OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

  • CRAFTS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PARK, PRINTABLES, SUMMER

    How to Make a DIY Park Tour Guidebook

    Parks and playgrounds offer endless opportunities for outdoor active and creative play for kids. From swing sets to sporting areas, picnic places, and lakes and streams, exploring new parks with kids can be so much fun! If your local park has lost its appeal and you’re ready to find something new (or you just love new experiences and want to find some fun new places to explore), we’ve got the answer for you…a park tour! Today, photographer and Minnesota mom of three, Angie Mahlke shares how to create your very own DIY park tour guidebook to use while exploring new (to you) playgrounds in your area and ranking them for fun! Give your children the chance to become park connoisseurs on a quest to find their favorite playground!

    How to make a diy park tour guidebook

    Why parks and playgrounds?

    Being active outdoors doesn’t have to be complicated or require a lot of gear or planning – it can be as easy as exploring a local park or playground with your kids. Checking out a new park allows parents and kids to be adventurous, without needing to travel far or spend a lot of time researching or packing for an exotic outing. Most of the parks near us have wooded areas, lakes or ponds, hiking trails, and a playground, of course, which is always the most attractive feature for my kids and the first thing they want to check out upon arrival.

    Like probably most families with small kids, we spend a lot of time at our local parks and playgrounds. They are free and easily accessible and provide endless hours of entertainment for the kids. I wonder what the hour count would be if I had started logging the amount of time we actually spend at parks from that first visit with our new baby 12 years ago? It feels like we’re probably into the millions by now!

    Last year, when COVID restrictions hit and indoor places closed, suddenly, parks were one of the only things available to many families (after the brief window during quarantine when they weren’t, of course). Our parks got more crowded than ever and we got an itch to try branching out to find fun new places to explore. This is what prompted the idea (read: necessity) to spice up our playground adventures! 

    The importance of play and playgrounds for kids how to plan a local playground tour Benefits of playgrounds for kids

    Benefits of playgrounds 

    Playgrounds are safe spaces where children can be themselves and express their fun-loving nature while developing crucial cognitive, physical, social, and emotional skills. Play is a spontaneous activity that children engage in to have fun. But it’s much more than that. Experts in a variety of fields have conducted a multitude of studies on the concept of childhood play all proving the same critical fact —play is an essential aspect of learning. 

    As a child grows, their play becomes more complex. Without being able to play, children’s ability to develop and learn is stunted. Playgrounds provide a place for children to get a full-body workout, including exercises that strengthen their arms, legs, torso, and so on. From the cardiovascular system to the circulatory system, each is nurtured and benefited through vigorous and active outdoor play.

    Exploring new playgruonds and parks with kidsexploring local park tour

    A park tour adventure

    As our local parks got busy (and started becoming a bit boring to us), we decided to venture out. We started talking about plans to explore more parks. And then, we had an idea! What if we hit up all the parks in our area? We could make a list of every park, map them all out and start park hopping. We could call it a park tour! Doesn’t it sound more exciting to give it a fancy name instead of just saying we’re going to hit up a ton of playgrounds?

    But that’s not the big idea. We can go bigger! Let’s not just check out the parks and play, but let’s turn it into a bigger activity. We can record what we liked (and disliked) about each park we visit. We can use a park rating system —similar to a movie rating system—to determine how much fun each park is. Who doesn’t like giving things a thumbs up or thumbs down? What would it take for a park to be worthy of the full five stars?

    It’s time to be an official park critic!

    DIY park tour guidebooks

    And then, we decided to go all out and take it one step further. Why not create our own DIY Park Tour Guidebooks complete with a rating system to fill out after each park visit? Then at the end of the tour, we can look back at our ratings to determine which park is our favorite.

    So, that is exactly what we did! All last summer we carried our homemade guidebooks with us from playground to playground, diligently recording our every like and dislike. Each kid made their own park tour guidebook because they all have varying opinions on what made a particular park great. What one rated a “good” park, another deemed a “bad” one. 

    diy park guide booksdiy park tour filler pages

    To be fancy or not to be fancy

    Making a park tour guidebook is easier than you think. They do not need to be fancy! (Although, if fancy is your thing, you can certainly do that!) When we started making our park tour guide books, I simply wrote out a quick rating system on a piece of white printer paper. Then I made several copies and stapled them together in a bundle for each of us. Everyone decorated their cover page. Then we were off! Easy peasy.

    Your park tour guidebook can be that easy, or you take it up a notch and get a bit more creative. This summer, we decided to do another park tour and make books, but we wanted to do something a bit more fun. Our guidebooks now involve recycled brown paper grocery bags, so of course, the fancy meter is off the charts.

    You can choose to make your books however you want and be as creative or as simple as you would like. If you have older kids, they’ll love making their books personalized to their favorite interests and colors. Little ones might need a bit more help, but they’ll love making it theirs. Cater your books and style to your family and what works best for you.

    If you’d like to make our oh-so-fancy paper bag guide books, I detail the process below.

    diy park tour book

    Paper bag DIY park tour guidebook supplies

    • Brown paper shopping bag (one for each person)
    • Filler paper with a rating system (print my PDF if you’d like) 
    • Hole punch
    • String, yarn, or ribbon
    • Scissors
    • Markers, crayons, paints, or other art supplies

    exploring local playgrounds

    How to make a park guidebook

    I’ve learned after many years of doing arts and crafts projects with my children that it goes much smoother to do all the prep work before calling them in to help. If your kids are little (and maybe not the best with scissors), I would suggest doing steps 1 – 2 on your own before including them in on the fun decorating parts.

    So, gather your supplies and have them ready. For the filler paper, you can either use pre-printed pages (use our free PDF above) or plain ol’ blank paper. If you’re using our template, print out your pages (one for every park you plan on visiting).

    Step 1: Cut the paper bag

    You will need to cut the bag to create two separate panels—a front and a back. You can leave the handles of the bag attached for a fun way to tote it around. Like a briefcase.

    The bags have a natural fold about a fourth of the way up from the bottom. I cut right across the horizontal fold and discarded the bottom half of the bag. Then I cut off both the “sides” of the remaining top half of the bag. This left me with two panels, both containing a handle.

    Step 2: Punch the holes

    If you have a three-hole punch, lucky you. You are set for this next step. But if you’re like me and only have a regular ol’ single-hole punch, you may want to follow the steps below.

    1. Find a scrap piece of paper the same size as your filler paper and punch three holes (as evenly spaced as possible) along the left side. Use this scrap piece of paper as your hole punching template.
    2. Put your front and back panel from the paper bag on top of each other, the handles touching.
    3. Then place your hole punching template on the top and punch the same three holes.
    4. Do step 2 for the filler paper as well.

    Voila! You just took thrice as long to do the same job as the three-hole punch, but you still got the job done!

     

    diy park tour bookdiy park tour book

    Step 3: Decorate the cover page

    What work of art is complete without some actual art? Spruce up the front cover of your park tour guidebook any way you want! This is the perfect step to bring in the little kids.

    My kids chose to draw some pictures and label their park guide books with their names. You could use paint, stickers, stamps, or (gasp) glitter (cue horrified moms everywhere). Be as creative or as simplistic as you’d like.

    DIY Playground books - park ranking system and guidebookshow to create and assemble a park ranking guidebook for kids

    Step 4: Assemble the pages

    Now that all the leg work is done, it’s time to assemble these babies!

    You will need to cut three pieces of string (or yarn, ribbon, twine, etc.) to use to bind the pages together. Loop the string through all the layers (front cover, filler pages, then back cover) for all three of the holes and tie them loosely. You will want to leave a little give so the pages can open and close with ease.

    And with that, your DIY park guidebooks are now done and ready to be tested!

    diy park tour filler pages - free PDF template for ranking favorite parks

    Creating your park ranking system

    So what exactly do the filler pages of the park tour guidebook contain? Other than the park name (that’s important), everything else is really up to you! Last year we listed out and ranked pretty much every single thing we could think of that we may find at a park (slides, swings, climbers, shade trees, picnic area, water features (ponds, creeks), hiking and biking trails, wildlife, parking, uniqueness, etc.). This year, though, we kept it a bit simpler and only included the basics. 

    As the creator of your park tour guidebook, you (and your kids) get to determine what you want to include in your books to judge and how you want to judge/rank it. Think about what’s most important to you when finding a new park. Is it the playground equipment? Fishing pond? Is it a soccer or baseball field? Or maybe other things like size, distance from home, location, privacy, and remoteness?

    And now you get to determine what your ranking system will be. Do you want to give points? Hearts or stars? Thumbs-up and thumbs-down?

    We use a five-star rating system, with five stars being the best. We individually rank each of the items, then we tally the number of stars to determine the final score the park earned. This year we added the fun “thumbs up, thumbs down” rating system as well, to give the park as a whole. Thumbs-up means we’ll come back.

    playground swinging - exploring new parks with kids

    How to create the park tour guidebook ranking pages

    How you want to create the filler pages with the ranking system is completely up to you and your kids. Older kids may want to create their own pages. They can either do that with pen/marker or maybe on a computer. Then you can make as many copies of the page as you need. Or, maybe each page is recreated on the spot and individualized to the park? For younger kids, maybe you create a page for them and make copies. 

    Like I noted earlier, last year I simply hand-wrote the categories and drew the stars. Then I made copies on my home photocopier for each of our guidebooks. This year, I created the template on Microsoft word. I searched Google for some free clipart since my five-year-old can’t read yet. Then I set to work creating a rating system.

    Feel free to use my park tour guidebook rating page template or use it as inspiration to create your own!

    Other fun additions to your park tour guidebook

    Your guidebooks don’t have to be exclusively filled with ranking pages. Include a few blank pages in there for journaling or drawing. Maybe your kids want to draw a picture of the playground equipment so they remember the park. Or maybe they find a pretty leaf or flower that they press and glue on a page. Let them use pages to take notes or write down a funny thing that happened at each park. 

    Think about including a map of your area in your park tour guidebook and letting them plot out the parks they visit. Or a checklist of all the parks they want to visit (or have visited). Encourage them to can draw their own maps of the park, to work on their mapping and spatial awareness skills. Check out this post for more info on map reading skills for kids.

    DIY park books - how to create a park ranking system

    Take your park tour guide books out and play

    Now that your park tour guide books are complete, it’s time to get out and explore! Make a list of all the playgrounds in your area and start hitting up as many as you can.  Maybe you do a park a week over the next few months. Or maybe you plan a full day of park hopping and visit 10 parks in one day! There’s no right or wrong way to do this! Just have fun and don’t forget to bring your park tour guidebooks and take a few seconds (or minutes) before going home to rate your experience.

    If your kids are like mine, they will love expressing their opinions. Sit back and watch their differences roll out! What one kid loves, the other is bound to hate. By the end of your park tour, you just might find one park that the whole family can agree they love and then you have a new family favorite! 

    What makes a park good for you?
    Can you predict which park will be the family favorite?

    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 Chelsea online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @angie_mahlke
    RWMC posts: Angie Mahlke

  • INFORMATION, LESSONS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Teaching Map Reading Skills to Kids: Toddlers thru Teens

    Knowing how to read a map is an essential skill for kids and adults. Not only do you need to know how to find out where you are, but you need to be able to navigate safely to your destination. Now more than ever we’ve become heavily reliant on technology. Our phones and GPS devices are great (when they work), but you shouldn’t be fully dependent on devices when you’re out adventuring. Knowing how to read a map could save your life! Today, we have South Carolina mom of three, Jen Barnes, here sharing how to teach map reading skills to kids. She covers everything you need to get started teaching toddlers about maps, all the way through what teens need to know. 

    Map with a pin to mark a location with text

    The importance of map reading

    What do you do if cell coverage drops can you can’t access the map on your phone? What if your GPS information is incomplete? How will your kids know where to go (or how to get where they need to be) if they can’t read a map. Map reading skills for kids are important. They will help you and your kids gain confidence and have fun as you adventure outdoors.

    Maps are an essential part of any adventure. While many people have come to rely heavily on GPS technology, the ability to read a map is an important skill for kids (and adults) to learn. Whether you head out on a family road trip, hit an unfamiliar hiking trail, or do a self-guided walking tour of a big city, you need a map! Technology has made it easier to get around, but it has certainly not eliminated the need to know where you are and where you are going. 

    Learning to read and use a map teaches kids spatial skills. Spatial thinking and spatial awareness are some of the most important skills that students will develop as they learn how to read a map and about geography, Kids who develop robust spatial thinking skills will be at an advantage in our increasingly global and technological society. 

    Learning to love maps

    As memory serves, there is not one family vacation in my past where a map didn’t have its place. As my dad packed up the station wagon and my sister and I crammed in the back on our sleeping bag pallets (yes, it was the 80s), we set off to explore new places. Never once did we leave home without our trusty atlas full of every road map we would need.

    Admittedly, my dad is a bit of a geography nerd. He loves to pass along his interest and skills to his kids. When the Chicago Tribune published its Geography Challenge Quiz each year it was a family affair. We all participated and we all looked forward to boasting with our tidbits of trivia knowledge. At the time it was just a fun game, but now that I’m an adult, I realize how useful those skills have been and how well they still serve me today. I’m always the navigator in the family. I have an excellent sense of direction and can grasp the context of a place more quickly than others. These are skills everyone can learn, even starting at a young age and building from there.

    History of the map

    Maps have journeyed a long way over the last 3,000 years. From the first written maps to what we now know as GPS (right in our pockets). The oldest surviving map comes from a clay tablet depicting Babylon at the center surrounded by the ocean. The purpose of this map was not for navigation, but for the map reader to place himself at the center with an idea of a bigger world around him.

    The Romans created maps that were largely unrealistic, done to prove a point that their empire was cohesive. First attempts at realistic map-making came from Claudius Ptolemy who was keenly interested in giving lines (longitude and latitude) to distinguish areas. From that maps evolved as economies developed and empires expanded and contracted. Sea voyages that led to exploration and new land discoveries through travel-filled in details of how the world is shaped. Lands and bodies of water could be related to other lands. Fast forward to today and we can still find how maps are useful and helpful even with the technology we have access to.

    teaching map reading skills to kids

    Types of maps

    Most of these maps can be placed into one of two groups: reference maps; and, thematic maps.

    Reference maps show the location of geographic boundaries, physical features of the earth, or cultural features (such as places, cities, and roads). Examples of reference maps include political maps, physical maps, road maps, topographic maps, time zone maps, geologic maps, and zip code maps. Political maps are the most widely used reference maps. These are the types of physical maps that are mounted on the walls of classrooms and found in road maps. They show the geographic boundaries between governmental units such as countries, states, and counties. They show roads, cities, and major water features such as oceans, rivers, and lakes.

    Thematic maps are different. They show the variation of a topic (the “theme”) across a geographic area. Examples of thematic maps include weather maps, income maps, and resource maps.

    Making map reading for kids fun

    Most kids will learn the very basics of how to read a map during their elementary school years. However, if you want to create a proficient map-reader, you will want to start young and then reinforce those map-reading skills when you are out in the real world with your kids. Children of all ages can learn about maps. It’s never too soon (or too late) to teach this fundamental skill. There are lots of creative ways to weave map reading into your playtime and outdoor adventures. 

    You can start to teach map reading skills to kids as young as toddlers and continue to work on building those survival skills out of it as your kids move into the teen years. The key, like most educational things in life, is to keep it relaxed and make it fun. 

    I am a firm believer that kids learn best via experience so this gives them a chance to explore and learn at the same time. Whether that’s incorporating maps in your outdoor adventures or using them to aid in fun imagination play with treasure hunts, geocaching, and scavenger hunts. They’re having fun, being active outside, and learning an essential outdoor skill. As a parent, you are rewarded with watching those skills develop and evolve!

    Kid sitting and reading a map - how to teach kids about maps

    Introduction to map reading skill (toddlers and preschoolers)

    When your kids are very young, the best way to learn map reading is to start with books and pictures. When language is limited and concepts such as space and distance is hard to grasp, you can find other ways to introduce the idea of a map. Books are a great introduction to maps. By reading out loud to young children and showing them pictures of simple maps, they’ll begin to understand the concept that maps are a visual representation of a place.

    Start with books like There’s a Map on My Lap and Follow that Map!, which use pictures and storytelling to teach fundamental map skills without kids even realizing it. A map book will begin to open up your toddler’s world and get their little sponge-like minds grasping that there is more beyond what they can see and experience.

    Find pictures of maps that are beautiful and simple to keep the attention of younger kids. Point to where they are in that moment and then show them where Grandma or Aunt Jane lives so they can see the space between. The scale does not matter at this age, but toddlers can begin to understand place and space and distance.

    Also, start using directional words around your young kids to establish a rich vocabulary around map reading. When you’re out walking (or even driving), note the direction you’re traveling so they get used to hearing North, South, East, and West. Ask them whether you’re turning left or right and help them figure that out. Point out landmarks, street names, etc. 

    Practical applications for toddlers

    As a way to reinforce some of what they have learned, try an activity with a basic treasure map. First, hide a small treasure in your yard or nearby park. Then draw a treasure map using only pictures and symbols. Use landmarks they are very familiar with like the swing set or garbage can or fence so they can follow along easily and not get frustrated.

    Take advantage of showing your toddler maps as you travel or when you visit the zoo, etc. If you are open to involving technology, you can use Google Maps as a more interactive map activity. As usual with toddlers, keep it light and short to match their mood and attention span!

    Kid pointing at a map

    Map reading basics for elementary school ages

    Kids in elementary school still love books, so continue to read aloud and check out books about maps from the library that they can learn from and enjoy at the same time. There are loads books that can help teach and establish basic map skills. For example, there are so many amazing National Geographic atlases, beautifully illustrated books with pictures, fun map trivia and activity books, interesting kids’ road atlases, interactive world atlases, state map coloring books, and more. Your kids at this age will learn more distinct map reading skills as they learn the elements of a map (see below) and how to use them. 

