get outside

  • INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PHOTOGRAPHY, URBAN NATURE

    Hearts in the Wild Project

    Hearts in the Wild Project

    Run Wild My Child is hosting a fundraiser and awareness campaign we’re calling “Hearts in the Wild” for children born with congenital heart defects (“CHD”). During the month of February (“Heart Month”), we are asking families to get outside and find heart-shaped objects in nature. Post them to your social media account and help us raise awareness for CHD and funds for designated nonprofits that support heart families and CHD research. 

    What are CHDs?

    Congenital heart defects are structural abnormalities in the heart and/or its vessels that form prior to birth, oftentimes soon after conception, before mothers even know they are pregnant. When trying to understand CHDs it’s helpful to remember how the cardiovascular system, including the heart, is meant to function. As per heart.org:

    A normal heart has valves, arteries, and chambers that circulate blood in a recurring pattern: body to heart, heart to lungs, lungs to heart and then heart out to the body. When all the chambers and valves work correctly, blood is pumped through the heart, to the lungs for oxygen, back to the heart and then throughout the body to deliver that oxygen. When valves, chambers, arteries and veins are malformed, this circulation pattern can be impaired.

    Congenital heart defects range in severity from simple problems, such as “holes” between chambers of the heart, to very severe malformations, such as the complete absence of one or more chambers or valves.

    hearts in the wild - run wild my child
    Children with critical CHDs often require open heart surgeries to survive, but these surgeries are not considered a cure.

    CHDs are the most common birth defect

    1% of all babies are born with diagnosable congenital heart defect(s)–making CHDs the most common birth defect. The range in severity of defects directly impacts the child’s prognosis. While most children born with CHD live into adulthood, 15% do not. And 25% of all children born with CHD require cardiac intervention to survive–whether that be open heart surgeries, interventional catheterizations, or a combination of both. 

    While our understanding and treatment of CHDs has come a long way in recent years, to quote my child’s open heart surgeon, “there’s just still so much we don’t know.” There are a few known genes linked to CHD, but most defects are of unknown origin seemingly without cause. And while there may be small subsets of people who carry higher risks of having a child with CHD, anyone can have a child with CHD.

    hearts in the wild - raising awareness for CHD

    Raising awareness for CHDs

    One cannot underestimate the importance of expectant parents’ awareness of CHDs. Many CHDs, especially critical ones, are now diagnosed in utero–but many go undetected. Sometimes I worry that they may go undetected because expecting parents don’t know what to ask their providers about. Most pregnant individuals undergo anatomy scans, but many don’t realize these scans are much more important than finding out the biological sex of their child. Oftentimes CHDs can be detected on anatomy scans, even at 16 weeks gestation. 

    Questions expectant parents may want to ask during anatomy scans include:

    • Does the child have a four-chambered heart?
    • Are the large vessels/outflow tracts part of your scan?
    • If so, are they connected normally?
    • Is the heart pumping normally, including rate and rhythm? 

    Answering these questions should allow you to either rule out critical heart defects or prepare for any abnormalities found. 

    Other than encouraging your pregnant friends to inquire about their baby’s heart during anatomy scans, what can you do to raise awareness for CHD? 

    Hearts in the Wild CHD Awareness
    Help us raise awareness by finding nature Hearts in the Wild!

    Finding hearts in the wild

    Run Wild My Child is hosting a fundraiser and awareness campaign for children born with congenital heart defects during “Heart Month.” We’re asking families to get outside together and look for heart-shaped objects in nature. Maybe that’s a heart-shaped rock, leaf, chunk of ice, or crack in the sidewalk. Heart-shaped objects are all around us, we only need to look! We hope this activity will not only inspire you to explore outdoors with your kids this chilly month but be extra aware and appreciative of the nature around you and your family.

    When you find a heart-shaped object, please post it on social media and tag us! We also hope you’ll consider making a donation to a heart charity (we have some suggestions below) or host your own fundraiser to raise funds and awareness. We’ll show you how easy it is below! 

    How to participate in the Heart in the Wild project:

    • Get outside and explore with your family! 
    • Look for heart-shaped objects, heart-shaped holes, heart-shaped shadows, etc. (get creative, anything heart-shaped counts!) 
    • Take a photo and post it to your Instagram feed or story. 
    • Tag @runwild.mychild and use the hashtag #heartsinthewild. We’ll be sure to reshare!
    • Please consider making a donation (even if it’s just $1) for every heart found or photo posted. We’ll do the same!
    • Help spread the word by adding a fundraiser for a heart charity* to your post! It’s super easy to do (steps below).

