OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

FAMILY TRAVEL, HIKE, LOCAL GEMS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Hiking with Kids: Galisteo Basin Preserve, Santa Fe
- January 23, 2018
- 0 comments
- by Sara
Today’s post is all about hiking Galisteo Basin Preserve in Santa Fe, NM. Photographer, mama and outdoor adventurer Kelli Johansen is taking us along on this gorgeous hike with her family, including her 2 year-old daughter. She’s got some great information on hiking with toddlers, what you need to know before you go and what to pack on your adventure. If you have any questions for Kelli, please leave them in the comments below.

Galisteo Basin Preserve, Santa Fe

My family and I live in Santa Fe, New Mexico and we LOVE to get outside!!! Lucky for us, we live in a state where the weather is pleasant and the sun is out at least 10 months out of the year. Santa Fe is in the northern part of the state and has a dry steppe climate, with cold winters and hot summers. At 7,000 feet elevation we have various landscapes such as the national forest, mountains and high desert to explore.

On this particular day, we decided to go to a place called the Galisteo Basin Preserve. It is the perfect place for an easy hike up and down hills with phenomenal views. The Galisteo Basin Preserve is a conservation-based community development located 14 miles south of Santa Fe. The preserve is a place of sculpted arroyos, craggy sandstone formations and vast savannah grasslands. It is also place of refuge and sustenance for wildlife and people.

The Galisteo Basin Preserve open space is planned to include 50 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. These publicly accessible trails are intended to invite exploration and celebration of this landscape by Preserve residents and visitors alike. The trails are well marked, with numbered junction posts and a downloadable map available here to print – or download into your smart phone.

Hiking with a toddler

We love exploring our entire diverse area and have a lot of hiking options to choose from. On this day, we decided to stay nearby in case our little one wasn’t feeling it. She had been a little grouchy throughout the morning, so we played it safe and stayed a bit closer to home. We’ve learned the importance of flexibility when adventuring with a toddler and adjust our activities accordingly to make life more pleasant for everyone. Of course, on our way to the trail she fell asleep in the car (as toddlers often do) which didn’t make for a fun start. However, she recovered nicely and we had a blast during our short time there.

Our little girl LOVES to hike – she especially loves leading us which is okay when the weather is cooler since the rattlesnakes aren’t out as much. My husband and I always keep our eyes and ears very open when we are out hiking, with or without our daughter.

We like to use our adventures to teach her about wildlife and the surrounding nature. While we were hiking we discussed the different types of trees, plants and rocks we came across. We also played hide and seek. I would run up ahead and crouch behind the trees and wait for her to find me. What seemed like, ‘just a hike,’ turned into a very fun, refreshing adventure.

Choosing a trail

Eevi is almost 3 now and wants to be independent on our hikes – a trait we highly encourage. Therefore, lately we tend to lean towards trails that are easy, well maintained and that we know don’t have high drop-offs. Safety is always a priority. I often use the AllTrails app to check out the different levels and reviews of trails before we go. This particularly helpful if we haven’t been on that trail or if we are in an unfamiliar region (sometimes we get lucky enough to go on vacation!).

My advice is to keep it super simple and fun at this age! The more fun kids have on the trails, the more likely they’ll want to go back, so we try not to overdo it. Start with short, easy trails and let their confidence build before adding elevation and difficulty.

What to pack

When we normally go out we are out for 2-3 hours hiking, exploring and relaxing. Our packing list includes the following items:
- diaper bag (hopefully this will be gone soon!)
- a change of clothes (for our daughter)
- extra socks (for us)
- snacks (for everyone!): granola bars, apples, trailmix, etc.
- LOTS of water (you can NEVER have enough)
- sunscreen (apply before you go and again during the hike)
- phone
- camera
- first aid kit
All of this normally fits into the diaper bag, so even if it’s just a “mommy & me hike,” I’m not carrying multiple bags. Now that my daughter is a bit older, she also enjoys carrying her own backpack. I highly recommend getting kids used to carrying a backpack with some of their own gear at an early age. Every little bit they can carry helps and makes them more independent and self-sufficient.

Since the terrain doesn’t offer much shade, plan to visit the trails early in the day before the heat or later in the evenings before sunset. Make sure to wear a hat and good/sturdy hiking boots. Please remember to stay on marked trails and roads, park only in designated areas, and carry out everything you carry in.

Hi there! My name is Kelli. I am a mama to one sassy spirit, lady behind the lens and the lucky wife to an army veteran. I have always loved photography and everything art. It’s in my blood, it’s my super power. The importance of photography and capturing those you love became abundantly clear to me after my daughter was born prematurely in 2015. Before my daughter was born, I was a Registered Nurse and I barely had time to pick up a camera or paint. After my daughter was born, I couldn’t imagine her knowing that I hadn’t pursued my passions in life. She made me brave again. Don’t get me wrong, I love being a nurse but there’s a different kind of beauty in getting behind a camera and letting the world see what you see.

Website: http://www.kellijohansen.com
Instagram: @kellijohansenphotography
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellijohansenphotography/
FAMILY TRAVEL, LOCAL GEMS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Costa Rica with Kids
- January 18, 2018
- 2 Comments
- by Sara
I’m thrilled to bring you an amazing guest post today from the adventurous and talented Giselle Wyckoff. Giselle is a NYC mom of 2. She recently spent a week in Costa Rica with her family and documented the entire journey for us! She’s here to share all their amazing adventures, activities and experiences – giving some tips, advice and recommendations on how to successfully do Costa Rica with kids. If you have any questions for Giselle, leave them in the comments below! Pura Vida!

I consider myself a lover of travel, amateur photographer, and a mom who likes to expose her kids to the world around them, while capturing as many memories as I can. I have a ten-year-old boy and a seven-year-old girl. We live in New York City and consider ourselves true urbanites. However, we wanted to take the kids out of their city comfort zone on a true outdoor adventure. This past October we traveled to the Papagayo peninsula of Costa Rica. Our experiences from wildlife-watching and tasting fresh fruit, to surfing and ziplining, brought out the inner child and adventurist in all of us.

Traveling to Costa Rica

Papagayo is in the Guanacaste region on the southern pacific coast of Costa Rica. To get there you fly into Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia (LIR). Jet Blue, American and other airlines have direct flights from multiple cities in the United States. Upon arrival, we were greeted by very friendly locals and felt safe during our entire stay. The Costa Rican people (“Ticos”) live by the motto, “Pura Vida,” which translates into ‘pure life.’ Pura Vida is more than a phrase, it’s truly a way of living. It’s used for greetings and farewells – it encompasses the optimism and easy-goingness of their lifestyle.

Weather

Costa Rica has two seasons: dry (December-June) and rainy (July-November). And rainy definitely means rainy! The rainy season is a great time to explore the lush forests. It’s also the perfect time take advantage of the swells when surfing and the full rivers when rafting. It’s usually sunny in the morning with tropical showers in the afternoon. The temperature is warm throughout, with the average temp in Guanacaste hovering around 75-80⁰F year-round. Make sure to pack your raincoats, water shoes and a water-resistant/waterproof bag for day trips. Don’t forget hiking shoes and bathing suits, as well. Make sure to pack bug spray…and lots of it.

Where we stayed

We stayed at the Andaz Papagayo which is part of the Hyatt group. The hotel is a 40 minute scenic drive from the airport, which was lush and beautiful. We saw many of the local crops (sugar cane) and native birds and animals. The beautifully landscaped property of the hotel is set between two beaches and surrounded by all things tropical. The wildlife on the property is an unexpected added bonus. Our kids enjoyed seeing the monkeys and colorful birds right outside our room!

Like most of the hotels throughout the region, a lot of attention is paid to nature and conservation. All of the employees were eager to share their knowledge about the local wildlife, foliage and ecosystem, which was interesting for all of us. The concierge at the Andaz helped us with our daily itineraries and activity planning. They also connected us with Tropical Comfort Tours, who arranged all the activities, adventures and day trips throughout our stay.

What we ate

Coffee, sugarcane, tropical fruit, rice, beans, seafood and meat are all locally grown and harvested. Only the freshest of the fresh! Our meals were truly authentic as we ate in several local restaurants. Favorite local foods include plantains, casados (rice and beans) and seafood ceviches. Bottled water is offered everywhere; however, we did not find drinking the ice or water at any of the restaurants outside our resort to be an issue.

Day trips

There are so many amazing activities to do and day trips to take in Costa Rica. It’s an adventure-lover’s dream come true. It’s also an amazing place to relax surrounded by nature. Whether you’re looking for a thrill ziplining through the jungle or just want to spend a day lounging at the beach, Costa Rica has something for everyone in the family. There are so many things to do, you can spend every day of your trip doing something different. Most hotels can make day trip arrangements for you, or steer you to a reputable third party for activity planning. We chose a combination of action-adventure outings and relaxation for each day.

Day 1: Surfing

Surfing in Costa Rica was at the top of our bucket list. We took a trip to Playa Tamarindo which is about an hour away from the resort. It is a long, rocky beach with shallow waters and breaks perfect for surfing, especially for beginners. There were quite a few surfing companies on the strip, and we used Iguana Surf. They provided the instructor, surfboards and the rash guards. There was a twenty-minute tutorial on the beach which included safety, paddling out, and popping up on to the board, and then it was time to hit the water!

The conditions were suitable for my family with the light crowd, long wide beach and knee to waist high swells. The instructor guided each of us on how best to effectively get up and ride the wave. Our son took to it almost immediately! Within minutes he was up and riding small waves. He’s asked for a surfboard every day since!

Day 2: Ziplining

There is nothing like the rush you feel zipping through the clouds hundreds of feet in the air! We took a trip to Monteverde, a cloud forest reserve found in the Central Highlands of Costa Rica. Jairo (our guide and fifth family member on the trip) from Tropical Comfort Tours drove us in a van to the top of the mountain. The trip was nearly four hours of breathtaking views and exposure to several diverse Costa Rican communities. We stopped for an authentic Costa Rican breakfast of Gallo Pinto (eggs with rice and beans), and then headed for the forest.

Monteverde has something for every adventure-lover, including ziplining, horseback riding, nighttime nature/animal hikes, hanging bridge canopy tours, bungee jumping and coffee making and chocolate tours. Two days is probably ideal to cover most of this, but since we only had a day, we opted for the ziplining and the hanging bridge tours. There were eight ziplines, which ranged from 500 to 2500 feet in length, and up to 300 feet in the air, spanning over the clouds and forest, which had our hearts racing.

The guides from Sky Adventure were amazing, and really put an emphasis on safety, making sure everyone was comfortable at all points. My seven-year-old had to zipline with an instructor due to the lack of weight (which actually made me happy), although she would have probably liked to have gone solo! The views from above were both exhilarating and breathtaking! The extensive ecological biodiversity on the hike among the canopy of the forest was astonishing for the kids.

Day 3: White water rafting

We went to Canon de la Vieja for a family outing for some white-water rafting. Next time, we will do it in the dry season! The rapids were classified as level 2, but because we were at the end of rainy season, it became more of a level 3/4 course. Saftey is priority – helmets and life vests are required for everyone. I would also recommend that children are capable swimmers if they are going to participate. We were each in separate dokis (inflatable boats) with our own guides, although they put both kids together to balance out their boat.

