family travel

FAMILY TRAVEL, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, TEENS
Healthy Risk Through Outdoor Adventure and Travel
- November 10, 2021
Risk is a part of our everyday lives. Learning to navigate and assess risk is an essential life skill for all kids. But embracing risky play and feeling comfortable in our decision to let kids take risks can be hard for parents. How do we teach our kids about healthy risk while still maintaining a safe and secure environment? Well, you can’t always. However, there are ways to do it with intention. Today, Jen Barnes, South Carolina mom to three teenagers is here to help realize the benefits (and needs) of letting your kids take healthy risks. She shows us that outdoor adventure and travel are the two best ways to embrace healthy risk and their place in the development of our kids.

What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you fly!”

What is risk?

Risk is most often defined as the possibility of suffering a harmful event or exposure to the chance of injury or loss. Risky play can generally be defined as thrilling and exciting forms of play that involve a risk of physical injury.

But did you know the synonyms of risk are opportunity, venture, fortune, and fortuity?

So, which is it: is risk good or is risk bad? Of course, it’s not that simple. The complexity is in understanding what is the relationship between risk and reward. We can give our kids understanding through experiences to guide them along in assessing risk vs reward and frame the concept of “no risk no reward” with a strong foundation.

Remember, only by taking risks can kids learn to manage risk intelligently, thus creating a habit of healthy risk-taking. Characteristics of kids who are healthy risk-takers include tenacious, persistent, opportunity seekers, and courage. Aren’t those the type of characteristics we are all trying to instill in our kids?

What does risk have to do with the outdoors?

Unlike financial investments, there is no practical risk-reward ratio in nature. Hopefully, this makes risk a little more approachable. There is a simplicity of trial and error as kids play in their natural environment. Soon, healthy risk becomes part of play and an essential part of development.

Many believe that playing it safe is the riskiest choice we can ever make because it stunts development and personal growth. Scott Sampson who wrote How to Raise a Wild Child says, “by preventing our kids from engaging in risky play we are also preventing them from how to navigate risk. A skill they will desperately need as teenagers and the rest of their lives.”

Healthy risk requires play

Children learn through play. Children learn holistically through unstructured free play outdoors. As their imaginations and creativity are sparked into flame outside, they are also problem-solving and engaging in cause and effect. It may seem like a jump to say these things have a part in risk, but as you know, lessons layer upon each other.

Every time your 6-year-old daughter runs across a wobbly log she is enjoying the beauty of her environment while learning her own physical capabilities. She may fall off, or the log may move, demonstrating to her she took a healthy risk she could manage. Even if things didn’t go the way she wanted them to she is learning. Depriving her of this experience by saying “no, that’s not safe” means you are depriving her of learning her capabilities (and limits) and embracing her potential.

The outdoors has a way of testing not just physical acuity, but also mental. The many variables of weather, wildlife, and unstable surroundings give kids a chance to try, fail, try again, and succeed in their endeavors. Learning through play in nature contributes to giving kids a strong foundation.

From a 7-year-old climbing on boulders to a 17-year-old planning a backpacking adventure, healthy risk-taking is involved and growth happens because of it. I love what our friends @laneslesstraveled on Instagram had to say about kids and risk and consequences in a recent post. Check it out for some perspective from a typical family that spends a lot of time outdoors.

Practical ways to invite healthy risk in for young kids

The obvious answer the question about how to find “healthy risks” is straightforward — get outside. But, I wanted to provide ideas for age-appropriate healthy risks and actions you can take with your kids today. While I wholeheartedly believe that any time outside is worthwhile, these ideas will give your kids a chance to grow in confidence and competence outdoors. The benefits of outdoor play will be seen over time as your child develops.

As a personal anecdote, I had an early walker who was climbing playgrounds by age 1. She was tiny and it made me incredibly nervous, but telling her no did nothing. How could I take her to play outdoors but restrain her from play? At that age, kids are impossible to reason with, so my best tactic was to stand underneath her and encourage her to press on. She and I learned together how much she was capable of and I was completely amazed.

We can learn from Linda Akeson McGurk who says, “As parents we need to resist the urge to fall into fear-based approaches that drive parents to hold on to children too tightly and prevent them from growing in healthy ways.” Holding on too tightly would have frustrated both of us.

Risky play activities for kids

Risky play involves kids experimenting with what they can accomplish and pushing themselves to figure out what will happen without knowing the exact outcome. It’s kind of like a science experiment, where kids get to test out their bodies, physical ability, environment, and coordination to determine what they can (and can’t) do and what they’re comfortable with. It’s a way for them to figure out how their bodies work and how the world works around them. Risky play doesn’t mean dangerous play.

Here are the types of “risky play” activities that kids can engage in:
- climbing (trees, towers)
- jumping off things (stairs, rocks, the diving board)
- experiencing speed (swings, ziplines, skiing, skateboarding)
- using tools (hammer, saw)
- rough and tumble play
- balancing activities
Nature fosters healthy risk-taking

Getting young children out into open spaces like the woods or a farm is helpful in introducing natural risk. Without the distractions of toys or screens, kids learn to find and make their own fun. Often you will find young kids creating their own games and contests in these outdoor spaces typically climbing over natural obstacles and jumping and running free through mud and muck. They like to push their bodies to see what they can accomplish and test the limits in a natural environment.

They fall down and get dirty a lot. Sometimes they scrape a knee or get some bruises. They fail, they succeed, they try again, they push their limits, they question their ability. And every time they do, they learn why that happened, what they’re capable of, and how to manage it differently (or the same) next time. Those types of experiences give kids the opportunity to see what produces the results they want or need in a given situation, which is exactly what risk assessment is all about.

Escalating the risk factor for older kids

As kids get older, they need healthy ways to foster independence and confidence. Older kids feel a strong need to prove themselves capable, which becomes apparent in their actions and decision-making. Of course, this plays out differently amongst the many personalities. But, that desire is there in some way.

As parents, it is our job to encourage and facilitate activities that will give our kids an opportunity to test themselves, but still keep them safe. You will notice that older kids will begin to try new things, as well as resist help, which is completely normal development.

When your child starts pushing the limits, instead of a blanket “be careful,” try asking questions like, “How do you think you’ll make it across the creek?” or “Which route are you taking up the tree?” These questions give your older kids the power to make their own decisions but also guide them into thinking through their decisions.

Try new things

Healthy risk-taking often includes charting new territory. There are some wonderful outdoor adventure parks and outdoor adventure camps that provide big fun and big challenges to kids. Floating water parks in lakes and water obstacle courses are summertime activities that give kids some extra adventure. Ziplines and ropes courses give them a thrill and test their abilities in a safe way.

Consider signing up your kids for an adventure camp to let them try new things. They will get a small taste of several activities and one is bound to be a favorite. As a side note, this also gives kids a space to try something before you invest a bunch of money or time into a specific activity.

Listen to what you kids interests are and let them start to take the lead on activities. By age 10 kids are developing pretty strong opinions and are in the beginning stages of sorting out what they like and how they want to spend their time. If you are having a tough time tearing them away from shopping excursions or playing video games, have them invite a friend along.

Healthy risk and teenagers

Risky behavior can seem scary and overwhelming to parents of teenagers. The adolescent stage is a powerful combination of hormone overload (and no idea what to do with those hormones), and an intense need to prove something to themselves and those around them. Much of what we hear in the news is the ways teenagers choose negative risks that have no valuable rewards.

Teenagers are looking for an escape and a boundary-pushing experience. I truly believe both of those needs can be met in the outdoors. We, as parents, can show our teens how to exchange poor risk choices for healthy risk choices.

As a parent of three teenagers, I can tell you with full assurance that kids will push the limits, whether you are involved or not. Therefore, the more you participate in their endeavors, the better, so you can help guide their choices and actions. I don’t mean that becoming a helicopter parent is the answer. That will just backfire and they’ll choose to engage in risky activities away from you, despite your warnings.

When you are with your kids as they adventure, you affirm their choices and actions. You approve their desire for bigger challenges and more independence. It’s not going to be easy (anything involving parenting rarely is). This will require you to push your own limits from time to time as well. It will require you to take a step back and let them lead. It forces you to trust them in new ways. And, it may push you into activities and adventures you never dreamed of!

For example, I never thought I would learn to surf in my 40’s. However, my kids wanted to give it a try. In order to spend time with them and be a part of their risk-taking, I had to get out there with them. It was all new and not a choice I would have made for myself. But, getting out of my comfort zone shows my teens that hard things are doable and it’s ok if you aren’t very good at it!

Healthy risk activities for teens

Next time you are thinking about outdoor activities for teens, consider adding things that provide a bit of a challenge or thrill for them and can help them push boundaries in a healthy way.

Maybe consider renting ATVs as a way to get deeper into backcountry areas. Find a hike that ends with a bang like a waterfall they can swim in or cliff jump nearby. Perhaps instead of pulling up next to a lake to fish, you can hike into a spot with your fishing gear (or kayak there). Sign your kids up for a one-on-one lesson in something wild like kiteboarding or wakeboarding. There are also a host of winter activities that encourage tweens and teens to get outside and keep things just a bit exciting.

Another level of risk: adventure travel

Outdoor adventure travel may sound intimidating to some families, but I’m here to encourage you to give them a try and let you know that adventures come in many shapes and sizes. If travel in general or travel to a specific destination is an adventure to YOU, then it’s an adventure.

Traveling to a new place in and of itself is a healthy risk. The risk factor enters as you introduce your kids to new experiences that are different from your daily life. Don’t underestimate the power of exposing your kids to landscapes that look nothing like your typical surroundings and cultures that are different from your own. Even trying new foods can be a healthy risk. Getting our kids away from distractions plays a big role in their development as their confidence grows.

Outdoor adventure resorts are popping up across the world to provide families a place to spend quality time together while enjoying boundary-pushing experiences. These resorts cater to families and have a wide variety of activities like canyoneering, kayaking, zip-lining, sailing, and more outdoor adventure activities. Think of these resorts like camp for the entire family.

Favorite family adventure travel destinations

Our family loves traveling to new places and exploring. We love cities just as much (if not more) than beaches and mountains. There are so many amazing places out there to explore. And each destination brings on a whole new set of thrills, obstacles, adventures, and explorations. Travel is a great way to get out of your comfort zone and expand you horizons. Here are some family-friendly adventure travel destinations, perfect for finding a wide variety of activities for kids of all ages and interests,

Summer adventure travel destinations (May-September)
- Vail, Colorado
- Big Sky, Montana
- Voyageurs National Park, MN
- Maine
- Canadian Rockies
- Scandinavia
- Alaska
- Japan
- Dolomites, Italy
- Iceland
Winter adventure travel destinations (October-April)
- Costa Rica
- Patagonia (Argentina or Chile)
- Florida Keys
- Snowshoe, West Virginia
- New Mexico
- Big Bend National Park, TX
- Namibia
- Hawaii
- Belize
- Morocco
This is a vast and wide list, but I just wanted to get your wheels turning and give some inspiration. While this list is nowhere near exhaustive, you can see a few patterns. If you have water activity-loving kids, you may find more adventurous activities in the October to April list. You will find that many of the ski resorts transform in the summer months to give kids epic outdoor experiences. It’s a big world with a whole lot of variety.

*Pro tip: I keep a folder in my Instagram that I titled “Teen Destinations.” I save posts to it anytime I come across a destination or activity that looks fun, so I can easily access ideas for adventure planning.

Kids and teens need the outdoors

It would be irresponsible of me not to bring attention to the staggering reality regarding kids and the outdoors as a whole. Many of the statistics we see and hear are downright scary. We have all heard the number of hours that kids and teens are spending on screens is increasing at an alarming rate. And it’s not just video games and Dude Perfect YouTube videos. More of our kids’ education is being conducted on a screen. Their main methods of communication are through a smartphone via text, Snapchat, Tik Tok, and others.

