holidays

  • FALL, HOLIDAYS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Celebrating Dia de los Muertos with Kids

    Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is one of the most colorful, heartfelt celebrations in Mexican culture. It’s a time to honor, remember, and joyfully celebrate loved ones who have passed away. For parents, it’s also a beautiful opportunity to teach children about remembrance, family traditions, and the importance of cultural appreciation. In this post, photographer and mom of four, Wendy Cox, discusses the history of Día de los Muertos, how to celebrate at home with your kids, ideas for decorations and food, and ways to make this meaningful celebration fun and accessible for families everywhere.

    Honoring Family Roots

    My grandfather was born in Mexico in 1917. He immigrated to the United States when he was nine years old, and, luckily for me, he carried some of the Mexican culture with him when he crossed the border.

    While we didn’t celebrate Dia de los Muertos when I was growing up, I have lived my life with an appreciation for so many things that are part of the Mexican culture. Someday, I hope to travel to Mexico to see how it’s done on a full scale model! But until then, to honor my heritage, I decided that our family would start celebrating Dia de los Muertos in our own way. This celebration has been a lot of fun for me and my family, and I hope that as you celebrate Dia de los Muertos with your kids that you will enjoy it as much as we have!

    History of Día de los Muertos

    The roots of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) stretch back thousands of years to ancient pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, long before Spanish colonization. Indigenous civilizations such as the Aztec, Maya, Toltec, and Nahua peoples believed that death was not an end, but rather a continuation of the life cycle. For them, death was simply another step in the great circle of existence, one that deserved celebration, not fear.

    The native peoples believed that after death, souls traveled through nine levels of the afterlife to the land of the dead. To help guide and sustain the souls of their loved ones, families would leave offerings of food, water, and cherished belongings – an act of love and remembrance that remains central to today’s traditions.

    Today, Día de los Muertos is celebrated across Mexico and in many parts of the world, including the United States, with altars (ofrendas), marigolds (cempasúchil), sugar skulls (calaveras), candles, papel picado, and favorite foods of the departed. It’s not a somber day of mourning—it’s a vibrant celebration of life, memory, and family.

    In cities like Oaxaca, Mexico City, and Pátzcuaro, festivities include candlelight processions, music, dancing, and public displays of art and altars. The colorful decorations and joyful energy remind everyone that our loved ones continue to live on through our stories, traditions, and the love we share.

    For families celebrating at home, understanding this history helps children see Día de los Muertos not as a “Mexican Halloween,” but as a sacred and joyful reminder that love never dies.

    When to Celebrate Día de los Muertos

    Día de los Muertos is typically celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, aligning with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. In the United States, many communities hold parades, festivals, and cultural events around these dates—sometimes on nearby weekends.

    When we lived in San Diego, Old Town State Historic Park hosted ofrendas, live music, and family-friendly activities throughout October. To celebrate with your family, check local community calendars or cultural centers to see if there are Día de los Muertos events in your area.

    How to Celebrate Día de los Muertos at Home

    This celebration can be as grand or as simple as you want it to be. You could display a couple photos of your predecessors on your coffee table, or you could make a full on, multi-tiered ofrenda with candles, food, drinks, flowers, lights, and more. There is no requirement to make this extravagant, but if you want to go all in, here’s what my family has done.

    Día de los Muertos Party

    This year my family and I will be hosting our second annual Día de los Muertos party. We send out an invitation about a month ahead of time so people can save the date, but also so they have time to make any preparations that they want to.

    On the invitation, we request that anyone who wants to can bring a photograph of a deceased family member to add to the ofrenda. We ask that they also come prepared to share a story about that person if they feel so inclined.

    Día de los Muertos Decorations

    On the day of the party, we bring out our brightly colored banner flags (papel picado) and hang them all over the place. We string up lights, bring out a couple fire pits, and make sure to have ample seating both inside and outside.

    This year I’m going to look for some marigolds. Last year all I had was a pom pom-like orange garland, but this year I’m looking for something more authentic. I saw some beautiful marigolds while in Southern California recently, but here in Virginia they’re proving a little harder to come by. If the actual flowers are elusive, I may try tissue paper flowers, which are also found on authentic ofrendas.

    Building the Ofrenda

    Central to Día de los Muertos is the ofrenda. We put photographs of our grandparents here, and make sure to leave a lot of room for everyone else to place their photographs. Displaying the photos in frames is ideal. A simple photo can get bent or fall over easily, especially when things are getting moved around to make space for everyone.

    We add candles to our ofrenda, and pan de muerto. This is a traditional bread baked during Día de los Muertos that has symbols representing the cycle of life and death. Look for this at your local panaderia (Mexican bakery), or you can try this recipe. Pan de muerto is used both on the ofrenda, and also eaten when visiting the graves of loved ones.

    It’s also tradition to leave favorite foods and drink on the ofrenda. Usually the special items for each person are placed in front of the photograph of that person. This lends itself perfectly to tell your children why you chose those items, and any stories you have of the person eating or cooking that food while they were alive.

    My Grandpa Ben used to put honey on almost anything! He had such a sweet tooth, and so we place a bottle of honey next to his photo on the ofrenda. It makes me think of him every time I see honey or use it in any way!

    The Potluck

    We like to make our Día de los Muertos party a potluck. We invite everyone to bring a dish that is special to their family, or something that a relative used to make or enjoy. The dish doesn’t have to be something that relates to the relative whose photograph they bring, but that does end up happening quite a bit. 

    My Grandma Mary made the very best Mexican rice in the whole world! The best compliment you can give me, or any of my aunts or sisters, is that their rice tastes like Grandma’s rice. Rice also goes a long way with a crowd, so it was my obvious choice for the potluck last year. 