It was an intense 45 minutes of dips, turns and splashes, but a pure thrill, and we felt especially safe with safety guides in two extra boats in front and behind us. In between fighting the rapids, there were stretches where we would peacefully drift down the river, and we were able to observe the nature around us – birds, bats, frogs, trees, etc. The contrast between the rocky bumps and the tranquility of the calm river was beautiful.

Day 4: Relaxation

We spent the fourth day relaxing and enjoying our surroundings. Because of our limited time in Costa Rica, I had everyone running like the Energizer bunny the first three days. I kept reminding myself that they are still kids, so our last day was completely unscheduled. We walked along the nature trails observing the wildlife — white-faced capuchin monkeys swinging from the trees above us and the family of coatis (small, cuter raccoons) playing and eating in the forest.

We also walked the beach and saw many species of crabs, fish and shells. But alas, the kids wanted some time at the Andaz Kids Club, Cambio. They played board games, baked and decorated cupcakes, and did art projects. They got to play on the swings near the beach and relax in the pool. And most importantly to them, they enjoyed a pineapple smoothie sitting next to an iguana! I reluctantly obliged, and found myself a hammock, rounding out another wonderful day.

Trip takeaway

Costa Rica was wonderful and we loved everything we did. And amazingly, there is so much more than we were able to experience, including volcanoes, hot springs, waterfalls and national parks. Everything that we did was new and incredible to us. There is nothing like sharing new experiences with your children. Seeing their excitement, watching them overcome fears, and broadening their minds was everything I hoped that this vacation would be. I am most grateful for this trip because everything we did, ALL of us did, creating long lasting memories and tighter bonds.

To Costa Rica with love…this is not good-bye, this is see you later…Pura Vida!

Giselle Wyckoff is from New York City, mom to Max (10 years old) and Sam (7 years old), an operating room nurse and amateur photographer. Growing up in the metro area has given her a love for food, travel and adventure, but she also likes to break away to the east end of Long Island for a little tranquility and downtime. In her free time, she enjoys tennis, the beach, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying all that NYC has to offer- restaurants, museums, and fashion. Her passion for photography is influenced by these interests, focusing on capturing the vibrance and beauty in family shots, street and travel photography. You can find her at the following locations:

Instagram: gisellewyckoffphotography
Email: gisellewyckoffphoto@gmail.com
FAMILY TRAVEL, LOCAL GEMS, MCFAMILY, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Out & About in Overland Park with Kids
- December 15, 2017
- 0 comments
- by Sara
This post was sponsored by Visit Overland Park. Some accommodations, events, and activities were comped for review purposes. All opinions expressed and photos contained in this post belong to the author.

Last weekend we had the pleasure of spending some time in and around the Overland Park, Kansas area with the kids. Overland Park is a suburb of Kansas City and chock-full of fun attractions, amazing food and kid-friendly experiences. It’s the second largest city in Kansas, located in the midst of the bi-state Kansas City metro. Overland Park is 29 miles from the KCI Airport, and within a 15- to 20-minute drive of beloved Kansas City destinations, including downtown and the Plaza.

Kansas City is about a 1-hour flight, a 4-hour drive or a 5-hour train ride from the St. Louis area, making it the perfect little weekend getaway. There’s so much to do in Overland Park and the Kansas City area for the entire family – from professional sporting events (Royals and Chiefs!) to unique children’s museums. We’ve put together a great list of local attractions, holiday events, outdoor activities, kid-friendly eateries, shops and accommodations. We hope this will help you plan the perfect family trip to Overland Park and Kansas City this season.

Kid-Friendly Attractions

iFLY – If you’ve ever dreamed of flying or thought skydiving would be fun, you must check out iFLY in Overland Park. This indoor skydiving experience gives fliers a chance to experience the thrill and adrenaline rush of skydiving in a fun and safe indoor environment. Instructors provide some brief training and then suit you up for flight. They’re there to help first time flyers maximize the fun as you feel the sensation of free fall in the two story wind tunnel. The flying experience is great for kids and open for anyone aged 3 and up!

Pinstripes – Pinstripes is Kansas City’s premier bowling, bocce and bistro experience in the Prariefire complex in Overland Park. Pinstripes offers classic bowling lanes, indoor bocce courts, fire pits, great Italian food and killer drinks – all under one roof, making it a fun experience for the entire family. All ages are welcome, they offer tot playtime from 10 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday, and parents bowl free.

Crown Center – Located in the heart of Kansas City, the Crown Center is one of the premier family destinations in the Midwest. Housing more than 5,000 sea creatures and 30 displays, the Sea Life Aquarium provides astonishingly close views of everything from humble starfish and seahorses to graceful rays. If you have a Lego-lover in the family, the LEGOLAND® Discovery Center offers a fun, highly interactive and educational two to three-hour indoor experience ideal for families with children 3-10 years old, featuring 2 rides, 10 LEGO build & play zones, a 4D cinema & much more! If your kid is a budding artist, make sure to check out Hallmark’s Kaleidoscope, where kids use their imaginations to make art with left-over materials from Hallmark’s manufacturing processes. There are also 2 live theaters and the city’s only public outdoor ice skating rink (during the winter).

Apex Climbing Gym – If your whole family is up for some adventure, Apex Climbing Gym is built entirely around the principle that exercise should be fun and bring family closer together. Try your hand at the Warped Wall and other ninja warrior-inspired obstacles. Or see if you have what it takes to top-out in the expansive climbing area. They also offer yoga to further improve your mobility, flexibility, and strength.

The College Basketball Experience – Located inside the Sprint Center in the heart of downtown Kansas City, the College Basketball Experience is perfect for the sports lover in your family. With hands-on, high-energy exhibits throughout the facility, visitors are put in electrifying game-like situations, from sinking the game-winning shot to announcing the play-by-play action at the “ESPNU broadcast desk.” This is also the home of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.

Overland Park Outdoor Adventures

Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens – For nature lovers, the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens stretches over an incredible 300 acres filled with more than a dozen gardens, nearly five miles of hiking trails and a 180-acre prairie that showcases native grasses and wildflowers in their full splendor. The Arboretum is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of eight natural ecosystems. The paved and wood chip trails wind throughout the picturesque arboretum and gardens. Gardens include Monet Garden, Children’s Discovery Garden and the International Sculpture Garden. While you’re there, check out all the fairy and gnome houses! They were one of the highlights of our trip!

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead – This unique farm is bursting with things to see and do. The Farmstead is home to nearly 200 animals, vegetable and flower gardens, a fishing pond and more! Kids will love the pony rides, bottle feeding baby goats or petting a cow in the Dairy Barn. Other animals include horses, donkeys, turkeys, bison, prairie dogs and bobcats. Visit historical replicas of a country schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, mining camp, barber shop and Indian village. Pile the entire family into a wagon pulled by Belgian draft horses for a ride through the woods. Catch a fish with an old-fashioned cane pole or compete in a push pedal tractor race. This twelve acres of wholesome family fun and entertainment is open every day from April 1-October 31. On Monday through Thursday, admission is FREE!

Indian Creek Hike and Bike Trail – Looking for some outdoor exercise with a view? The Indian Creek Bike/Hike Trail links two states, four communities and a multitude of parks along Indian Creek. The trail includes plenty of parks, playgrounds and picturesque places to stop for a picnic. The trail starts in Kansas City and continues (around 20 miles) through the heart of Overland Park. The asphalt paths are ideal for hiking, biking and skating. Because they’re mostly shaded, the trail is a great recreation option even during the hot summer months. A trail map can be found and downloaded HERE.

Snow Creek – Who says you can’t ski in the Midwest? Snow Creek is a winter sports destination with no mountains required! Located 40 miles north of Kansas City, Snow Creek has over 60 snow-making machines with the capacity to pump 3,000 gallons of water per minute, covering 100% of the terrain in as little as 72 hours! As long as temps stay below freezing they have snow! Snow Creek offers skiing, snowboarding and tubing. They have 12 trails, 5 lifts and 2 terrain parks. Rent your equipment there and take advantage of all their amenities such as bar, restaurant, pizzaria, private/group lessons and souvenir shop. Open mid-December through mid-March.

Holiday Activities in Overland Park

Farmstead Lane Light Show – The annual light display at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead has new features this year including lots of new fun animation. The 38-minute show is synchronized with music. Tune into 90.5 FM to hear holiday music as you watch the spectacular show from the warmth of your car!

Nutcracker – Don’t miss the magic and tradition of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, The Nutcracker. Performed by the American Youth Ballet, with a 40ft growing tree, snow falling on stage, and a live orchestra. The Nutcracker is a highlight and an Overland Park tradition. Saturday show times are 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday show times are 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Luminary Walk – Stroll down candlelit trails through the gardens and woods at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Thousands of candles line the walkways and trails with holiday lights on display from trees, buildings and bridges. It also features live music, Santa Claus, horse-drawn wagon rides and hot cider around a campfire. Even the mystical gnome and fairy villages are lit up. The Luminary Walk is held from 5 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday nights, Nov. 24-25, Dec. 1-2, and Dec. 8-9.

Ice Skating at Park Place – The Ice at Park Place is Leawood’s only outdoor ice rink. It’s open November 17th through February 19th, including holidays. The Ice is surrounded by seasonal festivities, warm food and drink options and unique holiday shopping. Now in its tenth season, enjoy special events like Skating with Santa, Princess Skate and Valentine’s Day Skate. Skate rentals are available, but bring your own helmets for the kids.

Carriage Ride – If you want to go all out for the holiday, book a horse-drawn carriage ride to take you through Country Club Plaza to see the lights and sights. From November to mid-January, Kansas City Carriages offers horse-drawn carriage rides to the public. Rides are available daily starting at 5 p.m. from the corner of Nichols Road and Pennsylvania Avenue and hit all the highlights as the lights illuminate the area’s pretty Spanish architecture. Reservations are recommended if you don’t want to wait in line for hours. Dress warmly and grab some hot chocolate from a nearby coffee shop for the ride.

Overland Park Eateries

Grimaldi’s Pizza – For authentic, coal-fired brick oven pizza, look no farther than Grimaldi’s at Prariefire in Overland Park. Pizza and calzones are baked to perfection in coal burning ovens, which offer a unique flavor and a crisp crust that is not possible from gas, convection or wood-burning ovens. Made with fresh ingredients, handmade mozzarella, ‘secret recipe’ dough and pizza sauce, Gramadi’s is the most award-winning pizzeria in the US. The kids loved “The Don” pizza and my husband and I fought over the last piece of “Brooklyn Bridge.”

The Big Biscuit – The folks at the Big Biscuit pride themselves on having the friendliest service in town. They’re known for portions that are impossibly generous and a staff with Big smiles. They’ve been serving up breakfast at lunch to the Kansas City area for 17 years, from a variety of locations. No matter which part of KC you’re in, you can usually find a Big Biscuit near you.

Decadent – Decadent is a delicious dessert and coffee bar in Overland Park’s Prairiefire district. Pastries and desserts are made from scratch daily, which also means the selection regularly rotates. Pair your sweet treat with a freshly made espresso beverage or a decadent drinking chocolate. Want to go all out? Try the skillet chocolate chip cookie topped with vanilla bean gelato, hot fudge, caramel sauce and whipped cream. Heaven, I tell you. They also serve ice cream, wine and beer!