    *We’re supporting @BrightforBrett and @MightyOakesHeartFoundation, but you can choose any CHD research or heart-related non-profit of your choosing. Additional information on the charitable organizations we chose to support is below.

    Creative Team member Somer Pickel here to tell you about my darling little girl Avelyn Marie.

    Avelyn’s story

    We found out before Avelyn was born that she had critical heart defects (CHDs), name tetralogy of fallot (ToF), pulmonary atresia (PA), and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs). Given the severity of her diagnosis, we picked up our lives and relocated 4+ hours from home to a city with a renowned children’s hospital in preparation for her birth. We were willing to do anything to provide our child a shot at life and had hope that with multiple open heart surgeries, we’d see her grow into adulthood. 

    In December of 2015, she was pulled from my womb limp and gray. Even so, she fought to announce her presence. To me, her soft wail was her asserting that she too was taking up the fight for survival. She would fight until her last breath 18 months later. 

    Our daughter endured horrors alongside miracles. She experienced unimaginable compounding complications, yet to know her spirit—you’d never know it. Even after 4+ months of intubation and 4 open heart surgeries, she was the sweetest most affectionate soul. She inspired those around her to be better and do better. Avie gave us strength to accomplish what we all believed impossible. 

    Children with critical CHDs are some of the sickest children you can imagine. Their care is incredibly complex and there’s not enough funding for research.

    Avelyn’s battle

    We stayed by her side day and night, not only to help keep her alive, but to provide every bit of normalcy possible throughout her hospitalization (450 consecutive days– most of which was spent within the pediatric cardiac ICU). When she woke or stirred, she knew her mama or dada would be there to soothe her. I still dream of those sweet chubby hands reaching for me in expectation. She loved, trusted, and interacted with those around her like any other infant. Avelyn made sure her dada & I knew she loved us (something we now cling to). 

    She was the absolute light of our lives. 

    Close to the end, she was doing better than she ever had and better than most of her providers ever expected. I cannot describe the feeling of finally bringing our daughter home after 17 months of living the unimaginable (4+ hours away). After so long, our own home felt foreign as feelings of joy and fear mingled indistinguishably. And yet we clung to our baby, rejoicing in her and all she had accomplished. 

    Sadly just weeks later, she suffered an extremely rare medication side effect. Things escalated quickly, and she had to be emergently transported back to the specialty hospital where she was born. She never saw life outside of hospital walls again.

    With more funding for research, more treatment options will become available.

    Supporting heart organizations

    We have chosen two heart foundations to support during our Hearts in the Wild project this year. Each of these foundations holds a special place in the heart and lives of the Creative Team members they’ve helped and supported. Here’s a little bit more about their mission and all the amazing things they’re doing for heart families and CHD research. 

    The Brett Boyer Foundation

    The Brett Boyer Foundation’s mission is to raise awareness for CHDs and fund research to advance treatment options. They aim to spread the love and awareness that their darling Brett filled them with for the wonderful, capable people living with Down Syndrome. 

    Like most parents of children with CHD, Brett’s parents quickly found that people are in the dark about the existence of CHD, let alone the underfunding of necessary research. Without awareness and education, funding for research will never increase. They believe sharing stories and educating people about CHDs and how common they are in order to raise awareness. The Brett Boyer Foundation strives to support better options for treatment, improved lifestyles for people living with CHD, and positive outcomes for families.

    The foundation has raised and donated millions of dollars of funding to cutting-edge CHD research, and they support a mental health research initiative that’s extremely near and dear to my heart. The foundation provided funds for the hiring of a full-time psychologist at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital focused on supporting the psychosocial needs of CHD patients and families. The team is currently researching early mental health intervention for parents and patients and both the mental and physical outcomes of these interventions. 

    CHD Awareness
    Children with critical CHDs have extremely complex needs that can oftentimes be overwhelming. To best care for their children, parents need to ensure their own mental wellness. Bright for Brett has been funding research that supports parents and children coping with the trauma of CHD.

    The importance of supporting parental mental health

    Sweet little Brett and my Avelyn were neighbors in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care at Vanderbilt Children’s hospital for 100 days. But sadly, I didn’t reach out to Brett’s family during her life. 

    In Avelyn’s 450 days inpatient, we saw many families and children come and go. While most of the children did well, many did not. Honestly, by the time Brett came into the PCICU, I’d already isolated myself from other families. I just couldn’t take going to any more funerals for children while my own still sat in an ICU, barely clinging to life. 

