family activities

  • FALL, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SPRING, SUMMER, WINTER

    Tips for Spending More Time Outside with Your Kids in the New Year

    The new year means a fresh new start and is the perfect time to reconsider your priorities. We hope this year you’ll choose to be more intentional with how much time you spend outside with your kids. Kids today need outdoor time (away from screens) now more than ever. If you want a sure-fire way to raise happier, healthier kids, spending more time outside is your answer! Today, Las Vegas photographer and mom of four, Megan Havelaar is here with new year’s resolutions that will get you and your kids outdoors more and is sharing some tips for spending more time outside with your kids in the new year. 

    New Year's Resolutions to Get You Outside & Tips for Spending More Time Outside with Your Kids This Year

    Welcome to a new year

    You did it, parents! You made it through another year.

    I’m sure we can all agree that 2021 proved to be another difficult one, but I’m here to applaud you and say, “great job!” There’s something so wonderful about starting a new year and the fresh start it brings. It gives us all an opportunity to look back on the past and take inventory of our lives. It also gives us a great excuse to make changes and set some goals and intentions that will better ourselves and our families.

    Spend more time outside this year

    Most parents usually set a goal to simply spend more time with their kids and family. If that’s the case, we implore you to take some of that time outside! I can speak on behalf of all of us here at RWMC and say that making it a priority to get outside with our loved ones has been a game-changer!

    Spending time outside, engaged with each other, and off screens is a great way to better our emotional and physical selves. Getting outside makes you healthier and happier (and who doesn’t want that?). But we also know that getting outside with kids is easier said than done. So, I’m here to give you some tips on how to set some realistic and practical goals to start spending more time outside with your kids. Are you ready to get started? 

    practical tips for getting outside with kids

    Be intentional with your actions

    When it comes down to it, the thing that is going to get you and your family outside and spending more time with each other is to be intentional. Intentionality is where it all starts, and it starts with us, the parents.

    Being intentional about your choices of what you do is something that takes a lot of practice and willpower. This is definitely something I haven’t mastered and I think we will always have to work on it, but when we are intentional about certain things we can see the good that comes from it. If we want our children to learn to put their phones downs, turn their iPads off, shut down their laptops, then they need us to do it first. When we model balance to our kids they will see it and learn from our examples, maybe not right away, but they are watching and looking to us to teach them.

    If we are intentional about getting off our screens, our kids will see that. If we are intentional about making getting outside a priority, our kids will see that. Spending time with our kids away from technology is a gift and a treasure. In a world where so much is competing with our time, it seems like now more than ever we need to show our children they matter to us more than our screens.

    Children still need a childhood with dirt, mud, puddles, trees, sticks, and tadpoles.”  – Brooke Hampton

    how to spend more time outside with kids

    Practical tips for spending more time outside with your kids

    Now I want to share some practical tips that are easy to implement and have worked for my family and others I know. Taking little steps at a time, making small changes here and there really go a long way! Over time, each of these little things add up to big things and before you know it, you’ve become an outdoor family! 

    Set yourself up for success

    I think one of the best things you can do when you start any new routine or make a lifestyle change is to start small. Big change doesn’t come right away and usually leads to overwhelm and giving up. If you start with small and make spending time outside attainable and achievable, you’ll set yourself up for success and grow to love that quick wins.

    Instead of focusing on all the big things you’d like to do outside with your family (eventually), focus on what you CAN do easily and realistically right now. Start with one day (and not even the whole day). Set aside an afternoon once a week where you do something outside. Start small and local by heading someplace that’s easy to get to and doesn’t require a lot of planning or prep work. Local parks are great for these outings. Our family has a few favorite local parks that we have on rotation. I will usually let the kids decide which park we go to that day, and if there’s a stalemate then we try and come up with a solution to go to the other park next time. 

    fun and easy outdoor activity ideas and tips for getting outside with your kids

    Incorporate their interests into your outings

    Another tip for spending more time outside with your kids is to make sure to incorporate the things that they like to do in your outings and adventures. Before heading out, think about what you and your kids enjoy doing when you’re outside? When my family and I head to a local park I let each of my kids bring something they want to do like a basketball or soccer ball. If your kids enjoy riding bikes or scooters, turn your outing into a weekly bike ride, instead, or pack up the bikes and head to the park. 

