed on krill and plankton. Toothed whales eat several kinds of fish (tuna, cod, and salmon) and some small mammals like seals.
    3. The blue whale is the largest animal in the world – It’s also the largest animal that has ever existed! It’s larger than the largest dinosaur ever found. 
    4. Whale tails are unique – Whale tails have flukes or lobes. Each fluke is unique to that whale. Similar to a person’s fingerprints, whale lobes have distinctive traits and markers that are helpful in identifying specific whales and species. 
    5. Whales can swim as fast as 30 miles per hour.
    6. Some whales hold their breath and can stay underwater for as long as 90 minutes.
    7. Whales only half-sleep – In order to keep from drowning, whales do not fully sleep as other mammals do.  Whales sleep by shutting down half of their brain.  This lets the other half of their brain remain alert to make sure they take breaths when needed. 
    8. Whales move in groups called pods – Pods can be as small as two whales and be as big as a hundred or more whales. Larger pods are usually formed when embarking on a long migration.

    Conservation value of whale watching

    Observing whales in the ocean can be an exhilarating experience for kids and adults. While whale watching is an economic activity that can provide an incentive to preserve them in their natural habitat, it also has the potential to negatively affect whale populations that are targeted for tourism. It is important for whale-watching tour companies to be responsible and understand both the benefits and the potential impacts of this activity.

    Responsible whale watching benefits everyone: the observers, the tour operators, the local communities, and the whales! Responsible whale watching offers people the opportunity to learn about whales, the threats they face, and what we can do to help. It also provides a research platform to collect data on the behavior and ecology of whales. Whale watching tours can also provide income for coastal communities and gives locals an economic incentive for caring for the animals. 

    Whale species and where to spot them

    Depending on the location where you’re doing your whale watching, you might see one or more species of whales during whale season. Here are the most common types of whales that you’ll see on a whale watch cruise.

    • Minke whales (all over)
    • Humpback whales (all over)
    • Blue whales (Azores, Quebec, Mexico)
    • Killer whales / Orca (Norway, Iceland, Canada)
    • Sperm whales (Norway, New Zealand, Azores)
    • Gray whales (Mexico, Alaska)
    • Right whales (Argentina, Australia, South Africa)
    • Fin whales (all over)
    • Beluga whales (Arctic, Quebec)

    cape cod whale watch kids provincetown

    Whale watching tips for parents

    Have you been on a family whale-watching adventure with your family yet? Preparing for a four-hour tour out on the ocean with your children may seem daunting. It’s easier to do than you think and even more incredible than you can imagine. We’ve gone whale watching as a family multiple times and I’m here to support you with some tried and true tricks to help you have a successful trip. We want to make sure this is a great experience for your kids. Because kids that love animals and wildlife, grow up to be adults that love, appreciate and protect wildlife and their habitats. 

    Set realistic expectations

    In a world where we are accustomed to everything instantaneously and in on-demand form, this type of excursion may need an explanation for your children. For example, heading out on a whale watch is not comparable to going to a zoo. The animals on this adventure are not kept in enclosures, where they’re easily visible and reliably there, day in and day out. 

    These whales live in their natural habitat, a vast and wide-open ocean with no barriers. And while they are the biggest animals in the ocean, seeking them out takes time, patience, persistence, and a little luck. Since the first whale watches that I’ve brought my sons on, I’ve always said, “We’re going on a boat ride; we might even see a whale!” Under promising (and then hopefully over-delivering) can never hurt in this situation. 

    cape cod provincetown whale watch kids

    Planning ahead – check the weather

    When planning a whale watch for your family, try not to book too far in advance if possible. The weather on the coast can be unpredictable and it’s best to pick a day that you know will have good weather. If you can secure tickets the day of or the day before the tour, that would be best.

    Sunny days with no fog and calm winds are ideal weather conditions. Where we live on Cape Cod, there tends to be fog in the early mornings, so we usually avoid the day’s first trip and opt for the afternoon or early evening excursion. Get familiar with the weather in the area where you’ll be doing the whale watching tour and ask when the best time of day would be to go. Also, know your kids and their limitations. If you have little ones that nap in the afternoon, a morning trip is probably best so as to not have an overtired and cranky kiddo. 

    We went out on one particular whale watch where the wind was so breezy and the water was so choppy that it was hard to stand up on the boat without falling. Despite the rough seas, we enjoyed ourselves and still managed to see whales. However, the Captain decided against traveling all the way out to Stellwagen Bank, which is the ultimate destination for whale sightings in our area. Thankfully, my son was just delighted to be on the ocean and in a boat, so he was not disappointed in the least! (Again, set those expectations low.)

    kids whale watch cape cod boats

    Purchasing your tickets

    Most whale watching tour companies have websites that allow you purchase your tickets in advance online. They usually post the daily schedule of the outings and set the expectations on what you’ll see, need to bring, and when/where to arrive for the tour. Sometimes whale watching areas and tours can get booked pretty far out in advance, due to the popularity. As I mentioned above, it’s best to book as close as possible to your tour date (so you have a better idea of weather), but that might not always be possible. 