Q39 – You cannot take a trip to Kansas City without having some world-famous BBQ. Q39 is a relatively new BBQ restaurant, with a created-from-scratch menu by classically trained chef Rob Magee. Prior to opening Q39 he worked the competitive barbecue circuit (and won a lot)! The restaurant is fun and contemporary, while also being rustic and friendly. You can’t go wrong with any of their amazing BBQ dinner entrees, served with apple coleslaw and your choice of beans or potato salad. It draws a crowd on a weekend night, so go early with and try the brisket. You won’t be disappointed!

McLain’s Market – The stocked pastry case at McLain’s Market is a dessert lover’s dream—cupcakes, brownies, donuts and pastries, oh my (plus a whole lot more). They serve an incredible breakfast and lunch, too – everything from breakfast BLTs to veggie spring rolls and avocado toast. There’s even a Poutine made from housemade fries covered in a goat cheese fondue with bacon and chives. Consider yourself warned!

Gigi’s Cupcakes – If you’ve never tasted the best gourmet cupcake to ever come out of a Kansas grandma’s kitchen, you need to go to Gigi’s. Featuring 30 varieties of cupcakes each week, in addition to adorable mini cupcakes and the perfect-sized cheesecakes. Everything is baked fresh each day. They even have gluten friendly fans covered with three different gluten friendly cupcakes made daily. Try the chocolate salted caramel cupcake, a dark chocolate cupcake that’s filled with caramel, then topped with caramel frosting, dipped in ganache and sprinkled with sea salt. Amazing.

Shops for Littles

Scheels – While a mega sporting goods store might not sound like the most kid-friendly destination, this one certainly is entertaining! Kids can marvel at a 16,000-gallon overhead aquarium, hear from fully animated talking presidents along the Walk of the U.S. Presidents and ride a 65 foot indoor Ferris wheel! Scheels is the largest selection of sports, sportswear and footwear – under one roof – in the entire state of Kansas! There’s also a deli and fudge shop, sport simulators (golf, soccer, hockey, baseball, football and basketball), plus a wildlife mountain.

American Girl – At the American Girl Store in Overland Park, your little one can explore the doll collections like BeForever, Girl of the Year, Truly Me, and The Bitty Baby. The store is full of fun accessories to browse and a full library of award-winning books. Make a pampering date and treat your doll to a new look in the doll hair salon or get her ears pieced. Dolls in need of a little TLC can be brought to the store and admitted to the Doll Hospital for refresh and repair. There are also exciting programs and special events held throughout the year.

Fat Brain Toys – Fat Brain Toys in the Prariefire complex in Overland Park is a fun place to learn while you play! The highly educated staff includes real school teachers that will help you find the perfect educational game, activity or toy. Kids also have the chance to try, learn, and play before you buy to ensure satisfaction! The store boasts over 7,500 in stock toys, games, and gifts, including their own original line of educational toys.

Places to Stay in Overland Park

Mariott Overland Park – This hotel boasts gracefully designed accommodations, superb service and an excellent convenient location. You’ll find our hotel just moments from premier shopping centers, as well as museums, attractions and the convention center. Epicure restaurant and the 210 Bar and Grill both have delicious American cuisine and innovative cocktails. There’s a fitness center for the parents and an indoor/outdoor pool for the kids!

Convention Center hotels – Are you headed to Overland Park for a meeting, convention or corporate event? The Overland Park Convention Center is within walking distance of 1,000 hotel rooms, including Hyatt Place, Holiday Inn and Courtyard by Marriott. The Sheraton Overland Park Hotel at the Convention Center is attached to the Overland Park Convention Center for the ultimate in convenient access.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this overview of all the fun family-friendly activities, adventures and outings in and around the Overland Park and Kansas City area. Keep this in mind when planning your next weekend getaway with the kids. And make sure to check out the Visit Overland Park website for the most up-to-date info on local events and happenings.

Have you been to Kansas City?
What’s your favorite KC activity?
GOOD FOR NATURE, HOLIDAYS, MCFAMILY, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, WINTER
Tips for Cutting Down Your Own Christmas Tree
- December 1, 2017
- 9 Comments
- by Sara
Cutting down your own Christmas tree is a fun family tradition that gives you adventure, fresh air and a respect for nature. It’s a fun excuse for a little physical exercise in the great outdoors and wonderful reason for your family to spend some time together.

While you might expect a pro-nature argument against cutting down a live tree, it’s actually the opposite. When you choose a real tree over a plastic artificial one, you help both the environment and your community. While there are benefits of artificial trees (convenience and accessibility), we hope you’ll consider a real tree this year, for environmental and economic reasons. A there’s no better way to find the perfect real tree than getting out there and cutting down your own!

Benefits of a real tree

Artificial trees will last for seven to ten years in your home, but centuries in a landfill. Artificial trees are produced in overseas factories, with less stringent environmental regulations, poorer working conditions and lower wages. On the other hand, real Christmas trees are produced locally, from sunlight, rainfall and soil. In the U.S. alone, there are more than 15,000 Christmas tree farms. Those farms grow approximately 350 million trees and employ over 100,000 people.

Planted like an agricultural crop, these trees provide wildlife habitat, air filtration and prevent soil erosion as they grow until they are harvested and replaced by another tree. Each tree grows for an average of eight years. A fresh cut Christmas tree is recyclable and biodegradable. Once used, the tree can be chipped for mulch, burned, or land filled, where it will naturally break down over time. There are also thousands of Christmas tree recycling programs across the U.S. Trees are used to make sand and soil erosion barriers or placed in ponds for fish shelter.

Forest or farm

If you want to cut down your own tree, you can either go to a tree farm or venture into the woods to find your own. If you want that extra sense of adventure, head into the woods, but be prepared. Some areas require a permit to cut down a tree (usually a nominal fee). There may be areas where cutting is restricted or allowed only during a certain time. The size of tree (diameter of the trunk at the base) may be regulated and gas powered tools (chainsaws) may not be allowed, so tools are limited to axes or handsaws.

There are lots of benefits of cutting down a live tree from the forest. It provides more room for remaining trees to grow, which are less stressed and better situated to cope with disease and insects. Reducing competition allows for easier access to water, nutrients, and sunlight and reduces wildfire risk by providing less potential fuel for a fire.

If you go to a Christmas tree farm, you will be supporting your local community. Farm trees will be much more uniform in size and shape. Trees are usually grown in rows so they get plenty of sunlight to form a symmetrical shape. They’re usually anywhere from 3 to 10 feet in height and cost an average of $55/tree. Christmas trees are grown in all 50 states, so there’s bound to be a farm by you (check out this website for state-by-state info).

Tips for cutting your own tree

We’ve been cutting down our own Christmas tree from a local farm (Eckert’s in Belleville, Illinois) for the last few years. It’s become one of our family’s favorite annual traditions. Riding the tractor out to the field and choosing the perfect tree is always a fun outing for the kids. Plus, there’s always a lot of other fun holiday related activities to do at Eckert’s, including making gingerbread houses, visiting Santa and story time.

Over the last few years, we’ve learned a few lessons about cutting down our own tree, which we’re happy to pass on to you! So, before you embark on your own tree-chopping journey, here are some things to keep in mind.
1. Don’t go too early – the best time for cutting your own Christmas tree is between late November and mid-December. The average time a well-watered cut tree holds its needles is 3-4 weeks.
2. Measure your space – make sure you measure both the place in your house where the tree with go (height & width) and the space in your vehicle where you’ll be transporting your tree.
3. Take a tape measure – a lot of farms will provide measuring tapes or sticks, but it’s always best to bring your own. Expert parenting tip: if you have more than one kid, bring a tape measure for each so there’s no fighting over it.
4. Boots and gloves – wear sturdy boots that protect your feet and good, heavy-duty work gloves. Sunglasses also protect your eyes from rogue pine needs. Wet wipes are great for removing sap from hands and fingers.
5. Do a walk through – before you choose your tree, walk through the grounds and scope them all out. Sometimes trees are arranged by size, shape, breed, etc. Get a lay of the land before making your final decision. Also, when you think you’ve found the perfect tree, walk-around the entire tree to make sure there are no bald spots, dead patches or animals living in the tree.
6. Test for freshness – in order to make sure your chosen tree is fresh, run a branch through your enclosed hand. The needles should not come off easily. Bend the outer branches – they should be pliable. If they are brittle and snap easily, the tree is too dry.
7. Lightweight saw – it’s best to use a lightweight saw that is meant for cutting live trees. Most farms will provide these for you; just call the farm ahead of your visit to make sure.
8. Cut low – cut your Christmas tree low to the ground and quickly, if possible. The low cut will allow the tree to re-sprout a central leader to form another Christmas tree for the future. Once the tree starts to lean over, finish your saw cuts quickly. Don’t push the tree over. That can cause the bark to rip and splinter. It is best to have an assistant support the tree as you are cutting.
9. Shake it – the tree may well have become home to birds, bugs and spiders during the year, so once it’s cut, shake it! A vigorous shaking will not only get rid of loose pine needles, but will also evict Charlotte (and her web). Lots of farms will shakes your chosen tree on a mechanical shaker for no additional cost.
10. Be careful during transport – be careful not to break branches or bend the thin part at the top. Also, you should prepare your vehicle for transport. If you’re putting on top of your car, bring ropes or tie-downs. If you’re going to put it in the vehicle, bring a large tarp or blanket to keep any pine needles from shedding all over.
11. Ensure freshness – when you get your tree home, take a 1 inch slice off the bottom of the trunk where the tree was cut to allow it to soak up nutrients and water faster. Get the tree into water as soon as possible. Make sure the water is not too cold (it can shock the tree).
I hope you and your family try a real tree this holiday season! And for an extra adventure, cut down your own tree. Make it a family tradition. Don’t feel guilty – it’s good for the environment! And it feels great to get outside together and choose a tree as a family. I guarantee you’ll have fun and make amazing memories while you’re at it. Don’t forget your camera!

Have you ever cut down your own tree?
BIKE, FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Gear Review: Burley Minnow Bike Trailer
- November 17, 2017
- 1 Comment
- by Sara
This post was sponsored by Burley. Bike trailer was provided as post compensation and for review purposes. All opinions expressed and photos herein belong to the author.