    Instead, I hid within the glass walls of my child’s PICU room, trying to hold myself together. Each time a tiny body bag rolled by or a code blue was called, I’d find myself silently shedding tears for the child and family–while also knowing my child could be next. By the time Avelyn finally discharged after 16+ months, I’d long since exhibited tell-tale signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. But given Avelyn’s critically intensive needs, there wasn’t time to care for myself. 

    I can’t describe the gratitude I feel knowing there’s now a psychologist on staff who can help guide parents through the immense darkness that CHD can bring into a family’s life. I don’t believe it’s an exaggeration to believe that such care could save lives. 

    Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation

    The Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation was created with a mission to carry on the legacy of Oakes Ortyl, a mighty warrior born with a congenital heart defect, by spreading love and hope to heart families. Oakes Orytl was diagnosed in utero with a congenital heart defect named truncus arteriosus, a defect in which the heart is developed without a pulmonary artery—rather, a large “trunk” artery exists, taking blood from the ventricles of the heart to the lungs, and a hole between the right and left ventricles of the heart. Oakes underwent two open-heart surgeries, three cath procedures, a slide tracheoplasty, plasmapheresis, chemotherapy and a double-lung transplant all before turning five months old. Oakes was 15 months old when he died.For all but 12 days of those months, Oakes was in the ICU at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
     
    Through financial and emotional support that’s unique to the needs of each family, the MOHF helps them be a constant, mighty presence for their child, giving their little warrior every reason to keep fighting. Their vision is to be a source of strength, assurance, and hope to families of children with congenital heart defects. They are dedicated to expanding their reach, while continuing to support and connect with families on a personal level. Through critical financial support and emotional comfort, the MOFH enables families to focus on the love that empowers them to bravely face the fight. 
     

    How to set up your own fundraiser on Instagram

    If you’d like to help us raise funds for supporting heart families and CHD research, there’s a super easy way to do this right through the Instagram app. 

    Instagram app for Android

    1. Open Instagram and tap .
    2. Create or choose your image and tap .
    3. Crop and filter your post, and then tap .
    4. Tap Add fundraiser.
    5. Choose the nonprofit you want to fundraise for. You’ll automatically go to the “Fundraiser Details” page.
    6. Enter the details for your fundraiser and then tap Done.
    7. Tap .

    Instagram app for iPhone

    1. Open Instagram and tap +
    2. Create or choose your image and tap Next.
    3. Crop and filter your post, and then tap Next.
    4. Tap Add fundraiser.
    5. Choose the nonprofit you want to fundraise for. You’ll automatically go to the “Fundraiser Details” page.
    6. Enter the details for your fundraiser and then tap Done.
    7. Tap Share.

    After you’ve created your fundraiser, you can post it to other Instagram accounts or tag it in other Instagram posts. Donation and fundraising features on Instagram aren’t available in every area. Learn which countries can currently make donations or start fundraisers on Instagram.

    Join the Hearts in the Wild project

    Raising awareness for congenital heart defects is a passion project for us here at RWMC, as multiple team member families have been affected. We hope you’ll join us in spreading awareness about CHDs and raising funds by finding Hearts in the Wild throughout the month of February! 

    Please consider donating to one of our chosen heart charties below (or feel free to choose your own). Any and all help raising funds and awareness for CHDs is greatly appreciated! 

    [maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://www.thebrettboyerfoundation.org/donate” text=”DONATE TO BRETT BOYER FOUNDATION” ]

    [maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://www.mightyoakes.org/donate” text=”DONATE TO MIGHTY OAKES HEART FOUNDATION” ]

    About the author

    Somer is a mama living in southern Appalachia. Somer’s motherhood journey began when her oldest daughter was born with severe congenital heart disease. Avelyn spent the majority of her 18 months of life within a pediatric ICU. Though she lived her life chronically critically ill, Avie was an incredibly loving and joyous child. After her death, Somer and her husband sought solace backpacking a section of the Appalachian Trail. Before long, they discovered their ability to cope seemed to correspond with time spent outdoors.

    When it came time to add another kiddo to the mix, bringing the baby along was never a question. In an effort to celebrate the freedom provided by healthy bodies, Somer has hiked her second-born 2k+ miles. Even so, she doesn’t believe grand adventures are necessary to reap nature’s wonder. They just as often revel in mundane evenings in their backyard. The family believes it’s prioritizing time spent outdoors that’s important.

    Professionally, Somer has spent the last decade caring for veterans in an acute psychiatric unit as a clinical nurse educator. Over the years, she’s become a passionate advocate for the intersectional relationships of mental health, wellness, and the natural world. She truly believes there’s healing and strength to be found outdoors for those who seek it.