    I think it’s important to let kids have a choice in what they want to do. If you have a child that has a hard time getting off screens or off a video game letting them choose what you do outside is going to help motivate them! Also, be prepared to join them in whichever activity they plan on doing! One of the biggest draws for kids spending time outside is that their parents are there spending that time with them. 

    New Year's Resolutions to Get You Outside

    Don’t let the weather ruin your plans

    Unless the weather in your area is really extreme (and dangerous), don’t let less-than-ideal weather keep you from getting outside and playing. There are amazing things that happen in all kinds of different weather. The great thing about playing outside during “bad weather” is that you’re teaching/showing your children that they don’t have to wait for a warm sunny day to get outside and play. You’re teaching them resilience and grit. You’re showing them that there’s beauty and joy in all seasons. These are lifelong lessons that will help them get outside year-round. 

    Since it’s January, if you need some ideas for fun things to do during the winter and fun winter activities, check out a few of the posts below for inspiration! Winter can be such a magical time of year where we can still enjoy making memories outside. 

    How to get outside with kids

    Every child needs nature. Not just the ones whose parents appreciate nature. Not only those of a certain economic class or culture or set of abilities. Every child.”   -Richard Louv

    Invite friends to join you

    If your kids are anything like mine, then they are probably much more willing to go out and do something if they know their friends will be there! Another great tip for spending more time outside with your kids is to invite other kids (and families) to join you! 

    Maybe once a month you plan an outdoor play date with another family (or multiple families). Ask some of your mom friends and find out if they would be up for a group hike, a lake/beach day, or to go sledding. For the most part, you don’t even have to have an activity planned. When kids get together outside, they naturally find things to do and games to play. The creativity really starts to shine! Plus, this will give the parents a chance to catch up with friends while the kids play! (and we could all use some extra friend time right now)

    How to find outdoorsy families in your area 

    If you don’t have a lot of mom-friends in your area or know of other families that would be interested, never fear! Local parenting groups on social media can be good places to start. Or, you could join a local Hike it Baby chapter and tag along on a group hike with other moms and kids. You can find other outdoorsy families by signing the kids up for a nature class at your local conservation area, botanical garden, or science center. Or look into Tinkergarten or a similar outdoor class for kids.

    When I first moved to Las Vegas a new friend told me about a hiking homeschool Facebook group she was a part of and invited my family on one of their hikes. I have to say that was one of the best things I did during my first year in a new place. We got to know other local families, visit some amazing local spots, and find community in other like-minded people! Some of the places we visited ended up being family favorites that we still visit often!

    how to make outdoor time a priority how to find outdoorsy families in your area

    Go somewhere new!

    Sometimes we all need a break in our routine or a change of scenery. If your outdoor adventures feel stale or boring, it’s time to shake things up a bit. And maybe it’s time for a bigger adventure. 

    Is there a place you’ve been wanting to check out but just haven’t yet? Perhaps a hiking trail, a different beach, or a newly built park on the other side of town? Find a free weekday afternoon or weekend when nothing is going on and put it on your calendar! Schedule it. Commit to it in advance and make it happen! 

    If you’re stuck when it comes to finding new inspiration or places to explore, simply Googling “best hiking trail” in your area can often show you some trails you haven’t explored yet.  Or open the AllTrails app and just pick one! Ask other moms what their favorite “off the beaten path” thing to do with their kids is. Start a list and add to it anytime you hear of a new place. Who knows, this new place could end up being a favorite place to adventure and make memories. 

    Your kids will remember the adventures you went on, not the stuff you bought them. Kids outgrow stuff they never outgrow adventures.”  -Unknown

    Practical Tips for Spending More Time Outside with Your Kids This Year

    We’re here to help

    I sincerely hope that these tips for spending more time outside with your kids help you and your family get closer to each other this year outside making magical memories. We here at RWMC truly believe that spending time outside with our families is life-giving! I want to encourage you to try and make it a priority as much as you are able and watch the good it will bring. 

    And if you ever need help with planning your outings, purchasing the right gear, motivating your kids, finding things to do, or remembering why outdoor time is so important, we’re here to help. Feel free to drop any questions or comments below or send us an email. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for daily tips and inspiration. Sign up for our newsletter to get outdoor activities sent to your inbox weekly! Check out the hundreds of amazing blog posts we have on our website. Join our Facebook community or sign up for one of our free challenges! We’re honored you’re here and we hope this community gives you all the love and support you need!