Suffice it to say, kids rarely get a break from the constant noise and distractions. Did you know that our kids’ generation is in danger of a life expectancy lower than the generation before it? This is scary and something has to change.

Here is the good news- we can take action today to do something about it. In my research, I learned some incredible things about the effects of nature on our kids’ well-being. As little as 15 minutes in the woods scientifically shows a reduction in the stress hormone cortisol. When our human senses encounter nature, alpha waves are created in our brain giving us the neural resonance of relaxation.

Nature not only makes us feel better, but it also alters our biology, measurably reducing our fight or flight response. This is the automatic physiological reaction to an event that is perceived as stressful or frightening and triggers an acute stress response that prepares the body to fight or flee. Do you see that? Nature helps our kids in risky situations.

Neuroscientists are on the path to proving the positive effects of nature. Healthy interpersonal relationships, increased generosity toward others, as well as a sense of connection to the larger community of life are byproducts. Those positive effects are motivating to give kids more outside moments. In turn, they have ways to demonstrate their ability to manage healthy risk in a productive way.

For more risky play ideas

Included are resources that will help you teach your kids about healthy risks through outdoor adventures and travel.

Check out these books for practical help:
If you are looking for inspiration on family adventure travel check out this post on visiting a Dude Ranch during the winter.

What activities can you plan to introduce
healthy risk into the development of your kids and teenagers?

About the author

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

You can find Jen online in the following locations:
Instagram: @gofamilyadventure
Website: Go Family Adventure
RWMC Posts: Jen Barnes
FAMILY TRAVEL, FAVORITE GEAR, SUMMER
30 Screen-Free Road Trip Ideas for Kids
- August 3, 2021
Summertime means vacations, road trips, and the inevitable chorus of “are we there yet?” Indeed, spending long car rides with kids can be hard and children, especially younger ones, often tend to get bored quickly. This can lead to children spending a lot of time in front of a screen, which is not ideal for anyone on a road trip. Children will not remember the drive day adventures if they are playing tablet games or watching a movie. Road trips with kids can be wonderful opportunities for children to explore new activities, see and learn new things, and play time-tested road trip games. Today, Sara Lesire, St. Louis based civil engineer, outdoor-loving, mom of two, makes road-tripping with children a breeze with these 30 screen-free road trip ideas for kids!

{This post contains affiliate links.}

Screen-free road trip ideas for kids

Our family has been taking long road trips since our kids were babies. We rarely have to resort to screen time to keep them entertained and happy during our drives. Our kids don’t own tablets so I have had to get creative over the years on new ideas for those annual 14+ hour each way drives. If you are looking for ideas on how to get your kids’ eyes off the screens without the whining, here are some great screen-free road trip ideas for all ages.

Invest in a travel tray

First, while this is not exactly an activity, it does help make traveling with kids easier! We have been using travel trays in the car for several years now. They provide a flat surface for activities while the raised edge helps keep items from rolling off. They can use the surface for coloring, drawing, or any other hands-on activities. There is even a cup holder and pockets for storage. While they have a flat surface, the edges of the trays are soft and padded for safety in the event of a crash. They are also perfect for meals and snacks on the go.

Road trip surprise boxes

1. The surprise box! Each and every road trip, my kids always look forward to seeing what is in their “surprise box.” The boxes are just lunchboxes I found at a garage sale. Each long trip I fill them with inexpensive trinkets and toys from garage sales, Dollar Tree, or things I find on clearance. This is always a hit, because the contents are new to my kids, making each item or activity that much more exciting. I also add in some snacks and special sweet treats.

If you want to extend the suspense or use it as a reward for good behavior, you could try making multiple small surprise bags to be opened at certain times or at each road trip stop. Ideas of things to include are Legos, Hotwheels cars, fidget toys, small dolls, small stuffed animals, stickers, crayons, notebooks, travel games, fruit snacks, applesauce pouches, or coloring books. Dollar Tree is an amazing resource for budget-friendly goodies.

Keep little hands busy

There are so many great interactive and no mess activities available to pack along. Do a little browsing in your house and online to prepare some of the following activities.

2. Fine motor control games: Use an empty can with a lid such as oatmeal or a whipped topping container. Cut in some holes in the lid just large enough for kids to push pom poms through.

3. Pipe cleaners: These are so simple but so much fun for kids. See what shapes they can make with them or what sort of creation they can make by bending them in different ways.

4. Fidget toys: Any kid (or adult) that loves popping packing bubbles will enjoy popper toys.

5. Busy toddlers: Busy boards can be a huge win for toddlers and preschoolers as they learn to buckle, snap, and tie.

6. Window art: For kids that have a window seat, inexpensive window clings from the dollar store offer a creative way to stay entertained while making an artistic impression.

7. Magnetic toys: Our kids enjoy the challenge of making different shapes using a magnetic tangram set or making funny faces with this fun kit. You can also grab a cheap dollar store cookie sheet and bring along alphabet magnets or magnetic tiles that you probably already have around the house.

8. Water painting: Melissa and Doug created a hit with their Water Wow books. Kids will love the easy painting while parents love that they are mess-free. Even if they happen to leak or spill, the amount of water is pretty small. Hold them up to the air vents in the car for a quicker drying time.

9. Post-it art: Give kids a set of sticky notes and crayons. Let them draw pictures to stick around the car and make their own “art gallery.” (Just remove when you get out of the car to avoid the glue getting too hot and sticky on car surfaces!)

10. Toy tubes: These toy tubes and pipes were huge hits for my kids when they were toddler and preschool ages. The pieces are larger too, which helps avoid them getting lost in the car.

11. Mess-free coloring: Crayola’s Color Wonder markers have been in use in our house for years. They only color on the special paper for no messes!

12. No mess drawing: This simple LCD drawing tablet has been a favorite of our kids. Easy to draw and it erases with just the press of a button.

13. Lego box: Use double-sided sticky tabs to stick a lego baseplate into the bottom of a dollar store tray or plastic box. Add in a variety of lego bricks for a traveling box of creative fun. If you are worried about losing parts of a set, Dollar Tree sells lego sets and baseplates for an inexpensive version.

14. Make a sensory I-spy game: Fill a plastic bottle or Ziploc bag with rice. Add in several small toys, tape closed the container, and let kids shake the container to search for the treasures.

15. Etch-a-Sketch drawing: This is a hit with most kids, especially preschool age and up. Twisting those knobs to create a drawing is a challenge and children love seeing what they can create (even if the results are often staircases).

Let them follow along

16. Map fun! Print out a map of your travel plans or pick up a state paper map and let them follow along on the route. Mark off your stops with a star to give them an idea of how far there is to go. Both my kids absolutely love looking at maps. Add in a toy car for some pretend driving fun.

Make a road trip binder

17. Create a road trip binder full of printables! There are so many amazing and free road trip game printables out there created by graphic snazzy parents. I like to put a group of them together in a binder for each child. The pockets of the binder are great for adding in crayons or markers. Pro Tip: If you want to avoid the expected lost markers, try taping string around the crayons and markers and then taping it to the binder.

Some of the blank pages I leave tucked in the binder pockets to be used for any sort of coloring or drawing. But, others I put in clear, protective sleeves to be used multiple times with a dry erase marker. If you are reading this at midnight the night before a long road trip and need something quick, a clipboard instead of a binder also works great too to keep the pages together.

Below is a list of free printables for kids of all ages.

Preschool/Elementary Ages
- Tot Schooling has this super cute printable pack with dot pages, I-spy games, travel bingo, and more.
- This travel-themed drawing prompts from Picklebums are so fun.
- Playdough to Plato has another road trip pack with multiple games and activities.
- Paper Trail has a selection of different I-Spy games with different themes. My daughter loves these hidden picture games.
- Crayola has a huge selection of coloring pages and activities to print while Wood Jr. has tons of printables included themed mazes.
Older Elementary/Tweens
- Carla Schauer Studio’s Travel Scavenger Hunt for Tweens is perfect for the older kids to keep their eyes away from the screens and out the windows.
- Krazy Dad has printable mazes for all ages. Choose the right difficulty level to keep kids challenged.
- 3 Boys and a Dog has these unique restaurant sign I-Spy games.
- A Suburban Mom has the best license plate game I’ve seen. It has actual pictures of what each state’s plate actually looks like.
- I love Sunny Day Family’s printable Vacation Journal. Kids can keep a record of the places they have been. If you want a ready-made version, this kid’s travel journal looks adorable.
Let them capture the moment

18. Take pictures! My kids have loved being able to take photos of both the journey and the destination. And now that almost everyone has a smartphone, you can often find cheap point-and-shoot cameras at garage sales or local swap pages. My kids have been loving these child cameras that are just the right size for little hands. They often will spend part of the ride reviewing their past shots on the camera.

Play car games

There are so many great games that the whole family can enjoy together. Most of these ideas can be adapted for a variety of ages. Even better, most of them require no prep.

19. Counting game: Pick an item to keep track of and then count them together. For example, count the number of red cars or the number of barns, train crossings, or speed limit signs.

20. Car hide and seek: Take some small objects or print out some pictures of animals, cars, etc. and hide them around the car but in viewing sight. Tell kids to look around and find them.

21. Ask questions: Have everyone take turn asking a question such as everyone’s favorite ice cream, or a place they want to visit someday. If you need some ideas, check out these cute printable conversation starters. You can also buy this ready-made Table Talk list of questions for kids.

22. Travel scattergories: Take turns picking a topic such as animals, fruits, ice cream flavors, etc. Try to name as many as you can in each category that starts with a certain letter.

23. Would you rather: Older kids many enjoy Landeelu’s printable Would You Rather game plus a list of road trip games for tweens and teens.

24. That’s different: Take turns pointing out something you see out the window that is out of the ordinary. It could be a crazy sign, a fun-colored car, or a unique landmark.

25. When I go: The first person starts off with “When I go to (destination name) I am bringing a (an object, the sillier the better.) Then the next person repeats the phrase and adds on another item. For example: When I go to Florida, I am bringing a flamingo, a picnic basket, an umbrella, and a guitar. See how long you can keep it going.

26. Guess the animal: One person thinks of an animal and everyone else takes turns asking questions to try and figure out which animal it is. This is similar to 20 questions, but we never set a question limit. Model asking broad questions first, such as does it walk on four legs or does it have fur, before moving onto the more direct questions, like is it a fish or is it a hippo.

27. Mad Libs: Mad Libs are sure to bring a laugh to everyone in the car. You can find versions online to print or buy a whole book for endless smiles.

28. Travel games: Magnetic and travel-sized versions of classic games like Bingo and Fishing can be fun for multiple kids. I’ve already added these super adorable chicken shuffle and woodland animal strategy games to my kid’s wish lists.

Book it

29. Read or listen to books! Hit up your local library before your trip for some new reads for the car. I like to search garage sales, thrift stores, and local book shops for some new-to-them books to help the miles fly by. Another great option is Audiobooks! This way the whole family can enjoy listening to the books together.

Make a game out of it by having an informal book review when the books are finished. Ask the kids what their favorite book of the day was and why. Extend the conversation to ask what they would do if they were the main character in the story or which character they liked the most and why.

Plan kid-friendly stops

30. Make the stops fun! One final easy way to keep kids from becoming restless on long trips is to break up the journey with some fun stops. I like to use the GoWhee or Roadtrippers apps to look up fun destinations along the route. Or you can just search for “best playgrounds near city/town” to find a good spot for a break.