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

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

Benefits of a bike trailer

While being outdoors with your kids and getting fresh air and exercise are all amazing benefits to biking with kids, having a bike trailer offers benefits beyond the obvious. Here a few of our favorite things about using a bike trailer when biking with kids:
- Storage – Most bike trailers have a cargo area in the back to store a backpack, groceries, diaper bag, toys, camera, small cooler or whatever gear and supplies you need for your biking adventure. We tend to overpack on outings with the kids, so without a storage area, we’d have to purchase a separate storage basket for our bikes or pack everything in a backpack we wear during the ride.
- Safety – I don’t claim to be an expert bike rider, so having a bike trailer behind the bike, as opposed to a large toddler in a bike-mounted seat, feels much safer to me. Bike trailers are much sturdier and less likely to tip over the adult’s bike. Plus, good bike trailers have a durable roll-cage and 5-point harness to keep children secure.
- Longevity – Bike trailers can be used for years and can accommodate kids and cargo up to about 100 pounds. This means kids can ride in a trailer for a much longer time than they can fit in a mounted seat.
- Weather-protection – While we don’t ever plan on biking through rain or storms, bike trailers offer a level of weather protection that bike-mounted seats or tow bars don’t. Lots of bike trailers have water resistant covers to protect from wind, rain and/or snow. You can even get a separate Amazon that will keep little ones (up to 2) snuggly and warm.
- Stroller option – Some bike trailers also offer the option of converting in to a stroller, jogger or even a sled!! Depending on what you want (and how much you want to spend), there are a lot of options out there for whatever outdoor needs you have.
Features and specs of the Burley Minnow

If you’re looking at adding a bike trailer to your family outings, check out the Burley Minnow. It’s the newest trailer in the Burley line-up and perfect for families looking to haul around one kid and some gear. Here are few features and specs that we love about the Minnow:
- Single-seat – While Burley does make a number of other trailers that accommodate more than one kid, the Minnow seats one and that’s all we needed. This single-seater is perfect for our 3 year-old and will last a few years until she’s ready for rides on her own.
- Safe – The Minnow has a full aluminum roll cage, 5-point harness system and passes rigorous Burley Standard durability testing. It comes with a safety flag, reflectors and UV protection on the tinted windows.
- Smooth ride – While I haven’t actually sat back there myself to personally test it out, both kids have tried it and love it. They both said it’s comfortable, not too bumpy and lots of fun.
- Storage – The Minnow has a ton of storage space. There’s a spacious rear-cargo area large enough for a full back-pack and my camera bag. Plus, there’s upfront storage for water bottles, keys, phone, snacks, etc.
- Infant seat accessory – I love that Burley offers a separate infant seat (Amazon) that you can use to secure babies 3-12 months old. While I was certainly not expecting anyone but Mim to get use out of this trailer, turns out that it will be the perfect biking accessory to have when baby #3 gets old enough to be able to go on biking outings with us. Although, be advised that the baby seat should only be used on trailers that have stroller option if your child is less than 12 months old. When towing behind a bike, baby needs to be able to sit up unassisted and wear a helmet.
- Easy to assemble – The trailer comes nearly unassembled, but it’s a quick project. There are no extra gear or parts that you’ll need to order or purchase. It comes ready-to-bike and includes a hitch, tow arm and safety flag.
- Fold-flat design – The Minnow folds flat for easier storage and transport.
- Affordable – Starting at $215, the Burley Minnow is a quality, entry-level trailer that won’t break the bank.
Our Burley experience

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

Find Burley online

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

Website // Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Amazon

Anyone else use/have a bike trailer?
FAVORITE GEAR, HIKE
Gear Review: See Kai Run Boots
- November 7, 2017
- 1 Comment
- by Sara
This post was sponsored by See Kai Run. The boots were provided as post compensation and for review purposes. All opinions expressed and photos herein belong to the authors and photographers, as noted below. This post may contain affiliate links.

Winter is coming!

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

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

Get the right gear

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

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

See Kai Run boots

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

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

Waterproof and insulated

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

Wide openings

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

Stylish

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

Shop the line

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

See Kai Run

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

What’s your favorite outdoor (boot-friendly) winter activity?
BIKE, FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Gear Review: Schwinn Amplify & Circuit Bicycles
- November 1, 2017
- 3 Comments
- by Sara
This post was sponsored by Schwinn Bicycles. Bikes were provided as post compensation and for review purposes. All opinions expressed and photos herein belong to the author.

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

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

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

Choosing the right size bike for kids

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

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

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

Schwinn SmartStart bikes

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

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

Schwinn Amplify

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

Amplify stats and features:

Model & Size: Schwinn SmartStart 18″ Amplify
Color: Sidewalk Bike
Fits heights: 42-52″
Age: 6 years – 10 years
Retail price: $119.99
- Rigid high-tensile steel child frame
- Coaster and front and rear hand brake
- Single speed
- Rigid frame and fork
- SmartStart design features smaller grips and pedals that are closer together to promote a comfortable fit
- Training wheels included
Picking the right Schwinn bike for adults

With so many different types of bikes to choose from it can be hard to determine which bicycle is best suited for you. However, if you know a few basics about each type of bike it will be easier to zero in on a bicycle that fits your lifestyle.
- Cruiser Bicycles: These retro looking bikes have wide balloon tires, wide saddles, and keep you in an upright seated position. These bikes have a simple mechanical design and a single-speed drive-train. They are incredibly durable, which makes them very easy to maintain. A cruiser is a great choice for the casual and stylish cyclist who is looking for a stable bike. This cyclist is not concerned about how fast they get from point A to B, and will primarily be biking on flat terrain.
- Mountain Bicycles: These durable bikes typically have wide knobby tires, a stout frame and shock-absorbers. They have straight handlebars with a raised seat that keeps you in a more upright seated position than a road bike. With stable wheels, these bikes can handle the dirt, potholes, and gravel of off-roading. While the sturdy features make this bicycle excellent for rough terrain, they can also make a ride on the road heavy and slow.
- Hybrid Bicycles: This bike combines features of both the road and mountain bike styles to create a perfect compromise. The Hybrid has skinnier tires and a lighter frame, which allows it to go faster than the mountain bike. It’s ideal for the cyclist who wants a general-purpose bike that can handle multiple terrains and riding conditions. This bicycle is not only durable and comfortable, but is also fast. Ideally suited for beginning cyclist or commuters who want a quick, comfortable ride.
- Urban Bicycles: These bikes are durable with strong frames to handle any possible hazards of the city road. This type of bike comes with fenders to keep the rider free from mud and water kicked up. The handlebars allow you to sit upright for a comfortable ride. Urban bikes are ideal for practical city dwellers who want to use their bike for running errands or commuting to work.
- Bike Path Bicycles: These bikes keep riding simple and smooth. Wide plush saddles, upright seating, plush suspension, and tires similar to those found on mountain bikes (but smoother) make riding a Bike Path bike extremely comfortable, although less efficient then a Hybrid. The Bike Path bike is ideal for a casual cyclist who desires comfort and leisurely rides.
- Road Bicycles: These bikes have skinny tires, light frames, and a forward leaning riding position that allows a cyclist to go fast on pavement. The road bike has two types of handlebars for the road cyclist various needs. Drop-bar handlebars are for the cyclist who wants to go faster. They are lightweight and create a more aerodynamic riding position, while also allowing you to better transfer your energy to moving the bike. However they may also put more strain on your back. The flat-bar handlebars allow you to sit up in a more upright position to reduce strain on your back, wrist and shoulders, but they are less efficient in speed.
For more information on choosing the right Schwinn bike, visit their website here.

Schwinn Circuit

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

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

Circuit stats and features

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

Add a Schwinn to the family

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

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

Website // Instagram // Facebook // Twitter

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

What kind of bike do you and your kids ride?
LOCAL GEMS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Urban Farm & Feed – Sandy, Utah
- October 10, 2017
- 0 comments
- by Sara
Today I’m really excited to bring you a full review and fall family fun guide to one of the coolest little locations in the Salt Lake City area, Urban Farm & Feed. We’ve got new local mom, blogger and professional photographer, Cara Mathis of Catcher in the Rye Photography here to give you all the details about this super cute local gem of a market. They’ve got everything from locally-grown fruits and vegetable to homemade pies and sweets. There’s pumpkin picking and animals to feed in the fall, as well as a year-round farm school for kids. If you’re in the Salt Lake Area (living there or just passing through), add this place to your “must see” list.

My family and I moved to Utah from D.C. last Thanksgiving. Needless to say, it’s been a bit of a culture shock — in the best way possible. One of the things we’ve noticed most about this state is the sheer volume of farmers markets and outdoor activities it offers.

It feels like we discover a new market every week, each one teeming with even more artisan crafts and fresh produce than the last.

One of my all-time favorites is Urban Farm & Feed in Sandy, Utah.

About Urban Farm & Feed
Since 2012, Urban Farm & Feed has been giving back to its community with farm fresh produce, treats, and activities. Owners Marty and Maryann are first generation farmers who turned their love of the land into 40+ acres of farm fresh offerings. Scattered across Utah, Urban Farm & Feed provides fruits and vegetables, as well as free-roaming chickens, lambs, and cows to Utahns.

Urban Farm & Feed cultivates the land according to strict sustainable farming methods, wherein farms rotate crops and re-nourish the soil they farm. Marty and Maryann are also committed to providing the community with fresh produce and food items free of chemical treatment.
And the coolest thing about Marty and Maryann? They turned their love of farming into the Wasatch Front Farmers Market.

That’s right! One of the most well-known farmers markets in the valley was created – and now hosted – by the owners of Urban Farm & Feed! If you haven’t visited Gardner Village on Saturdays or Wheeler Farm on Sundays, you need to make that a priority this month! The markets run through the end of October, so find the Urban Farm & Feed booth while you’re there and meet the faces behind the farms!

Fall Fun at Urban Farm & Feed

Open Tuesday through Saturday and offering everything from fresh produce to farm fresh Fall decor to homemade pies and ice cream, you won’t find a one-stop shop like Urban Farm & Feed anywhere else in the area.

Especially for Fall.

I mean, just listen to the one-of-a-kind food and activities Urban Farm & Feed is offering this season!

Fun Fall Activities

Committed to teaching adults and children alike to appreciate and cultivate the land, Urban Farm & Feed offer countless opportunities to interact with the earth and learn about farming. Among these are:
Kids crafts and farm activities every Thursday at 11am, capped off by visiting with and feeding the animals in the back (Can you say ‘goats’?!); ages 12 and under

Fresh breakfast from 9am to 11am every other Saturday through the end of October, $6-$10 per plate

U-pick pumpkins

Farm schools held throughout the year to encourage others to live a simple, homemade, and happy life

You could spend every day here and never once get bored! That’s the beauty of farming – There’s never a dull day!
Local Produce and Treats
Our favorite Fall treat this season has been the pies at Urban Farm & Feed. Apple, key lime, and chocolate decorate the tables and refrigerators in the shop. We’ve had a taste of each of them. Not only are they to die for delicious, but they’re small enough to justify getting one for each of you! We treat them as personal-sized. Because pie not?

In addition to fresh pies made daily from scratch in the back kitchen, Urban Farm & Feed offers a huge assortment of other yummies:

Fresh baked apple cider donuts every Saturday through the end of October

Local homemade kombucha, butter, cream, and treats

Squash, gourds, apples, pears, and corn

Local homemade jellies, jams, and condiments

Tomatoes, chilis, meats, dairy, and other fresh produce and staples

Fresh ice cream from the USU Aggie Creamery

Talk about sensory overload! Every bite is even more delicious than the last when you’re eating from Urban Farm & Feed.

Our Family Favorite

Every time we visit Urban Farm & Feed, we have to get the Aggie Blue Mint ice cream, fresh from USU Aggie Creamery. It’s a combination of cookies and cream, mint chocolate chip, and, well, blue. And it is Heaven on earth! Even as the temperatures drop to the 40s this month, I have every intention of continuing the ice cream tradition. After all, as Brandon Sanderson said in the Rithmatist, “Everyone knows that ice cream is worth the trouble of being cold. Like all things virtuous, you have to suffer to gain the reward.” And my, can suffering be delicious.

Whereabouts

While we visit the Sandy location at 8767 S 700 East, Urban Farm & Feed is actually a collection of farms, as well as a partnership among farmers. Vegetable farms can be found throughout the Salt Lake county, and Urban Farm & Feed farmers garden plots from 1/4 acre to 9 acres large. In addition to vegetables, some plots maintain animals and poultry for the farm.

