In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re excited to share a selection of children’s books that celebrate the contributions of female adventurers, activists, and nature-lovers. Emily Liebel of @inclusivelibrary has chosen some amazing biographies that spotlight trailblazing women who have explored the great outdoors and fought tirelessly to break down barriers and make the outdoors a more inclusive place. Through their inspiring stories, we hope to encourage young readers and their families to embark on their own outdoor adventures, appreciate the efforts of these remarkable women, and find motivation to protect and cherish our planet. Get out your library card and let’s dive into these powerful tales of courage, determination, and passion, and let the legacy of these extraordinary women ignite a sense of wonder and adventure in your own lives.
Stories of female adventurers, activists, and nature-lovers
Discovering the stories of extraordinary people isn’t just a glimpse into history; it’s a compass guiding us towards a richer understanding of the world we live in now. We can use this understanding to enrich our outdoor experiences as well. If we learn about adventurers, activists, and nature-lovers, we can better appreciate the hard work done to preserve the outdoors and our planet.
So, this Women’s History Month, we’d love to introduce you to some brave female adventurers and activists so you can gain perspective from nature-lovers and outdoorsy women like us. Learning about their adventures and activism provides a unique perspective that can inspire a deeper connection with nature.
These stories serve as windows into understanding, giving us views of the trails (sometimes literally!) these women blazed and empowering both ourselves as parents and our kids to embrace the outdoors with knowledge, courage, and appreciation for the environment and the ways in which we get to enjoy it as a result of these women’s efforts.
Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month was first observed for one week in the United States in March of 1981. By 1987, the observation had expanded to the full month. It is important to take time to reflect on and remember the contributions from often-overlooked people. Women may have long been excluded from some arenas, but that never stopped so many women from persevering. Women in many eras have been daring and smart change-makers regardless of who was willing to recognize their efforts.
Many women have contributed to the progress we enjoy in many fields. For our purposes, it is inspiring to learn about women who have worked so hard to explore and protect our natural world.
We enjoy being outside with our kids, and in many ways, we have these trailblazers to thank. By making an effort to learn about more women adventurers, activists, and nature-lovers this month, we gain a more accurate and inclusive understanding of our collective past.
How and why I choose these books
Choosing where to begin with a topic as big as ‘women’s history’ can feel daunting. While I paired it down to outdoor explorers, activists and nature lovers, there are still many options to search through to find the best women and information for our kids and our interests. For example, do you want to know more about rock climbers, gardeners, or water conservationists and protectors? Or do you want to know about a specific theme for exploring, like disability/accessibility adventuring, making outdoorsy culture equitable for all, or animal rights and protection? They’re all important.
I put together this collection of books filled with short-form biographies of adventurers, explorers, activists, and nature lovers in women’s history. The books contain illustrations and quotes or quick facts along with the paragraphs, making them adaptable for multiple ages. I have read biographies like the ones in these books with kids under 5 and 10-12 years old.
I will highlight a few people from these books and what I love about them as a whole. You can use this information to choose which books you would like to read yourself and how you would like to use them for your kids!
Benefits of reading biographies to your kids
Reading about real people and real situations to our kids can help them gain curiosity and connection in life-altering ways. I have seen kids become excited and inspired once we read a particularly excellent biography. These are five of the main benefits I have realized as a teacher, a parent, and a storyteller/storytime leader.
Introducing previous generations to our kids can inspire them to recognize their own potential for creating a positive impact.
By showcasing influential individuals, we can introduce and instill the morals and values we want our children to learn.
Kids engage in organic questions and meaningful discussions, driven by their own impressions of the stories.
By understanding the experiences and accomplishments of people who came before them, our kids gain a deeper appreciation for the present.
We are providing our children with insights that foster empathy toward diverse cultures, worldviews, motivations, and lived experiences that they might not encounter firsthand.
Women’s History Month: Books about adventurers, activists, and nature-lovers
I love reading about the quirky, determined, and unique women in this book. Barbara Hillary was the first African American woman to take an expedition to the North Pole—at 76 years old! The stories here encourage kids to be themselves while continuing to love nature.
Athletes may not be the first group of people you consider for outdoor adventurers, but some of the women you can learn about here had to understand and respect the environments in which they competed deeply. For example, Susan Butcher was a dog musher who was the first person to win the Iditarod three years in a row and the first woman to win it four times. Her approaches for taking care of her dogs became a standard for other dog mushers and have drawn attention to care and respect for these animals.
This book is filled with compelling stories of women who believed in the power of adventuring to change themselves and the world. There are stories of powerful resilience, like that of Arunima Sinha, who was the first female amputee to climb Mount Everest, Mount Kilimanjaro, Denali, and more. Reading this book can help us encourage our children to always seek adventure and personal growth while spending time in the natural world.
The women in this book defied conventions to explore the unknown and to further our understanding of new frontiers. There are biographies for women like Sacagawea. Sacagawea was a remarkable adventurer in her own right, and aided in the discovery of the Western Frontier in more ways than as simply a guide. You can learn about her immense knowledge and courage in this book. I love that the book mixes illustrated pictures along with real images of some women.
I enjoy the colorful features in this book, which feature both individual women and whole movements or groups. There is dialogue and short, easily digestible information for all the profiles. One such profile is about the Chipko Movement, where people protest logging in India. One important group was a village of women who finally got enough attention to ban logging in their forests.
There are 25 women, present and past, showcased in this book. Their passions and contributions to environmental activism are centered in the page-long profiles. Women like Rachel Carson, an environmentalist and writer who has inspired others to protect animals and their habitats.
We can read about many modern and current female activists in this collection of stories. The profiles are interviews with young women, under the age of 25, who are making a difference. They site what event and which people inspired their activism. This will help us as readers really connect history to our own lives and attainable examples for our kids.
This book is filled with great infographics, timelines, and illustrations that contain interesting facts. These are alongside the page-long biographies of each woman. While reading this book, my kids and I learned that Mary Anning, the paleontologist, had a dog who joined her on all her digs until he died in a landslide!
This book is part of a series called Science Wide Open. These books ask readers to think of situations and questions they have in real life. Then, the book connects readers to short profiles of women who also had these questions. One such profile is Hildegard of Bingen, who lived in the Middle Ages. She discovered that water needed to be cleaned before people drank it. She is also considered by many to be the founder of scientific natural history studies in Germany.
Ynes Mexia collected 150,000 specimens of flora and plants for observation. She even discovered a flower genus that is now named after her. She discovered over 500 new plant species and 2 new genera. Each biography also gives you an activity idea to help emulate the focus person. These activities can help us get outside with a goal in mind and connect our reading to our everyday lives in rich ways.
Our own Women’s History Month adventures, activism, and nature-loving
I hope that the women featured in this post (and the many other adventurers, activists, and nature-lovers in these books) will inspire you to explore with your own kids in refreshing and inspiring ways. We can honor these women’s efforts and achievements by continuing to champion gender equality and making the outdoors an inviting place for all.
Books are a brilliant way to extend our kids’ imagination and their innate curiosity. Specifically, with biographies, we can harness their love of learning and growing by showing them real people to emulate and learn from. We can head outdoors with the confidence of knowing that other women have enjoyed and fought for the natural world we now enjoy.
How can knowing about these women help you adventure better?
About the author
Emily and her family have moved across the US multiple times, and the best things about each state have been the outdoor adventures and the public libraries! Now living in Utah, Emily has continued her love for both. She explores both mountain and city outdoor spaces weekly with her three kids and friends, attends library story times, and leads local story times. Emily has a passion for children’s literature. She uses books to educate, promote inclusion, understanding, and justice, and inspire adventure and creativity. Emily loves how reading and being outdoors overlap in so many exciting ways!
Spring is such a great time to travel and explore with kids. Here in the US, the weather is finally getting warmer, the green is returning and everyone’s ready for an adventure. With the kids out of school for spring break, it’s a great time to plan a trip to explore a new place. Whether you love cities or small towns, theme parks, national parks or water parks, ice skating, skiing, or beach bonfires, mini-golf, exploring kid-friendly museums or hiking trails, we’ve got spring break vacation ideas for your family.
A few of our Creative Team members chose their favorite spring destination for outdoor adventures with kids to highlight here. We’re sharing the best spring break destinations for families, plus insider tips on where to stay, what to eat, what to do when you’re there, and how to explore with kids on your trip. These family vacation destinations are located throughout the US (plus, a couple bonus international picks!), so hopefully, there’s an outdoor adventure near you!
Spring break vacation ideas with kids
Spring is the perfect time to try a new outdoor adventure with your kids. After a long winter battling cold temperatures, illnesses, and holiday madness, spring is always a welcome breath of fresh air (literally). My family always emerges from winter with a new appreciation of nature, warm weather, and a desire to spend as much time outside as we can.
Each spring we crave new adventures and can’t wait to explore new destinations. Today, we want to encourage you to take advantage of the warmer temperatures this time of year and get outside with your family this spring! We’re sharing 10+ fun, unique, and outdoorsy family-friendly spring break destinations that we know your kids will love! Each of these locations was hand-picked by one of our team members as a favorite family spring break getaway destination for outdoor adventures with kids.
Anna Maria Island, Florida
Anna Maria Island is located in the Gulf of Mexico, just East of Bradenton, Florida, and is the be. It’s a quiet little resort city with lots of local charm and Southern style. The highlight of the island is, by far, the beach – Anna Maria has the most incredible white, fluffy sand. It’s almost like walking in powdered sugar! Pine Avenue in the center of this small town has the coolest little coffee shops (Ginny & Jane E’s), fabulous donuts (The Donut Experiment), kitschy boutiques, and great seafood bistros (The Sandbar, The Waterfront), and tikki bars. There are a few hotels, but we highly recommend renting a house/cottage close to the beach, as that’s where you’ll want to spend most of your time.
In the morning, head to the beach with the kids to hunt for shells, chase the birds, and check out the tide pools during the low tide. Each morning’s low tide will leave the beach a little bit different, so you never know exactly what you’ll find. Some days, you’ll have massive tide pools to explore, filled with giant conch, crabs, sand dollars, snails, sea slugs, shark’s teeth, and beautiful shells. On other days, the tide pools will be completely gone, forcing you into the waves to find your daily fix of shells and sea life.
Rent bikes or a golf cart and explore the island with the kids. In the evening, check out the wooden pier on the bayside of the island and watch local fishermen catch sharks and rays! Or head to the beach with a flashlight and chase ghost crabs. And make sure to look up – the stars here are gorgeous!
Photo credit & destination chosen by: Sara McCarty at @sara_mccarty
Asheville, North Carolina
If you’re looking for a fun and unique outdoor adventure to do with your kids this spring break, how about riding down a waterfall?! Western North Carolina is known as the “Land of the Waterfalls” and the Asheville area has multiple waterfalls you can ride down! Not only are these locations fun, active and outside, but best of all, most of them are totally free or very low cost. It’s a great place to hike, explore, cool off, and have some real fun!
For accommodations, check availability at the Whistle Pig Farm in Candler. This unique farmhouse sits on seven acres with a gorgeous view of the mountains. For great eats, don’t miss out on Biscuit Head and the Wicked Weed Brewing Pub!
Our top five waterfalls in the Ashville area are:
(1) Looking Glass Falls in Brevard
A 60-foot waterfall with roadside parking. View the falls from many locations and balance on the rocks at the base of the falls. You can also swim here!
(2) Hooker Falls in the Dupont State Forest
Easily accessed by a ½ mile stroller-friendly trail. This waterfall is 12 feet tall and fairly wide, cascading down into a swimming hole! Kids could play here for hours!
(3) Sliding Rock in the Pisgah National Forest
It is a 60-foot rock slope that you CAN RIDE and ends in a deep pool of water. Be prepared because it is COLD! Don’t want to ride? Watch the fun or bring a net and play in the pool of water at the bottom.
(4) Bust Your Butt Falls
True to its name it will be a bit of a rough ride but definitely memorable. There is roadside parking and a little jaunt down some fairly large rocks until you get to a flat area. Swim across the water, use the rope to traverse up the rock face, and slide down the falls!
(5) Skinny Dip Falls
This is a waterfall you access on foot via the Blue Ridge Parkway. You’ll find the trailhead across from milepost 417. From there take the beautiful ¾ mile moderately strenuous hike and you’ll find cascades and pools galore. The waterfalls and surroundings area are gorgeous and there is even a rock to jump off into a pool of water below.
Not into sliding down waterfalls? That’s ok! There’s plenty of other outdoor activities for family fun in the area including hiking, horseback riding, historic tours, golf course, amusement parks, water parks, and more.
Photo credit & destination chosen by: Ginny Yurich at @1000hoursoutside
Bentonville, Arkansas
Bentonville, Arkansas is the perfect combination of outdoor adventure, good food, great coffee, culture, and the arts. You may not think of those things when you think of Arkansas, but it’s there! This little city is brimming with outdoor activities for families! Be sure to check out our Get Out Guide – Bentonville for everything outdoorsy in the area!
While best known as the birthplace and headquarters of Walmart, Bentonville is rapidly becoming the mountain biking hot spot of North America! Trails abound throughout the city, and in the surrounding mountains. Crystal Bridges, a world-renown (and totally FREE) art museum also has miles of trails with large scale sculptures in the North Forest. Be sure to come back at night to watch the “Bucky ball” light up. Just next door to the art museum is The Amazeum, a wonderful kids museum with a HUGE indoor climbing structure. We also love Climb Bentonville for a chance to try our hand at climbing, they have auto-belay system so the whole family gets a chance to climb.
For food in Bentonville, you can’t go wrong with Onyx Coffee Labs – at any of their locations throughout North West Arkansas. Or try hanging out at The Holler, their veggie burger is phenomenal. The restaurant Louise, at Thaden Field has a great breakfast plus you get to watch planes and helicopters take off while you dine. For places to stay, 21c Museum hotels is great for a luxury hotel stay, but there are tons of great AirBnB properties around the area as well. We highly recommend the properties by Bloodworth Hospitality and Stay NWA. For a more rustic experience- check out the cabins and camping at Devil’s Den State Park!
Photo credit & destination chosen by: Nichole at @coleyraeh
Door County, Wisconsin
Located on a peninsula northeast of Green Bay, Door County is surrounded by Green Bay on one side and Lake Michigan on the other. Door County is filled with natural attractions, state and county parks, and quaint fishing villages with unique eateries and shops. There are many different kinds of accommodations here, from camping to luxury resort spas to bed and breakfasts and rental cottages. For hiking, biking, fishing, camping, water sports, and picnicking, check out Potawatomi State Park on the shores of Sturgeon Bay or Peninsula State Park on the Green Bay side. These parks contain miles of hiking and biking trails, weaving in and out of serene woods, along waterfront bluffs and down to rocky points. You won’t want to miss the breathtaking ledges of Cave Point County Park, where you can stand right over top the crashing waves of Lake Michigan (be careful with little ones!).
Door County is famous for its cherry orchards, which are spectacular to view in full bloom in the late spring. A favorite family destination is The Farm, a historic farm and petting zoo (Sturgeon Bay). Scattered throughout the county are picturesque fishing villages nestled in the coves along the shore. They are packed with quaint little restaurants and shops. You’ll definitely want to check out the unusual and delicious Door County traditional fish boil, available at several local eateries (consider the Old Post Office in Ephraim). For coffee, try Door County Coffee Company (Carlsville). If you make it all the way to the tip of the peninsula, you can ride a ferry to nearby Washington Island, which is mostly natural areas and parks. Door County is full of natural beauty and countless outdoor experiences for your whole family.
Photo credit & destination chosen by: Leslie Alvis at @c_l_allofus
Mount Scott, Oklahoma
Mount Scott is located just outside of Lawton, Oklahoma, in the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge. The Wildlife Refuge has over 59k acres of land (only 22k available to the public), offering tons of outdoor adventures for families and miles and miles of hiking trails to explore. It is the oldest managed wildlife facility in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service system. The wildlife here roams freely through much of the refuge. It’s not uncommon to stop along the road and wait for a bison or two to cross right in front of you.
Mount Scott has a 3+ mile winding paved road to the most stunning lookout with views of the Oklahoma plains. The views are breathtaking. Each trail in the refuge offers its own treasures to find. For example, on Crab Eyes trail you can search for rock formations that look like crab eyes staring back at you! If you are looking to stay in the refuge a while, there are a couple of campgrounds (Doris Campground being the main one). The refuge has a variety of spots for tents, trailers, and RVs, including some primitive spots. We are regularly greeted in the mornings with turkeys or deer outside our tent. If you are looking for more of a cabin-style, the nearby town of Medicine Park has many traditional B&Bs, Airbnb’s, along with cabins to rent.
While you are in Medicine Park, you can check out the quaint shops and coffee shops (Cobblescone Coffee and Pastry) while you enjoy a stroll along the river. The Riverside Cafe is a great stop for a bite to eat, and you can sit outside on the patio and enjoy the beautiful views. Meers is another nearby town known for its self-proclaimed “World Famous Meers Burgers.” People drive from all over to have one of these burgers – the line out the door will be a testament to this statement. If you are looking to play in the water, fish, boat, or just getting your feet wet, there are a few small lakes and bodies of water in the area. Lake Lawtonka has beautiful views of Mount Scott. The Mount Scott area is a great destination to visit and spend some wonderful family time outdoors together.
Photo credit & destination chosen by: Kristen Ryan at @kristcx
Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona
Oak Creek Canyon in Sedona, Arizona is a river gorge known as the little cousin of the Grand Canyon. It is about 12 miles long and features amazing hikes, picnic areas, scenic views, and places to swim. Spring is Sedona’s busiest visitor season, with average high temperatures in the mid-60s to low 80s and chilly evenings perfect for bundling up. This wonderful weather, coupled with pops of color from budding desert flowers and rust-colored trails, makes for pleasnat and comfortable hiking and sightseeing in Oak Creek Canyon for the whole family.
Enjoy a scenic drive from Sedona to Flagstaff along Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon. You’ll see towering red canyon walls, a rushing creek and lush forest while the switchbacks make the drive beautiful and exciting. Since this is just a short drive for us, some of my most favorite memories were here. You can spend a whole day splashing in the creek with your kids, admiring the surrounding beauty! It truly never gets old. Just make sure to bring water shoes, and pack a picnic.
If you have time, a visit to Slide Rock State Park is a must! It’s exactly what it sounds like, a natural water slide formed by the slippery bed of Oak Creek. Located just off 89A in Oak Creek Canyon (about 7.5 miles north of L’Auberge), Slide Rock State Park is set on a 43-acre historic apple farm with a naturally-occurring water slide. The famous “Slide Rock” is a stretch of slippery creek bottom that runs 80 feet long. Algae on the rocks creates an adrenaline-pumping slippery ride! It’s quite an adventure for the entire family!
Photo credit & destination chosen by: Kathleen White at @faithboundtravel
San Diego’s 70 miles of coastline offer families a variety of beaches that are perfect for swimming, surfing, sandcastle building, and any other family beach activity. Shell Beach, at the south end of Ellen Browning Scripps Park, offers excellent tide pooling at low tides. Plus, kids can watch seals and sea lions play, rest and sun themselves on a big rock offshore. Kids will love Torrey Pines State Beach in nearby La Jolla. It’s right off the highway with bathrooms, showers, lifeguards and a safe spot for kids to play by the lagoon. The bluffs above the beach are part of the 1,750-acre Torrey Pines State Reserve Park, which has eight miles of hiking trails offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Spend an afternoon on the ocean in one of the many whale-watching cruises offered in the area. Head out to Coronado Island to explore for a day. Be sure to check out the historic and iconic Hotel Del Coronado (one of the best family-friendly resorts in the US) and catch a killer sunset on the beach while you’re there.
Photo credit & destination chosen by: Sara McCarty @sara_mccarty
Starved Rock State Park, Illinois
Starved Rock State Park is located just southeast of the village of Utica, in Deer Park Township, LaSalle County, Illinois. The park sits along the south bank of Illinois River and is an easy road trip from both St. Louis and Chicago. Starved Rock hosts over two million visitors annually, the most of any Illinois state parks. It’s a quiet little secluded area with lots of history and amazing canyons. The park has 13 miles of hiking and 18 canyons to explore, but the highlight is by far the waterfalls. The Starved Rock State Park Lodge is connected to the park with a delicious restaurant inside and cozy rooms/cabins. Campsites are also available.
My family’s favorite canyons were St. Louis Canyon & Wildcat Canyon, so be sure to check those two out at least. St. Louis offers the best waterfall and is within a short distance from the visitor center. This is by far one of the coolest local(ish) state parks our family has ever visited. The park is huge, with many different viewing points and areas to explore, so it usually doesn’t feel crowded. Spring is a great time to check out the park, as it’s finally warming up and everything will be blooming! If you get a warm day, bring a towel and an extra pair of clothes because most likely the kiddos will want to go in the water and do some further exploring. We sure did!
Tucson, AZ is one of the best family-friendly spring break destinations in the US. Located just over 100 miles southeast of Phoenix and 60 miles north of the US/Mexico border, the city is brimming with charm, art, and some of the most delicious and authentic Mexican food. Aside from mouth-watering tacos, the highlight of Tucson could arguably be Saguaro National Park.
The park is divided into two separate and distinct portions, east and west. The eastern side of the park (the Rincon Mountain District), is larger, more remote, and has an extensive mountainous area. While the Saguaro cacti are less dense here, they are still large and impressive. This side of the park is perfect for hiking and starting the Junior Ranger Program. On the western side of the park (the Tucson Mountain District), you will find gigantic Saguaro as far as the eye can see. While smaller with less extensive hiking, driving Hohokam Road is certainly worth a trip. We suggest finishing the Junior Ranger Program in the western part of the park.
Once you’ve had your fill of cacti, a stop at the Tucson Children’s Museum (great for kids 0-12) is a solid idea. To dip your toes into a bit of Tucson’s history, a visit to the San Xavier del Bac Mission is pretty humbling (great for older kids). The church is nearly 225 years old, is completely tour-able, and visually impressive from every angle. You can even attend Mass if you’re feeling up to it. There is no shortage of VRBO, Air B n B, and hotels to choose from. We highly suggest Hotel McCoy. It’s a 1960s mid-century modern art hotel that is as hip and delightful as it is functional and cool. We opted for a room with double bunk beds (!), and each morning we were greeted with an oatmeal bar even my mom would find impressive, as well as a hearty stock of Pop-Tarts for the kids.
In the evenings, the bar area serves only locally brewed beers, as well as Jones Soda. Last, but certainly not least, the food! Tucson is the United States’ first Capital of Gastronomy, which, in layman’s terms mean, the city is exploding with mouth-watering dishes. Among some of the best restaurants, Mi Nidito (get there early and expect to wait) all the food is great, as are the margaritas, The Tucson Tamale Company (we recommend the tamales), Street Tacos and Beer Company (think Chipotle’s older, cooler cousin). If you’re looking for a spring break trip filled with sunshine (minus scorching temps), a side of National Parks, and a serving of delicious food and drink, Tucson will not disappoint!
Photo credit & destination chosen by: Desiree Macke at @desireemacke
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is a great spring break destination for families. There are many museums, unique things to see and do, and fun places to play. The weather is ideal during March and April — warm enough to enjoy some outdoor adventures without the humidity and heat of the summer. It’s also a total foodie destination! Here are a few of the best things for families to do for spring break in Oklahoma City.
For art, plan on visiting the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. They have an incredible Chihuly glass exhibit and many other wonderful galleries. For kids, they have activity bags that you can check out to enhance your experience. There are bags for ages 3 -6 years old, and another bag for 7 to 9. Kids 17 and under are free.
For history, plan on visiting the American Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. They have an incredible outdoor area with many examples of indigenous homes and a replica of an old Western town. The museum also has an extensive Western Art collection and a really fun exhibit on the history of the rodeo. The First Americans Museum is beautiful, and a must-visit. The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum is also worth viewing for older children. A word of caution: some of the museum exhibits depict the trauma in the immediate aftermath of the event and can be shocking for young children. The subject matter can be difficult, but the museum is done very well.
For hands-on fun and learning, check out the OKC Science Museum. This museum is massive and has a really neat mirror maze! It’s great for kids of all ages and will keep you busy all day long.
Bricktown is a super fun area to play, with an arcade and restaurants. There’s also mini golf and other fun things to do. Plan on taking a ride on the water taxi for a really cool experience.
For outdoor fun, check out the Children’s Garden at Myriad Gardens, explore Scissortail Park, ride the Ferris wheel at Wheeler Park, and plan on playing at Riversport, OKC.
For a full week-long itinerary in Oklahoma City, check out this family-friendly things to do in Oklahoma City post by team member Nichole Holze.
Ambergris Caye, Belize
Ambergris Caye in Belize is one of our very favorite spring break destinations for outdoorsy families and nature-lovers. This stunning island offers a plethora of outdoor activities that cater to every adventurous spirit. From snorkeling in the vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life to diving into the crystal-clear waters to explore underwater caves and tunnels, there’s never a dull moment on Ambergris Caye. Families can also indulge in thrilling water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, jet skiing, and windsurfing, which are perfect for bonding and creating unforgettable memories amidst the breathtaking Caribbean backdrop.