    Since this is a Mexican holiday, and my dad’s side of the family is Mexican, I brought out my tortilla press and made fresh tortillas during most of the party. I’m no tortilla pro, but it was a fun way to add a little bit of my heritage to the evening. I let anyone, adults and children, who wanted to make their own tortilla have a try at it. I was surprised at how many people had never used a tortilla press! I was so glad to have given them the opportunity.

    This year I plan to add Mexican hot chocolate to the potluck menu. The Abuelita brand is my favorite, but not the instant packets. In my opinion, the best kind is the Abuelita that comes in little discs of chocolate that you simply melt in milk on the stove. You can probably find Abuelita at a local Mexican or international market, but if not try this link. If you’ve never tried Mexican hot chocolate, it has more of a cinnamon flavor than other types of hot chocolate, but it’s incredibly delicious and I highly recommend you try it!

    Sharing Stories

    Towards the beginning of the evening, we gather everyone together to share stories of our loved ones. To get things started, my husband and I share something about one of our ancestors on the ofrenda while showing their photograph. Then, we go around the room giving everyone (usually one member of each family) the chance to share about the person whose photo they brought.

    It’s such an honor to hear all of the stories. There’s often laughter combined with tears shed in fond remembrance of these loved ones. The kids all sit together on the floor and they love hearing the stories. This is my favorite part of the celebration!

    Other Día de los Muertos Activities

    Because there are a mixture of both adults and kids at this party, we try to have a variety of activities. We print out some Día de los Muertos coloring pages for the younger kids. I put out a bucket of crayons for them to use. I also set up a movie projector and have the movie Coco going in one room for anyone who wants to use that. 

    This year, we thought about getting some live entertainment. I wanted to ask some friends to perform a song from Coco, but things got crazy and we didn’t get that coordinated in time. We may try that for next year though! And how fun would a dance party be to some traditional Mexican music, or a grito (shouting) contest for the best, “ayyyyyyyyyyy ayyyyyy ayyyyyyyy!” 

    Calavera Face Painting

    You may have seen the traditional Dia de los Muertos face painting, known as calavera (skull). Remember Miguel in Coco with his white face and black eyes? That’s a simple version of the calavera, but it can get very elaborate.

    Calavera makeup can range from simple to intricate, with flowers, spider webs, and hearts painted around the eyes and mouth.

    Each element has meaning:

    • Marigolds symbolize life and remembrance.
    • Hearts represent love for the departed.
    • Cobwebs mark the passage of time.

    Adding face painting to your celebration makes the experience even more immersive for kids—and helps them appreciate the artistry behind this beautiful tradition.

    If you want to try the calavera, here are a few ideas and some explanations of the symbols that are often used.

    Why This Matters for Kids

    Whether you’re inviting the whole neighborhood, or having an evening at home with your family, telling stories about your ancestors is an incredibly important and powerful experience for your children. Hearing the stories gives children a sense of where they came from. It helps them understand their roots. Learning about their ancestors helps a child build a sense of who they are, and hearing how their ancestors overcame obstacles can give children motivation to persevere through their own struggles. Psychology Today has an entire article on this subject if you’re interested in learning more about the topic.

    Final Thoughts

    Celebrating Día de los Muertos with kids is about more than food and decorations. It’s about remembrance, connection, and gratitude. When families come together to share stories and honor loved ones, they’re not just celebrating life after death; they’re celebrating life itself.

    As you build your own traditions, encourage your children to participate – by helping decorate, asking questions, or sharing their favorite memories. Through these small acts, they’ll learn that love lives on, and that remembering those who came before us is one of the most beautiful ways to celebrate being alive.

    About the author

    Wendy is a married momma who recently moved from central San Diego, CA to Roanoke, Virginia. She’s raising 4 human kids, 2 goat kids, 4 chickens, and one grumpy cat. She enjoys gardening, hiking, camping, backpacking, going to the beach, and generally getting out-of-doors. Wendy is a family photographer and also works at several local elementary schools as the garden educator. She dreams of traveling to all 50 states and beyond, and believes that there is great beauty to be found in all parts of the earth, we just have to open our eyes to see it.

    Instagram: @wendycoxphotography
    Website: http://www.wendycoxphotography.com

  • HOLIDAYS, PARENTING

    Outdoor Family Traditions

    Traditions, no matter how simple or elaborate, are incredibly special to kids. They provide a sense of continuity, belonging, and comfort, something familiar to look forward to. Today’s post is all about family traditions, why they’re important, and what makes them special. We hope the activities in this post will inspire you to start a few new traditions of your own. Whether you’re trying something for the first time or revisiting an old favorite, these moments have the power to become the cherished memories your kids carry with them into adulthood (and maybe even implement for their kids). So, go ahead, dive into the season with open arms, and let this fall be the start of something special for your family.

    Traditions Make Life Sparkle

    Family traditions are those special little things that make life sparkle. They’re the experiences, activities, routines, or rituals that create shared memories, give us something to look forward to, and lay the groundwork for family values.

    Think of traditions as the glitter glue that binds families together, giving extra meaning to celebrations, milestones, holidays, and even the changing of the seasons.

    Now, when we talk about traditions, we don’t just mean the ones passed down through generations, like your grandma’s secret pie recipe (the one that mysteriously never tastes as good when you make it). Traditions can start at any time, no ancient lineage is required.

    And guess what? You only need to do something twice for it to be considered a tradition. Yes, you heard that right—two times! So, if you find yourself repeating an activity and calling it a tradition after just a couple of rounds, congratulations, you’re doing it right!