    “Teaching children about the natural world should be seen as one of the most important events in their lives.”

    -Thomas Berry

    About the author

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

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

  • FALL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER

    Backyard Family Outdoor Movie Night with Kids

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

    Family Movie Night Ideas

    The thrill of a movie night outdoors

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

    Family movie nights are essential for families

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

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

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

    movie snack baskets Solo Stove

    Why take movie night to the backyard?

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

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

    movie night treats

    Backyard movie night supplies

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

    DIY movie night projector

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

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

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

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

    diy projector screen

    DIY projector screen setup

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

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

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

    DIY Movie Screen

    Outdoor theater setup

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

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

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

    Backyard movie setup

    Backyard outdoor movie night seating

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

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

    movie night set up with tent

    Family movie night snacks

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

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

    at home movie snack ideas

    Backyard outdoor movie night in Fall and early Winter

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

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

    solo stove smokeless fire

    Prepare young kids to last the night 

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

    Family movie night success

    How does your family enjoy movie night? 

    About the author

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

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

  • FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SPRING, SUMMER, WATER

    Outdoor Rainy Day Activities for Kids

    It’s raining, it’s pouring! So, now what? When it’s rainy outside, you have two options: stay inside and let your kiddos run amuck, or get outside and enjoy some outdoor rainy day activities for kids! In my opinion, this isn’t a hard one – let’s go and play in the rain! We know that most rainy day activity posts are usually about things you can do inside, but that’s not our style! There is so much fun to be had when you play outside with your kids. Today, SarahRuth Owens, Creative Team member and Georgia homeschooling mom of three is here sharing her family’s favorite outdoor rainy day activities for kids (and toddlers, too!), as well as the gear and supplies you might need to enjoy these days the most!

    Outdoor Rainy Day Activities for Kids

    Fun things to do on rainy days outside

    While playing outside in the rain might not sound like a blast for parents, it’s so much fun for kids! Rain makes everything feel more magical and can turn ordinary adventures into extraordinary ones! Today, I’m sharing some of our favorite screen-free rainy day activities for kids. All of these rainy day activities have been tried and tested by my crew of adventurers and are sure to get your kids excited about the rain. Because there’s no such thing as bad weather! 

    Best rainy day gear for kids

    When engaging in rainy day play, one might ask oneself: to be wet, or not to be wet? A lot of factors play into this. Things like…how much laundry is already sitting in piles on your couch. And whether or not there are currently any crayons melted to the inside of your dryer (just me, eh?).

    If you don’t care how wet they get, then just send them outside to play in whatever they want to wear. If the weather is warm and your kids aren’t sweet enough to melt, let them out to play in the puddles and engage in rainy day play outside, getting as wet as possible. 

    Doing outdoor rainy day activities with kids sounds good, but maybe you just don’t want soaking wet kids? If you are in the not-to-be-wet crowd, there is a great solution! Rain gear has come a long way in the past decade. It can be found in a variety of sizes, patterns, and even price points. We’ve got a huge comprehensive list of the best rain gear for kids and toddlers, if you’re in the need of new gear. 

    When it comes to great quality rain gear for kids, here are a few of our favorites:

    • Mk Nordika sells rainy day gear in a mid-point price range. It is high quality and includes adorable and cheerful rainbow stripes! They have sizes from toddler up to adult. We own this brand and it is so easy to care for. You simply wipe it down if it is muddy. 
    • Oaki also has a great full-body rain suit that easily slips over kids’ clothing. It is lightweight and you don’t have to keep up with multiple pieces. They have toddler-sized rain suits all the up through big kids. 

    Rainy play - screen-free rain day outdoor activities for kids

    Safety concerns playing outside in the rain

    While outdoor rainy day activities are fun, here are some safety considerations to keep in mind:

    1. Never encourage children to play outdoors in a thunderstorm. Lightning is real and does strike. Teach children to come indoors and speak to an adult if they hear thunder and are unsure about safety.
    2. Be certain your children have on the right shoes for their location. If they are headed on a hike, the muddy trail is different than the puddles on the pavement. Choosing the correct gear for where your child will play in the rain is important.
    3. No swimming in storms, please. Remember when the lifeguard had everyone get out of the pool for half an hour when there was thunder? There is good reason for that as water is a conduit for electricity and lightning spreads over the water, impacting anyone in it.
    4. If you’re near running water (streams, creeks, rivers), keep a close eye on the water level, as streams can rise very quickly in rain. You never know if it may have rained much more higher upstream, so always keep a careful eye out and stay in shallow water, away from currents. 