If you travel often, I highly recommend the Next Exit travel book. It lists all the gas stations and restaurants at each exit along the entire U.S. interstate system. It also lists amenities and locations of all rest areas so you can see which rest areas have playgrounds.

If you’re traveling in/around either the St. Louis, MO area or the Bentonville, Arkansas area, be sure to check out our Get Out Guides for all kinds of fun OUTDOOR things to do in these cities!

What are your favorite ways to keep kids busy and happy while traveling?

About the author

Sara has been married to her high school sweetheart for 17 years and together they have two children. Sara spent many childhood hours outside on her grandparents’ farm and strives for her kids to have similar carefree kid adventures. Based in the St. Louis area, she loves to share on her blog and social media all the scenic and fun places to explore around the St. Louis area and beyond. Hiking is the most popular activity for her whole family followed by hitting up the best local playgrounds. Photography is also a passion of Sara’s and she continues to be amazed at the natural beauty and wonder of God’s creation. When she is not hitting the trail, Sara works as a civil engineer.

You can find more from Sara online in the following locations:
Instagram: @midwestnomadfamily
Facebook: Midwest Nomad Family
RWMC posts: Sara Lesire
CAMP, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, RECIPES, SUMMER
Tips for Backyard Camping with Kids
- June 29, 2021
Camping with kids is so much fun, but it’s also so much work! If you’re intimidated by venturing out for a camping trip with your kids or just want a fun way to spend a few more hours outside together, why not give backyard camping a try! Today, Creative Team member Meghan Garriott, Illinois mom of 3 is here with us sharing some brilliant and creative tips and tricks to make your backyard camping with kids adventure a success!

{This post contains affiliate links.}

Backyard camping with kids

Camping is a great way to get outside, enjoy nature, and spend some quality time unplugged. Camping with children can be tough and intimidating, though. Especially if you’re new to camping. Trying to remember to bring everything they need, keeping them entertained, and cooking food they like to eat can be stressful and overwhelming.

Camping with kids is worth it, but it is a lot of work. If you have multiple children the amount of work and difficulty level can multiply quickly. However, we have a great solution that will be less work, less hassle, super fun, and get you and your kids prepared and excited about a camping adventure!

Let me introduce you to backyard camping. Backyard camping is just that…camping in the backyard. It’s a great way to ease into real camping or just a great way to get outside and enjoy nighttime nature without the hassle of packing up everyone and everything. If you’re just getting started with camping, want to see how your kids will handle it or just want to spend an evening under the stars (with all the amenities of home nearby), backyard camping is going to be perfect for you!

Image credit: @meghangarriott

How to pick your backyard campsite

When setting up your campsite in your backyard, there are a few things to consider:
1. Cooking and eating (campfire and table/chairs)
2. Sleeping arrangements (tent or other)
3. Activities or games (enough space to play)
You don’t need a ton of space for backyard camping, but you’ll want to have a designated space for each of these things, if possible. All three of these designated areas can vary greatly depending on where you live, the size of your yard, and what you plan to use for each.

Eating, sleeping and spending time outside are the quintessential elements needed for a camping trip. You don’t have to get fancy with any of them, but try to incorporate them to give yourself and your kids a genuine camping experience. Below are some ideas you can use to plan your camping trip in the backyard.

Image credit: @sara_mccarty

Backyard camping food

A big part of the camping experience is the food. The great part about backyard camping is you don’t have to pack up all that food first and haul it to your campsite. You don’t have to worry about coolers and ice and bring everything you need to cook. You can be a little more creative with your camping food with your refrigerator so close.

If you have a place in your backyard for a campfire or a small fire pit, we highly encourage you to use it for your camping meals! That will help give you an authentic camping experience and help you gain confidence in what you’ll need to cook when you’re on a camping trip away from home. Plus, it’s super fun for the kids! It’s definitely not every day they get to cook over a fire! If you don’t have a fireplace or a fire pit using, the grill at home is another good option.

Some of our family’s favorite campfire foods include the classics like s’mores and hotdogs. We also love some more creative creations like grilled jelly and cream cheese sandwiches, “cinnamon bears”, and campfire pizzas. Foil packet dinners are always fun. I’ve included some kid-friendly camping recipes below!

We have a great article about involving kids in the fire-making process. And another on tips for outdoor cooking with kids, which will tell you how to get your kids involved in food prep and meal planning for your camping trip.

Image credit: @meghangarriott

Creative campfire recipes

Here are a few of our family’s favorite campfire recipes and treats. None of these are too complicated and you can get as creative with them as you want and to your family’s taste. I hope you’ll try a few of these recipes out at your next backyard camping adventure!

Grilled jelly and cream cheese sandwiches

To make grilled jelly and cream cheese sandwiches we use a campfire pie iron. Use two slices of buttered bread. On the inside of one slice use about 2 tablespoons of whipped cream cheese, on the other slice use your favorite fruit jelly or jam. Use the pie iron to cook them just like you would a regular grilled cheese about a minute or so for each side.

Then enjoy a delicious and easy grilled jelly and cream cheese sandwich. This can be a great breakfast option or a dessert option. This can also be made over your backyard grill if you are not using a firepit.

Cinnamon bears

“Cinnamon bears” are a family favorite that I made with my family camping while growing up. These use a loaf of French bread, butter, cinnamon, sugar, and a roasting stick. Cut the French bread into thick slices. Dip the sides into butter then into a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Put it on the stick and roast over the fire till the sugar caramelizes. This was always our go-to breakfast growing up!

Cast-iron skillet pizza

The last creative camping dish you should try during your backyard camping trip is cast-iron skillet pizza. A cast-iron skillet is a great Multi-use tool for camping and for in the kitchen. Check out this recipe for the cast iron skillet pizza. If pizza isn’t your thing check out this list for a ton of fun cast iron camping recipes.

Foil-packet meals

Foil packet meals can be anything you want them to be! These can be made ahead of time and placed on/in the fire to cook. We usually do some combination of meat and veggies, tossed in seasoning and maybe a dab of olive oil. We’ve done everything from steak strips with Brussel sprouts to freshly caught trout with lemon and broccoli.

Image credit: @sara_mccarty

Backyard camping sleeping arrangements

The great thing about sleeping outside in your backyard versus a traditional campsite is it probably has less wildlife (and fewer bugs), so your outdoor sleeping options are a little broader. When considering the different sleeping arrangements for backyard camping don’t overthink it. Kids will likely be excited to sleep with whatever you give them because it is fun and exciting just to be sleeping outside!

And while you may have fewer bugs in the backyard than out in the wilderness, it’s still a good idea to spray whatever you plan to sleep in with some bug spray or permethrin to keep mosquitoes and ticks away.

Image credit: @sara_mccarty

Backyard tent camping

Tents range in size, rooms, and difficulty to set up. If you are camping in your backyard to prepare for a larger camping trip it’s a good idea to set up your tent at home first. And even sleep in it! This way, you know what you are doing once you get to an actual campsite, and you know all the tools and gadgets you will need once you are away from home, how much space you have inside and the way you want to set everything up. This step is great for helping build your confidence if you’re a new camper.

If you aren’t preparing for a camping trip away from home and are just backyard camping for fun, any kind of tent will do. Homemade tents built out of sheets or tarps can be a fun activity and learning opportunity for kids. Or you can even set up camp in the kids’ clubhouse or make some kind of fort.

Image credit: @thimbleandtwig

Hammocks

Tents are not the only way to sleep outside! If you have some trees or poles to use, hammocks are a super fun and comfortable option for backyard camping and really allow you to enjoy the night. We recommend the hammocks with mosquito netting so you don’t get eaten alive overnight!

If opting for hammocks, you’ll want to make sure the kids using them overnight are older and are able to get in and out of them easily on their own. Hammocks may not be an appropriate option for young kids to sleep in overnight.

Image credit: @wonderclubexplorers

Sleeping bags

Don’t have a tent or a clubhouse or a hammock? Never fear! Sleeping bags can be used alone on the ground – they’re not just for use inside a tent. If you live in the county or in a smaller town with minimal light pollution, sleeping in a sleeping bag underneath a full sky of stars is magical. If you lay long enough and pay attention to the sky on a clear night you will likely even see a few shooting stars!

Sleeping bags come in lots of fun options, with different thicknesses, and tend to roll up and pack up nicely and easily for kiddos. We recommend a lightweight sleeping bag if you’re camping in the summer months. If you don’t have sleeping bags though no worries. You are just steps away from the house when backyard camping, so it is easy enough to throw some blankets and pillows outside to use as well.

Another perk to being in your backyard is having easy assess to electricity. So if you want to be extra comfy while sleeping outside you can blow up a nice big air mattress to put in your tent. This is often what my husband does when camping in the yard with my kids. You can also use a blow-up pool raft.

Image credit: @sara_mccarty

Set the mood for backyard camping

A tent and a campfire are probably enough to really make it feel like camping! But if you want to get extra creative and really set the mood, stringing lights, setting out tiki torches, or just using some lanterns is a fun way to bring light to your backyard campsite. Since you’re just at home perfection can go out the window. You can string up some old Christmas lights or some rope lights. If you don’t have those, tiki torches are a great way to keep bugs away and give off some added campfire glow (you can even get citronella torch fuel).

While you’re putting up lights or lanterns, don’t forget about the playset or tree house if you have them! Even though the children may play on these playsets every day, playing on them in the dark with some fun lighting will bring new life to them and give them something fun to do after the sun sets.

Image credit: @meghangarriott

Backyard camping games and activities

And speaking of fun things to do when you’re backyard camping, now is the time to break out the slackline, glow sticks, sparklers, and flashlights for some fun games!

Slackline

During daylight hours, one of our kids’ favorite things to do on a camping trip is to play on the slackline. We always bring our slackline on camping trips and set it up for the kids to play on. Sometimes they’ll spend hours walking on it, bouncing, playing games, challenging each other. It’s a great screen-free way to keep them entertained.

Glow sticks

Glow sticks are fun, but when kids are decked out in glow bracelets and necklaces, they are also a great way to be able to see your children as they run around in the dark! Last summer we found a glow stick ring toss game that entertained the kids outside for quite some time. You could easily make your own glow stick ring toss by making rings out of some sticks and sticking a few straight in the ground.

Flashlight tag

Another fun and classic evening game is flashlight tag! Every house I’ve ever stayed at has had different flashlight tag rules. So grab your flashlights (or headlamps) and your running shoes, make up your own rules, and get out and play!

Catching fireflies

Here in the Midwest, our favorite backyard activity is catching fireflies. This activity can be reserved for dusk, before you break out your glow sticks, sparklers, and flashlights. If using a mason jar to collect and observe, try turning it upside down to better see them, as the lightning bugs like to fly upwards. Try to make sure you release them after 15 minutes so they can find their mate and continue making more lightning bugs for future fun!

For more on lightning bugs, we’ve got a whole post dedicated to Fun with Fireflies.

Image credit: @meghangarriott

Backyard camping freedom

Taking kids on the road for a camping trip can sometimes be stressful and overwhelming. But, when you bring camping to your own backyard a whole new world can open up. Your options for food, fun, and sleep are so much greater, which can allow the whole family a little more fun with a lot less stress. Backyard camping is a great way to gauge your family’s interest and ability to go on another camping trip a little further from home. Happy camping!

What are your favorite backyard camping tips?

About the author

Meghan is a country living, mom of 2 boys in rural central Illinois (with a baby girl on the way). She is a Physical Therapist Assistant by trade but spends most of her time outside with her family. At home, she has large flower, herb, and vegetable gardens to tend to and 3 large dogs to play with. As a family, they enjoy hiking, camping, boating, fishing, and helping her in-laws show and raise livestock. Photography became a hobby while in isolation after her oldest son’s bone marrow transplant. It has since become a passion to capture her family’s daily life. Throughout her family’s journey with rare disease and transplant, the outdoors have been a safe space for the whole family to grow, learn, and thrive.