Immersed in the laid-back atmosphere of Belizean life, families can explore the charming streets of San Pedro Town, where colorful buildings line the waterfront’s white sand beaches and traditional live music fills the air. The island’s diverse culinary scene offers a tantalizing array of fresh seafood dishes infused with local spices, providing a culinary adventure for even the pickiest eaters. From sampling Belizean delicacies to learning about the culture through music and dance performances, every moment spent on Ambergris Caye is an opportunity to embrace the warmth and hospitality of its people.
Excursions abound in Belize and there’s so much to do! Whether you want to zip-line through the lush jungle canopy, go on a wildlife safari, visit the zoo to spot exotic birds and animals, explore the ancient Mayan ruins, swim with sharks and sea turtles, feed the tarpon, or go tubing through a cave, adventures on the mainland and island are easy to do through the many reputable guide services – for snorkeling/diving, we liked Amigos del Mar and for mainland excursions, we liked Tuff E Nuff Tours.
We recommend staying at Coco Beach Resort, just north of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. This report offers families laid-back luxury with phenomenal service, family-friendly amenities, and everything you need at your fingertips. Families can enjoy the pools, hot tub, restaurant, swim-up bar, spa, complimentary bikes, paddleboards, kayaks, fish from the beach, and soak up the sun.
Photo credit & destination chosen by: Sara McCarty @sara_mccarty
Achill Island, Ireland
Achill Island lies off County Mayo on the west coast of the Republic of Ireland. It is characterized by rugged mountains and the smell of peat bogs. The island is known for tall sea cliffs and spotless, sandy beaches, which have the most beautiful views. Its breezy shoreline makes it a popular spot for water sports and with a population of only 2,000 – the beaches are so often very empty so you have the whole place to yourself to run wild!
There are a great many gorgeous beaches on Achill. Keel Beach is our favorite for wave jumping and surfing and kite surfing! Keem beach is our favorite for stunning views and dolphin spotting. Imagine an unspoiled sandy beach that looks like it belongs on a tropical island, but is in the middle of Ireland’s cold cliffs. That is exactly what Keem Bay looks like! And Dugort is the best for rock pooling.
If you’re slightly adventurous, I highly recommend you cycle from Westport or Newport to Achill and enjoy Mayo County’s Great Western Greenway Trail. This is a car-free bike ride with views across the Atlantic. And if you’re super adventurous you can climb Croagh Patrick, one of Ireland’s most stunning mountain climbs. It towers above the edge of the Atlantic Ocean on the rugged west coast. On a clear day, it offers panoramic views of the hundreds of tiny, islands in Clew Bay, the Wild Atlantic Way, the gorgeous tourist town of Westport and surrounding mountain ranges. Expect it to take around 3-4 hours to climb and be aware that it is still the site of a pilgrimage today. But even if you prefer relaxation over adventure – Achill’s beaches and green countryside offer some gorgeous views steeped in history. It’s a great kid-friendly spring destination for the whole family.
Photo credit & destination chosen by: Jemma at @thimbleandtwig
Additional spring break destinations for families
If you’re looking for other ideas, here are a few full-length posts on a few more of our favorite outdoorsy places to explore with kids! Each of these locations would be great for a spring break trip with outdoorsy kids.
Everglades National Park, FL – Everglades National Park offers a perfect spring break getaway for outdoorsy families, providing a unique opportunity to explore one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world through thrilling airboat rides and guided nature walks. With its abundance of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and tropical birds, families can create unforgettable experiences while immersing themselves in the wonders of nature. (Pair this with a road trip down to the Florida Keys for an even more amazing trip!)
Outer Banks, NC – The Outer Banks is an ideal spring break destination for outdoorsy families, offering miles of pristine beaches perfect for surfing, kite flying, and beachcombing adventures. With opportunities for kayaking through scenic marshes, exploring historic lighthouses, and discovering diverse marine life, families can create cherished memories while experiencing the beauty and tranquility of this coastal paradise.
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT – Bryce Canyon National Park is an exceptional spring break destination for outdoorsy families, providing breathtaking scenery with its unique hoodoos and rock formations, perfect for hiking and photography enthusiasts of all ages. Families can bond while exploring the park’s extensive trail system, taking in panoramic vistas, and participating in ranger-led programs, immersing themselves in the wonders of this natural wonderland.
If you enjoy bringing the outside in, gathering a few flowers from your garden to admire on the kitchen table, gifting bouquets to friends, or using in nature crafts and projects, then consider starting a small cut flower garden. Tending these plants from the smallest of seeds into colorful beauties brings a wonderful sense of accomplishment and joy. Plus, gardening has so many amazing benefits for both kids and parents. Today, Illinois mom of three, Meghan Garriott, is here sharing everything you need to know about planting and growing a cut flower garden with kids and the harvesting and arranging of flowers.
Growing a cut flower garden with kids
Starting and growing a cut flower garden is a relaxing and beautiful hobby. Involving children in the planning, growing, and harvesting of flowers can be a great learning and bonding experience. No matter your previous gardening experience, this post is designed to help you get started growing your own cut flower garden. I’m sharing some great plants to start off incorporating into your garden or yard, including a list of the easiest flowers to grow for kids and beginners.
What is a cut flower garden?
A cut flower garden is a garden specifically for flowers or foliage that will be harvested for fresh or dried bouquets and flower arrangements. The flowers are selected based on their bloom time, size, and color. Ideally, they have long stems and bright colors and maintain a long shelf life in a vase. Cut flowers can be annuals or perennials, flowers, filler plants, bushes, and foliage. Purposefully choosing a wide variety of flowers with differing bloom times will allow you to enjoy bouquets throughout the growing season, including spring, summer, and fall. These plants intended for cutting can be planted throughout your outdoor landscaping or in a separate area designated for cutting.
Benefits of growing a cut flower garden with kids
Growing a cut flower garden with kids can offer numerous benefits and educational opportunities. Here are a few benefits of growing a cut flower garden with your kids:
Botanical knowledge: Kids can learn about various flowers, their life cycles, and the different parts of plants.
Science skills: Observing the growth process teaches them about biology, ecology, and the importance of sunlight, water, and soil.
Responsibility: Caring for the garden instills a sense of responsibility as kids learn to water, weed, and nurture the plants.
Patience and delayed gratification: Waiting for flowers to bloom teaches patience and the reward of delayed gratification.
Appreciation for nature: Kids develop a deeper appreciation for the environment and the beauty of nature.
Environmental stewardship: Caring for plants helps instill a sense of environmental responsibility and stewardship.
Creativity through floral arranging: Picking and arranging flowers encourages creativity and artistic expression and teaches art principles like color theory, lines, and textures.
Sensory stimulation: Engaging with flowers provides a sensory-rich experience, from touching the petals to smelling the blooms.
Tactile learning: Gardening involves hands-on activities that enhance tactile learning.
Outdoor exercise: Gardening is a physical activity that encourages kids to spend time outdoors and get exercise in a natural setting.
Sense of accomplishment: Watching their garden bloom gives children a sense of accomplishment and boosts their self-esteem.
Stress reduction: Being in nature and tending to plants has been shown to reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
Math and organizational skills: Involving kids in planning the garden layout and spacing of plants enhances their math and organizational skills.
Culinary exploration: Some flowers are edible, and kids can explore using them in culinary activities, adding another dimension to their learning.
Teamwork: Gardening can be a collaborative effort, promoting teamwork and social interaction among kids.
Sharing and generosity: Kids can share the flowers they grow, teaching them about generosity and sharing with others.
Uses for a cut flower garden
Why should you grow a cut flower garden? The possibilities and reasons are endless!
First and foremost, the main reason most people grow flowers is because they are beautiful. Flowers not only make your garden and landscape more captivating and enticing but harvesting flowers from your garden allows you to create stunning and fresh floral arrangements to decorate your home. Handpicked flowers make thoughtful and personalized gifts for friends and family. Growing your own flowers can be cost-effective compared to purchasing floral bouquets regularly.
Flower gardens attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem. Growing your own flowers supports local and sustainable practices, reducing the environmental impact associated with commercially grown and transported flowers.
And, of course, gardening and working with flowers have therapeutic benefits, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. The act of nurturing plants and watching them bloom can positively impact mental well-being. Gardening and cultivating a cut flower garden can be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby, offering a connection to nature and a break from daily routines.
How to set up your cut flower garden
Before choosing your flowers, you’ll need to figure out where to plant them so your garden will flourish. There are a few factors that make for a great cut flower garden location: access to sunlight, protection from the wind, a well-drained area, and healthy soil.
Where to plant your cut garden
First, decide where you will be planting these flowers and foliage. Will you have a separate bed just for cut flowers, or will you space them out among your current landscaping? A cut flower garden doesn’t have to take up a lot of room. You can easily grow from the small pots on the porch, in a raised bed in the backyard, or on a sunny windowsill!
Find a location in your yard that receives adequate sunlight. Most flowers prefer full sun, so picking a spot that achieves 6-8 hours of sunlight per day is ideal. This will also satisfy any flowers that require partial sun. Be sure to check the back of the seed packets for sunlight requirements.
Also, consider wind and rain exposure. Lots of flowers grow fairly tall, and a strong wind can easily break them down. See if you can give them some protection from the elements if you live in a blustery or rainy environment.
It’s also important to find a well-drained area that won’t hold rainwater. Flowers don’t like to be kept overly moist, and too much water, especially standing water, will impede your flowers from growing and thriving.
Finally, a cut garden also needs fertile, workable soil (typically topsoil and compost). Obtaining a soil test will help you to determine what nutrients you might be missing in your soil, so you can add those missing nutrients back into the soil. Adding organic matter, including compost, leaf litter, and composted manure, will add nutrients to the soil and assist with proper water retention and drainage.
Creating flower beds
If you will be making new beds for your cut garden, it’s best to have long and narrow beds with room to walk in between. This way, you can reach all of the flowers for cutting. When gardening with children, you will want to make sure the flowers won’t be too high up for them to cut. So keep tall flowers on the ground and shorter flowers and raised beds.
I have my cut flowers planted on the ground around my raised garden beds. Many cut flowers are also deer-resistant, so last year, I planted them around my vegetable garden for a dual purpose!
Easy, kid-friendly flowers to grow in your cut garden
There are so many different flowers and foliage that can be grown in a cut flower garden. When choosing flowers, consider a mix of colors, shapes, sizes, and textures. This will give you the most variety in your flower arrangements! Depending on what climate zone (find your hardiness zone here) you are in, you will have different plants that are appropriate for your area. When growing with kids, it’s best to choose flowers that are low-maintenance and have showy, colorful blooms to drool over.
Here are a few of my favorite flowers that can be grown almost anywhere with a little maintenance.
Perennial plants and flowers (comes back each year)
Black-eyed Susan’s
Echinacea (cone glower)
Yarrow
Aster
Daisies
Hydrangeas
Dahlias (perennial, depending on where you live)
Tulips
Peonies
Greens and fillers to grow in your cut garden
Fillers and foliage not only give contrast and texture to flower arrangements, but they can also offer beautiful scents! Here are some easy-to-grow greens and fillers!
Bells of Ireland
Green or purple Basil
Mint
Dill
Tips for choosing cut flower seeds and bulbs
Once you have decided where you will be planting, you will need to choose the right seeds or bulbs for that area. If you want your cut garden to produce across seasons, you’ll need to consider this when choosing your flowers. Bulbs will have to be planted in the fall for spring blooms. Seeds can be planted in the spring for summer and fall blooms.
In order to get the most out of your garden for the longest time, I suggest picking different varieties of spring and summer flowers for each location. An example would be planting tulips or daffodils in the same area as Black-eyed Susans and purple coneflowers. Since these flowers grow in different seasons, they will not be competing with each other for nutrients, but they’ll maximize the number of flowers you can get out of one location.
Another thing to consider when choosing your seeds is germination time. Germination time is the time it takes for the seed to begin to sprout. Seeds that have a long germination time will be more difficult to grow and will need to be started indoors if you live in a cooler climate. Flowers like sunflowers and zinnias usually germinate in a week or so, which makes them ideal for anxious kids who are ready to see their flowers growing.
Where to find flower seeds, plants, and bulbs
There are lots of places you can get seeds, bulbs, plants, tubers, and transplants. For starters, check with your local nurseries or garden centers. This way you can see the flowers in person and ask any questions to the knowledgeable staff. In addition, starting in early spring, you should be able to find seed packets at your local hardware store, grocery store, farmer’s markets, or even the dollar store! Get the kids involved in this process and let them choose a flower, plant, or seed packet.
Planting seeds indoors
If you are itching to get the garden started, there are many options for starting your flowers indoors. This is also a fun way to get kids excited about spring and working in the garden. Most seeds will tell you on the back of their packet when to start indoors. Some seed flowers prefer to be sowed directly in the ground, so those will have to wait to be planted until after the danger of frost.
To start seeds inside, you will need:
Seed starting soil
Seed starting cells and trays
light source (window or grow lights)
warm area
Tips for starting seeds inside
To begin, mix some water with your seed-starting soil. The soil should be damp but not soupy. Fill the cells or pots with the mixture. Read the package for the desired planting depth. Make a small space in the middle of the pot or cell and plant the seed at the correct depth. Make sure you label what you have planted!
Place your newly planted seeds in a warm place with plenty of natural light or under a grow light. You will want to keep the seed nice and damp while waiting for germination! You can use a fan blowing on your seed tray to mimic wind, which can help the stalks grow stronger.
For bigger seeds like sunflowers, it can be fun to fold them into a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag and a warm area. This way, you can watch the seeds begin to sprout. After they sprout, plant them at the desired depth in a small pot or cell.
Once your seeds have sprouted and you’re out of the danger of frost, you can begin to move your sprouts outside. It is a good idea to put your trays of seeds/seedlings outside for a few hours on warm days to help them get acclimated to the wind, bright sun, and outdoor temperatures before planting. A few hours a day is a good start.
Planting bulbs outdoors
Bulb planting typically happens in the fall before the first frost. Each plant will have a specific planting depth and spacing, so be sure to follow the directions for that plant. Planting bulbs in the fall will help your garden span more seasons, as these plants usually come up in the spring prior to the last frost. This gives you fresh flowers sooner!
Here are some easy bulbs that grow flowers great for cutting:
Tulips
Daffodil
Hyacinth
Hosta
Iris
Crocus
Planting seeds outdoors
Seed planting typically happens in the spring after the danger of the last frost. For perennials, you will only have to plant one time, and then they will come up each year. For annuals, you will have to plant them again each year. Although, there are some annuals that will re-seed themselves.
Before planting your seeds, make sure the ground is raked and loose so the seeds can enter the soil. If you are planting in a small space or between other landscaping, be sure to give your seeds enough room for their full height and width. If you are planting in a large area, spreading the seeds around by hand can be a great task for your child.
Once the seeds have been planted, be sure to keep the ground damp for a few weeks to help the seeds germinate. You may have to watch out for squirrels and chipmunks, who love to feed on sunflower seedlings!
Transplanting seedlings outdoors
Transplanting your seedlings (that you started indoors) outdoors will also happen after the danger of the last frost. It is a good idea to put your seedlings outside for a few hours each day before transplanting outside. That way, they can get acclimated to temperatures and wind.
To transplant your seedlings, gently take the entire root bundle from its cell. And make your hole a little deeper than the depth of the cell. Put your root bundle in the hole and cover it completely. Again, make sure to keep the soil moist for the first couple of weeks after transplanting.
Caring for your cut flower garden
Between planting your garden and harvesting flowers, you’ll need to care for and maintain your cut flower garden. It will be important to keep the weeds or grass from growing around your growing flowers. Weeding is a great task for kids; just make sure they know what is a weed and what is a flower! Weeding can be done as often as every day or as little as once a week, depending on where your garden is located.
It will also be important to monitor how much rain your garden is getting. If you go more than a few days without rain, it’s a good idea to water them. It is best to water early in the morning or late in the evening. Again, watering the flowers is a great task for kids. Kids love using the garden hose; just be sure to show them how to water the plants properly (not too hard of spray) and not too much.
You may also want to fertilize your flowers twice a month with a well-balanced fertilizer.
Some flowers may need support, such as staking, netting, or corralling. For simple purposes at home, I would suggest using bamboo stakes and plant velcro to help support your flowers upright to get straighter stems.
How to make gardening fun for kids
There are so many ways to get the kids involved in the gardening process and make it fun for them. When planning your cut flower garden, be sure to involve kids in the seed-choosing process. Ask them to choose their favorite color flower, or let them pick a seed packet to plant. A specific color flower for each kid would be fun if you have multiple kids.
Get them involved in the maintenance process, too! It’s more fun when you dress the part, right? Getting some kid-size gardening gloves, a fun apron, and maybe a bucket hat can help kids look and feel ready to help! Smaller tools like shovels, mini rakes, and small watering cans will make it easier for them to assist in all the different ways we care for the garden!
And finally, make sure they get to help harvest the flowers and enjoy the fruit of their labor by helping make flower arrangements and bouquets. Before cutting, talk to your child about what colors or textures they want in the flower arrangement! Let them be the boss for choosing the flowers, and let the adult do the cutting until it’s appropriate for the child to use shears.
Harvesting flowers with kids
Now, we’re ready for the good part…harvesting the flowers!
For many cut flowers, the more you cut, the more they will bloom. This is definitely the case with cosmos and zinnias! So don’t be afraid to get in there and start cutting when blooming begins. Just be sure to leave enough of the plant so that other buds can grow.
However, some plants are a “one-hit wonder” and will only bloom once. Plants, such as single-stemmed sunflowers and tulips, only produce one flower and then are done. The one-hit wonders you will want to plant more of so that you have more blooms, and you may want to consider succession sowing them.
The best time to cut flowers is at the beginning of bloom or right at peak bloom. When going to cut flowers, it’s a good idea to know what size vase you are going to put them in. That way, you know how long of a stem to cut.
Using garden shears, cut at a 45° angle, this will allow the stem to get, the most water once in the vase. Harvest cut flowers when it is cool outside, either early in the morning or later in the evening. Place your flowers immediately in a bucket/vase of cool water and let them sit at least a few hours before you work with them. You may want to check the flower for her bugs and spiders before bringing it into the home!
How to make your cut flowers last longer
Once you’ve harvested your cut flowers from the garden, it’s time to arrange them. Here are simple steps to help extend the life of your flower bouquet:
Remove all the leaves off the bottom of the stem (the part that will be submerged in water) to keep them from rotting underwater.
Cut the stems at an angle to allow for greater water absorption.
Add some cut flower food into the vase of water.
Change the water daily or when it becomes murky (don’t just add more water).
When changing the water, re-cut the ends of the stems at an angle and add more flower food.
Remove any flowers or leaves that are dead or dying.
As you remove dead blooms, downsize to a smaller vase when your bouquet gets smaller.
Creating cut flower arrangements with kids
There are five design elements to keep in mind when it comes to arranging flowers. These elements are line, color, form, space, and texture. Depending on your child’s age, you may pick anywhere from one or all of these elements to focus on when designing your arrangement.
To start, I would focus on color and texture. These flower bouquets, based on color, will be the easiest for children to identify. When choosing colors for your arrangement, think of choosing complementary colors or analogous colors. Complementary colors are opposites on the color wheel, like yellow and purple, or red and green. Analogous colors are colors close together on the color wheel (e.g. yellow, peach, and orange).
When thinking about texture, try to have the child choose flowers with different petals, sizes, and shapes. Flowers with large petals (like zinnia and peonies), tend to be a more softer texture. Flowers with small, round, or frilly petals, like aster or yarrow, tend to give a contrasting texture.
When putting arrangements together, start small with just one or two different flowers, keeping their leaves for fill and contrast. As you get better at designing, you can snip the leaves off the stem so you only have the flowers and then choose your own filler flowers and foliage that add to your arrangement’s overall theme. To learn more about floral design, I loved the book Love Language Of Flowers.
Something fun I do with my kids after creating an arrangement is naming it. We usually name our arrangement of beautiful blooms based on its colors. A few examples are Sunset, this arrangement was full of bold magenta, yellows, and oranges like a sunset. Another flower bouquet example is one named Just Peachy; this one was full of peachy colors and lacy floral accents! The best thing about flower arranging is that you can do it however you want!
Sharing the love of flowers
Once your garden is producing a lot of flowers, you may have enough for multiple arrangements or bouquets. Have your child pick a person to gift an arrangement to and let them do all the work of making it and delivering it. Not only does this teach your child the importance of giving and sharing, but it will likely make somebody else’s day! Your child will have such a sense of pride when they see how happy their gift has made someone else! In addition to giving flowers to people you know, donating flower arrangements to local nursing homes and community centers can help children feel a sense of accomplishment for all their hard work!
Drying and pressing flowers
Live flower arrangements are not the only way you can enjoy your flowers. Drying and pressing flowers are a great way to enjoy and preserve your flowers. Flowers like daisies and pansies lend themselves to be easily pressed. Plants like strawflower, lavender, and Celosia can make beautiful dried arrangements that can be enjoyed all year long! You can even use pressed flowers to make a fun Halloween costume, like pressed flower butterfly wings.
Saving and collecting seeds
Once the blooming season is over, there is still work that can be done in the garden. Flowers like zinnia and cosmos are very easy to collect seeds from to save for the next year. Collecting seeds is not only an easy job for kids, but it is a great way to prepare for next year and save money. We collect seeds in paper sandwich bags and label them with the type of flower they are. We store these bags in a cool, dry place until next year. Seeds collected from your own garden are also a great gift to give to others!
Sustainability and recycling
It is important to teach sustainable practices for your cut flower garden. Saving seeds is a great start! Using reusable starter trays instead of plastic ones can also cut down on plastic waste. Used spaghetti jars, glass juice containers, and old mason jars can make great vases for arrangements. When you save these items, not only are you repurposing and recycling, but you have more vases to give away without spending money!
Learning while you grow
Creating a cut flower garden with your children is such a great way to teach science, math, and art skills. The time spent with your children in the garden will increase their confidence and give them a sense of responsibility. Plus, the flower arrangements you create will bring daily joy. It may be difficult getting started this first time, but it’s worth it. And every year, you and your children will learn and grow as people and as gardeners. Each year will be more bountiful, joyful, and meaningful. Good luck with starting your own cut flower garden this year!
Do you grow cut flowers in your garden?
About the author
Meghan is a midwestern mom of 3 kids and one dog. She is a physical therapist assistant and family photographer. At home, Meghan and her family enjoy gardening (both indoors and outside), riding ATVs, and exploring the river behind their house. When not at home, they can usually be found at the lake or exploring Illinois state parks. Meghan’s family has always loved the outdoors, but they really found a passion for being outside and photography when her oldest son had to undergo a bone marrow transplant as a baby. During her son’s recovery, being outside became a safe place for the whole family to learn, grow, and thrive.
You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
Instagram: @meghangarriott
Meghan’s RWMC posts: Meghan Garriott
Are you looking for a great way to add wonder and exploration to your time in nature? Well, look no further! Nature journaling, perfect for a variety of ages and interest levels, can lead to learning, developing observation skills, and making memories. Plus, the supplies and costs are minimal, so it’s an easily accessible activity. Today, Laura Stroup, Missouri mom of three, is here to let you in on the simple secrets of this valuable pastime. With such diverse possibilities, nature journaling is an enriching and engaging activity that encourages a deep connection with the natural world.
Nature journaling with kids
George Washington Carver once said, “Reading about nature is fine, but if a person walks in the woods and listens carefully, he can learn more than what is in books…” And I am inclined to agree with him. Our family spends time in nature daily. Because nature has so many benefits for us, we want to help inspire your family to do the same.
Something we combine with our nature walks is nature journaling. It is one of our favorite things to do, especially when we have been busy or on the go. Nature journaling quiets us, helps us slow down, and restores peace in our day. Nature journaling’s multidisciplinary approach involves many subjects, so it appeals to a wide audience. And it works with different age groups and ability levels because there is not one way to do it. It’s open-ended and forgiving.
Benefits of nature journaling
Connection to nature
There are so many benefits of nature journaling for kids. Perhaps most importantly, nature journaling inspires us to be outdoors and connects us with the natural world. It encourages curiosity about the world around us. We learn how to ask questions. And we discover how to seek out the answers to those questions through the help of those around us, books, websites, and documentaries. This sense of wonder not only enriches their educational experiences but also lays the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of nature. Nature journaling can be a gateway to science, ecology, and environmental stewardship, instilling a lifelong love for learning and discovery.
Observation skills
Nature journaling also teaches us how to observe with all our senses. We begin to see, hear, and even smell our surroundings like never before. As kids start to journal, they learn to observe the world around them in a whole new way. This heightened awareness not only deepens their connection to the environment but also nurtures essential scientific skills and curiosity. Through the process of sketching and describing what they see, children develop an acute attention to detail, honing their observation skills.
Fosters creativity
Additionally, nature journaling serves as a creative outlet, enhancing self-expression in children. Through drawings, descriptions, and personal reflections in their journals, children can freely express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in connection with nature. The act of recording our thoughts, ideas, and observations on paper makes them concrete and creates memories of our time in the great outdoors.
Nature journaling supplies
To get started with nature journaling, you only need a few supplies, many of which you probably already have on hand. Nothing fancy or expensive is required for this activity, and all the supplies should fit comfortably in your backpack if you decide to take them with you.
Paper – We prefer blank pages rather than lined paper, but a lot of people also like graph paper. You can buy a blank notebook, nature journal, or DIY nature journal with completed pages. Journal pages can be kept in a notebook, loose in a folder, or added to a binder.