    You can find Somer online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @somerpickel
    RWMC posts: Somer Pickel
    Podcast episode: Overcoming Grief Outdoors

    References

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

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

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

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

    Welcome to a new year

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

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

    Spend more time outside this year

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

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

    practical tips for getting outside with kids

    Be intentional with your actions

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

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

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

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

    how to spend more time outside with kids

    Practical tips for spending more time outside with your kids

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

    Set yourself up for success

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

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

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

    Incorporate their interests into your outings

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

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

    New Year's Resolutions to Get You Outside

    Don’t let the weather ruin your plans

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

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

    How to get outside with kids

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

    Invite friends to join you

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

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

    How to find outdoorsy families in your area 

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

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

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

    Go somewhere new!

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

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

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

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

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

    We’re here to help

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

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

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

    -Thomas Berry

    About the author

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

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

  • BOOKS, HOLIDAYS, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SPRING

    National Let’s Laugh Day Done the Nature Way

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

    {This post contains affiliate links.}

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

    National Let’s Laugh Day

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

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

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

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

    The benefits of laughter

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

    1. Laughter stimulates organs

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

    2. Laughing relieves stress

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

    3. Laughter improves immunity

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

    4. Laughing increases personal satisfaction and decreases pain

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

    5. Laughter strengthens relationships with others

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

    Photo credit: Carolyn @the.barefoot.babies

    10 outdoor activities to bring out the laughter

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

    1. Random acts of silliness

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

    2. Outdoor dance party

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

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

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

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

    4. Read silly books together outside

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

    5. Play “the floor is lava”

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

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

    6. Harness your inner child

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

    7. Learn a new skill together

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

    8. Watch the clouds

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

    9. Roll down a hill

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

    10. Outdoor charades

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


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

    25+ nature jokes and puns to share with your kids

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

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

    Hilarious nature jokes for kids

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

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

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

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

    What kind of shorts do clouds wear?
    Thunderwear

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

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

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

    What kind of flower grows on your face?
    Tulips

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

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

    What do you call a snowman in July?
    A puddle

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

    What’s a tornado’s favorite game?
    Twister

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

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

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

    What’s brown and sticky?
    A stick

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

    Inspirational nature-inspired puns

    I lake you a lot!

    I lava you!

    Beleaf in yourself!

    I lichen you very moss!

    Lettuce do our best!

    You are tree-mendous! 

    I fernly beleaf in you!

    I love you a lily more each day!

    We make a prickly pear!

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

    Funny outdoor activities for familiesPhoto credit: @umaisreading

    Finally (Pine-ally)…

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

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

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

    About the author

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

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

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

  • INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, WINTER

    Hidden Benefits of Outdoor Winter Play for Children

    As the old saying goes, “Variety is the spice of life!” And nothing provides quite a much variety throughout life as the changes of the seasons. When the seasons change, a whole host of new outdoor activities become available for families and for children. And winter is no exception. Today we have Ginny from 1000 Hours Outside, a homeschooling mom from Michigan (where it is a balmy 21 degrees outside, which may actually feel quite nice depending on where you live) sharing her perspective on the benefits of outdoor winter play. Instead of riding out the frigid temperatures and waiting for spring, we hope this post will encourage you to head outside for some beneficial outdoor winter play!

    Outdoor Winter Play is Worth Every Bit of Your Time - hidden benefits of playing outside in the winter for kids

    Benefits of Outdoor Winter Play

    Winter is worth it

    Depending on your location, there will be certain seasons that are more conducive to outside time than others. Winter is probably not too many parents’ favorite season for outdoor play. The gloves, the hats, the scarves, the snow pants, the layers, the whining! We know! We know! It probably takes longer for you to get everyone dressed in their layers than the time you actually spend in the open air. Am I right?

    Yes, you’ll have a pile of wet and melting gear afterward. And lots of muddy clothes to wash. But, instead of looking at seasons as good or bad we like to look at them as opportunities to try new things. Yes, winter brings its own set of challenges, but it also brings special magical outdoor activities you can’t do any other time. We promise you that getting outside in the winter months is worth your time and effort! Read on to learn just some of the benefits of outdoor winter play. We just might turn you into a fan of winter after all!

    benefits of outdoor winter play for kids

    Winter play enhances brain function

    Did you know that increasingly complex movements enhance brain function? We tend to think of movements becoming more intricate only through that first year of life. A baby begins by lifting the head and then pushing to all fours. Next, baby is crawling pulling up and finally walking, all within a relatively short span of time. But what then?

    After those initial milestones, the milestones continue though not as linearly. Think of the complexity of bike riding and swimming, pitching a baseball and climbing a tree. Children who are given ample time to play outside and try these activities will naturally progress to more difficult bodily movements, all while boosting brain function.