You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
Instagram: @meghangarriott
RWMC posts: Meghan Garriott
BEACH, BIKE, CAMP, FAMILY TRAVEL, HIKE, LOCAL GEMS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PARK, SPRING, SUMMER, WATER
7 Family-Friendly Places to Explore in Illinois
- April 12, 2021
Illinois might not be on the very top of your family’s outdoor adventure bucket list. But, this Midwest state just might surprise you with some really incredible hikes and trails, amazing state parks, camping options, lake adventures, and more! Today, Creative Team member Meghan Garriott, Illinois mom of 2 (soon to be 3) shares 7 of her family’s favorite free family-friendly places to explore in Illinois! (try saying that five times fast!) If you’re in or around Illinois (or even just driving through on a road trip this summer), make sure you check out this post and add a few of these destinations to your adventure list!

7 outdoor places to explore in Illinois

Let’s be honest here, Illinois is not usually a top destination for scenic views or epic outdoor adventures. When most people think of Illinois, cornfields and Chicago are probably the only 2 things that come to mind. And while both of those are a big part of this state, you might be surprised to find that between the big city and miles of corn and soybeans, Illinois has some of the most beautiful landscapes and natural habitats in the Midwest. There are high waterfalls, deep canyons, enormous bluffs, and prairies and waterways that are full of life and beauty. Read along to discover some of Illinois’ most beautiful and fun-filled outdoor places to explore with your family.

1. Matthiessen State Park

Matthiessen State Park is in Northern Illinois, just about an hour or so outside of Chicago. It is positioned just south of the Illinois River and next to its better-known neighbor Starved Rock State Park (see below).

Thanks to the Vermilion River that winds and curves throughout Matthiessen, there is no shortage of waterways to play in or gape at during your visit. The most scenic of these waterways are the upper and lower dells. The lower dells is home to a towering 45 foot waterfall called Cascade Falls. This waterfall is breathtaking to view from the bottom, inside the canyon.

Favorite Matthiessen trails

Matthiessen State Park is broken up into two areas: (1) the Vermilion River Area, and (2) the Dells Area, as seen on the trail map. Dells area is where you will find the Cascade falls along with other falls and sights like “Giants Bath Tub” and “Devil’s Paint Box”. The best trail to see all the sights is the Dells Canyon and Bluff trail. Along this trail there are many stairs, bridges and wet crossings.

Both these trails are fun for kids of all ages. However, make sure you bring a change of clothes for everyone. The trails are often wet and/or muddy during the spring and summer. If you’re going down to the lower dells, be prepared for a lot of stairs. This is not a stroller-friendly trail and little legs may tire quickly.

When visiting Matthiessen State Park in prime season (spring and summer), I recommend going on a weekday. Due to its proximity to the city it can be a very popular destination for those looking to escape into nature. If you love chasing waterfalls put Matthiessen on your list!

Wet crossing at the upper Dells

2. Ferne Clyffe State Park

Ferne Clyffe State Park is an all-time favorite for my family. Its versatility in scenery and low difficulty trails make it an easy place to spend the entire day with little kids. Tucked right in the middle of the Shawnee National Forest, Ferne Clyffe has some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring rock formations. One of my children’s favorite rock formations has been named “Spider-Man Rock” (pictured below) because you can slide down like Spider-Man does on buildings. In addition to rock formations it boasts beautiful waterfalls and tons of fern-covered foliage.

Spider-Man Rock

Kid-friendly Ferne Clyffe trails

When hiking with children, especially young children, it’s nice to have some short trail options. Ferne Clyffe has 8 trails that are under 1 mile. While these trails are short, they definitely do not lack views. Many of short trails begin in the same area centered around a picnic area, which is great for resting, snacking, and potty breaks between trails. I love how different each trail is despite being so close in proximity to each other.

Rebman Trail, Hawks Cave Trail, and Big Rocky Hollow Trail all start from the same parking lot but boast very different views. Rebman Trail has high rock formations where rock climbing and repelling can be enjoyed. Hawks Cave Trail (pictured below) leads to and under one of the largest shelter bluffs in Illinois. Big Rocky Hollow Trail is a wide wheelchair accessible trail that leads to a 100foot tall waterfall. Learn more here about accessibility and exploring the outdoors with medically complex children.

Hawks Cave trail

Ferne Clyffe waterfalls

Nearly every time we visit this waterfall at Ferne Clyffe we have it all to ourselves. Even on the weekends, this stat park is relatively slow, which is great for being able to sit back and enjoy nature’s beauty. This waterfall is intermittent, however. It is usually flowing the most in the spring and dries up with little rain or during the heat of that summer.

The trail to the waterfall is easy and the water around the bottom is shallow and fun for kids to splash around in. With all the green foliage and the mini waterfalls that surround the big one, it is easy to forget you are in Illinois, as it feels much like a jungle.

3. Rock Springs Conservation Area

We are bringing things back to the middle of the Prairie State with our third favorite outdoor Illinois destination – Rock Springs Conservation Area. Rock Springs is one of 5 conservation areas in Macon County, Illinois. Their mission is to promote the conservation of natural and cultural resources by acquiring, maintaining, and restoring natural areas and cultural sites so as to leave them unimpaired for future generations.

At Rock Springs, there is so much to learn about native Illinois. You can easily spend a day learning, exploring, and enjoying without spending a dollar. Its many trails lead through historic prairies with native grasses and wildflowers. There is a paved bike trail as well as many grass and dirt trails.

One of our favorite places to hike through is the old Christmas tree farm, which now boasts tall pine trees and an open forest floor. If hiking is not your thing you can still spend the whole day here learning at the historic prairie house, fishing from the ponds with borrowed equipment from the nature center, or exploring the nature center itself.

Pine Forest at Rock Springs

Rock Springs Nature Center

The Rock Springs Nature Center is a great place to hang out on hot summer days or cold winter days. There are many fun and educational exhibits that focus on habitat and history in Illinois. The Ecocenter is a hands-on and interactive museum exhibit inside the nature center. This exhibit features life-sized native wildlife inside their habitat, and shows how the environment in Illinois is ever-changing.

The other part of the nature center houses live animals like turtles, snakes, fish, and salamanders. The nature center also has a free-to-the-public library, which is great for curious kiddos when that weather doesn’t allow outdoor exploring.

One of our favorite rooms in the nature center is bird viewing window. There is a big comfy couch in front of a wall-sized window that allows you to comfortably enjoy many birds as they come and go from the many feeders. If you are going to be in the area be sure to check out their website, as they often have educational events for children year-round, making it one of the best family-friendly places to explore in Illinois.

Bird Viewing Window at at Rock Springs Nature Center

4. Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is definitely one of those places that you cannot believe is in Illinois. The views year-round are breathtaking. Garden of the Gods is said to be one of the most photographed places in Illinois. It’s not hard to see why. Garden of the Gods is one of the best family-friendly places to explore in Illinois.

The Observation trail leads you high above the treetops looking over unique sandstone rock formations. This trail is only about .25 miles long but there are many stops and observation lookouts along the way so it can take up to an hour to finish. While short, the Observation Trail can be dangerous because of the high cliffs. You will want to make sure children walking this trail have a good safety awareness and stay close to the trail itself. While the Observation Trail is the most popular trail there are many other trails to explore. There is also a campground and picnic area so that you can stay a little longer. If coming through Illinois Garden of the Gods is a must-see site.

Garden of the Gods from the Observation Trail

5. Allerton Park and Retreat Center

Allerton Park is unlike any of the other locations on this list of family-friendly places to explore in Illinois. Allerton Park started out as a private residence, then was donated to the University of Illinois. According to their website, the property is used by the University as an education and research center, as a forest and wildlife and plant reserve, as an example of landscape gardening, in a public park. U of I now oversees its 14 miles of hiking trails, 1500 acres of woodland and prairie, a 10-acre meadow, it’s many many gardens. The gardens include sculpture gardens, annual and perennial gardens, a conifer garden, and many more.

One of the gardens are Allerton Park

Allerton Park garden trails

While Allerton Park has lovely woodland trails, but when we visit, it’s usually for the garden trails. You can spend a lot of time walking and enjoying the gardens through many different seasons. In the spring the peony garden has many different varieties of peonies and is one of the most pleasing smelling gardens. One of my kids’ favorite things to do at Allerton Park is to walk between the arborvitae where small trails allow kids to walk along the main trail (pictured below).

If you were looking for somewhere to stay in the area, the Allerton has many overnight options, including guest rooms in the Allerton historic mansion or 3 different guesthouses around the property. You can plan your visit or look at lodging options here.

Arborvitae trail that runs along the main garden trail

6. Giant City State Park

Giant City State Park, in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest, is one of our top family-friendly places to explore in Illinois. Like Ferne Clyffe and Garden of the Gods, it has beautiful rock formations. Giant City’s rock formations differ from the other two though, in that many of the trails take you through rock formations that look much like walls of a city for giants! This is where the park gets its name. The Giant City Nature Trail is a favorite for viewing the scale of these large rock walls as well a heap of plants, animals, and insects.

Giant City Nature Trail

Giant City camping and lodge

The campground at Giant City is one of my family’s favorites. We have camped here in both the summer and fall seasons and thoroughly enjoyed both. Each time we’ve stayed we’ve eaten one meal at the Giant City Lodge restaurant, which is great. In addition to 85 campsites, they also offer 34 cabins with heating/air conditioning. Just down from the Lodge and restaurant is a Nature Center, which is a great place to start your day and learn about all that you may see while hiking the trails of Giant City. If you are looking for a one-stop place to camp/stay, hike, eat, and learn, then Giant City should be on your list!

Giant City Nature Trail

7. Lake Shelbyville

Our final place to explore in Illinois is back in the heartland of the state. There is no shortage of outdoor activities to be done on and around the banks of Lake Shelbyville, making it one of the best family-friendly places to explore in Illinois. This man-made lake which runs along the Kaskaskia river is made up of 11,100 acres of water, and 23,000 acres of land.

There are over 50 miles of developed multipurpose trails. The bike trails are a favorite for our family. Our favorite bike trails are: (1) Camp Camfield, outside Sullivan, Illinois, (2) The General Dacey Trail, and (3) the Pumptrax at the head of the Dacey Trail. Both of these last two trails are located at the southern part of the lake in Shelbyville, Illinois.

General Dacey Bike Trail

Water fun at Lake Shelbyville

While most of the places on this list are most enjoyed during the fall, spring, and summer seasons, Lake Shelbyville is definitely your go-to place for summer fun. There is not a better summer day than hanging out with the family in the hot sun and splashing in the cool water.

Whether it be by boat or beach, there is no shortage of family-friendly outdoor places to explore along this lake for outdoor fun. If you don’t have a boat, both Findlay Marina and Lithia Springs Marina have rental options for fishing boats, pontoon boats, or houseboats. While out enjoying the lake you will see all kinds of water sports, from water skiing to tubing, to fishing and everything in between.

When visiting Lake Shelbyville, don’t forget to visit the 108-foot high dam that allows water from the lake to flow into the Kaskaskia River. Down the road from the dam is the Lake Shelbyville Visitors Center. The visitor center includes aquariums and terrariums, a library, an art exhibit, an education room, and expansive views of the lake and dam areas. It’s a great place to learn about water safety, wildlife along the lake, and the building of the lake itself.

If you are interested in spending a fun-filled week in the water, check out the many campground and cabin rental options.