Writing utensils – We prefer to use pencils, but some people like to use colorful pens or markers for writing and drawing.
Adding color – Colored pencils are our go-to, but watercolors, crayons, markers, and even watercolor pencils work well.
Camera (optional) – Whether a fancy DSLR, a phone camera, or a simple Polaroid, adding photos to your nature journal from your adventures can enhance the experience.
Magnifying glass, binoculars, or pocket microscope – These items help kids observe details of any natural object close up and get a better sense of the intricacies of nature.
Field guides or identification apps – We use these to help us identify what types of flora or fauna we’re observing. iNaturalist is a great app for identifying plants and flowers. We also have a laminated field guide for common birds in our area.
One family journal or individuals?
My kids and I each have our own nature journal. When they were small, I had one for the family that I kept and maintained. However, as they got older, they wanted their own journals to be customized as they saw fit. If you have older children, nature journals and supplies make great gifts and are a fun way to help encourage kids to spend more time outside.
Getting started with nature journaling
There’s no time like the present to start incorporating nature journaling into your outdoor routine. If you don’t currently spend a lot of time outdoors, let nature journaling be the catalyst for changing that! It’s a creative way to combine learning, creativity, and outdoor adventure.
To get started, I recommend that you choose a location that’s easily accessible and abundant in natural elements. This could be a local park, nature reserve, or even your backyard. Encourage children to explore and observe their surroundings, paying attention to the colors, textures, and sounds of nature.
When introducing kids to nature journaling, make it fun and focus more on the exploration and discovery of nature than on their artistic ability. Begin with simple activities like identifying and sketching common plants or animals, and gradually progress to more detailed observations. Encourage them to use their senses – touch, smell, and sound – to deepen their connection with the environment. Making it more about playing outside is an easy way for them to connect journaling with fun.
Make sure to keep a non-judgmental attitude towards their drawings and notes, emphasizing the process of observation over creating perfect representations. By keeping the experience light-hearted and fun, children are more likely to develop a genuine enthusiasm for nature journaling, making it a fun activity and not a chore.
When to use your nature journal
Setting aside dedicated time for nature journaling ensures that the experience becomes a regular and anticipated part of their routine, providing a consistent opportunity for connection with the outdoors. But there’s no one perfect way to journal – it’s up to each person to journal as fits their needs and schedule.
You may choose to bring your journaling supplies with you when you go outdoors (even in your own backyard), but you can nature journal when you get home as a way of taking inventory of all the memories you made, plants and animals you saw, and adventures you braved.
Some people even like to do their nature journaling before heading out to explore, researching the things they might encounter or observe while at a particular location. We have been known to pull out our nature journals on a rainy day and take off on a virtual adventure through a book or documentary.
If you choose to do your nature journaling in the field, it is helpful to find a spot to sit that’s comfortable, safe, and off the beaten path. It’s an excellent way to take a mindfulness break and enjoy the moment. If you have young children in tow, you might also need to pull out some snacks to keep them occupied while you all journal (and make it fun!). Keep your expectations simple, and start small.
What to include in your nature journal
Nature journaling is all about documenting your observations in nature, but there’s no one right way to do this. The sky’s the limit for what to include on the pages of your journal. Because the options are virtually endless, we have a list of some ideas below to avoid the “blank page problem” that sometimes makes it challenging to get started.
Three very general things to include are (1) information, (2) illustrations, and (3) photographs. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways and works for people of differing ages and abilities.
Nature journal prompts and ideas
Include a short paragraph of information recounting your observations might include the things you see, hear, smell, or feel around you.
Include common names and scientific names of the plants you find in nature. This is a fun project for older kids to get them familiar with how the scientific naming process works.
Bullet points are my favorite way to jot down observations quickly. You can always go back and add more detail later.
Write a poem to describe your entire experience or one animal, plant, fungi, river, sunset, etc that you observed. We especially love acrostic poems, haikus, and shape poems (calligrams).
Compose a story based on your explorations. Both fiction and non-fiction stories capture moments from your adventures to preserve them as memories.
Create simple illustrations of your surroundings as a whole or in part, which leads to further research after your outdoor experience. This means learning about different species of living things or landmarks you saw.
Combine nature journaling with a scavenger hunt, where kids are tasked with finding (and recording) certain items.
Details and tactile experiences
Kids can incorporate details such as the date, time, location, season or time of year, and weather conditions during their outdoor adventures. This not only adds context to their entries but also introduces the concept of tracking changes in nature across different seasons.
Encourage them to collect and attach found objects like leaves, feathers, seed pods, or pressed flowers to their journals, creating a tactile and interactive dimension to their records. It adds so many fun textures and different colors to your nature journal.
You could also do bark and leaf rubbings on the trail directly into your nature journal. We like doing these to help us identify species of trees and plants we didn’t know previously. This is especially great for younger children who want to be involved but may not be able to read or write yet.
Nature journaling for kids
Nature journaling is a simple yet powerful activity that opens the doors to a world of exploration and creativity for kids. Its open-ended nature allows children to document their unique journey into the natural world over time, filled with their unique observations, thoughts, and reflections. There’s no right or wrong way to journal, making it a fun family activity for recording your nature observations and cultivating a love of nature.
Not only is nature journaling an affordable endeavor, requiring only basic supplies like a sketchbook and pencils, but it also offers the flexibility to be anything a child envisions it to be and can be done at any age! Nature journaling can be done before, during, or after your adventures. It can be as quick and simple or as detailed and intricate as your time and interest level dictates.
For our family, the best things about nature journaling are our time together outdoors and the memories we get to relive and enjoy each time we open up our notebooks and lovingly flip through the pages. So, grab some paper, step outside, and let the adventure of nature journaling unfold.
Additional resources for nature journaling
Nature journaling with kids is a great idea, especially if you’re looking for a wonderful activity that seamlessly combines creativity and outdoor exploration. If you’re interested in learning more about nature journaling or how to get kids started, here are a few of our favorite resources on this topic and recommendations:
Laura is an ecology writer and the founder of Firefly Nature School, a nature study curriculum designed for homeschooling families, co-ops, and classrooms. Laura has a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Ecology from Iowa State University with an emphasis in natural resource education. A former wildlife conservation educator and upper school science teacher, she now directs School of the Wild, a local nature school serving her community. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family, hiking, running, writing, reading, and cooking. Laura lives with her husband and their three children in the beautiful Ozarks countryside.
Embracing the crisp air, the crunch of snow underfoot, and the snug warmth of your baby bundled close creates unforgettable moments that bond you even closer when you’re hiking with your baby. Today, St. Louis mom of four, Steph Hampton, is here to share her tips, advice, and recommendations for winter hiking with a newborn. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or a newbie to the trails, Steph offers encouragement, support, and a dash of inspiration to embark on this magical adventure with confidence. Taking your newborn out for their first time hiking in the winter can be a memorable and magical experience for both of you. So, get ready, and let’s hit the snowy trails together!
Winter hiking with a newborn
What’s better than winter hiking? Winter hiking with a newborn, of course!! Okay, maybe not the most ideal conditions with a baby, but it can be done!! And it can be safe and peaceful, too.
My first three daughters were all born in the late spring/summer, so it seemed like a whole new ball game when our fourth daughter, Maria, arrived this winter. With a winter baby, I couldn’t take Maria on a walk as seamlessly as I could my other newborns because of the cold conditions. We live in St. Louis, Missouri, which means the weather could be warm one day, and then the next, an ice storm hits, and the whole city is shut down for the day!
However, I believe in the importance of still exploring outdoors in all weather, so getting outside with our newest edition (even on cold days) was a must. I wanted to make sure there were steps to ensure Maria’s safety, though. Below are a few tips and tricks that worked well for us to help us get outside with a newborn baby and explore together as a family in winter.
Why hike in the winter with a newborn
Hiking during the winter with a newborn offers so many benefits for both moms and their little ones. First, it’s a great way for moms to escape the confines of indoor spaces (I think we probably all get a bit stir crazy in the winter) and immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural world. Winter landscapes, with their glistening snow-covered trails and frost-kissed trees, offer gorgeous scenery for bonding with your baby. The crisp, fresh air and sunshine (when it’s out) can be really rejuvenating.
Winter hiking with newborns promotes physical activity and outdoor exploration from an early age, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy habits and appreciation for nature. For moms, the moderate exercise of hiking can help improve cardiovascular health, boost mood and energy levels, and facilitate postpartum recovery.
For babies, the gentle rocking motion of hiking can soothe infants and lull them to sleep, creating a peaceful and intimate environment for bonding between mom and baby. Additionally, the sensory stimulation provided by the sights, sounds, and textures of the natural environment can stimulate cognitive development and sensory awareness in newborns, fostering curiosity and engagement with the world around them.
Overall, winter hiking with newborn babies offers a unique and rewarding experience that promotes both mom and baby’s physical, emotional, and developmental well-being.
Tip 1: Always check the weather and trail conditions
Check your local weather app before hiking a winter trail. I always check for the ice/snow possibilities for safety when driving to and hiking on the trail. Checking the weather conditions and trail conditions before heading out for a winter hike with a baby is not just a precautionary measure; it’s a necessity to ensure the safety and comfort of both you and your little one.
I also always check the All Trails app (a free resource where people rate hikes for the latest trail conditions). Hikers post their reviews on the trail conditions. I find this very helpful, in addition to sometimes calling the nature center or visitor’s center associated with the park to ask about trail conditions. Understanding the trail conditions, including terrain, elevation, and potential hazards like ice or snowdrifts, allows you to choose a route that is suitable for your fitness level and your baby’s needs, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable hiking experience.
When we arrive at the trail, we go with our gut if something appears unsafe. Nothing is more important than your family’s and your health and safety!
Winter weather can be notoriously unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature, wind, and precipitation. By staying informed about the forecast, you can be prepared by making sure you’re dressed in appropriate layers, have extra supplies, and can adjust your route if necessary.
Tip 2: Dress appropriately (layers)
Have you heard the phrase, “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing?” That phrase speaks well for getting outside in winter conditions. Choosing the right gear and dressing appropriately in layers are paramount when it comes to winter hiking, especially when you’re bringing along your little one.
When winter hiking with a newborn, you’ll want to be sure to dress yourself and your baby in layers to regulate body temperature. Layers really do make all the difference here. Depending on what the kids and I are wearing, our clothing can sometimes predict how long we can explore safely outside. Finding comfortable hats, gloves, boots, snow gear, etc. is crucial.
We wear three layers: base layer (wool), mid layer (fleece), and outer layer (snowsuit/jacket). There is peace of mind knowing that we can safely be outside in all types of weather.
Dressing a baby for winter hiking
For both mom and baby, investing in high-quality clothing made from materials like merino wool can make all the difference. Merino wool offers exceptional warmth, moisture-wicking properties, and breathability, ensuring comfort throughout the hike. Our favorite brand, Nui Organics, exemplifies these qualities with their range of merino wool garments tailored for both adults and children. From cozy base layers to insulating mid-layers and outerwear, Nui Organics provides durable and sustainable options that keep the whole family warm and dry on the trail.
For additional info on merino wool (and whether it’s worth the investment), check out our full post on the best merino wool brands for kids.
When we arrive at a trailhead, the first thing I do is change Maria’s diaper and nurse her in the warm car in the parking lot. She is usually already wearing her base layer with long sleeves, so next, I put on her mid and outer layers. For Maria’s base layer, I adore Nui Organics merino wool onesie. It is hard to locate merino wool base layers for newborns and I’m extremely happy with their soft and great quality!
Next, I dress her in fleece pajamas for her mid-layer. (I have some from Carter’s, but any fleece PJs will do!) Then, I put on Maria’s moccasins (lambskin booties from Nui Organics), which keep her feet and toes nice, warm, and protected.
If the weather is below freezing, I also like to put on her snowsuit as an outer layer. I complete the trail fashion look by wrapping her up in my Wanderling babywearing jacket! Ensuring your baby is bundled up in warm layers sets the stage for a successful hike, even on the coldest of days.
How to dress little kids for winter hiking
When dressing my older girls, again, layering is key to regulating body temperature and adapting to changing weather conditions during winter hikes. The older girls are moving around a lot more than a newborn, so being able to add/remove layers is key. You can always add an extra layer if they get cold, or take something off if they get warm. Also, having waterproof and windproof layers are important, because they’re less protected than the baby, next to me, under my jacket.
Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from the skin, followed by an insulating mid-layer such as a merino wool sweater or fleece jacket. Finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer to shield against the elements. I dress my older girls (ages 2, 4, and 6) in Reima gear. They are a Finnish company that is fantastic quality! The wool base layer set is Taitoa. Their mid-layer is a fleece Laskien sweater. Their outer layer is the waterproof Reimatec Stavanger snowsuit.
I also rub Aquaphor on their cheeks to prevent chapped skin and bring hand warmers along on the hike too.
Don’t forget about mom! You’re the leader of the pack, so make sure that your gear and clothing choices are just as good as your kids. Oftentimes, it can be easy to overlook ourselves when dressing the kids, but the more comfortable you are outside, the longer you’ll be able to stay out there and keep up with them!
When hiking with a newborn, there are a couple extra considerations to take into account. Nursing my baby on the trail is one of my favorite things, so I have to make sure that I have layers and clothing that help me stay warm while nursing her and providing easy access for feedings.
For my base layer, I love Kojo’s nursing-friendly merino wool base layer! I wear my Wildelore fleece as my mid layer, which is also nursing-friendly! This fleece is very warm and I wear it as a jacket most days too. Last, I wear my Wanderling babywearing coat (which is so covers both of us). I like that this jacket has the option to wear Maria with a front carrier, a back carrier or wear without any baby attached. The attachable zipper panel is genius!
I also wear wool socks to keep my feet warm, waterproof hiking boots, and a wool hat.
Best baby carrier for winter hikes with a newborn
A baby carrier is a must-have accessory for winter hiking, keeping your little one snug and secure while you traverse snowy trails. I recommend a wrap or soft carrier for babies in the winter. Body heat is essential for keeping both mom and baby warm during winter hikes, so snuggling up close in the carrier is a cozy way to share warmth.
The Beluga baby wrap is my favorite when hiking with a newborn. Maria is so snug on me, and it helps keep her close to my body to warm her if it is very cold. I wrap her up high enough so that when I bend my head, I can kiss the top of her head. Throughout a hike, I like to feel her neck and head to ensure she stays warm enough.
For more info on the best baby carriers for newborns, older babies, and toddlers, be sure to check out this post on the best hiking baby carriers.
Tip 3: Start slow and easy
When you’re just getting back out into the world with a newborn, it’s best to start with short and easy hikes. Opting for shorter, more manageable trails is a great option for introducing your newborn to the joys of winter hiking without overwhelming them. These introductory outings provide an opportunity to acclimate both yourself and your little one to the challenges and delights of hiking in colder temperatures.
Your baby is new and your body is still recovering, so start with easy and short hikes that get you out of the house, but don’t overdo it. Pay close attention to your baby’s cues and comfort levels, especially in the early days of hiking with them.
Try to choose flat trails, that don’t require big steps or scrambling over rocks. This is easier on your body and allows you to gauge your baby’s comfort level, observe their reactions to the outdoor environment, and gradually build up both your confidence and stamina as a hiking duo. Shorter hikes minimize the risk of exhaustion or discomfort for both you and your little one.
Plus, choosing easy hikes ensures that you can focus more on bonding with your baby and soaking in the natural beauty around you, rather than feeling overwhelmed by the physical demands of a more strenuous trail. Because, at this phase, that’s what it’s all about! Save the longer hikes for when baby is older, when hiking with big kids, or when you’re hiking solo.
Tip 4: Time it right
Timing your hikes right when you have a newborn is important for an enjoyable experience. There’s nothing worse than spending all that time getting to your destination, only to have the timing be off. Luckily, newborns are pretty “go with the flow” and can nap and eat easily on the go.
The best times to go hiking with a newborn often coincide with their natural rhythms, including nap and feeding schedules. Opting for a hike during the warmest part of the day can help ensure your baby stays comfortable in chilly winter temperatures.
Many parents find that late morning or early afternoon hikes work well, as babies are often well-rested after their morning nap and have been fed, making them more content and less likely to become fussy during the hike. Consider your baby’s needs and preferences when scheduling your hikes. Some babies may be more alert and engaged in the outdoors in the morning, while others may enjoy the calming effects of nature in the late afternoon or early evening.
Whenever you go, be prepared for diaper changes and feedings along the way by packing what you need food and diaper-wise (bottles, formula, a portable changing mat, plenty of diapers and wipes, etc.) in your hiking backpack. Other important items to pack include first aid kit, rain cover, extra layers, extra water, trash bag (or plastic bag for dirty diapers/waste), smartphone, extra clothes (keep them in the car), and mittens/gloves.
Tip 5: Stay hydrated and fueled
Anytime you’re out adventuring with kids, you’re going to need snacks and water. But, staying hydrated and nourished is crucial when hiking during the winter months, especially when you have a newborn and kids in tow.
Cold weather can actually increase the body’s need for hydration (even though you may not feel as thirsty), as dry air and physical activity can lead to increased fluid loss through respiration and sweat. Plus, if you’re nursing, you’ll need extra fluids to stay well hydrated.
Make sure you bring plenty of water for both you and your children on your hikes and encourage regular hydration breaks throughout the hike. Pack a water bottle for yourself and one for each of your little ones so you can monitor how much everyone is drinking during your winter hike. Additionally, packing hydrating snacks such as fruits, nuts, and granola bars can help replenish energy levels and maintain optimal hydration throughout the day.
For breastfeeding moms, staying hydrated is particularly important, as dehydration can affect milk production and quality. By prioritizing hydration and nourishment, you can ensure that both you and your children have the energy and stamina needed to enjoy your winter hiking adventures to the fullest.
Winter hiking for the win
Winter is a beautiful time to explore outside as a family! While it can be chilly, getting fresh air and having a peaceful time together outside is worth it. Embarking on your baby’s first hike is a milestone worth celebrating, marking the beginning of many outdoor adventures to come.
One of our favorite winter activities is meeting friends at a trail for a hot chocolate hike! It is still possible to get outside with a baby and explore, even in the winter.
How do you get outside with a newborn during the winter months?
About the author
Steph lives in St. Louis with her husband, Mark, their four daughters (ages 6, 4, 2 & newborn), and their funny pup. Steph taught elementary school for five years and became a stay-at-home mom when her first child was born. When the pandemic hit and the playgrounds were closed, she started taking her kids hiking on a different trail each day. Steph is also a NICU mama (her 2nd daughter was born 3 months early). The outdoors has been so healing for her and her family, not to mention fun!
Since the pandemic started, their family has visited over 175 parks and hiked over 200 trails around St. Louis and Missouri. They also love to tent camp, canoe, and bike. Steph has a passion for exploring the outdoors, helping start a free weekly nature playgroup, and sharing adventure tips with others. When she is not hiking, she loves baking, reading, and dreaming of being a Survivor contestant.
Embracing the winter season with kids in tow can be a chilly challenge. But kids (and their parents) need time outside during the winter, just as much as any other time of year. There are so many amazing benefits of spending time outside together during the winter season. Today, Teri Walzenbach, Washington mom of two, is here to share her invaluable tips, tricks, and family-favorite outdoor adventures that will have you and your little ones eagerly donning those snowsuits. Get ready to transform your winter perspective and discover the joy of creating lasting memories amidst the frosty landscape as we invite you to shift your mindset and savor the unique magic that the winter season has to offer.
Getting kids outside in the winter
Getting kids outside in the winter isn’t always (or ever) easy. The cold, the snow, the lost mitten, all the layers, and the pull of the cozy warmth of the indoors can all prevent us from going outside.
But, getting outside in spite of these challenges is important for several reasons. First, it can help children stay active and healthy. And, of course, it helps kids get enough Vitamin D, which we know helps with your immune system. Spending time outdoors can also help kids reduce stress and anxiety. It can also help mamas too, for all the same reasons. It’s not always easy, but it is definitely worth it.
As a lover of the outdoors in every season, I am hoping to help inspire you today to get outside during the cold winter months. I’m here to share some of our favorite activities (and tips and tricks) that help get our family outside in the winter, in the hope that they help you, too!
Mindset shift
Depending on your location, there will be certain seasons that are more conducive to getting outside than others. Winter is probably not too many parents’ favorite season for outdoor play. Winter can be hard. It brings its own set of challenges, but it also brings special magical outdoor activities you can’t do any other time of year. Kids need outdoor time year-round, and so do you! We’d hate for you to miss out on months of adventures just because this is a hard season.
But, as moms, we can do hard things! And getting outside may just take a bit of a mindset shift so that you can embrace (and maybe even enjoy!) the season. Instead of looking at winter as a season of inconvenience and uncooperative weather, it’s time to shift our perspectives. Infusing gratitude into this season can make a huge difference in our attitude and feelings about going outside, transforming our perspective from dread and reluctance to excitement and appreciation.
Winter also provides opportunities for unique and memorable experiences that can only be found in the chill of the season. If you’re lucky enough to live in a place that gets snow, there are all kinds of new possibilities for creative play, imagination, and construction.
Simple and practical tips for getting kids outside in the winter
Keep it simple
Make it easy on yourself, and keep the outing simple. I get wanting to make every outing as epic as possible, but it can burn you out. It’s good to have the big adventures, but the small can also be memorable and check all the needed boxes. Sometimes, just getting out and taking a walk around the neighborhood or heading to your local playground/park can be enough to really help your mood and attitude. If a big outing feels overwhelming, keep it simple and close to home. Short and sweet is the way to go. Set reasonable limits on the amount of time spent playing outside to prevent hypothermia and frostbite, and, of course, just keep it fun. It’ll still be worth it.
Plan ahead
Plan ahead with your clothing, gear, and layers. Gather all of your hats, mittens, boots, and other necessary clothing before you start to dress your kids. You want to make sure it’s as quick and painless as possible for everyone! Put it all by the door and have it ready for everyone when they’re ready to go out. Not having to stop and look for a missing boot or glove for 20 minutes will help get you outside quicker and cut down on stress.
Make it fun
Make the process of gearing up for the cold a fun family affair. Involve your kids in picking out winter gear, from colorful snowsuits to cozy hats and gloves. When they have a say in their attire, they’ll be more eager to venture outside. If the process of getting dressed and gearing up makes you want to scream, you’re not alone. Find a way to make it fun or turn it into a game. Turn on fun music and have a getting-ready-dance party, or make it a race to see who can get dressed the fastest.
Change things up
Sometimes, the winter can feel like it lasts FOREVER. In that case, I start getting antsy and tired of visiting the same places again and again. I like to take winter mini vacations and change the scenery. These can be big and small adventures. Sometimes, getting out of town or into a new environment gets my kids more excited for outdoor adventures.
Be a winter role model
Kids often take cues from their parents. If they see you embracing and enjoying the winter season, they’re more likely to follow suit. Demonstrate a positive attitude towards the colder weather and make outdoor time a family priority. Get out there with them and try to enjoy the season! Observe and point out things that are unique about your location during the winter months. Show them you enjoy being outside and they’ll enjoy it, too!
Don’t forget the snacks
Add special treats to keep it exciting! Anything you do with kids is better with snacks. In the winter, I often pack a thermos with hot chocolate or the kids’ favorite warm soup. Or, if we are planning to make a fire in the snow, then I bring fixings to make good ole s’mores. Having something warm and delicious to break things up always adds to the overall mood.
How to dress for outdoor winter activities
Warm kids are happy kids who are likely to stay outside longer. If you want to spend time outside during the winter in comfort, you may need to invest in quality winter boots, insulated gloves, and thermal layers. When kids (and moms!) are comfortable, they’re more likely to enjoy the outdoor experience.
Before heading out, check the weather forecast and keep an eye on changing conditions throughout the day. Layers are the best because you can modify them depending on the activity level and find the just right body temperature.
Start with a base layer of moisture-wicking fabric, then add a layer of fleece or wool, and finally, a weatherproof outer layer. Try to steer clear of cotton. Don’t forget to cover your kiddo’s head, neck, hands, and feet. Warm hats, gloves, and boots are essential!
If you need help finding the perfect winter gear, check out the following articles by fellow RWMC mamas:
There are so many ways to get outside with kids in the winter! We have a great, super comprehensive post with 100+ Outdoor Winter Activities for Kids, but honestly, the list could go on and on beyond that!
Of course, my family has our favorite outdoor winter activities and traditions that we love to do every year. Here’s a list of our family’s favorites. These are the activities that we keep going back to for more!
Sledding
Sledding is a classic and a quintessential outdoor winter activity for kids of all ages! All you need is a sled and a hill with snow on it. This one is probably the most obvious because, let’s face it, what kid doesn’t LOVE sledding? Hours of downhill fun and lots of walking the sled back up to get in all that needed exercise. It’s a win-win for a great night’s sleep and a heavy dose of fresh air. Check out your state’s recreational website for sno-park locations and pass information. Here is an additional article about visiting Sno-Parks.
Sledding safety tips
However, as with every fun activity, especially when children are involved, it’s important to be safe as well as have fun. Here are some sledding safety tips for your little ones.
Young kids (5 and under) should sled with an adult and wear a helmet when sledding.