Our favorite location is the newest addition to the Urban Farm & Feed family, located at 8767 S 700 East in Sandy, Utah. Here you can find a U-Pick Acre, chickens and lambs, farm-to-table dinners, and an assortment of farm activities. And don’t forget the ice cream!

We’ve been to the shop a few times now – usually on Saturdays – and we’ve never had a problem finding parking and getting in. The owners, Maryann and Marty, and their two boys are always there, chatting with customers, baking in the kitchen, and tending to the gardens around the store.

During our last trip, I bought several bundles of corn stalks to decorate my front porch. I couldn’t be happier with the way it turned out. And the best part? My home decor supports local businesses!

Plan your Visit

I’m planning on taking my family to Urban Farm & Feed every weekend until the weather gets so cold we can’t lift the donuts to our mouths anymore. (And let’s be honest – Even that won’t stop me).

Urban Farm & Feed is the perfect local shop to get your kids out and exploring their surroundings. Encourage them to learn about respecting and cultivating the land, all while enjoying the delicious treats that come from hard work and sustainable farming.

Shop local this Fall season, and bring your kiddos on down to Urban Farm & Feed, right off Redwood Drive in Sandy, Utah! You’ll leave happy, full, and ready to plant your own garden and watch it grow!

Cara Mathis is mom to one hysterical little two-year-old and wife to the love of her life. She’s a photographer, blogger and former advocate at the DOJ. She’s passionate about art, music, dance, Kate Spade, cake and interior design She recently moved to Utah after 6 years in Washington DC and Philadelphia, prior to that. Since moving West, their family’s been busy taking advantage of all the activities and outdoor attractions the Beehive State has to offer – mountains and canyons, state fairs and farmers markets, festivals and amusement parks galore.

If you’d like to follow along with their adventures, you can find Cara at the following locations:

Website: Catcher in the Rye Photography
Photography Instagram: Catcher in the Rye Photography
Photography Facebook: Catcher in the Rye Photography
Blog: Catcher in the Rye Photography
Instagram: Catcher in the Rye Photography
Blog Facebook: Catcher in the Rye Photography
FAMILY TRAVEL, FISH, LOCAL GEMS, MCFAMILY, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Fly Fishing with Kids at Dry Run Creek, Arkansas
- October 4, 2017
- 7 Comments
- by Sara
Dry Run Creek near Mountain Home, Arkansas has been called “the best quarter mile of trout fishing in the world.” However, you won’t find the world’s best fishermen here – you’ll only find kids! A true gem of a fishing location, it only takes one walk along the banks of Dry Run Creek for every fly fishing adult to wish they were a kid again, if only for a day.

Fly fishing with kids at Dry Run Creek, Arkansas

We recently spent three action-packed days fishing with the kids on Dry Run Creek and now consider ourselves totally spoiled. Not only is it an absolutely gorgeous area with lush canopies and easy access to the water, but the fish were giant! My fly fishing obsessed five year-old caught his fill every day, each bigger than the last. Dare I say, he may have even got bored after a while from catching so many fish! Even the three year-old got in on the action and netted a few, although it was hard to pull her away from feeding the fish in the hatchery and chasing butterflies.

About Dry Run Creek

Flowing from Norfork National Fish Hatchery, Dry Run Creek is .75 miles of spring and hatchery effluent fed, ice-cold, highly-oxygenated water (32 million gallons/day) coming up from below the surface of Lake Norfork. Located alongside the hatchery (home to 2.5 million brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout), Dry Run Creek contains significant numbers of large trout trying to migrate from whence they came. Amazingly, despite its proximity to the hatchery, Dry Run Creek is not stocked by Arkansas Game & Fish. Instead, all the fish living in the creek have found their way out of the Norfork River and jumped “the waterfall” to access this trout-nirvana.

Until 1988, Dry Run Creek had been closed for 30 years to all fishing. The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission decided closure of the stream was unnecessary and re-opened it as a catch-and-release, single-hook, artificial-lure fishery for kids under 16 and the handicapped (an Arkansas handicap fishing license is required). Handicap wheelchair-bound individuals may fish from the newly built decks and ramps.

Designed for ultimate fish habitat and growth, Dry Run Creek is open year round to anglers and host to many fishing events and school field trips each year. Children not only have the chance to learn more about trout, but also have a great opportunity to fish for the monsters that lurk in the depths.

Best kids’ fly fishing location

As you can imagine, Dry Run Creek is hog heaven for the fishing-obsessed kid and a great place to get them hooked on fly fishing. The number of trout in the creek is astounding and it’s common to see fish lined up so thick it looks like you could walk across the water using them as stepping stones.

The cold, clear, shallow water allows amazing sight-fishing opportunities, but there are still nooks and crannies to allow the bigger fish to hide. Just because there’s an abundance of fish, doesn’t mean they’re all easy to catch! These fish don’t get this big being careless and fishing here still takes patience and skill.

Trout food sources

The fish in Dry Run Creek thrive on all-natural food sources – sow bugs, scuds, midges, aquatic worms, leaches and an abundance of terrestrial insects. No protein pellets here! Essentially, Dry Run Creek contains everything that you would find in the Norfork River, but more concentrated. Therefore, the fish are well-fed and have very little reason to ever leave! The creek also contains populations of beaver, mink, muskrat, and other animals that use or live in the stream and add to its biodiversity.

Fish for big trout at Dry Run Creek

Because the stream is well-fed and strictly catch and release, the fish have the chance to get massive. There are scores of rainbow and brown trout over five pounds and trophy trout are the norm here. In December 2005, this “little stream that could” gave up a rainbow trout that may have been bigger than the Arkansas state record (estimated somewhere near 25 pounds) to an 11-year-old angler from Kansas!

Kids can fish for the grand slam of trout

The creek has one of the thickest populations of trout in the world and is possibly the best fly fishing stream in the country for young ones learning how to fly fish. Dry Run Creek is absolutely teaming with rainbow and brown trout, but it also has some brook and cutthroat trout. This means your little one could catch a Grand Slam (four different types of trout), all in one location!

Kids only fishing location

Sorry mom and dad, but Dry Run Creek is strictly for kids. All kids must be with a licensed adult and do the fishing themselves. A certain level of parental teaching is permitted, but only in the direct presence of the child.

The kids fishing should be able to cast, hook up and fight the fish on their own, with limited parental guidance and interaction. Parents can rig the rods, coach the youngster and net the fish, but it is really important that the child actually catch the fish. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission officers frequent the creek and will issue tickets to adults fishing.

But don’t worry, parents – even though you can’t fish, you won’t get bored. There will be so much action with your kids catching fish that you won’t have time to think about all the fish you could be catching. Non-stop fish after fish (and tangle after tangle) will keep everyone in the family entertained, busy and excited for the next one.

Best fly fishing gear for kids

As for fly fishing equipment, a standard 9-foot, 5-weight rod is the ticket. Light enough to enjoy the pull of the smaller fish and sturdy enough to help control the lunkers when they decide to go for a run. You’ll want to be careful with your leader and tippet size though. When the water is stained, you can get away with heavier leaders and tippet (3X and 4X); however, most days the water is crystal clear so consider using the smallest tippet you can get away with.

(You can find all our favorite fly fishing gear recommendations for kids in this post.)

As for flies, use anything to mimic the trout’s natural diet. We had success with midges, San Juan worms, scuds, and terrestrials, as well as attractor patterns like eggs and stimulators. A strike indicator and split-shot will be necessary when nymphing, and it’s always important to have floatant for your dry flies after they get hammered several times. Make sure you also bring the biggest net you can find. We lost quite a few giant trout at the net because our biggest net wasn’t quite big enough!

What to pack when fly fishing with kids

If your child has waders, bring them. The water is cold and while there are plenty of spots to fish from the bank, with waders they can fish virtually the entire stream. Parents may also want to wear waders and boots in case you need to get in and release hung-up flies and more effectively net the big trout.

Feel free to bring snacks, lunch and a cooler. The stream is less than a mile long, so you’re never too far from your car in the parking lot. There are picnic tables and trash cans scattered along the paths and walkways, so you never have to get off the water.

Tips for photographing catch and release trout

Finally, bring a camera! Dry Run Creek definitely provides opportunities to catch a once-in-a-lifetime fish and you’ll want it documented. Just remember, when you’re taking a picture, handle the fish carefully. Dry Run Creek is a catch-and-release stream and trout must be released immediately after they are caught. Leave the fish in the net, suspended in the water, until you have removed the hook and have the camera ready.

Handle the fish gently and as little as possible when photographing. A quick lift out of the water with a firm (but gentle) grasp is all that’s required. Have your child hold the fish out in front of them so you capture that big giant smile on their face. If it’s super hot out, leave the fish in the water (keep them wet). Be sure to fully revive the fish before release.

When to go fly fishing in Dry Run Creek

Dry Run Creek is open year-round, from sunrise to sunset. There’s never a bad season for fishing and there’s lots to do and explore any time of year you visit. The paths and walkways along the creek were recently remodeled, are well-kept, shaded and a very beautiful in any season. The Mountain Home area is beautiful and filled with all kinds of amazing outdoor activities to partake in with kids: hiking, biking, swimming, boating, kayaking, etc. It’s conveniently located right between Norfork Lake and Bull Shoals, making the fishing and water activities prevalent.

While you’re visiting Dry Run Creek, make sure to check out the Norfork National Fish Hatchery. Feed the trout and take a tour. It is truly a great experience and the kids will love the break in action.

For more information

If you’d like to find more information on Dry Run Creek and the surrounding area, check out the Friends of the Norfolk National Fish Hatchery’s website.

For more info on fly fishing with kids, check out our other posts:
If you’re looking for an awesome place to go fishing with kids,
Dry Run Creek in Mountain Home, Arkansas is definitely worth the trip!
CRAFTS, HIKE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Journey Sticks and the Art of Storytelling
- September 28, 2017
- 12 Comments
- by Sara
I’m really excited to bring you today’s post, all about creating storytelling journey sticks with your kids. The amazing and uber-talented Jessica, from Collect. Make. Explore. is here to show you how to incorporate elements of your hikes, adventures and outings into beautiful physical storytelling devices. I love the lessons this project teaches – from being observant in nature to inspiring creativity in retelling the story of your adventures. This would be a great project to start this fall while the leaves are turning and there’s lot of adventures to be had.

Fleeting anchor

How many times does something beautiful happen in life, be it simple or extraordinary, and you think to yourself, wow I wish I could hold onto this day a little longer? We may rembember the overarching feeling or event, but the little details eventually slip through our hands like tiny grains of sand, getting lost in the crevices of our minds. Wouldn’t you love to have an intuitive way to access all the little details that make a day so magical? Like dew on the morning grass, the everyday moments of our family’s journey shine brightly, but quickly get pulled back into the earth or sky – our natural narrative truly is our fleeting anchor.

Storytelling

The story we tell ourselves shapes who we become. If you want your children to learn to love and respect the natural world and better yet, to understand their part in it, it needs to be an integral part of their story. The lasting memories you create as a family can live on through the art of storytelling. We as humans are more likely to attach importance to a story when we see ourselves as a part of it. And when children are asked to recount the story of their daily adventures and explorations, they become active learners, leaders, and caretakers of their environment. Just like that, they understand in some basic way that their journey is shared with that of the world.