    Be sure and keep safety in the forefront of your mind during outdoor rainy day activities! 

    You don’t need anything special to do outdoor rainy day activities with kids

    There, I said it. You don’t actually need anything special or planned or extravagant to enjoy rainy day play. You don’t need Pinterest perfect crafts or any special rain toys. The rain itself creates so many fun things outside. Rain makes everything ordinary feel different. It’s a full-body sensory experience that kids can’t get enough of!

    So, what do you really need for outdoor rainy day activities for kids? A smile is your best supply!

    free rainy day outdoor activities for kids

    Go for a rainy day walk

    One of my boys’ favorite things to do on a rainy day is gear up, bring umbrellas, and walk to town. Would you believe that they can walk miles in the rain? Without complaining! They can, and I bet your crew can as well. This activity requires absolutely no planning or prepwork. It’s something we could do at any time, but the rain makes it extra special and novel.

    Things you can try if your kiddos do begin to get the rainy day blues on your walk:

    • Sing songs (Singing in the Rain is always a fun tune)
    • Jump in puddles
    • Have a contest to see who can save the most worms (this means put them back in the grass and off the sidewalk)
    • Collect nature items
    • Watch water go into a sewer drain (I promise this entertains children)
    • Cup your hands and see who can overflow their hands with rainwater
    • Play “I Spy” as you walk
    • Wave at passerby and vehicles

    rainy day activities for kids - go for a rain walk

    Outdoor rainy day activities for kids in the woods

    Are you ready to unlock expert outdoor parenting level? Go play in the woods….in the rain! Let’s do this. Honestly, rainy day play in the forest is absolutely magical. Some special things happen when you visit the wet forest and see the changes happening as the flora and fauna drink in the rain. There is so much to do while in the woods on a rainy day.

    I organized a forest playgroup for kids for years and rainy days in the woods were some of our favorites! Here are some of the best and favorite rainy day outdoor activities to do in the woods from our forest school excursions:

    • Build a shelter – bring tarps, some twine, etc. and challenge the kids to build a dry shelter
    • See if you can build a fire when it is wet outside
    • Go on a mushroom hunt (fungi love wet conditions)
    • Sketch the woods in the rain
    • Get in the creek – hey, you’re already wet, right? (be careful and cognizant of rising water)
    • Play rainy day hide and seek
    • Bring a ruler and a clear glass or cup and measure the rainfall during your time in the woods

    rainy play

    Outdoor rainy day activities for kids that use supplies

    Ok, so you tried the rainy day activities without supplies (or maybe you didn’t…that’s ok, we won’t tell), but maybe you want to enjoy some structured organized fun like crafts and games. That’s great! I’ve got you covered!

    Here are some fun outdoor rainy day games, crafts, and activities for kids and what supplies you need:

    Rainy day bike ride

    Clearly, you need your bikes and helmets. My sons like to have bike gloves because in the rain, your hands tend to rub the handlebars more. Try sloshing through puddles! We also like to have a manual bike pump on one of our bikes, and don’t forget to bring water!

    Water-gun fight

    This one is so much fun during Summer showers. Each person gets a water gun and you can go to town. I suggest having buckets of water on hand, or even a large rubber maid tub filled with water for refills. 

    Water balloon fight

    Yep, let’s do this water thing all the way! About 100 balloons usually works for our crew of 5. We like to prefill and place them in the fridge in Summer. This means that humid, warm weather won’t be an issue! Swimsuits are smart gear to have on during this activity. Also, be certain to clean up any broken balloon bits; they don’t decompose. 

    Water table fun

    You can create a simple water table at a mud kitchen, or even just at a table, by providing your kiddos with scoops, spoons, a colander, shovels, bowls, and cups. Sometimes simple is best. 

    Bob for fruit

    This one is so much fun in the rain. I cannot explain it, it simply is! Add some apples, peaches, or whatever round fruit is in season, to a big bowl or rubber maid container filled with drinkable water. Now bob!