    Family Traditions are Unique to Each Family

    Traditions are as unique as fingerprints. They reflect what’s important to each family, showcasing a little bit of their personality. They help kids feel like they’re part of something special, fostering a sense of belonging and creating a family identity. It’s like wearing a badge that says, “This is my tribe, and we do this awesome thing together.”

    I’ll admit, traditions weren’t something I gave much thought to until I became a parent. Then, like magic, the traditions I grew up with (and the ones I wanted to start) began to appear. Celebrating birthdays with a special breakfast? Yes, please…because I remember how important that was to me as a kid. Bringing every stuffed animal into the living room on Christmas morning to guard the presents? My husband’s family did it, so now, we do too.

    What’s fascinating is how different each family’s traditions can be. My brothers couldn’t care less about the birthday breakfast. But, they have their own traditions they hold dear, based on their childhood memories. It makes me wonder which of our family traditions my kids will carry on. Will they pass down the birthday breakfasts or the Christmas guard animals? Or will they invent new ones that hold meaning for them?

    Borrowing Traditions

    However, just because family traditions are unique to each family, doesn’t mean you always have to come up with them on your own. In fact, some of the best traditions are borrowed! Once you start noticing traditions, you’ll find yourself on the lookout for fun and meaningful activities that other families are doing, and you might think, “Hey, we could do that!” And guess what? You totally can!

    I love chatting with friends about how they celebrate holidays or special occasions. Hearing about their family traditions gives me so many great ideas that I can tweak and make our own. It’s like a buffet of happiness; you can pick and choose what works for your family.

    I even remember doing this as a kid. My childhood friend Katie’s family had this hilarious and heartwarming tradition of celebrating their pets’ birthdays. They’d bake a cake (for the humans), make treats for the pets, and even create homemade cards. Then everyone would sit around, eating cake, and taking turns telling funny or sweet stories about the pet. It was the best, and I asked my parents if we could throw our dog a birthday party, too. And just like that, a new tradition was born.

    The beauty of borrowing traditions is that you can start anywhere. If you hear about a fun or meaningful tradition that resonates with you, try it out. If it fits, fantastic! And if not, no worries. You can always move on to something else. The key is to discover what brings happiness to your family, what makes you laugh, or what brings you closer together.

    Traditions Bring Comfort

    Besides making everyone feel all warm and fuzzy inside, traditions provide stability. Life can be chaotic (hello, parenthood!), but knowing that every fall, you’ll have a pumpkin carving contest or on your birthday, you get to choose a special meal gives the kids something predictable and consistent to look forward to. It’s comforting, like a cozy blanket on a cold night.

    I’ve also found that repeating experiences as traditions helps kids let their guard down. For example, each year when we visit the carnival pumpkin patch, it’s a mix of the familiar and the new. The kids come with memories from past years of the fun things they did, yet each experience is different because they’re growing, changing, and seeing the world through new eyes. And honestly, these familiar and comfortable repeat experiences are a chance for my older kids to let go of their pre-teen growing-up concerns and act like carefree kids again. Maybe it’s the comfort of knowing they’ve done it before; maybe it’s just the joy of letting loose like they did when they were here as little kids.

    Traditions Should Be Fun

    But let’s be honest, traditions are also about having fun. If you’ve decided to repeat an activity, it’s probably because it was a hit the first time around. If it wasn’t, well, why would you want to repeat it?

    When it comes to choosing traditions, the key is to focus on what sparks joy for everyone involved. Get the kids in on the action by letting them help pick activities they love and would like to repeat. Ask them what they enjoyed most about past family outings or holidays and watch their faces light up as they recall their favorite moments. These are the seeds of your future traditions!

    Sometimes, traditions sneak up on you. They aren’t always meticulously planned; they can be happy accidents. Some of our favorite traditions started because we tried something once, had a blast, and decided it was worth repeating.

    Remember, the most fun traditions are the ones that bring genuine happiness, not just to you but to the entire family. Pay attention to what makes everyone laugh, what gets the kids excited, and what leaves everyone feeling closer. Those are the traditions worth holding onto, the ones that will become cherished memories for years to come.

    Intention & Planning Traditions

    The tricky part about traditions is that they require intention. You can’t just hope they happen; you have to make them happen. Yes, that takes effort and planning, but isn’t that what makes them special? The best things in life often require a bit of effort.

    And look, we’re not here to guilt-trip you into doing more or add a million things to your to-do list. We get it – there’s already so much to do! However, we think traditions are important enough to pay them a bit of attention. They’re worth the effort.

    And we’re here to help, inspire, and maybe give you a few ideas. If all you do is keep one tradition alive or try out a new one, you’re doing great. We can’t do it all, but we can do something.

    Tips for Keeping Family Traditions Alive

    Be Intentional

    Starting a new family tradition or keeping existing ones alive does take a bit of intentionality, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A little planning and forethought go a long way. Marking your calendar, setting reminders, or jotting things down in a planner can help ensure that traditions don’t slip through the cracks amidst the chaos of daily life. And let’s be real—there will be times when keeping up with traditions feels impossible, whether you’re in the trenches with a new baby, going through a rough patch, or dealing with grief. That’s okay. Missing a year doesn’t mean a tradition has to end; it just means you’re human. Sometimes, traditions can be adapted to fit your current season of life, preserving the same sense of connection and joy. It’s about capturing the feeling of the tradition, not about sticking to a rigid script.