By using verbal and visual maps, we can more easily recount our days, and tap into those individual grains of sand that might otherwise get lost with the passage of time. Creating a journey stick is one way to poetically strengthen our connection to the natural world, as they intertwine person, place, and time. The most amazing thing about this method of remembering is it’s ability to capture individual perspective and personal narratives. Something a standard map can’t touch. When we look at a map we see the lay of the land, yet when we tell our story the land comes alive. I’ve made journey sticks with my little ones, ages two and four, while out on the trail. I’m excited to share our experiences with these storytelling tools with you and get you started making your own memory maps!

History of journey sticks

First, a little background on the journey stick for you. Aboriginal people in Australia used journey sticks to more easily recount their journeys to other people upon their return. They found a large walking stick, collected materials found along the way, and tied them to the stick in chronological order. Native Americans also decorated sticks to recount their journeys and tell about their travels. These sticks can be used as storytelling and navigational tools. The collected materials and markings have various purposes. Some things can be used as markers for natural features in the land, such as tree bark to indicate passing through the woods. While particular symbols carved into or painted onto the stick could show weather patterns, natural features, or events that took place.

Making your own journey stick

To start the process with your family, show your children pictures of journey sticks to familiarize them with the concept. Talk to your kids, show them pictures of journey sticks before setting out on the trail. When you go, be prepared – bring various colored string, scissors, and crayons on your hike. You can either create your journey stick at home after your adventure or while you are out exploring. You can make one journey stick for the entire family or individual sticks for each child, if they’re old enough.

Make it part of the adventure to find the perfect stick. When we began our hike, our perfect journey stick happened to present itself right before the trail began. Once we had that, the kids played while I wrapped various colors of string on the stick to create layered stripes of color. For each part of our adventure that day we tucked little physical reminders of that part of our story under the string, creating a visual narrative. I used thin string, but would recommend yarn because it would be stretchier and easier to manipulate objects through.

You can alter the actual creation of the journey stick to fit the age group. Younger children, such as the toddler age range, may like to have sticky clear contact paper attached to a large piece of bark or cardboard. They can then attach their materials to this as they hike along to make their own version of a journey “stick”. While older children may want to use a pocket knife or other tool to carve simple images into the wood. The most important thing to remember is to not push focus, but instead lead them with a gentle hand. Breaks from the project at hand are fine, come back to it when they are ready. It is a shared journey after all!

Tell your story

Later that night, I helped the kids use the stick to recount their hike to their dad. It was amazing to hear the details come pouring out in order as we touched each object on the stick from top to bottom! The shale from our initial stop at the creek was coated with a thin layer of dried mud. This reminded them to tell their dad about the large patches of cracked dry mud that they peeled apart at the creek.

Another part of our stick held a leaf from the woods where we found a giant toad sitting still as a stone alongside a log. The feather we found led to speculation on the bird it was from and made them remember the sounds we heard in the trees. And on it went until we finished the story of our day. I didn’t write any of this down until writing this post, and looking at the objects, I too can remember the details of our day that happened weeks ago.

Add adventures to your journey

We’ve taken our journey stick to the beach, the forest, the field, and even little trips around the backyard or neighborhood! Each time little reminders stick with us upon our return. Love tracing and tracking the landscape this way. Little bits and pieces of memory are now displayed in the kids “garden” out back. We have a special ceramic vessel that our stick fits perfectly in, so there it lives, tucked within the dirt and leaves for when we need it next. Hope this has woven some inspiration into your day. And that you are moved enough to pick up a stick! Enjoy your journey!

Jessica is a mother of two, a professional artist, former art professor, portrait photographer, author, and writer at “Collect. Make. Explore.”. Her family is on an every evolving journey to develop a more conscious lifestyle, which of course involves natural parenting. Upon having her second child she resigned from teaching to focus on folding together her creative pursuits and nature-led parenting. The outdoors has become both her studio and her classroom. A place to find solace, to learn, to explore, and to just be. All of these local adventures and sweet connections to the outdoors led her to write a small book, sharing the name of her blog,”Collect. Make. Explore.”. If you are interesting in learning more about her book, artwork, blog, or day to day adventures in visual form, she can be found at any of the following social media sites.

instagram: @collectmakeexplore

facebook: collect.make.explore.

web: Collect.Make.Explore.. and www.spiritinthemachine.com

pinterest: @jessicawascak
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Sit Spotting: Nature Meditation with Kids
- September 7, 2017
- 5 Comments
- by Sara
Today we have a great post for all you busy parents out there that need/want to take some time to slow down and absorb nature vibes. This time of year is always a mad flurry of activities, outings and adventures and it can be very easy to get overwhelmed by your schedule and to do list. However, Brandi Rondinelli of Soulshine Photography is here today to walk us through the benefits of sit spotting in nature, a great way to relax and teach your children about patience, observation and mindfulness.

You should sit in meditation for twenty minutes every day – unless you’re too busy; then you should sit for an hour.”

― Sukhraj S. Dhillon

What is sit spotting

We’ve all heard of meditation but have you heard of sit spotting? Both are similar in that they involve sitting still and concentrating without any outward activity. However, sit spotting involves the natural world around you and it becomes incorporated into your mindful meditation.

The idea of sit spotting is simple: find a special place in nature and then become comfortable with just being there, still and quiet. In this place, nature will surround you, soothe you, entertain you and seep into you. Sit spotting gives you a personal and intimate place in nature which will soothe, comfort and relax you, as you get to know the location.

Meditating indoors for me was difficult. I find it hard to concentrate, sit still and not let my mind wander when I’m inside my house. Even if my kids are sleeping, there are too many chores and responsibilities on my mind while I’m home. The joys of being an adult…

However, when I started sit spotting outside, I noticed an unfamiliar sense of freedom. Sit spotting stopped my mind’s tendency to wander. The birds chirping in the trees and the wind blowing against my face distracted me from all that was on my mind. It let me focus on the little things like the sounds and the feelings of being out in nature, and less on what was for dinner, when is my next photo shoot and everything in between.

How to get started sit spotting

Find a place in or adjacent to a natural or semi-natural setting where you can sit and observe. Pick a place that’s close. For example, in your backyard, local nature center or neighborhood park, so that it’s easy to get to. Remember the best sit spot is the one you use. We chose our backyard for the convenience. Visit your sit spot regularly, preferably daily or at least several times a week.

Sit quietly there, observing with all of your senses. Listen for birds and other animals. Observe the colors and light. Touch the rocks and moss. Smell the fresh rain or snow. If you want, track your observations with notes and pictures in a nature journal. Visit your location in every season and vary the time of day (morning, noon, night) to see how your spot changes. Eventually, you will know this little corner of the universe better than anyone else.

Benefits of sit spotting

The benefits for meditation and sit spotting are similar as well, and include:
- Increase self-awareness – clarifying your thoughts and allowing you to focus on what’s inside you and/or all around you in a clam positive way
- Becoming grounded and calm – you begin to realize what effect everyday life has on the consciousness and you learn to be more observant and more level headed
- Insomnia – one of the causes of insomnia is the constant stimulation of the brain which is such an issue in today’s society. Winding down becomes harder at the end of the day, but sit spotting can improve the quality of sleep and help sort out the daily mental clutter
- Happiness – if your heart is happy you can be a positive influence on others and become someone other people will want to be around
Sit spotting with kids

Sit spotting is a great way to get kids to sit still and concentrate on their inner self. It encourages them to be observant about what’s going on around them. My son Lorenzo (3) does pretty well sit spotting. He sits quietly, takes deep breaths and just listens. After a minute we talk about what we heard, then we do it again. My daughter Halona (18 months) hasn’t mastered the sitting still part yet, but she watches us will eventually catch on. Monkey see monkey do!

If you’d like to try sit spotting with your kids, there are a few things you can do to get them started and encourage them to be still and observant in nature:
1. Create a fun place to sit. For example, my kids and I built an outdoor teepee for our sit spot. They get excited about sitting in the “cool” teepee they helped build.
2. Practice sitting crisscross-applesauce and ask your child if he or she can listen and tell you what they hear. You start off by listening and saying “I hear birds chirping, what do you hear?” If this is hard for them, try having them close their eyes.
3. Try sitting and talking about your surroundings for 5 minutes. Talk about the plants, colors and shapes they see. Talk about smells and textures. Repeat the next day.
4. Start with short amounts of time. Five minutes is a good place to start. If your kids cannot sit for the 5 minutes, shorten the the time and move it up as they get better/more experienced. This will also be a good learning tool that they can utilize in school.
Sit spotting, just like meditation, is not an overnight exercise. Children won’t feel the benefits immediately, but regular practice (5 minutes a day) can bring positive changes to their life and learning ability. Of course, the best thing to do is be a role model and use sit spotting in your life as well!

Hello! I’m Brandi Rondinelli. I am a stay at home-unschooling mama to my two little adventurers Lorenzo (3) and Halona (19 months) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I am a photographer for both my business Soulshine Photography and an official Hike it Baby photographer. My family and I love the great outdoors and we make sure to get outside every single day. Whether that’s in our backyard, going for a walk, park, nature center or state park. We have been to 18 state parks and 25 nature centers/hiking spots in Wisconsin and beyond. Our goal is to explore them all!

Follow Brandi on Instagram: @soulshinephotographer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulshinephotographer
CRAFTS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Making Mandalas in Nature with Kids
- August 31, 2017
- 7 Comments
- by Sara
I’m so excited to bring you a post today all about making mandalas in nature with kids, submitted by the amazing Doria Lotan. She was born and raised in New York and currently lives in Sweden where she and her husband are “unschooling” their three kids. She has a degree in Philosophy and works as a content writer for a living. You can find her on Instagram (@heartledadventures) and follow along her parenting journey.

Fostering a love for nature

The transition from being a couple with no children to parents of three within four years has had and continues to have a profound impact on our lives. After all, before you become a parent, the idea of having one child is hard enough to fully conceptualize, let alone the idea of suddenly being responsible for three. And while it certainly wasn’t our plan to have this many kids in so short a time, our children motivate us every day to try and be the best people we can be and for that we are eternally grateful.

Since our love for nature, hiking and traveling is what initially brought us together as a couple ten years ago, it makes total sense that those same things continue to shape our lives and approach to parenting today. By being in nature as much as possible, we have found a way to offer our children an authentic, first-hand experience of what it is like to be a kind, respectful and loving human being, all of which nature inspires us to be.

With our children still very young, River 4, India 2.5 and Ocean 9 months old, we feel it is extremely useful to have an activity planned for our outdoor excursions. And while we are still able to take the occasional longer hike in the Swedish wilderness close by, for now, the most important thing isn’t how long we are out but that we get out, get dirty and get wild as often as possible.

Our go to activity for everyday outdoor fun is inspired by the Eastern tradition of creating mandalas. In its simplest form, a mandala is a circular structure with a design that radiates out symmetrically from the center. You can find natural mandalas in flowers, tree rings, the sun, eyes, snowflakes, spider webs, sea shells, seeds, fruits and more. There is no right or wrong way to make one which is why it is such a wonderful way to engage children to make their own mandalas using items they find in nature.

Inspiring creativity and independence

Creatively, mandalas offer children the perfect balance between structure and free play. Interestingly enough, the mandala is usually the first identifiable form that toddlers start drawing as they move from scribbles to more realistic drawing. This first mandala artwork usually progresses to drawings and paintings of faces, suns, people, and animals.