Playing in Lake Shelbyville on a summer day

Budget-friendly outdoor family fun in Illinois

Illinois may not be at the top of everyone’s vacation bucket list, but there is no shortage of beautiful views and fun adventures to be had. And because everyone isn’t flocking to see the views, all of these adventures are budget-friendly and almost always less crowded than well-known tourist destinations. Each of these family-friendly places to explore in Illinois can be visited for free, all you have to do is get there! If you are looking for a fun adventure getaway for the whole family, without breaking the bank, make sure you put Illinois on your list. You never know…Illinois might surprise you with its beautiful views and outdoor adventures to be had.

About the author

Meghan is a country living, mom of 2 boys in rural central Illinois. She is a Physical Therapist Assistant by trade but spends most of her time outside with her family. At home, she has large flower, herb, and vegetable gardens to tend to and 3 large dogs to play with. As a family, they enjoy hiking, camping, boating, fishing, and helping her in-laws show and raise livestock. Photography became a hobby while in isolation after her oldest son’s bone marrow transplant. It has since become a passion to capture her family’s daily life. Throughout her family’s journey with rare disease and transplant, the outdoors have been a safe space for the whole family to grow, learn, and thrive.

You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
Instagram: @meghangarriott
RWMC posts: Meghan Garriott
FAMILY TRAVEL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SKI/SNOW, WINTER
Family Travel: Vista Verde Ranch, Colorado
- March 26, 2021
Are you looking for an unforgettable family vacation? Want to find a place full of memorable outdoor adventures for the entire family? Are you craving a luxurious guest ranch experience while you enjoy the beauty of a traditional dude ranch? We’ve found the perfect place. Today, Araceli Gonzalez, a California mom of three, is going to introduce you to Vista Verde Ranch. Vista Verde Ranch is located just north of Steamboat Springs in Colorado and is a luxury guest ranch for outdoorsy and adventurous families! Let’s take you on a tour!

*This post was sponsored by Vista Verde Ranch. All opinions expressed and photos contained herein belong to the author.

Vista Verde, a luxury guest ranch

Vista Verde offers the hospitality and charm of the Old West with the luxuries of an all-inclusive resort. We had the incredible opportunity to spend some time at Vista Verde earlier this month and had the most incredible experience. We were amazed by the beautiful location and fantastic facilities, the stellar culinary delights, and the wonderful activities program for kids and families.

Sounds pretty unbelievable, right? Well, that’s not even half of it. Let me show you around!

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains

Vista Verde is a gorgeous luxury cowboy dude ranch nestled in the Colorado Rockies, just north of Steamboat Springs. It backs up into a national forest and feels as if they carved out space for this gorgeous ranch, making it the most pristine location.

From the minute you arrive, you will be blown away by gorgeous views of the Rocky Mountains and struck by the beauty of 100+ horses roaming throughout the property. Cozy log cabins are scattered throughout the property, offering rustic charm and the feeling of alpine luxury comfort. I loved the wood-burning fireplace, spa robes, and local handmade soap. There were so many thoughtful details and amenities, which created a cozy and restful experience, even with vacationing with kids! We all know that a vacation with kids can be nearly anything but relaxing, so I was very impressed with how easy they made everything for us.

Vista Verde has something for everyone

Vista Verde makes it easy to vacation as a family. They really do have something for everyone, which makes it perfect for large families with lots of different ages and interests! With a large family, it’s sometimes tough to find activities that we all like, so the more options, the better. The kids’ program is designed for children 6 years and older and you can choose to do activities as a family or break apart for part of the day to give each family member the chance to do what they want to do.  We were so impressed with the attention to detail and careful planning that goes into making sure every family has a memorable experience.

A winter dream come true

While Vista Verde Ranch is a spectacular place to visit any time of year, we found it to be especially MAGICAL in the winter. We arrived on a snowy day and truly felt as if we stepped out into a winter wonderland. As soon as we arrived we were greeted by a staff member who checked in with us every morning to ensure our day was planned for maximum adventuring. They answered all our questions with patience, attended to our needs and requests, and made the whole experience easy for us. After a day of adventures, it was amazing to go back to our cabin and warm up by the cozy wood-burning fireplace.

In the winter you can select from a wide range of activities such as skiing, ice fishing, massages, sleigh rides, snow tubing, snowmobiling, winter trail rides, yoga and so much more! The best part is that almost all activities were included as part of our all-inclusive experience! Amazing!

The ranch is also an amazing place to rest and disconnect. We enjoyed board games around the fire and truly enjoyed disconnecting as a family. I already know that the conversations we had as a family will be some of my favorites for years to come!

The Vista Verde horses

Vista Verde is a traditional dude ranch and home to over 100 beautiful horses. Horseback riding through snow-covered trails was pure magic and an experience our family will treasure forever. My kids described it as a scene from “Frozen”. One of the activities offered through the kids’ program is a sleigh ride to feed the horses.

It was an unbelievable experience to ride through the horse ranch as 100 horses gathered for their nightly feed. They were the most gentle and beautiful horses. The work and love that goes into caring for this beautiful herd is evident and it makes for a wonderful experience. We loved waking up and greeting the horses each day on our way to breakfast in the mornings. It was a pretty special experience.

So many activities!

Vista Verde had such a diverse program of activities! This is what sets Vista Verde apart from other ranches anywhere around. A carefully planned and wonderfully curated adventure program that is part of an all-inclusive experience is a dream come true for busy parents that are excited to get away, but don’t want to deal with the hassle of making all the arrangements for days upon days of activities. The attention to detail and thoughtful planning really made our stay special.

We opted for a family trail ride, ice fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and tubing as part of our stay. But there are so many fabulous winter activities led by the friendliest guides, it was really hard to narrow it down and choose. All the staff made us feel like part of the family and did the best job of taking amazing care of us.

Ice fishing adventures

For our ice fishing excursion, our guide drove us out to a local lake. We walked across the frozen lake and set up for an afternoon of ice fishing. The staff was all so knowledgeable and excited to share their passion for the outdoors with all their guests.

Sledding and snowmobiling

We also had the best time tubing down a magnificent mountain! We were so surprised (and delighted) to be greeted by our guide in a snowmobile! He took us up the mountain and got us all set up for our trip down in our tubes. We went tubing all the way down and at the end of the run, we were taken back up to the top after every run in a snowmobile! How cool is that! All the fun and way less work! This is perfect for kids that love action and adventure!

A divine culinary experience

And if you think the activities look great, wait until I tell you about the food! Food is a celebration at Vista Verde Ranch! The local chefs and staff made our experience so enjoyable! Every morning we woke up excited to head down to the guest house to enjoy our meals. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were each better than the next.

The kids loved ordering a hot hearty breakfast, pancakes to their liking with extra blueberries, homemade bread, avocado toast and so much more. Lunch was always a delight with amazing hot soups and crisp salads. We often had homemade dessert with lunch! The dinners were amazing. We even had the opportunity to enjoy a three-course meal on our own (just us parents!) while the kids enjoyed entertainment and dinner in the play center. That’s nearly unheard of when traveling as a family.

My husband and I enjoyed happy hour nightly, followed by a formal dinner complete with a delicious gourmet meal of scallops and short ribs. These multi-course meals varied from casual to formal themes and they were all amazing! We celebrated with dessert every single night! We’ve never felt so spoiled!

Adventure right out your doorstep

Vista Verde is the most amazing place for an unforgettable winter family vacation. It offers the perfect balance of outdoor adventure, luxury relaxation, and culinary excellence for the entire family. It was truly one of the best and most memorable vacations we have ever been on and we will be talking about this trip for years to come!

No matter what your interests, Vista Verde has something for everyone in your family and will treat you like royalty. I guarantee your kids will leave in tears and beg never to leave. Mine did! We are already planning our next visit and can’t wait to get back.

Vista Verde Ranch

For more information on Vista Verde Ranch, here’s where you can find them online:

Website: http://www.vistaverde.com
Instagram: @vistaverderanch
Facebook: Vista Verde Ranch

Contact Vista Verde Ranch:

Phone: 800-526-7433

Address:
PO Box 770465
Steamboat Springs, CO 80477

What outdoor activity would you be the most interested in doing at Vista Verde?

About the author

Araceli is a wife and momma to three wild and adventurous littles. She believes that nature and free play are truly the foundation of a beautiful childhood. Araceli and her husband have made it a priority to raise their children with a strong bond to the great outdoors. Araceli is a working mom with an extensive career in Project Management. She’s creative, crafty, and loves collecting houseplants. As a family, they love exploring wild places and she loves documenting their adventures.

Find more from Araceli in the following locations:
Instagram: @roaminggonzalez
All RWMC posts: Araceli
ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, CANOE/KAYAK, FAMILY TRAVEL, INFORMATION, LOCAL GEMS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Family Travel: Sunriver Resort, Oregon
- October 5, 2020
Adventure is out there for those that know where to look! And we love sharing those hidden-gem locations that are jam-packed with outdoor activities for the entire family. Today, our Creative Team member Araceli Gonzalez, a California mom of three and adventure-seeker, is here sharing her family’s recent experience at Sunriver Resort just outside of Bend, Oregon. While travel may not be possible for everyone right now, we highly encourage you to bookmark this post and immediately add Sunriver Resort to your travel bucket list for your next outdoor adventure getaway!

*This post was sponsored by Sunriver Resort. All opinions expressed and photos contained herein belong to the author.

Sunriver Resort in Bend, Oregon

If you are looking for sunshine 300 days out of the year, Sunriver, Oregon is waiting for you! This region of the PNW experiences a warm-summer Mediterranean climate and lots of sunshine year-round. In Sunriver, you will find a little gem known as Sunriver Resort. Sunriver is located about 15 miles south of Bend, Oregon right at the foot of the Cascade Mountains. The Deschutes River (a major tributary of the Columbia River) runs right through this beautiful resort and alongside the bike trails and golf courses.

If you’re looking for a fun getaway with plenty of adventure right at your doorstep, Sunriver Resort has so much to keep the entire family entertained, occupied and having fun outside. We spent a few glorious end of summer days enjoying this beautiful resort and absolutely loved every minute. I’m so excited to share our experience with you and encourage you to consider adding Sunriver Resort to your “must-see” list as soon as you can. This place is a true gem. My family and I will definitely be back. Sunriver may just be our new summer tradition.

Outdoor adventures at Sunriver Resort

The best way to get around Sunriver Resort is on a bicycle. Bike to grab your morning coffee, go shopping at the village square, dine at beautiful restaurants, all while filling your day with outdoor adventure and exercise. Every activity is within biking distance. If you don’t want to bring your own bikes, the Bike Barn has over 300 bikes ready to ride! Bikes are available first-come, first-serve and rentals include a helmet, lock and bike map.

Biking is definitely the most popular outdoor activity in the area and something this resort is known for. The bike trails are extensive, impressive and exquisite! Ride alongside the Deschutes River or through the forest on over 40 miles of paved bike paths and some of the best mountain biking trails in Oregon.

Horseback riding at Sunriver

One of the highlights during our stay was our visit to Sunriver Trail Rides. It is a magnificent Horse Ranch with over 54 beautiful horses. Sunriver offers guided trail rides in the spring, summer and fall for all experience levels, as well as pony rides for kids ages 2-6. If you need a lesson or refresher course, they also offer horseback riding lessons for those that want to polish up their riding skills.

We spent the day riding along the river and across stunning meadows. My youngest enjoyed a pony ride while the rest of us set out on “The Great Meadow Experience.” We saw coyote, deer, and other wildlife roaming through these serene meadows, which was just spectacular!

Also, this is a great place to meet genuine real-life cowboys! How about that? If you do the ride, you will get to experience a trail ride led by a real-life cowboy who will not only teach you, but entertain you with incredible stories and tales of cowboy life. These two had so much to talk about as we galloped down the meadow.