    This is also a great age to introduce puzzle maps, globes, and maps of places they know (like their hometown) or want to know about (like Hogwarts). Let them check out Google maps to find their house and Google Earth to visit far-away interesting places. 

    Basic elements of a map

    The basic map elements of a map include title, scale, legend, compass, and longitude & latitude. Here’s an overview of map symbols, parts of a map, and how elements of a map will help your child learn basic map reading skills.

    Title – The title lets you know exactly what the map is portraying. You definitely need to make sure you have the right map and the title helps you know that you have the best tool.

    Scale – The scale gives you the ratio of a distance on a map to the corresponding distance on the ground. Maps are a tool to give relationship of where you are to where you are going. Map scale helps you decipher the tool and give context to what you actually need to do and how far you need to go.

    Legend – A map legend defines the features of a map by displaying a symbol followed by a text description of what the symbol represents. It all begins to make sense by using the legend on a map. The map key is part of the map legend.

    Compass –  Often also called the compass rose, the map compass is a figure on a map to display the orientation of the cardinal directions North, South, East, and West. The map orientation symbol allows you to understand how the map was drawn in relation to direction.

    Longitude and latitude – The system of lines that describe the location of any place on Earth. Latitude lines run East and West while Longitude lines run North and South. 

    Detailed Trail Map Shenandoah National Park

    How to practice map reading with kids

    There are loads of map reading practice worksheets for your elementary student to learn how to use the map elements. You can find some like these maps and geography worksheets online. That’s fine to start, but I think the best way to learn is by bringing the map to life!

    I suggest choosing an outside activity your kids enjoy that requires covering some distance — biking, hiking, or kayaking. Next, find a map that matches a location where you can do that activity. Study the map together and locate each of the main elements. Try to map out your route on the map and practice the distance with the scale. Make note of any landmarks that may you may be able to utilize.

    Also, consider purchasing a large colorful world map or a large map of your home country (or city or state) that you can display on the wall in your home where you kids have easy access to it. Mark home and then begin making places you visit. Show the kids the distance, use your finger to trace the route you took to get there. Perhaps you can also mark places you wish to visit someday.

    They can also practice making their own map. They can create a treasure hunt map (x marks the spot) or a scavenger hunt map for siblings or friends. They can draw a map of their neighborhood or plan out their route to school. Creating their own maps will help them conceptually visualize their area and think about spatial design, distance, the map key, and directions. 

    Practicing map skills with a travel guide book

    Map reading skills for middle school ages (tweens)

    Reading a map will become more and more natural the more practice your kids get. Tween map reading skills will be reinforced in school with greater detail in their geography curriculum, social studies, and history classes. This will further their study of map key symbols and basic concepts, as well as develop their depth in map reading activities.

    At this age, for more exposure at home, I suggest helping to build their map reading skills through travel guide books. This may seem strange, but having your tween choose some destinations that intrigue him/her will capture the interest even more. All of the great guides like Lonely Planet Kids and Moon Travel Guides have map inserts for every destination they highlight. From detailed city maps to hiking trails within National Parks, these travel guide books will be another excellent practice tool. Finding a place or area that piques their interest and having them read about it is a fun way of teaching map skills that doesn’t feel like work. 

    Tween map skills practice

    If you have an outdoor adventure coming up, task your tween with some map research by giving them specific goals. Older kids love being involved in the planning process and having a say in what you do and where you go. There are fun and simple ways to put this desire to be involved to use in building map reading skills. For example, ask them to locate any interesting pit stops along a road trip route. Hand them a paper map and have them help plan the route from point A to point B during your road trips. Ask them to calculate how far your campsite is from the hike you want to do.

    The main idea at this age is to foster leadership skills and build confidence as your tween ventures more outdoors. These are also opportunities to show your tweens how to be less tech-dependent. They need to know how to use a map when technology isn’t necessary or even possible. Technology sometimes fails, either because you’re in a remote area or maybe your phone dies. Developing your child’s map reading skills now will lead to a time when kids can use their map reading skills to help themselves and others, which will build and grow their independence and confidence. 

    Map reading skills for teens using a guide book

    Map reading for teenagers

    I truly believe that map reading falls under basic life skills for kids. By the time they reach their teen years, your kids should be able to identify the right map to use and know how to properly navigate their adventure. However, if your teen is not yet proficient at map reading, it’s never too late to learn new things.

    It’s definitely never too late to practice and hone those skills. Every teen, whether introverted or extroverted is looking to establish themselves in the world. They are out to prove themselves capable. If your teen does not yet fully grasp the purposes and elements of a map, go backwards and start from where you need to (see the steps listed above).

    You can assign practical map reading tasks to your teen based on their personality and interests. If your teenager is showing signs of leadership and wants to take charge, it’s time to let them fly. When you have a teen that is more reserved or cautious, you can encourage him/her to be the route planner. He/She can take a crucial behind-the-scenes role.  

    Adding elevation to your teen’s map reading skills

    During the teen years, you can introduce topographical maps and contour maps that show not just space, but the land relationship. Elevation is a big deal and very important to know and be aware of before choosing a hiking trail. You will want your teen to be able to read a map that has those markings. Contour lines will help you do this and learn about elevation. 

    A topographic map legend will show natural features and include wavy-like lines that will extend from a peak. These contour lines let you know how much elevation gain there will be on a trail. Understanding how to read elevation on a map will help you determine if you can safely accomplish a hike. Maps provide guidance and navigation by showing what to expect and guide you in assessing specific routes. 

    Washington guide books with maps

    City streets and transportation maps

    Another next step at this age can be very detailed city maps and transportation maps including an MTA subway map or a city bus route map. Knowing how to navigate around a city or plan out your transportation route is a very important skill for everyone to learn and great skills to teach teens.

    One of the best ways to experience a city is on foot and using public transportation. So, this is an awesome opportunity to let your teenager take charge and exercise his/her maps skills. Study the map before you leave home and mark your lodging and main points of interest before you drop in. Note the places you’ll be traveling to and how you’ll get there. Being prepared gives your teen all the more confidence. 

    Tokyo street map great for kids - teaching kids how to read a city map

    Detailed city map of Tokyo perfect for teens

    teenager reading a map in Mt. Rainier National Park

    Dealing with pushback

    Sometimes it can be difficult to convince kids (especially teenagers) that map reading is a necessary skill. They will argue that they can just use their phones or the car navigation system. Much of the time that is true, but not always. Technology can fail. Phones can die. Knowing where you are and how to get where you need to go via an alternate method is imperative. 

    Recently, our family was out adventuring deep in the wilderness areas of Olympic National Park in Washington. It’s an incredibly beautiful, dense, and remote location. It’s also incredibly difficult to get a cell signal for any aid on roads or trails in the area. There were quite a few times when we were unable to access maps on our phones or use our GPS.

    I felt very proud that my kids had the life skills to use a map to locate where we started, where we are, and where we want to go. And while it feels nice as a mom to watch them figure it out, it’s even more meaningful to them. To have the confidence and the maturity to use a tool and trust that their practice led them to a place of security. It gave us all more confidence and independence when out adventuring. I promise you; maps are not dead. 

    Other map reading activities

    If you are looking for other outdoor activities to practice your map reading skills, check out Geocaching with Kids. Geocaching is a real-life treasure hunt, where you find small caches (filled with trinkets and prizes) using your GPS-enabled smartphone. It’s a great way to teach kids about map reading while having fun and getting outside.

    Can you kids read a map?
    How will your kids use map reading skills on your next outdoor adventure?

    About the author

    Jen has been married to her original adventure partner, John, for 20 years. She is a mama to 3 teenagers who, although they have busy and independent lives, love to adventure in the outdoors when they can. Jen is a native of Chicago, but has lived in South Carolina for two decades and calls it home. She’s always planning the next adventure for herself or her friends, whether near or far. Hiking, kayaking, sailing with her family, or traveling the world is all about the experience and the journey. Her extroverted nature keeps her talking and smiling with anyone she meets along the way. She’s on a mission to show other busy families that traveling with teenagers is possible and fun!

    You can find Jen online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @gofamilyadventure
    Website: Go Family Adventure

  • ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, FAVORITE GEAR, FISH, WATER

    Fly Fishing 101: Fly Fishing Basics for Kids

    Fly fishing is a fun and enjoyable outdoor activity for the entire family. Today, nurse, veteran, and New Mexico mom of two, Lea Reynolds is here with an overview all about the basics on fly fishing with kids. She’s sharing great advice for how to plan a fly fishing outing with kids, how to choose the right fly, favorite kid-friendly fly fishing gear, the basics of casting and landing a fish, plus, a great video on how to tie fly fishing knots. 

    Fly Fishing with Kids: Fly Fishing BasicsFly fishing with kids

    Fly fishing has become very popular over the last few years.  It’s a beautiful and peaceful outdoor activity, but it can be intimidating at first. Beginner fly fishermen (and fisherwomen) are sometimes overwhelmed by the variety, abundance, and price of fly fishing gear. It’s hard to know what flies will work best in your area, how to tie knots and where to go fish.

    Today, I am here to help answer all these questions and get you started fly fishing with your kids. I’m here to teach you the basics of fly fishing with kids, from gear to casting and reeling in that slithering fish. This post will cover 3 categories: (1) planning your fishing outing; (2) kid-friendly fly fishing gear; and (3) the basics of fly fishing.  

    Planning your fly fishing outing

    Before you ever set foot in the water, there are a few things you’ll need (and need to know) so that you can plan your fly fishing outing. A little research and knowledge about the activity and your local area will go a long way to making your fly fishing adventure fun and successful. Most of the information below can be found online (check your local conservation department’s website) or from the helpful folks at your local fly fishing shop. 

    1. Get a fishing license

    It all starts with the basics. If you’re going to fish, you need a fishing license. Do some basic research on what’s required to fish on your state’s website regarding fishing rules and regulations (fish and game). Most states don’t require a fishing license for kids under a certain age, but it’s important to make sure. But if you’ll also be fishing (or even just helping your kids cast and reel in fish), you’ll need to have one. 

    2. Check your conservation department website

    Conservation department websites are also a good place to find helpful information on a wide variety of fishing-related things. On your local fish and game website, there will be rules and regulations governing fishing and lots of helpful information, such as:

    1. Fish limit (number and size)
    2. What types of hooks you can use
    3. What type of bait you can use
    4. Whether we can keep the fish or we have to catch & release it
    5. Designated fishing areas
    6. Resources (casting videos, fly tying basics, etc.)
    7. Fishing ethics
    8. Fishing tips
    9. Recipes (and how to clean and prepare fish for eating)
    10. Fishing events (classes, meet-ups, lessons, etc.)

    It’s super important to make sure you follow these rules (and teach kids to do the same) to protect our wildlife population and the sport of fishing.  This is a great topic to educate our kids so they learn to respect the wild and the rules our conservation departments and forest services have set in place. Lead by example and be a role model for your future little fishermen. 

    Fly fishing rule and regulationsfly fishing gear for kids

    Fly fishing gear for kids

    Choosing the right fly fishing gear for kids can be intimidating (and expensive). However, for the most part, kids learning how to fly fish can usually use their parents’ gear. With the exception of waders/boots and clothing, there aren’t a lot of items that need to be specially geared towards children. That being said, giving a child their own fishing gear that’s their size and they’re proud of is a great way to get kids interested in going fishing.  This post will cover the basic gear you need to get started fly fishing with kids.

    Kid-friendly fly fishing gear

    Again, starting out can be a bit intimidating but if you head to your local outdoor or fishing store, experts can help you choose the best equipment for your skill level. Here are a few of our favorite recommendations for kid-friendly fly fishing gear. 

    How to fly fish with kids

    With fly fishing, it’s all about the movement of the fly or bait. We don’t sit in a chair while waiting for a strike on a distant bobber. There’s not a lot of downtime. It’s constant movement and angles and a million different shots. It’s trial and error and retrial. 

    The art of fly fishing is making a successful cast, matching the water speed with a good drift, and mimicking your fly of choice on the water. It’s part art, part science, and part sport. This is what makes fly fishing so much fun! We are constantly moving around the river or riverbank, casting into different areas, and waiting for the bite! It’s non-stop, which makes it so much fun for kids (and adults), as you’re constantly on the move and actively fishing.

    The basics of casting

    The easiest way to picture a successful cast begins with an image of a clock. Consider 12 o’clock as right above your head. The fly rod is taken back to the 2 o’clock position in a “brisk” backcast, then take a slight pause as the fly line straightens out behind you. Next, make a “brisk” forward cast stopping at the 10 o’clock position to cast the line out in front of you. During the cast, it is important to keep the tip of the rod up.

    fly fishing with kids 101teaching kids the basics of fly casting

    How to choose the right fly

    Fly fishing is different than “normal” fishing. Instead of using live bait, fly fishing uses artificial flies that replicate actual insects that fish eat in their environment. Knowing what’s local, what’s in season, and what fish will eat requires some research.

    There are flies, worms, eggs, and even small fish replicas that we use in fly fishing. Several types of flies can be used year-round, while others are more season-specific. I recommend heading to your local fly shop or sporting goods store to purchase the specific flies you’ll need in your area. A fly shop will help you get to know what’s working well at the time and can make some recommendations based on where you’ll be fishing.

    Sometimes, figuring out what the fish are eating is as easy as looking along the river banks or under rocks. You might be surprised to learn how easy it is to determine what bugs, insects, and larvae are active at the time, and find a fly that replicates what’s hatching or abundant.

    how to choose the right fly for fly fishing teaching kids about fly fishing

    The science behind choosing the fly

    Another great way to learn what type of fliy to use is to go out into the river, pick up a big rock, and look on the bottom of it for insects. This is the perfect way to see what insects are in season (aka “hatching”) and what the fish are eating. Here, my husband grabbed a rock from the river we were fishing and underneath it, a stonefly appeared!

    This is such a fun part of fishing to teach our kids! It’s about observation and discovery. It’s about getting to know your area and doing a little science experiment to figure out what’s working. Our little guy loves his dad’s “bug box” as he calls it. He picks the flies up individually and asks bug/insect each one is and then we try to find a live specimen and match them up.

    teaching kids about science and entomology through fly fishing

    Different types of flies for fly fishing

    • Dry flies (parachute adams, elk hair caddis, blue wing olive, stimulator)
    • Nymphs (hare’s ear, pheasant tail, prince nymph)
    • Streamers (woolly bugger, mickey finn, muddler minnow)
    • Wet flies
    • Eggs
    • Worms

    basics of fly fishing for kidsTeaching kids about science - Fly fishing with kids

    Sink or swim

    It’s important to know which flies are designed to float on the surface of the water and which flies should sink. Floating flies are mimicking a flying insect landing on the water’s surface. This requires us to apply floatant, which aids in the fly’s ability to remain on the surface of the water.

    Your first goal when casting is having the fly land softly on top of the water, similar to how an insect would land. Then, the line and fly both drift at the same speed the water is flowing. If your fly line drifts faster than your fly, you may need to “mend” your line, which means gently whipping the line back a bit to allow the fly to drift naturally (without the fly line pulling it or scaring the fish off). During the drift, a nearby fish may look to the surface and see your fly. Suddenly, it begins to rise believing that a real insect is up for grabs and takes a bite!

    If you are using a worm or even an egg pattern, you’ll want to allow this type of bait to sink beneath the surface. Then you allow the current to move your fly down the stream, hopefully right in front of a fish waiting for it! You may want to put a strike indicator on your child’s line so they can tell if/when they get a bite (this is kind of like a bobber). You can never go wrong using a worm or egg pattern, since most popular fishing spots for kids are fished using these types of bait. 

    How to tie on your flies

    Where to cast

    Fish are smart when it comes to where they hang out in the water while waiting for their food. Look for these areas to cast your fly. 

    • Shallow/shady pockets of water
    • Where you see bubbles (oxygen=fish!)
    • Sides of running water
    • In front of rocks with water running down like a small waterfall
    • Behind rocks or logs (fresh like a break from fighting the current)

    Bites! How to reel in a fish

    Now we’re ready for the fun part! When you feel that tug on your line or see your strike indicator submerge underwater, you know you have your catch! Now it’s time to hood and land your fish! Easier said than done.

    To get a good hook set, quickly lift up on your fly rod to create tension, thus “setting the hook.” Maintain tension on the line with one hand, while you use the other to reel in your line. During this time, you can also use the drag setting on your reel to make things easier. A second option is to simply pull the line in without using the reel. Hold the line tight with the hand holding the rod and let it slip through your fingers as you pull the line with the other hand.

    When you get the fish close, grab your net and position it downstream from your fish. Slowly pull or reel the fish in towards it and you got your catch! Gently remove the hook and remember to keep the fish wet at all times. As long as it’s not super hot, you can lift it out of the water for a super quick photo and then right back in. Don’t forget to enjoy the moment!

    He was stoked when he helped reel this bad boy in!
    fly fishing with kids - how to land a fish
    They were excited to share the fish and hold them in the net

    Releasing the fish

    There is a proper way to release fish back into the water if you decide not to keep it for food. When you take fish out of the river to admire their beauty and take a photo, it’s important to remember time is critical. Don’t leave them out of the water to where they become stressed and deprived of oxygen. Out and back into the water as quickly as possible.

    When you are ready to let the fish go, use your pliers to remove the hook from their mouth. Next, gently place them back in the water facing upstream so that the water flows into their mouth and through their gills. Hold them and allow them to re-energize and swim out of your hand. They may be slow at first and even in a bit of a shock, but after a few seconds, they should start to move their tail and will swim away. Don’t ever throw a fish back into the water, as this could kill the fish.

    Removing the hook with use of fishing pliers - fly fishing basicsHow to properly release a fish - fly fishing basics

    Fly fishing fish species

    You can pretty much fly fish for any kind of fish: bass, catfish, saltwater fish, bluegill, trout, carp, etc. All of the tips above can be applied to any kind of fish.