    Paint with mud

    All you need is some mud, a few paintbrushes and something to paint! This could be anything from a piece of paper or cardboard to your driveway. It doesn’t have to be fancy. If you want more ways to play with mud, check out this post with lots of fun and creative Mud Activities for Kids.

    Boat races

    Have your kids find natural materials (sticks, leaves, pinecones, etc.) and make a small boat. Then race them down the run-off water in the street or down a stream. This is a great way to also teach kids about engineering and what floats (and doesn’t).

    rainy day activities for kids - bike ride in the ride

    What are your favorite outdoor rainy day activities?

    We want to see you and your kids having fun doing rainy day play. Use the hashtag #runwildmychild for a chance to be featured on our Instagram account!

    About the author

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

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

  • BOOKS, HOLIDAYS, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SPRING

    National Let’s Laugh Day Done the Nature Way

    To all the jokesters, punny people, pranksters, and lovers of laughter…your day is here! This is snow joke! There really is a day 100% devoted to enhancing the laughter in this world and this post is all about sharing laughter with others! Run Wild My Child is all about getting families outside, so together let’s celebrate National Let’s Laugh Day the nature way.

    {This post contains affiliate links.}

    National Let's Laugh Day - Nature Jokes & Funny Nature Books for Kids

    National Let’s Laugh Day

    What does it mean to celebrate Let’s Laugh Day the nature way? It means I’ve focused my brainstorming powers on finding the best ways to get your family chuckling, chortling, giggling, guffawing, loling, and laughing outside together. Everything in this post has an outdoor or nature spin on it. That’s right, the activities, jokes, puns, and books all are related to the great outdoors in some way. 

    You didn’t think I forgot about making you laugh though, did you? While this post may be geared toward helping you find ways to bring laughter into your outdoor adventures, there are specific puns and jokes added especially for your reading pleasure. 

    In laughter, the ‘L’ comes first,
    and the rest of the letters come ‘aughter’ it.

    Celebrating National Let's Laugh Day with KidsPhoto credit: Katie Fox @familyinwanderland

    The benefits of laughter

    Before you dive into the chuckle-filled content below, take a moment to browse through the amazing benefits of laughter. Seriously, whoever coined the adage, laughter is the best medicine, was really onto something.

    1. Laughter stimulates organs

    As you laugh, you naturally bring more oxygen into your body. This increased oxygen supply stimulates vital organs and increases the endorphins sent to your brain.

    2. Laughing relieves stress

    Beleave it or not (this is not a joke, though the nature pun is chuckle-worthy), laughter lowers your stress levels. As you laugh, your heart rate increases and as the laughter subsides, your heart rate decreases. The result is a relaxed and calm feeling. Plus, a lot happens with the endorphins and cortisol (the stress hormone) levels in your body.

    3. Laughter improves immunity

    Positive thoughts, such as those that cause fits of laughter, are proven to help lower stress responses in our bodies. Since stress is actually linked to lower immunity, laughter helps lower stress and boost immunity.

    4. Laughing increases personal satisfaction and decreases pain

    Whenever we face a difficult situation, chuckling at ourselves or laughing at what is happening can actually make the situation better. On the flip side, laughter has the ability to help our body create its own natural painkiller. So, next time you fracture a rib, just laugh until it doesn’t hurt anymore. (This last part was a joke. Don’t do that. It will hurt A LOT!)

    5. Laughter strengthens relationships with others

    That’s right! When we laugh with friends, families, coworkers, and even strangers, we feel more connected to them. In turn, laughter enables us to form closer relationships with those we laugh with. And this is really what National Let’s Laugh Day is all about; laughing together and creating lasting bonds with those we love. 

    Photo credit: Carolyn @the.barefoot.babies

    10 outdoor activities to bring out the laughter

    One of the best ways to induce fits of laughter is through play and spending time together as a family. Here are ten simple ways to get your whole family holding their stomachs and laughing until it hurts while celebrating Let’s Laugh Day the nature way. 

    1. Random acts of silliness

    While outside or while doing routine activities, randomly begin to act silly! Skip, speak in a goofy voice, play tickle chase, jump around like a frog, roar like a lion, pretend to be a robot, or follow your child’s lead and join in on their imaginative play. Your kids will be surprised and burst out laughing! And they’ll surely follow suit, followed by even more laughter from all.