    Whale watch tickets can be pricey. Whale-watching tours in our area can cost between $40-$80 per person. To keep costs down (especially for large families), it’s wise to spend a few minutes doing some research to possibly save a few dollars. When you’re ready to purchase your tickets, take the time to see if you qualify for any discounts.

    For example, the Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch Company out of Provincetown, Massachusetts, grants a discount for veterans, military, first responders, teachers, and front-line workers. Also, children four years old and younger ride the boat for free! While young kids are allowed on the ships and will enjoy themselves, keep in mind that strollers are also allowed on the vessel, but the boat’s top deck may not be accessible. 

    whale watch provincetown cape cod massachusetts boat adventure

    What to pack for a whale watching tour

    So now it’s a picture-perfect weather day, and you’ve purchased your tickets. What should you pack for your whale-watching excursion?

    • Sunglasses – Polarized sunglasses are a huge help in letting you see into the water, as they cut down on the glare from the sun on the water. 
    • Binoculars – Get an even more intimate glimpse of these majestic marine mammals up closer, or help the naturalists on the boat look for whales on the horizon.
    • Field guide – There are several educational field guides and books with in-depth information about the whales and other marine life that you might see while aboard the boat. Whale tours usually include “downtime” while waiting for whales to surface or traveling to a particular location, so this is a great time to read up on what you might encounter.
    • Snacks – Most whale watch boats have a concession stand or snack bar of some variety, but we always pack our food and plenty of water. Also, keep in mind that many trips are 3-4 hours long, so make sure to bring a meal if necessary. 
    • Appropriate clothing – Be sure to bring a sweatshirt or waterproof jacket with you, depending on the weather forecast. It can be an additional 10-15 degrees cooler offshore! Flat, rubber-soled shoes are a good idea on a boat in motion, too; not everyone is born with sea legs! Life jackets will be provided by the tour company.
    • Reef-safe sunscreen – Whale watching tours are hours long and there’s not always a way to get out of the sun. Bring a hat and use reef-safe sunscreen for protection.
    • Sea-sickness remedies – If you’ve ever experienced sea-sickness, you’re already aware that it’s a quick way to ruin your day on the water. One way to avoid this is to take a product like Dramamine before boarding the boat. If you don’t feel comfortable with that, you can bring sea-bands, which push the pressure points on your wrists to reduce sea-sickness symptoms. I’ve also recently discovered ginger lollipops that are super yummy and thought to help with an upset tummy. 
    • Cash– This can vary by boat, but many ships do not accept credit cards. Also, it’s nice to tip the crew at the end of your trip!
    • Something to do – If your kids tend to get bored easily, consider bringing something along to have a few fun ways to keep them entertained. Just hanging out on a boat in the ocean is pretty fun, but when the novelty wears off, it’s a good idea to have a game, book, crayons and coloring book, a puzzle, or a few favorite toys on hand. The naturalists on board do a great job keeping things exciting, but it’s always best to be prepared.

    whale watch field guide nature books kids

    Be prepared to ask questions! 

    Come on; you didn’t think this would be a leisurely boat ride, did you? No such luck! We’re here to learn, too!

    Once settled on the ship, a naturalist will introduce themselves and explain all about the whale’s physical characteristics, what they consume, their behaviors, why and where they migrate, and more. For instance, on the Dolphin Fleet whale watch, they pass around baleen pieces, the bristled plates used to intercept food within the whale’s mouths. Seeing and touching the baleen instigated a question with my 7-year-old son, which prompted questions.

    “Do these whales have teeth too, or just baleen?” Our naturalist for the day, Dennis Minsky, was a gracious host and teacher. His career with the Dolphin Fleet began over 25 years ago, and he has been a biologist and educator for 45 years. Dennis’ enthusiasm was apparent while answering the myriad of children’s questions, and he even remembered all of their names for a shout-out at the end of the trip. 

    Kids are naturally curious and they’re bound to have questions. Help them gain the confidence to speak up and ask their questions. The answers may even prompt foll0w-up questions and lead to a love of learning more about these majestic animals. 

    cape cod adventure whale watch naturalist whale watch baleen humpback cape cod kidscape cod adventure whale watch kids humpback

    Navigating the boat

    When the naturalists spot whales, they may use terms like port-side, starboard-side, bow, or stern to describe the whale’s location relative to the boat. So let’s familiarize ourselves with these terms now, and you’ll be expert mariners by the time you board the ship.

    The back of the boat is called the stern. The front is called the bow. So if you’re standing at the stern (back), facing the bow (front), the port side is on your left, and the starboard side, your right. A good trick to remember is that port and left both contain 4 letters. The boat crew may also use the hands of the clock to point out a whale. Twelve o’clock would be the bow, and six o’clock would be the stern, and so forth.

    Also, if you want to be super mature like me, you can show your kids where the bathrooms are by walking them to the poop deck. Yes, that’s an actual thing. 

    whale watch boat cape cod outside oceanwhale watch boat humpback cape cod

    How to spot a whale

    I always assumed the whale watch boats had some sort of super-sonar magnetic-laser-vision on board that could detect the whales and that’s how they found them.