    In Smart Moves: (Why Learning is Not All in Your Head), Carla Hannaford, Ph.D. writes “Elderly people who dance regularly decrease their risk of dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease by 76% and those that play a musical instrument decrease the risk by 69%.” These statistics portray the importance of sophisticated movements.

    So what, you say. What does all of this have to do with outdoor winter play? Well, I’m so glad you asked! Consider the movements associated with outdoor winter play beginning with the simple act of walking in snow or on ice (in thick/heavy boots and clothing, no less). Immediately, the brain is fired up! This is a new experience – and a complex one. Legs must go higher, balance is tested. Throw in some other activities such as sledding, skiing, ice-skating, snow-shoeing, rolling and even throwing snowballs and you’ve got yourself a season that is filled with opportunities for children to challenge themselves in complex physical ways that benefit their brains and bodies.

    Running Through the Snow - physical benefits of playing outside in the winter months

    Outdoor winter play enhances creativity

    Winter brings all new possibilities for creative play, imagination and construction. Forget sandcastes, build a frozen snow castle! Or snowmen, snow mountains, snow towers, snow forts, snow volcanoes, snow lanterns, snow sculptures, snow cakes, etc. You can paint the snow, eat the snow, and make angels in the snow. Snow and ice offer kids a never-ending supply of elements for creative little minds.

    There are endless ideas floating around about using simple things you probably already have on hand like food coloring and bowls to create ice ornaments. Or mix food coloring with water in a spray bottle and letting the kids have at it. Interestingly, there is also so much variation between the types of snow that falls. Is it wet snow? Will it pack? Is it dense or light and flaky? Is it good for sledding? Building snowman? And then how should we dress the snowman? You get the picture!

    It can be easy to think of a season where everything seems monochrome as drab, one without possibilities. But the elements of outdoor winter play are so open-ended that we have at our finger-tips a literal blank canvas of endless opportunity! Creative opportunities abound during this marvelous season!

    Snow and ice offer creative outlets for kids - benefits of outdoor winter playCreative Play in Snow and Ice Makes for Stronger Healthier Smarter Kids

    Winter play enhances physical health and development

    Fresh air does a body good, but so does movement. A good romp in the snow will get the lymphatic system moving, helping our bodies clear out unwanted toxins. Additionally, these outdoor winter play movements involve muscles that may not get as much use in other seasons. The simple act of pulling a sled up a hill gives the legs a magnificent workout. In what other season would we go up and down hills over and over? This trudging through deep snow time and again does so much for a child’s physical development.

    Winter is also a time for advancing core strength. All of the balance work, keeping the body upright while sledding down a hill or slip-sliding across a frozen pond, engages the core. Shoveling helps in the exact same way and is considered “heavy work; that is, any type of activity that pushes or pulls against the body. Heavy work is crucial for developing body awareness.

    And while this is great for your child’s physical health, there’s another perk of outdoor winter play you may not be aware of! All of this intense physical activity will inadvertently help your child in academia! Students who have a strong core don’t have to expend energy or constantly think about sitting at a desk. It is a well-known phenomenon that this is something many young people struggle with these days, to the point of even falling out of the chairs at school. There’s such a cross-over between all of these benefits!

    Hidden benefits of outdoor winter play for kidsWinter play strengthens relational bonds

    Outdoor winter play engages all the senses. This is one of the reasons time in nature is often so memorable. Some of my favorite childhood memories are shoveling snow with my dad in the early mornings when it seemed that all the world was fast asleep. I remember the dark, the biting cold, and the rhythmic sounds of the shovel against the cement. I can still recall the huge piles of snow that would accumulate along the edges of the driveway, the bit of observation needs to shovel in the right direction so the wind wouldn’t bring it all right back, I remember that indescribable feeling when you’re all finished and you head inside to warm up.

    Isn’t this one the simplest things in life? Shoveling with my dad. Just me and him. It doesn’t seem like the kind of exciting memory that a child would value above so many other super fun and exciting activities, but it mattered. It stuck.  Think about it…how many of your fondest childhood memories and moments happened outside? The connections and memories you make outdoors seem to stick with you much longer than others. The magic of childhood can be found in the most ordinary places, most of which are outside! 

    physical benefits to kids of outdoor winter playHave we convinced you to get outside this winter?
    What are some of your outdoor memories from childhood?

    About the Author

    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 and 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 more from Ginny in the following locations:
    Website: http://www.1000HoursOutside.com
    Instagram: @1000hoursoutside
    Facebook: @1000hoursoutside
    RWMC posts: Ginny Yurich