Everyone should sit face-forward on their sleds with their feet downhill. Never godown the hill face-first because this can lead to a serious head injury.
Go down the hill one at a time and with only one person per sled (except for adults with young kids).
Keep arms and legs within the sled at all times.
If you’re on a sled that won’t stop, roll off it.
Walk up the side of the hill and leave the middle open for other sledders.
Don’t ever pull a sled with a moving vehicle (like a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle).
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is an amazing way to get outside and enjoy the beauty of the winter months. This is probably my favorite activity because it is really just winter hiking. It’s a great way to get out into the woods and walk through a winter wonderland.
It’s a relatively easy sport to pick up, even for kids, and requires no prior experience or training. Everyone who is able and willing to snowshoe can and should, no matter their age! It is a great way to get the kids outside and hike through pristine powder snow.
Basically, snowshoeing is a type of hiking that involves walking over or on top of the snow with the assistance of footwear that displaces your weight over a larger area (so you don’t sink). No snowshoes? Don’t worry! If the trail is popular enough, you might not even need the snow shoes. But, wearing them is sometimes half the fun for kids, so check to see if you can rent some at your local outdoor sports shop or even check them out at your local library or nature center.
For more information on getting started snowshoeing with kids, be sure to check out our full post on Beginner Snowshoeing Tips for Kids.
Ice skating
Ice skating is a fun and fabulous activity for kids that offers SO many benefits. Skating helps kids develop better balance, coordination, and flexibility, strengthens muscles, and improves their endurance. Skating can also be a social activity that allows kids to make new friends. Finally, ice skating is just so awesome and fun! The feeling of sailing across the ice is delightful and can provide hours of entertainment for kids.
Our family loves skating so much that we make a vacation around it to help us with getting outside during the winter. We have found an incredible free outdoor skating rink in Stanley, Idaho, that is surrounded by the Sawtooth Mountains. We rent a cabin nearby and skate till our hearts are content. Another awesome trip would be to ice skate through the forest outside of Quebec City. I’ve heard it’s a magical experience!
Building a snow fort
My kids LOVE building snow forts! Building a snow fort has to be up there at the very top of awesome winter outdoor activities. Last year, my kids built an amazing snow fort that they played in for hours and hours over the course of a few weeks (until it melted). They were so incredibly proud of their fort and had so much fun building it! Always be extra careful not to make it too heavy on top and make sure kids have proper adult supervision.
If you want to take it up a notch, throw in a fire and some hot chocolate, and you have a memory that lasts a lifetime. Seriously, a snow fort with kids is a fun and creative activity that can provide hours of entertainment. All you really need is a shovel and some creativity. It’s a great way to get a workout, enjoy the outdoors, and teach kids about physics. Snow forts are fun snow construction projects!
Book a getaway cabin
Does winter give you cabin fever? I’m talking about the kind of cabin fever that makes you want to rent a cabin in the woods and get immersed in nature!
Renting a cabin in the woods in the winter with your kids can be a great way to spend quality time together and create lasting memories. Cabins in the woods offer a unique opportunity to get away from the daily hum-drum and experience nature up close. You can explore the surrounding forests, go on hikes, and spot wildlife. There is something invigorating about being in a new environment.
Visit the beach
Beaches in the wintertime are magical places. While the cooler temperature makes the water a bit too cold for swimming, there are still many activities the whole family can enjoy doing at the beach during the cooler winter months. Take advantage of the lack of crowds and spend some time shelling. For the best shelling, arrive at the beach at the earliest low tide, when the water recedes, uncovering thousands of shells. Shells are especially abundant after winter storms stir up the ocean water.
Bring along some binoculars to spot all sorts of birds and marine life, from crabs and live sand dollars to dolphins. Look for a place where the sand is dotted with rocks and branches so that the water gets trapped when the tide is low, and you will find many critters in these small tidepools.
A place like the PNW coast in the winter is a definite playground. We hit the Oregon Coast a few years ago in November, and it was incredible. It rained the entire week, but it didn’t stop us. My kids chased the tides, made sand angels, and looked for anemones and starfish. If you dress right, the weather just adds to the fun. Misty and foggy beaches are like another world!
Visit your favorite park in the snow
Playgrounds can be a ton of fun in the snow. If it’s snowy and/or muddy outside and you’re not in the mood to track through the muck and get filthy, consider a playground. Most local parks have some sort of outdoor playground equipment that can be enjoyed no matter what the season or weather. You’ll likely have it all to yourselves, which makes it the perfect place to play games. There is usually enough space to spread out, things to climb on and the possibility to meet new friends.
My kids love playing Follow the Leader on playgrounds. They take turns being the leader and lead each other through a maze of playground equipment, doing silly and challenging things. For example, they love walking across the swings without touching the ground, climbing up the slides, and leaping from thing to thing. Check out our post for even more ideas of park playground games for kids.
Cheers to an active and wonderful winter
Just because it’s cold and snowy outside doesn’t mean you can get out there and have fun! Kids need time outside in the winter just as much as they do in the summer. Time spent outdoors during the winter helps their immune system, gets their blood flowing, and helps them get essential nutrients. I hope this post gave you some ideas for fun new things to do to keep your kids active, outdoors, and having fun! So bundle up and get ready for a fun winter of outdoor fun. Adventure awaits even when it’s cold outside!
About the author
Teri is the mama of 2 adventurous kiddos (ages 7 and 9), living in Washington State. She loves to explore the outdoors, and her kids often tell her she has a “crush” on the mountains (she agrees). Teri is an avid hiker and backpacker, who enjoys getting out on solo trips as well as trips with her kids. She has been taking her kids camping, hiking, and backpacking since before they could walk. Teri loves to unplug with them, be fully present, and immerse themselves in the outdoors. She has traveled a lot of the world with her kids, they lived in China for a while, but she keeps finding herself most excited about her own backyard. Teri is passionate about inspiring other families and moms to get outside and explore the outdoors with and without their kids.
If you’ve ever noticed that your kids learn more when outside and doing fun things they love, then you’ve discovered the magic of adventure schooling. In this post, we’ll be guided through the concept of adventure schooling by the wisdom of two adventurous homeschooling moms who have combined their love of outdoor adventures with education in creative ways. Adventure schooling moms Nichole Holze and Lea Reynolds share their experiences, tips, and strategies for incorporating more adventures into your kids’ schooling. Their insights and advice will provide a roadmap for parents everywhere (whether homeschooling or traditional schooling) to infuse their children’s education with the magic of the great outdoors and fun adventures. From transforming nature walks into biology lessons to turning camping trips into living history excursions, these moms have mastered the art of making every outdoor adventure an opportunity for discovery and growth.
Adventure schooling
Adventure + homeschool = adventure schooling
Some moms might say homeschooling in and of itself is quite an adventure, but when you add a healthy dose of nature and exploration to the equation, you get something incredibly unique and special.
In recent years, an increasing number of families have chosen to break away from the traditional education system, opting for a more personalized and adventurous approach to learning and homeschooling. Adventure schooling is an innovative educational model that goes beyond the confines of the traditional classroom and encourages families to get out there and explore the world around them and use the outdoors as their children’s classroom.
In this article, we will dive deep into the realm of adventure schooling and explore ways you can take your homeschool classroom outside. We’ll get perspectives from two moms about what adventure schooling means to them and the how and why behind their choice to “adventure school” their children.
We decided to homeschool from the very beginning of our children’s education. While that’s the right thing for us, I will never claim that it is the best for everyone. Each family is wonderfully unique, and each child’s needs are equally unique. That said, our choice to homeschool was the catalyst for what I call adventure schooling.
From the time my youngest was only a few months old, I had a deep desire to get out of the house and disrupt the grip of postpartum depression that pulled at me. Our first adventures merely involved me successfully getting out of the house with both kids, snacks, water, and the diaper bag. We usually hit a nearly park or playground and may have only stayed at the park (which was five minutes away) for thirty minutes. But, with two small kids, this was a huge victory and as I kept going, with little adventures around town, I strengthened my adventure muscles so that we could do bigger and more adventurous outings.
When we decided to homeschool, I already had plenty of experience taking my kiddos on adventures by myself. So, it was a natural progression for me to schedule adventure into our homeschool week. It’s all part of a process I call being responsibly brave. Now, years into our homeschooling experience, I still incorporate an “adventure day” into our schedule.
In a nutshell, adventure day is one day per week that I set aside to chase shenanigans with my children. It’s not meant to be a field trip. It is not a day to play with friends (although friends are always welcome to come along). It doesn’t have to be an entire day. This can be in the morning, an afternoon, or even an intentional hour or two where our focus is on exploring or doing something together instead of schoolwork or other things on our to-do lists.
These adventures can be anything from visiting a local park or trail, to a museum, a day trip, or even big day hikes or camping trips. It’s anything at all. Mostly, it’s an opportunity for us to connect through doing something together, and I am so grateful we started it. I have years’ worth of memories and photos of my kids with our various dogs under this one specific tree on a trail we hike almost weekly. It’s simple, but it’s beautiful.
I had no plans to homeschool my children. I was a full-time working Registered Nurse in the busiest hospital in town. But when my 4-year-old son was due to enter pre-school, my husband and I were nervous about him leaving the comforts of our sides and attending school every day. I was full of fear, anxiety, and excitement at the same time. I was excited that he would make friends, learn, and be surrounded by the fun of school. As a child, I loved school, which was filled with learning, fun, and friends. However, I was also a nervous wreck. He’s my baby, and the thought of sending him off to school for 7 hours on his own was overwhelming. How on Earth was I supposed to let him go to school all day?
But we swallowed our fears and got ready to register him for preschool. Only to be told that there were 15 children on the waitlist for preschool ahead of us. 15! The odds of him getting into preschool were not in our favor. The next closest school with availability was a 25+ minute drive from our home, each way. And while that was technically doable, the thought of spending almost two hours every day in the car (with our littlest in tow), was mind-boggling. And this is where the idea of homeschooling first came into mind.
At first, I was terrified of the idea of homeschooling. I am a nurse by trade, so my expertise is in everything medical and human anatomy. Regarding homeschooling, I was really worried about failing him and not teaching him enough of what he was “supposed” to learn. I spent many long nights researching, reading, and studying how to teach my child preschool material in a way that worked for both of us.
Soon, I discovered there were quite a few wonderful homeschool groups in my area. I fell in love with countless homeschooling books. And I dove deep into the idea of incorporating nature into our studies. As a Type-A person who loves outlines and schedules, I knew I needed a curriculum and a plan. However, I also learned very quickly that a strict schedule does not always work with kids. But my Army training kicked in, and I became resilient and figured out how to adapt. I had to learn how to tailor the days to both of my kids and their interests while incorporating the necessary alphabet, phonics, math, etc.
Long story short, we all learned very quickly what worked for us and what didn’t. A designated room in the house was not a good idea (we cannot be contained). I also felt very distracted and a bit claustrophobic, spending our day inside. My patience runs thin with the mountain of laundry, toys and dishes needing to be tackled. I am a better mom (and a better teacher), when I am outside in nature with my children. And I noticed quickly that my son and 2-year-old daughter were more receptive to whatever I was trying to teach them when they were moving their little bodies, playing, and, most importantly, outside!
We put our classroom in a backpack and headed outside to explore. When we are outside running on the beach, or hiking a trail, we are all happy, engaged, and eager to learn. Thus, our adventure schooling began.
I would say that adventure is a mindset. It’s changing how you think when you approach an activity. Adventure can happen right in your backyard as you look for worms after a good rain. Maybe it can be in your neighborhood when you walk each week and watch how the plants change with the seasons. Adventure can be biking the same trail in your city, over and over again. Or maybe it’s going on a big hike to a waterfall, or going camping, or going to a climbing gym. It can be big, or small, near or far. It’s choosing to view the world through a lens of wonder, wherever you choose to wander.
Adventure is defined as an exciting experience and exploration that deviates from the ordinary. The essence of adventure lies in embracing the uncertainty and the thrill of the unknown, often leading to memorable and transformative experiences. Simply reading under a tree at the park can be an adventure. As a society, we have gravitated towards a sedentary lifestyle. Even in traditional schools, kids don’t get the chance to spend much time outside or being active. The days of kids running wild and free and learning through play are limited. I saw this firsthand for myself when I was an elementary school nurse. The 4-year-olds seemed to spend more time waiting in lines and being contained in a group than actually playing outside or doing typical 4-year-old tasks. Nature is vital for kids and adults alike, as is adventure!
Photo Credit: Lea Reynolds
Incorporating nature into your schooling
Incorporating nature into schooling (whether homeschooling or traditional schooling), can be a transformative and enriching experience for both parents and children. By getting outside into nature and embracing the great outdoors, you not only provide a dynamic and engaging learning environment but also foster a deep connection with the natural world around you.
Here are some creative ways to integrate nature into your homeschool curriculum, no matter the age of the child or grade level, put together by Lea (@wildstokefamily).
Math
Measure items in nature
Create a sundial outside
Search for shapes in nature
Complete arithmetic outside using rocks, twigs, leaves
Build a fort and talk about angles, shapes, steps, etc.
Learn about the life cycles of animals. Observe the ones that can be found in your area in the wild or at a local nature center. Visit those that are a bit more exotic at a zoo, aquarium, or while traveling.
Creating a nature box with interesting items found outside and keep them in a keepsake box (e.g. feathers, seashells, sea glass, and dried insects like dragonflies and beetles)
Nature journal: older kids can focus on more in-depth science investigation and learn scientific names, habitats, etc.
Visit a local education center or outdoor children’s museum for hands-on science
Start a garden (or visit a botanical garden) in order to learn about plants and the growing cycle
Set up a weather station in your backyard with simple instruments like a thermometer, rain gauge, and wind vane. Keep a journal to record daily observations and weather patterns.
If you’re looking for ways to incorporate more adventures into your homeschooling (or simply add more adventure to your daily life), here’s a great starter list from Nichole (@coleyraeh) to help spark some ideas for ways to get out the door and learn in a whole new way!
Try a new restaurant, especially if it’s a type of food that correlates to something you’re studying!
Take “school” to a coffee shop
Go to a play or musical
Go see the symphony (many cities will have children’s theater days for shows and for the symphony)
Check out trampoline park
Go go an indoor climbing gym
Visit a bowling center and/or arcade (pro tip – let them use their own money at the arcade, and don’t forget about Kids Bowl Free programs in the summer)
Outdoor adventure – bigger and farther
Go camping at a campground or state park cabin or yurt
Go on a bigger day hike to something neat like a waterfall
Canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding
Mountain biking on bigger trails or at a pump track
Find a climbing club or group to go climbing outdoors with
Try a via ferrata if there’s one nearby, if not, try an adventure obstacle course or zipline
Visit a new to you state or national park
Snorkeling – in a creek, a lake, or even the ocean
Paddle camping – hauling everyhing you need to camp in your canoe or stand up paddle board.
In the early years of homeschooling, most of our learning was done as read-alouds, according to Charlotte Mason style education. Oftentimes, I took our books with us outside, and we would hike for a bit, stop, and have a picnic, where we would do our read-aloud and narration work. For science, we utilized nature journaling, and on our adventure days we would bring our nature journals to try and observe whatever we were studying (for example – flowering plants, trees, birds, mammals, geology, etc.).
A large part of how we incorporate adventure is by studying something at home in our literature and then taking a trip to bring it to life. For example, we studied geology a few years ago and went digging for diamonds at a state park in Arkansas (it’s the only public diamond mine in the US) and crystals. We studied dinosaurs last year as a focus and then went fossil digging in an area in Texas. When we studied ancient history, we took a trip down to Houston to their natural history museum because they had a giant Egypt exhibit with real mummies.
My kids are now 12 and 9, so while we’ve been doing this a while, it doesn’t look that much different as we enter the teen and tween years, but our adventures are bigger. I think that it’s often easy to feel pressure to let go of the hands-on and experience-based learning as the kids get older and move closer to middle school and high school. However, in my experience, those are the opportunities for the adventures to get even bigger. It’s also when you begin to see some fruits of your labor from the years you put in when they were little, when they begin to make observations or recall things they’ve learned while out in the world.
As we’ve always done, we incorporate adventure schooling into our homeschooling schedule through our weekly adventure day, which is sometimes a canoe trip, a SUP trip, hiking, mountain biking, or perhaps even a trip to a museum or art gallery. These are bigger adventures than we did when they were younger. It’s taken us a while to get here and I’m so proud of the adventures that we’re now able to do. I intentionally set aside time for real world adventures and experiences, whether or not they’ll have any measurable academic value. Not all adventures need to be educational. Sometimes, they’re just for fun! Those experiences are what etch into our memories and keep the spark of curiosity burning.
Each week, we learn a new letter (my son is only at a Pre-K/Kindergarten level, so I tailor our work towards him and my 2-year-old). We go over the sounds and tie in a book and an animal or nature theme to that letter. I try to choose things that he is interested in because, at the end of the day, that’s how he will retain what I am teaching. Right now, my son loves fishing and wants to be a fisherman when he grows up, so we spend a lot of time on/near the water.
Not all of our time is spent outside. I do teach him in the house at the start of the week. We read our book, practice writing letters, do arts and crafts. Every Friday is our adventure day. We go on a field trip to either a learning center or simply outside. I create things to do in nature that still tie in with what we are learning during the week. He never complains and never thinks of it as “school.” He is simply out in nature, playing and learning at the same time. We fish almost every weekend already, so my next plan is to catch a fish large enough to keep, learn how to clean it, and make it for dinner.
Every week is different, some harder than others, but I try my best to let my creativity spark fun ideas to incorporate school, outside.
I am a sucker for all the coolest homeschool gadgets and outdoor gear. I can write an entire article on my favorite gear but here are my top favorites. Don’t forget to shop second-hand. You’d be surprised what you can find at children’s consignment stores, Facebook Marketplace, and yard sales.
Magnetic letters – we use these to help with phonics, learning new words, and spelling.
Julia Rothman collection – since we don’t have one set curriculum we follow, we plan my unit studies a week at time and incorporate nature studies from her books. The artwork is lovely, and the information is perfect for my son.
Life Cycles Kit – we use them every week, and even my 2-year-old loves them. She focuses on matching them to their selective card while my son practices the actual life cycles.
Adventure kits – binoculars, nets, whistle, compass, flashlight, net
Pocket microscope for kids – perfect to take with us on the go to get an up-close look at everything around us
Photo Credit: Lea Reynolds
Adventure schooling for all
Adventure schooling, while usually referred to when talking about homeschooling, is not exclusive to homeschooling families. Learning through adventures is a versatile approach that can be seamlessly integrated into the lives of all families, regardless of whether children attend traditional schools or are schooled at home.
Embracing the spirit of adventure learning involves recognizing the educational potential in activities and outdoor exploration. Even for families with packed schedules, simple changes like turning weekend hikes into interactive biology lessons or transforming a camping trip into a history exploration can make a significant impact. The key is to view the world as a vast classroom where learning is not confined to textbooks but unfolds organically in the midst of nature’s wonders.
For families with children in traditional schools, you may need to reach out to your child’s teacher to plan adventures based on what they’re learning. As a parent, you can supplement their education by dedicating weekends or holidays to family adventures that blend recreational activities with educational components. Whether it’s a visit to a historical site, a day at the beach exploring marine life, or a camping trip under the stars, each adventure becomes an opportunity for hands-on learning. By weaving adventure into the fabric of family life, all children can benefit from a holistic education that transcends the boundaries of traditional schooling.
Photo Credit: Lea Reynolds
Have you ever considered adventure schooling?
Nichole
Nichole is a writer, content creator, and family travel and adventure influencer residing in southwest Arkansas. Though she and her husband are originally from the Midwest, they’ve lived in Arkansas for ten years now and are thrilled to call it home. They have homeschooled their children from the beginning of their educational journey. They have a now 12-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter, along with a one-year Direwolf Dog puppy. Nichole is an avid outdoor adventurer and road tripper and has been taking her kids on adventures by herself since they were infants, it’s all part of what she calls being responsibly brave. She is also on the Executive Team for Run Wild My Child and has contributed to Wild and Free. Be sure to follow her on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with all of their shenanigans.
Lea
Lea is a mom of two adventurous kids and wife to her surfer husband Brandon. She is an Army veteran, Registered Nurse, photographer, and small business owner. Lea has lived in Hawaii, New Mexico, and now resides in Florida, where she and her family are enjoying endless ocean adventures. She has traveled to Costa Rica, South Korea, and many states across the US. Lea and her family love to surf, fish, hike, skate, and travel to new places. She is passionate about teaching her kids about nature and protecting our planet.
In the heart of the scenic Ouachita Mountains, Mena, Arkansas, is a hidden gem for families wanting to experience the upcoming solar eclipse on the line of totality. With incredible outdoor experiences, historical charm, and a wide variety of unique indoor and outdoor kid-friendly activities, Mena is the perfect destination for those seeking a memorable family getaway and the ideal location to witness the eclipse with your family. Arkansas mom of two, Nichole Holze, will show us all the unique experiences that Mena has to offer families, including a detailed itinerary for your trip. Let’s explore the charm and adventure that make Mena, Arkansas, a must-visit destination for families seeking a one-of-a-kind getaway.
*This post is part of a sponsored series of blog posts with Arkansas Tourism about the total eclipse.
Experience the total eclipse in Arkansas
A total solar eclipse is a magical experience. My children and I traveled to Casper, Wyoming for the last eclipse and lived out of our minivan camper for a month on the road. The high point of our trip was experiencing the eclipse along the line of totality. We camped in a field directly on the center line of totality and experienced it in a way that was absolutely magical. We will never forget that life-changing experience.
If you didn’t get a chance to experience the last solar eclipse along the line of totality, don’t worry! There’s is another eclipse coming up this April 2024, and I’m thrilled to help other families have that same experience in my home state of Arkansas. The center line of totality for the 2024 eclipse bisects the state, and most of Arkansas will have excellent viewing.
One of the cities to experience totality in is Mena! Keep reading for family-friendly things to do in Mena, Arkansas, and check out our recommended itinerary. This is the first post in a series all about some of the best places to view the eclipse in Arkansas, and what you can do with your family while you’re there!
Where is Mena, Arkansas?
Mena, Arkansas, is a charming town in west-central Arkansas. It’s near the Oklahoma border, surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest. It is in the direct line of totality for theApril 2024 total solar eclipse. Mena will experience totality for four minutes and 8 seconds!
There are several festivals and events just for the eclipse happening as well. It’s a great place to visit, and there are lots of family-friendly things to do in Mena, Arkansas, and the surrounding areas. The Ouachita National Forest and mountains are nearby, and there are plenty of open spaces to play, explore, and experience the total solar eclipse!
Outdoor things to do in Mena, Arkansas
Some of the family-friendly things to do in Mena, Arkansas, include visiting the state parks! The town is lucky to have two beautiful state parks close by. Arkansas State Parks are wonderful things for families with kids of all ages to visit. There are always activities going on, so be sure to check the state park’s calendar so you don’t miss anything!
Queen Wilhelmina State Park
One of the most iconic state parks in the western half of Arkansas is Queen Wilhelmina State Park, just a quick drive up the mountains from downtown Mena. The route has two options, and I recommend taking the Talimena Scenic Drive. It’s a beautiful route that winds through the Ouachita Mountains from Mena, Arkansas to Talihina, Oklahoma. There are overlooks and scenic pull outs along the way.
In the spring, the route is dotted with wildflowers as the forest comes alive, and it’s beautiful! Be sure to plan some extra time to enjoy your drive up the mountain and back down. The entire mountaintop park is a great place to view the eclipse.
Things to do at Queen Wilhelmina State Park
A unique thing about Queen Wilhelmina State Park is the lodge that sits perched atop the mountain. It’s a great place to stay but also a great place to just visit for the day. There is a restaurant called The Queen’s Restaurant, open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM. They have a great menu that includes some gluten-free options. The park is also home to Mountain Glory Train Station, an adorable mini train that takes all ages on a scenic ride around the mountaintop.
Family-friendly things to do in Queen Wilhelmina State Park also include going on a tour of the Wonder House and grabbing a photo next to the big steam engine. The visitor center has a cute gift shop, and the interior of the lodge has some neat history to read.
There are a few hiking trails, too. Lover’s Leap is a beautiful trail that goes around the top of the mountain with an overlook halfway through. The Reservoir Trail is another great hike for kids. Both trails are around one mile.
Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area
Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area is a beautiful park that’s only about forty minutes from Mena. It’s a unique state park destination that’s actually one of the top whitewater kayaking spots in the state. There can be class IV and class V drops when the weather is right, including the legendary “skull crusher.” The water is only high enough for kayaking in the spring or after significant rainfall, but the Cossatot River is beautiful all year long.
The state park visitor center is a must see for families because of the wonderful nature center. It has some great hands-on learning opportunities. A playground sits next to the visitor center, and so does the Waterleaf Interpretive Trail, which is about one mile long and partially ADA accessible.
Other kid-friendly recommended hikes in Cossatot River State Park:
Harris Creek Trail – just over 3 mile loop, moderate to challenging
River Corridor Trail – 12 miles, following the river, you can hike sections of it. Ed Banks to Sandbar is a favorite section. You can park at both the Ed Banks river access and the Sandbar access.