    My family and I fly fish for trout only. Today, I will describe the different species of trout native to New Mexico. Trout are our favorite type of fish, not only for their beautiful colors and patterns, but their deliciousness! Who doesn’t love some fish tacos?

    Trout can be native to your location or stocked by local farms or conservation departments. Trout love cold water, so they’re more prevalent in cold-water streams. There are many different varieties of trout and they look different. you can catch one or multiple types based on your location.

    We love when we catch different species of trout in one location, and it’s even more enjoyable teaching our kiddo the different names. We let him hold the fish and show him the different patterns and colors. He has learned how to gently hold a fish and even release it back into the water properly. Kids learn to love what they can touch, feel and experience. Fly fishing has given him an amazing opportunity to do just that!

    fly fishing for kids - types of fish
    Rainbow Trout: Distinct pink stripe along the body
    fly fishing basics - how to identify different types of trout
    Brown trout: Distinct red spots along the body
    Fly fishing basics for kids - different trout species
    Cutthroat: Similar pattern to a rainbow trout, but has red cheeks and red jawline

    Trial and error/patience

    Fly fishing is all about trial and error. It’s important to be patient when starting out and to teach our kids the same. Fly fishing can require us to try several different types of flies, casts, and sections of water until we find the right one. Knots happen. Tangles happen. Flies are lost. Somtimes you’ll spend more time untangling line than actually fishing. It’s all part of the process. 

    Fly fishing also requires a lot of moving, walking up and down the river, trying new spots and new shots. If your little one is too young to walk, consider a carrier or a backpack (we’ve used both). If your child’s old enough, you can practice cast with them every now and then. 

    Keep your fly fishing outings light-hearted with no pressure. When your kids start to get frustrated or super wiggly, stop and do something else. Working with young children on casting basics and letting them experience catching fish on a fly rod are great at any age. The most important thing is to make it fun so they don’t get frustrated and completely give up before they’re patient enough to really enjoy it.

    Leave No Trace Principles when Fly Fishing

    Leave no trace

    Fishing is so much fun, especially when our kids’ eyes grow wide in amazement and they learn to love the sport. It’s important we teach our kids how to protect the fish and rivers. This is all starts with leaving no trace. Teaching our kiddos the importance of “pack out what you pack in”, cleaning up trash, and leaving the wild, wild. 

    Fishing with your kids is an incredible way to teach them about nature and conservation. From the “circle of life” lesson that comes with using live bait to the “leave no trace” principle of cleaning up after people, fishing is a way that parents can instill a love of nature and a respect for the environment from a very early age. There are so many little ways to encourage your kids to appreciate the outdoors through fishing. Whether it’s by respecting the fish you catch (and keeping only what you’ll eat) to respecting the fish’s habitat. Teaching your kids to fish helps preserve our natural resources.

    For more fish fun

    If you’re interested in learning more about fishing with kids, be sure to check out a few of our other posts:

    Have you ever taking your kids fly fishing?

    About the author

    Lea is a dedicated wife, adventurous mother, Registered Nurse, and Army veteran. She is from New Mexico and strives each and every day to get outside with her wild toddler and newborn baby girl. She and her husband Brandon both served 8 years in the Army and it was during that time their love for the outdoors and seeing the world was born. When they had their son, that passion only intensified. They love to fly fish, overland in their Jeep, hike, surf, and capture these moments on camera. Lea is a professional photographer on the side and you can always catch her with her camera in her hand. Their goal is to influence more families in their rural state of New Mexico to explore the beauty of the SW while educating them on photography tips, medical tips like First Aid, and outdoor safety and gear, etc. 

    You can find Lea online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @wildstokefam
    Website: Wild Stoke Fam
    RWMC posts: Lea

  • BOOKS, HIKE, NATURE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Full Moon Frolics: Evening Moon Activities for Families

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

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

    Full moon frolics for families

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

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

    Monthly moon outings

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

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

    Creating special family traditions

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

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

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

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

    How to plan full moon activities for kids

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

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

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

    1. Note the dates

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

    2. Pick a spot

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

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

    3. Learn some basic moon facts

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

    4. Bring snacks

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

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

    5. Grab some books 

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

    Best moon books for kids

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

    Fiction

    Non-Fiction

    Activities to do during a full moon frolic

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

    Summer full moon activities

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

    Autumn full moon activities

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

    Winter full moon activities

    Spring full moon activities

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

    Activities based on the name of the moon

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

    Photo Credit: Molly Pratt

    Connection and conversation with kids

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

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

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

    Everyone will remember these full moon frolics

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

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

    When are you headed out on a full moon frolic?

    About the author

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

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

  • CAMP, FAVORITE GEAR, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    The Ultimate Guide to Camping with Kids

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

    ultimate guide to camping with kids

    Overnight camping with kids

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

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

    Camping is a learning experience

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

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

    how to go camping with kids

    Benefits of camping for kids

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

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

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

    Tips For Overnight Camping With Your Kids

    Planning a perfect camping trip with kids

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

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

    Choosing the right camping location

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

    If you’ve gone camping before and are ready to venture out a bit farher, here are few tips for choosing the right camping spot for your family:

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

    Camping list for first time camping with kids

    Types of campsites and camping locations

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

    1. Reserved campground (paid )

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

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

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

    2. First come first serve (paid or free)

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

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

    types of tents for camping and campsites

    3. Dispersed camping (free)

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

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

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

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

    4. Camping on private land (paid or free)

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

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

    Tips for Camping with Kids - everything you need to pack when camping with kids

    Choose a style of camping that suits you best

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

    Tent camping

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

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

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

    Rooftop tent

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

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

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

    Overnight Camping with Kids - what to eat, what to bring, what to wear, what to do when camping

    RV/camper camping

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

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

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

    Vehicle camping

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

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

    camping checklist for camping with kids

    Be aware of the weather in your camp area

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

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

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

    Camping essentials for first-time campers

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

    We have made a list of essential camping gear for overnight camping with kids that exclusively caters to tent camping/roof tent camping. 

    • Tent (with rain cover) 
    • Tarp
    • Mattress pad/air mattress 
    • Mattress pump
    • Sleeping bags, pillows, blankets
    • Down jackets (or any cold-weather jacket)
    • Rain jackets, boots
    • Water containers (keep two 10 gallons)
    • Water filter
    • Food supplies
    • Coolers/ice chests (to keep necessary food cold and fresh)
    • Stove/grill
    • Lighter/matches
    • Dry wood (for campfire)
    • Plates, utensils
    • Soap
    • Trash bags
    • Towels
    • Toilet paper (even if the campground has toilets, sometimes the bathrooms run out of TP)
    • Ziplock bags
    • Totes for supplies
    • Lighting (headlamps, lanterns, flashlights, fairy lights)
    • Music/speakers (optional)

    Camping safety is important

    Safety is of utmost importance when camping out in the wild, especially with kids. It is always good to be proactive and prepared. Below is a list of the most basic things you can take along with you to keep you safe and prepared for any situation.

    • First aid kit
    • Flashlights
    • Airhorn
    • Bear spray
    • Bug spray/tick spray
    • Sunscreen
    • GPS-device
    • Map of the location (internet may not work everywhere)
    • Tool kit
    • Rope 
    • Duct tape

    Note: If a life-threatening emergency happens, do not fiddle around using your first aid kit, call 911 immediately. First aid kits are for minor injuries. Unless you are a skilled medical practitioner or have some kind of training related to a medical emergency, call for help!

    Campfire food ideas

    Camping food that can save you time and energy

    Usually, when camping, you can take pre-prepared meals or raw produce to cook at the campsite. If you opt for the latter, we have some quick meals that we cook at the campsite and you’d enjoy it too. 

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

    You can add anything you like to this list. These are just simple food ideas we use on our camping adventures. Make sure you have good coolers so your food is fresh and ziplock bags to store leftovers.

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

    Overnight Camping with Kids - food, snacks and meal ideas for camping with kids

    Easy ways to pack your food supplies and camp gear

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

    Organizing camp gears

    When leaving for a camping trip, make sure you have everything organized and ready to load. Separate things into categories and pack accordingly. We suggest making separate totes/crates for these separate supplies.

    • Dry food & supplies
    • Camp gear
    • Coolers full of cold/perishable foods
    • Miscellaneous

    Label your totes

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

    Pack perishable food in a cooler

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

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

    Organize baby/toddler or kid items in a separate box

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

    Overnight Camping with Kids

    Explore, pitch, and enjoy your night

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

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

    Explore the area thoroughly

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

    Pitch your tent

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

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

    Campfire and food time

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

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

    Sleep under the stars

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

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

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

    Overnight Camping with Kids - tips and advice for parents and new campers

    A few more tips and tricks for camping with kids

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

    We hope this guide, full of tips and tricks for an overnight camping trip with kids is handy for you as a parent. We would love to hear how it went for you as a first-time camper.

    Additional camping resources for parents

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

    family camping gear packing checklist

    Printable camping gear lists for families

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

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

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

    About the author

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

    You can find more from Misha online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @indianoracle
    RWMC posts: Indian Oracle

  • ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, NATURE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER, URBAN NATURE

    How to Find & Appreciate Nature in Your Own Backyard

    Nature is all around us. No matter where you live, you can find nature in your area. Exploring nature doesn’t have to be on a grand scale. It doesn’t need to be overwhelming or intimidating. Nature is accessible to all and there to help teach your kids about the natural world around them. Today, Creative Team member and Texas homeschooling mom of three, Lauren Cain shares tips for parents on how to find and appreciate nature in your own backyard. 

    FINDING NATURE IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD

    Beauty in the big and small

    I love visiting beautiful parks outfitted with amazing trails and stunning scenery. My family and I have no issues traveling some distance to visit National or state parks, whether it be in our home state of Texas or all the way up to Yellowstone in Wyoming. These parks provide a plethora of plants, a variety of vistas, and a bounty of natural beauty. 

    Isn’t it interesting how effortless it is to appreciate and be in awe of the nature surrounding us in these designated “nature areas,” but, so often we take for granted the opportunities to appreciate and be still in the nature literally in our own backyard?

    We want to change that. Nature doesn’t have to be big and spectacular to be appreciated and respected. I have recently made it my mission to teach my kids (and myself) to stop and observe the natural world existing mere feet from our kitchen table. It’s made us so much more appreciative of what we have nearby and so much more knowledgeable of the world around us. I believe there are several ways to do this and to make it not only educational, but fun for the entire family. Let me show you how!

    Learning about Leaves

    Identify the trees that you see

    If you want to learn how to appreciate the nature in your own backyard, the first thing you can do is give yourself a little tour. Take a walk around your area and identify the trees that are in your yard. You can do this by searching online, or downloading a mobile tree and plant identifier app (Seek by iNaturalist is a good one).

    Take plant identification a step further and turn it into a fun tree investigation game for your family. Discuss whether or not the trees that you have are native to where you are located. Can you tell if your tree is male or female? (Yes, that is a thing! And it will definitely make for a fun investigation.) Do your trees produce anything that is edible for humans? What about food/nuts for animals? You can see where I am going with this exercise. Trees can be incredibly interesting if you know their story!

    Taking a step back to pause and notice the trees that you may walk by daily is definitely something that is worth doing. More importantly, this exercise is an awesome tool to aid in the discussion on the importance of trees — not only for the health of our bodies, but also in the health and wellness of the world.

    Hands-on tree activities for kids

    Another great way to explore the trees around your home is to make a botany tree exploration sensory bin using natural items. This activity is especially great for toddlers and preschoolers because little kids learn so much from hands-on activities. A sensory bin is easier to make than you might expect. And, there’s no right or wrong way to make it! Start by collecting fallen leaves, safe sticks, rocks, nuts, pinecones, and anything else that you find while foraging. Gather the materials and place them in a box for your child–it’s that simple!

    For older kids, try a leaf rubbing exercise to get them talking about the difference in leaves from one tree to the next. All you will need is leaves, white paper, and crayons. Place a leaf underneath a sheet of paper and grab a crayon. Hold the crayon on its side (horizontally) and start coloring the paper. You should start to see the imprint of the leaf underneath the paper. This activity is simple and a lot of fun! 

    If you have a variety of trees in your area, try collecting as many different leaves as you can find. Then, using your deduction skills, match the leaf to the tree. Your kids will have to figure out which leaf belongs to which tree by matching the leaves still on the tree. As you find the match, identify the tree. 

    Learning About Trees with Kids

    Get your hands dirty and find some bugs!

    As a child, I loved (most) insects. I’d have fun collecting and observing pill bugs, butterflies, ladybugs, ants, and so much more. Insects and bugs really are fascinating to children and it is truly incredible to think about the diverse insect population right in your own backyard.

    We can find bugs and insects year-round right in our own yard. The spring and summer months in our area are particular favorites, as we get a chance to identify visiting butterflies. No matter when you’re looking, with a magnifying glass and a little sleuthing, you can spot some of the more hard-to-find insects. This observation is a great way to open up the discussion on how the insects in your own backyard play a part in our ecosystem, and what we humans can do to be less harmful to them in the process.

    When you’re out looking for bugs, insects, and mini beasts, don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty! As the saying goes “a little dirt won’t hurt”! As ironic as it may sound, playing in dirt is really an awesome thing for kids. It can help boost their immune system and supports sensory development. We’ve found some of the coolest and wiggliest worms while playing in the dirt. Grab a glass jar to put some insects in temporarily to observe them up close.

    If your little one is scared or apprehensive about bugs or insects, check out our post on overcoming the fear of creepy crawlies.

    Playing with Bugs - finding nature in your own backyard

    Make natural art

    Another way to discover nature in your own backyard is to get creative using natural things that you walk on and by everyday. Turning nature into art is usually so much fun for kids. They love finding things they can use for art projects and it’s so much fun to see their imaginations come to life.

    If you have older children, hold a friendly competition for creating art from nature. Challenge your kids and yourself to create an art piece that reflects how they feel about being in nature, made using items they find outside. If you have smaller children, you can grab a piece of paper and have them create a picture using natural materials found outside (leaves, sticks, rocks, etc.). Make a paint “brush” by tying fallen leaves/shrubs to a stick. Paint a mud portrait using a little dirt and water. Draw faces on leaves or cut eye holes in them to make masks. Collect twigs and leaves and create a nest. The options to create art outside are almost endless.

    Check out this post for more ideas on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) outdoor projects, and crafts. 

    Learning About Leaves with Kids - make nature art from items in your backyard

    Don’t forget about the wildlife

    It can be easy to forget that the undomesticated animals that we see regularly are actually wild animals. They are a part of the wildlife in our geographic region.  Yes, even the pesky squirrel that eats your birdseed or the bunny that always makes your dog bark at 6 am. Wildlife is all around us! 

    Take a pause with your kids and notice the animals that you see and hear when you are outside. What types of birds do you notice? Many of these animals are creatures of habit. Are you noticing the same animals coming into your yard or general location daily? If you are in Texas, if you look around long enough you’ll likely find a frog. You may even find a snake (and in that case, use caution). Have a discussion about why you think these animals keep returning to your location.

    Take your kids on a trip down memory lane and get a disposable camera (yes, they still sell them). Have them take the camera and capture their favorite nature moments. Once the film is developed and printed, work on a nature photo album or scrapbook containing all of their favorite discoveries made literally in their own backyard. This is such a great way to foster creativity, appreciate the little things, and to create an amazing memory.

    You can also set up a nature window in your home for observing birds and wildlife in your backyard.

    Finding a Frog in Our Backyard

    Now, get out and explore nature!

    The great thing about exploring nature in your yard or immediate area is that it can be so simple and low fuss! You don’t have to worry about travel time, packing lunches, paying park entrance fees. You don’t need fancy gear or expensive equipment. All you need to do is open the door!

    No matter where you live, you are surrounded by nature. There is nature in the city, in the suburbs, in the country, in the mountains. You don’t need a national park to make you appreciate the beauty of nature. You just need a sense of adventure and a keen eye. As parents, it is so important to take a pause from the busyness of everyday life and just breathe it all in. Take notice. Show the kids. You’ll be glad that you did. 

    Learning About Nature with Kids - exploring nature around you

    How will you appreciate nature in your own backyard today? 

    About the author

    Lauren is a California native turned Texan, who loves to get out in nature and discover hidden gems all around the Dallas/Fort Worth area. She is a wife and homeschooling mama to three kids who definitely keep her on her toes. She truly believes in the value of homeschooling and that there are learning opportunities available all around us. In addition to homeschooling, Lauren is also an entrepreneur; she’s the co-owner of Crunchy Boutique (a natural-living/eco-friendly boutique). 

    You can find more from Lauren in the following places:
    Instagram: @crunchymamadfw
    Facebook: @crunchymamadfw

  • OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PARK, SUMMER

    Skateboarding for Kids 101

    Skateboarding is a fun and active way to spend time outside. It’s not only a great full-body workout, but it helps build core strength, balance, and confidence in kids. It’s one of those fast-action sports that are not only fun to watch, but a blast for kids to participate in. Today, Chelsea Furlong, a Virginia Beach photographer and skateboarding mom of two, shares all her tips for skateboarding with kids. Chelsea shares everything you need to know, including how to choose the right skateboard, best skateboarding gear, skateboarding safety tips, advice for parents, and more. 

    skateboarding 101 - teaching kids how to skateboard

    Skateboarding obsession begins

    A couple of years ago my kids asked for skateboards for Christmas. They were using small plastic mini boards made for toddlers but they were ready for something bigger and better. My brothers got them their first real skateboards for Christmas that year and our family’s new obsession began. Within a few months of receiving those gifts, my kids absolutely fell in love with skateboarding. That love eventually became a full-blown obsession. We currently don’t have a single day that goes by without some kind of skateboarding involved. Even on the days when the weather is terrible, they’ll practice in our garage, watch tutorials and youtube videos, or practice tricks on their TechDecks. Skateboarding, for us, has become a lifestyle. 