    Keep It Simple

    Not every tradition has to be an elaborate event or require lots of planning and preparation. Sometimes, the simplest traditions are the most cherished. A monthly movie night with popcorn, a favorite fall hike, or a special dinner by candlelight can become treasured traditions that your family looks forward to. Keeping traditions simple not only makes them easier to implement but also keeps them stress-free and affordable. It’s the shared moments, the laughter, and the togetherness that count, not the size or cost of the event.

    Be Open to Trying New Things

    Traditions don’t just come out of thin air—they start by trying new things. You never know what’s going to be fun or what will stick until you give it a shot. The tried-and-true familiar traditions are wonderful, of course, but even those were once new and untested. Don’t be afraid to shake things up and add fresh experiences to your family’s lineup, even if you already have plenty of beloved traditions. Exploring new activities together not only keeps things exciting but also opens up opportunities to discover new passions and create even more memories.

    Scrap What Doesn’t Work

    Traditions should bring joy, not feel like a chore or another item on your endless to-do list. The best ones are the activities that the family has voted as fun, maybe even legendary—approved by all as worth doing again and again. If a tradition starts to feel more like a burden than a joy, it’s time to reevaluate.

    Choose Your Own Family Traditions

    We’ve talked about how wonderful traditions can be for bringing families closer together, creating lasting memories, and building a sense of belonging. But now it’s time to take the next step…creating your own!

    I’d love to challenge you to think outside the box, try new things, and discover what kind of traditions could add that extra sprinkle of magic to your family’s story. (Bonus points if your new tradition happens OUTSIDE, but it doesn’t have to.)

    A Mix of Old and New

    First, let’s talk about trying new things. The beauty of traditions is that they can start from almost anything. Whether it’s a spontaneous pizza night that turns into a weekly ritual or a one-time nature hike that everyone loved so much it becomes an annual event, traditions often begin as simple, fun activities.

    Don’t be afraid to experiment and see what sticks. The key is to find something that brings joy, not just to the kids but to you as well. After all, if the parents aren’t having fun, it’s not going to last long as a tradition!

    Think back to your own childhood. What traditions did your family have that you loved? Was it the way your family decorated the house for the holidays, an annual camping trip with friends, or maybe just the little rituals, like making pancakes on Sunday mornings or reading together before bedtime?

    These memories can be a great source of inspiration for creating new traditions with your own family. What worked for you back then might work for your family now, and you can even put your own spin on it to make it uniquely yours.

    Now, let’s take a look at what you’re already doing. Chances are, there are activities you do regularly that could easily become traditions with a little intention. Do you have a favorite meal that everyone loves? Make it a regular thing! Is there a park your family enjoys visiting? Turn it into a monthly outing. Sometimes, traditions are just waiting to be recognized. By putting a name to them and committing to do them regularly, you can turn everyday moments into cherished memories.

    Remember, the goal is not to add more to your plate but to enrich your family life in a way that feels natural and joyful. Start with something small and manageable, and see where it leads. You don’t need a grand plan—just a willingness to have fun and make memories together.

    Seasonal Traditions

    • Fruit Picking: Spend a day at a local farm picking fresh fruit (such as strawberries, peaches, and apples) and enjoying the outdoors.
    • Fall Camping: Head out to your local state park (or your backyard) to enjoy the autumn colors, crisp fall air, roast marshmallows, and sleep under the stars.
    • Winter Solstice: Celebrate the shortest day of the year with a candle-lit dinner, bonfire, hot chocolate, lantern walk, or quiet reflection to welcome the return of longer days.
    • Seasonal Bucket Lists: Each season, work together to make a list of must-do activities to experience the best of what each time of year has to offer.
    • Pumpkin Carving Contest: Hosting a friendly competition to see who can carve the funniest, scariest, or most artistic designs.
    • Vegetable Garden: Plant and tend to a garden together, or give each kid their own plant to take care of.
    • First Snowfall Walk: Bundle up and take a walk around your neighborhood to enjoy the magic of the first snow (bonus: add hot chocolate).
    • Attend Festivals: Visit local festivals to celebrate seasonal events, enjoy live music, crafts, food, and activities. Festivals usually happen annually without you having to do any work other than attending!
    • Leaf Peeping Road Trip: Take a scenic drive to enjoy the vibrant fall foliage and maybe stop for a picnic or hike along the way.
    • Morel Mushroom Hunting: Get in the woods to hunt for morel mushrooms, a fun and rewarding spring activity for the whole family.
    • Stargazing Night: Pick a clear evening to spread out blankets and gaze at the stars, trying to spot constellations or watch for shooting stars.
    • Firefly Catching: Head outside on a warm summer night to catch fireflies, then release them and watch them light up the night.
    • Beach Day at the Start of Summer: Kick off the summer season with a trip to the beach, complete with swimming, sandcastle building, and a picnic.

    Birthday Traditions

    • Special Dinner/Breakfast: Celebrate birthdays with a special breakfast or dinner, featuring the birthday person’s favorite foods or let them choose their meal/restaurant.
    • Birthday Plate: Use a special plate reserved only for birthday meals, making the birthday person feel extra special on their day.
    • 10th Birthday Trip: Mark the milestone of turning ten with a special one-on-one trip to a destination of their choice with a parent.
    • Surprise Balloons: Fill the birthday person’s room with balloons while they sleep, so they wake up to a colorful surprise.
    • Birthday Journal: Instead of cards, maintain a family birthday journal where each year, everyone writes a message, memory, or wish for the birthday person.
    • Special Delivery: Arrange for a special lunch, sweet treat, or bouquet of flowers to be delivered to the birthday person at school.
    • Birthday Countdown: Start a countdown a week before the birthday, doing small surprises or activities each day leading up to the big day.
    • Birthday Interview: Record an annual birthday interview asking the birthday person about their favorite things, dreams, and memorable moments from the past year.
    • DIY Birthday Decor: Create a custom birthday banner or wreath to display for every family birthday.
    • Birthday Movie Night: Let the birthday person choose a movie, snacks, and invite friends or family for a cozy birthday movie night.