What we love most about making our own mandalas in nature is that it doesn’t require any tools, relies on nature as a source of materials, is appropriate for all ages and is fun, creative and educational. Creating mandalas is a delightful, beautiful and easy activity that you can do almost anywhere and at any time. All you need is a small collection of materials and an imagination.

Collecting natural materials

There are so many items you can use to create mandalas. We love going on adventures to find natural materials to use in our art. Feel free to use whatever natural items are available to you, in your local area, such as:
- sticks
- rocks/pebbles
- shells
- sand
- flowers
- leaves
- driftwood
- pine cones
- seedpods
- sea glass
- clovers
- moss
- berries
- feathers
- pine needles
- acorns
We like to give the kids a basket so they can collect whatever they are looking for and bring it back to the site of their mandala. Handing each child their own basket is a great way to encourage their independence and allow them to become directly engaged with the environment without feeling the need to constantly rely on us to facilitate.

Giving the mandala shape

The easiest way to start this activity is with the outer circle, the main shape of the mandala. There are two ways to do this:
1. You can help your children find circles that already exist in nature, whether it be the surface of a rock that looks circular or a tree stump that has a circular surface.
2. You can ask your children to collect their items (leaves, sticks, rocks, pine cones, shells, or whatever is in your nearby environment) and help them create the first circle from one of those natural materials.
Once the initial outline of the circle is in place they can continue to fill up the space as they desire. Regardless of how old your children are, creating art from the natural raw materials found outside is an amazing way to help establish a healthy and reciprocal relationship between nature and child.

Encourages teamwork

The kids often work as a team and learn to cooperate by searching for whatever they want to include in their mandala together. On today’s excursion, they decide to go for a series of circles within the bigger circle and are independent in choosing the type of material they want to use for each. At this point I take a backseat and really enjoy watching them make decisions and figure things out for themselves.

With small children I periodically check in to see if they are happy to improvise or would prefer more guidance from me. With bigger children I step back and play more of a passive role as they create their own art piece.

There is often an element of time to consider when making mandalas in nature. Unless you are in a place that has absolutely no wind (virtually unheard of here in Sweden), the kids will need to take the elements such as space, time and weather into consideration and be relatively focused as they work if they want to see their mandala take shape.

Non-attachment

Whether you head out and try this activity in a still setting or windy one, the mandala isn’t going to be going home with you once you’ve finished. That to me is a big part of what makes this activity so unique and why it is one of my absolute favorite things to do with the kids.

All people, young and old are attached to things. It is part of life and something we see children dealing with developmentally early on. Out in nature they know that they are entering a different type of environment than the one they have at home and when they ask what happens to their mandala once they leave it’s a great opportunity to have a really interesting discussion with them. With smaller children the conversation will be quite short of course but still, they get to see that there is value in the process of creating even if there is nothing tangible to show for it in the end.

Make a memory

I have taken pictures here in order to share this beautiful, fun and engaging activity with you all. If my children ask me to, I take pictures of their art work for them to print out and keep at home. However, the more mandalas they make, the less preoccupied they are with having a memento to keep and the more they are able to be in the moment and enjoy the process for what it is. This is the true gift of making mandalas in nature. Together as a family we enter the wilderness, share quality time together and become completely engaged in the moment. Who could ask for more?

Doria is a mother of three, currently living in Sweden and writer at Heart Led Adventures. This fall, she and her husband Toby will be putting their home up for sale and setting out on an adventure to discover what happens when they follow their hearts and leave comfort behind. From the magical to the chaotic and everything in between, they will strive to be as real as possible, showing what it takes to go for your heart’s desire with three little ones in tow. Their goal is to step into the unknown, live a life that is aligned with their core values and enjoy every moment with their wonderful, silly, energetic, sometimes challenging and always awesome three kids.

Have you ever made nature mandalas with your kids?
BEACH, PHOTOGRAPHY
5 Must Take Beach Photos
- August 17, 2017
- 1 Comment
- by Sara
Taking photos of your kids at the beach can be both overwhelming and difficult with all the different variations of shots, light conditions and hazards to your camera (water and sand!). Today we’ve got professional photographer and self-proclaimed beach addict Laura Parker of Laura Parker Photography here to help you capture five incredible photos of your kids on your next beach adventure. She’ll walk you through camera settings, sunlight conditions and show you how to frame the perfect shot.

With summer upon us many of us find ourselves filling our cars to the brim and headed straight to our favorite beaches. As a native Californian my family finds itself escaping for the coast more times than I can count. Even though most of our beaches here in Northern California are not all that warm in the water – they sure are beautiful! And while the thought of bringing a camera down to the beach seems a little nerve wracking (i.e. water!! sand!!), you won’t regret packing it along for the ride when you come home with gorgeous images of your kids. Here is a list of five must take photos to capture on your next beach adventure.

1. Sunrise/Sunset

Depending on what time you arrive at the beach or leave, you can’t beat the scene at these two times of day. In the morning, the sky is pastel and the light is soft and gorgeous. In the evening as the sun is setting, the sky really puts on a show. It’s also a great time to capture reflections in the water. This image was captured right as the sun was setting below the horizon. No wonder these times of day are called “golden hours.”

2. Silhouette

When the sun is getting ready to make a dip below the horizon is a great time for silhouette photos. Beaches at sunset are the perfect place to get that classic simple silhouette framed against a bright background. To achieve this look place your objects in front of or near the setting sun. Force your camera to set its exposure based upon the brightest part of your picture (the background) and not the subject of your image – that way your subject will be under-exposed and very dark (if not black). Our beaches often get socked in with fog so getting a bright silhouette shot is always an added delight on gorgeous clear days!

3. Magnitude

Did you know that ocean covers more than 70% of the earth? No wonder we feel so small when we stand next to it! Using a wide-angle lens is a great way to show the expanse of the sea and the smallness of people in comparison. This is an especially great photo to take if you’ve got a large chunk of the beach all to yourself. For the below image, I used a 35mm lens to really showcase the size of the ocean compared to my husband fishing. Include a bit of foreground and the sky above to maximize your negative space.

Bonus tip: When taking photos with a clear horizon, make sure they are always straight!

4. Details

Don’t focus exclusively on the big picture to the detriment of capturing all those little details. Think about what things catch your eye? Is it the way your children have sand clung to their tiny hands and toes? The sandcastle they have been building? The beachy curls in their hair from the salt water? Make sure you capture some images with just their hands working or their feet crawling. Get up close and focus on the small details. Shoot from up high (your perspective) and down low (theirs). When you make the composition interesting, it tells a story for you. I loved this shot below of my daughters tiny shoes next to my dog’s paw prints in the sand.

5. Joy

If you do nothing else, make sure you capture the joy of the beach and the thrill of going to the ocean. There’s something magical about the beach and children can always feel it. The beach can be and is messy, but it’s an incredible full-body sensory experience. A visit to the ocean can make you feel small, yet very connected to nature and your surrounding. Enjoy it, capture it…but most of all, have fun and run wild!

What are your must-take photos at the beach?
FISH, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Raising Kids that Love to Fish
- July 26, 2017
- 5 Comments
- by Sara
Fishing is one of our favorite year-round outdoor activities to do with the kids. In case you didn’t know, fishing is a very big deal in our family. Not only did I grow up on a river in a fishing household, but I married a man that lives and breathes fly fishing. Fishing has played a huge role in our relationship, from my husband giving me waders for our first Christmas together, to proposing with a fishing pole, to us fishing on our wedding day (Jackson Hole), honeymoon (Belize) and nearly every trip since then. It’s only natural that our love of fishing has seeped into the fibers of our children.

Our son started fishing at 1 and our daughter had a fly rod in her hand before she could walk. Mac took to fishing surprisingly quick! While he’s full of boundless energy, there’s something about fishing that focuses him. Fishing keeps his attention longer and more intensely than anything else we’ve found. He absolutely loves it. He’s mastered a spinning rod and is quickly perfecting his fly fishing techniques. Mim’s catching on too – she can reel and cast well for a 2 year-old, but her favorite thing to do is pet and hug the fish.

Even if you’re not a die-hard fisherman/fisherwoman (or fishermama), there are things you can do to make the experience enjoyable for kids. Over the last few years I’ve learned a lot about how to get kids to love fishing. I get asked all the time from other parents about how to encourage love fishing. I’ve put together a little list of a few things you can do that I believe will help you raise kids that love to fish!

Make it fun

Perhaps an overly simple piece of advice, but making fishing fun for kids will make them want to do it again. Don’t put too much pressure on kids to catch fish right away. Let them play and explore and if they catch a fish in the meantime, that’s a bonus. Kids have naturally short attention spans, so don’t get frustrated or disappointed if they lose interest after a few minutes. Let them skip rocks, dig for worms, splash in the creek, catch minnows and get dirty. They’ll come back to their fishing poles again and again and for longer lengths of time as they get older. A fishing trip isn’t just about catching fish, it’s a time to reconnect with nature and each other.

Show them how much you love fishing

Kids learn best by watching what their parents do. Sometimes this is a lesson learned the hard way after seeing/hearing my children mimic my words and actions, but with fishing and our love of the outdoors, this is something I can totally get behind them modeling. If your kids see you fishing and loving it, they’ll want to do it, too. Take them fishing often and let them see you enjoying it. Let them see how excited you get when you catch a fish, but also let them see that you don’t get one every time. Let them see how far you cast, but also let them know that your line gets hung up and snagged too.

Set them up for success

When you first start out fishing with kids, they’re going to need a lot of encouragement. If you want them to love fishing, you need to set them up for success right away. While adults may love the peace and serenity of a quiet day fishing, kids want action! Any parent knows that even the most focused kid will get bored if there are no bites or catches. Try to ensure that the first few times you fish with your kids, they’ll catch a fish. Obviously, this is easier said than done, but there are a few things you can do.

First, take them to stocked ponds/rivers with lots of opportunities. The more fish available to catch, the greater your chances. Adults may wait all day for that one giant fish, but kids would rather catch 50 little bluegill. Second, use live bait, if you can. This not only entices the fish, but keeps the kids interested. Sometimes my kids are way more interested in playing with worms and minnows than actually fishing.

Put a bobber on their line, which helps them visually know when they’re getting a bite. If your kids are little, use smaller fishing poles that are easier for their small hands. And at least the first couple times you go fishing, put your own pole down and fish exclusively with them. Give them your 100% undivided attention, which they’ll remember, even if they don’t catch a thing. And when they do catch a fish, make sure you yell and clap and tell them just how amazing they are. If they see you lose your mind over them catching a fish, they’re definitely going to want to do it again!

Use fishing to instill a conservation mindset

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.

When fishing, take a trash bag with you and pick up any trash or debris you see around rivers, lakes or ponds. While you may not trust your little one to pick up litter, they’ll learn from your example. They’ll take notice of your action and model your behavior in the future. This will encourage them to develop an understanding about why taking care of nature is important. We all want our natural resources to be around for our children, so we need to teach them from an early age how to take care of them.

Be prepared

While my husband was never a Boy Scout, he’s always prepared for anything. He loves gear and has a giant tacklebox full of lures, line, hooks, bobbers, sinkers, nippers. He’s takes care of getting our fishing licenses. He makes sure we’re fishing where we’re suppose to fish, with what we’re suppose to fish with.