    Tips for parents - how to teach kids to skateboard

    Becoming a skateboarding mom

    Many people reach out to me on a regular basis with their questions about skateboarding and how to get their kids started. It’s common for a mom to send me a message on Instagram saying something like, “My child is interested in learning how to skateboard. I’m a little terrified, and I don’t skateboard, so I have no idea where to start. Can you help me?”

    Let me start by saying, I don’t skateboard, either! That’s right. My kids tell me they feel more comfortable riding a board at this point than they do walking on their own two feet. But their mother is a totally different story! Haha!

    The good news is you do NOT have to know how to skateboard to help your kids get started skateboarding. All you have to do is grab the basic equipment, get them outside and support them on their journey as they practice and get better. It’s not always easy (rarely is anything involving kids easy), but it’s worth it. Skateboarding has become such a vibrant passion for my kids, a fun and active activity that gets us all outside and keeps us on our toes! It’s been a great way to teach my boys valuable life skills and has allowed them to make amazing friendships with a diverse group of skaters. 

    how to skateboard

    Benefits of skateboarding for kids

    Skateboarding is a full-body workout. Observe your kids on a skateboard and you’ll quickly realize that they use a variety of muscles and movement skills to propel, stop, steer and manipulate the board. Riders exercise their feet, legs, arms, and torso as they twist and balance with each trick and turn. Skateboarding is great for helping develop coordination and core strength. It takes a long time to get good at skateboarding and doing tricks, so it’s a great activity for teaching kids about practice and perseverance. It’s becoming a more popular sport by the day and is really fun to watch, as well as participate in. Skateboarding is a healthy screen-free outdoor activity that gets kids plenty of fresh air, sunshine, exercise, and Vitamin D. 

    Best age for getting started skateboarding

    Like nearly any sport, there’s no perfect age to get them started. You’re never too old to learn to skateboard (although, your body may disagree after a few spills!), and even young kids can give it a try. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that kids under 5 not skateboard. Mainly, this is because their tiny bodies can’t take the impact and you don’t want to risk broken bones and injuries for kids this young. Kids of all ages participate in this sport. But no matter what age your kids are, at first they’ll need close adult supervision and support. 

    How to get started skateboarding - learning to skateboard with kids

    What do we need to get started?

    You don’t need very much to get started skateboarding, but the gear is important. Here are the few basic pieces of skateboarding equipment you’ll need to get your kids off and rolling:

    I get lots of requests for brand and equipment recommendations for families just jumping into skating. This has been a trial and error process for us, and what works best for my kids may not be what your kids prefer. However, I’m happy to share what works for us!

    Kinds of skateboards

    There are many types of skateboards available for lots of different kinds of riding. The list includes longboards, penny boards, carve boards, classic boards, cruisers, popsicle double kicks, etc. Maybe you didn’t realize there are lots of different kinds of boards? Me either! It’s ok if you don’t know what your kids will want or need at first. I’m here to help! 

    We currently have a few different types of skateboards lined up in our garage: longboards, cruisers, double kicks, and a carve board. For this post, I’ll be mostly focusing on the popsicle double kicks board. This is because that’s what our kids use the most, and that’s likely the kind of skateboard you’re most familiar with as well.

    The popsicle double kick is the kind of skateboard most people have in their minds when they think of skateboarding. It’s a board shape with two rounded ends and both of those ends are bent upward. This kind of skateboard can be used for street skating and transition (or bowl) skating. My kids skate both transition and street, and that’s the kind of skateboard deck they both use. It’s a good beginner skateboard and a good choice for shape if you’re looking to purchase your first skateboard.

    skateboarding supplies and gear for kids

    How to choose a skateboard for kids

    When you’re choosing the best skateboard for a new rider, you’ll want to consider the age and size of the rider. If you’re starting a toddler or a very young child, you’ll want a mini-board. These are a much smaller size and are best for the tiny feet of younger skaters. Once your kids are a little older, they can handle a larger board.

    In addition to the different styles of skateboards, there are also different sizes. My kids are ages 7 & 9. They both wear a kids’ size 3 shoe. They’re currently riding size 7.75 skateboard decks. For reference, my oldest son will likely be moving to a size 8 board within the next year. 

    The next bit of important information is that when you’re buying a skateboard, I recommend starting with a complete skateboard set. This just means that all of the skateboard parts are already there and assembled! Again, beginners may not know this, but there are several different parts to a skateboard that can change a lot about the ride. As my kids have become more advanced, they now fully customize their boards according to what/how they want to ride. However, a beginner skater doesn’t need to worry about any of that, so opt for a complete set.

    We started out with a complete board from CCS. This is a quality skateboard for a beginner. You can even customize the design on the board with your own artwork or a photo of your new skater! 

    Skateboarding with kids - how to choose the right skateboard for kids

    Protective gear – skateboarding helmets and pads

    The proper gear when skateboarding is essential. Just as you wouldn’t let your child ride a bike without a helmet or ride in a car without a seatbelt, don’t let your skater ride with a helmet and pads. Biking helmets and skateboarding helmets are made completely differently! There are some helmets that are now formulated for both, but we recommend having separate helmets for our kids for biking and skateboarding.

    Yes, you can absolutely use a bike helmet for your child who’s just starting out if you don’t have a skate helmet. It’s certainly better than no head protection at all. But, if your child really starts to get into skating, you’ll want a high-quality helmet. We use the Protec brand because they’re highly regarded in the skate community as one of the best quality, safest brands of skating helmets. Be sure to get the correct size for your child, too. If you’re not sure about sizing and fit, head to your local skate shop and someone there should be able to check it for you!

    There is a LOT of falling involved in skateboarding, so I also recommend getting a set of pads for your child, as well. You’ll want both knee pads and elbow pads at the minimum. Or, you can get a full set of pads which also includes wrist guards. We use 187 Killer Pads because they’re high quality, but again, any pads are better than no pads when you’re just getting started! You can always upgrade later, if/when your kids decide that skateboarding is life! My kids are trying some pretty crazy tricks at this point, so we need gear that can handle the constant blows day after day!

    Skateboarding shoes for kids

    Beginner skateboarders don’t need any particular brand of skateboarding shoes, but it’s important that your child wears comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good tread or rubber on the bottom. You definitely don’t want them slipping around on the skateboard. Also, the grip tape on a fresh board can be hard on open skin. Occasionally, I accidentally drag my hands or arms on my kids’ boards when I’m moving them around and that grip tape is no joke!

    how to skateboard - skateboarding shoes for kids

    Additional skateboarding gear suggestions

    After a year and a half of serious (and I mean serious) hours put in at our local skateparks, I’ve learned to have a few other items on hand! You may not need these items early on in the process, but if you find yourself spending more and more time skating, it’s a good idea (actually, it’s a great idea) to keep these items handy and closeby: 

    • Medical kit – You’ll want to have bandages available from the very beginning. As your little skater progresses and attempts more difficult tricks, you’ll want to have a more substantial kit on hand. We use ours almost every trip to the skatepark, whether for our own kids or to share with other skaters getting injuries. 
    • Skate tool – This is a tool used to tighten or loosen the trucks (the metal part that the wheels are on)
    • Extra shoe laces – Once your skater starts to attempt different tricks, they’ll also start to snap their laces! There were some skatepark days where we went through several sets of laces in a single day!
    • Shoe Goo – This is great for fixing shoes that are getting torn up for skating! It’s a great trick for extending the life of your shoes.
    • Camera (with video capability) – My kids are constantly asking me to take photos and videos of their runs and tricks. They like to see how they look (and how they can improve). They analyze the videos later and adjust accordingly. It’s an amazing process of self-awareness. 

    We keep all of these items in our skate bag so we have everything we may need all in one place!

    how to skateboard - what you need to get started skateboarding with kids

    Getting started as a skateboarding parent

    Once you have all of your gear purchased and ready to go, it’s skate time! Personally, I think skateboarding is MUCH harder than it looks. It takes a lot of time to get good at a new sport like skateboarding and takes way more hours of practicing than you can ever imagine. However, if you have determined little ones that love the activity, you’ll be amazed by how quickly they improve and how strong and brave they can be. Here are a few tips and suggestions for parents when your kid is learning how to skateboard. 

    Get mentally prepared

    I’m going to say it again: Your child WILL fall. They will get hurt. Hopefully not terribly hurt, but they will get some scrapes and bruises along the way. It’s best to prepare yourself for that fact early and be prepared to remain calm and encouraging for your child as they learn this new skill. Just like they fall off bikes sometimes (or out of trees or off the swingset), they’ll also fall off of their skateboards! It’s inevitable.

    It’s important to keep a calm and confident attitude throughout this learning process because you are the model for your child. If you act nervous, stressed, and terrified, your child will also feel nervous and afraid. If you panic every time they fall off the skateboard, they will panic and be afraid to step back on the board. Your little one will look to you for praise and encouragement, so be ready for it! Provide positive feedback and keep an upbeat attitude about conquering new skills. You’ll be impressed with how quickly they’ll be able to brush off falls when they’re determined and encouraged. 

    learn to skateboard - visiting a skatepark with your kids

    Find a safe place to start

    When your child is first learning how to stand on and ride a skateboard, start them on a flat, smooth surface. Your flat surface can be a paved path, parking lot, driveway, etc. Whatever you have available to you will work! If you see lots of rocks and debris, sweep or remove it so your little one doesn’t get caught on it. For your very first time on a skateboard, you might even want to start in the grass or on carpet. That’ll keep the board from moving out from beneath your little one’s feet until they feel comfortable standing on it. 

    Balance and push

    Next, it’s time to practice balancing. Some children will want you to hold their hand as they begin and some will want to do everything on their own. Once the child has practiced balancing on the board, it’s time to push off. The best way is to teach them to push off with their back foot. My kids both skate mongo, which means they push off with their front foot. It’s not hindering their progress greatly, but they really should be pushing off with the back foot instead! Some tricks can be a lot harder to master when you push mongo, so it’s just easier on the skater to learn how to skateboard using that back foot to push. 

    how to skateboard with kids

    Hit the skatepark

    Once they can balance and push themselves around, that’s really all there is to it! The rest is up to them to progress and try new things and a few basic tricks. I’d also recommend checking out a skatepark in your area if you have one. A lot of public parks don’t allow skateboarding, so designated skateparks are a great place to get the feel for the sport.

    Get to the skatepark early in the morning when it’s less crowded and give your kids some time to practice new things. If they can ride on a flat surface, move on to slants, ramps (or mini ramps), and inclines. These are far less tricky than dropping in on transition and they teach kids how to balance their weight and keep the board moving. Even if your kid is just riding around the flats, it’s good to get them comfortable at the skatepark and start teaching them skateboarding etiquette.  

    Practice, practice, practice!

    The most important thing my own kids needed as they learned how to skateboard was lots of time. People often comment on how “naturally talented” our kids are. And while they do have talent, it’s really been the amount of time they spend practicing that has propelled them forward.

    If you’ve read the book “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell, you’ll be familiar with the “10,000 hour rule.” That’s what I mention to people when they comment on our kids’ skateboarding and scootering abilities. On a good skate day, my kids will put in a solid 6 hours of practicing. And that’s not because it’s forced; it’s because they truly just love it. When it comes to learning how to skateboard, I always use the phrase, “Practice makes progress!”

    If your kids want to take their skills to the next level, there’s also the option of private lessons, skate camps, and group coaching. A lot of these options will meet your skater at their skill level and help them advance to the next with tips and advice that’s sometimes easier to hear from a pro than mom or dad. 

    skateboarding 101 - how to teach your kids to skateboard

    Are your kids interested in learning how to skateboard?

    About the author

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

    You can find Chelsea online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @dimples.and.the.blonde
    Website: dimplesandtheblonde.com
    RWMC posts: Chelsea Furlong

  • FAMILY TRAVEL, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PRINTABLES

    Get Out Guides

    Traveling and exploring with kids is so much fun, but finding those adventures and planning the activities can be time-consuming and frustrating. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a resource for parents, put together by like-minded outdoorsy parents, all about getting OUTSIDE with kids in the city you’re visiting?! And what if that resource included all of the fun ways to spend time together OUTSIDE, from outdoor dining to hiking and biking, to water activities and playgrounds? Friends, you’re in luck!

    Run Wild My Child has that resource just for you! We are pleased to announce the launch of our Get Out Guides! Executive team member Nichole Holze has put her talent for finding unique kid-friendly outdoor adventures to use as the Editor of these new guides, which are available now!

    get out guides pinterest

     

    What exactly are Get Out Guides?

    As super-outdoorsy parents, we get asked all the time for our favorite outdoor activities with kids. We’ve tried so many. We love finding new creative, and unique ways to spend time outside together. And we want you to do the same. So, we put everything together for you in one convenient place! Introducing…our Get Out Guides! 

    The Run Wild My Child Get Out Guides are our one-stop resource for travel planning! We know what outdoor activities kids (and parents) love. We designed these digital ebooks (which you can print, if you want) with outdoor-loving families in mind! These guides are meant to help you plan your travels (both near and far) or perhaps even help you be a tourist in your own city. 

    They’re cultivated to be a resource to help you discover fun places to explore both close to home and while traveling. The Get Out Guides are community-sourced and vetted, with lists of things to do and places to see, each carefully selected to highlight a different adventure in a specific city or area. 

    EXPLORING VIRGINIA BEACH WITH KIDS - BEST OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

     

    What is in the Get Out Guides?

    Our Get Out Guides are packed full of enough adventures to keep you busy for an entire vacation and beyond. While each guide is unique to the area it covers, there are a few commonalities that you’ll find in all of our Get Out Guides. The following items and topics can be found in each of our Get Out Guides:

    • hiking trails
    • biking trails
    • outdoor dining locations (and to-go food options for outdoor picnics)
    • parks and playgrounds
    • farms and farmer’s markets
    • unique outdoor attractions
    • nature centers and gardens
    • water adventures
    • sample itineraries (if you only have a day or weekend to explore)
    • resources

    Each Get Out Guide is unique

    Each Get Out Guide is jam-packed with our favorite tried and tested outdoor activities. We’ve included all the favorites (listed above), but each city has so many things that make it unique, so each guide will be a little different and tailored to highlight what’s great about each area.

    For example, our Bentonville Get Out Guide has a “day in the life” page that highlights an ideal day from a local parent, extra biking adventures (because Bentonville is known for that), links to websites or social media for all of the adventures listed, places to stay and camp, and an interactive map that you can use to play your activities! The St. Louis Get Out Guide has all the traditional outdoor activities listed above, but includes additional fun things to do like golfing, fishing (fly fishing and spinning rod), geocaching, baseball, urban adventures, animal encounters, and more! 

    cossatot river state park

    Why do you need a Get Out Guide?

    Why wouldn’t you?!

    But really, these guides are going to help so many parents just like you find new ways to explore outside with your kids. We want to cultivate a resource for busy families that aligns with our core value of getting kids off screens and outdoors. That applies while traveling or adventuring in your hometown. We want to make it a little easier for parents to plan outdoor adventures while traveling and be a resource for local families to discover even more adventures right in their own city. 

    Our Get Out Guides are different than traditional travel guides. You won’t find many major indoor attractions in them. Fewer play centers, more parks, and playgrounds. Fewer museums, more hikes, and creeks. Fewer restaurants, more patios, and picnic options. They focus on the OUTDOORS, on connecting you and your kids (not only to each other, but also) to nature. They’ll give you tons of ideas and inspiration for making lifelong outside memories with your family, and help you raise a nature kid.

    We hope that these Get Out Guides inspire you to examine how you spend time outdoors while vacationing and open new doors to adventure right at home. 

    Who are the Get Out Guides for?

    Busy parents that want to spend more time adventuring outside with their kids. Is that you? 

    Truly, our intention with these guides is to share adventures that are accessible for everyone. Whether you’re a local parent wanting new ideas for places to explore and things to do in your own city or just passing through the area on a family road trip and want to get outside to explore and play, this guide is for you. We know that you don’t have a million hours to research all the best outdoor places to play and plan your activities. And sometimes the research won’t get you the “good spots’ that only the locals know about! That’s why these guides are so good – they’re written by parents that know, live, and play in that area. 

    We hope our guides will bring value and a little relief when it comes to planning outdoor adventures. They will save you time. They will save you the headache. And they will blow you away! 

    virginia beach travel guide for familiesplayground el dorado arkansas

    How does RWMC put them together?

    Each Get Out Guide is put together a member of our team or volunteer from our community that lives in the area they’re covering. Not only do we each know our respective areas VERY well, but we also reached out to other local moms in our online community to make sure all our bases were covered. 

    With each upcoming new guide we put out, we hope to gather contributions from our amazing community! And yes, that includes YOU! We have an intake form for anyone and everyone to make submissions of their favorite outdoor activities, adventures, and locations in their area. If your submission is included in the Guide, you’ll receive a spot on the contributor page with a link of your choosing! 

    What format are the Get Out Guides and how can I get one?

    The Get Out Guides are digital downloadable PDFs. When you purchase a Get Out Guide, you’ll receive a link to download a zip file that contains the guide. You’ll also receive an email with the link. You can save the Get Out Guide to your computer or phone for easy access anytime you want. Or, you can print them out and refer back to them as you need to. Feel free to make notes on the places you want to explore or check them off as you check them out!

    The Get Out Guides are for sale on the Run Wild My Child website. 

    Make sure to sign up for our newsletter so that you can be one of the first ones to know when a new guide is released! 

    treehouse garvan gardens, hot springs, arkansas

    Get Out Guides – Bentonville, Arkansas

    Northwest Arkansas is a not-so-hidden-anymore gem of a place to visit, especially with kids. It’s where art and nature combine, where bike trails connect the entire city, and public art can be found on every corner. You’ll also find a thriving foodie culture and a world-class coffee scene. Northwest Arkansas is so much more than the home of Walmart and we want to invite you to see all it has to offer! Get the Guide!