    Holiday Traditions

    • Holiday Book Countdown: Countdown to the big day by letting the kids unwrap and read a holiday-themed book each night.
    • Leprechaun Traps: Let the kids get creative and build a trap to set out the night before St. Patrick’s Day in hopes of catching a leprechaun and gold!
    • Special Ornament for Each Kid: Give each child a unique ornament based on their interests, achievements or milestones for the year
    • Easter Camping Trip: Instead of Easter dinner, take the family camping with an Easter egg hunt for a memorable outdoor holiday celebration.
    • Valentine’s Day Heart Hunt: Head out for a family hike and see how many heart-shaped items you can find in nature.
    • Halloween Costume Parade: Organize a neighborhood parade where kids (and adults) can show off their Halloween costumes before trick-or-treating.
    • Cut Your Own Tree: Head to a local tree farm to cut down your own Christmas tree, making it a family adventure.
    • Fishing Day for Father’s Day: Spend the day by the water, casting lines and enjoying quality time together on Father’s Day.
    • Mother’s Day Bouquet and Cards: Celebrate Mom by picking wildflowers and creating homemade cards filled with heartfelt messages.
    • Turkey Trot: Participate in a local turkey trot race or fun run on Thanksgiving morning, making room for the big feast later.
    • Plant a Tree for Arbor Day: Celebrate Arbor Day by planting a tree in your yard or community, giving back to the earth.
    • Place Flags on Memorial Day: Honor fallen soldiers by placing flags on graves or around your neighborhood on Memorial Day.
    • Canned Food Drive for Thanksgiving: Organize a family canned food drive, collecting and donating food to a local food bank to help those in need.
    • Banging New Year: Head outside and ring in the New Year with a bang by making noise by banging pots and pans with spoons at midnight (or earlier, if you have little ones).
    • Chinese New Year Dumpling Making: Celebrate Chinese New Year by making dumplings together, a symbol of wealth and prosperity.
    • Rosh Hashanah Apple Dipping: Celebrate the Jewish New Year by dipping apples in honey together, symbolizing the wish for a sweet new year.
    • Year-End Photo Slideshow: Create a slideshow of favorite family photos from the past year, watching it together to reminisce and celebrate the year’s memories.
    • Christmas Pajama Hike: Bundle up in cozy pajamas and take a hike on Christmas morning, enjoying the winter landscape and fresh air.
    • Hanukkah Dreidel Tournament: Host a family dreidel tournament during Hanukkah, with chocolate coins or small prizes for the winners.
    • Diwali Light Decorating: Decorate your home with colorful lights and diyas (oil lamps) to celebrate the Festival of Lights, Diwali.
    • Fourth of July Fireworks Picnic: Enjoy a picnic in the park, complete with a homemade feast, and stay to watch the Fourth of July fireworks.
    • Veterans Day Family Visit: Visit a local veterans’ memorial or cemetery, teaching children about the importance of honoring those who served.

    Family Traditions Around Food

    • Friday Night Pizza: Make every Friday a special night by ordering pizza and enjoying a relaxed family meal together.
    • Grandma’s Cinnamon Rolls: Start the weekend on a sweet note by making Grandma’s famous cinnamon rolls every Sunday morning or for special occasions.
    • Fancy Dinner: Elevate a regular meal by getting dressed up, setting the table with the good china, lighting candles, and enjoying a fancy dinner together.
    • Back to School Feast: Kick off the new school year with a big feast, letting each kid invite their school friends over to share excitement about the year ahead.
    • Soup for the Sick: Show love and care by preparing chicken noodle soup and biscuits for anyone feeling under the weather.
    • Chili Cook-Off: Host an annual chili cook-off with neighbors, where everyone brings their best chili recipe to share and compete.
    • Homemade Ice Cream: Spend a summer afternoon making homemade ice cream, experimenting with different flavors and toppings.
    • Fondue Night: Gather around the table for a fun fondue night, dipping bread, fruits, and veggies into melted cheese or chocolate.
    • Backyard Campfire Cookout: Fire up the backyard fire pit for a cookout, roasting hot dogs and marshmallows under the stars.
    • Lemonade Stand: Teach kids about entrepreneurship and community by setting up a lemonade stand on a warm day.
    • Family Recipe Night: Dedicate one night a month to cooking a dish from an old family recipe, passing down culinary traditions and stories.
    • Sunday Potluck with Friends: Invite friends over for a casual Sunday potluck, where everyone brings a dish to share and enjoys a relaxed meal together.
    • Baking Cookies: Gather the family to bake and decorate cookies for holidays, making enough to share with friends and neighbors.
    • Weekly Farmers Market Visit: Make a weekly trip to the farmers market to pick out fresh, seasonal produce and enjoy local treats.
    • Family Pizza Making Night: Set up a DIY pizza station with various toppings, letting everyone create their own personal pizza masterpiece.
    • New Recipe Try-Out Day: Choose a day each month to try out a new recipe together, turning cooking into a fun family adventure.