More remote areas of Cossatot River State Park
Part of what makes Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area one of our family’s favorite places to visit is the remoteness of the park. If you stop at the visitor center and ask about the Sandbar area and The Falls, they’ll give you directions for how to get there. It’s about a thirty-minute drive down the forest road.
Things to remember: 1) You’ll lose cell service, so save a map offline. 2) Please practice Leave No Trace principles and pack in what you pack out. 3) Both areas have campsites that are first come, first serve and do not have hookups. There are pit toilets at the Sandbar campground and The Falls campground.
Here are some practical tips for heading out into this remote area:
For older children and the adventurous: pack a picnic lunch in a backpack, wear water or hiking shoes with good grip, and spend the day out on the boulders at the falls area (also known as “sheeps den”). It’s a very scrambly hike over large boulders, but there are lots of great swimming holes and places to play. It’s a great place to watch the eclipse if you don’t mind being more remote. Talk to the park interpreters for more details about how to prepare and what to expect.
For a calmer water play experience on the river: pack a lunch, water clothes and shoes, and some chairs and head to the sandbar area for the day. The visibility will not be quite as open, but it’s a great spot to sit and enjoy the beautiful Cossatot River. It’s a calm area that also has great fishing by the low-water bridge.
Digging for crystals in Mena, Arkansas
Another family-friendly thing to do in Mena, Arkansas, is to go hunting for quartz crystal! The Ouachita mountain range is a hot spot for quartz crystals, and Mena has its own place to go crystal digging.
Board Camp Crystal Mine is located just southeast of Mena and it’s a great place for kids and adults of all ages, because kids under 16 dig for free!Digging for quartz crystal is a bucket list experience and you can even dig for crystals while you enjoy the total solar eclipse! Board Camp Crystal Mine offers a more holistic approach to crystal digging, and while they do not open any large rock veins in the earth, they welcome surface hunting and shallow digging to find the treasures.
Bigfoot and the UnXplained
In 2016, Board Camp Crystal Mine started having odd and unexplained events. So many, in fact, that they shut down their yearly folk music festival to focus on understanding what was going on. From strange lights, to levitating rocks, to Bigfoot footprints, they’ve had a little bit of everything happen at their property.
As an add-on to crystal digging or its own experience, you can go on one of their “unexplained tours” to learn all about what has transpired at their property over the last six years! Whether you believe or not, it’s a fascinating learning opportunity.
Blue Zip Line and Farm
Did you know that there’s also a zip line? It’s one of the best family-friendly things to do in Mena, Arkansas.Blue Zipline and Farm offers a full zipline tour, along with camping spots with RV hookups. They have 160 acres and can offer full concierge services to set you up with a wide range of experiences, including ATVs, fishing, and hiking.
The zip lines are so much fun for families, and there are two really fast lines at this place! All participants must sign a waiver. The requirements are at least 5 years old, at least 60 pounds, and no more than 275 pounds. Children aged 5 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Be sure to reserve your time slot ahead of time, especiallyduring the eclipse festival!
Other outdoor adventures near Mena, Arkansas
There are so many family-friendly things to do in and around the Mena area and so many great outdoor adventures. Because of its location in the Ouachita National Forest, there are lots of outdoor recreation opportunities. Here are some more fun ways to explore the outdoors:
Buckeye Mountain and Caney Creek Loop – 10-mile hiking loop, one of our most favorite hikes in Arkansas. This is a strenuous hike, especially for a day hike. My children have done it with me, but please be prepared for a hard day hike. It’s also a great backpacking loop. Catch a sneak peek of the trail here.
Disc golf is another great free, family friendly thing to do in Mena, here’s agreat course.
Parks and playgrounds inn Mena, Arkansas
Mena, Arkansas, has several wonderful parks within the city limits as well. The parks have lots of wide open spaces that are a great place to view the total solar eclipse. Be sure to plan out your day to arrive early and grab a spot.
Janssen Park – the large park near downtown Mena. It offers a playground, splash pad, basketball court, natural spring and beautiful walking paths. The park also features a 100-year-old log cabin that’s said to have been a hideout for Jesse James!
McMillan Park – seasonal swimming pool, pavilions, playgrounds and picnic area.
Aubrey Tapley Park – sports fields, tennis courts, two playgrounds, and a walking/biking trail.
Indoor family-friendly activities in Mena
While Mena, Arkansas, is a hot spot for outdoor recreation, there are still plenty of things to do indoors in the town. The historic downtown is charming and offers great specialty and gift shops to explore.
Here are a few of our favorite indoor things to do in Mena, Arkansas:
Thehistoric KCS train depot. This beautiful train depot has a free museum with lots of great history about the area, as well as the Chamber of Commerce. Be sure to stop outside for a photo with the fully restored 1939 police cruiser!
In our family, finding all the local coffee shops and cafes is a must! Mena has several great spots that are family-friendly and a must-see when you’re in town for the total solar eclipse in Arkansas.
Our personal favorite, which is a one-stop shop for coffee in the morning and a tap house and pizzeria for dinner, is The Ouachitas.
TheQ on Main serves coffee, ice cream, and a limited food menu. It’s also cute as can be and full of great photo ops.
Sherwood Bistro is right across from the historic train depot. It has a great food menu, plus good coffee! PS – they have gluten-free bread and lots of baked potato options for allergy-friendly meals.
Cossatot Grounds Cafe is on Highway 71 in nearby Wickes and a great place to stop on your way to or from Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area. They also share a building with a Mexican restaurant, and both have food menus.
Family-friendly places to eat in Mena
Our number one favorite place to eat in Mena is The Ouachitas. They have a great menu with a range of options. But best of all, they have a gluten-free crust for pizza and hard cider on tap for adults with gluten allergies. It’s also a beautiful restaurant with a newly added outdoor dining porch.
For lunch, American Artisans Eatery and Bistro have gluten-free bread and a full menu of options.Cruizzers Drive In is a great place for families and is a retro-style drive-in restaurant, with some photo characters out front for photo ops.
Simple Simons is another great spot for pizza. For an upscale dining experience, check outChopping Block Steakhouse, and be sure to make a reservation ahead of time if you do!
Where to stay in Mena, Arkansas
The best place to stay in Mena, in my opinion, isOuachita Wilde Luxury Tents. At the time of this publishing, they are not booked yet for the eclipse! This beautiful space is run by a mother-and-daughter team and features multiple glamping tents in a gorgeous private setting not far from downtown Mena. They can also do mobile setups and backyard parties.
Sample itinerary for the eclipse in Mena, Arkansas
To help take the stress out of planning your trip, here’s a day-by-day breakdown with an itinerary of family-friendly things to do in Mena, Arkansas.
Day before the eclipse
Pack a lunch.
Grab coffee and breakfast at Cossatot Grounds Coffee Shop then drive to Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area
Enjoy the visitor center and learn about the park, try the Waterleaf Interpretive Trail.
Hike the Harris Creek Trail Loop.
Drive to the Falls area and enjoy a picnic lunch.
After lunch, explore the Falls area, or head to the Sandbar area to play.
Drive back to where you’re staying and get cleaned up.
Dinner at The Ouachitas in downtown Mena.
The day of the eclipse
Grab coffee and breakfast at The Ouachitas.
Explore downtown Mena.
Get to your eclipse viewing location AT LEAST two hours before the eclipse begins. Totality occurs at 1:45 PM, so plan on being in your post by 11 AM at a minimum. I’d recommend going earlier. Bring some games and activities, and don’t forget your eclipse glasses!
Check out the KCS Historic Train depot and grab a photo with the police cruiser.
Go digging for crystals at Board Camp Crystal Mine. Pack a lunch to stay the day or head back to town for lunch when you’re done.
Lunch at American Artisans Eatery and Gallery.
Go ziplining at Blue Zip Line and Farm.
Dinner at Chopping Block Steakhouse.
Dessert at The Q on Main.
Experience the total solar eclipse in Mena, Arkansas
A total solar eclipse is an incredible event. This will be the third time in Arkansas history to experience a total eclipse. The last one was in 1918! Viewing it as a family is sure to be a memorable event. There are so many unique family-friendly things to do in Mena, and it’s the perfect spot to view the eclipse.
The top three locations I would recommend to view the eclipse are 1) Queen Wilhelmina State Park, 2) any of the city parks in and around Mena, and 3) Board Camp Crystal Mine or Blue Zip Line.
For the adventurous, I recommend The Falls area at Cossatot River State Park, or anywhere along the ridgeline on the Buckeye Mountain Trail. I hope you and your family get to have the experience of a lifetime and that you enjoy exploring all that the Mena, Arkansas, area has to offer!
Have you made plans for the April 2024 eclipse yet?
About the author
Nichole is a writer, content creator, and family travel and adventure influencer residing in southwest Arkansas. Though she and her husband are originally from the Midwest, they’ve lived in Arkansas for ten years now and are thrilled to call it home. They have homeschooled their children from the beginning of their educational journey. They have a now 12-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter, along with a one-year Direwolf Dog puppy. Nichole is an avid outdoor adventurer and road tripper and has been taking her kids on adventures by herself since they were infants, it’s all part of what she calls being responsibly brave. She is also on the Executive Team for Run Wild My Child and has contributed to Wild and Free. Be sure to follow her on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with all of their shenanigans.
Today, we are delighted to share a unique perspective straight from the heart of a 16-year-old adventurer and fly-fishing enthusiast. Meet Jonathan Willis, a teenager whose passion for fly fishing has become a personal journey of discovery and inspired an appreciation of nature and a passion for the great outdoors. In this guest blog post written by Jonathan himself, he invites us into his world, sharing the story of how he got started on his fly fishing adventures and what continues to draw him back to the water. It’s a story that emphasizes how the simple act of getting kids outside can spark a new passion, leading to research, persistence, patience, determination, and appreciation. It’s the kind of story that reminds us parents that getting kids off screens and outside is SO worth it.
“To him, all good things – trout as well as eternal salvation – came by grace; and grace comes by art; and art does not come easy” Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It.
A fisherman’s journey
Learning to fly fish is a continuous process, but embarking on this new adventure for me was a rollercoaster of challenges and emotions. Despite past setbacks, fly fishing continues to open new doors in my life, allowing me to travel to different places, experience new things, and bond with friends and family. Fly fishing has taught me to overcome challenges and appreciate nature in a greater way.
How my fly fishing adventures began
It was the early summer of last year when I dragged my dad into our car and convinced him to drive from the suburbs of Maryland, through the mountains of Pennsylvania, to the cool waters of a small limestone stream. Our targets, which had been on my mind since we were introduced to the idea, were brown and rainbow trout.
Earlier that month, we bought two rods, two reels, lines, leaders, and an assortment of flies to help us catch these elusive species. With high expectations and our cameras ready, we arrived at the spot, stepped into our waders, tied a “buggy” fly onto our line, and entered the flowing water. My dad and I proceeded to catch absolutely nothing, tripping over rocks and falling into the water several times. With our hopes low and our feet soggy, we loaded everything into the car and drove home.
Back to the drawing board
Over the next few days, I did some research and discovered how truly difficult it is to catch a trout on a fly. I learned that a fisherman has to take into consideration the depth, speed, and temperature of the water, the type of insect that is hatching, along with the time and weather. I discovered the vast array of fly patterns and casting techniques used while fishing. I also discovered how much work was cut out for me if I was ever going to catch a trout on a fly.
After a week or so of continued learning and research, we mustered up the courage to return to the same stream, now a little more informed. It was a sunny bluebird day, and the drive through the green forests and mountains was breathtaking. We arrived at the spot and noticed an old orange pickup truck parked by the stream. During the earlier trip, we had seen no one fishing, so this came as a slight surprise to us. My dad parked the car, and we began what we thought was going to be another grueling day.
Learning from the locals
After about an hour or two on the water, we headed back to the car, without any luck, for some water and snacks. At the car, my dad and I were greeted by an older man sitting on one of the picnic benches scattered around the parking area. He was enjoying the beautiful day, peacefully sitting and appreciating the environment around him. We started talking and found out that he had a successful morning, catching several nice-sized trout.
Curious and desperate for success, I asked what he had used, and the man showed us a strange fly we had never seen before. He made it himself by simply taking a few of his dog’s shed hairs and tying them onto a small barbless hook. I told him that I had been frustrated by the whole fly-fishing experience from this morning and last week.
He explained to me that fly fishing was more than just catching fish. It was an experience, not just an action. He told me to slow down on the water and to appreciate my surroundings. My new friend gave us a few of his dog hair flies, then got in his truck and drove off. After that odd interaction and with the new flies in my arsenal, we ate some trail mix and got back in the stream.
Back in the water
After half an hour, I came across a new patch of water that curved gently with the help of high-cut banks. There were a few large boulders toward the start of the run before the water gradually got deeper until it leveled off under an overhanging branch. After studying the different types of water at home, I knew this area would be fishy.
I cast the dog hair fly just above the large boulders and watched as my indicator drifted down a rifle. As my indicator passed under the overhanging branch, it jumped down, and I immediately set the hook. My rod bent as I stumbled backward, surprised that something was on the other end of my line.
Landing the prize and finding the beauty
I reeled in and walked closer to the shore so I could have a safer place to net the fish. As it swam closer, I could see that he was a decent-sized rainbow trout. When the fish was within arm’s reach, I fumbled for my net and scooped him up. After all that excitement, I was ecstatic that I had just landed a trout.
I picked him up and watched as he glistened in the sunlight. The trout was slightly green and pink, with intricate black dots running from head to tail. I took the old man’s fly out of his mouth and wished that I could thank him for his help. I submerged the fish back into the water and watched as he swam off.
And at that moment, something dawned upon me as I thought back to what the old man had told me. All around me, there was beauty. I looked up and saw bright green leaves glistening in the sunlight. I looked down and saw the cool stream warping and bubbling its way around large boulders. I looked into the distance and saw great, mighty mountains overlooking the valley I stood in. I began to acknowledge and appreciate all of it.
What fly fishing has taught me
Over the next few months, as I progressed as a fly fisherman, I experienced all kinds of great opportunities that fly fishing gifted me. I experienced new and unique things outdoors in nature, like the sudden exhilarating feeling of a fish hitting your fly. I traveled to new places around the northeast, opening my eyes to the regional area. While fishing or looking in local fly shops, I met many mentors who helped me not only grow my fishing skills but also my character. I connected to my dad’s past in the Florida Keys last summer, fishing the same flats he fished as a kid.
Most importantly, fly fishing connected me to nature. There is no other feeling like standing on a cool limestone stream, surrounded by mountains and trees, while the sun rises. It’s the type of feeling that gets your hairs standing and sends chills through your chest. All technologies and modern-day stresses vanish as you bask in the awe-inspiring outdoors.
Fly fishing has allowed me to appreciate the environment and opened my eyes towards conservation. As I grow older, I want to take steps to protect the earth so my kids and grandkids can enjoy it. Learning to fly fish continues to provide new experiences and possibilities, allowing me to truly grow and discover myself.
What’s an outdoor activity that’s connected you to nature?
About the author
Jonathan is a 16-year-old outdoor adventurer and world traveler. He is an honors student and Varsity athlete at his beloved high school. Besides his love of fly fishing, he is an avid scuba diver and underwater photographer, having experienced Tiger sharks and Sperm whales and lived to tell about it! He loves mountain biking and hiking in the wilderness with his friends. He loves to write about his adventures to share with others his love and passion for nature and for our world.
so Going on a European road trip with kids is not just a journey; it’s a self-guided adventure! From medieval castles to sun-soaked beaches, Europe offers so many unique experiences for families seeking a blend of cultural enrichment and outdoor escapades. Today, Anna Stopinska-Lewucha, a UK mum of two, talks about why her family chooses road trips instead of organized holidays and how they do it. This post will cover step-by-step how they prepare for their European road trips and illustrate that the efforts are worth it. She’ll delve into the art of choosing family-friendly accommodations, the best outdoor kid-friendly activities along the way, and how to save money on your travels. Ready to learn how to navigate the open roads of Europe with kids? Let’s go!
What’s a holiday to you?
If you ask the average mum how her family spends their main summer gateway, you’ll most likely hear that they book an all-inclusive holiday package to somewhere tropical and sunny. She might tell you that’s because it’s easy, convenient, insured, and child-friendly. And all of that would be true. For many families, all they want while on vacation is pretty water, warm sand, guaranteed sunshine, great food, and no worries or hassles. And that sounds like a good holiday, indeed.
However, every vacation or holiday doesn’t have to be the same. Has it ever crossed your mind that your precious time away, as a family, could be a little bit more experimental and adventurous? Rugged and exciting?
There’s definitely room for those picture-perfect tropical beach trips, but I’d also like you to consider adding some good old-fashioned fun to an upcoming holiday by taking a family road trip!
The tempting taste of adventure
Before we had kids, backpacking and minimal preparation was the way to go for us. We hitchhiked, used local transport, slept in cheap hostels, and had very flexible itineraries. Even our honeymoon was a hitchhiking trip through nine European countries, with a small, cheap tent, and on a very low budget. And what an adventure it was!
However, with the arrival of our children, we realised it was time to be a bit more reasonable with our vacations. We still craved adventure, both for ourselves and for them, but it looked different than what we were used to.
Our first road trip experience with kids
When our older son, Stefan, was 13 months old, we braved a little road trip around the southern part of Norway. We saw a lot, and it brought back so many lovely memories. However, that trip included a hospital visit. One of any parent’s biggest fear is that their children will get sick or hurt while travelling. And it did actually happen to us. It was very scary, but, in retrospect, I can say that this experience was valuable, and it gave us a lot of courage for the future.
It showed right away that we could handle hard things. We realised that if we need help, it will be there (having insurance and knowledge of how to use it is a must). I feel it’s important and fair to mention that experience here, because a road trip is a self-made and self-get-out-of-the-possible-trouble affair. Things can go awry on a trip like this, forcing you to adjust, be flexible, adapt, and figure things out as you go. But it’s also a lot of fun!
The “why” of taking a family road trip
Road trips with kids take a lot of planning and research. They also require a lot of patience, grace, and determination. So, why do we “torture” ourselves with hours of research and preparation? Why is it that we crave the adventure of a road trip, despite how many unknowns there are and unexpected things that could happen?
Well, I actually think that planning and preparing for an adventure is an adventure in itself. For me, I truly enjoy the process of choosing and planning an adventure for my family. It gives me so much to look forward to and makes the experience so much more valuable and meaningful to me when I put in the work and love to plan our holiday. I enjoy searching the internet and reading blogs about places we could visit and accommodations where we could stay. I like that we get to decide where we are going and how we will spend our time there, based on our family’s interests and personalities. Road trips give us so much independence, and I love the thrill of it.
I choose road trips because I want to create memories that are only ours. Memories that are unique to our family and our experiences. I want my children to grow into adults with stories to tell. And I want my children to grow into adventurous adults that try new things.
Sometimes, when I tell people about our adventures, they say, “I wish I knew how to do that.” Here is a simplified guide on how you can do it.
Where to go on your family-friendly European road trip
The first step in planning a European road trip is to figure out where you’d like to go. You probably already have some inspiration and an idea of places you would like to visit or an event you would like to attend. Determine where you would like to go and why. Get the whole family involved in the planning process. Ask the kids where they’d like to go, what they’d like to do, and what they’re interested in seeing. You might be surprised by their answers!
You can get inspired to travel in many different ways. Examples of road trip inspirations in our family include (1) trip to visit family, (2) an Instagram post that fascinated me, (3) a blog article I read, (4) a photo that piqued my interest, and (5) a story I heard from a friend about a destination.
Next summer, our adventures will include a visit to the Colosseum in Rome because it’s my younger son’s dream. He learned about the Roman Empire at school and wanted to see the Colosseum ever since. My older son wants to go back to Chamonix in the French Alps, which we visited last summer. And finally, we will be going home to visit our families in Poland. So, we already have 4 big dots (our parents live in different parts of Poland) on the map of Europe. Nearer the time, we will find places in-between and connect these dots.
Consider your interests and do your research
If you still don’t know where you’d like to go, consider the things that interest you the most. Do you enjoy the beach, the mountains, or forest locations? Is there any particular time period or historical figure that fascinates you? Do you speak a language you’d like to practice? Is there a particular food you’d like to try? Have you read about an area you’d like to experience first-hand? Are your kids studying anywhere in school that would interest them? Are there super inexpensive flights to anywhere that interests you (and then you could rent a car)?
Once you’ve chosen an area, start researching the location. YouTube has videos from most countries and regions in the world and there are many great travel blogs out there dedicated to kid-friendly trips and vacations. Simply type in “best places to see/visit in…” or “child-friendly activities in…” and voila! I’m sure something will catch your eye sooner or later.
When planning a road trip with children there are certain things we like to fit into our daily schedule to help break up the hours on the road and give the kids things to look forward to. My number one tip is to include ice cream and a playground stops into your daily routine. This combo definitely allows them to stretch, play, burn some every, enjoy a sweet treat, and forgive us for the long hours in a car.
My favourite travel destination since we became parents is Scandinavia. It’s such child child-friendly part of the world and easy to travel to. The nature is spectacular and their campsites are well equipped. Everywhere we went in Norway, there were waterfalls (kids loved spotting them) and even some trolls (wooden, not real). When we needed medical help, it was easy to find and very straightforward. Everywhere we went, we felt genuinely welcomed.
When to start planning
There’s no right or wrong time to start planning a road trip, but in my experience, the sooner you start planning your adventure, the better. Giving yourself more time to plan can help you feel more comfortable and confident on your trip. We’ve taken plenty of trips where we didn’t do much planning, but the ones we plan for always seem to go much better and smoother.
Depending on your mode of transport (your own car or flying somewhere and then renting a car), you will need to prioritise your steps. If you need to fly to your destination country, you will need to book your airplane tickets first. Then, the ticket dates are your trip dates, then you need to book a car and then plan your route and accommodations. Depending on your budget, time frame, and number of places you want to see, you might need to adjust your route.
The sooner you start looking at your trip and planning, the more choices you will have. My hack for starting booking a summer holiday is the time just before Christmas. This is usually far enough in advance for us to have a lot of options to choose from regarding activities and accommodations. Having choices is always important to us as it allows us to choose our accommodation rather than having to pick from what is left. It’s more flexible when travelling with a tent, but when looking for bargains and places which are interesting to stay, starting reservations early has always worked for us.
Transportation considerations
One of our favorite ways to explore a new location was to fly to a destination and rent a car there to explore. Flying somewhere and then renting a car is a great way to explore an area that’s further away, giving you more time in and around that location than you’d have if you had to drive there from home. We loved to look for inexpensive flights to locations that interested us and then book a car. Sometimes, it’s worth booking a flight and car bundle via the airline’s website, but not always.
However, this is not currently an option for us anymore. Our autistic son became very anxious about flying, and so we are now restricted to our car and where we can drive from our home location. Over the years, we’ve had some fantastic road trips in our everyday car (although we’re looking into the possibility of getting a van for our adventures this summer).
The advantage of skipping the plane and leaving straight from home is that we could load it up with the stuff we needed and didn’t have to pay for a plane ticket or a car rental. The big disadvantage is time. A flight could give us an opportunity to road trip in another part of Europe within a two-week timeframe. However, we are restricted to countries close to the UK. A car journey from the UK to mainland Europe has a ferry crossing in a package. Again, it’s a good idea to book it well in advance so you have options. For us, stopping near a ferry port in the evening and taking a ferry early in the morning works well.
Accommodations while on a road trip with kids
There are a lot of different accommodation options when you’re traveling on a road trip. First and foremost, family-friendly hotels provide spacious rooms and amenities that often include play areas, kid-friendly menus, and sometimes even organized activities to keep the little ones entertained. Vacation rentals or serviced apartments offer home-like environments with fully equipped kitchens and separate bedrooms, fostering a sense of routine and comfort. Campgrounds and RV parks provide a nature-centric option for families seeking adventure, allowing children to explore the outdoors and engage in activities like hiking and camping. Additionally, themed resorts with on-site entertainment, water parks, and recreational facilities ensure an unforgettable experience for young travelers.
Camping road trips
We’ve done two road trips with our boys where we relied entirely on sleeping in a tent and one where we used a tent partially. For the rest of our road trips, we stayed in under-some-sort-of-roof accommodation. My children love camping, and we enjoyed the flexibility of traveling with a tent. Opting for campgrounds during a European road trip allows families to immerse themselves in nature while keeping accommodation costs in check. Setting up tents or parking RVs in campgrounds not only maximizes outdoor time with nature hikes and campfire evenings but also provides an economical lodging alternative, freeing up your budget for more memorable family activities and experiences along the road.
Unique accommodations
Looking for accommodation is an art (and a lot of fun!) in itself. We always have a limited budget, but we love to find interesting places to stay. To give you a few examples, we have experienced sleeping in:
a barrel-shaped hideaway in Scotland, where an old whisky barrel from their local distillery transformed into a loo
farm accommodation where our children were invited to feed farm animals and spend time with them
an apartment in France that had discrete, modern touches but looked like out of a 1920’s movie
a converted horse box (with cute mini pigs to pet)
organic farm with an outdoor kitchen on the Orkney Islands
Researching accommodations
We use the big websites to search for accommodation as well as focus on the area where we want to stop and use the search engine to find places that choose not to advertise themselves via big brands. Example: you can type “Keswick” (a lovely town near us) as your destination using well-known websites, then check keswick.org for “where to stay” and simply enter “Keswick accommodation” into the search engine to find individual websites of people who offer accommodation but opt of selling them under the umbrella of large marketplaces.
When travelling abroad, it’s worth visiting various blogs to see how things work where we are going. On our two separate Norwegian road trips, we’ve nailed it! We slept in simple wooden cabins that were cheap, well-kept, and well-equipped all because we discovered the Norwegian word “hytte” (which means “cabin”), so we were able to use that when searching online for accommodations. A little play with the English-Norwegian Google translation gave us access to so many more cabins/hyttes than the English sites would. Their prices were also lower.
Scandinavia amazes me with its camping amenities (tent and cabins). Wherever we stayed, we had access to a proper kitchen (in the UK, that isn’t the case) so cooking was always easy and available.
Choosing your road trip route
The road trips we go on aren’t crazy long. Both of my boys have always made it clear that they don’t enjoy very long distances in a car and get bored with long hours on a motorway. Therefore, we try not to drive more than 6 hours in one day. Also, if we stay somewhere for one night, we try to stop for two or three nights in the next place. This schedule works well for us.
Not driving very long distances also allows for some flexibility, which is such an important element of road trips. When we drive from one place to another, we find a place where we can stop for a while to stretch our legs and try to do some sightseeing. Europe seems to be dotted with little, beautiful towns and interesting places, where just walking around, taking it in, and having an ice cream seem to make us all happy.
Finding pretty little towns along the way
If you don’t know how to find a pretty town or village, do a Google search for “pretty town in [region].” You’d be amazed at how well that works! I like to have an idea of where nice places are before we set off. Not only does this help with planning stops, but also because I wouldn’t like to miss something obvious while travelling.
Likewise, we usually like to have some expectations about the places where we stay for a bit longer. We want the accommodation to be decent and interesting and to be in an area where we can see something. The first example that comes to my mind is our three-night stay near the Trolls Road in Norway. We had time to explore the area and enjoy the winding road each day. Similarly, staying on an organic farm on Orkneys allowed us to explore the islands as well as enjoy our time on the farm.
Ideas for what to see with kids on a European road trip
Because my autistic child gets sensory overload in big cities, we avoid too many urban areas in our travels. If we go to a city we make sure we can compensate for the stress by spending some time outdoor and in quiet nature afterward.
A few of our favorite outdoor kid-friendly things to do and places to explore on road trips are nature reserves, small museums, open-air museums, visitor centers, working farms open to the public, castles, street art exhibitions, small towns, places where we can hike, forests, beaches, places where we can see some animals.
We also pay attention to what we don’t have at home. We look for different architecture, new experiences, or something unique to the area. For example, we loved making the most of chairlifts and gondolas in Chamonix Valley in the French Alps, visiting a Dinosaur-themed amusement park in Poland, and exploring the biggest aquarium in Europe in northern France. We don’t do too many “big things” within one trip, but these were all worth it.
Making it fun for the kids
The first and obvious element of organising a road trip with children is to ask them what they would like to do and see. To keep everyone happy, we usually do our research first, and then give them a few options to choose from. I think it’s important they feel included and that they have a say.
On the other hand, we want to expand their world and knowledge as well as see places that interest us, too (otherwise, we would end up visiting train stations and dinosaur parks all over Europe). Visiting a melting glacier in the Chamonix Valley wouldn’t have been their first choice, but my autistic child loved a train ride there and back, while his brother found being inside a real glacier fascinating. It was a win-win for everyone.
Their choice of activity in the area was to go swimming in a nearby lake each evening, which we happily agreed to and all enjoyed very much. As I have already mentioned, a daily visit to a playground and a nice ice cream is something that is interweaved into our daily holiday routine.
What to take with you on a European road trip with kids
In addition to obvious items like passports, cameras, phone chargers, and clothes, we usually pack the following items for a family road trip:
Cooking – some pots and pans (even when flying, we took one each and left them, after asking if that’s ok, in communal kitchens after our last sleep in the country)
Medicines – including children’s cold meds/painkillers, plasters, a thermometer (bulky, but we never regretted taking a thermometer)
Toys – a ball, some board games (Monopoly was our last summer’s hit), trivia for the car, some books
Activity packs – paper and crayons (believe me or not, we had to buy A4 paper for our boys one year, as they insisted on a drawing session each evening)
Snacks – their favourite snacks from home, it’s so much easier (and cheaper) to have their favourite selection on hand and at the ready
Autism specific items – Stefan misses home on holidays, so we go around the house and garden and take photos which he can look at while away. We also take small sensory toys, his favourite blanket and a plush toy.
Tablets – we take kids’ tablets too; nothing beats a bit of Minecraft when we need to keep them busy
Dangers and how to avoid them
Where there are children, there is chaos. Where there is chaos, unexpected things could happen. We like to be as prepared as possible for unexpected situations and have a game plan ahead of time for how we’ll handle them.
Elopement
As parents to an autistic child, one of our greatest fears is that our child would walk away unnoticed (it’s called elopement). Walking away while their adults are busy is a skill that autistic children are excellent at. While in the UK, we use a sunflower lanyard (which is voluntarily worn by people with hidden disabilities), so that members of the public are aware that our child is vulnerable and might need help. We make sure to bring that lanyard with us and that Stephan is wearing it when in public places.
Overstimulation
Another danger that is relatable to both of my children is overdoing it. Many times, seeing them being excited about something, indulging in their excitement, and missing subtle signs of overstimulation, we ended up with unnecessary upset. Meltdowns and tantrums happen, but I’m pleased to say that with age, they’ve learned how to manage their own emotions and we became more vigilant to signs of tiredness.
Going over budget
And for adults, sticking to a budget and not overspending is a concern while vacationing. We try to have our main expenses covered before we set off (e.g., accommodations, renting a car, pre-booking expensive attractions) and to have an idea of how much money we might spend on average per day. Nobody likes thinking too much about money while enjoying their well-deserved time away. However, it’s good to be prepared. Good car insurance, travel insurance, and having our car checked before leaving home are the basics we should take care of to avoid stress and unwanted expenses.
Money-saving, budget-friendly road trip tips
If your budget is tight, but you still want to have an amazing adventure, it can absolutely be done! Below are some tips on how to plan a road trip on a budget:
Bring your own car.
Pack a cooler and bring lots of food and snacks that the whole family enjoys to keep you away from “hunger stops.”
Take water bottles (in the UK kitchen, tap water is safe to drink), so you don’t have to buy water.
Take long-life shelf-stable food from home (e.g., jars, cans, and tins) and top up with fresh food in local supermarkets. Don’t eat out at restaurants often. You can cook quick meals on your own with your staples.
Invest in a tent and camp. Campsites vary throughout Europe in terms of facilities. In Scandinavia, every campsite we went to had a kitchen with cookers. Some had ovens and even some pans and pots.
Buy a camping cooker. It will allow you to heat up ready meals and boil water for hot drinks.
When going in a specific region it’s worth planning what you want to see. For example, if you want to visit Scotland, known for its many beautiful castles, you might want to consider buying a Historic Scotland membership and having unlimited access to the castles under their scheme.
Make sure you pack all your clothes, medicines and equipment, as buying when needed might cost more than you usually pay.
We take our bicycles with us. Buying a bike rack was a good investment; renting bikes for a family of four would be expensive.
Experiencing a road trip through the eyes of your child
As adults, we all have our unique sets of experiences. Those of us who have been to certain places experience travelling differently than those who do it for the first time. And, if you are a child, everything new or different can be exciting.
Here are examples of what I have rediscovered through our family road trips and being a part of my kids’ experiences:
Don’t underestimate how simple everyday activities are new and different in a new place. A simple visit to a supermarket in another country is fascinating and can take hours. My children are absolutely fascinated by different layouts and products in shops abroad. I never would have imagined that years later we’d still be talking about these visits and that they remember the names of these shops.
People dress differently in different countries. Kids are observant and can be very interested in what people wear in different places you travel.
The vehicles on the road can be vary different from country to country. For example, there are so many bicycles in the Netherlands compared to the huge variety of campervans in Norway.
Climate and temperature differ, even in the same month/season. Summer swimming in Poland is a very different experience than swimming in Sweden in the same month.
No two places are ever the same. And no two visits to the same place are the same. Every visit and every place provides a different experience.
Foreign languages while abroad are fascinating. From listening to the people using the language to foreign language on road signs. Us trying to communicate in places where people don’t speak English is also hilarious to our children.
The feeling of being a guest somewhere is such a special and unique experience.
All these little mistakes and mishaps we have on our adventures sometimes turn out to be the funniest stories and memories (e.g. shops being closed on Sundays in some countries or places where you can only pay with cash…oops.)
Driving our car on the right side of the road, while it’s on the left in the UK, is a whole other experience!
Different accents across the UK are so interesting.
The ability to decide what we want to do and how and the freedom to change our mind is priceless.
Are you ready for a road trip yet?
Trying something new can be both overwhelming and exciting. And that’s absolutely fine. Travelling with kids is a full-on experience; it requires effort, but it’s very exciting, too. Having a unique, self-designed, and self-made adventure can be truly rewarding, and that’s just what a road trip is!
As I write this article, we are slowly planning our next year’s adventure, which fills me with excitement about the adventures to come. I hope, that having a simple “what to do and how” guide will encourage you to try something new and will help you to create your own family road-trip adventure.
Would you consider going on a European road trip some day?
About the author
Anna is a mum of two energetic boys and the wife of Cezary. Before they started a family, they enjoyed backpacking and hitchhiking. Once the kids arrived, they adjusted their lifestyle and settled down in the beautiful Lake District, in the northwest of England. It’s often foggy and rainy where they live, but, they are outdoors in any weather. Anna is an ultramarathon runner, and Cezary loves triathlons, so, the children grow up being involved in hiking, trail running, cycling, all-year-round wild water swimming, and camping.
Stefan is 12 years old and has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. Antek is a neurotypical 10-year-old. Anna believes in positive psychology, in creating good moments and capturing memories. She believes being outdoors brings them together as a family and advocates for children with additional needs to be encouraged to explore and play outside. She trusts nature is a natural playground, enriches and stimulates the senses, and this is where she sees her children happiest.
Looking for somewhere to experience the beach, an ocean sound, lighthouses, historical shipwrecks, epic kite flying, wild horses, and more? The Outer Banks, North Carolina, is an adventure paradise! Today, Wendy Cox, Virginia mom of four, is sharing her family’s recent visit to the Outer Banks. Wendy shares all the info you need to know about exploring lighthouses and beaches, connecting with nature through sea turtles and wild horses, and flying kites and historic flying sites.
Visiting the Outer Banks with kids
Nestled along the picturesque coastline of North Carolina lies a hidden gem that promises sun-kissed beaches, historic charm, and endless family-friendly fun—the Outer Banks. We recently went to the Outer Banks for the first time and absolutely fell in love with the area. We went in the off-season (November), and still found so much to do. I can’t wait to get back there in the summertime when the sun is shining, and the skies are blue. Here are some of the things we did on our first trip, and some of the things we want to do when we go again.
What is the Outer Banks?
The Outer Banks are a string of islands on the Atlantic Ocean. They run from southeastern Virginia down along the coast of North Carolina and encompass about a 200-mile stretch from north to south. The Atlantic Ocean on the east, and a series of sounds and bays on the west border the Outer Banks. The land is typically very narrow. Most parts of the islands are less than a mile wide.
History of the Outer Banks
Did you know that the Outer Banks is known as the graveyard of the Atlantic? It’s hard to say how many ships were sunk off the shores of these islands, but bits and pieces of ships are still washing up onto the shores to this day. There was a storm one of the nights that we were staying in the Outer Banks with our kids. It rained most of the night, and the wind was up to 27 miles per hour.
The next morning, I was walking towards the beach from a parking lot, and I saw a man walking towards me from the beach. I asked him how it was looking, and he said, “Pretty clean!” At first, I was confused and wondered what that meant. The longer I thought about it, I realized that he was probably out looking for anything of interest that had washed up with the storm. What a cool hobby!
Outer Banks: Graveyard of the Atlantic
You might wonder why so many ships were wrecked near the Outer Banks. We found all of the answers to that at The Museum. First of all, the Outer Banks has something called the Diamond Shoals. The Diamond Shoals are sandbanks that are continually shifting. Shifting sandbanks catch sailors unaware, and result in shipwrecks. In addition to the Diamond Shoals, ocean currents, raging winds, pirates, the Civil War, German U-Boats, and hurricanes all added to the number of ships sunk in this Graveyard of the Atlantic. Check out this map of some shipwrecks that can be seen from shore during low tide.
Lighthouses of the Outer Banks
No trip to the Outer Banks is complete without seeing a lighthouse (or two, or three)! In total, there are 5 lighthouses in the Outer Banks. In order from south to north, they are: Ocracoke Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Bodie Island Lighthouse, Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, and Currituck Beach Lighthouse.
It would take about 4 hours to travel from Ocracoke Lighthouse to Currituck Beach Lighthouse. That’s without stopping and looking around. I don’t suggest trying to get to all of them in one day. Here are some details about each lighthouse.
Ocracoke Lighthouse
This lighthouse can only be accessed via ferry. You can’t just drive to Ocracoke Island, but you can drive your car onto the ferry and get there that way. I hear that the wait time at the ferry can be quite long in the summer. We went in November, and there was no line to get on the ferry, but it was not running that day because of high winds. It was running the following day, but unfortunately, we weren’t able to make it that day.
My kids were super bummed that we didn’t get to drive on the ferry! I was really looking forward to it as well, but I guess that means we’ll have to make another trip out there. I am completely ok with that option. While I do plan on going to this lighthouse in the future, it is not open for climbing. We are pretty excited about the drive on the ferry, though!
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
This iconic lighthouse was my favorite! Although we couldn’t walk up the lighthouse, the kids enjoyed running around the grassy area after spending some time in the car that day. The visitor’s center at this lighthouse was very interesting. There were exhibits about how the lighthouse was relocated in 1999, and this is also where we learned about all of the shipwrecks that occurred, and continue to occur, in the area. This lighthouse is not currently open to climb, but hopefully, within the next year, it will open again for climbing.
Bodie Island Lighthouse
Finally, a lighthouse you can climb to the top of! This cute lighthouse is close to the middle of the Outer Banks and looks very similar to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, but the stripes are horizontal instead of diagonal. It costs $10 for adults and $5 for children. Reservations are required. You can make your reservation here.
Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
We didn’t get to visit this one during this trip, but it’s at the top of our list for next time. Located in the town of Manteo, North Carolina. This lighthouse is a replica of other lighthouses of the same name in Manteo. It closes from mid-fall until spring, but you can still walk the 40-yard pier out to the lighthouse throughout the year. The town of Manteo also has a marina near the lighthouse that would be fun to explore. We look forward to visiting Manteo and the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse when we’re in the Outer Banks next time.
Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Currituck Beach is a bigger, more developed town than most of the other places we visited in the Outer Banks. If you’re looking for conveniences and familiar stores or familiar restaurants, Currituck Beach is where you want to be. This lighthouse is located in Historic Corolla Park. Carolla Park has walking trails, saltwater ponds, and a 1920s mansion called the Whalehead. The lighthouse itself is open to climb to anyone age 4 or older for $12 per person. No reservations are required here, and tickets can be purchased at the lighthouse.
Wild horses of the Outer Banks
One part of visiting the Outer Banks that had me incredibly excited was the wild horses that are known to roam the beaches there. The legend is that horses from sinking ships were freed as the ships went down. Then they swam to shore and adapted to life on the beach.
There are a couple of places that are popular horse viewing areas, one in the north and the other in the south. In the north, Corolla and Corova Beach are the two most well-known locations for horses. You can take the kids on a tour from any of a number of companies that will take you out to find the horses. This website has a good list of those companies.
Pony pen at Ocracoke Island
The other option, and the one that I was trying for, is to head south to Ocracoke Island via ferry. At the southern end of Ocracoke Island, which is still part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, there is a pony pen. I’m not sure why it’s called a pony pen when the horses that live here are the same genetically as the ones up in Carolla. Anyway, the horses here are cared for by the National Park Service. You aren’t supposed to touch them, but I read that the horses do come up to the fence if you’re patient. I’ve also read that there is a beautiful beach across from the pony pens, so after spending some time looking at the wild horses, you can dip your toes in the salty sea and rack up some blue hours.
Kitty Hawk
If history is your jam, you’ll definitely want to make a stop at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. The town of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, is located on Bodie Island. You can’t miss the memorial, as there’s only one main road that traverses the majority of the Outer Banks.
This National Memorial has a replica of the airplane that Wilbur and Orville Wright built and flew for the very first time. You’ll also notice while you’re there that the North Carolina license plate bears the phrase “First in Flight.” The constant wind at Kitty Hawk, NC, made it an ideal place for the Wright brothers to test all of their flying machines.
Outer Banks and kites
Speaking of flying, the kite situation in the Outer Banks is out of control! I have never seen as many kite stores (or kite stores so large!), as I did while visiting the Outer Banks. As you drive down the main road, you will come upon a kite store every few miles, and it will most likely be painted a vibrant shade of yellow or pink. You can’t miss them!
We stopped at one to check it out, and it was so much fun to look at all of the different types of kites, wind sockets, spinners, and toys. We chose our two favorite ones (we went with the classic diamond shape) and then went to the beach to fly them. The wind was blowing crazy hard, so we weren’t too successful at keeping the kite in the air, but we had fun trying.
If you want to try flying a kite while you’re at the Outer Banks, brush up on your skills by reading this great post on kite flying with kids.
Where to stay when visiting the Outer Banks with kids
You might be wondering where to stay while visiting the Outer Banks with your kids. There are so many options for lodging and accommodations, including hotels, vacation rentals, and camping options.
We are more of a camping family, so we stayed at Cape Hatteras KOA. We were in a two-room cabin that was the perfect space for the six of us. The KOA also has tent camping, lots of RV sites, and other lodging that is like a small home you can rent. My kids spent as much time as possible jumping on this inflated jumpy pad! There is also a playground, a pool and hot tub, an arcade room, restaurant, store, showers, beach access, and access to the sound across the street with a pier. We are big KOA fans! You can book at their website if that sounds like something your family would enjoy.
Camping and other accommodations
If you’re looking for a more natural setting, the Outer Banks is dotted with campgrounds. Some are run by the National Park Service or other government agencies. Others are private campgrounds. One thing is for sure, though, and that is that you will be very close to the water if you choose to camp. Also, be prepared for some wind. This part of North Carolina is known for its abundant wind, and you’ll want to be ready for that.
The Outer Banks also has a tremendous amount of vacation rentals. Most, if not all, of the houses are up on stilts. That in itself is a fun and different experience! Some parts of the Outer Banks have colorful homes that really add to the beachy vibe. One positive of staying at a vacation rental is that they will usually provide some beach gear for you to use. Not having to pack the chairs, umbrellas, sand toys, and buckets is a real plus.
Gear rentals in the Outer Banks
Speaking of beach gear, it is worth noting that there is a large variety of businesses that will rent out all kinds of equipment to visitors. We saw jet skis, surfboards, paddleboards, kayaks, bikes, golf carts, and more available to rent. If you’re not keen on packing any of those items, know that you will most likely be able to rent them somewhere not too far from where you are staying.
Outer Banks nature
I’ve listed a lot of adventures here so far. I totally understand that sometimes you want a vacation to be slow and relaxing. As tough as that can be with kids sometimes, the Outer Banks can help. It offers a lot of serene landscapes and activities that can slow life down for a bit.
Bird watching is popular in this area. There are many diverse species of birds that make the Outer Banks their home. Fishing is also a popular activity, and the Outer Banks is known for its fresh and delicious seafood. There are also fishing tours you can book where someone will take you out on their boat.
Sea turtles in the Outer Banks
Another absolute bucket list item that you can participate in at the Outer Banks involves sea turtles. How many of us have seen a sea turtle in its natural habitat? If you live in Hawaii, you probably have, but the rest of us may not. I spoke to a ranger from Cape Hatteras National Seashore, and she answered all my questions about sea turtles. It was incredible!
She told me they have a program where you can babysit a nest of turtle eggs. The rangers let you know when the nest is about to hatch. Then, you sit with the nest for several days until all of the eggs hatch. Sometimes, the turtles are confused by the artificial light. Instead of heading for the water, they head for the town. Turtle babysitters are there to guide the little ones to the water, and to protect them from predators.
I’m convinced I need to be a turtle babysitter! You can learn more about that program from the aquarium on Roanoke Island. If you want to learn more about protecting sea turtles in general, you’ll definitely want to read this amazing article!
Outer Banks beaches
One thing that should never be underestimated is the power of the sound of the ocean. Imagine how it would feel to take a walk on the beach where your only care is helping your kids find beautiful seashells! I can already taste the salty wind on my lips. Even though there are a million and one things you could be doing with your kids in the Outer Banks, please don’t forget that what they will remember the most is the time you spent with them. The toys will break, the shells will get lost, and the sand will eventually wash out of their hair. But what is lasting, for you and for your kids, is the memories that you make together.
Have you ever been to the Outer Banks? What’s your favorite thing to do there?
About the author
Wendy is a married momma who recently moved from San Diego to Virginia. She’s raising 4 human kids, 2 goat kids, 4 chickens, and one grumpy cat. She enjoys gardening, hiking, camping, backpacking, going to the beach, and generally getting out of doors. Wendy is a family photographer and also works at several local elementary schools as the garden educator. She dreams of traveling to all 50 states and beyond and believes that there is great beauty to be found in all parts of the earth; we just have to open our eyes to see it.
You can find more from Wendy online in the following locations:
Instagram: @wendycoxphotography
RWMC posts: Wendy Cox
Hiking while pregnant is an opportunity to stay active and bond with your baby. Just because you are pregnant, you don’t have to stop doing what you love…it just might look a little different. Today, Steph Hampton, a St. Louis mom of four, is here to share her experiences of exploring outside throughout pregnancy. She’s included practical tips and advice on how to make the experience as smooth as possible!
Staying active and getting outside while pregnant
Hiking has always been a huge part of my life and something that brings me great joy. Getting outside and staying active is a major part of who I am. However, being a mom and growing our family is an even bigger part of my life. I knew when I got pregnant that I wanted to find a way to combine these two parts of me, but I wasn’t sure what hiking and getting outside would look like through pregnancy and after my baby was born.
If you’re reading this with a tiny person doing somersaults in your belly, congratulations on embarking on the wild ride of motherhood. I’m here to spill the beans (or should I say, the trail mix?) on my journey of hiking and staying active outdoors throughout not one, but four pregnancies. As a mother to four young daughters (6yo, 4yo, 2yo & 2 weeks), I have learned the beauty of staying active throughout pregnancy and in those first few months after having a baby. While each pregnancy was different in terms of activity level, it always felt great to be outside in some capacity.
Every step counts
Now, before you imagine a scene from a superhero movie with a pregnant woman scaling a mountain in full gear, let me set the record straight. My hiking experiences were a bit less intense (and much slower) than that (and usually involved a toddler or two), but every step counts! No matter whether you’re hiking in the mountains or taking a stroll through your local park, getting outside and staying active during your pregnancy is so good for you, in so many ways!
In this post, I’m sharing my insights on why embracing the great outdoors during pregnancy is not only good for your sanity but also a great way to nurture your changing body and help your other kids burn some of that endless energy. We’ll dive into the importance of channeling your inner nature goddess while growing a tiny human. Spoiler alert: It involves more fresh air and less time analyzing the nutritional content of pickles.
Tips for hiking while pregnant
Pregnancy can be scary and daunting. It can be tough not knowing what the future holds. If you’re worried about the logistics of hiking with a baby bump, don’t fret—I’ve got your back (and your front, thanks to the growing belly). I’ll be sharing my own outdoor escapades, along with practical tips to keep you healthy, safe, and feeling like the warrior mama you are.
Here are some tips I have learned throughout my pregnancy journeys.
1. Always consult with your doctor first
Every pregnancy is different, and every mama is different. While being active can be a huge positive throughout pregnancy, it is always smart to check with your healthcare professional before venturing on a hike.
Hiking can be fairly low-risk, depending on the trail, and has great physical and emotional benefits! My medical team recommended wearing a maternity support belt as I hike, and that helped my back tremendously as my baby grew.
If you are on a hike and something is not feeling right, listen to your body and trust your gut.
2. Choose the right trail and terrain for you
In my first trimester, I typically am a little more dizzy/not feeling as well. So, I like to stick to flat, paved trails to help with my balance. Some of my hiking friends like using hiking poles while pregnant to help with their balance as well. Once I’m past the nausea and entering my second trimester, I love getting back to some of my favorite unpaved trails.
I also prefer trails that I have hiked on before, and I am comfortable with the terrain. Choosing trails that I know helps me feel mentally prepared to take it on (as I know what to expect) so that I don’t get in a situation that’s a little too much for me.
Start small and go from there. Take a slower pace and enjoy the beautiful scenery!
Family Hike at Beckemeier Conservation Area
3. Always bring snacks and water
I’m always hungry, but even more so while pregnant! When hiking pregnant, it’s important to make sure you have plenty of snacks and water to keep you hydrated and happy! My go-tos on the trail are protein bars, apples, oranges, trail mix, or popcorn. I’m usually with one of my kiddos, too, so I always pack more snacks than I think I need!