But being prepared is much more than having the right gear. He’s prepared to share fun facts about the fish we catch and knowledge about ways to identify local wildlife. He tells stories about the history of the area and jokes about fishing and nature. If the kids are bored with fishing, he can turn our adventure into a nature hike to hunt for mushrooms or arrowheads. He teaches the kids animal calls and shows them how to identify animal tracks. They listen for the different types of bug noises and bird songs. He wants our kids to know that fishing is just a small part of being outdoors and in nature.

Make it theirs

Kids love being able to take ownership for their own gear and their own skills. Get each kid their own cheap plastic fishing pole. Let them practice casting the rubber plug around the house, in the yard or down the driveway. Casting takes a bit of coordination, but kids pick up on it surprisingly fast. They’ll love and take pride in having their own fishing pole take care of. Giving them their own gear releases everyone from fear of them breaking something expensive. I’m pretty sure we’ve gone through a dozen cheap fishing poles, but each one was well-loved, much-used and totally worth it.

Also, give them ownership of their own skills and improvements. Show them how to fish and cast, but stand back and let them do it on their own. Fishing’s a great way to teach kids that practice makes perfect and sometimes it takes a lot of practice to get good at something. Be there to help untangle lines, rebait their hook and offer advice, but let them take ownership in teaching themselves what works for them. They’ll be so proud of themselves and their new skill.

Do your kids love to fish?
What are your tips and advice to raising kids that love to fish?
INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PHOTOGRAPHY, SUMMER, WATER
Tips for Capturing Amazing Sprinkler Photos
- July 20, 2017
- 8 Comments
- by Sara
I am absolutely thrilled to bring you today’s guest post from Kristie of L Photographie on how to take amazing sprinkler photos of your kids this summer. Kristie is a great friend, a former sorority sister, and my family’s personal photographer. She’s also a wonderful teacher and has become one of my go-to resources for all things photography-related. Since it’s a million degrees outside, I thought this would be the perfect time to share this post with you. Kristie’s sharing some really great tips and advice on things you can do to capture some truly adorable and classic summer fun of your kids running, jumping, and dancing through the sprinkler. Give it a read, then set up that sprinkler in your yard, grab your camera and let the kids run wild!

Classic summer fun with the sprinkler

Warm sunshine, carefree laughter, and the unmistakable sounds of children’s glee—summer is a season that brims with cherished moments. The joy of playing in the sprinkler is an exhilarating burst of unrestrained laughter and unbridled excitement for kids. As water jets and arcs in sparkling patterns, their eyes light up with sheer delight, toes eagerly touching the refreshing splashes that cool the summer heat. With carefree abandon, they dart in and out of the water’s path, their giggles echoing through the air as they leap through shimmering curtains of droplets, creating a symphony of radiant smiles and unforgettable memories.

And what better way to freeze those timeless memories than by capturing your kids in the midst of their exuberant summer fun? From the sheer delight of running through the sprinklers to the unbridled joy of jumping and dancing, these heartwarming scenes are the essence of childhood. As a parent armed with a camera, you have the power to immortalize these fleeting moments, creating a treasure trove of photographs that will warm your heart for years to come.

Tips for taking adorable sprinkler photos of your kids

In this post, we delve into the art of photographing kids as they revel in the magic of summer and the splendor of sprinklers. We understand that these moments are both spontaneous and ephemeral, making them a delightful challenge to capture. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or someone who simply loves documenting family moments, I hope these tips will empower you to freeze those candid instances of pure happiness.

Today, we’ll explore various techniques to not only preserve the vivid colors and playful expressions but also to convey the sheer energy and unfiltered emotions that define these summer escapades. From understanding the best camera settings for action-packed scenes to mastering the art of timing and composition, we’ve got you covered. Moreover, we’ll delve into the world of post-processing, providing insights into how you can enhance the vibrancy and charm of your photos without sacrificing their authentic essence.

1) Sunset is best (consider your light)

If you have the chance to shoot closer to sunset, do! The sun sets late in summer, which can be difficult with many kids’ bedtimes, but even two hours before the sunset is going to give you much better results than the harsh midday sun. Plan a post-dinner run around the yard for the kids (consider it their bath!). You’ll want to take a few minutes to get everything set up before the kids are running laps around you screaming for the sprinkler to be on (at least that’s what happens at my house), so plan accordingly.

2) Backlight your subject

Set up the sprinkler where you can “backlight” your subject – this means you want the sun hitting your subject’s back. You and your camera should face the sun. If you’re in the shade, look for little streaks of light hitting the ground – that’s where you’ll want to place your sprinkler – right in the sunlight. You’ll get some amazing light hitting the water that will help bring your photo to life! If you and your camera can be in a spot where your camera is in shade, even better – you’ll avoid lens flair and get better contrast in your image.

3) Be aware of your background

Keep an eye on what is in the background of your photos. Although you want to generally point your camera West, towards the sun, you can cheat a bit and go at an angle to get the best background with the fewest distractions. With water being a big part of your image, you’ll want to find a darker background (dark trees, bushes, a fence, dark color house). If the sky is your background, the water flying around will blend right into it and go unnoticed.

4) Lens choice

Choose the longest lens and focal length you have and scoot waaaaay back! This will help for two reasons: (i) A longer focal length will compress your photo and help the background blur out, so that the water and your kiddos are the focus, and (ii) you won’t get wet! Well, no promises on that one! I like to shoot with my Canon 135mm lens for sprinkler action.

5) Shutter speed choice

This is a big one! Especially because of those fast kids you’re about to capture and the water flow! For running through water, I would suggest keeping your shutter speed around 1/1000 or higher to freeze the action. Once you start to dip down into those 100s, you won’t be able to stay as tact sharp and may end up with blurry photos. If you’re not yet shooting in Manual Mode, you can switch to “shutter speed priority” mode – which will read “TV” on your camera dial. Make sure to also choose a higher ISO (to let more light into your camera, as the high shutter speed will take light away).

1/1250 sec, f/3.2 135mm, ISO 800

1/5000 sec, f/2.2 135mm, ISO 1000

1/500 sec, f/3.5 135mm, ISO 1600

6) Get creative

If you would like to play with some creative blurry water, you can dip your shutter speed to a very low number. I’d suggest not hand-holding the camera – set it on a table or lawn chair (or a tripod, if you’re feeling fancy) – then capture your kiddos from behind. Since they will be moving, their faces will not be sharp, which is a distraction in your final image. If you capture them running away from you, it can be a fun creative blur with your water.

You can also get creative with different camera angles. Get down to the kids’ eye level or even lower to capture the scene from their perspective. This angle can make the water arcs and droplets appear larger and more immersive, showcasing the excitement from their point of view. Alternatively, try shooting from a higher vantage point, looking down on the kids as they move through the water. This angle can capture the overall layout of the scene, showing the patterns created by the water and the kids’ paths.

Focus on details by capturing close-up shots of wet hands, bare feet splashing in puddles, or the water droplets on their skin. These shots can evoke a strong sensory connection to the moment. Frame the kids through the streams of water or the spray of the sprinkler itself. This can add a playful and dynamic element to your photos.

1/8 sec, f/13 135mm, ISO 250

7) Shoot through for sharp photos

Of course, with kids running excited through water, they are going to be moving FAST. Even with a quick shutter speed to freeze the action, you might have trouble nailing the focus with lightening fast kids. If you’re having issues finding that exact focus sweet spot as they run around, try to “shoot through” the action. Here’s a quick explanation of how to do that to get the sharpest results.

Switch your lens to manual focus and set your focus on the center of the sprinkler stream. Wait for your kiddo to come close to running through and press and hold your shutter to take multiple shots. Make sure your camera is on it’s continuous shooting mode, so you can fire off more than one shot.

At some point during that run through the sprinkler, your kiddo will run right into your perfect focus! Yes, you’ll end up with a lot of out-of-focus photos to dump in that series, but it is worth a few rounds of trying this if your Auto Focus finger isn’t keeping up with your kid.

8) Enjoy the fun!

Give the kids some distance and just observe the fun! Kids are naturally going to be silly and active and smile when the water excitement starts. Nothing is worse than trying to play while your parents bark orders at you about how to do it. (Am I right?) Just pick the best spot for you and your lens and wait. Watch how their little personalities just shine!

Remember, the goal is to capture the genuine joy and playfulness of the moment. Both camera angles and any fun props should enhance the story rather than overshadow it. Be open to spontaneous moments and let the kids’ natural interactions guide your creative choices. Be patient and enjoy!

9) Super simple post-processing

If you want to take your images to the next level, here are a few simple post-processing tips to enhance your photos of kids playing in the sprinkler:
1. Adjust exposure and contrast: Start by adjusting the exposure and contrast levels. Increase the exposure slightly to bring out the vibrant colors and details, and then fine-tune the contrast to ensure a dynamic range between the highlights and shadows, giving your photos depth and dimension.
2. Boost vibrancy and saturation: You can try to increase the vibrancy and saturation of the colors to make the water droplets and summer hues pop. Be cautious not to overdo it, as you want the colors to look lively and natural, not super saturated or neon.
3. Crop and straighten: Use cropping to improve the composition and remove any distractions from the edges of the frame. Straighten the horizon if necessary to ensure the photo’s balance and alignment.
4. Enhance sharpness: Apply subtle sharpening to bring out the finer details, such as the water droplets on the kids’ skin or the textures of their clothing. Use a light touch to avoid introducing noise.
5. Selective editing: If your photo editing software allows for selective editing, consider darkening or blurring the background slightly to draw more attention to the kids and the action in the sprinkler.
6. Remove distractions: If there are any unwanted elements in the background that detract from the main subject, use the clone or healing tool to remove them discreetly.
7. Add a touch of warmth: If you need to, you can adjust the white balance to add a touch of warmth to your photos, capturing the sunlit essence of the summer day. This can help convey the inviting and cheerful ambiance of the scene.
8. Fine-tune skin tones: If capturing close-up shots of the kids, pay attention to their skin tones. Adjust the color balance to ensure natural and flattering skin tones, avoiding any unwanted color casts.
9. Consider black and white: Removing the color completely for a black-and-white image can sometimes really make the image pop. Play around with this option and pick a few to convert to b/w.
10) Share your images with us!

Now, please tell me you’ll set up the sprinkler in the yard this weekend and capture some fun shots of the kids! And if you do, please post them and tag us on Instagram (use our hashtag #runwildmychild) to be featured on our page. If you have any questions about camera settings, equipment or anything else, please leave a comment below, and we will be happy to answer your questions.

More photography resources

If you’re interested in more photography resources, download our FREE guide with our best tips and tricks for taking better photos of your kids’ outdoor adventures with the camera on your PHONE! From creative composition tips to our favorite editing apps, this guide includes everything you need to know to make the most out of the camera in your pocket!

About the author

Kristie Cromie is the owner and portrait side of L Photographie, a fine art boutique photography studio in the Central West End neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri consisting of four amazing photographers. Kristie has a background in journalism and graphic design, specializes in family and newborn sessions, helps run the business and teaches a Camera Love class for parents that want to take better photos of their children. When she’s not behind the camera or computer, she’s chasing her two-year-old daughter, keeping up with her seven-year-old son, plus renovating a house from the seventies that was covered in blue shag carpet.

You can find Kristie and the rest of the L Photographie crew around the web at the following spots:

Website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram