beach activities for kids

  • BEACH, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SPRING, SUMMER, WATER

    Tips for Sandcastle Building With Kids

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

    Tips from Experts on Sandcastle Building with Kids

    Sandcastles mean summer

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

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

    Sandcastle building with kids - San Diego Sand Castles

    Meet the sandcastle pros

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

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

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

    Sandcastle building tools

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

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

    sand castle building sand consistency

    Sandcastle building tip #1 – prep your sand

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

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

    Sandcastle building with kids- plop & jiggle

    Sandcastle building tip #2 – set the foundation

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

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

    Sand castle building with kids- stack high

    Sandcastle building tip #3 – stack it up

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

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

    Sandcastle building with kids- carve & add detail

    Sandcastle building tip #4 – cure and carve

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

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

    Sandcastle building with kids- keep it tidy

    Sandcastle building tip #5 – keep it tidy

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

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

    Sandcastle building with kids- crenellation blocks

    Sandcastle building tip #6 – add crenellation blocks

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

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

    Sandcastle building with kids- building bridges

    Sandcastle building tip #7 – how to build bridges

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

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

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

    Sandcastle building with kids

    The science and fun of sandcastle building

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

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

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

    Do your kids love to build sandcastles?

    About the author

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

    You can find Michelle online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @wonderclubexplorers
    Website: http://www.wonderclubexplorers.co
    RWMC posts: Outdoor Etiquette & Nature Manners for Kids, Outdoor Resolutions for Nature Kids, How to Cultivate Nature-Inspired Literacy in Kids

  • BEACH, BIKE, HIKE, LESSONS, NATURE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, OUTDOOR SCHOOLS

    How to Cultivate Nature-Inspired Literacy in Children

    These days, the adage “not all learning happens in the classroom” couldn’t be more true. The notion of a classroom has been redefined by the pandemic. Kids are learning from home and from school, on the road in RVs, and while at the beach. Learning can happen anywhere! Given the deconstructed school day that exists for many, why not use this opportunity to redefine the classroom a little more? Today, Creative Team member Michelle Garrett, California mom, and creator of Wonder Club Explorers, is here with four fun outdoor activities for kids that will help cultivate nature-inspired literacy. 

    Teaching kids nature-inspired literacy through outdoor activities

    Nature-inspired literacy

    In these crazy pandemic times, it is tough watching children sit for long periods, away from friends, and adapting to school on a computer. Most parents and teachers will tell you the same thing…kids should be active, socializing, and outside! One way to provide balance to a child’s day is to introduce nature-inspired literacy as a supplement to textbooks and tablet learning.

    Literacy is an ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate, and compute, using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. Nature is a great learning tool and can be used to help kids grasp large concepts. Outdoor nature-inspired activities like tide pooling, stargazing, hiking, and biking have foundations in physics, astronomy, and geography. Using tools, materials, and resources while participating in a fun outdoor activity can help your child become literate in these complex subjects and explain things in ways children can understand and appreciate. 

    Today, I’m going to show you how simple outdoor activities can help to expand your kids’ horizons outdoors and in nature. Here’s how to use tide pooling, stargazing, hiking, and biking to help cultivate nature-inspired literacy in children.

    Nature inspired literacy outdoor activities for kidsTeaching kids about marine sciences and physics through tide pooling 

    Teaching marine sciences and physics through tide pooling 

    Tide pooling is an excellent activity to expose your child to marine science. Tide pools can be found in intertidal zones and they give kids an up-close experience with marine life. As tides recede, animals and algae are exposed in craggy rock pools at the ocean’s edge. Within these rocky crevices, kids can usually find sea urchins, sea stars, hermit crabs, sea anemone and so much more. In just one square meter of a tide pool, your child could find dozens of different animals, a remarkable display of adaptation and survival. How cool is that?

    In order to teach your kids about the cycle of the tides, you’ll also want a basic understanding of physics. In particular, you’ll want to be familiar with the relationship between the gravitational pull of the moon and the Earth. If you need a quick primer, here’s the basic premise. The moon’s gravitational field is significant, and it causes the rise and fall of the ocean level as it orbits the Earth. When the Earth faces the moon, a tidal bulge occurs and it results in a high tide on the opposite sides of the Earth. When the face of the Earth is perpendicular to the moon, low tide occurs.

    The best tool for making the most of a tide pooling experience is a tide chart. Tide charts contain data for local water levels, tide predictions, and other oceanographic and meteorological conditions. High and low tides both appear twice in a 24 hour day. Tides occur at different times each day depending on where the moon is in its cycle. Understanding how to read tide charts is essential for a tide pooling excursion. And it’s relatively easy to do. Kids will love using a local tide chart to help determine when to visit the tidepools. This will not only teach them about tides but about timing and lunar cycles, as well. 

    A good source for information to learn more about the tides is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

    Teaching astronomy through stargazing - Nature-inspired literacy for kids

    Teaching astronomy through stargazing

    Who doesn’t love a starry night? What makes stargazing such a wonderfully fun activity is that anyone can do it. All you have to do is look up! Stargazing is an introduction to understanding the universe outside of the Earth’s atmosphere. It is also an excellent primer for the scientific field of Astronomy. 

    Some 400 years ago, stargazing developed as a scientific pursuit. The Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei designed a telescope to enable the close observation of the night sky. The rest of his astronomical pursuits were groundbreaking. Gallileo’s credits include such things as being the first person to spot the four moons of Jupiter (a.k.a the Galilean moons), as well as his discovery that the surface of our moon contains mountains and craters. 

    The best time to stargaze is on a moonless night. Once outside, close your eyes and count to 100 to acclimate to the dark. As you slowly open your eyes, stars will appear across the night sky. Stars are not the only things you can spot in the night sky. To differentiate all the lights in the sky, you need to know that stars twinkle and steady lights are planets. Other fun things to spot on a dark, moonless night are things like meteors (shooting stars), satellites, and aircraft.  

    To help your child learn astromony through stargazing, there are some really great online tools. Stellarium is a free open source planetarium for your computer. It shows a realistic sky in 3D, just like what you see with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope. Star finder apps like SkyView can help your child find and identify constellations using your phone’s camera. NASA’s Spot the Station Website gives you a list of upcoming space station sighting opportunities for your exact location. A constellation chart is another great resource for astronomy.

    Keep in mind that while stargazing is easily done with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope will enhance the experience.  We like this beginner portable telescope.

    Teaching kids topography through hiking

    Teaching topography through hiking

    Two super handy things to have for a hiking adventure are a good sense of direction and knowledge of your environment. Without these things, even a simple hike can go sideways. It’s always a good idea to carry a map to help you make sense of your position in the outdoors. However, carrying a map is only half of the equation. Your child should also know how to read one. This is a skill that many children are losing due to GPS access and phones. Teaching kids to read a map is a skill that any outdoor child should learn – it could save their life. 

    Topographic maps are pretty standard fare amongst seasoned hikers. Topographic maps are graphic representations of natural and man-made features of the Earth’s surface. They show the shape of the land, lakes, streams, roads, and provide a complete inventory of the terrain, including elevation. When you know how to read a topographic map, you’ll have a better chance of locating a good camping site or water source, distinguishing main trails from minor ones, identifying trail connections, and estimating elevations. Each of these skills will help your child to be mentally prepared for a trek. 

    Reading topographical maps requires practice. You’ll want to teach your child to understand how to decipher all of the technical information that appears on a map. In addition to reading a map, you may also want to teach your child how to use a compass. The pairing of map reading and compass reading will require basic navigation skills. If you need to brush up on your navigation skills, check out this great article from Backpacker Magazine to learn the basics of compass navigation. 

    teaching geography through biking

    Teaching geography through biking

    Did you know that there is a U.S Bicycle Route System? In fact, there are likely designated bike routes in your own cities and towns. If you’d like to go on a biking adventure outside of the neighborhood with your kids, then you will want to teach them the ins and outs of reading a bike map. Rest assured, the same map reading and route planning skills involved with hiking apply to bike riding as well. Again, being able to read a map is an important skill. 

    It is worth noting that not all bike routes are the same. A bike map will distinguish between the classes of bike paths. A Class I bike path is a completely separated bi-directional right-of-way designated for bicycles. Class II bike lanes are striped lanes for one-way bike travel. Class III bike routes are travel ways for bicycles through a community denoted by signs). Finally, enhanced bike routes are a superior route based on traffic volume and speeds, street width, directness, and cross-street priority. Each of these bike routes results in different road conditions. Cyclists should know the difference between the types of routes as they are important for a bicyclist’s safety.  

    Transportation planners take a holistic approach when mapping out bike routes. For that reason, you will often see bike routes integrated with public transportation. Knowing how to navigate these connections it is an added benefit of bike map literacy. For a peek at what the USBR’s National Corridor Plan will look like, once complete, visit Adventure Cycling. 

    teaching little kids big concepts through outdoor playteaching kids nature-inspired literacy

    Make nature-inspired literacy part of your school day

    Nature-inspired literacy is easily attained by taking the time to familiarize oneself with the charts, maps, and resources that are part of outdoor activities. By taking the time to learn how to use these tools, kids will learn more about the activities both in a practical and academic sense. As with anything, once you understand the concepts behind an activity, the more enjoyable they become. As parents and caregivers, let’s make the most of these unprecedented times and incorporate nature-inspired literacy into our children’s school days. Don’t forget to have fun exploring and be sure to tag #runwildmychild in your outdoor adventures!

    Which of these activities would your child like the most?

    About the author

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

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

  • BEACH, CANOE/KAYAK, FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER

    How to Stand Up Paddleboard with Kids

    Summer will soon be coming to an end soon, but right now there’s still plenty of time to get out on the water! One of the most fun outdoor water activities for families is stand up paddleboarding (SUP). Not only is stand up paddleboarding a great work-out, but standing upright on a paddleboard lets you look down into the water and really connect with the nature around you. Today, we have Chelsea Furlong, a professional photographer and (new) homeschooling mom of two, here with tips on how to stand up paddleboard with kids and everything you need to know to get started. 

    how to stand up paddleboard with kids

    Benefits of stand up paddleboarding (SUP)

    Paddleboarding is a great way to spend time with your family outdoors. You get fresh air and sunlight, which we can all use during stressful times, as well as plenty of full-body exercise. SUP promotes balance, increases arm, leg and core strength, and improves endurance as well. The balancing works on your foot, leg, and core, while the paddling is great for your arms and shoulders! Paddleboarding is also a great way to build confidence in children. They get so excited when they’re able to stand securely and do it themselves. Being on the water is also amazing for stress release, which we could all use more of right now. Being outside and in nature is imperative to your family’s mental health.

    SUP during COVID

    Because of the pandemic this year, there’s been a boom in individual sports that allow for fresh air and physical activity, while still following social distancing guidelines. Biking, skateboarding, hiking, kayaking, and stand up paddleboarding are popular outdoor, COVID-friendly family activities. While the beaches may be closed during the pandemic, stand up paddleboarding gives you an opportunity to enjoy the water without using the beach! Our city allowed the residents to exercise outside during quarantine, so stand up paddleboarding was a great option!

    advice on how to SUP with kids

    What do I need to stand up paddleboard with kids?

    The supplies needed for stand up paddleboarding are minimal! You’ll need a stand up paddleboard, a paddle, and personal flotation devices (PFDs) for each person. There is a fairly wide range when it comes to the price of paddleboards, depending on the size, material and brand. We have two solid paddleboards, but many people now are purchasing inflatable stand up paddleboards (iSUP) because they are easier to store and transport!

    When picking a stand up paddleboard, it is important to note the size and weight limit of the board. Wider boards are easier to balance on and great for doing yoga and toting kids along! They usually have a higher weight limit as well. The thinner boards can be more difficult to balance on but are better for SUP surfing! If you have young children that you plan riding with, be sure that the board you pick can handle the weight of you both!

    Some SUPs come with a paddle, but if you are purchasing the board and paddle separately I recommend an adjustable paddle. With an adjustable paddle, you can make it smaller for the kids when they’re paddling and then make it larger for you when it’s your turn to paddle. 

    If investing in your own SUP isn’t in the budget, look for a local SUP rental company! Renting equipment is a great option for those just getting started to see whether they’ll like it.

    Other items to bring along

    Another great item to have, but isn’t necessary is a waterproof bag that can attach to your board. We have one like this that I’m able to clip right to my board. We usually keep bug spray, sunscreen, car keys, and a cell phone in there in case of an emergency. You obviously run a risk of the bag detaching and losing your keys/phone in the water, so always double-check that it’s securely fastened. When we have our whole family on the water, we feel having a way to call someone during an emergency is definitely worth the risk of the bag detaching and falling in the water.

    tips for how to paddleboard with kids

    How to get started stand up paddleboarding with kids

    Once you have your gear, the only other things you need are water and a sense of adventure! Learning how to stand up paddleboard may sound intimidating, but it doesn’t take long before you’re on your board cruising through the water. Here are a few more tips for getting started. 

    Where to go to stand up paddleboard?

    You can technically try stand up paddleboarding in any body of water. However, I’d recommend that beginners start on lakes and ponds and avoid the open ocean or rivers. This way you don’t have to worry about large waves or fast-moving currents. The more confident and comfortable you are, the easier it will be for you to start transitioning to moving water and the open ocean. 

    Get comfortable on your board first

    Before you get your children involved, you’ll want to be sure YOU are comfortable stand up paddleboarding. You should feel comfortable balancing, paddling, falling and climbing back up on the board. When you add children to the mix, you’ll have to manage all of that PLUS assist them in the water and back onto the SUP if they fall. If you’re brand new to the sport, I recommend taking some time on your own to get the hang of it. Start on your knees and then work your way up to standing.

    how to get started paddleboarding with kids

    Practice in shallow water

    Once you’re feeling ready, it’s time to add in the kids! Before you toss your kids on a paddleboard and head out of a long adventure, you’ll want to be sure they’re comfortable in the water and on the board. You’ll want to help them practice in shallow water so you can stand beside them, hold the paddleboard, and assist them as they become more comfortable. It may take quite a few spills and retries before they figure it out.

    Make practicing fun for the kids

    Before taking our kids out on adventures, we made games for them to play on our stand up paddleboards. It’s important that your children feel comfortable falling off the board, swimming back to it, and climbing back up on it. We let our kids practice by standing up on the boards and jumping off into the water! Kids LOVE doing this! It’s like having your own dock to jump off.

    The other game they play is a made-up game called “Paddle Battle.” This is better for older children. Both kids stand up on a paddleboard facing each other, a few feet apart. I call out, “3, 2, 1..Paddle battle!” and they each use their legs to rock the SUP back and forth until someone falls off.  The last one standing is the winner! This is great for balance and stability practice, and they get used to the feeling of falling off the board and then climbing back on. 

    stand up paddleboarding with kids - games to play on the paddleboard

    SUP with younger children

    For younger children, you’ll want to have them feel what it’s like to sit on the board. You can have them explore the paddleboard on land and in the water. Have them sit on the board while you stand next to them holding the board and give them a nice, slow, calm ride around a shallow spot. Once they’re comfortable with that, you can try kneeling on the SUP with them sitting in the front, and paddling from a kneeling position. That way you’re still nice and close to them, and able to provide comfort and encouragement. 

    Practice paddling

    When the kids are comfortable on the stand up paddleboard, you can then have them begin to practice paddling! You’ll want to start in a shallow place so that you can stand next to them and help them navigate. If they’ve been kayaking, learning to paddle on a SUP will be easy! Make sure your children are comfortable paddling in a straight line as well as making turns before you head out too far. My kids like to paddle forward fast and then stop the paddle in the water to make quick turns. 

    sunset paddleboarding and kayaking with kids

    Get out there!

    Once you and your children are all comfortable on your stand up paddleboard, it’s time to adventure! Depending on the ages of your children, you may choose to have them sit on the stand up paddleboard with an adult paddling or have them paddle on their own.

    Pro tip: Our children are at an in-between age right now. They’re older and able to paddle alone, but not for long distances. So they use these children’s kayaks for longer adventures and paddle in their kayaks while my husband and I use our SUPS. The small kayaks are lightweight and easy to carry. They’re also very easy to turn so it’s great paddling practice. It’s a wonderful way for all of us to have a great experience on the water during a longer journey! 

    Find what works best for your family and head out exploring! The memories you make together will be priceless, and you’ll all go home feeling rejuvenated. 

    Have you been stand up paddleboarding with kids?
    What’s your favorite tip?

    About the author

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

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

  • BEACH, BIKE, CRAFTS, GARDENING, GOOD FOR NATURE, HIKE, HOLIDAYS, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SPRING, WATER

    15+ Activities to Celebrate Earth Day with Kids

    Earth Day is next week and the world needs you and your actions! There are so many things parents and kids can do to help protect, preserve and restore our planet – from cleaning up, to recycling, composting, planting a garden or just enjoying the beauty of nature! Today, we have Chelsea Furlong (professional photographer and eco-conscious mom of 2) here with 15+ eco-friendly activities kids and families can do together to celebrate Earth Day. And bonus that all these activities can be done at or around the home, while socially distancing.

    kid friendly Earth Day activities


    15+ Earth Day Activities With Kids

    Earth Day 2020

    April 22, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! The first Earth Day was April 22, 1970. On that historical day, 20 million Americans filled the streets with protests to stop the destruction of our precious planet. This essentially started what became the planet’s largest civic event and an environmental movement. Since then, Earth Day has been celebrated annually worldwide on the 22nd day of April.

    While this year is a bit of an anomaly and we’ll have to celebrate at (or close to) home and away from others (no marches or protests this year), there’s no reason why this can’t be the best Earth Day celebration ever! Use this as a way to avoid shopping/purchasing anything new (especially plastics) and use what you’ve already got on hand in new ways. Get creative and make the most out of the things you already own or can find in nature close to home.

    Celebrating Earth Day with kids

    Getting kids involved in taking care of the planet when they’re young encourages them to continue the tradition as they get older. It’s a parent’s job to teach kids to be good stewards of the earth encourages them to love and respect their planet and nature. There are so many amazing ways you can celebrate this day with your kids and family while being conscious of your carbon footprint. Here are some of my favorites!

    1. Nature scavenger hunt

    Make a list of things found in nature around your home, neighborhood or a local park. Then go out for a walk or hike with the family and see how many items you can find. In order to save paper, you could make the list on your phone or a reusable dry erase board or reusable writing board. We love our Boogie Board writing tablets for things like this! 

    Earth Day activities with kids

    2. Neighborhood clean up

    Grab some gloves and garbage bags and beautify your neighborhood by removing all the trash humans have tossed around. My kids actually love doing this because they almost always find treasures they want to clean up and keep. Our oldest son keeps a whole lot of other people’s discarded items to use in creating art and sculptures, and we don’t mind one bit! We get to enjoy his creative mind while giving the trash a second life before it’s tossed into a landfill for decades, centuries, or possibly forever.

    Earth Day clean up with kids

    3. Family bike ride

    Going on a family bike ride is a great way to get the family outside enjoying what Mother Earth has to offer while being active and adventurous! Head to your favorite bike trail or try a new one. You can enjoy your town or city without polluting the air and you’ll feel so great afterward!

    4. Get out on the water

    Spend the day observing nature from the water. Instead of using something motorized, try a kayak, rowboat, stand-up paddleboard, or other pollution-free water vehicle.

    Earth Day activities with kids

    5. Make a bird feeder

    There are TONS of ways to DIY a bird feeder using recycled materials. We made bird feeders using recycled toilet paper tubes, popsicle sticks, and even pine cones! We have a great post on making ec0-friendly bird feeders with kids using materials you already have at home! No need to leave the house!

    Earth Day activities for kids

    6. Practice Earth Day yoga

    My kids love doing yoga! Celebrate Earth Day with kids by doing a special outdoor kid-friendly yoga session. Stand barefoot in the grass so you can feel the earth under your feet and are grounded. Breathe in the fresh air and feel the sunshine and wind on your skin. You can pick some earth and animal-related poses to do. Tree, turtle, butterfly, lotus, and frog are some of my children’s’ favorite yoga poses.

    7. Make seed bombs or seed paper

    Another great activity to celebrate Earth Day with kids is to make seed bombs (with clay) or seed paper using recycled paper scraps you have lying around the house or in your recycling bin! You can bomb an area in your yard or neighborhood and see how they grow over the spring. Or give them out as gifts to friends or leave them on a neighbor’s doorstep as an Earth Day present. Feel free to use my seed paper valentine instructions as a guide, with a few swaps. Change the color (to blue/green) and shape (to a circle like the Earth) to match the Earth Day theme.

    8. Start a garden

    Kids love playing in dirt! Have them help you make a family garden. You can plant a flower garden or edible garden, and work together to take care of the plants. If you don’t have a lot of space or live in a city, you can always do a potted garden or patio garden! We don’t have a lot of space to plant edibles where we live, but we still try to grow some herbs and vegetables every year using pots and containers. Here are some recommendations for easy vegetables to grow with kids and a great post on how to make gardening enjoyable for kids.

    Eco Tip: Be sure to buy the pots/containers pre-loved at a thrift store or from someone else!

    patio garden gardening with kids

    9. Plant a tree

    There’s no better time than Earth Day to plant a tree! Spring is a great time to plant and Earth Day is a great reason. Pick a special spot to plant a family tree that you all can visit for years to come! If you plant a fruit tree, you’ll also have the added benefit of beautiful blossoms and fruit you can enjoy once your tree is mature.

    10. Make earth art

    Doing an art project is always a fun way to celebrate and document any holiday. Making art from natural materials is so much fun to create. Plus, there’s a fun added benefit in that other people will find joy when they come across your artwork! You can use any kind of materials you find in nature to create a masterpiece on the ground. We like to use shells, sticks, rocks, leaves, flowers, petals, nuts and sand.

    celebrating Earth Day with kids

    11. Start composting

    Starting a compost is something that has been on my list to do for years now and I think Earth Day is when we’ll start! My oldest son has been bringing me food scraps daily, asking to put it in a compost instead of the garbage. I promised him we would do some research and begin one soon. We don’t live in a rural area and don’t have much of a backyard space so our compost will need to be small. However, there are plenty of great options for composting in small spaces and in the city! A friend uses this composting tumbler in their backyard and adds the finished compost to their flower beds. You could research composting with your kids and start this year, too! And when you start your compost project, make sure to include a few bins for little hands so the kids can help out, too!

    12. Have a picnic

    A great way to get outside and enjoy nature is by having a picnic. You can have a picnic inside or outside! But be sure to keep it earth friendly by:

    • packing your picnic in reusable containers,
    • bringing reusable utensils/straws/water bottles, and
    • bringing cloth napkins/hand towels.

    Bonus: Try to reduce your picnic carbon footprint by preparing a vegan meal!

    13. Take a hike

    One of our favorite outdoor activities is hiking. Hiking always inspires us to take care of our beautiful planet by reminding us just how impressive nature can be! This year, if you can safely get out to a place away from others, take a fun Earth Day celebratory hike. Bring along a bag to pick up any trash/litter you see and some binoculars to do some birding while you’re out!

    ways to celebrate Earth Day with kids

    14. Make nature crowns

    Nature crowns are a really fun and easy craft you can make and wear in celebration of Earth Day! No need to buy anything, just use whatever you can find in nature. You can make nature crowns out of just about anything – flowers, grasses, clover, vines, sticks, dandelions or wildflowers! Be creative and have fun with it!

    15. Make nature paint brushes 

    Head out on a nature walk and collect different materials to use as paintbrushes! Pick up things like sticks, leaves, long blades of grass, flowers, etc. Take them home and dip them in paint to make a family piece of artwork to hang up forever. It’s a great way to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. You’ll be able to look at the art you made and remember the time you spent with your children for years to come.

    16. Earth Day puppet show 

    Another fun way to celebrate Earth Day with kids is to make puppets with materials from your recycling bin. Or, you could make sock puppets from all those single socks you have lying around! You can have your children do some research online or read some books about ways to protect our planet. Then they can share what they’ve learned by putting on a puppet show! This is also an amazing activity to share with family and friends on FaceTime or other video chatting app during quarantine. You don’t have to leave your house and you can bring some joy to others in isolation from a safe distance!

    17. Make sculptures, art, or robots using items in your recycling bin

    My kids love making art from trash! It gives those items one more life before they get tossed into the recycling bin or trash can. Use materials you would normally throw away or recycle and repurpose them into art, a sculpture or a robot (or a monster or an alien or anything!). Let them paint and decorate their creation. Display it proudly!

    18. Build a fort

    Another great way to celebrate Earth Day is to head out into the woods with your family and make a fort together! Use materials found on the ground to design a shelter. (Do NOT take down anything alive! I’m sure you’ll have plenty of options that are no longer alive and that have fallen to the ground without the help of humans!) You could have a picnic inside your fort, read some books, or just sit in the quiet and observe Earth’s gifts surrounding you.

    Earth Day activities with kids

    How will you celebrate Earth Day with your family?

    About the author

    Hi there, I’m Chelsea! I’m a photographer, mother of two busy boys, and sunshine and fresh air addict. We live in Virginia Beach and spend as much time outdoors as we possibly can! We spend most of our time exploring the beach, inlets, and nature trails nearby. Our family loves biking, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, building forts, and playing in the sand! During the warm months, you can find us enjoying the Chesapeake Bay almost every night until long after the sun goes down. We’re doing our best to reduce our carbon footprint and always try to leave every trail cleaner than it was when we arrived.

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

     

  • BEACH, HIKE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER

    15 Water Activities for Kids & Ways to Get Active on the Water

    It may be back to school season, but there’s still LOTS of summer left! Temperatures have been soaring around most of the U.S. over the last couple of weeks. It’s only natural that many of us have been gravitating toward the water to catch a break from the heat! Today, we have the amazing Chelsea Furlong, photographer and mom of 2, here with 15 kid-friendly ways to get active on the water this summer! Not only will these water activities for kids keep them cool, but they’ll help with swimming skills, improve balance and coordination and wear them out! This post is sure to inspire you to get outside and into the water as soon as possible!

    15 ways to get active on the water - favorite water activities for kids

    Get active on the water

    Summertime is the BEST time to get active with your family and it’s extra fun when the activities involve water. With two very busy kids in our house, we’re out adventuring on the water almost every single day. We’re lucky to live in Virginia Beach where the weather is warm most of the year and the beach is nearby, but we’ve done lots of these water activities for kids on lakes and rivers all over the East Coast!

    Benefits of spending time on the water

    As my children continue to grow, our list of family activities to do on the water grows right along with them. Each summer we’re able to add a few more fun water activities to do together that we weren’t quite able to do the previous year. We love being able to create so many incredible memories with our children while also getting plenty of exercise! The more time we spend outside together, the happier we all are. And it doesn’t hurt that the kids are nice and tired when bedtime rolls around!

    stand up paddle boarding with kids - favorite water activities for kids

    15 kid-friendly ways to get active on the water

    Getting outside and active on the water doesn’t have to be hard. And it doesn’t have to be the same old thing again and again. There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors and keep cool. Here are 15 different water activities for kids that will get your kids outside and active on the water this summer!

    1. Stand up paddleboarding

    Stand up paddleboarding has become one of our absolute favorite summertime water activities for kids. We started when our kids were young (ages of 4 and 6), so our kids are now great at paddleboarding alone or just sitting along for the ride. Stand up paddleboarding is a great full-body workout. While you’re balancing, your body is using your core, shoulders, arms, legs, and back. If you’ve done it before, you know that it’s even great for foot strength! You’d be surprised at how tired your feet will get from gripping the board to balance.

    Our kids also love to play a game they call “Paddle Battle.” They stand on opposites sides of the board, facing each other, and rock the board from side to side to try to get the other person to fall off the board first! They can play this game for hours and never get sick of it! They enjoy climbing up onto the boards and jumping off of them as well. If you’re not comfortable heading out for a long paddle, your kids will have a blast simply playing around on the boards. They’ll come up with all sorts of fun games!

    best outdoor water activities for active kidsstand up paddle boarding with kids - favorite water activities for kidsteaching kids to stand up paddle boarding - best outdoor water sports for kids

    2. Kayaking

    Another favorite water activity of ours is kayaking. Depending on the age/size of your kids, they can join you on a ride or paddle along in their own kayaks! Our kids have learned to kayak on adult-sized kayaks. However, there are wonderful kid-sized kayaks that you can use as well. You’ll be surprised how quickly children will learn how to use their paddles to navigate a kayak. And if they’re able to go a distance on their own (even in very shallow water where you’ll easily be able to walk to them if they need help), the pride on their faces from that sense of independence is absolutely priceless. It’s like learning to ride a bike for the first time!

    kids kayaking - favorite water activities for kids kayaking with kids - outdoor kid-friendly water activities

    3. Hiking or trail walking

    Sometimes our favorite water activities for kids involve more than just water. Whether you’re near an ocean, lake, river, creek or stream, you should be able to find lots of great walking trails close to water to enjoy! Here on the coast, we have several boardwalks, as well as walking/hiking trails along the inlets. If you’re further inland, you can usually find great hiking trails in state parks or up the mountains beside rivers and waterfalls! If you have young children, it doesn’t even have to be a very long distance. Just a quick trail with water to toss some rocks into will thrill them!

    hiking with kids near water - favorite water activities for kids beach hiking - favorite water activities for kids hiking with kids

    4. Nature hunts

    Along those same lines, nature hunts can be an amazing way to spend a few hours by the water! We often find ourselves out on a nature hunt during that rough late afternoon/early evening timeframe when it’s too early for bed, but the kids aren’t tired yet. You know what I’m talking about. That’s a perfect time to go out for a nature hunt if you have some water nearby. We’ll walk or ride bikes to the beach or inlet, and the boys will search for bugs, crabs, turtles, birds, snails, etc. They’re never disappointed.

    Kids are so curious – they can find some kind of amazing treasure wherever they go. Even a new rock and a stick is enough to excite my kids. You can either come up with a specific list of items for the kids to search for, find a list online, or forget the list and just see what you happen to come across. No matter how you decide to do it, the exercise, fresh air, splashing, and nature treasures will always be a crowd-pleaser.

    kids exploring the outdoors - favorite water activities for kids finding nature treasures on the beach - favorite water activities for kids

    5. Pedal boating

    Another great way to get active on the water is to cruise around on a pedal boat! I remember trying these out as a kid when we were on vacation at places like campgrounds with ponds or lakes. Sometimes local parks will have these for rent on the lakes. My kids are lucky because their grandmother happens to have one for them to play on at camp!  And they love that thing!

    Last year their legs were a little short so the adults ended up doing most of the pedaling. This year, however, both boys had both grown quite a bit and were able to reach the pedals on their own. Pedal boats are a surprisingly good leg workout and if you pedal around enough, you’ll likely feel it the next day! Our kids love cruising around where there’s lots of seaweed but still shallow enough for the sunlight to illuminate the creatures swimming below.

    pedal boating with kids - easy summer water activities for kids paddle boating with kids - favorite water activities for kids

    6.Yoga

    While it may seem like a land activity (and it is), yoga can really be enjoyed anywhere, including on or near the water! You can do yoga on the beach, on docks at the lake, and even on a stand up paddleboard! We like to turn our paddleboard yoga session into a bit of a challenge. We’ll see who can get into certain poses without falling off the board or see who can hold specific poses the longest. There’s no shortage of laughter during that particular activity!

    kids doing yoga on a stand up paddle board - best outdoor water sports for kids SUP yoga for kids - fun outdoor summer water activities stand up paddle board yoga

    7. Skimboarding

    Skimboarding is a fun outdoor summer water activity for kids that my boys have are just getting into this year! At the beginning of the summer, they saw some older guys using them at our beach and they didn’t stop talking about it until I finally broke down and got them a skimboard of their own. At 5 and 7, I wasn’t sure our kids would be old enough yet but they proved me wrong! They’ve had a ton of fun on that skimboard. It takes a lot of patience and coordination. Plus, it occupies them for hours.

    favorite summer water activities for kids at the beach kids skim boarding at the beach - favorite water activities for kidskids skim boarding at the beach - favorite water activities for kidskids skim boarding at the beach - favorite water activities for kids

    8. Dock jumping

    Those of you living the lake life will be very familiar with this one! This activity has been a people pleaser for decades and will never get old. My kids can spend an entire day doing this and never get sick of it. Jumping off, swimming back to the dock, and then climbing up the ladder over and over for hours. Such a great way to enjoy a warm day while also getting lots of exercise. Like most everything else in our lives right now, the boys turn this into a competition to see who can jump the highest, furthest, or do the best trick.

    We alternate between using the life vests when I’m not in the water with them and no life vests when I’m right there to assist if they get too tired to swim back to the dock unassisted. This activity was probably the best activity we’ve done all summer to help them learn to swim better. They made massive improvements in their swimming abilities after just an hour of jumping without the life vests and swimming back to the ladder! And I was right there to catch them or lend a hand if they needed a little extra help.

    kids jumping off the dock at the lake - favorite water activities for kids

    9. Surfing

    Surfing is something that’s only just now popped up on our radar as our boys are getting older. Now that they’re better swimmers and have a great sense of balance on our paddleboards, we’re ready to add surfing to our list of favorite water activities for kids! I grew up in the mountains so I’ve never tried surfing before, but since we live on the ocean it’s time to give it shot. If you live in a beach area or plan to vacation to one, you’ll likely have access to a few places that offer surfing camps for kids and private lessons. Since our youngest isn’t quite old enough for the surfing camps yet, we decided to do private lessons as a family! I have a feeling that surf boards will be on our kids’ wish lists in the near future!

    boogie boarding - favorite water activities for kids

    10. Climbing

    If you’re in the mountains rather than on the coast, I highly recommend taking some time to adventure near waterfalls!  My kids are fascinated by waterfalls because we don’t live in an area where you can find them.  Whenever we head to the mountains they insist on going out to find some!  Usually, you can also find some great spots nearby to climb rocks! We stick to small falls with fairly easy-to-navigate rock areas, since we’re not well-trained in rock climbing yet.  When we get hot and sweaty from our climbing, we just find a little pool without fast-moving water to plunk down in and cool off!  Please be warned – there is no shortage of beautiful rocks to take home in places like this, so you’re pockets and backpacks will get heavy!

    climbing waterfalls with kids - favorite water activities for kidswaterfall hiking with kidsrock climbing with kids

    11. Canoeing or row boating

    When it comes to being out on the water, you can really just assume that everyone will have a blast using any kind of boat. Kids love learning to paddle and are filled with pride when they’ve gained the skills to do it independently.

    kids on a row boat - favorite water activities for kids row boating with kid - - favorite water activities for kids

    12. Go to a splash pad

    For those of you who aren’t near nature-made splash areas, you can still have fun getting active in places like splash playgrounds or splash pads! More and more cities are building wonderful splash pads to run around in!  These are especially great for families with babies and toddlers because you don’t have to worry about the water being too deep!

    splash pad - favorite water activities for kids kids at the splash pad splash pad fun - favorite water activities for kids kids at a splash pad

    13. Go to a pool

    Along those same lines, find a pool nearby! Both indoor and outdoor pools are a great way to spend some quality time with your family. My favorite thing about going to a pool is that I have to leave my phone behind! Once I jump in the water with the kids, they get some absolute undivided attention. It’s so refreshing and necessary!

    kids swimming under water - favorite water activities for kids

    14. Playing a sport

    When you pack up your beach bag, add a soccer ball, football, or frisbee! Depending on where you’ll be and how many people will be there, you could also play volleyball or whiffle ball, too. Tossing a ball back and forth in the water is actually one of my very favorite things to do with my kids. We can keep cool by being waist-deep, connect with each other, and practice hand-eye coordination. You can purchase some fantastic frisbees and balls made specifically for water. We LOVE these. They soak up water and then splash it all over when you toss them.  It’s tons of fun!

    tubing on a lake

    15. JUST PLAY!

    My final suggestion is to just jump in and play anywhere there’s water!  You can swim around, play on floats, use kickboards or boogie boards, or dive to the bottom to find treasures.  Anything you do in the water together will be fun and your children will appreciate the quality time with you!  You honestly don’t need to rent or purchase any of the fancy stuff I mentioned above to enjoy water activities with kids.  Splash around with your family and make some summer memories that will last a lifetime!

    sunset on the beach sunset beach photos of kids

    What are some of your favorite ways to get active on the water? 

    Hi there, I’m Chelsea! I’m a photographer, mother of two busy boys, and sunshine and fresh air addict. We live in Virginia Beach and spend as much time outdoors as possible! We spend most of our time exploring the beach, inlets, and nature trails nearby. Our family loves biking, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, building forts, and playing in the sand! During the warm months, you can find us enjoying the Chesapeake Bay almost every night until long after the sun goes down. We’re doing our best to reduce our carbon footprint and always try to leave every trail cleaner than it was when we arrived.

    Personal Instagram: @dimples.and.the.blonde
    Client work: @chelsea.lyn.photography
    Website: dimplesandtheblonde.com

  • BEACH, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Finding Sea Glass with Kids

    There is definitely something magical about going on a treasure hunt with your kids. Whether you’re geocaching or doing a neighborhood scavenger hunt, finding real-life treasure is a sure way to get kids motivated to go outside and play. Today, we have Eloise, a UK photographer, mom of 3 and self-proclaimed beach lover here, sharing a new kind of treasure hunt. Since she was a child, Eloise has hunted for sea glass on the shore. Finding sea glass with kids is a great way to keep them entertained and focused on a project. Plus, just wait until you see the fun things they make with these tiny bits of green, white and blue sparkly treasures!  Keep reading!

    Finding sea glass with kids and making DIY art projectsThe sea is calling

    I sit here writing this post in my parents little holiday cottage by the seaside. The sun is warm on my back and my kids are happy, their cheeks pink from a morning on the beach. The cold wind whistled through their hair this early spring morning but they didn’t notice. Here they are free – to run and roam, explore and create. Here the troubles of work and school don’t exist. The pace of life is quiet and content.

    searching for sea glass with kidsfinding sea glass with kids

    Since I was a child, I’ve had an affinity for the coast. To this day, it still draws me back constantly. The beach has always been a special place for me. As a child, my father would take me here for long walks. An avid beachcomber, he taught me about shells and the creatures that lived in them. We’d spend hours collecting treasures together.

    how to find sea glassfinding beach glass - activities for kids at the beachbeach treasures and findslooking for sea glass with kids

    Finding treasure

    One treasure, in particular, was my favorite – sea glass. I was always drawn to the sparkly and colorful finds! I loved the way that what was once an ugly and dangerous piece of litter had been smoothed and perfected by the sea and turned jewel-like. Finding and collecting these tiny treasures became my obsession. I still have bottles of my little sea glass treasures on the kitchen windowsill today. Lots of bottle green and white but sometimes we’d be lucky enough to find a rare blue piece.

    how to find sea glass with kids at the beachgreen beach glassfinding beach treasures with kids

    Passing down the tradition

    My own children have since picked up on this little hobby of mine. My six-year-old especially begs me to hunt for sea glass with him whenever we’re back at the coast. If I’m not careful I can easily find I’ve spent my whole walk looking down and end up with a bit of a stiff neck! But it’s a habit I just can’t break, not wanting to miss a piece! Some days we are super successful and others it’s slim pickings but each piece big or little is always celebrated. Today we found a few pieces of green sea glass.

    looking for beach glass with kidsfinding beach glass with kidsfinding beach glass treasures with kids

    Make something beautiful

    The kids’ Grandad has recently started to polish rocks, along with our beach glass finds. And now their Nana makes beautiful pictures using them, which are hung here in their beach cottage. The shapes create faces, animals, petals, you name it. You can really let the little ones’ imaginations run wild! I also have lovely necklaces made by a jeweler using sea glass, although this is something you can definitely do at home using the right tools!

    making sea glass art with kidsDIY sea glass artDIY beach glass art with kidsbeach glass art crafts projects with kidsmaking art from sea glass with kidsDIY sea glass art making art from sea glass

    Next time you’re at the beach, occasionally look down. Sift through the small rocks on the tide line, if only with the tip of your toe. You never know what treasures you’ll find.

    About the author

    Eloise is a lifestyle family and wedding photographer from Cambridgeshire in the UK. She has three little ones that constantly inspire and drive her. Her absolute favorite place to be is the beach at sunset, with a camera in hand.

    Instagram: @eloise_layla_nurse

    Website: http://www.eloiselaylanurse.com

  • BEACH, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PHOTOGRAPHY, SUMMER

    10 Tips for Taking Amazing Photos of Your Kids at the Beach

    Summer will be here before we know it and I know lots of you are already planning your upcoming beach adventures. Today, we have the amazing Jeanni from JKutz Photography sharing all the tips, tricks and advice you need to know for capturing amazing photos of your kids on the beach. Make sure you read this awesome tutorial on beach photography before your trip and keep all these things in mind when capturing your cuties in the sand this summer.

    10 tips for taking amazing beach photos of your kids

    The mountains or the sea? Where does your photographer’s heart call you to go? While I love the mountain views, there is something about those ocean waves that keep me coming back over and over again. The beach is truly a magical place and a great one for photographers. One of my most favorite things to do while sitting on the sandy shores is to capture images of my crew. I’ve learned a lot about what to do (and what not to do) when photographing kids on the beach. Here are my top 10 tips for capturing beautiful beachy images of your family.

    how to get great beach photos of your kidsbeach photography tutorial

    10. Avoid high mid-day sun

    I know, you have heard this a thousand times, but there is a reason photographers avoid the super-bright mid-day sun. That harsh bright sun creates harsh bright photos. And although we (as beach-goers) hate those overcast beach days, they’re much more photograph-friendly. If you are looking to create softer light airy beach photos, try photographing on a slightly overcast day. Beautiful beach photos happen when the bright sun is a bit muted by some cloud cover.

    how to take great beach photos of kidsmust take beach photos of kids

    9. Be patient

    Sit back, relax and wait for the right moment. Some of my favorite beach photos were taken when no one realized the camera was around. I like to sit a distance away from my children and watch them play. Forcing a cute playful moment often ends in frustration, tears and resentment of the camera. Try sitting back from the action and observing. You are guaranteed to see the magic moments unfold before your eyes and will be better prepared to grab the camera when the time is right.

    tips for taking photos of kids at the beachbeach photo tutorial and tips

    8. Small can be mighty

    Like every mom out there, I think my littles are the star of the show. I often fill the entire frame with their sweet beach babe bodies. Although these images are adorable, over time they can all look the same. I have to remind myself to mix up my shots by stepping back and capturing the entire scene. Try making your littles a small part of the shot by filling the frame with more of the beach. This is a great way to capture the entire experience of your beach trip.

    how to take awesome photos of kids at the beachadvice for taking photos of kids at the beachmust take beach photos of kids

    7. Find the path less taken

    Half the fun is getting there, am I right? The path leading to the beach might just have as much charm and beauty as the sandy shore itself. Take time to look around for that dreamy spot just before you reach the shores. You will end up with great views of the sea in your background.

    tips for bright fun beach photos of kidsbeach photography tutorialbeach photography kids tutorial

    6. Get cheesy

    Getting that creative praise-worthy photo is every mom/photographer dreams. Candid images that tell a story are all the rage, which means cheesy posed images get a bad rep. However, sometimes a good old-fashioned stand there and smile photo is so worth it. Especially if you have young children that are always on the move because it can be really difficult to capture their sweet face. There is nothing wrong with a classic stand there and say “cheese” at the camera kind of photo.

    how to capture the best beach photos of kidschild beach photo tutorial

    5. Find the small details

    As much as I love capturing the entire scene, I really love zooming in on the small details of the beach. Not only will the detailed pictures help you remember the way the sand felt in-between your toes, it will also give a good amount of variety of your gallery of beach images. Pay attention to those details and be sure to capture the tiny little details you never want to forget.

    photography tips for taking pictures of kids at the beach10 tips for taking amazing beach photos of your kids

    4. Sunrise can equal sunset

    There’s a reason you see so many classic beach sunset photos – sunsets can be epic. We all love the pastel colors that paint the sky and we’ve all tried to capture that beauty as our kids frolic and play. But, depending on the direction the beach faces, the sunrise can actually create better images than the sunset. If the beach looks out towards the West, try photographing the “sunset” photo in the morning. When the sun is low, the landscape can block some of the harsh sun that is often found on open beaches.

    how to get great sunset shot at the beachbeach photos sunrise and sunsetphotography tutorial for beach sunsets and sunrises

    3. Look for the quiet moments

    The best beach moments don’t always happen on the beach with a sand shovel in hand or while the littles are jumping in the waves. Napping on the beach often results in a frame-worthy photo. As do beach picnics, snack breaks and all the little moments in between the action when the kids are resting and refueling.

    10 tips for taking amazing beach photos of your kids10 tips for taking amazing beach photos of your kids10 tips for taking amazing beach photos of your kids

    2. Get directional

    Do you have a perfect beach photo in your mind that you desperately want to create? Me too! Help your children create that image by positioning them where you want them and letting them know just what you would like them to do. Use gentle encouraging directions to get the shot you envision. Start by pointing out a perfect spot on the beach where the light is just right. Then suggest that your crew build a sand castle there or have them pick up that super cute floaty. Need them to turn and face the ocean? Ask if they see any dolphins jumping in the waves. Get creative and they’ll never know that this is all part of a plan.

    beach photography tutorialkids beach photo tutorial

    1. Keep it simple

    Cutting out the clutter of a beach trip will absolutely give your images a more editorial and stylized look. I am in no way suggesting not to pack all the coolers and bags. You need those! However, when it comes time to capture that perfect beach image, leave them out of the shot. Try having all the beach chairs, towels, and fun floats behind you or off to the side so they’re not in all your images.  Move the kids away from the gear, for a few shots. If you have a lens with a longer focal lens, try zooming in or moving closer to cut out that clutter. One or two cute beach toys might be just perfect, but three or more is definitely a crowd.

    10 tips for taking amazing beach photos of your kids10 tips for taking amazing beach photos of your kids

    More photography resources

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

     

     

    Jeanni, originally born and raised in St. Paul MN, has traveled the country and world searching for a place to call home. She is a mom to a crew of 4 littles; 1 boy and 3 girls. After a 7 year career as an early childhood teacher, Jeanni is now proud to be working as a full-time mom. The bittersweet emotions of watching her children grow motivated her to pick up a camera and become a photographer. Photography is her heart’s work and she loves to capture joyful, natural moments. As a lover of natural light, Jeanni strives for fresh and airy images. She also has a deep love for her husband, a strong cup of coffee, the color white, and all things vintage. It is truly her great joy to share her work with you at jkutzphotography.com.

  • BEACH, FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    8 Tried & True Tips for a Successful Beach Trip with Kids

    As we get closer to our family’s upcoming Florida trip, I’m so excited about spending time on the beach with my kids. I envision hours of fun in the waves, building sand castles and flying kites. However, I’m also aware of the meltdowns and non-stop action required to keep the kids entertained.  In addition, this will be our first time taking a 4 month-old to the beach. A baby adds a whole new element of preparation and packing.

    This is why I’m so excited for today’s post, by the fabulous Dr. Autumn Hanson of Permission 2 Move. Autumn is a physical therapist, blogger, mom of 2 and Florida-native. She’s here to share her tried and true tips on how to make your next beach trip with kids stress-free and fun! Not only will she help you prep for your trip, but she’ll get you moving out on the beach and making memories to last a lifetime.

    8 Tips for a successful beach trip with kids

    Meet Autumn

    Hello everyone! I’m excited to be here on Run Wild My Child sharing some tips and advice on how to make a beach trip with kids as successful and stress-free as possible. As a Florida native, I’ve spent a lot of time at the beach over the years. I was fortunate enough to grow up within walking distance to the beach in beautiful Treasure Island, Florida. With 3 girls in my house growing up (ranging in ages from 6-16), it was challenging to find activities we could all enjoy doing as a family. It was always a struggle just to get out the door. However, we were always happy to be at the beach once we got there.

    Not much has changed since I began my own family years later. Now, as a parent of two girls aged 3 and 1, I appreciate the effort that makes a beach trip enjoyable for both the parents and kids. Without adequate preparation, the happy beach trip you imagine will likely end with one (or all) of the following: sunburns, crying children, a miserable spouse, sand covering everything, or even a strike from a stingray (as my husband suffered through and ranks as one of his most painful experiences)!

    With dozens of family trips to the beach under my belt, from Hawaii to Bermuda and back to Florida, I’ve got boatloads of experience in what works and what doesn’t. Here are my 8 tried and true tips to make your beach trip run smoothly and enjoyable for everyone!

    8 Tips for a successful beach trip with kids

    Timing is essential

    Make sure that you choose the right time to hit the beach when going with little kids. While mid-day might sound appealing, there are two elements working against being at the beach mid-afternoon: the intensity of the sun’s heat and nap time. Those two factors, when combined, are exponentially harder to overcome and can lead to major meltdowns, both figuratively and literally. The best times to beach are mornings and evenings when the sun and heat are less intense.

    In order to get to the beach early, pack the car the night before and plop your kiddos in the car as soon as their eyes open! The longer you spend in the house getting ready to go, the later you get to the beach. If you are like me and get great ideas of what to pack and clean and rearrange at the last minute…don’t! JUST LEAVE! (see below for more info on prepping the night before)

    If you miss the window of leaving early or the day is heating up quickly, don’t despair. Going to the beach in the evening is wonderful! Usually, the crowd disappears shortly before the sun does, so you’ll have more space to run free. You can enjoy the beautiful sunset with cooler temperatures and without worrying about getting the sand on the lady next to you when your child uses her towel as a superhero cape.

    planning a beach trip with kids

    Protect yourself from the elements

    There is nowhere to hide from the sun at the beach. Long gone are the days where your sole purpose to go to the beach is to get tan. Little children need the shade, not only to protect their skin but also to hide their meltdown from the rest of the beachgoers. Trust me on this one.

    Whether you choose a sun shelter, a giant umbrella or tent, you need something to protect your littles from the harsh sun and any sand-blowing wind. We have tried several options for beach protection from the sun and we love the Ikea Sommarvind.  Once you master the folding process (after watching a few dozen YouTube videos), this pop-up tent cannot be beaten for its simplicity, storage size, and function.

    fun beach activities for kids

    Bring a cooler with hydrating snacks

    Just before you anticipate a meltdown, call everyone over for a refreshing treat. The most enjoyable snacks are those that cool you off under the summer sun. Pro tip: these almost always include some sort of dripping liquid, so bring napkins or wet wipes, too! Our family favorites are watermelon, frozen grapes, coconut water, sparkling water (or bubble water as my 3 year-old lovingly refers to it) and popsicles.

    If you are concerned about the amount of sugar in your children’s beach snacks, I have a great popsicle swap idea for you! Fill a silicone popsicle mold with water (or healthy juice) and fresh fruit, then pop it into the freezer. My girls really enjoy their own fruit popsicles at the beach and I love not having to constantly say, “NO MORE POPSICLES!”

    To keep everything cool, you’re going to need a good cooler. Our favorite cooler is the Yeti Hopper Flip 8, but simpler options will also suffice. We also pack insulated water bottles to keep our water icy cold even when it is out of the cooler. Our favorite water bottle is this 64-ounce Hydroflask.

    best beach planning tips for kids

    Prepare the night before

    In our house, preparation starts the night before. Since we have a habit of doing ‘just one more thing’ before we leave, we have better luck getting out of the house on time without a mess if we prepare ahead of time and leave as soon as we wake up. Pack a bag with your sun protection, accessories and beach activities the night before and put it in the car. Tidy the house and check everything off your list as you pack. Leave the delicious snacks in the refrigerator until it is time to go.

    Prepping the night before ensures we get out the door with everything we need at a decent time. We love the feeling of coming home after a long day on the beach and walking into an unusually clean house with overtired kids (and adults). The sigh of relief from everyone is quickly followed by a smile, as well as a lighter-hearted approach to showers and rest.

    planning a beach vacation with kids

    Play with your kids!

    If you are in the mindset of going to the beach to ‘sit back and relax,’ you’re in for a shock! That’s the mindset of your former pre-family self. With little kids, those days are over! Sorry! Save that thought to motivate you to take a trip with your girlfriends later in the summer and instead switch gears to being active at the beach with your family.

    If you are active at the beach, you will feel twice as successful. An enjoyable family outing and a full body workout all wrapped into one beautiful day at the beach! Think of the calories you’re burning as you drag that overflowing wagon through the sand. Try walking barefoot in the soft sand to strengthen your lower legs. Chase the kids (or the birds) for excellent cardio! But most of all, just play with your kids. That typically includes activities like shoveling sand, tag, body surfing in the waves while attempting to keep your kids’ faces out of the water and hauling buckets of water for the amateur sand sculptors. This is when the best memories are made!

    8 Tips for a successful beach trip with kids

    Bring activities, but not many

    Don’t go overboard packing entertainment for the kids. After all, the great thing about the beach is that it serves as its own entertainment. I do suggest bringing some activities though. My mother used pre-planned activities to achieve the family bonding she was interested in cultivating. While the rest of us were focused on what we like to do individually, she was focused on what activity drew us together as a family. These activities will vary on the age and interests of your family. Try to think of activities that promote teamwork like playing soccer, baseball, kan jam, Frisbee, or bocce ball together. These activities transfer your focus from the heat to the game.

    best beach gear and tips for kids

    Explore & make friends

    Remember how I mentioned early that the beach serves as the entertainment as well as the destination? Use that to your advantage. Grab a shovel from your sand castle building crew and start digging. Have a contest to see who can find the most unique shell. Then head over to the edge of the water where the coquinas lay buried just below the surface, until, like magic, they resurface as the sand gets pulled away with the tide. Walk the beach for sea treasures. Cue the kids to find out what items float or not and why. Explore why you need water to make a sand castle or why a bucket of water gets heavier each subsequent one you carry.

    You can also use your beach time to make new friends. Maybe it is as simple sitting near a family with kids your children’s ages. Kids make fast friends at the beach and then they’ll have new friends to explore and play games with. Plus, they’ll likely be much more understanding of the sand in the face from the superhero cape…I mean, towel.

    beaching with kids tips advice

    Change your perspective

    Little kids have a different idea of fun than parents do. I challenge you to view your beach trip from their point of view. Spend a whole day focusing on what’s important to them and you’ll be so pleasantly surprised at how much fun the beach can be.

    Your kids won’t remember that you forgot the organic sunscreen and had to use the aerosol stuff you swore you would never use. They just know that you made sure they were protected. They don’t remember their meltdown over saltwater in their eyes. But they will remember you surrounding them with a towel and blotting it out. They won’t remember that the blueberries were covered in sand, but rather that you packed their favorite snack. They won’t remember the time they fought with their sibling about how big the sand castle has to be. But they will remember that they built the biggest sand castle ever and that you helped them do it.

    What’s your best piece of advice
    for beach outings with kids?

    Hello, my name is Autumn! I am a wife to my high school sweetheart (a pilot in the Coast Guard) and mama to two spunky little girls that are frequently playing with dinosaurs in dress-up clothes. When I am not out adventuring with my family, I work as an outpatient physical therapist and Pilates reformer instructor. I love that my career allows me to help people move and feel better. However, after years of hearing my patients say, “I wish I would have learned the importance of movement sooner in life,” I started Permission2Move. I am grateful to have an avenue to inspire people to move more adventurously!
    Learn how to creatively add movement into your daily life by following along at:
    Website/Blog: permission2move.com
    Instagram: @permission2move
    Facebook: permission2move