    2. Outdoor dance party

    Turn on a family favorite, a classic dance song, or something totally obscure and then bust out your best and silliest dance moves. Even if goofy dancing, isn’t your thing try branching out (see what I did there?) of your comfort zone and dance like no one is watching!

    3. Play “make a story” while passing a ball

    This game is better for older kids, but with help, younger ones can absolutely play along too. The goal is to create a silly story together as a family! The person beginning the game (or whoever is holding the ball first) creates a really silly title, then passes the ball to someone else, who then begins the story. The game continues in this fashion; whoever is holding the ball adds to the story. You can add one word, or several sentences.

    Pro Tip: when the ball is passed to you, make sure to throw in something your family finds hilarious into the story.

    4. Read silly books together outside

    Grab a blanket, cuddle up somewhere outside, and read a hillarious book together. Books have a magical way of tapping into our emotions and make for great bonding moments! Below is a list of 12 funny nature-focused children’s books to get you started.

    5. Play “the floor is lava”

    Create a fun obstacle course in your yard or local park. Use what you have on hand (large pieces of cardboard, chairs, playground equipment, park benches, logs, etc.) and make sure to play along with your children! Don’t forget, you can also just randomly yell “the floor is lava” to begin the game and watch as every scrambles for something to stand on. Laugh together as you all figure out how to survive, epically fall into the lava, or find hilarious new ways to use, balance, and be outside without touching the ground.

    Outdoor activities that make you laughPhoto credit: Kyana Miner @blackadventuremom

    6. Harness your inner child

    Remember elementary school? What were your favorite games? Two easy and fun games to play with your kids are Simon Says and Red Light, Green Light. Make them silly on purpose! For instance, you can say Simon Says put your finger in your nose or make fart noises (I give you permission to use this. I know my kids would be giggling.) Or in Red Light, Green Light, pretend you can’t remember the color green and keep saying words that sound like green. The sillier you are, the more laugh-out-loud fun you’ll have together.

    7. Learn a new skill together

    Maybe learn to juggle together or try your hand (I mean waist) at hula hooping. Be silly. Keep trying – cactus makes perfect, right? Fail epically and laugh at yourself. Show your children that laughter is the best medicine. 

    8. Watch the clouds

    Find images in the clouds and make up silly stories to go along with them. Maybe you will also get lucky and see silly images too. No clouds? Don’t worry, this same activity can be done with all sorts of nature items. Go on a walk through your neighborhood or your favorite hiking trail. Find images in tree bark, tree trunk knots, boulders, tree branches, cracks in the mud, patches of grass, and more. Don’t forget to get everyone laughing will a ridiculous story about how that cloud turtle lost it’s shell and thought it was a hermit crab.

    9. Roll down a hill

    If you haven’t rolled down a hill as an adult, you are seriously missing out. Your body may ache more than it did when you embarked on this adventure as a child, but the aches and pains are totally worth the laughs and memories you will share with your children.

    10. Outdoor charades

    This is the same game as the indoor version, only done outside. Be over the top as you act out your word and don’t forget to laugh at yourself when you are struggling. Show your kids that it is okay to be awful at something and still have fun!


    outdoor laughter and the benefits of laughing for kids    Photo credit: Nichole Holze @coleyraeh

    25+ nature jokes and puns to share with your kids

    Jokes are a sure-fire way to get people chuckling. Sometimes the laughter is because a joke was truly funny, and other times the laughter resembles a groan. This type of groan-laughter is perfect! It means the jokes you are sharing are so funny, laughter isn’t even possible. Don’t worry though, the jokes and puns below were specially curated for celebrating National Let’s Laugh Day the nature way. They are guaranteed to induce the true form of laughter and help form lasting memories and bonds between your family members.

    Nature-Inspired Puns and Jokes for KidsPhoto credit: @sara_mccarty

    Hilarious nature jokes for kids

    How do you cut a wave in half?
    Use a sea saw

    Why is the mushroom always invited to parties?
    Because he’s a fungi

    Why did the worm cross the ruler?
    To become an inchworm

    Why is grass so dangerous?
    Because it’s full of blades

    What kind of shorts do clouds wear?
    Thunderwear

    What is a tree’s least favorite month?
    Sep-TIMBER

    What type of tree fits in your hand?
    A palm tree

    What did the beaver say to the tree?
    It’s been nice gnawing you

    What kind of flower grows on your face?
    Tulips

    What did the limestone say to the geologist?
    Don’t take me for granite

    What did one volcano say to the other?
    I lava you

    What do you call a snowman in July?
    A puddle

    What do you call a bear without any teeth?
    A gummy bear

    What’s a tornado’s favorite game?
    Twister

    Why can’t pine trees sew?
    They always drop their needles

    What type of songs do the planets sing?
    Nep-tunes!