We also made friends with the most amazing horses. My children absolutely fell in love with these gentle animals and within minutes, they were the best of friends.

We spent the entire day horseback riding and getting to know these beautiful creatures. I love adventures where we can slow down and really take it all in. This adventure was one that I will always remember for it’s calm and soothing experience. The entire day felt relaxed, un-rushed, fun and grounding. It was such a great way to spend our last days of summer.

Deschutes River float trips at Sunriver Resort

The next day, we set out on a water adventure down the Deschutes River. A quick bike ride from the resort and we explored a 6 mile stretch of the Deschutes River. This is such a great way to see the beauty of this entire area. You can float, kayak, or paddle down the river on a raft, canoe, kayak or paddleboard. All rentals are available at the Sunriver Marina and include life jackets, paddles and a shuttle ride back to the marina at the end of the float.

We rented canoes and slowly made our way down the river. This felt just like a real-life lazy river, only better! The scenery was incredible, the company was fantastic and the weather was perfect. We stopped for snacks along the way and enjoyed a slow morning cruising down the river. We had so much fun floating down this picturesque river while lazy ducks moved right along with us!

Sunriver Resort pool

And last, no trip to Sunriver Resort would be complete without a trip to the pool! The Cove pool is the resort’s outdoor pool and is zero-entry (great for little ones). It also has a hot tub, private cabanas, a waterslide, nature walk and discovery area, a poolside restaurant, lakeside trails, and a spacious deck and lawn. My kids absolutely LOVED the rock slide. The pool offers gorgeous mountain views and was such a serene experience.

Adventures for everyone

Sunriver Resort is the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation for the whole family. The adults had just as much fun as the kids and we all got to do something (multiple things, actually) we loved. Our days were filled with so much adventure and we never had to leave the resort. The location is inviting and offers so much fun for the entire family and we are already making our list of what we’ll do when we come back. Because, we will definitely be back!

Have you been to Sunriver Resort in Oregon?
What activity would you be most excited about?

About the author

Araceli is a wife and momma to three wild and adventurous littles. She believes that nature and free play are truly the foundation to a beautiful childhood. Araceli and her husband have made it a priority to raise their children with a strong bond to the great outdoors. Araceli is a working mom with an extensive career in Project Management. She’s creative, crafty and loves collecting houseplants. As a family, they love exploring wild places and she loves documenting their adventures.

Find more from Araceli in the following locations:
Instagram: @roaminggonzalez
All RWMC posts: Araceli
FAMILY TRAVEL, NATIONAL PARKS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Visiting the Black Hills of South Dakota with Kids
- August 10, 2020
The Black Hills are a small and isolated mountain range in western South Dakota. The name “Black Hills” is a translation of the Lakota Pahá Sápa. They were called “black” because of their dark (tree-covered) appearance from a distance. With over five million acres of forest and mountain lands, you’ll also find rich western history, abundant natural beauty, and outdoor adventure. Today, we have Natalia Pollard of @ThisAdventureFamily here, with tips for visiting the Black Hills in South Dakota with kids, where to stay while you’re there, and all the must-see attractions!

Black Hills of South Dakota

The Black Hills region of western South Dakota is an outdoor recreational paradise. Monuments, wildlife, rugged mountains, caverns and scenic drives are just a few things that you should put on your list when visiting South Dakota. The area covers over 10,000 square miles of vast prairies, grasslands, badlands landscapes, and rugged mountains. Year-round opportunities for outdoor adventures abound, and beg to be explored and experienced by families and kids of all ages.

The Black Hills is home to large herds of buffalo, wild mustangs and burros. The world’s largest collection of reptiles. Wall Drug. Six theme and amusement parks. Museums, galleries, and music festivals. Dig sites of prehistoric mammoths and dinosaur exhibits. Crazy Horse Memorial. The Black Hills National Forest and Badlands National Park. Old West shootouts, rodeos and cowboy supper shows. Custer State Park. Hiking, backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, camping, trail riding. Historic Deadwood and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Mouth Rushmore.

The best time to visit the Black Hills

While there is an abundance of things to do in South Dakota during all seasons of the year, the absolute best time to visit is late Spring and early Fall. During these times, the daytime temperature is ideal for exploring the beautiful Black Hills and the places aren’t as crowded as during South Dakota’s peak season which runs from June to August.

An important thing to note is that while the daytime temperatures are very comfortable in the summertime, it can dip significantly in the nighttime, so plan accordingly.

Where to stay in the Black Hills

The best way to explore all that the Black Hills have to offer is to stay right in the heart of it! Whether you’re traveling in an RV, tent camping or using lodging facilities, your options are many. We stayed at the Center Lake Campground for one week in our 29 feet Travel Trailer. Campgrounds in Custer State Park fill up quickly. We suggest making reservations way ahead of your visit!

Some of the other popular campgrounds that offer all types of stay (RV, tent and cabins) are Bluebell Campground, Game Lodge and Stockade Campground. Beware, some of the roads in the Black Hills are very narrow, windy and with sharp turns. There are also three tunnels that will not allow an RV through them. Make sure you pick up a map at the entrance to the park so you can see where the tunnels are.

Top 5 must-see outdoor places in the Black Hills

With so many amazing sites to see and places to explore, it’s hard to narrow it down to only five! We spent a week in the area and still didn’t cover everything. There truly is something for everyone. This means you can plan your trip according to your family’s interests and hobbies. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor adventure junkie, an avid hiker, a water lover or a foodie, there’s something for you!

1. Custer State Park

The number one attraction in the Black Hills is Custer State Park. This 71,000-acre park is abundant with wildlife and adventure! Nearly 1,300 bison wander the park with pronghorn antelope, elk, mountain goats and a band of burros. It features nine campgrounds, at least five large beautiful lakes with clear mountain waters, hiking and biking trails, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, camping, chuckwagon suppers, fishing, jeep safaris and much more. There is truly something for everyone in Custer State Park!

2. Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Lake is the most popular Lake in the Black Hills. It’s a favorite of anyone who has visited it. Sylvan Lake is so picturesque that you will end up photographing it from all the angles. Every picture will be just beautiful! There are a lot of amenities at Sylvan Lake – a lodge with fine dining, campsites, swimming beach, hiking trails, boat rentals, fishing, rock climbing, you name it!

Sylvan Lake can take the whole day to visit, make sure you arrive early to get a parking spot as it fills up fast. We did some hiking first and by the time we were done, we were ready to cool off in the lake! Sylvan Lake Shore Trail takes you around the lake, it is an easy trail with a few places to scramble some large rocks. If you have time and would like to take on a moderate trail – definitely check out Sunday Gulch Trail, it’s amazing, but not suitable for toddlers. Bring good waterproof hiking shoes!

3. Wildlife Loop Road

If you’re looking to view some wildlife, make sure to take a drive down Wildlife Loop Road. It stretches for 18 miles through open grasslands and hills, winding up and down. Depending on the time of day that you visit, you might be able to spot herds of buffalo, wild burros, antelope, deer, elk, prairie dogs, eagles and other birds. Wild burros are very friendly. If you’re lucky enough to run into them, make sure to stop and let them say hello to you! Besides all the wildlife, you will also see a variety of beautiful wildflowers. The best time to take a drive down the Wildlife Loop Road is usually in the morning or at the sundown, when the animals are most active.

4. Spearfish Canyon

If you’re up for another scenic drive, then head to the Northern part of the Black Hills to take in the scenery of Spearfish Canyon. Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is such a beautiful drive with towering palisades on both sides, Spearfish creek lining the base of the canyon and three waterfalls to explore on your drive. Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Falls and Roughlock Falls can be found right off the byway and feature both, lower and upper levels for viewing the falls. We suggest that you choose to hike down to the lower viewing areas as the views are so worth it!

5. Badlands National Park

No visit to the Black Hills is complete without making a stop at Badlands National Park. Located south of Rapid City, near the town of Wall, this National Park is full of dramatic landscape boasting many layered rock formations, steep canyons, and towering spires. Take the scenic road through the park and stop at many lookouts! Most of the hiking trails are located near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Notch trail and Door trail are two of the most popular trails in the park. We suggest that you hike early in the morning or closer to sundown, as there is no shade at the Badlands.

Exploring the Black Hills with kids

Regardless of what kind of outdoor activity you prefer, you will surely find something amazing to do at the Black Hills of South Dakota. From the faces on Mount Rushmore and the Spires of Custer State Park to the caverns of Wind Cave National Park, and the alien feel of the Badlands, the Black Hills area is home to some truly monumental places. Year-round activities, fun attractions, and lots of outdoor adventures make this an amazing place to visit with kids. I hope this inspires you to plan a trip to the Black Hills soon!

Have you ever been to the Black Hills?
What’s your favorite outdoor thing to do there?

About the author

Hi, I’m Natalia Pollard, mom, wife, and adventure seeker. After becoming a mom to my two boys, I developed a deep appreciation for nature, being in the wild and exploring new places. On a regular day, you can find us checking out a new park, splashing in a lake somewhere, or taking a hike together. As a family, we always try to immerse ourselves in nature and connect with each other and the Earth. That’s why we have recently started our full-time RV life and it has brought us even closer.

Follow along with our adventures in the following locations:
Blog: This Adventure Family
Instagram: @ThisAdventureFamily
Facebook: @ThisAdventureFamily
YouTube Channel: This Adventure Family
FAMILY TRAVEL, HIKE, NATIONAL PARKS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER
Exploring Capitol Reef National Park with Kids
- July 3, 2020
Exploring national parks can be an amazing experience for families. One of Utah’s most beautiful and underrated parks is Capitol Reef National Park. This park is great for hiking, learning about new cultures, camping, appreciating natural beauty, bonding as a family, finding yourself, and so much more. Today, we have Katie Fox, a full-time RV-traveling mom of 2, here with everything you need to know about exploring Capitol Reef National Park with kids.

Exploring Capitol Reef National Park with kids

Our family loves exploring national parks. However, one big problem with national parks is that they’re usually huge and have so many neat places to explore. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but if you are anything like me, the list of things to do and places to see can be daunting and overwhelming when trying to plan your adventure. This is especially true when you factor in planning a trip that accommodates the needs and desires of small children. Never fear! I’ve got your back. I’m here to share everything you need to know to plan a successful, family-friendly weekend adventure exploring Capitol Reef National Park with kids.

Capitol Reef kid-friendly hiking trails

There are numerous hiking opportunities at Capitol Reef. The options can feel overwhelming if you don’t know much about the area. Here are a couple of kid-friendly hiking trails in Capitol Reef that are easy to squeeze into an adventure-packed weekend in the park.

Sulphur Creek Waterfall Trail

Sulphur Creek Waterfall Trail in Capitol Reef National Park is a 1.8-mile round trip hike. It’s easy and, while it is a full sun hike, it’s a really great way to beat the heat! The trail begins right behind the visitor center and follows the shallow Sulphur Creek as it meanders through red rock canyons. We walked in the creek almost the entire time. The water helped keep us nice and cool.

If that isn’t amazing enough, it ends at a large swimming hole and small waterfall. The swimming hole is murky brown because of the red clay bottom. The water temperature is perfect! There is just something surreal and wondrous about taking a dip surrounded by the lovely red rock canyon walls. The best part? Even if you don’t make it to the waterfall and swimming hole, you and your little hikers can still play in the creek and enjoy the amazing views.

Hickman Bridge Trail

Hickman Bridge Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Capitol Reef National Park. If you are looking to avoid crowds, this one may not be for your family. Full disclosure, this 1.8-mile round trip hike is in full sun and has some elevation gain that is sure to tire little legs. If you’re up for it, I recommend hiking this one in the morning, when the temperatures are cooler.