    Nope. It turns out that it’s much more straightforward than that. On the Dolphin Fleet boats, the goal is ultimately to get to Stellwagen Bank, which is the premier feeding territory for humpback whales in the North Atlantic. So, while traveling to our destination, the Captain and naturalists simply use their ears and eyes instead of elaborate gadgets to find the whales. 

    The good news is that you can do the same thing! Keep your eyes peeled and listen. You might just spot a whale first! Want to know what to look for and listen to? Here’s the scoop…

    boat cape cod ocean sea kid children adventure

    What to look for when whale watching

    Breaches, lobtailing, or fin-slapping. Breaching is when a whale’s body fully exits the water and then slams back down, creating a large splash. Lobtailing is when the whale slaps the water with its tail fin repeatedly, and fin-slapping is when the whale uses its pectoral fins to hit the water while laying on its side. 

    Another lesser-known indicator of a whale’s presence would be the spouts of mist created by the exhalations from the whale’s blowholes when they surface for a breath of air. These spouts are visible for miles on a clear day! 

    humpback whale fin cape cod provincetown adventure

    What to listen for when whale watching

    When you’re trying to spot a whale in a huge ocean, keep your listening ears on. “PSHHHH!” is the noise that the whale’s exhalation makes when the whale surfaces for a breath. This sound travels for quite a distance, so keep an open ear. Another sound that some whales make is their songs, even with no vocal cords. Did you know that only the male humpback whales sing, and the sound can travel up to 10,000 miles? 

    humpback whale spout blowhole cape cod

    What kind of whales do you see?

    Since we live on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, we use the Dolphin Fleet whale watch service that operates out of Provincetown, located at the most northern point of the Cape and closest to Stellwagen Bank. This location in the North Atlantic Ocean is a feeding ground during the summer months for many whales species and one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world.

    Some of the most common species on animals you may encounter while on a whale watch in the Cape Cod area would be:

    • Humpback whale
    • Minke whale
    • Fin whale
    • Common dolphin
    • Atlantic white-sided dolphin

    On this particular trip, the whales we saw were all humpbacks. Our naturalist, Dennis, knew all of them by name. Freckles, Scylla, and Nile, were all seen spouting and diving, feeding and gliding through the cold 60-degree water of the Atlantic. We were most thrilled to spot Nile, seen on whale watches in the past, and highlighted in a book written by a local author. Nile is a female humpback who was born in 1987. “Almost as old as you, mom!” my son shouts. Yes, almost as ancient as me. She’s been swimming the ocean around the same land that I’ve been living on my whole life. 

    What else can you see on a whale watching tour?

    Oftentimes, there’s a lot of other wildlife and aquatic animals that you can see on whale watching tours. Depending on where you are taking your whale watching tour, be on the lookout for some of the following animals: bald eagles, dolphins, sea turtles, seals, sea lions, sardines, albatross, pelicans, sharks, otters, blue herons, and more! Just remember to keep your eyes peeled!

    humpback whale watch cape cod kids adventure vacationwhale watch boat adventure ocean excursion cape cod

    Why go on a whale watch?

    Some of my favorite things in life are combined seamlessly when we’re on a whale watch: (1) spending time in nature, (2) connecting with my children, and (3) getting a chance to see marine animals in their natural habitat. A desire to bring others to see and love these creatures grew out of my childhood – I was raised learning about whales, realizing they need our protection, and advocating directly and passionately for them. 

    Thanks to the Marine Mammals Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act, enacted in the 1970s, whale species such as the humpback have made a comeback from near extinction. In addition, whale watches provide a personal experience for the passengers, and are a great way to foster an emotional connection between humans and animals. 

    We cannot protect something we do not love, we cannot love what we do not know, and we cannot know what we do not see. And touch. And hear.” 

    -Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods

    whale tail provincetown whale watch adventure ocean kids

    Best US destinations for a whale watch with your kids

    You don’t have to be on Cape Cod to spot whales. In addition to our phenomenal whale watching location, here are a few other places and reputable whale watching tour companies in the US where you can spot whales with your family:

    whale watch provincetown massacdusetts lighthouse kids cape cod

    Whale book recommendations

    If you want to learn more about whales (either before or after your whale watching adventure), here are some really beautiful and educational books about whales to add to your shelves or check out from your local library. Who knows, maybe these books will help turn your little ones into future marine biologists. 

    Have you ever gone whale watching with your kids?

    Lissy Perna

    About the author

    Lissy lives near the ocean on Cape Cod, Massachusetts with her husband, 2 rambunctious boys (aged 4 & 7), and an ever-growing number of pets. She grew up walking nature trails and finding joy in the beauty of nature. She now shares that love for local adventures with her community through her blog, “Get Outside Cape Cod”. Lissy knows that everyone can benefit from spending more time outdoors, and wants to inspire and support families to do just that!

    You can find more from Lissy in the following online locations:
    Instagram: @getoutsidecapecod
    Website: Get Outside Cape Cod
    Facebook: @getoutsidecapecod