    What do you call an alligator in a vest?
    An investigator!

    What’s brown and sticky?
    A stick

    Best Nature Jokes for KidsPhoto credit: Chelsea Furlong @dimples.and.the.blonde

    Inspirational nature-inspired puns

    I lake you a lot!

    I lava you!

    Beleaf in yourself!

    I lichen you very moss!

    Lettuce do our best!

    You are tree-mendous! 

    I fernly beleaf in you!

    I love you a lily more each day!

    We make a prickly pear!

    12 hilarious children’s books that are sure to make your whole family laugh

    Funny outdoor activities for familiesPhoto credit: @umaisreading

    Finally (Pine-ally)…

    Now you are prepared! You have the knowledge and the skills to embark on these shenanigans with your family. I’ll leaf you with these famous words of punable wisdom…

    May the forest be with you!
    Leaf long and prosper!

    I can’t think of any more nature puns. Canoe?

    About the author

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

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

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

  • HIKE, HOLIDAYS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Valentine’s Day Outdoor Activity: Nature Heart Hunt

    Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and that typically means a whole lot of love and hearts! Let’s embrace the hearts and invite nature to be our valentine this year. Today, Creative Team member, Katie Fox, an RV-living roadschooling mom of 2, takes us on an outdoor nature heart hunt. She shows us how we can take this love-filled holiday outside and enjoy time together as a family, connecting with each other and nature. Let’s all go hunting for nature hearts!

    Nature Heart Hunt - Outdoor Valentine's Activities for Kids

    “Keep close to Nature’s Heart…” – John Muir

    Hearts aplenty

    It’s the time of year when many of us get crafty with heart shapes and spend time with our children making cards and decorations to show friends and family how much we care. If you are looking for ideas, these heart-shaped seed bombs are amazing! Or, maybe, we are busy (or our kids beg us) and we buy pre-made decorations and boxed valentines for our children to complete on their own. There’s no shame in saving your sanity and buying Valentines with your child’s favorite character.

    But, no matter how your family prepares and celebrates, Valentine’s Day is the time of year when kindness and love shine through. This is important. Many holidays focus on giving, but Valentine’s Day is tied to the heart. Indeed, the holiday’s focus is entirely about love and kindness. It doesn’t have to be romantic love, either. It can be about the love you feel for your family, friends, and neighbors.

    You do not need to buy into the commercialized element of the holiday to spend time with loved ones focused on connecting, being kind, and your love for each other. And today, I’m sharing with you a fun outdoor activity for the entire family. Going on a nature heart hunt is the perfect way to spend some time outdoors exploring and have a little adventure with the kids. 

    how to find nature hearts

    Valentine and heart fun facts

    In fact, connection and love are essentially where the heart shape and holiday stem from.

    I am a lover of history and learning new things, so naturally, I delight in finding reasons to look into why things are the way they are. For instance, why is the heart a symbol of love? Why does the heart shape occur in nature? Who was Saint Valentine? And why is this holiday named after him? 

    These are just a few examples of the questions that ran through my head as I began to brainstorm writing this nature heart hunt post. I won’t share all of the new facts I learned after diving down this rabbit hole of information (the amount of information may overwhelm you, as it did me), but here are the most interesting discoveries.

    Valentine's Day Outdoor Activity - Nature Heart Hunt

    The heart as a symbol of love may actually find its origins in nature!

    Ivy leaves, lily pads, and silphium leaves (an extinct ancient North African plant) are all heart-shaped, and their respective cultures connected them, in some way, to fidelity or reproduction. Over time, the depictions of these plants in art may have morphed from heart-shaped leaves to simply the heart shape.

    The heart shape connection to love may come from anatomy drawings dating back to the Middle Ages.

    Since the heart organ has long been seen as connected to human emotions, the heart-shaped drawing of the organ eventually began to represent love.