The trail does offer stunning views, such as the ruins of a granary and the foundation of a pithouse used by the Fremont Culture, as well as the smaller Nels Johnson Bridge. If you, like our family and many overly ambitious parents before you, attempt this hike and find you aren’t up for finishing it, just know you are not alone!

Gooseneck Overlook

This .2 mile round trip hike (yes, you read that right), is at the end of a washboard dirt road. If you and your vehicle are up for the bumpy ride, the overlook is beautiful. We even saw an adorable snake chasing a lizard, which obviously captivated the children more than the beautiful view.

Capitol Reef kid-friendly activities

There are lots of other kid-friendly activities to do at the park besides hike. These are the experiences that really make Capitol Reef distinct from the other nearby national parks. They really add that extra something special.

Fruit picking in historic pioneer orchards

Yes, that is correct! There are fruit trees in the historic town of Fruita. You are able to meander through them and pick fruit to your heart’s content. They have apricots, cherries, apples, mulberries, plums, peaches, walnuts, and more. They bag and charge for what you leave the orchard with, so be prepared with cash. Check the Capitol Reef website to find out which fruit is ripe for the picking when you go, because orchards are notoriously finicky. Avoid my mistake and speak with a ranger or call ahead to double-check which fruit is available. We went in early June and nothing was ready yet. My kids were expecting a fruit picking experience and it was unfortunate to have it end up being unavailable.

Pies at Gifford House

Nothing lifts people’s spirits quite like pie, right? If you do happen to follow in my footsteps and the orchards are not available, grab a fruit pie at Gifford House! Gifford House is a restored Mormon pioneer house that operates as a small storefront. Inside the store, you’ll find delicious fresh-baked pies, cinnamon rolls, sourdough bread, homemade ice cream, replicas of items pioneers would use in daily life, and more. Once you purchase your pie (or various other goodies), there is a lovely grass area right out front where you can sit and enjoy your treats while taking in the spectacular red rock walls.

Be on the lookout for marmots

Have you ever seen a marmot? I realize marmots are not just in Capitol Reef National Park, but we’d never seen them before. These adorable little creatures inhabit the area of Fruita. There are signs along the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive warning of their frequent road crossing. If you happen to see one, count yourself lucky. Plus, a sighting may also lend itself nicely to learning more about the chunky little creatures.

Capitol Reef Scenic Drive

If your little hikers are tired of all the walking, or if it’s too hot to be outside, consider a driving tour of the park. The Capitol Reef Scenic Drive is a sixteen-mile round-trip drive and is absolutely stunning. It offers a lot of different views of the park and all the areas. Not to mention, there are weather permitting offshoot dirt roads you can venture down and explore. Capitol Gorge Road and the highly recommended Grand Wash Road meander through tall rock canyon walls and provide more beautiful views. Even if you skip the detours, the drive is lovely and has pull outs for you to stop and take photos or just linger to soak in the views.

Earn a Junior Ranger badge

The chance to earn a Junior Ranger badge is available at almost all national parks and is a great way to round out your trip. With my kids, this experience always adds some additional fun (and learning) to our park adventures. The Junior Ranger booklets are chock-full of information about the park, including geology, plants, animals, Leave No Trace practices, and the former peoples and cultures to inhabit the land.

As part of the Junior Ranger program in Capitol Reef, you must attend a ranger talk. There are so many amazing options, including bats, geology, the Fremont culture, and more. Plus, if you turn in your completed booklets, you get a badge and sworn in as a Junior Ranger. If your little ones are like mine and struggle with the end of a trip, the swearing-in process is a wonderful send-off and makes leaving a little easier for everyone.

Explore the cultures at Capitol Reef National Park

One of my favorite things about national parks is how they try to incorporate information about the cultures and people that inhabited the land before it became federally protected land. Here are a couple of kid-friendly activities and options to incorporate cultural learning and bring awareness to your adventures at Capitol Reef.

Explore the historic town of Fruita

If you have time, Fuita is a little pioneer town full of buildings to explore and things to see. An old-school house, a barn, Gifford House (as mentioned above), a nature center (which due to Covid-19 we were unable to explore), and more. There are signs to provide some information about each building too. I found it really neat to share with my children how the Fremont people lived in the area before the Mormon pioneers and how each culture was different. I am a total history nerd and very much enjoy learning these types of things.

Petroglyph Point

Petroglyph Point is a short trail right off the main road. This is such a lovely stop and I highly recommend it. There are several spots to view the petroglyphs created by the Fremont culture and some are in amazing shape. My little ones tried to guess what each symbol meant and we looked them up later in a petroglyph handbook we picked up at the visitor center.

Capitol Reef National Park resources

There are so many amazing things to do while exploring Capitol Reef National Park with kids. This is a small list of all the amazing things Capitol Reef has to offer. The Capitol Reef website provides a variety of other options, and even has a section for visiting with children.

Looking for some more information to make your trip the best it can be? Read up here for some more tips from Run Wild My Child.
- A Beginner’s Guide to Hiking with Kids
- Hiking With a Toddler
What’s your favorite place to explore in Capitol Reef National Park?

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 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. 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
CAMP, FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Pop-Up Camping With a Large Family
- July 10, 2019
Camping is a summertime essential activity! If you haven’t gone camping with your kids yet, what’s holding you back? Does it sound intimidating? Do you not think you have the right gear? Don’t know where to go? Have more kids than fit in a tent? We’re here to help! Camping might sound overwhelming, but it’s always worth it. Seasoned campers will tell you that sometimes even the most disastrous camping trips are the most memorable and fun. Today, we have the absolutely wonderful Ginny from 1000 Hours Outside here to share her best tips and advice on how to do pop-up camping with a large family. Ginny has 5 kids, an old pop-up camper and a great sense of humor. That’s the perfect recipe for a great adventure! Here’s how their family does camping.

Less stuff, more fun!

We live in an age where we celebrate minimalism. Less is more! If it doesn’t bring you joy, pitch it! As it relates to parenting, we are encouraged to own fewer toys, fewer clothes, and to have less clutter. You either own your stuff or your stuff owns you, as the old adage goes. There are certainly many benefits of a more minimalistic approach to life, but one area of childhood that we should not want to have less of is experiences. Why? Because experiences equate to learning and they bond us together as friends and as family.

Today, I want to encourage you to build as many outdoor experiences into childhood as you possibly can! Outdoor play provides significant developmental benefits to children. One way our family has substantially increased our yearly outside time is through camping. Camping can be done in a myriad of ways such as tent camping, hammock camping, car camping, staying in a rustic cabin, or even sleeping directly under the stars. With five young kids, we have tried several of the options above (hammock camping hasn’t happened yet). We found that pop-up camping with a large family is a great way to get out and see the world!

Benefits of camping

Life is hectic and no one can really prepare you for the demands that children bring along with them. Beyond the wants and needs of children, there are many other adult responsibilities to juggle. Sometimes it’s nice to get away from it all. Camping is an excellent choice for R&R because it’s affordable, accessible, and it completely removes you from the daily hustle and bustle. It’s a quick and convenient way to set all the expectations aside for a few days and to reconnect with family, friends, and with nature.

In nature, children disperse and become engaged with their surroundings. In this way, camping is an ideal vacation when you have young kids because it’s not the type of vacation that you need a vacation from. When you camp, nature surrounds you and your kids! Nature deeply occupies any age child and so this simple change of surroundings can offer some desperately needed moments of reprieve for parents and caregivers.

Why a pop-up camper?

After many years of camping with children, we found that camping with a pop-camper made camping indescribably easier and more accessible. Because it’s easy, this means camping happens more often! Campers come in all shapes and sizes, but pop-up campers tend to be on the cheaper end of the spectrum and they can offer a notable amount of sleeping space. We bought an ‘experienced’ camper (15 years old to be exact). It cost about the same as a week or two of lodging at a summer cabin. In exchange for one week of luxurious accommodations, we purchased an item that has the potential to offer us years of adventures.

Vacationing as a large family

No one talks too much about large family logistics. In fact, the only thing people told as baby number four was about to make her debut was that once we had four kids we would never get invited anywhere again. We still weasel our way into people’s lives, but the truth is there are some logistical issues once you hit the category of “large family.” Hotel rooms don’t accommodate large families well. Our vehicle choices are limited. Restaurant waits are much longer. Given these “obstacles,” camping quickly becomes an ideal way to see the world.

Pop-up camping with 5 kids

Our pop-up camper provided the answer to so many of our large family vacationing problems. To begin with, we all fit! We searched for the largest pop-up we could find. Double beds aren’t going to cut it but if you can find a pop-up with at least one king bed, you’ll find there will be ample inside space and storage. We actually found a camper with two king-sized beds that pull out on either end! Plus, there’s a bench that turns into a small bed, and a table that also turns into a small bed, fitting all seven of us comfortably inside.

Our bedtimes in the camper have provided some of our favorite memories, all together laughing and telling stories. Additionally, camping is a vacation where you can easily plan your own meals and bring your own food. Most pop-ups have storage where you can leave kitchen items at the ready! We took a quick trip to a goodwill shop to originally stock up for what we needed. Finally, we can travel and explore almost any area of the country at a fraction of the cost! The savings for a nightly campsite versus two (or more) hotel rooms rings in around 70 – 90%!

Pop-up camping tips for large families

Once your pop-up is packed with essentials, you are only a few outfits and a grocery trip away from some lifelong memories. Here are a few of our best pop-up camping tips that we’ve tried, tested and approved!

1. Research your campground and your campsite

Different campgrounds have different things to offer. Depending on the ages of your kids you might be looking for a campground that has a play structure, one with a great bike-riding trail, one with a beach you can walk to, or one with all of the above. There are typically so many options to choose from! Some have pools and others have laundry facilities. We read about a campground in Virginia that had wild rabbits running all around! Once you’ve narrowed down your campground, think through your campsite. Do you prefer shade or sunny? Close to the bathroom or closer to the beach? At each campground we visit, we make a few notes about our favorite sites for if we book again in the future.

2. Organize clothes by how they are used

With a large family, we have found that it is easiest to organize our clothes by what we use them for. We pack all PJs together in a bag. Everyone’s swimsuits and towels are packed in another bag, while jackets and long pants also get their own bag. We pack complete outfits (including diaper or underwear) so getting dressed in the morning is never a hassle. We store the bags on the beds during the day and then place them on the floor when it’s time to sleep.

3. Add a few special touches

We have a few small things that always stay in the camper. A set of matchbox cars, one small stuffed animal and flashlight for each child, a pack of glow sticks, and a special tablecloth. We only use these items on family camping trips, so they hold special sentiment for the kids. In case it rains, we also always bring along some card games and some books.

4. Think through your ideal restroom situation

As a mom, sometimes the most stressful parts of the day (and night) is figuring out how to navigate young kids to the restroom. We’ve found that keeping a small potty seat in our camper has worked wonders (we use the actual toilet area for storage). As far as showers go, we purchased a few small bathroom caddies that we keep stocked with washcloths, soap, and shampoo. Buy an extra pair of cheap flip-flops to keep feet clean in the camp showers and keep the day-to-day shoes from getting soaked. If getting to the shower is too much of a hassle, remember that toddlers and preschoolers love a bubble bath in a plastic tub at the end of the day!

Bring on the memories!

Our pop-up camper has given our large family easy accessibility to the grandeur of nature, from magnificent sunsets to breathtaking waterfalls. I often tell people it is the best thing we have ever purchased as a large family because of the multitude of foundational memories it has provided us. As our culture becomes increasingly screen-heavy, we are all in for anything that helps us increase real-life moments.