    Get Out Guides – St. Louis, MO

    We are also launching the Get Out Guide for St. Louis, Missouri. If you know STL, you know that nature is everywhere in this city! It’s easier than you would ever think to find a challenging hike through the woods with gorgeous bluff overviews, a shallow rock-bed creek to explore, or long flat biking trails through parks, fields, and neighborhoods. Yes, St. Louis is home to the Arch and the Budweiser Clydesdales and the Cardinals (all of which we cover), but it’s so much more! It’s surrounded by limestone caves and coldwater trout streams and art and food! It’s a lovely place to live and fun to explore if you’re in the area. Get the Guide!

    crystal bridges arkansas flys eye dome

    Get Out Guide – Cape Cod, MA

    Cape Cod is a charming and picturesque geographic cape in the southeast corner of Massachusetts. It is a popular summer vacation destination but features tons of year-round outdoor fun and adventure. It’s an expansive area, and can be a bit overwhelming to find all the good outdoorsy stuff you’re looking for. The Guide will help you find a gorgeous beach to explore, a bike trail to trek, a windy river to kayak, a tidepool to explore, the best kid-friendly hiking trails, and our favorite ice cream shops. There are so many unique Instagrammable locations, amazing restaurants and boutiques, beautiful lighthouses, historic trails and museums, and so much more!

    Get Out Guide – Virginia Beach, VA

    Virginia Beach is hands-down one of the prettiest, most fun, and outdoorsy beach towns on the Eastern Shore. Virginia Beach is the largest city in the state and covers a huge area, so it can be really overwhelming for families to find all the good outdoorsy stuff you’re looking for. That’s where our guide comes in! We’re here to help you find a gorgeous beach to explore, a bike trail to trek, a place to see wildflife, a tidepool to explore, and an outdoor patio to enjoy a seafood lunch with your kids. There are so many unique Instagrammable locations, amazing restaurants and boutiques, educational outdoor activities, skate parks, historic landmarks, gorgeous trails, kid-friendly museums, and so much more!

    More Get Out Guides coming soon!

    Stay tuned because we’re working hard on a few more Get Out Guides. Upcoming Get Out Guides include Lake Tahoe, Kansas City, San Diego, and MORE! We have boots on the ground with Creative Team members in these areas that are busy helping us find the absolute BEST outdoor activities. If you’re interested in submitting an idea for the Get Out Guides, visit THIS link or reach out to our Get Out Guide Editor, Nichole. You can find her on Instagram at @coleyraeh or on her website. 

    best outdoor activities for kids in virginia beach

    GET THE GUIDES

    We are so thrilled to launch the new Run Wild My Child Get Out Guides! We hope that they help to inspire you to get outside and adventure together, whether close to home or on the road! Happy adventuring! 

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  • BEACH, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER, WATER

    Boogie Boarding with Kids

    Boogie boarding is such a fun way to enjoy a day at the beach. Not only is it affordable and fun, but it’s an easy activity for kids of any age. Boogie boarding has physical benefits, as well as helps kids become confident swimmers. Today, Creative Team member and Las Vegas mom of four, Megan Havelaar shares all the tips, tricks, and advice you need to know to get starting boogie boarding with kids this summer! 

    Boogie Boarding with Kids - tips and advice on how to get started.

    Boogie boarding with kids

    Are you heading to the beach this summer? Are you looking for something different for your kids to do besides just swimming and playing in the sand? Let’s talk about boogie boarding! I have found boogie boarding is a fun summer activity for kids of all ages. Our family enjoys it because it’s a relatively inexpensive activity and easy enough for the kids to get the hang of quickly. You don’t need a lot of equipment to try it out and you can learn at any age!

    Benefits of boogie boarding for kids

    Boogie boarding is a great outdoor physical activity for kids. Not only does paddling for waves require a substantial amount of arm, chest, and upper body strength, but you’ll also gain core strength as you balance on your board. Kicking to gain extra speed to catch waves works out your leg muscles. Water has a calming effect on the mind, and being outside in the fresh air and sunshine means extra Vitamin D. It’s also great because kids can do it with a level of independence, and helps to build their confidence in the water. 

    How to get started boogie boarding with kids

    Boogie board or bodyboard?

    There’s no real difference between the act of boogie boarding and bodyboarding. Boogie Board is technically a brand name for a foam bodyboard trademarked in the 1970s. The term has now become synonymous and representative for nearly all bodyboards, even those made by other companies. You can still buy official “Boogie Boards” at lots of retail stores. It’s totally up to you whether you want to call it boogie boarding or bodyboarding; as long as you’re having fun, no one will mind! 

    Boogie boards for kids

    Let’s talk about the boogie boards. This can get as expensive or inexpensive as you want. I have found that they range anywhere from $5 to over $100. I have four kids, so when we originally started boogie boarding it was because we found some on sale for $5 at our local retail shop. At a cost of $20 total for a board for each kid, it was well worth the investment. We are now entering into our third summer with those same boards! For those that would like to invest in a different style, higher performance board (with channels or bottom fins), there are some really nice, quality boards you can get if your kids are really into it. 

    How to choose the right boogie board for kids

    When you’re picking out your boogie board, size is the most important feature. Most boogie boards come in a range of sizes, so pick the best size for your little rider. If you’re a beginner, it’s better to choose a bigger and wider board. It’ll give you more control in the water as you get used to riding the waves. A 33″-37″ boogie board is the best option for smaller kids (under 85 lbs). A board that’s around 40″ or larger is better for bigger kids, teens, and adults (over 90 lbs). 

    Best boogie boards for kids

    Here are a few recommended boogie boards for kids: 

    Beginner's Guide to Boogie Boarding with Kids

    Other boogie boarding gear

    Boards also come with a leash that attaches to the board on one end and has a wristband on the other. This will keep the board attached to your rider and prevent it from getting away. You can also purchase swim fins that will help your child practice their kicks, and if they have sensitive skin a rash guard is great for protection from the sun and friction from the board. 

    Best age to start boogie boarding

    What’s the right age to teach a kid how to ride a boogie board? Well, like a lot of outdoor activities, it depends on the child. There is no minimum age for learning to boogie board. As soon as a child can walk and swim, they’re ready to hit the waves (maybe around the age of four). Parents are usually the best judge of knowing whether or not your child is ready to give boogie boarding a try. You know your child’s skill level, swimming expertise, comfort with the water/waves, and temperament best. It also may depend a lot on your location and the size of the waves. 

    Boogie boarding tips and advice for beginners

    The right beach for boogie boarding with kids

    I recommend going to a beach where the waves crash a little away from the shoreline, and one that stays shallow a good distance out. You also want to make sure your kids can touch the bottom. Familiar beaches are great for building confidence for beginners. And warm water is best for little kids (so they don’t get cold), but rashguards and wetsuits can help if you’re at a beach with colder water. 

    Wherever you are, it’s always important to watch the waves and continue to be observant while you’re near the water. I try and take notice if there are a lot of surfers on the waves because it could be an indication that the waves might be a little too big. Along with that, consider your comfort level with their ability to swim in those conditions. If the beach is too crowded, it might be worth it to wait for the crowd to die down, especially if your kids are young or it’s their first time. 

    How to boogie board

    Boogie boarding is a great introductory beach sport for kids. It features many of the attractive elements of surfing, but on a smaller scale. Like surfing, you’ll want to be where the waves break and then ride them in towards the shore.

    I recommend that kids start in water that’s around waist-deep. When you see a wave you want to ride, you’ll move onto the board with your stomach lying flat across the board. As your wave approaches, kick your feet and paddle with your hands to gain momentum. The current will do some of the work for you, but the kicking will add speed for more experienced boogie boarders. Once you reach the shore, grab your board and head back out to catch another wave!

    How to choose the right boogie board for kids

    Coaching boogie board beginners

    Even if it’s something you never have done, boogie boarding is pretty easy to teach kids. If your little one is just getting started, here are a few tips to make the experience easier and more enjoyable for everyone.

    Start by making sure you put the wristband on the child’s wrist. That way they won’t lose the board if they take a spill. Next, you’ll want to position your kids in the best sport for catching a wave. Go out to where the waves are breaking or just in front. Walk out there with them so you can feel whether there’s an undertow and gauge the depths of the water. 

    Once you see a wave start to break (maybe explain what that means if they don’t know), have them hop on their boards belly down, eyes up, and face the shore. They should start to kick their feet. Once they start riding the wave to the shore they can stop kicking and just enjoy the ride!  Now, just keep repeating this process.

    After the kids get the hang of it they can pretty much do it all on their own, or until you feel comfortable that they are confident in the water. You can always grab a board of your own and join in on the fun with them! I love grabbing my camera or phone, and capturing those smiles and laughs as they ride wave after wave into the shore. 

    Boogie Boarding with kids

    Enjoy spending time at the beach

    Lastly, I thought I would share some benefits I’ve seen in my children as we have spent time at the beach. There’s nothing quite like spending time outside and a day at the beach means you’re surrounded by nature AND water! There is so much sensory play to be found at the beach, between the sand, water, and if you’re at a beach with rocks and tide pools. There are always little creatures to be discovered, shells and rocks to be collected, sandcastles to be built and waves to jump. 

    Saltwater has so many healing properties, and the sound of the waves is very calming. The beach is a great place to socialize, meet and make new friends. It sparks a lot of curiosity and you will probably get asked a lot of questions! You may, or may not, have the answers to them, but you’ll be impressed by your kids’ curiosity and imaginations! Keep that spark of learning about the ocean and beach going at home by reading books about the sea. And lastly, you are making wonderful memories with your kids! 

    More fun ways to enjoy the water

    If you’re looking for even more fun ways to get outside and enjoy the water this summer, check out a few of our other favorite water posts! 

    Have you tried boogie boarding with your kids?

    About the author

    Megan is a wife and a homeschooling mom of four. She is originally from Colorado, but has spent much of her life overseas. First in Eastern Europe, specifically, Hungary, where her first two kids were born. Secondly, in Ethiopia, where she and her husband adopted their second two kids. She and her family are now stateside, currently living in Las Vegas, Nevada. She loves traveling with her kids, either on planes, road trips, or just in their local area! Most of her family’s outdoor adventuring includes water of some kind like beaches, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, or pools. They especially love paddleboarding, hiking, rock climbing, camping, and even just going to the local park to play soccer or basketball. Megan also has a passion for photography and loves to bring along her camera to document all their adventures!

    Find more from Megan in the following locations:
    Instagram: @meghavelaarphoto
    RWMC posts: Megan Havelaar

  • Cooking, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, RECIPES, SUMMER

    Outdoor Pizza Night: Cooking Pizza Outdoors with Kids

    Pizza is almost always a family favorite, even amongst the pickiest of eaters. And eating outdoors is an easy way to get kids outside in the summer! Plus, everyone knows that eating outdoors somehow makes the food taste better, right? If you love the smell of wood-fired pizza and you love eating outdoors, you’ll delight in our ideas for outdoor pizza cooking with kids! Jemma, Creative Team member, high school teacher, and mother of four, shares all about using an outdoor pizza oven and cooking pizza outside with kids! If you are looking for a fun way to change up mealtime,  tried and true pizza topping ideas, or different ways to make a pizza oven, then this post is for you!

    Cooking Pizza Outside - outdoor pizza night with kids

    Cooking pizza outdoors with kids

    If you’re looking for ideas to spend more time with kids outdoors, cooking with kids is a fun way to spend time together outside whilst also doing an activity they love. Making, kneading, and even proving the dough is an outdoor activity idea for the whole family. It can also be a great way to keep kids of all ages occupied if you’re entertaining. Why not even try cooking outdoor pizzas as a party activity or a fun science experiment?

    Why pick pizza?

    Cooking outside with kids can be wonderful and there are many ideas out there! Here are a few other ways you can spend time outdoors cooking with kids. But with so many fun options for meals and foods to make outside, why pick pizza? What’s so great about cooking pizza outside and why should you give it a try? Here are so reasons that may convince you just how fun and versatile pizza can be.

    Pizza is fun and easy

    Pizzas are really easy for kids to make! If your kids love cooking, outdoor pizzas are a great way to get kids to do something different outdoors. Plus, it gets them involved in the cooking process, which is something kids love to be a part of.

    Pizza gets kids to try new foods

    The choice in toppings will likely lead to trying new foods. Kids will love making their own dough and picking their own toppings. The free element of choice means that they are more likely to choose things they may not usually eat. Yes, that even means vegetables (maybe even vegetables from your own garden). Kids that don’t usually try new foods can often be encouraged to try them as a pizza topping because they’re in smaller quantities. See below for our favorite pizza toppings with a ton of healthy ideas for kids too!

    Healthy pizza options

    Pizza makes choosing healthy options easier. While pizza may not automatically sound like a healthy choice, it absolutely can be! It’s easy to get healthy toppings and ingredients into pizza, which makes it a good choice for parents! Try using a cauliflower-based crust or wholemeal flour crust to make your pizza even healthier. Veggies are easy to sneak onto a pizza too, especially things such as peppers, spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms! If your kids don’t like seeing their veggies, you can puree them into the pizza sauce for hidden nutrition. 

    Create memorable moments

    Cooking outside is a memorable experience in and of itself! Taking the meal prep, cooking, and eating outside is a simple change, but one that your whole family is sure to enjoy. Changing things up every once in a while can make a regular meal seem much more exciting and will create lasting memories!

    Outdoor Pizza Oven - cooking outside with kids

    Outdoor pizza oven options

    Pizza is one of the easiest and quickest things to cook outdoors if you have a pizza oven. The extreme heat of a pizza oven and its open flames help to produce the unique flavor and texture of a Neapolitan pizza. For anyone looking to replicate this style of pizza, then a pizza oven is what you need!

    There are a few different options for outdoor pizza ovens. You can buy a pizza oven, build your own pizza oven, or even use an existing gas grill! Any of these methods will produce incredibly delicious mouth-watering pizza, right in your own backyard! Here’s a little bit about each option.

    Buying a pizza oven

    If you’re looking to buy a pizza oven, our favorite outdoor pizza oven is the Roccbox from Gozney (also available here from Amazon). Although they are expensive, they’re a great investment for social events and parties because they cook pizzas in just 60 seconds! Yes, you heard that right! You’ll always be able to knock out something quickly to feed hungry guests and an outdoor pizza is a perfect thing to create quickly after a long day out on a family adventure!

    Building a pizza oven

    If you have some time on your hands and are looking for a long-lasting option, you can also build your own pizza oven for your backyard or garden. See here for a great tutorial to help you build your own outdoor pizza oven. If you want to create a temporary and fun family DIY cardboard pizza oven and use the summer sun to cook your dinner, then this Solar Pizza Oven tutorial is for you! 

    Using a gas grill as a pizza oven

    Not everyone has a pizza oven or the time to make one, but many of you may already have a gas grill! Turns out, this is perfect pizza oven equipment! There are a few different ways to convert your gas grill into an easy-to-use pizza oven. The folks over at Baking Steel share one way to use a gas grill as a pizza oven and it is so easy! Or, you can place your pizza dough directly on the grill to par-bake it, then flip and add toppings and finish cooking. Pizza on the grill is simple and fun! 
    outdoor pizza cooking with kids

    Pizza dough recipe

    Making and kneading the dough is my kids’ favorite part of pizza night. Sometimes we’ll buy pre-made dough from a grocery store or even use the dough from a can, but the very best dough is the kind you make yourself. It’s easier to make than you might expect and kids love being involved in the process. 

    Pizza dough ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast or 1 packet of pizza crust yeast
    • 2 cups lukewarm water
    • 1 tablespoon sugar
    • 1 tablespoon salt
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 5.5 – 6 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

    Pizza dough instructions

    1. Dissolve the sugar, yeast, olive oil, and salt in the lukewarm water. If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip this step.
    2. Measure your flour by gently spooning it into a measuring cup, then sweeping off any excess (do not pack it down).
    3. Add the flour, starting with 5 1/2 cups and adding more as necessary to make a soft, smooth dough.
    4. Knead the dough with your hands until it’s smooth and elastic, about 7 to 10 minutes.
    5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl or other container, cover it, and let it rise for 1 to 2 hours, whatever fits your schedule.
    6. Gently deflate the dough, and divide it into four pieces, for medium-crust pizza; or three pieces, for thicker crusts.
    7. Use a rolling pin to roll each piece, on a lightly greased surface, into a circle to fit a 12″ pizza pan. Let the dough rest several times to relax it and make it more cooperative. 

    Assembling your pizza

    1. Place the dough on pizza pans, baking sheets, or on parchment (if using a pizza stone).
    2. Preheat your pizza oven to 450°F. While it’s heating, get out your toppings, which you’ve prepared ahead. 
    3. Brush each crust with a bit of olive oil, sauce and toppings of your choice. Sprinkle the top with grated cheese.
    4. Bake the pizzas for 15 to 20 minutes, until they’re golden brown, the toppings are hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted. Remove the pizzas from the oven.
    5. Immediately transfer pizzas to a cooling rack, so their bottoms don’t get soggy. After about 10 minutes (to allow the toppings to set), slice and serve.

    Cooking Pizza Outside with Kids -best outdoor pizza ovens

    Pizza topping ideas for kids

    We asked our Creative Team members what their (and their kids) favorite pizza toppings were. See below for their fun and creative pizza topping answers!  Use these ideas to create some new pizza topping combinations in the future!

    • BBQ chicken with cilantro and red onion
    • Pineapples, chicken, barbecue sauce
    • Pepperoni and olive (a classic)
    • Roasted red pepper and goat cheese
    • Mushrooms and olives
    • Garlic and ricotta cheese
    • Sweetcorn and goat cheese
    • Broccoli and olives
    • Red sauce and olives only (some kids just don’t like cheese)
    • Fresh tomatoes and mozzarella
    • Pineapple and ham (or Canadian bacon)
    • Taco pizza – taco meat, tomatoes, lettuce, salsa, cheese and black olives
    • Feta, sundried tomatoes, and turkey kielbasa
    • Potato and goat cheese
    • Bacon, egg and arugala

    Not seeing your favorite or your child’s favorite topping choices above? No worries! Making pizza with your family is all about having fun! Offer different topping options, including those you know will be chosen by your family members, but also new toppings too! Let each person create their own topping combinations and then share the different outdoor oven-baked pizzas. This isn’t just a meal, it is a way to get outside while making memories!