    Saint Valentine and his role in the love-filled holiday is equally uncertain.

    Some say Saint Valentine did not agree with a law forbidding young men from marrying (in hopes of making them more battle worthy), so he performed marriage ceremonies in secret. However, others believe Saint Valentine was another (of the dozen or so who held the name Valentine) martyred man altogether.

    The heart shape’s prominence in nature was a difficult one to find information on.

    The only thing that even suggested the reason for the occurrence of this shape in nature, referred exclusively to the leaf shape. It proposed the heart shape enabled the plants to obtain more sunlight.

    The holiday was likely invented by a poet!

    Geoffrey Chaucer, who often combined or altered traditions in his poems, wrote Parliament of Foules in 1375 and suggested that on the day February 14th birds and humans should come together and find a mate.

    “For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne’s day / Whan every foul cometh ther to choose his mate.”

    Hearts found in nature

    Now, you might be thinking, where are some good places to start hunting for nature hearts? This is a great question and the answer is simple. Pretty much everywhere outdoors! Check out these ideas to get you started on your nature heart hunt.

    • Clouds
    • Rocks
    • Leaves
    • Puddles
    • Fungi
    • Lichen
    • Tree bark
    • Shadows
    • Animal spots
    • Tree cavities
    • Animal tracks (think deer hooves or dog prints)
    • Cactus limbs
    • Shells
    • Tree stumps
    • Cracks in mud or sidewalks
    • Snow mounds
    • Tree branches
    • Flowers
    • Black walnuts (look inside)
    • Graffiti or murals

    Outdoor Valentines Activities for Kids - nature heart huntnature heart hunt with kids - Valentine's Day Activities

    Hunting for nature hearts

    The first rule in nature heart hunting is that there are no rules in heart hunting. There is absolutely no wrong way to go hunting for hearts in nature, so your heart hunt can be anywhere and any way you want. My family started going on nature heart hunts a couple of years ago. I cannot remember where I got the idea, but it stuck and we love it. So, whoever you are who shared this idea, thank you!

    You may be surprised to know this, but the heart shape naturally appears in nature everywhere! There are literally hearts all around you! Once you start looking, you will notice them all the time. And if you are anything like me, you will begin to snap a photo each time, too. As a result, you may develop quite a collection of nature heart photos. 

    nature heart hunt

    Eye spy – the heart-shaped version

    Hunting for hearts is such a fun and easy outdoor activity. It’s basically iSpy (eye spy?) where you’re only looking for hearts. You can play this on any hike, walk, or outing. A nature heart hunt is perfect for kids of all ages (and adults). It can easily keep my young children engaged and moving forward on our outdoor adventures. So far, each and every time I suggest we hit the trail and search for hearts, my kids are 100% committed instantly! Certainly, this activity will fail me one day, but for now, I am enjoying hunting nature hearts with my children.

    I search for heart-shapes right along with them and show them any I see. I always make sure to give them an opportunity to point them out first. My 3-year-old enjoys spotting the heart-shaped rocks, tree cavities, and lichen. Whereas, my 6-year-old usually dedicates his time to finding heart-shaped leaves or plants.

    nature heart hunt - how to find hearts all around you

    Find them or make your own

    Do you want to know the best part about this particular nature heart hunt activity? We almost always find several examples, even if they are not perfect. And, if for some reason we don’t find any nature hearts. we simply make our own! It’s super fun to make a heart shape using a few pieces of nature nearby on the ground (leaves, sticks, flowers, etc.) and the kids consider it a complete success! 

    Outdoor Hiking Games for Kids - nature heart hunt

    Love actually is all around

    Hearts are literally all around us. They are in the sidewalk cracks, tree bark, playground equipment, leaves, rocks, and clouds. Most importantly, all of these things are available in most outdoor environments and all are great places to find those hidden hearts. You don’t need to go far or anywhere fancy for your nature heart hunt because love is all around, wherever you are!

    So, as this love-filled holiday draws closer, take your family outside (a park, playground, neighborhood walk, trail hike, or any other adventure) and go hunting for nature hearts. It is easy and fun and will fill your heart with happiness. 

    Have you ever found a heart in nature?

    “When you realise Earth and Heart are spelled with the same letters, it all begins to make sense.” — Unknown author

    About the author

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

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

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