Are you a camping family?
Share some of your favorite camping memories below!

Ginny
Michigan
@1000hoursoutside

Ginny is a Michigan homeschooling mother of five and the founder of 1000 Hours Outside. She is a thought-leader in the world of nature-based play and its benefits for children. Her 1000 Hours Outside Challenge spans the globe and many people from all walks of life look to her for inspiration as well as practical tips on how to put down the screens and get outside. Ginny has a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Michigan. She is also a children’s book author and illustrator. Her book, The Little Farmhouse in West Virginia was published in February 2019. You can find her online at http://www.1000HoursOutside.com.
FAMILY TRAVEL, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Ten Road Trip Safety Tips for Traveling with Kids
- June 5, 2019
We are led to believe road trips with kids are certain to be fraught with danger, frustration, endless whining, and so much stress. That can leave us with so much fear and trepidation that we may never strike out at all! However, road trips don’t have to be scary or intimidating. Car travel is a great way to get from point A to point B and provides amazing opportunities to see the country and spend time together. Today we have the amazing Nichole from Luckey Wanderers here to dispel a few myths about road trips with kids and share all the road trip safety tips she implements while on the road. Nichole is a self-proclaimed road trip renegade and frequently does multi-day/multi-state road trips solo with her two kids. Here’s how she keeps them safe when adventuring and how to practice responsible bravery.

Road trip safety tips

Safety is our number 1 priority anytime I’m on the road or traveling with my children. The road trip safety tips I’m sharing today are not made up on a whim – they’re tried and tested. However, they cannot guarantee safety. I’ve developed a pattern that I go through on all of our road trips. A pattern that became a habit, hewn out of determination to keep me and my family safe. But also a determination to not let media or fear dictate the adventures my family and I would share.

In our family, we practice “responsible bravery.” We take chances, we make mistakes, and we get messy. But not without doing our research first and looking at a situation from all angles. From the hotels where we stay to campgrounds we visit, from the coffee shops where we hang out to the off-the-main-avenue adventures we have – I am always researching and scoping out the scenario before we go. I choose to be brave, but responsibly and respectfully so. We go, but I know the situation as best I can and am aware of the risks before we ever hit the road. Below, I will walk you through my top ten road trip safety tips that I use to keep our family safe while choosing to be responsibly brave.

Travel tip #1 – put down your phone

Road trip safety tip number one is to put the phone down! Resist the urge to scroll as you roll. No matter how empty, wide, or flat the highway is. Do not do it. Use talk to text on your phone, utilize the built-in voice assistant on your phone or connect it to your car’s Bluetooth if you’re able. If I need to book a hotel or research a route while we’re on the road, I pull over. I’ll find an interstate on-ramp or find a park to pull into for a few minutes so that I can use my phone safely. Use it as a chance to take a quick stretch break. Road trip selfies are fun but keep those snapshots in your memory only and please resist the urge to take video while you are driving! The only exception to this is when someone else is driving. In that case, I can do all the research I need to and record ridiculous AC/DC and Bon Jovi karaoke videos safely.

Travel tip #2 – check a map before GPS

Tip number two is to check your map before your GPS! I am not ashamed to admit that I rely heavily on my phone’s map system (Google maps or the navigation in my car). But, before we roll out in the morning, I always check the map. Looking at a map gives me the big picture idea of where we are traveling and a good break spot for the day. If you know/suspect you may lose phone service due to traveling in rural areas or national forests, it is a good idea to download an offline copy of your map. Or (gasp!), buy an actual paper map of the area where you are headed. I don’t keep a road atlas in the car, but it’s a great idea. Learn how to read a map and teach your children how to read a map. It’s an important skill that I am afraid many people are forgetting how to do.

Travel tip #3 – pack snacks and activities

Road trip safety tip number three is to pack all of your children’s snacks and activities at the beginning of your day. Or even the night before. Each child gets a medium sized, insulated snack bag, that is filled with the day’s snacks and a refillable water bottle. They know that once it is gone, that’s it for the day; this is also a really great lesson in self-control. Sometimes if it’s a very long day we will get treats along the way, but those are a bonus.

I also put a plastic tote that is filled with things to keep the kids busy. Here are a few of our favorites:
- coloring books
- small dry erase boards and dry erase markers
- a pencil case with some colored pencils
- sticker books (I also really like the Usborne ones)
- magnetic activity tins
- Buddha boards
- flashcards
- travel scavenger hunt games
- travel bingo
- mad libs
Again, this is easier with older children, but if you begin doing this with age-appropriate toys they learn to entertain themselves and to put the toys back in the tote after they are done.

Travel tip #4 – keep water bottles full

That brings us to tip number four: always keep your water bottles full! My children are somehow always dying of thirst whenever we are in the car. I make sure to refill water bottles in the morning and keep them full throughout the day. The same is true for me. However, I usually don’t drink enough water and instead drink too much coffee. Make sure you and all of your travelers are drinking water! Otherwise, you may end up having headaches and fatigue in the afternoon when you still have many hours to drive. Drinking plenty of water is key to staying focused on the road.

Travel tip #5 – bathroom safety

Tip number five comes from something that my Mom always taught me while we were growing up. If you need to stop at the bathroom, look for gas stations or truck stops that you can see from the interstate and are well lit. That won’t guarantee a clean bathroom but it will make you feel safer and be easier to make the stop a brief one.

Confession: I am not opposed to side-of-the-road bathroom breaks. When my son was little it was so much easier (and cleaner!) to pull over on a quiet on-ramp and let him go to the bathroom out the side of my old van. It was a little harder for my daughter but I still cringe every time she sits on a dirty gas station toilet seat. Sometimes we still opt for a side of the road bathroom stop in remote areas. It’s cleaner and faster, but again, do so responsibly and respectfully.

Part two of this road trip safety tip is to take your children into the stall with you. When my husband is traveling with us, we divide and conquer. However, if it’s just me and the kids, they both come into the stall with me. I do not care. I would rather have them in my sight and safe than waiting outside of the bathroom. If I let my son wait outside the stall, I make him stand where I can see his shoes. I’m sure I will have to amend my ways at some point, but for now, the system works for us.

Travel tip #6 – no broadcasting and be vague

When we began traveling, my children loved to broadcast the fact that we were traveling alone. Obviously, this worried me. Over time (and with lots of practice and patience) I have trained them not to mention that we are traveling alone. They also know that if I say something like “Let’s get back to the car, Dad’s waiting,” that is their clue that I am feeling uncomfortable and it is time to go. The same rule applies to hotels/motels/places where we are checking in. I always say there are four of us staying in the room and ask for two room keys. It makes no price difference for our occupancy rate and it gives me peace of mind.

I am by no means saying that a spouse or significant other is necessary to feel safe. However, I am saying that there are times where me sharing that I am not traveling alone is a prudent idea. I am quite confident in my skills as a solo traveler with my children and have never been in a situation where I felt otherwise. Be confident, bold, and forward when you need to be. And for me, training my children to not publicly claim that we are traveling alone is my way of being responsibly brave.

One more item of note here. When asked directly where we are from, where we are headed, or where we have been, I am always purposely vague. This is also a good opportunity to train your children to not blurt out the city and state they are from when asked by a stranger. There have many, many, times my children or I have been asked these questions by well-meaning retirees. While I know their purpose is mainly out of curiosity and a desire to strike up a conversation, my knee jerk reaction is to be vague.

Travel tip #7 – use the backpack system

Tip number seven is one of my favorites! When I first began traveling with my children, I would stress out each night when we arrived at a hotel. There was so much to unload and I still had to check us in. That’s when I developed our backpack system. My children each have their own backpacks with nightly toiletries, swimsuits, pj’s, change of clothes, their electronics and charger, and a favorite stuffed animal. I have a backpack with my valuables, toiletries, swimsuit, pajamas, and the next days’ clothes; as well as my purse and camera bag.

Having a few small bags allows us to make one trip into the hotel/motel/Airbnb with everything we need for the night. It makes me feel less vulnerable and we only have to park the car once. When my husband is with us we actually use the same system, but sometimes bring a bit more in since he is with us to help carry things. This has become easier as my children have grown. But, from the time my daughter was two she has been able to carry her backpack with her things into the hotel room.

Travel tip #8 – hide your valuables

Tip number eight is an important counterpart to the last tip. If you are not taking the valuables in with you, hide your valuables! However, if it’s something very valuable or extremely sentimental, I highly recommend taking it inside with you. Hide anything of value you leave behind in the car. A visible valuable might as well be a target on your car. This is true for any of our stops, whether overnight or just for lunch.

We always hide everything, every stop. Usually, this means moving things to the back of the car or inside other suitcases or bags. We always hide cords as well, because those can catch a wandering eye and perhaps make your car a target. One bonus of traveling with children: a messy car is usually a deterrent. And my car is always a mess when we travel. But the mess that I leave visible is usually sticker books, spilled snacks, stuffed animals, and mysteriously single socks.

Travel tip #9 – walk around your car

The next two road trip safety tips are two that you may not hear as often but are part of my normal routine. While there is some truth to insidious papers being placed on windshields, nails behind tires, and card skimmers, it is not as common as the media would lead you to believe. Tip number nine is to walk around your car before you leave, every time. If we have been parked for over an hour and the car was out of our sight, I always walk around the car quickly before we leave. I unlock it so my children can get in, but I do a quick sweep around the car.

Here is what I look for: any door dings or damage to note, tire condition and what is around the tires if anything, flyers or pamphlets placed on the windshield, that the backup camera is free of debris and anything suspicious. While I do not believe all the scary news stories about abduction techniques are true, I do believe that diligently checking your vehicle is a wise way to spend a few minutes before you leave. This behavior pattern has become a habit and second nature for me now whenever we are loading up to leave.

Travel tip #10 – ATM safety

Along with tip number nine, road trip safety tip number ten relates to being aware of your surroundings. I’ve never had any issues with card skimmers. However, we have had to replace our credit card before after traveling due to fraudulent charges. This is a small note but worth doing: look directly at a card reader before you pump your gas or get money out of the ATM. Card skimmers are fairly easy to spot, so long as you are paying attention.

On a similar note, be aware of anyone close by when withdrawing money or trying to get a look at your pin number. Those that would do you harm or attempt to steal from you are counting on you not paying attention. So, make the choice to be responsibly brave and be aware of your surroundings. These habits are easy to adopt, it simply takes small changes in your traveling routine. But these small changes can help steer you from a place of fear to a place of responsible self-reliance. There are usually plenty of ATMs around, so if one doesn’t feel safe, move on to another.

Road trip renegades

Road trips are our favorite way to travel and explore and have become an important part of our family culture. Here is a post about how we got started and a little bit about our why we road trip.

Here is a list of ideas for low tech road trip entertainment for kids of all ages.

And here is a fun story about choosing yes to spontaneous adventure. By having a system for safety in place I have gained confidence which has given us more freedom to chase adventure when it calls to us.

I hope that these road trip safety tips have inspired you to begin forming your own safety systems for travel.

What do you do to stay safe on the road?
Share your road trip safety tips with us below!

Nichole is mama to two incredible adventurers, an older boy and a younger girl. They are on their third year of homeschooling. She has been married to her best friend for nearly twelve years and they share a mutual love for the outdoors. An Iowan native now living in the south, she is happy to claim Arkansas as home. She is a wanderlust (and coffee) fueled, fearless, road-tripper who has been known to take off for epic adventures at a moments notice. Hiking and camping (of the backpacking variety) and crystal digging are a few of their favorite family activities. You can find her in the woods somewhere, (probably up a creek and jumping off waterfalls) or online at http://www.luckeywanderers.com.