    Outdoor pizza oven tips and tricks

    For pizza with a crispy crust and perfectly cooked toppings, high heat is required. This is where purpose-built pizza ovens shine since they can withstand temperatures far greater than those of regular home ovens. How long it takes to cook your pizza will depend upon your oven’s internal temperature, and can vary from as long as 10 minutes to as quickly as just 90 seconds! Once your oven is up to temperature, you’ll need to actually put your pizza in the oven.

    We don’t advise throwing a raw pizza into your oven with your bare hands, so a trusty pizza peel will be a valuable investment in your outdoor baking arsenal. A pizza peel is a flat, wide tool that helps you move pizza pies around. Some pizza peels are better designed to transfer a pizza from the countertop to your pizza oven while others are better for turning the pizza while it’s cooking in the oven. 

    Since the pizza dough can be a bit sticky, you’ll need something to keep it moving freely on the peel. You can use another sprinkling of flour or cornmeal on your pizza peel to prevent the dough from sticking and help it slide off the peel and into the oven in one swift movement. 

    You can cook all kinds of other food in your outdoor pizza oven, not just pizza. Try cooking and serving roasted vegetables, focaccia bread, cinnamon rolls, or even peach cobbler, all of which cook up amazingly well in an outdoor oven.

    Make outdoor pizza night a summer tradition

    We hope you’ll enjoy making pizza outdoors with your family  – it may even become a tried and tested household summer tradition. If your kids have got the outdoor cooking bug, then you’ll love our outdoor skills posts. Have a read of this one here giving tips for fire safety to help kids know how to use fires safely. 

    If you liked reading our ideas for pizzas you’ll love our other ideas for camping cookouts with kids! 

    Caution: You must be careful when using outdoor pizza ovens near kids. Pizza ovens are exceptionally hot and you should take extra care when using them around kids.

    Outdoor pizza night for kid - pizza dough recipe and kid-friendly pizza topping ideas

    What pizza toppings will you choose?

    About the author

    Jemma lives in London, England with her husband and kids. Her all-time favorite thing to do is take photos and capture memories of her family. She’s on a mission to ensure parenthood doesn’t rush by so quickly by creating mini family outdoor adventures and hopefully some big adventures too, one day! She’s a mum to four and an English teacher to many. She loves sharing her passion for storytelling, adventures, and nature crafts on her blog and here. 

    Find more from Jemma in the following locations:
    Instagram: @thimbleandtwig
    Blog: http://www.thimbleandtwig.com
    Facebook: @thimbleandtwig
    Etsy shop: ThimbleandTwig
    RWMC posts: Jemma

  • FAVORITE GEAR, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER

    How to Get Started Playing Golf with Your Kids

    Summer is the time of year when children tend to have a lot more downtime. School is out, the days are longer, and children want to be outside doing something fun. What better time to introduce a new sport to your child! Not only will it give them something new and exciting to spend time doing outside, but learning a new sport is full of opportunities to gain new skills, make friends, burn off energy, and so much more! Today, Creative Team member and outdoor adventure dad, Matthew Marvich, is sharing his knowledge on introducing golf to kids. This guide is perfect for anyone interested in golfing with kids, including what equipment is needed, ideas for practicing, the steps to encourage a love of the game, and much more! 

    {This post contains affiliate links.}

    Golfing with Kids - A Complete Guide to Getting Started Golfing

    Introducing golf to kids

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

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

    Tips for Teaching Kids How to Play Golf

    Golf is a generational family sport

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

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

    Benefits of playing golf for kids

    Golf teaches life lessons

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

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

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

    Benefits of golf

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

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

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

    Father son bonding on the golf course

    Golf is gaining popularity

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

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

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

    Having fun golfing with kids - father son outdoor activities

    Best age to start playing golf with kids

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

    Golf equipment for kids

    Here’s a list of basic golf equipment you may want to have when playing golf with kids:

    • clubs (driver, iron, wedge, and putter)
    • golf bag
    • golf balls
    • tees
    • ball markers (you can use a coin for this as well)

    Having the right golf equipment is important, but, golfing with kids does not need to be expensive. You don’t need to go out and buy a bunch of new equipment and clothes. For your first outing, try renting clubs (or borrowing them from a friend), just to see if this is a sport you’d like to continue to play. 

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

    Practicing golf with kids

    Golf clubs for kids

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

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

    Best golf clubs for kids

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

    Here are the golf clubs for kids that I recommend:

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

    Best Golf Clubs for Kids

    Best golf balls for kids

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

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

    Playing on a golf course with kids

    Golf attire for kids

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

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

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

    Golf Attire and Equipment for Kids

    Golf instruction for kids

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

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

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

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

    Golf lessons for kids

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

    Golf Lessons - Practice range with kids

    Practice golfing

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

    Practicing is also a great time to encourage your child with a “great swing” or “wow, awesome putting stroke!” My son loves to try and make long putts, so I help him line it up and he tries to get as close as he can to the hole. Practicing is a great way to get younger kids involved with golf without actually taking them to the course just yet. Let their confidence and comfort level grow with these activities. 

    • Make it a game: You can practice in your backyard with plastic balls and make games out of it. Set up a bucket or crate in the yard and see if they can hit the ball near it or better yet, in the bucket.
    • Take them to a driving range or practice green: Look up what is available to you locally and let your child see others practicing the same way they are. 
    • Sign your child up for lessons, golf camp, or junior programs: I worked at a country club during my college summers and helped with the junior program there. It is fun for the kids to be with friends and play the sport together. It’s also really beneficial for kids to see other kids their age playing golf and their skill level (and not just that of a parent or grown-up). They’ll get instruction from a golf professional who can guide children in getting better at the sport. The PGA is focused on golfing with kids so there are plenty of ways to find assistance through their association as well, including lessons and summer camp. 

    Golf putting with kids - tips for teaching kids how to play golf

    Tips for taking kids to a golf course

    Congratulations, you have made it to the best part…actually golfing with your kids! My first time taking my son to a golf course was one of the best days of being a dad for me. I woke up excited for the opportunity to enjoy this moment with my son.

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

    how to get kids started with golfKids in the golf cart

    Different types of golf

    18 hole courses aren’t the only option when it comes to playing golf. There are a few other ways to play golf and all of them are a blast to do with kids.

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

    how to get kids started with golf

    Take a full swing

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

    Where are you planning to take your kids golfing?

    About the author

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

    You can find more from Tine online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @matthew_marvich
    RWMC posts: Matthew Marvich

  • CRAFTS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER

    Squirt Gun Painting with Kids

    Summer has arrived and this means even more outdoor fun activities with our little ones! But, what to do with our creative little ones? The ones who want to create, draw, paint the entire day? Arts and crafts are great for creative kids, but sometimes art activities can tend to keep your little ones indoors more often than you’d like. If you are looking for a fun way to combine art and some family fun outside, look no further. Today, Creative Team member Tine Voeten, a European traveler and mother of two, is taking her kids’ art projects outside and sharing all about squirt gun painting with kids.

    {This post contains affiliate links.}

    Squirt Gun Painting with Kids

    Painting is just another way of keeping a diary” – Pablo Picasso

    The fun of squirt gun painting

    Squirt gun painting is the perfect combination of two of our favorite summer activities: art and playing outside! We geared up with this combo in mind and took our squirt gun painting in the wild! Today, I’m here to share everything you need to know to get start squirt gun painting with your kids. This is a fun summer outdoor activity for kids that’s sure to entertain them for hours and make beautiful memories. 

    Why painting is healthy?

    Everybody knows that the act of painting is relaxing. But, did you know that painting has many advantages to improve mental health and overall quality of life? Here’s a quick reminder of the benefits of painting:

    • Painting stimulates creative growth. Not only creative people should paint. By painting, less creative people can stimulate their creative growth. Practice and focus allow people, young or old, to learn creative skills.
    • It reduces stress and gives you the ability to cope with stress better.
    • Painting sharpens the mind and improves memory through conceptual visualization.
    • It cultivates emotional growth. Creating art helps kids and adults to express their emotions.
    • Creating beautiful art through painting encourages a more optimistic approach to life.
    • It builds problem-solving and helps develop fine motor skills in your child’s hands. 

    When you combine these advantages with going outdoors, this is a family activity that should be on every family’s monthly activity list! I am very sure it will become one of your top summer activities!

    Squirt Gun Painting supplies and setup

    Squirt gun painting supplies

    • Paint (tempera or liquid watercolors)
    • Water squirt guns
    • Water 
    • Funnel or a plastic bottle cut in half
    • A big piece of plastic, preferably something you can reuse afterward (optional)
    • Canvas or strong paper (poster board)
    • Painters tape (optional)

    All of your gear can be bought on a budget or repurposed from what you already have at home. We bought our squirt guns in a discount shop and they work perfectly. Same for the canvas we bought in the same shop. Everything else we already had at home. 

    Squirt Gun Painting - summer outdoor activities for kids

    What kind of paint to use for squirt gun painting?

    You can use either tempera paint or liquid watercolor paint for squirt gun painting with kids. Both work just fine. However, I wanted to make sure our materials were all safe to use outdoors and easy to clean up. We opted for tempera paint, the most common natural, and child-friendly paint. Another advantage parents will appreciate is that it is easily washable from clothes and skin. Our choice was made! 

    Best squirt guns for painting

    You don’t need fancy squirt guns for squirt gun painting. Actually, you probably want to go as cheap as possible on these because the paint may end up rendering them unusable for regular squirt gun play (although, we had no problem washing the paint out completely). We choose inexpensive squirt guns from a discount shop and they worked great for our purposes. Try to find ones with an easy trigger for your kids, especially if they’re really little. If you don’t want to have to wash out your squirt guns between each color, get a variety pack of squirt guns so that each squirt gun can contain its own color. 

    How to set up your Squirt Gun Painting area

    Squirt gun painting set up

    Here’s the step-by-step tutorial on squirt gun painting with kids that covers everything you need to know to make this the most fun summertime outdoor art activity for kids.

    Step 1: Prepare your squirt gun painting area

    Protect your yard and nature

    Whether you are water squirt gun painting in your own garden or on location (in the woods, on a hike), you may like to cover some of the delicate areas for paint drops. If you’re concerned about the paint staining or ruining a surface, you may want to take this activity onto the grass or protect the area under/behind the canvas with a large tarp or sheet of reusable plastic. Also, prepare a small table with a cover to put guns and paint down whenever you need to reload, without making a complete mess. And believe me, the first load of paint goes fast, thanks to the enthusiasm of our young ones.

    Decide how to hang your canvas

    If you have an outdoor easel, you can use it for the best result. You can also hang your canvas on the fence, a tree (like we did), or even just prop it up a bit.

    Find the perfect squirt gun art location

    We decided to go to a forest we love so much, located very near to our home. We took our water squirt gun painting gear with us as the sun was setting with the goal: create squirt gun paint art and have a blast! All packed with a bag full of guns, paint, another bucket of water, and a blanket/plastic to cover our work area, we took our chance to catch the most beautiful moment of the day. 

    Be prepared

    We prepared extra paint and water in case the guns would empty fast. At home, all of our materials were ready to use. In the forest, we had to be a bit more creative when it came to setting everything up. In the end we put everything on a blanket in close range. It was perfect! 

    Best Squirt Guns for PaintingBest paint to use for squirt gun painting

    Step 2: Fill your water guns with paint

    Once your area is set up for painting, you’ll want to make the paint and fill your squirt guns. We recommend using a funnel to help get the paint into the squirt guns to cut down on the spill and mess. You can also use plastic baggies to mix/make the paint and then snip off a corner and squeeze/squirt the paint into the gun. If the plastic stopper hinders your efforts, cut it off and then recap the squirt gun once the paint is in. Shake your guns well before using.

    How to make squirt gun paint

    Start with basic tempera paint. You’ll want to dilute your paint so that it’s not super thick and squirt/runs better on the canvas. The paint should be a 50/50 split between paint and water. You can either fill the squirt gun with the paint and then added water and shake it up. Or, you can mix the paint and water together (before putting it into the squirt gun) in a cup to get the right consistency. Either way works just fine! Use a funnel when pouring paint into the squirt gun.

    Squirt Gun Painting

    Step 3:  Squirt on the canvas

    Once your water squirt guns are ready the game is on! Make sure every child has enough space to squirt his or her own canvas. And let them squirt all over. They will love it! The little artists can paint at close range, a technique that is easier for our younger kids. This gives a great effect on the canvas and on the child!

    If your children know how to use the water gun, they can stay further away and fire paint across the garden.

    When all the squirt gun painting is complete, let the canvas dry outside or in a safe space overnight (or until the paint is fully dry to the touch). Then bring it in to hang on the wall or give as a gift!

    Different ways of squirt gun painting

    There are so many fun and different ways to paint with squirt guns. There’s no right or wrong way to do it! Just have fun and create! Here are a few different ideas to get your creative juices flowing. 

    • Painting on the canvas with only a squirt gun (no attributes or anything else)
    • Relief painting with tape and stickers – Add forms and figures on top of the canvas to create fun art when they’re removed. For example, use painter’s tape to make a shape or the first letter of your child’s name on a canvas. When the paint is dry, you can remove the stickers or tape gently. This results in the greatest birthday gifts for grandparents! 
    • One child standing in the front of the painting to squirt a silhouette. Canvas and paper might be too small, but this is great fun with a white sheet! Oh, and don’t forget to put on some play clothes, ready to get dirty! 

    how to paint with a squirt gun

    Paint and create – watch the fun unfold

    That focus when the children start pumping their guns! The enthusiasm when they paint squirts out of the guns onto the canvas! The astonishment of how fast the paint squirts onto it and the beauty of the colors when they spatter and drip all over the fabric! This is such an amazing activity for kids. My girls just couldn’t get enough of it. I suppose most of the time this will be the case with kids, so I advise you to bring some spare canvas with you. They wanted to create more and more! 

    Aisha, our oldest daughter was fully focussed on her art piece and kept adding layers till she was happy. Our youngest daughter, Sienna, decided to use her hand to let the colors blend even more. In the end, when she noticed there wouldn’t be any contrast on her painting, she decided to paint her nose instead! They were having so much fun! 

    Squirt Gun Painting tips and adviceoutdoor nature crafts and art projects for kids

    Squirt gun painting trial and error

    I have to admit, we first did a try-out of our squirt gun painting before we got it right. Doing a trial run (not on your canvas) is a step I highly recommend. First of all, it is just so much fun, so the extra squirt gun painting was entertaining. But also, this activity does require a bit of preparation (as we needed to find a spot in the woods to do this), so I’m glad we tried it out at home before hitting the trail with our gear. 

    We powered up in the garden and measured how much paint and water needed to be added to get the best result. Our trial check let us know that we added too much water the first time. This resulted in very pale-colored paint drops that didn’t even stick to the canvas at all. If this happens to you, no worries, you can always add more paint on the spot, if you bring your funnel and paint to your own outdoor art studio. 

    Clean up time

    But exactly as it is at home, after the fun comes clean-up! In the forest, we made sure everything was in the same conditions as when we arrived there. We had enough water in the bucket to clean the paint in the area. All plastic we brought to the painting fiesta we of course took back home. Nothing was left behind. 

    And what did we win from this adventure? Lots of fun and in total four amazing paintings from the greatest artists in the house! 

    Squirt Gun Painting - art projects for kids

    Have you ever squirt gun painted with your kids? 

    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

  • OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER

    30+ Fun Trampoline Games and Activities for Kids

    Finding ways to keep children occupied during the long days of summer can be a challenge! There is so much daylight and only so many activities you can come up with when your children need some outdoor play encouragement. But, if you have a trampoline (or know someone who does) your options for outdoor family fun are almost endless! Meghan Garriott, Illinois mom of 2 (almost 3) recently discovered the endless joys of trampoline play and shares 30+ trampoline games and activities kids (and adults) will love to play!

    Trampoline games for kids

    Trampoline newbies

    Our family got our first trampoline this summer.  I was a little nervous about it but I soon realized there is SO much fun be had and so many new trampoline games to play.  My boys have already spent many hours on the trampoline this summer.  Now that we have it I can’t imagine our yard or a summer evening without it. The trampolines of today, with their padded spring covers and fall-proof nets, are so much safer than the trampolines I grew up on. It’s a lot more fun for us parents knowing the kiddos are safe.

    Trampoline safety tips

    Even though trampolines are designed to be safer than they used to be doesn’t mean you still shouldn’t take some precautions. Here are a few trampoline safety tips for kids. Go over these rules with your little ones before they play and remind them of the importance of being safe on the trampoline.

    • Adult supervision on a trampoline is always required.
    • Always use a safety net around your trampoline.
    • No gymnastic exercises or stunts, such as somersaults or flips.
    • Never allow children to bounce off the trampoline.
    • To prevent young children from getting on without supervision, do not leave a ladder or chair near the trampoline.
    • Make sure your trampoline is on a clear, flat area free from potential hazards, such as fences, hedges, trees, washing lines or other equipment.
    • Always carefully review the safety materials included with your trampoline.

    Benefits of trampoline play

    Jumping and playing on the trampoline have so many physical benefits and healthy benefits for kids.

    • Jumping up and down and running around with the resistance of the mat and springs is great exercise and helps to increase circulation and cardiovascular health by increasing the heart rate.
    • The uneven and constantly moving surface of the mat helps to increase balance and coordination and improve core strength.
    • Little bones are built under the pressure of and stress of contracting muscles. With all the jumping and balancing needed to play on the trampoline, it is great for helping bones grow and increasing bone density.
    • The most important physical and mental benefit is all the fun and laughs to be had!!