    Other Fun Family Traditions

    • Attend Sporting Events: Cheer on your favorite team or alma mater by attending games together, creating lasting memories and showing team/school loyalty.
    • Front Porch Thunderstorms: Enjoy the thrill and beauty of nature by sitting on the front porch together to watch thunderstorms roll in.
    • Tech-Free Week: Unplug from technology for a week, focusing on outdoor adventures, board games, and family bonding.
    • Last Day of School Campout: Celebrate the end of the school year with a backyard campout, complete with a tent, s’mores, and star-gazing.
    • Have a “Yes Day”: Give your kids the reins by having a “Yes Day,” where they get to plan the day’s activities and parents say yes to all reasonable requests.
    • Date Your Kids: Spend quality time with each child by having regular one-on-one outdoor date nights, whether it’s hiking, biking, or going to the park.
    • Vacation Souvenirs: Start a collection of natural souvenirs by picking up a rock, shell, or leaf from each vacation spot you visit.
    • Seasonal Family Hike: Choose a local trail and hike it together at the beginning of each season to enjoy the changing scenery and fresh air.
    • Fishing Saturdays: Head to a nearby lake or river for a relaxing Saturday morning of fishing, enjoying nature and each other’s company.
    • Bike Ride to a Ice Cream Shop: Make it a tradition to take a family bike ride to your favorite local ice cream shop whenever the weather is nice.
    • Annual Family Picnic: Choose a favorite park or scenic spot for an annual family picnic, bringing homemade food, games, and blankets.
    • Weekend Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items to find in nature and head to a local park or forest for a fun scavenger hunt adventure.
    • Snow Day Sledding: Take advantage of snowy days by heading to a nearby hill for an afternoon of sledding and hot cocoa.
    • Kite Flying Afternoon: Spend a breezy afternoon flying kites in an open field, enjoying the simple joy of watching them soar.
    • Volunteer Day in Nature: Dedicate one day a year to volunteering together in a local park, beach, or nature reserve, helping with clean-up or conservation efforts.
    • Sunrise Breakfast Picnic: Wake up early to catch the sunrise at a scenic spot, enjoying a simple breakfast picnic while watching the day begin.
    • Geocaching Adventures: Go on regular geocaching hunts, searching for hidden treasures and exploring new places together as a family.
    • Seasonal Tree Planting: Plant a tree each spring or fall in your yard or community, teaching the importance of environmental stewardship and watching it grow over the years.
    • Full Moon Hike: Organize a nighttime hike under the full moon, enjoying the quiet and unique experience of being in nature after dark.

    Traditions Root Us

    Traditions are like the roots of a family tree, grounding us in what’s important and helping us grow. They’re the stories we tell, the memories we share, and the moments we hold onto. They’re what make us a family, even once we’ve grown and started families of our own.

    So, go ahead—start a new tradition this season, or revisit an old one. The beauty of traditions is that they’re yours to create, shape, and pass down. And who knows? Maybe one day, your kids will be telling their kids about the quirky, wonderful things you did together, creating a legacy of laughter, love, and the great outdoors.

    About the Author

    Sara McCarty is the Founder of Run Wild My Child, a resource website, online community, podcast, and seasonal magazine all about connecting families through outdoor activities, adventure, and travel. Run Wild My Child offers busy parents helpful content about outdoor activities, nature crafts, kid-friendly travel, gear recommendations, parenting advice, and more. Sara’s a mom of 3, a wife, and a former corporate securities lawyer turned writer. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri, and is determined to raise her city kids to be as wild and feral as possible. You can usually find her family exploring a creek, fly fishing, hiking, duck hunting, camping, canoeing, biking, or geocaching.

  • FAMILY TRAVEL, HOLIDAYS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Best European Christmas Markets for Families

    If you are seeking a magical, family-friendly Christmas experience, look no further than Europe’s festive holiday markets. Take a stroll along cobbled streets adorned with fairy lights to admire traditional handmade gifts, beautiful ornaments, and gorgeous decor, and to taste an array of local festive delicacies. Today, join travel blogger and UK mom of two, Aimee Keeble, as she explores the very best family-friendly Christmas markets in Europe for you to visit with your children. 

    ‘Tis the season

    ‘Tis the season to be jolly, and also the season of travel! For families looking for a fun and unique way to celebrate the season, there’s no better way to discover the magic of the holidays than by immersing your family in the European Christmas markets.

    As the winter chill sets in and twinkling lights illuminate cobblestone streets, it’s time to pack your bags, grab the little ones, and embark on a festive journey that you won’t find any other time of year. From snow-dusted fairytale settings to mouthwatering treats that will tantalize the taste buds and gorgeous hand-made ornaments, toys, and decor, join me on a virtual sleigh ride through Europe’s most magical Christmas market destinations. Get ready to create cherished memories and discover the true spirit of the holidays in the heart of these winter wonderlands.

    Preparing to visit the Christmas Markets 

    If you haven’t visited a European Christmas market before, here are a few top tips for an enjoyable visit;

    Payment methods

    Since the pandemic, most small vendors have switched to accepting card payments, however not all will. Be sure to bring both your credit cards and cash in the correct currency to spend on smaller items. 

    Dress warm

    To enjoy long periods of time outside in winter, don’t forget to pack thermal base-layers, insulated coats, gloves and hats.

    Walk

    Most Christmas Markets in Europe are in town/city centres so you will get the best experience by booking a central place to stay and exploring on foot or by using public transport. European cities have excellent public transport systems with trams, buses, and underground lines. Not only will you see more of the local sights, but you can enjoy the mulled wine and spiced ciders without having to drive!

    top 5 christmas markets in europe for kids and families

    Stay safe

    Christmas Markets can be very busy places so take the usual safety precautions of agreeing a meeting point in case you are separated, taking a photo of your child clothing on the day, and having your phone number in their pocket. If you are heading out in the dark to admire the lights, consider reflective coats or attachable lights to help your children stand out. 