Mamas need so much water throughout pregnancy, so it makes sense to drink even more while on a hike. I love using a Camelbak for ease of access to water while hiking!
4. Hike with others
Sharing your outdoor experiences with others amplifies the fun! I co-lead a free, hiking group for families once a week where we live. This has helped me tremendously throughout my pregnancies. I get a chance to talk with other mamas and try new trails together. It also holds me accountable to get outside, when I may be feeling nauseous that day or the weather is not favorable.
There is also peace of mind that if something happened on a trail with my pregnancy, I’d be surrounded by others to help me. Also, hiking with friends is just the best, as well as seeing our kids explore together!
Nature Group Hike at Queeny Park. If you are local, join our Facebook group at “Nature Play STL”
5. Be aware of your cell phone reception
If I’m alone on a trail, I make sure I have a fully-charged cell phone with me (and sometimes I also bring a battery backup/charger) and I tell my husband my planned route. I text him when I head out on the trail and again when I’m safely back to my car. I choose trails that I am comfortable with (know the terrain and what to expect) and also trails that are within cell reception.
Just in case, something happens during a hike, I like knowing that I can reach someone for help quickly with my phone.
6. Wear the right clothes and shoes
I highly recommend dressing as comfortably as you can when hiking while pregnant. Wear breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics to stay cool and dry. Dress in layers so you can adjust to temperature changes, and don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen for sun protection.
Also, if you’re hiking a lot while pregnant, you may want to consider investing in supportive footwear. A comfortable pair of supportive and well-fitted shoes is crucial. Supportive hiking shoes or boots will help you with balance and slipping (neither of which is good while pregnant) and keep you more stable so you don’t fall or twist anything. Keep in mind that your feet may swell during pregnancy (and after), so make sure your footwear accommodates these changes. Don’t wear shoes that are too tight, which could be painful and cut off circulation.
7. Carrying a younger child
If it is okay with your doctor, I still like to wear a baby carrier during pregnancy, especially in the first and second trimesters. At 39 weeks pregnant, my doctor gave me the okay to wear my toddler on hikes to try to get labor started! I went into labor a few days later, so maybe it helped!!
I was still able to wear my carrier (I really like my Deuter Kid Comfort Carrier) with my larger belly, and the hip strap goes under the baby to keep less pressure off.
Almost 39 weeks…trying to get labor started!
8. Take your time and listen to your body
Pay attention to how you feel during the hike and take your time. There’s no rush to get to the end of the trail and no award for getting there first! If you start feeling fatigued, dizzy, or experiencing any discomfort, it’s okay to take a break or cut the hike short. Bring food and water on your hikes and take regular breaks to sip and stay well-hydrated. Your body is working hard, and it’s essential to honor its signals.
9. Have a potty plan
Another reason I like to stick to trails I know when I’m hiking while pregnant is because I know where the restrooms are along my route. If you’ve been pregnant before, you know that your baby bump can do a number on your bladder! With the need for more frequent bathroom breaks, it’s better to be prepared and know what to expect. Go before you hit the trail and bring a Kula Cloth with you, in case you need to go along the way.
10. Be aware of your surroundings
Whether pregnant or not, it’s always important to be aware of what’s going on around you when hiking or out in nature. Keep an eye on the weather forecast before you hit the trail. Unfavorable weather conditions, such as extreme heat, heavy rain, or thunderstorms, can pose risks. Carry a basic first aid kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any necessary medications. And familiarize yourself with the wildlife in the area and take any necessary precautions. While most wildlife will steer clear of humans, it’s best to be aware. Make noise while hiking to alert animals to your presence, and if you encounter wildlife, give them plenty of space.
Other ways to stay active outside while pregnant
Staying active during pregnancy doesn’t always have to involve conquering trails. There are so many enjoyable and low-impact outdoor activities to keep you active outside while pregnant. You could do prenatal yoga outside in a park, go biking on a greenway, or swimming in your local pool. A simple stroll through the neighborhood with the kids after dinner is always a favorite tradition of ours.
For me, second trimester is a sweet spot when adventuring while pregnant. When I was pregnant with my fourth child, we went bikepacking, backpacking, and tent camping during my second trimester (again, check with your doctor first). An e-bike and a good air mattress were life-savers!! These activities not only kept me moving but also helped us feel a sense of togetherness and created lasting memories before the baby came.
I was thankful for a very healthy pregnancy this time around, which hasn’t always been the case. It felt great to move outside and explore with my family.
Taking a ride on our Bunch Bike, which has three wheels. It is a great and stable option for riding your bike while pregnant!
Adventures while pregnant
Adventuring does not have to stop when you are pregnant. In fact, it really does get better.
There’s nothing like feeling those precious baby kicks while walking through the woods or doing something fun outside that you enjoy.
Exploring may look a little different while pregnant (and again once your baby arrives), but sharing your love of hiking with your kids is so special!
Happy exploring!
About the author
Steph lives in St. Louis with her husband, Mark, their four daughters (ages 6, 4, 2 & 2 weeks), and their funny pup. Steph taught elementary school for five years and became a stay-at-home mom when her first child was born. When the pandemic hit and the playgrounds were closed, she started taking her kids hiking on a different trail each day. Steph is also a NICU mama (her 2nd daughter was born 3 months early). The outdoors has been so healing for her and her family, not to mention fun!
Since the pandemic started, their family has visited over 175 parks and hiked over 200 trails around St. Louis and Missouri. Their family also loves to tent camp, canoe, and bike. Steph has a passion for exploring the outdoors, helping start a free, weekly nature playgroup, and sharing adventure tips with others. When she is not hiking, she loves baking, reading, and dreaming of being a Survivor contestant.
If you’re looking for a kid-friendly vacation full of stunning turquoise glacial lakes, rocky peaks, wildlife, waterfalls, and miles of hiking trails, Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, is the perfect location. You can easily spend a week here (try to plan at least three solid days), and you will meet families from all around the world, taking even longer to soak up the gorgeous scenery. Today, writer, editor, and Kansas City mom of two, Sarah Boles, is here sharing travel tips, outdoor activity advice, and all the information you need to plan the perfect trip to Banff National Park with kids.
*Some experiences in this post were sponsored by Pursuit for review purposes. All opinions expressed belong to the author.
Exploring Banff with kids
Chances are you’ve probably heard people absolutely rave about Banff. But, why? What makes Banff so great for kids?
Banff has so much to offer you can easily tailor your trip to meet the needs of your family. Banff is not only a haven for nature lovers and adventure travelers but also a wonderful destination for families seeking unforgettable experiences. Its unparalleled beauty lies in the juxtaposition of snow-capped peaks against crystal-clear bright blue glacial lakes – visually, it’s nothing short of awe-inspiring. Banff’s array of outdoor activities ranges from world-class hiking trails and exhilarating wildlife encounters to pristine skiing slopes in the winter months.
You can stay in the city of Banff (within the national park) for a more comfortable experience with a wide range of lodging, restaurants, and shopping. Plus, Banff has excellent public transportation, which takes some of the stress out of navigating a new place with your kids in tow. Or, check out more remote adventures in Banff, from campgrounds to cabins to backpacking.
Every time we visit Banff National Park we learn something and experience something new. Let us share our experiences to make your next trip to Banff National Park with your family extra memorable.
About Banff
Banff National Park, established in 1885, stands as Canada’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, it encompasses 6,641 square kilometers of awe-inspiring landscapes, including rugged mountain peaks, glaciers, and turquoise lakes. The park was created to preserve the stunning natural beauty and promote outdoor recreation. Banff remains a testament to this commitment, offering a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with its extensive network of hiking trails, opportunities for wildlife observation, and winter sports adventures.
What sets Banff apart is not only its stunning vistas but also the immersive experiences it offers, allowing visitors to forge a profound connection with the untamed wilderness. Here, the untethered spirit of adventure meets the serenity of nature, making Banff an extraordinary and unparalleled destination for those who yearn to explore the great outdoors.
Getting to Banff
Unless you’re close enough to road trip to Banff, most people fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC). From here, it’s easiest to rent a car to get around. However you can purchase seats on charter buses that leave directly from the terminal and will drop you right at your hotel in Banff. Banff has an excellent public bus system (more on this later), which makes it very possible not to rent a car if you plan to only spend time in Banff during your visit to the Canadian Rockies.
If you do rent a car (easy to do at the airport), and need to burn off some energy after a long flight, head to the Bow River. You can choose to spend a few hours exploring the Calgary Zoo or take a walk along the Bow River Pathway, which stretches 48 km around the city.
The drive from Calgary to Banff is easy to navigate and entertaining, as the plains transition into towering rocky mountains before your eyes. Expect it to take 1.5-2 hours, depending on traffic and if you need to make a pit stop.
PC: Sarah Boles Bow River Pathway downtown is a great way to get exercise after a long flight to Calgary before driving to Banff.
Best Banff attractions for kids
Like most visitors, an opportunity to experience Lake Louise and Moraine Lake is what convinced us to plan our first trip to the Canadian Rockies. We were very pleasantly surprised to find out that a wide variety of activities exist even just within the city of Banff. As a result, we can visit Banff every year and try out new activities, restaurants, and hikes, without getting bored.
If this is your first visit to Banff, or you only plan to visit once, here are a few of our bucket list family adventures.
Banff Gondola
Riding a gondola in the Canadian Rockies is one of those iconic experiences that everyone should have. The Banff Gondola does not disappoint! It takes you on an eight-minute ride up the side of Sulphur Mountain to a discovery center. Here, you can head outside to explore the boardwalk to the summit of Sanson’s Peak and the Cosmic Ray Station. During the day views are incredible – they are not kidding when they claim you can see six different mountain ranges.
I suggest heading up an hour before sunset to watch the transition from day to night fall over the river valley. The discovery center has a delicious restaurant – Sky Bistro, which is not the most kid friendly place, but a must dine for adults if you have a kid-free meal. However, there is a coffee shop with snacks, and the exhibits are great for kids. There’s even an app you can download to guide your kids through the center called “Agents of Discovery”.
You do not need to reserve a gondola ride back down, so you can stay as long as your kids are still entertained. Just make sure to ask when the last gondola is scheduled to head down that evening, as it changes depending on the time of year.
PC: Sarah Boles Ride the Banff Gondola with your kids for epic views of the Bow River Valley and beyond.PC: Sarah Boles Kids love to explore the boardwalk at the top of the Banff Gondola.
Boat rentals with kids
We love how the Banff Townsite is built around the Bow River. You can explore its banks, but we prefer to get up close and personal and see the city from the water. I highly recommend renting a watercraft from the Banff Canoe Club. Their location is easy to access whether we stay in town or further out, and we have options on where we paddle.
The Banff Canoe Club’s boat launch sits on a quiet part of the river, where you can easily head around the bend through the main stretch of town for a shorter, yet entertaining paddle. If you’re looking for a longer adventure, you can make your way out to the Vermillion Lakes and back in a few hours. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, they deal with all experience levels well, and they have reasonable prices for rentals – exactly what to look for in a business when paddling with kids on vacation.
PC: Sarah Boles The Banff Canoe Club rents canoes and kayaks on the Bow River near downtown Banff.PC: Sarah Boles A family canoes with their daughter for the first time on the Bow River in Banff.
Best kid-friendly hikes in Banff
Being a national park, Banff has a huge variety of trails for all levels of hikers. You can find everything from extremely remote backpacking trails to paved trails in town. It can be easy to forget you are out in the wild when hiking near town; always be bear aware. Certain hikes require bear spray and groups of four or more hikers, depending on the season.
Here are a few recommendations for shorter hiking adventures with your family.
Tunnel Mountain hike with kids
Tunnel Mountain is an iconic Banff hike in part because its trailhead is located downtown. It’s a half mile walk east from Banff Avenue to the trailhead at the lower parking area. From there, the trail winds upward through the forest, offering views of downtown Banff and the surrounding mountains as you climb. Round trip the hike clocks in at just under three miles with under 1,000 feet elevation gain. For a summit hike, this trail is very kid-friendly, even for younger walkers.
PC: Sarah Boles Head to Tunnel Mountain for a great, kid-friendly hike in downtown Banff.
Bow River Falls hike with kids
For a mostly flat hike near downtown, take the Bow River Trail to Bow River Falls. The trail follows the river through the woods along the river. It’s dirt most of the way, with wooden stairs built into the path as you get closer to the falls. The trail has lots of social trails that lead you to benches and clearings along the river, so you need to keep a close eye on young hikers. However, the trail itself is far enough from the river banks that you shouldn’t have an issue catching up with a young one who takes off on their own path.
It’s very common to spot elk on or near the trail, especially during the morning. Make sure to review wildlife safety with your kids before setting out.
To get to the Bow River Trail from downtown you can walk along the trail on either side of the Bow River. We like to cross the river on the pedestrian bridge closest to the falls, because it has a rainbow painted on it. The falls are best enjoyed from the trail along the southwest side of the river.
Past the base of the falls you can interact more with the river itself. There’s space in calmer water to dip your toes in (it’s ice cold by the way), and see who can make the biggest splash or skip their rock the farthest.
We love this hike because it can take an hour or three, depending on how much exploring we do along the river. It’s also a great picnic hike with lots of spots to stop and enjoy a bite. Most importantly, it’s pretty impossible to get lost on this trail. The Banff Townsite does an excellent job with signage, making it easy to navigate your way back, even if you get distracted and stray from the river trail.
This is our go to hike if the weather is less than ideal, someone doesn’t feel well, or wildfire smoke is an issue.
PC: Sarah Boles Kids love to cross the Bow River on the rainbow pedestrian bridge in Banff.PC: Sarah Boles The Bow River Trail has lots of fun spots to stop along the trail. They’re great to rest short legs or to have a picnic with your kids.The area at the base of Bow River Falls is a great place to let your kids explore the river in much calmer waters.
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake with kids
And, of course, there’s those world-famous natural glacial lakes located in Banff National Park that you hear so much about – Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. There’s a ton to do near the city of Banff, but if you cannot resist experiencing Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in real life, here’s what you need to know.
PC: Wendy Cox You can make your visit to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in Banff extra memorable by renting a canoe with your kids.
Getting to Lake Louise – public transportation
To get to Lake Louise, you can reserve a seat on the Roam Transit bus to the Lake Louise Lakeshore so that you don’t have to worry about driving or parking. Tickets for children 12 and under are free, but they still need a ticket to reserve their seat. One-way tickets to Lake Louise from downtown Banff cost $10 for adults. You can purchase a day pass for $25.
I highly recommend taking public transportation when you’re visiting Banff. It’s convenient, easy, and takes the guesswork out of things. The only drawback is that you have to stick to a schedule. Because of this, I recommend getting a later reservation. If your family is finished earlier, then you can get in line for an earlier bus, and if they have room, they will let you on.
Year-round, you can book a seat on the 8x route, which leaves from the Roam Transport Centre in front of Banff High School. During the summer, on the weekends, the 8s route also runs from downtown Banff along the Bow Parkway, a more scenic route. If you are not staying downtown Banff, you can park your car for free at the Banff Train Station and walk to the bus stop.
PC: Sarah Boles The Roam Transit public bus system is the easiest way to get from Banff to Lake Louise with your kids.
Getting to Lake Louise – driving your family
You can also choose to drive your family to Lake Louise. If you do this, during peak season (mid-May through mid-October), you will need to make a Parks Canada account and reserve a shuttle to access Lake Louise. In 2023, they implemented a bus system to reduce crowding. You will park at a park n’ ride near the Trans Canada Highway and take the shuttle.
The online shuttle reservation system is a bit frustrating, so mentally prepare yourself for this. Also, 40% of tickets are released in the spring. Don’t worry that everything is sold out, though; they release the remaining 60% of tickets at 8 a.m. two days prior, so set your alarm for 7:55 a.m. to snag up the seats you need. But, do yourself a favor – create your Parks Canada account ahead of time, not in those precious minutes before the remaining tickets are released (you can thank us later).
Exploring Lake Louise with kids
Before you start planning your Lake Louise adventure, be honest with yourself and set some realistic expectations – it will be crowded. People come from around the world to visit the Canadian Rockies, and this is the iconic spot that has drawn them to the region. Pack your patience and your snacks.
You can try to schedule your visit earlier in the morning if that works with your family, but keep in mind people flock here to photograph the gorgeous glacial blue waters at sunrise, sunset, and every time in between. As you walk the shore looking for your postcard-perfect view, one great thing is there will always be someone to take a family photo for you.
If your family likes to hike, we highly recommend moving on to Moraine Lake to create some distance between your family and the crowds.
PC: Sarah Boles It’s hard to crop out the thousands of other people at Lake Louise in Banff to capture the perfect family photo with your kids, but it’s possible.
Getting to Moraine Lake with kids
Starting in 2023, experiencing Moraine Lake requires more planning. First of all, the road is closed to all vehicles from mid-October through June (weather dependent) due to avalanches. Over the summer, a Parks Canada shuttle connector bus runs from Lake Louise Lakeshore to Moraine Lake. You need to reserve your pass online ahead of time. Just like the Parks Canada buses from the Park ‘n’ Ride, they release 40% of the seats in the spring, and the remaining 60% become available online at 8 am. two days prior.
If you cannot find seats on the Parks Canada shuttle, you can look into booking a shuttle with a private bus company. This is also how you can reach Moraine Lake if you want to arrive before sunrise or stay past 6 pm. (when the final Parks Canada shuttle leaves for Lake Louise).
PC: Sarah Boles Pack your patience! While very well organized, the shuttle system for visiting Moraine Lake in Banff requires passes purchased ahead of time, and waiting in line, which can be stressful with your kids in tow.
Exploring Moraine Lake with kids
Moraine Lake is a whole different scene than Lake Louise (thankfully). The bus will drop you off a very short walk from the shore. From here, you can head right for a walk along the lakeshore. It’s a dirt trail with tree roots – stroller friendly (although a bit bumpy), kid friendly, and there are many places to access the water (again, it’s ice cold). If you have an hour or less, this is how to experience the lake with your kids.
You can also rent canoes to paddle Moraine Lake. The lakeshore trail will lead you to the Lake Lodge, which rents canoes from its dock. However, this is not one of those spur-of-the-moment decisions. Rentals are first come, first served, which means you may have to wait (hard with kids), or if you come too late in the day, you will be out of luck. Also, since only one company has the right to rent boats on the lake, the cost is … astronomical. (As in over $100 U.S. dollars an hour – ouch, right!)
This is one of those bucket-list experiences that you need to budget for and decide if this is how you want to experience this world-famous lake. If you do it, you will not be disappointed. We just want to make sure you know that hiking around the lake offers amazing views as well, so if your kids aren’t fans of hanging out in the canoe or won’t help paddle, your trip to Moraine Lake will still be fantastically memorable.
PC: Sarah Boles Rent a canoe to paddle Moraine Lake in Banff with your kids from the Moraine Lake Resort.
Best Moraine Lake hikes with kids
If you have more time, there are some excellent hiking options in the Moraine Lake area for families. From the parking lot, head left on the trail when you near the lakeshore. You will join the crowds by climbing up the Rockpile, a rocky outcropping along the lakeshore with epic views of the lake.
Depending on the crowds, you may be able to squeeze this adventure into an hour, but 1.5 hours will allow you time to take in the views, arrange photos without other tourists, and not have to worry about weaving through the crowds with kids to reach the shuttle bus.
Larch Valley
One of the best hikes from Moraine Lake is to Larch Valley. Of course, the larch trees light up in fall, making it the best time to make this hike. But you will find this hike enjoyable anytime, and much less crowded than hanging around the lakeshore. This takes you to more remote areas, which means you should bring bear spray and stay together on trail.
Take the lakeshore trail to find the Larch Valley trailhead just past the Moraine Lake Lodge. After the first kilometer (a bit over half a mile), the trail becomes less groomed, and you will begin a series of steeper switchbacks. It’s still very doable for kids, but use this as a good place to stop for a drink and check-in. If anyone is not in good spirits, head back down and explore more of the lakeshore. If not, continue on as the trail leads through the woods up the mountainside. You will enjoy views of the lake as well as wildflowers during the summer, and of course, the largest concentration of larch trees will change from green to lemon-lime to brilliant gold as fall arrives.
Consolation Lakes
We also love hiking to Consolation Lakes from Moraine Lake. Once you check out the Rockpile, head back down the stairs to find the trailhead for Consolation Lakes Trail. You will travel through the forest on a relatively easy path – not a lot of elevation gain here. You can go as far as the first alpine lake, if you want, which makes the trail a bit over 3.5 miles round trip. The best part about this trail – even though it’s easy and gorgeous, not a lot of people take it. Just remember your bear spray, like any trail in the Moraine Lake area.
PC: Tine Voeten The Lakeshore Trail at Moraine Lake in Banff has lots of spots to rest tired legs, as well as to dip your toes in the clear cold waters.PC: Sarah Boles The Rockpile is a very popular and easily accessible place to take photos of Moraine Lake in Banff. Continue on this trail to hike toward Consolation Lakes for a quieter, less crowded experience.PC: Sarah Boles To distance yourself from the crowds, branch off from the lakeshore trail at Moraine Lake and head up the Larch Valley Trail. This kid-friendly trail leads you to the highest concentration of larch trees in all of Banff, which turn golden at the end of September each year.
Where to stay in Banff with kids
Banff has so many housing options for your stay; there’s literally something perfect for every family. We have found the most important thing to keep in mind when looking at housing there is that we don’t actually spend much time in our hotel room! There’s just so much to do! All we really need is a solid basecamp to rest our heads.
Elk + Avenue Hotel lofts great for families
With that in mind, Elk + Avenue is a favorite of ours thanks to it being located directly across the street from the Roam Transit hub. This simplifies travel for us, which is important. This hotel is located in the middle of everything, including our favorite souvenir shop and restaurants. It’s also a short walk to the river, to the Tunnel Mountain trailhead for hiking, and to the elementary school when we need to burn off some energy on the playground.
We also like Elk + Avenue because they have loft rooms. Something about high ceilings just makes it feel like we have more space when we travel with our kids. The lofted rooms also help create separation between the sleeping area and the space to hang out, which feels more like home.
Elk + Avenue has tons of comfy social spaces on the main floor of the hotel that help us never feel cooped up in our hotel room when we need downtime. These come in handy at nap time, because they allow us to divide and conquer. One adult can head back to our room with our nappers, while another can take the older kiddos who just need some quiet time in the lobby to play board games they have on hand, or cuddle up by the fireplace and read books/play on their devices.
PC: Sarah Boles Elk + Avenue hotel in Banff has tons of comfortable spaces to relax when your kids need downtime.PC: Sarah Boles The loft rooms at Elk + Avenue give us enough space to unwind when we need to relax after a day of adventuring around Banff as a family.
Kids love the rooftop hot tubs in Banff
Two other places stick out as awesome family hotels in Banff: the Mount Royale and the Fairmont Banff Springs. Mount Royale sits a few blocks closer to the Bow River, down Banff Avenue from Elk + Avenue. Besides the great location, we love Mount Royale because it has two rooftop hot tubs! From the rooftop, you have uninterrupted views of everything from Mount Rundle to the shops along Banff Ave to Cascade Mountain. Our favorite upscale restaurant in Banff – Brazen – is located in this hotel as well.
PC: Sarah Boles The Mount Royale hotel is a total package for families. Not only is it in the middle of all the action in Banff, it has a rooftop hot tub and delicious restaurant.PC: Sarah Boles Families love to hang out on the rooftop at the Mount Royale hotel in Banff. There are two hot tubs and an indoor and outdoor lounge space. The views are epic day and night.
Kids at the Castle in Banff
The Fairmont Banff Springs hotel sits on the hillside, towering over the Bow River. It’s an iconic place to stay in Banff, for good reason. It’s off the main drag in town, making it quieter, and its position high on the hillside offers unique views of the mountains and river valley.
We like the Fairmont because of its kid programming, “Kids @ the Castle.” They host activities for ages 3-12 (must be potty-trained), everything from float trips to tennis lessons to hikes. The Fairmont has plenty of adult things to do while your kids play, including a golf course and a spa. Even if you don’t stay there, you’ll get a great view of the Fairmont if you hike the Bow River Trail to Bow River Falls.
PC: Sarah Boles The Fairmont Banff Springs is a fantastic hotel in Banff, especially for families.
Where to eat in Banff with kids
Banff is a melting pot of amazing cuisine. You will find delicious options for any type of food, from Italian to Indian to Greek. Plus, Alberta is known for its high quality beef production, making it easy to find any delicious beef and potatoes style meal of your choosing here.
Our favorite upscale restaurant in town is Brazen, located at the Mount Royale Hotel on Banff Avenue. Honestly, if it were in the budget we would eat every meal here, and thanks to the variety and unique offerings, we could do so and not get bored.
If you head to Brazen for brunch, we highly recommend the avocado toast. For dinner, have everyone order something different and then share. Make sure someone orders the Ginger Beef, the kids (and adults) will love the fiery presentation that goes along with it as it’s served.
We love to eat a meal here with our family because the menu (which changes seasonally) always features something new to introduce our kids to, from the ramen duck eggs (our favorite) to the swordfish to the bison skewers. For picky eaters, you can’t go wrong with the kid’s hamburger meal, which comes with a side of tater tots and an ice cream cookie sandwich.