    Child doing a flip on a trampolinePhoto credit @heather_lee_wilson

    Trampoline fun

    While my boys are perfectly content just jumping and chasing each other for hours on the trampoline, it is also fun to see their imagination and creativity when it comes to playing trampoline games and making up new challenges. The best part of watching them is seeing their imagination come to life when they create new games or new ways to play classic games. Today, I’m sharing a few of our family’s favorite games on the trampoline. Some of these are classic games and some are new to us.

    The fun doesn’t stop on the trampoline, nor does it have to be just for kids. There are a lot of fun games that kids can plan and the parents can join in on from outside the trampoline. Or, if you really want to make your kids’ day, get on there and play with them! I hope you and the whole family have fun enjoying all these trampoline games and activities. 

    Trampoline ball games 

    1. Monkey in the middle

     2+ players on the edges of the trampoline throw a ball over the “monkey” in the middle of the trampoline while the “monkey” tries to jump and catch the ball in the air. If the “monkey” catches the ball, whoever threw it becomes the new “monkey.”

    2. Lava balls

    Get as many balls as you can, all different sizes, and put them on the trampoline. The kids will run around trying to avoid the balls touching them. If a ball touches you, you have to get off the trampoline until only one player is left. This also works with a bunch of water balloons! I’ve also heard this trampoline game called “poison ball.” My kids think this is one of the best trampoline games there is!

    3. Bombs away!

    2+ players on the trampoline and one player outside the trampoline enclosure. The player on the outside will have some soft balls and yell “bombs away” while throwing the “bombs” inside the net and trying to hit those on the trampoline surface. If you get hit, you’re out! This is also called “cherry bomb” when the ball is thrown by one of the players on the trampoline, as opposed to one of the outside players.

    4. Mid-air catch

    A player on the outside of the trampoline throws a tennis ball to the first player in the center of the trampoline. The catcher jumps on the trampoline and tries to meet and catch the ball in mid-air. This is a great game to practice timing and coordination!

    5. Dodge ball

    Playing dodge ball on a trampoline is a fun way to spice up this classic game and is a great game for older kids. On the trampoline, it’s more fun with higher jumps! Use chalk or painters tape to mark off the centerline. Divide the players up into two teams and have them throw soft balls at the other team. If you get hit by a ball (below the neck), you’re out. But if you catch or dodge the ball, you stay in. First team to lose all their players loses.

    6. Keepy-uppy

    This is a simple game to see how long you can keep a soft ball up in the air while jumping on a trampoline. Mix it up and try to keep the ball in the air with your feet, head or elbows. You could also use a pool noodle to keep the ball in flight. Balloons and beach balls make good balls to use for this game.

    7. Hot potato

    One person stands on the outside of the trampoline and either sings a song or counts out-loud while the jumpers bounce around the trampoline passing a ball back and forth, from one person to the next person, in a circle. When the person on the ground stops singing or counting, the last person to touch the hot potato is out.  This can be played with anything – a water balloon, ball, bean bags or even a stuffed animal!

    Boy shooting ball on trampoline

    Water games on the trampoline

    8. Water balloon dodge

    Fill up a bunch of water balloons and load them up on the trampoline. The name of the game is for the players to bounce them and start throwing! It’s so much fun to dodge the balloons when you can jump high, or throw them mid-jump.

    9. Sprinkler jump

    Running through the sprinkler during a hot summer day is a must, but putting that sprinkler underneath the trampoline just makes things that much more fun! Check out your local sports store or online for sprinklers made specifically for the trampoline.

    Child on trampoline being sprayed with sprinkler Image credit: @jentheis

    Balance games on the trampoline

    10. Single leg stand

    How long can you stand on one leg? It seems like an easy game, but on a trampoline, it’s much harder to stand on one leg. Get a timer and each take turns. To take this game up a notch, have others bounce around the stander to see how long they can last.

    11. Bird dog

    Bird dog is a yoga pose where you are on your hands and knees you lift one arm and try to lift the opposite leg without falling. On the trampoline, this is even more challenging, but it makes for some good laughs when you fall over. This is also a great core workout!

    12. Twister

    Grab some sidewalk chalk, painters tape or go ahead and pull out that twister mat and tape it onto the trampoline and spin the wheel! Twister is hard on steady ground, but it’s extra hard on the trampoline. It becomes exponentially harder when everyone’s laughs are rocking the trampoline mat.

    Two boys jumping on a trampoline

    Single-player trampoline games 

    13. Bubble pop

    Have your child blow bubbles, or a parent can blow bubbles from outside of the trampoline, then the child’s goal is to pop all of the bubbles before they get away!

    14. Hopscotch

    Using sidewalk chalk or painter’s tape, make the classic hopscotch on the trampoline. Then your child can enjoy the game on a much more bouncier surface.

    Child sitting alone by trampoline Photo credit @their_wild_little_lives

    Multiplayer challenges for the trampoline

    15. Telephone

    This classic game starts with the first person jumping and doing a pose and then the next child does the first pose and adds their own after it. The next player does the first two poses then adds on again. The game goes on and on until you can’t remember all of the poses.

    16. Crack the egg

    This classic trampoline game is one of the most popular games for kids of all ages. It begins with one child sitting on the trampoline, bringing their knees to their chest, and then wrapping their arms around their legs. This child is the “egg.” The egg tries to hold their arms and legs together tightly while the other kids jump around them trying to break their arms free. Whoever can hold their egg pose the longest without cracking wins.

    17. Marco polo

    This game is not just for the pool, it’s just as much fun on the trampoline. One child closes their eyes and yells out “marco” while trying to find and tag the other players.  The other players with their eyes open, yell “polo” while trying to avoid being tagged. If you need some fun games for the pool too we have you covered there too!

    18. 4 corners

    Using sidewalk chalk or painter’s tape, draw a big cross in the middle of the trampoline. The edges of the cross go from one side of the trampoline to the other. One player sits in the middle of the cross and counts to 10, while the other players pick a corner. When the sitting player gets done counting they will point to one corner making sure to keep their eyes closed. Everyone in that corner has to get off the trampoline, and the game continues until there’s only one person left.

    19. Bum wars

    Bum wars is one of those classic trampoline games I remember playing as a kid. As all the players bounce on the trampoline, one person calls out “1, 2, 3, 4. I declare a bum war!” and all the players must land in a seated position on their bum, immediately take one bounce and get right back to their feet. If anyone bounces on their feet or on their bottoms more than once, that person is out. As a variation, players can add additional moves like “1, 2, 3, 4. I declare a knee war,” upon which everyone lands on their knees before bouncing back to their feet. 

    20. Rock paper scissors

    The classic game can also be played on the trampoline between 2 players. To play rock-paper-scissors, start with the players chanting “Rock, paper, scissors, shoot.”On “shoot,” each person jumps on the trampoline and lands in one of the positions: (1) curled up for a rock, (2) stretched out for paper, or (3) in a sitting position for scissors. Rock beats scissors, scissors beats paper, and paper beats rock.

    21. Sword fights

    Cut a pool noodle into thirds and wrap one end with silver duct tape to make a light saber handle. Use your pool noodles to have an epic sword fight or light sable battle on the trampoline!

    Dancing trampoline games

    22. Dance battle

    This game is great fun for your musical and dancy kids! Turn up some upbeat music and give each child 15 seconds to jump, dance, and flip to the beat of the music. The best dance wins!! Or have the kids come up with a dance or routine together and have them perform it for the rest of the family.

    23. Strike a pose

    Taking turns ask the kids to jump as high as they can to the beat of the song, and do a funny or cool pose while mid-air.  There’s no end to the fun trampoline tricks your kids will come up with. There’s also usually no winner to this game. It can go on for a long time and it’s always funny to see what kids will come up with.

    Small child running toward trampoline with children jumpingPhoto credit @entophos

    Sports on the trampoline 

    Playing  classic sports like baseball and basketball on the trampoline not only makes them more fun, but it can help improve skills for when kids go back to playing those games in school, or competitively. Trying to pass a volleyball back and forth on uneven surfaces can help increase coordination. Trying to hit a baseball in the air can help improve timing and teach kids how to better keep their eye on the ball when playing on the real baseball diamond. Here are some fun ways to shake up these classic games, but can also really improve skills and boost confidence.

    24. Volleyball

    Pass a volleyball back-and-forth while on the trampoline. Toss the volleyball up and try to jump and spike it over the side of the trampoline net (if you have one). This would be a good game to play if you have some players who are not jumping (outside the net of the trampoline) and want to participate too.

    25. Basketball

    Set up a basketball hoop inside the trampoline net and practice jumping and shooting the ball into the hoop.

    26. Baseball

    Have a parent or another kid toss the ball from outside of the trampoline. Have a hitter on the trampoline jump and try to hit the ball mid-air over the trampoline net.

    27. Football

    Jump and catch, then jump and throw the football.

    28. Soccer

    Practice dribbling footwork around the edge of the trampoline. It’s a lot harder to control the soccer ball on such a bouncy surface, but practicing this way can really improve ball control once back on the field. 

    29. Karate/Taekwondo

    Take all your punches and kicks to the next level with jumps before and after. Just make sure we’re doing air punches not punching each other!

    Best trampoline games for little kids

    30. Ring-around-the-rosy

    This classic sing-along game is tons of fun on the trampoline, especially for younger children. All the little kids hold hands and spin in a circle singing the chant, “Ring around the rosy, a pocket full of posies, ashes, ashes, we all fall down.” Then, they all fall down and laugh hysterically.

    31. Freeze bounce

    Everyone bounces around the trampoline at the same time and then a designated referee will yell “freeze!!” Everyone has to stop bouncing and the last person to have their feet hit the trampoline or the last person to stop moving loses.

    32. Simon says

    One player (or a parent) play the role of “Simon” and issues orders to the rest of the players on the trampoline, prefaced with the words “Simon Says.” These can be things such as jump as high as you can, touch your toes, sit down, etc. Every now and then, Simon should give an order that doesn’t start with the magic words (“Simon Says”) to see if someone will perform. If they do, they’re out!

    Two boys pressing their faces against trampoline netting

    Get creative with your trampoline games

    The most important thing when it comes to trampoline games is to have fun! Don’t be afraid to get creative and make up new games and new rules as you go. Children are often incredibly inventive, so make sure to play along to their games, even if the rules don’t make much sense. Trampolines are a great way to be physically active and to get outside this summer without going too far from home. We hope you and your kids enjoy these fun trampoline activities this summer.

    If you take photos of your kids on the trampoline, tag us on Instagram! Use the hashtag #runwildmychild for a chance to be featured on our account.

    What are your kids’ favorite trampoline games?

    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

  • OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER, WATER

    35 Best Swimming Pool Games for Kids (Fun & Easy Ways to Play)

    Beating the heat poolside is an iconic summertime activity. It is also a ton of work! Not only are there a ton of things us parents must remember to bring (towels, snacks, water, sunscreen, endless ideas for pool fun, etc.), but kids are notorious for wanting the one thing we forgot or getting bored long before it is time to leave. Today Wendy Cox, San Diego photographer, gardener, and mom of four, shares 35 pool games for kids that are sure to help make your pool day run smoothly and increase your family’s pool day fun! Save this list for the next time you’re spending the day at the pool, hosting a pool party or hosting a crew at the pool. 

    {This post contains affiliate links.}

    35 Best Swimming Pool Games for Kids

    35 pool games for kids

    For most of us, summertime means a lot of time playing at the pool. But have you ever spent hours gathering the floaties, swimsuits, sunscreen, towels, goggles, etc. just to have your kids complain of being cold a few minutes after getting to the pool and ask to leave?  Or maybe you are one of the lucky ones that have a pool at home, but the novelty of it has worn off. Maybe your kids are in the pool all the time asking you to join them but you don’t appreciate getting splashed, kicked, and pushed around while you’re swimming with them.

    Well, I have a solution. Today I’m sharing the best pool games for swimmers of all ages and abilities. These pool games will keep both you and your kids occupied for hours of pool time fun. Just don’t forget that sunscreen!

    (Adult supervision is always recommended when kids are in/around water)

    The best pool games for kids

    1. Secret message
    2. Pool tea party
    3. Obstacle course
    4. Follow the leader
    5. Human raft
    6. Synchronized swimming
    7. Mermaids
    8. Timed dives
    9. Relay races
    10. Diving Olympics
    11. One push across the pool
    12. Sharks and minnows
    13. Pool fishing
    14. Pool noodle surfing
    15. Scuba divers
    16. Marco polo
    17. Raft races
    18. Noodle joust
    19. Number crunch
    20. Chicken fight
    21. Bobbers
    22. Invisible bottle
    23. Tread challenge
    24. Atomic whirlpool
    25. Belly flop contest
    26. Catch it
    27. Duck push
    28. Pool basketball
    29. Freeze tag
    30. HORSE
    31. Water polo
    32. Simon says
    33. Water gun battle
    34. Mr. Shark
    35. Earn your allowance

    1. Secret messages

    This game can be played with anyone that can talk. So, even if you have a non-swimmer (or a weak swimmer) who likes to hang out on the stairs, they can still participate.

    To play: Start by choosing someone to say the message (usually one or two words) and someone to be the guesser. Go underwater at the same time. The messenger says a word loudly underwater. When you get back up the guesser has to say what word they think the person said. Consider choosing a theme, like animals or fruits, to make it a little easier to guess the word.

    underwater games for kids

    2. Pool tea party

    You’ll need goggles and a shallow end for this pool game. Tea party is played at the bottom of the pool with your eyes open. Sometimes we like to hold hands, other times we need our hands to help propel us down to the bottom.

    To play: Take a deep breath and wriggle your body into a crisscross applesauce position at the bottom of the pool. This is the hardest part of the game! Once you get down there, blow bubbles out of your mouth and pretend to sip from your imaginary teacup. The best part is seeing how silly everyone looks as they flail about trying to stay down at the bottom of the pool! After that, repeat until you’re laughing so hard that you can’t hold your breath anymore.

    3. Obstacle course: pool version

    This pool game is perfect for all ages because you can customize the obstacle course to meet the abilities of the players. You can make the course as simple or as complicated as you like, depending on who is playing. Feel free to add in pool floats, pool noodles, hula hoops, or other props as part of this pool game. 

    To play: The hardest part is making up the course, after that, it is all fun! An example of a pool obstacle course looks like this: Slide down the slide. Swim across the pool and touch the number 3. Float on your back for 5 seconds. Do a handstand. Touch the side of the pool with your big toe. Climb up the ladder. Do a cannonball in the deep end. Swim backwards to the shallow end. Spin around 3 times. Do 3 jumping jacks.  

    4. Follow the leader

    Everyone loves following the leader, especially when they get a chance to be the leader! This classic game is perfect for pool-time fun!

    To play: This pool game is similar to the obstacle course described above, but instead of saying what the course will be out loud, the leader does the actions in sequence. The rest of the players try to repeat the same course in the same order. Switch leaders each round and, of course, make sure to let the kids make a course for you!

    playing at the pool with kids

    5. Human raft

    I used to do this with my sisters as a kid and we had so much fun trying to make this work! You will need at least 4 people to make this happen. 

    To play: One person holds the “raft’s” feet. One person holds the “raft” under both armpits. One person is the raft, and this person will be on their back supported by the two others. The fourth person is the passenger and is usually the smallest person. The passenger sits on the stomach of the “raft.” Once you get all the feet and arms in the right place, the two people carrying the “raft” walk in unison to ferry the passenger around the pool.

    While we’re on the topic of games I played with my sisters, these next two were our favorites.

    6. Synchronized swimming

    We spent hours making up elaborate synchronized swimming routines, practicing, and then performing them for our parents or grandparents. This is the perfect game for your little performers. 

    To play: The players all work together to create and learn a swimming routine. You could even put the routine to music. We love this waterproof portable speaker and always have it with us around the pool. Let the kids pick the song. Jump, dance, swim, twirl, and don’t forget to end with a grand finale move. Maybe this will be the jumpstart to your child’s 2028 summer Olympics debut! 

    7. Mermaids

    Since I have all sisters, one of our favorite pool games to play as kids was mermaids. To be all-inclusive we could call it mer-people. This game is best for strong swimmers because you have to swim with your feet together the whole time. Back when I was a kid they didn’t have all the fancy mermaid tails, like they do now, so we had to use our imagination. If you do have a mermaid tail, awesome, use it! If not, imaginations work just fine and are needed for this game anyway.

    To play: Start with a made-up scenario (“Let’s pretend that we’re mermaids and we have to save the treasure chest from a ship before it sinks to the depths of the ocean.”) and run with it. The only rule is that you have to keep your feet together, like how you would swim if you were a real mermaid. 

    8. Timed dives

    Diving toys are one of our favorite things to play games with at the pool because they are easy to carry and fit in a small bag. My kids love to dive for any diving toy and they make for some fun pool games.

    To play: This simple pool game is played by throwing all the dive toys into the water and waiting for them to get to the bottom of the pool, then timing how long it takes your child to gather them all up. If you have a competitive bunch like I do, they will constantly try to beat each other’s time. Sometimes they’ll throw all the dive toys into the deep end of the pool and then work together as a team to see how long it takes (and how many times they have to dive down) to collect everything. 

    diving games for kids

    9. Relay races

    This pool game is best played with a large group of kids because you will want three or more people per team. This game is perfect for pool parties, family get-togethers or times when the entire baseball team is swimming together! 

    To play: All teams start at one side of the pool and have to get to the other side and back in different ways. Swimming underwater, swimming only with your left arm, swimming the backstroke, etc. The first team to complete the relay wins. 

    10. Diving Olympics

    If your group is up for a challenge, this pool game is for you! First, you must be in a pool that’s safe for diving. Next, teach some diving basics. You can learn the basics of diving here.