    Cobblestone streets

    Cobbles and steps are very common across European cities so be sure to consider stroller suitability – bigger wheels or carriers are best. 

    Timing is everything

    Christmas markets can get crowded, especially on weekends and evenings. Plan your visit during off-peak hours to avoid the biggest crowds. Arriving early in the day can also provide a more relaxed experience for your family.

    best european christmas markets for kids and families

    Best European Christmas Markets for kids and families

    Ready to journey through Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets? Here are our five favorites. Each of these European cities promises an unforgettable holiday experience for kids and families, blending tradition, wonder, and the timeless joy of the Christmas season.

    1. Tallinn, Estonia 

    By far, our favourite Christmas market can be found in Tallinn, Estonia. The medieval Old Town transforms into a fairytale landscape, offering not only artisanal crafts but also performances and a charming Christmas train for the little adventurers. Held in the historic Town Hall Square, the small market hosts a huge Christmas tree, live music, and a little carousel. You won’t find mass-produced items here, but rather locally crafted Estonian products such as winter jumpers, beautifully painted baubles, and warm gloves.

    Be sure to taste some of the local delicacies like sour cabbage and glögi (mulled wine). Adorned with fairy lights and often snowy, Tallinn is the most magical Christmas Market to visit. We particularly love this market because it’s smaller and pedestrianized, so it’s perfect for children to explore. Plus, once you’re finished with the market, there’s the epic Seaplane Harbour Museum to check out!

    2. Bruges, Belgium

    Bruges, Belgium, hosts a slightly larger Christmas Market with both locally crafted products and more widely available items. The city takes on a storybook setting in the winter with its cobbled streets and historic squares. For the children, there’s an outdoor ice rink and a light trail to explore. Bruges is compact and easy to navigate on foot with young children in just 2-3 days, which makes it ideal for a long weekend with the family. After that, you could take in Ghent, which also has a wonderful market, or if you are looking for a larger, bustling vibe, head over to Brussels. 

    3. Prague, Czechia

    Prague, Czechia, is a winter wonderland of incredible architecture and spirited market stalls, inviting families to explore a magical carousel, an ice-skating rink, and a puppet theater for festive delights. The festivities in Prague are spread across the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, where you can discover a wide range of Christmas gifts, including ceramics, lace, wooden toys, and knitted clothing. Prague’s Christmas market is the perfect place to discover new food by tasting some Czech delicacies such as klobása (sausage), trdelník (sweet pastries) and svařák (mulled wine). 

    This market is great for families with plenty to keep the children entertained, including creating their own traditional Czech Christmas crafts (weekends) and petting the lovely animals at the stable in the Old Town Square. Again, the city is small and easy to explore on foot. 

    exploring the christmas markets with kids

    4. Vienna, Austria

    The historic city of Vienna has multiple Christmas markets to explore with children and an excellent transport system to hop between them easily. Here, you will find beautiful wooden toys and the most delicious pretzels! The City Hall also offers activities for the children, including Christmas cookie decorating and candle making. Once you’re done with the markets, there’s also the oldest fairground in Europe to visit, which the kids will love!

    5. Budapest, Hungary

    You will find Budapest’s main Christmas market outside St Istvan Bazilika (St Stephen’s Basilica), where there’s a delightful range of traditional handmade crafts and sweet treats (be sure to try the ‘Kurtoskalacs’ – Hungarian chimney cake!). Here, the children can also enjoy laser light shows and skate at the ice rink, which circles the Christmas tree in St Istvan Square. Once you’ve finished browsing, head up to the Basilica for some rooftop views of the city.

    Nearby, you will also find the historic Christmas fayre in Vorosmarty Square, surrounded by beautiful 19th-century buildings. This one is ideal for quaint handmade gifts and mulled wine! After exploring the markets, be sure to visit the thermal baths. 

    European Christmas markets for families

    Under the glow of twinkling lights and amidst the festive cheer, exploring Europe’s enchanting Christmas markets with your family promises to be a memorable experience. Each destination I’ve featured today offers unique activities, experiences, foods, traditions, and delights for your children to experience. I hope you’ll have a chance to make it to the Christmas markets this year. And as you navigate through the market stalls, be sure to savor seasonal treats, as well as the joy on your children’s faces. 

    tips for exploring EU Christmas markets with kids

    Additional resources

    What’s your favourite Christmas market?

    About the author

    Aimee is a humanitarian worker and photographer based in the UK. As a mum to two young boys, she spends much of her time outdoors in nature and enjoys traveling with her family. Aimee loves to support other families to explore with young children by sharing tips and inspiration.

    You can find more from Aimee online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @how_i_wander_uk
    Website: How I Wander

  • GIFT GUIDE, HOLIDAYS

    Experience Gifts for Kids

    Now more than ever, kids want our time and attention. Plastic toys break and get thrown away. Experiences last forever. This year, with so many supply issues and the price of “stuff” going up, consider giving the gift of your time and experiences at fun locations in your area. Not only are you shopping less and more local, but you’ll make lifelong memories and help your kids try new things! Today, Wendy Cox, California photographer and mom is here sharing all kinds of ideas for fun and unique experience gifts for kids. The outdoorsy active kids in your life will love them all, plus, they usually offer opportunities for the whole family to spend time together.  And that’s the gift that keeps giving. 

    Experience gifts for kids

    With the holidays upon us, you’ve most likely been searching Amazon for gifts to give your kids this year. Then you look up from your phone and see a pile of toy cars on the floor, a tea set with only 2 cups left at the play kitchen, dolls, trucks, and rocket ships with missing astronauts strewn throughout the living room. Do they really need one more toy?