You don’t have to go far to find a good coffee shop in Banff either. We haven’t found one we don’t like, but we keep going back to Evelyn’s Coffee Bar, centrally located on Banff Avenue. Everyone loves their food as well. From pastries to breakfast burritos, we haven’t tried anything that hasn’t been completely devoured.
Banff Avenue has plenty of ice cream and candy options as well, if you choose not to have dessert at the restaurant.
PC: Sarah Boles If you only take one piece of our advice, head over to Brazen for a meal with your family. They specialize in unique, sharable plates. The ginger beef comes with a fiery presentation your kids will love.PC: Sarah Boles Brazen has a super unique menu that changes seasonally. And while it’s a great opportunity to introduce your kids to new dishes, they will appreciate that all kid’s meals come with an ice cream cookie.PC: Sarah Boles Banff Avenue alone has tons of ice cream and candy shops to treat your kids while vacationing in Banff.
Where to shop in Banff with kids
We are guilty of loving to purchase souvenirs on our trips, especially if we visit somewhere very unique. Banff Avenue is lined with shopping options, from big outdoor brands to a range of souvenir shops. We discovered Big Bear Trading Co. on our first visit and now that’s the only place we stop. The selection is ample, prices are fair, and most importantly, the quality is high. We haven’t needed to replace our Banff apparel from here because they have stood the test of time.
PC: Sarah Boles We head straight to Big Bear Trading Co. for all our souvenirs. It’s located on Banff Avenue not far from the Roam Transit Hub.
Transportation around Banff with kids
Banff has public transportation figured out. The Roam Transit bus system goes everywhere you need to be. You can take it around town as well as out to more remote parts of the park, including Lake Louise. In fact, if you present your Banff Gondola ticket, the Roam bus will take you back to town for free.
Even if you have a car with you, you may opt to take the Roam bus to get around. This will relieve the stress of navigating around an unfamiliar place. You also won’t have to worry about vehicle and pedestrian traffic, parking, and abiding by the very low (and well-enforced) speed limits in town.
PC: Sarah Boles Taking the Roam bus everywhere makes getting around Banff so much easier as a family. Plus, the main bus stop is located across the street from our favorite place to stay, Elk + Avenue hotel.
What to skip when you visit Banff with kids
If you need help narrowing down the long list of activities you made, let us share a few tips.
The Lake Minnewanka boat tour in Banff is gorgeous. We highly recommend it for adults – they even have a booze cruise with local craft beers available – but it’s not the greatest for little kids (six and under). It may feel tempting to take the entire family on the Junior Cruise, as it’s shorter, and kids under 5 ride free. But, it’s still an hour long, and there’s no bathroom on the boat (a huge red flag as a parent).
If you have recently potty trained kiddos, even up to age 5, we recommend skipping this. While the Junior Cruise is very interactive, you still sit in your seats for most of the tour, with up to eight people permitted to go outside on the back of the boat at a time. Even when you do get up to move around and go outside, it can be hard to balance for little legs.
However, the Junior Cruise is perfect for kids ages 6-12, so if you don’t have littles with you, by all means, check it out. If you do have littles, we recommend using the funds you would have spent on the boat cruise to take everyone up the Banff Gondola, where there’s plenty of room to explore atop the mountain, food, and clean bathrooms.
Some may disagree, but I have to say, it’s ok to skip Lake Louise and Moraine Lake if you have your kids with you. Honestly, there’s so much more to do in Banff, that dealing with thousands of people all trying to capture a postcard image of themselves with this lake makes all the logistics not so worth it – whether you have your kids with you or not. Unless you just have to experience Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in real life (which we understand as well!), I suggest skipping it, especially if you visit during July and August. For reference, we have only visited the lakes in mid-May and early September for this exact reason. If we go any other time of year, we skip it. And even during those “off-season” times, it was still way too crowded for us to really enjoy ourselves.
PC: Sarah Boles The boat cruises at Lake Minnewanka are a great way to see the glacial waters and rocky peaks of Banff National Park. However, we recommend skipping this if you have younger kids as there are no bathrooms on the boats.PC: Sarah Boles A tour guide explains the legend surrounding the city at the bottom of Lake Minnewanka during a boat cruise. We recommend these interactive cruises for school age kids and adults.
Best time to visit Banff with kids
Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your vacation to Banff National Park.
It snows a lot in the Canadian Rockies! If you do not want snow involved in your vacation, stick to the main tourist season, which runs from mid-May through mid-October.
During peak season, Banff Avenue closes to vehicle traffic to allow tourists more space to move. Restaurants set up outdoor seating on the road to accommodate the influx of visitors as well. If you’re driving, plan accordingly.
The road to Moraine Lake is only open June through October (weather permitting).
Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the other glacial lakes in the area reach their peak turquoise color in June.
Larch season, or peak fall colors, occur in the few weeks between the end of September and mid October. Keep in mind, your chance for snow begins around this time as well in the higher elevations.
An increasingly bigger concern in Banff National Park is wildfires. It’s not just the worry about wildfires causing destruction in the area. The smoke from wildfires farther north in Alberta travels down and can quickly transform your expansive views of the Rockies to nothing but an orange glow. This can be an issue at any time during the main tourism season, unfortunately.
PC: Wendy Cox Banff has so many perfect hiking trails for families you can keep coming back year after year and not hit them all.
Visiting Banff with kids – bottom line
Banff National Park is a wonderful place for a unique experience with kids, regardless of how outdoorsy and adventurous your family is. You can conquer the rapids of the Bow River together, bike along the Bow Valley Parkway when it closes to vehicles, or backpack remote trails through grizzly bear country. Or, you can have an equally memorable time with your family dipping toes in ice-cold turquoise waters of glacial lakes, summiting a mountain via a gondola, or walking along the Bow River looking for wildlife.
Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, is the perfect outdoor vacation destination for any family.
Have you ever explored Banff National Park with kids?
About the author
Writer, editor, photographer, teacher, and mama. Sarah Boles resides near Kansas City, Missouri, and escapes into the woods whenever she can. Her professional and personal mission is to help families get outside by increasing access to the outdoors for everyone. When she’s not creating or teaching, Sarah’s playing outside, usually with her kids. She loves to climb, hike, run trails, snowshoe, paddle, jump in puddles, garden, and pick up trash.
You can find more from Sarah online in the following locations:
Instagram: @on_belay_edits
RWMC posts: Sarah Boles
If you are seeking a magical, family-friendly Christmas experience, look no further than Europe’s festive holiday markets. Take a stroll along cobbled streets adorned with fairy lights to admire traditional handmade gifts, beautiful ornaments, and gorgeous decor, and to taste an array of local festive delicacies. Today, join travel blogger and UK mom of two, Aimee Keeble, as she explores the very best family-friendly Christmas markets in Europe for you to visit with your children.
‘Tis the season
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and also the season of travel! For families looking for a fun and unique way to celebrate the season, there’s no better way to discover the magic of the holidays than by immersing your family in the European Christmas markets.
As the winter chill sets in and twinkling lights illuminate cobblestone streets, it’s time to pack your bags, grab the little ones, and embark on a festive journey that you won’t find any other time of year. From snow-dusted fairytale settings to mouthwatering treats that will tantalize the taste buds and gorgeous hand-made ornaments, toys, and decor, join me on a virtual sleigh ride through Europe’s most magical Christmas market destinations. Get ready to create cherished memories and discover the true spirit of the holidays in the heart of these winter wonderlands.
Preparing to visit the Christmas Markets
If you haven’t visited a European Christmas market before, here are a few top tips for an enjoyable visit;
Payment methods
Since the pandemic, most small vendors have switched to accepting card payments, however not all will. Be sure to bring both your credit cards and cash in the correct currency to spend on smaller items.
Dress warm
To enjoy long periods of time outside in winter, don’t forget to pack thermal base-layers, insulated coats, gloves and hats.
Walk
Most Christmas Markets in Europe are in town/city centres so you will get the best experience by booking a central place to stay and exploring on foot or by using public transport. European cities have excellent public transport systems with trams, buses, and underground lines. Not only will you see more of the local sights, but you can enjoy the mulled wine and spiced ciders without having to drive!
Stay safe
Christmas Markets can be very busy places so take the usual safety precautions of agreeing a meeting point in case you are separated, taking a photo of your child clothing on the day, and having your phone number in their pocket. If you are heading out in the dark to admire the lights, consider reflective coats or attachable lights to help your children stand out.
Cobblestone streets
Cobbles and steps are very common across European cities so be sure to consider stroller suitability – bigger wheels or carriers are best.
Timing is everything
Christmas markets can get crowded, especially on weekends and evenings. Plan your visit during off-peak hours to avoid the biggest crowds. Arriving early in the day can also provide a more relaxed experience for your family.
Best European Christmas Markets for kids and families
Ready to journey through Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets? Here are our five favorites. Each of these European cities promises an unforgettable holiday experience for kids and families, blending tradition, wonder, and the timeless joy of the Christmas season.
1. Tallinn, Estonia
By far, our favourite Christmas market can be found in Tallinn, Estonia. The medieval Old Town transforms into a fairytale landscape, offering not only artisanal crafts but also performances and a charming Christmas train for the little adventurers. Held in the historic Town Hall Square, the small market hosts a huge Christmas tree, live music, and a little carousel. You won’t find mass-produced items here, but rather locally crafted Estonian products such as winter jumpers, beautifully painted baubles, and warm gloves.
Be sure to taste some of the local delicacies like sour cabbage and glögi (mulled wine). Adorned with fairy lights and often snowy, Tallinn is the most magical Christmas Market to visit. We particularly love this market because it’s smaller and pedestrianized, so it’s perfect for children to explore. Plus, once you’re finished with the market, there’s the epic Seaplane Harbour Museum to check out!
2. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges, Belgium, hosts a slightly larger Christmas Market with both locally crafted products and more widely available items. The city takes on a storybook setting in the winter with its cobbled streets and historic squares. For the children, there’s an outdoor ice rink and a light trail to explore. Bruges is compact and easy to navigate on foot with young children in just 2-3 days, which makes it ideal for a long weekend with the family. After that, you could take in Ghent, which also has a wonderful market, or if you are looking for a larger, bustling vibe, head over to Brussels.
3. Prague, Czechia
Prague, Czechia, is a winter wonderland of incredible architecture and spirited market stalls, inviting families to explore a magical carousel, an ice-skating rink, and a puppet theater for festive delights. The festivities in Prague are spread across the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, where you can discover a wide range of Christmas gifts, including ceramics, lace, wooden toys, and knitted clothing. Prague’s Christmas market is the perfect place to discover new food by tasting some Czech delicacies such as klobása (sausage), trdelník (sweet pastries) and svařák (mulled wine).
This market is great for families with plenty to keep the children entertained, including creating their own traditional Czech Christmas crafts (weekends) and petting the lovely animals at the stable in the Old Town Square. Again, the city is small and easy to explore on foot.
4. Vienna, Austria
The historic city of Vienna has multiple Christmas markets to explore with children and an excellent transport system to hop between them easily. Here, you will find beautiful wooden toys and the most delicious pretzels! The City Hall also offers activities for the children, including Christmas cookie decorating and candle making. Once you’re done with the markets, there’s also the oldest fairground in Europe to visit, which the kids will love!
5. Budapest, Hungary
You will find Budapest’s main Christmas market outside St Istvan Bazilika (St Stephen’s Basilica), where there’s a delightful range of traditional handmade crafts and sweet treats (be sure to try the ‘Kurtoskalacs’ – Hungarian chimney cake!). Here, the children can also enjoy laser light shows and skate at the ice rink, which circles the Christmas tree in St Istvan Square. Once you’ve finished browsing, head up to the Basilica for some rooftop views of the city.
Nearby, you will also find the historic Christmas fayre in Vorosmarty Square, surrounded by beautiful 19th-century buildings. This one is ideal for quaint handmade gifts and mulled wine! After exploring the markets, be sure to visit the thermal baths.
European Christmas markets for families
Under the glow of twinkling lights and amidst the festive cheer, exploring Europe’s enchanting Christmas markets with your family promises to be a memorable experience. Each destination I’ve featured today offers unique activities, experiences, foods, traditions, and delights for your children to experience. I hope you’ll have a chance to make it to the Christmas markets this year. And as you navigate through the market stalls, be sure to savor seasonal treats, as well as the joy on your children’s faces.
Aimee is a humanitarian worker and photographer based in the UK. As a mum to two young boys, she spends much of her time outdoors in nature and enjoys traveling with her family. Aimee loves to support other families to explore with young children by sharing tips and inspiration.
You can find more from Aimee online in the following locations:
Instagram: @how_i_wander_uk
Website: How I Wander
Bryce Canyon National Park is a natural wonderland of towering rock spires. One of Utah’s “Mighty 5” National Parks, Bryce features unique geological formations carved by erosion and known as hoodoos. This unusual landscape offers scenic views, stunning hikes, and epic recreation for all ages. Watching a sunrise over the amphitheater of golden rock hoodoos is sure to be a remarkable family memory. Today, Sara Lesire, mom of two and founder of Midwest Nomad Family, shares how your family can plan an unforgettable adventure while exploring Bryce Canyon National Park with kids.
Planning your visit to Bryce Canyon National Park
Location of Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park is located in southern Utah. The park is easily reachable by car on major highways, although snow can cause closures in the winter months. Most visitors combine a visit to Bryce with other National Parks in the area, such as Zion, Capitol Reef, Arches, or Canyonlands National Parks. The park is within a few hours drive of major airports in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City. Don’t miss a drive along nearby scenic Highway 12 if you have the chance!
Inspiration Point overlook
Best time of year to visit Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park remains open year-round, 24 hours a day. May through September is considered peak season with the warmest temperatures but also the highest crowds. As a higher-elevation park, the temperature is often cooler than the surrounding area.
Late fall through spring can bring snow and icy conditions on the trail. July and August are part of the rainy season with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. We visited in early October and found fewer crowds, beautiful fall colors, cool nights, and pleasant daytime temperatures.
Things to pack for Bryce Canyon National Park
With the elevation of Bryce Canyon ranging from 7,800 to over 9,000 ft above sea level, it is important to pack for the weather. Dress in layers as the days often start cool before warming by the afternoon. A good combination of breathable base layers and outer weatherproof jackets or coats is recommended. The hiking trails often require steep climbs in and out of the canyon, where well-fitting hiking shoes or even sneakers can provide comfort and stability.
The area is quite a distance away from any major towns. It is important to bring along any food, medicine, or special items you may need during your visit. There is a general store near the park’s lodge and a couple of smaller stores just outside the park, but their supplies are limited. The park does offer a restaurant, and there are several more options just outside the park’s entrance. However, bringing along plenty of snacks or supplies for a picnic in the park can be more convenient and more fun.
Bryce Canyon park fees and access
While there are no reservations or timed entry requirements for visiting Bryce Canyon National Park, all visitors must have an entrance pass. The pass may be purchased online in advance or at the park entrance booths. Since the pass costs $35 per car for 7 days of use, it is often better to purchase an annual America the Beautiful pass for $80, which gives you admittance to all U.S. National Parks for one year. Other passes, such as the 4th grade, military, or disabled access passes, are also accepted.
Bryce Canyon National Park operates a shuttle system within the park to help with crowds and traffic. The shuttle is free and operates between the most popular park destinations. However, riding the shuttle is not required, and you can still drive your own vehicle along all of the park roads.
Safety tips for exploring Bryce Canyon National Park with kids
The higher elevation means that it is even more important to stay hydrated and protected from the sun. Be sure to pack refillable water bottles or hydration packs to prevent dehydration and altitude sickness. It may be best to take it easy when first arriving to give your body and your kids little bodies time to acclimate. Sun protection such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen can be extra important since you will be closer to the sun.
Most of the trails offer very wide surfaces; however, remind kids to keep to the trail for safety and to protect the park’s delicate ecosystem. Keep an eye on children and remind them to keep back from the canyon’s edge. Most of the main viewpoints do have railings, but just beyond the viewpoint may be dangerous drop-offs.
Kid-friendly hikes at Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon has amazing hiking trails. Every trail offers stunning viewpoints and unique views of the hoodoo rock formations. There is something for all ages and some trails are even stroller or wheelchair accessible. The park even has a special hiking challenge, called Hike the Hoodoos. Keep an eye out for special signs with survey benchmarks. Make a rubbing of the marker or snap a selfie while also hiking at least 3 miles to collect a prize from the Visitor Center.
Rim Trail (easy)
The Rim Trail at Bryce Canyon is the easiest trail in the park, but it still offers quite the view. The entire trail is 5.5 miles each way, with multiple access points. As the name states, this trail follows the rim of the canyon and offers panoramic views of the hoodoos below. The most popular portion of the trail is the fully paved and flat 0.5-mile stretch between Sunrise and Sunset Point. The Rim Trail is combinable with other trails in the park, such as Queen’s Garden and the Navajo Loop.
Bristlecone Loop Trail (easy)
The Bristlecone Loop trail is a less crowded option as it requires driving the scenic drive all the way to the southern end of the park at Rainbow Point. This one-mile round-trip hike wanders through the trees at the highest portion of the park, over 9,000 feet in elevation. One of the park rangers told us this was her favorite hike in the park.
Mossy Cave Trail (easy)
The Mossy Cave trail is a short and beautiful hike that offers both a cave and a waterfall. The trailhead is located outside of the main area of the park along Highway 12. Instead of viewing the hoodoos from above, this trail gives you a view of them from below. The total trail is about 0.8 miles long and starts by crossing a bridge over the creek. After the bridge, the trail splits, with the left leading to a view of the cave, and the right leading to a view of the waterfall.
Queen’s Garden Trail (moderate)
The Queen’s Garden hike is a popular way to descend down into the canyon from the rim at Sunrise Point. With a steep elevation change of 450 to climb back up, you may all be breathing a little heavily at the end. The trail is an out-and-back to the Queen Victoria hoodoo viewpoint with a total roundtrip distance of 1.8 miles. Kids will love the tunnels carved into the stone along this trail. It is also combinable with the Navajo Loop to make an even better hiking loop.
Navajo Loop (moderate)
Similar to Queen’s Garden, the Navajo Loop descends from the rim to offer an up close view of the hoodoos and Thor’s Hammer formation. Starting and ending at Sunset Point, this trail is normally a 1.3-mile loop for the loop with a 515-foot elevation gain. The loop option can normally be hiked in either direction, with one portion of the loop passing through a narrow canyon known as Wall Street and the other half of the loop passing by natural rock bridges known as Two Bridges.
However, at this time, the Wall Street portion is closed due to damage from a rockfall. You can still climb in and out down stunning switchbacks to view Two Bridges or combine the trail with the Queen’s Garden for a longer loop.
Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop (moderate)
If you can only hike one trail at Bryce, do this loop! The combo of the Navajo Loop with Queen’s Garden is one of the best 3-mile hikes we have ever done in a national park. The park service recommends starting the loop at Sunrise Point and descending Queen’s Garden first, but you can hike the trail in either direction. If you are able to hike this trail just after sunrise, you can enjoy amazing golden light and fewer crowds.
We first started by watching the sunrise at Sunset Point and descending down the Navajo Loop. Navajo is a little steeper descent, while Queen’s Garden is more gradual. The two trails connect together at the spur to the Queen Victoria hoodoo. When you ascend back up to either Sunrise or Sunset Point (depending on where you started), you will then walk the paved 0.5-mile Rim Trail to connect back to where you first began the loop.
Tower Bridge (moderate)
Tower Bridge is more rugged hike than the other hikes listed above. This trail is a 3.4-mile total out-and-back hike with 800 feet of elevation gain. The trail leads to a spur with a viewpoint of Tower Bridge. We ran out of time to complete this hike but saved it for next time.
Other activities and recreation in Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is one of the smaller national parks in Utah. This makes it easier to explore Bryce National Park with kids, even if you have a short time to visit. While hiking is one of the most popular activities, there are several more adventure options to check out during your stay.
Explore the Visitor Center
Bryce Canyon National Park has a nice and helpful Visitor Center. The center includes restrooms, a gift shop, and a theater showing a movie about the park. There is also a fun area for all ages with interactive exhibits. Be sure to ask a ranger if you have any questions or to obtain a Junior Ranger book.
Complete the Junior Ranger program
Our kids love collecting Junior Ranger badges at each of the different national park sites. Bryce Canyon has a cute and fun book suitable for all ages. Return your completed book to the Visitor Center for a wooden badge. (Bonus tip: The badges are wooden here, so you can use the park passport stamps in the gift shop to stamp the date you visited on the back of the badge!)
Drive the Scenic Drive
The Southern Scenic Drive extends from the north entrance of the park for 18 miles to the end of the road at Rainbow and Yovimpa Points. The first 3 miles of road connect to the Bryce Amphitheater. The last 15 miles offer 9 more scenic overlooks and fewer crowds. The elevation will increase as you drive this stretch.
If you are planning to drive the entire road, I would recommend driving all the way to the end at Rainbow and Yovimpa Points first. On your return trip, all of the pullouts and parking areas for the overlooks will be on your right.
Take a guided horseback ride
Back in 1931, the National Park Service completed 4.5 miles of horse and foot trails that are still in use today. The company Canyon Trail Rides offers guided horse and mule rides into the Bryce Amphitheater along a dedicated horse trail and the Peekaboo Loop Trail.
Go stargazing
Bryce Canyon is a night star sanctuary due to the lack of light pollution. While you can star gaze on your own, the park also offers over 100 astronomy and night sky programs each year. Although you can see thousands of stars at any time of year, the week before and the week of a new moon offer the darkest skies. If you visit during a full moon and have kids over 7, check out the guided Full Moon hikes.
Bike or walk the shared-use path
If you need another paved trail option, check out the shared-use path. The path contains 5 miles of trail throughout the park and continues for another 13 miles to nearby Red Canyon. If you don’t have your own bike, rentals of both normal bikes and e-bikes are available at the historic service station in the park.
Watch a sunrise
While getting up before the crack of dawn on vacation might not sound appealing, you don’t want to miss watching a sunrise at Bryce Canyon National Park! The amphitheater of hoodoos glows orange as the sun slowly peeks over the horizon. It’s truly spectacular and worth it!
The most popular places for sunrise views are Sunrise, Sunset, Bryce, and Inspiration Point. Sunrise Point will most likely have the biggest crowds, but we preferred the higher views from Inspiration Point. However, since almost all of the park viewpoints face east, there really isn’t a bad spot.
Sunrise at Inspiration PointSunrise at Sunset Point
Visit a playground
My kids just love it when we find a great playground while traveling. The town of Bryce has a nice one along the main road in town. This playground has fun climbing equipment, slides, and swings. There is a restroom nearby as well.
Explore other area parks
In case you have a longer stay or are seeking more adventures, there are several other parks nearby. Red Canyon is part of the adjacent Dixie National Forest and offers many kid-friendly hikes. Willis Creek Slot Canyon is an amazing and family-friendly slot canyon about 45 minutes away down a well-graded gravel road. Kodachrome Basin State Park is about 20 miles from Bryce and offers more unique rock formations.
Further away, you can find more explorations at Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Zion National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park. The opportunities for adventure are endless in this region!
Willis Creek slot canyon
Where to stay near Bryce Canyon National Park with kids
While the Bryce area is fairly remote, there are still several lodging choices both in and just outside of the park boundaries. The closest option is the historic Lodge at Bryce Canyon within the national park. The lodge offers hotel rooms and cabins just a short walk from the main amphitheater viewpoints. The lodge also has a dining room for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Just outside of the the National Park, the towns of Bryce and Tropic offer more hotel and cabin options. These two towns also have some great restaurant options. I highly recommend the Pizza Place in Tropic for affordable and delicious food.
Camping and glamping options near Bryce Canyon
If you are looking for camping options for your tent or RV, the park offers two different campgrounds. The North Campground is located across from the Visitor Center and is open year-round. The Sunset Campground is only open seasonally but is located close to the popular viewpoint and trailhead at Sunset Point.
If you want to escape the crowded hotels, but want more luxury than camping, I highly recommend Bryce Glamp and Camp (hosted). This unique lodging option offers glamping domes with electricity, heat and air conditioning, a mini kitchen, bathrooms, firepits, Wi-Fi, and TV. The domes are located outside of town and offer amazing star gazing and views. They even have extra activities such as horseshoes, volleyball, disc golf, and a hiking trail.
Bryce Glamp and Camp
Exploring Bryce Canyon National Park with kids
Planning an adventure to Bryce Canyon National Park with kids is an exceptional opportunity to create lasting memories and instill a love for the outdoors. The park’s unique geology and hoodoo formations are unlike landscapes you may have seen anywhere else in the world. The family-friendly hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and junior ranger program allow children to discover the park’s natural wonders at their own level. Exploring Bryce Canyon National Park with kids offers a chance for families to connect with nature in a truly remarkable setting.
Are you ready to plan a visit to Bryce Canyon National Park?
About the author
Sara Lesire has been married to her high school sweetheart for 17 years, and together they have two children. Sara spent many childhood hours outside on her grandparents’ farm and strives for her kids to have similar carefree kid adventures. Based in the St. Louis area, she loves to share on her blog and social media all the scenic and fun places to explore around the St. Louis area and beyond. Hiking is the most popular activity for her whole family, followed by hitting up the best local playgrounds. Photography is also a passion of Sara’s, and she continues to be amazed at the natural beauty and wonder of God’s creation. When she is not hitting the trail, Sara works as a civil engineer.