    To play: After some practice dives, choose judges. Go fancy and have individually laminated pieces of paper with numbers 1 -10 on them for the judges to hold up. This could be done in a big group, if the diver is a good sport and won’t mind being scored, or with a single diver. My oldest son LOVES to play this and asks for tips after each dive. “Mom, did I make a big splash?” “Did I keep my feet together?” “Wow, did you see how good that dive was!” If you have a kid like this that craves feedback and perfection, get out your camera or phone and take some video. 

    teach kids to dive in the pool

    11. One push across the pool

    All credit for this pool game goes to my Uncle Don. I still do this when I go to his pool! This game requires strong legs and strong lungs. My uncle would usually offer a prize to anyone who could make it all the way across, so a little something for anyone who could make it all the way across might be fun.

    To play: The point is to make it all the way across the pool with one push off the side and one breath. In the pool, extend your arms and take a deep breath. Put your face in the water and push off the side of the pool with all your might! Hold your breath until you touch the opposite side or until you have to come up for air. The next person can either try to beat the first player’s effort or beat their last attempt. If you’re in a long pool, bring some sidewalk chalk to mark how far everyone went. 

    12. Sharks and minnows

    Did you ever play this game when you were a kid? It was played a lot at school and was a pool party game staple. It works best with a large group. 

    To play: Start with one person, the shark, in the middle of the pool. Give the shark boundaries that they cannot cross to get the minnows. The rest of the swimmers, the minnows, line up along one side of the pool. When the shark says “GO” all of the minnows have to try to make it to the other side of the pool without getting tagged by the shark. Anyone who is tagged becomes a shark. The last minnow standing becomes the shark for the next game. This classic never gets old!

    13. Pool fishing

    Even the littlest of hands can get into pool games. Little kids love playing this pool fishing game, but the older kids enjoy it as well. Put a net in a kid’s hand, and you’ve got instant entertainment! Add some fun treasures, and it’s a game your kiddos will ask for over and over.

    To play: All you’ll need is at least one net and this fun treasure box of dive toys. Drop or throw the toys/treasures into the water and see if your kiddos can catch them before they hit the bottom of the pool. Your kids will be building their hand-eye coordination without even knowing it.

    floating game in the pool

    14. Raft races

    Who doesn’t love a good race? This swimming pool game has the added fun of pretending your pool float/raft is a racecar. Zrroom! Let’s race!

    To play: Line all the racers up at one end of the pool and choose one person to be the referee. You can have them already on their floats or all in the pool and they have to mount when the whistle blows. Either way, the objective is to see who can get from the starting line to the other end of the pool riding their float first! Anyone that falls off is disqualified. If you have a bunch of kids, you can do this as a relay with teams!

    15. Noodle joust

    This game can be a little intense, so reserve it for your more rough-and-tumble kids. You’ll need 2 players, 2 rafts/floats, and 2 pool noodles for this game. (Or, check out this log raft game with canes.)

    To play: Each player rides their raft (like a horse) in the middle of the pool. They each have a pool noodle and on the count of 3, they joust to see who can knock the other player off their raft first. 

    best pool games for kids

    16. Number crunch

    If you want to add a little math practice to your summer fun, this is the perfect game. It takes a little bit of prep work but can be used all summer long in a variety of ways for kids of all math abilities. Start by using a permanent marker and numbering 25 (or more!) ping pong balls (1-25) and grabbing 2 buckets (or bowls). Then head to the pool!

    To play: Start by dividing the kids into 2 teams and place them (with a bucket) on opposite sides of the pool. Throw all the balls in the pool. Ready, set, go! Everyone jumps in and collects balls to put in their bucket. However, you can only collect one ball at a time. When all the balls are collected, each side adds up their total (older kids can help the younger kids with math) and the highest-scoring team wins! Another way to play this is the put the bucket/bowl on a float in the pool and let each team take a turn trying to shoot the ping pong balls into the floating bucket. The team with the highest score wins. 

    17. Pool noodle surfing

    Our favorite pool game is to “surf” on a pool noodle without falling off. You might think it sounds simple enough, but when the noodle wants to spring to the surface and you’re trying your best to keep it under your feet, it makes for a pretty good challenge.

    To play: The whole point is to try and stand on your pool noodle without falling off. Usually, we try to surf with two feet on the noodle, but if you’re an overachiever you could try it with one foot. Whoever can stay on the noodle the longest wins! 

    games with pool noodles

    18. Catch it!

    There’s something extra fun about combining the thrill of jumping in the pool, with the added excitement of trying to catch something. This game is fun for kids (and adults) of all ages. 

    To play: All you need is some kind of ball to throw and enough room to jump into the pool. One player is the “pitcher” and the other players take turns catching. The first catcher stands at the edge of the pool and the pitcher throws the ball into the air in front of the catcher, who has to jump in and catch it before plunging into the water. You can get creative with this game by having the catcher do a leap or a trick before catching. The catches can get more difficult, which ups the ante! This can also be done off a diving board, which makes it really fun as you can jump higher and farther!

    19. Duck push

    If you’ve got some extra rubber duckies around from bath time, bring them outside to the pool! While rubber ducks make this game super adorable, it can also be done with any number of other items that float (like balls). 

    To play: The players line up and each swimmer starts at one end of the pool with a rubber duck. The object of the game is to get your rubber duck to the other side, without using your hands. Your kids may try blowing on them, pushing them with their forehead or nose, carrying them on their back or head. Let them get creative. Other players can splash water or try to knock another player’s duck off course. The first one to the end of the pool wins! 

    fun things to do at the pool

    20. HORSE

    Take this fun basketball game to the pool! You can play this game with a pool basketball hoop, a bucket, or a round innertube. 

    To play: The first player has to try to make a basket from anywhere in the pool and if they make it, the next player has to repeat the shot exactly how the first person did. If they miss, that person gets a letter (the first letter is H and then you get O, R, S, and E). The game ends when one person spells out the entire word HORSE and loses. 

    21. Scuba divers

    Bring a healthy dose of imagination for this game, but you could also use this as an educational activity to research some marine life. Sometimes my kids use gear like a snorkel, mask, or fins, but those are not necessary.

    To play: First, imagine a scuba diving scenario. It could be searching for a sunken ship, looking for manta rays, or scouting out the Great Barrier Reef. Then gather any pool floats you have. My son prefers an inner tube. Next, sit on the edge of the floatie and fall backward into the water. (Make sure to be far away from the edge of the pool.) If you have goggles or a mask, try to communicate with each other using just your eyes or hand signals, like real scuba divers. Be sure to share all of the interesting specimens you found on your dive.   

    play in the pool with your kids

    22. Invisible bottle

    Did you know that if you fill a clear 2-liter water bottle with pool water, it’ll nearly disappear underwater? Talk about a fun find! Invisible bottle is one of the best swimming pool games for kids. 

    To play: Find a clear plastic 2-liter bottle with a clear or white cap. Fill it with pool water. Have everyone playing stand on the pool deck, turn their backs to the pool, and close their eyes. Throw the bottle into the water. When the bottle sinks, say “GO” and everyone can turn around, jump in and try to find the bottle. The clear bottle will blend in and become almost invisible at the bottom of the pool. The first person to find it wins!

    23. Airball

    Airball is lots of fun and a great game to play with a large group of people or the whole family. We use a beach ball when we play this in the pool. In the house, we use a balloon and call this “keepy-uppy.”

    To play: The goal of this game is to keep the ball in the air! You can pass it to other players or go around in a circle. You just need to keep it from touching the water. Count out loud how many times the ball is hit. When the beach ball touches the water, the round is over and you start a new game! Try to beat your score from the last round. 

    24. Atomic whirlpool

    As a kid, I was absolutely fascinated by the power of water. One of the things we loved doing was to get the water moving in a whirlpool and then fight the current. My kids love it now and it’s a great way to seriously wear them out! The more kids that can play, the better results. The smaller the pool, the better. Or stay in the shallow end of the pool. 

    To play: Everyone starts in a large circle. Begin walking slowly in the circle, all in the same direction. Start walking faster and faster until everyone is running in the water. Continue running until a whirlpool is formed! Your kids may notice that they’re being picked up off the ground of the pool by the force of the water and propelled forward. When the water’s really moving, everyone turns around and tries to run in the opposite direction of the whirlpool for an extra challenge. Laughter and chaos are sure to ensue! 

    25. Belly flop contest

    Everyone loves a good belly flop! This game is sure to bring the laughter and a good way to get everyone (big and little) involved in the action. 

    To play: Let each player take a turn jumping into the pool, showing off their biggest, loudest, most awkward belly flop. The diver who gets the most applause (or laughter) for their belly flop wins! If belly flops aren’t your thing, try cannonballs. Biggest splash wins!

    26. Marco polo

    Marco Polo is a classic pool game that’s been around forever. It’s still just as much fun today for my kids as it was for me as a kid. You can play with any number of players. The more players, the more fun! 

    To play: Marco Polo is basically playing a game of tag in the swimming pool, but the person who’s “it” has to keep their eyes closed! This certainly makes things more fun and challenging. The “it” player calls out “Marco,” and everyone else answers back with “Polo.” The “it” person must listen carefully and then move around the pool and try to tag one of the other players. Once he or she successfully tags a player, the tagged player then becomes “it” for the next round.

    swimming pool and water play games for kids

    27. Chicken fight

    My kids love playing chicken fight in the pool, but we do have some ground rules to make sure no one gets hurt. They have to stay away from the edge of the pool and keep their hands off hair, heads, and necks. You need at least 4 kids to play this game. 

    To play: Divide up into teams of 2 players. One person stands in the water and the other person sits on that person’s shoulders. The water must be shallow enough for the standing player to have their shoulders and head out of the water.  The two top players basically engage in upright wrestling to try to knock the other player off their teammates’ shoulders. Whoever falls into the pool first, loses.

    28. Bobbers

    Bobbers is a bit like “Whack a Mole” and so much fun!

    To play: One player is chosen to be “it” and is given a pool noodle and stationed in the center of the pool. Everyone else is a bobber and lines up in a single file line at one end of the pool. The bobbers have to bob up and down as they make their way to the other end of the pool. The kid who is “it” tries to whack the bobbers with the pool noodle as they bob past him/her at the center of the pool. If you make it past without being whacked, you’re safe. The first person to get hit becomes “it” for the next time. 

    29. Pool basketball

    Team sports in the water are always a bit hit with my competitive kids. We love dividing up and challenging each other to a half-court game of pool basketball!

    To play: Divide into teams and start shooting some hoops. Point values go up the farther from the basket you can get. See who can get the highest score! 

    Ultimate List of Summertime Pool Games for Kids

    30. Freeze tag

    Freeze tag is another absolutely classic summertime pool game. I’ve also heard it called “popsicle tag.” Unless your kids are only playing the shallow end, make sure anyone playing is a stong swimmer and can tread water well. 

    To play: Someone starts off by being “it.” The rest of the kids take off and swim around the pool trying not to get tagged. If/when they do get tagged, they have to stay in one place and tread water or stand with their legs apart. In order to be “unfrozen” another swimmer has to swim under the other swimmer’s legs.

    31. Water polo

    Water polo is a favorite sport in our house. You’ll need 2 small goals to play (one placed at each end) and a ball. Small soccer goals work great for this. 

    To play: Water polo is a lot like ice hockey (or even soccer). The objective is for your team to get the ball into the goal. Divide everyone up into 2 teams and choose a goalie for each team. The goalie guards the net. A few rules to note: (1) players can only hold the ball with one hand and pass above water; (2) you cannot dunk or splash other players; (3) you can’t hold onto the side of the pool to shoot. 

    32. Simon says

    Simon says is another classic childhood game that’s easily adapted for pooltime play. This is one of the simplest games for kids of any age and can easily be adapted for whatever skill level your kids are. Younger kids love this one.

    To play: One person is the leader and calls out the actions. Everyone else must follow the leader and do the action, but only when “Simon says.” For example, Simon says, do a handstand (everyone must do a handstand). Then the leader has to try and get everyone to do an action without saying Simon says. If someone does the action and the leader did not say Simon says, that person is out and the game continues. Other fun pool activities are: do jumping jacks, do a flip, spin around 3 times, underwater tea party, etc.

    33. Water gun battle

    Since you’re already soaking wet, why not have a little fun with water guns! 

    To play: Get a couple of super soakers or foam water cannons and let the fun begin! Divide up into 2 teams, position yourselves at opposite ends of the pool and put a beach ball in the middle of the pool. Using only the spray from your squirt guns, see which team can get the ball into the other side’s territory. 

    underwater diving and swimming games for kids

    34. Mr. Shark

    This is a fun game for little kids. They love the anticipation of it and it’s great for learning numbers and counting. I’ve also heard this pool game called Mr. Fox or What Time is It, Mr. Fox. We always used to play this after swim team and it brings back so many great memories. 

    To play: Designate a player to be “Mr. Shark.” Mr. Shark stands facing away from the shallow end of the pool with all the little fishies in it. The fishies yells, “Mr. Shark, what time is it?” The shark can say whatever time he wants (e.g. 7 o’clock, 2 o’clock) and the little fishies have to take that number of steps toward Mr. Shark. When Mr. Shark can turn and glance where everyone is before turning his back again. Play continues until the fishies are very close to him. At that point when asked, “What time is it,” Mr. Shark yells, “Dinner Time!” and jumps into the pool and tags someone. That person becomes Mr. Shark. 

    35. Earn your allowance

    This game is great for kids who want to practice their diving skills and kids that are learning how to count money. Kids can play this alone or take turns. 

    To play: Simply toss some loose change into the pool and let the coins sink. To make it a bit harder, try spreading the coins out. A child can play alone, simply diving down to collect the change as if hunting for treasure. More than one child can play and compete in this treasure hunt. You can play again and again. Whoever gets the most coins (or the highest value of all the coins added up), wins! 

    Games to play at a pool party

    Pool games for kids

    Save this post for the next time you’re spending the day at the pool or for your next pool party. You’ll be able to provide endless hours of entertainment and always have a great suggestion for a fun summer pool game the minute someone claims they’re bored! 

    And, I hope these pool games inspire YOU to get in that water with your kids! Your kids want time with you, not just time in the pool. Use the pool as an excuse to act like a kid again, minus the part where you avoid putting on sunscreen. Playing these simple water games with your kids will create lifelong memories and you’ll all have a great time together (and isn’t that the whole point?). If you need more ideas to keep cool this summer, check out this post. Happy swimming!

    What are your favorite pool games?

    About the author

    Wendy is a married momma living in central San Diego, CA, raising 4 human kids, 2 goat kids, 4 chickens, and one grumpy cat. She enjoys gardening, hiking, camping, backpacking, going to the beach, and generally getting out-of-doors. Wendy is a family photographer and also works at several local elementary schools as garden educator. She dreams of traveling to all 50 states and beyond, and believes that there is great beauty to be found in all parts of the earth, we just have to open our eyes to see it.

    You can find more from Wendy online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @wendycoxphotography
    RWMC posts: Wendy Cox

  • CRAFTS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SPRING, SUMMER

    DIY Pressed Flower Butterfly Wings for Kids

    If your kids are anything like mine, they probably love playing dress-up and pretend. Kids have the most amazing imaginations! We love finding ways to make fun costumes, accessories, and dress-up items from things we already have at home or can find in nature. Today, Megan Rigdon, Maryland photographer and mom of three is here to show us exactly how to make beautiful DIY pressed-flower butterfly wings for kids. 

    DIY butterfly wings

    These DIY butterfly wings are not only beautiful and colorful, but they’re really easy to make, with just a few things. They combine two of my favorite things: spending time outside with my kids and making nature crafts together. Here’s what you’ll need to make your own DIY pressed-flower butterfly wings with your kids. 

    Butterfly wing supplies:

    • Flowers
    • Microwave
    • Contact paper
    • Scissors
    • Tree bark (or driftwood)
    • Hot glue
    • Pipe cleaners
    • Elastic

    How to make DIY butterfly wings for kids

    Butterfly wing instructions:

    1. Gather your flowers. Because we’re all about getting kids outside, we highly recommend you send the kids outside and pick your own flowers. However, we know that might not always be possible. The great thing about these butterfly wings is that they can be made with any flowers, whether that’s wildflowers picked from a meadow or a bouquet of colorful flowers from the grocery store. 
    2. Place your fresh flowers between two paper towels with something heavy (and microwave safe on top) as a weight. Microwave the flowers for 1-3 minutes. This helps remove all the moisture from the flowers, but keeps their bright vibrant color. If you don’t have a microwave, you can press the flowers between the pages of a heavy book. 
    3. Draw/outline butterfly wings on the contact paper. Cut out 2 sets of wings. 
    4. Remove the backing from one sheet of the contact paper and arrange the dried flowers on the sticky side of the paper. 
    5. Remove the backing from the second sheet of contact paper and place it sticky side down directly on top of the first paper/set of butterfly wings. The paper will be stuck together with the flowers in the middle.
    6. Use your hot glue gun to glue tree bark (or a piece of driftwood) to the middle of the wings to serve as an anchor. 
    7. Hot glue elastic bands (for arm bands) onto the other side of the butterfly wings/wood center.
    8. Optional: Add pipe cleaners around edges for extra stability.
    9. Wear your gorgeous DIY butterfly wings and enjoy! 

    DIY pressed flower butterfly wings tutorial

     

    About the author

    Megan Rigdon is a mother to three energetic children and lives on their family farm in Harford County Maryland.  She is a lifestyle family photographer and a lover of joyful and colorful images. Megan has a degree in Early Childhood Education and taught kindergarten prior to having her own family. They spend as much time as possible exploring the farm and going on adventures together! Raising chickens, fishing, gardening, and crafting are just a few of her favorite things that she enjoys doing with her family.

    You can find more from Megan in the following locations:
    Instagram: @meganrigdonphotography
    Website: http://www.meganrigdonphotography.com
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