    The problem is, you want them to have the magic that comes with opening a beautifully wrapped present, but you don’t want to live with any more clutter. How do you make both a reality?

    Solution- experience gifts. There are so many ways to give gifts that don’t require any more clutter in your house. This list of experience gifts for kids will open your eyes to a variety of gifts that won’t just get thrown in a closet but will allow you to create lasting memories with your children. The truth is, they don’t want things- they want YOU, your time, and your attention. 

    Botanical garden/arboretum season pass

    Season passes to a local botanical garden or arboretum are great for any outdoorsy kid and family. Many botanic gardens have an area created especially for children. The majority of the gardens also participate in a reciprocal program, which means that if you purchase a season pass to the botanic garden in your area there are many other gardens that you can access with your pass in other areas. It’s the experience gift that keeps on giving! The American Horticulture Society also sells passes that give you access to gardens across the US. Botanic gardens are also located in countries around the world.

    Sporting events 

    One of our family’s favorite experience gifts to give the kids are tickets to a sporting event. Take them out to the ballgame! Baseball, basketball, football, soccer, gymnastics, diving, lacrosse – the list of sporting events you could take your children to is endless. Choose a sport (or a team) that your child is interested in and gift tickets this holiday. 

    It doesn’t have to be a professional game either. Think about supporting a local college or high school. How about tickets to a sporting event hosted at your alma mater and show them around campus. You can sometimes get season tickets to your local minor league baseball team for less than the price of one major league game. There are also usually mini-packs of tickets available around the holidays so you can spread the games out over the season. You could even purchase a ball or jersey from the team and wrap that to put under the tree along with the tickets. 

    Amusement parks

    Tickets to an amusement park (or the mecca of all amusement parks…Disney) make a great gift for a child. Let’s face it, the magic of Disney is a real thing. Watching your child meet Mickey Mouse or their favorite princess for the first time is a priceless experience. But it doesn’t have to be Disney – there are amusement parks across the country with a variety of options. If you live close to an amusement park consider a season pass so you don’t feel the need to go and stay until closing. If it’s a bit of a drive, a one day pass could be sufficient. For the little ones, amusement parks with water features are fun. For the teenagers, choose an amusement park with lots of big roller coasters. 

    Family fun centers

    On a smaller scale than an amusement park, many cities have family fun centers. This is usually something like mini-golf, go-karts, maybe even bumper cars or bumper boats. Other fun centers do ninja courses, laser tag, indoor rock climbing, arcades, ziplines, high ropes courses, etc. Sometimes they sell yearly passes, but even a night out for mini golf and frozen yogurt afterward is appealing to most kids. 

    Road trips

    Taking a road trip with your kids is always a fun adventure! You could coordinate the destination to somewhere that interests them or make it a first. What is your child interested in? Find a location, museum, destination, or adventure that promotes that interest. Or take them somewhere that they can experience something in nature for the first time. If your child has never been to the ocean, find a beach house to go to. If they’ve never seen snow before, plan a trip to a ski resort. Include them in the planning and map out the route together. Who knows, you might even find your way to the biggest ball of yarn or something equally impressive!

    When I was in elementary school I was obsessed with the Little House on the Prairie Books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. One summer my grandparents took me (just the three of us) on a trip from California to Missouri (the place where Laura wrote all of her books) and back. We stayed in KOA’s along the way, and it was unforgettable!

    Camping

    Have your kids ever been camping? This could be your chance. I truly believe that there is something incredibly magical about sleeping in the great outdoors. Gift your child the experience of camping – it just might change their life! 

    If it will be their first time camping, the excitement will be through the roof! If your kids have been camping before, use this as an opportunity to try a new campsite to change it up. When they’re old enough, you could make this trip special by giving them a specific task. For example, wrap up a flint and steel and tell them they’re in charge of making the campfire this time. Chances are they’ll want to make a fire the minute you drive up to the campsite!

    Cabins/yurts/glamping

    If tent camping isn’t your thing, there are lots of other fun options! Who doesn’t love staying in a cozy cabin in the woods or by a lake? How about a yurt with an open-top where you can see the stars at night? Maybe it’s the coziness of the wooden beams or the rustic feel, but kids love experiences like this! Yurts and glamping tents are also becoming more and more prevalent at campgrounds across the country. Getting away from home even just for one night will excite your kids more than you might think. Add that excitement to an epic location and it’s an experience gift that puts any remote control car to shame!

    Backpacking

    For the extra adventurous family, try backpacking as an experience gift. Backpacks and backpacking gear are available to rent at some sporting goods stores like REI, but if you plan on making this a tradition you could buy a backpack as part of the gift. There is a great sense of satisfaction that comes from knowing you were able to carry everything you need to stay alive for a couple days. Backpacking teaches perseverance, mental strength, and so many other important life skills. This is an experience gift that has lasting positive effects for your child’s health as well as the health of your relationship with them. Here’s a great post on how to get started backpacking with kids and everything you need to pack. 

    Water activities 

    Sure, it’s winter, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look ahead to warmer days and plan our experience gifts accordingly. Now is a good time to plan ahead and book fun water activities like canoeing, rafting, paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, etc. Maybe there’s a reservoir near you that has inflatable trampolines you can purchase tickets for. How about a tubing company that will take you down the local river. Rent a pontoon boat for the day and cruise your local lake. Or gift sailing lessons so that your kids can learn a valuable skill. These gifts will teach patience as your kids wait in anticipation for the time when they can cash in on their gift!

    Lessons/clinics 

    Has your child been asking you to sign them up for a specific sport such as tennis, basketball, soccer, or dance? Do they have a favorite activity that they can’t get enough of? Now is the perfect time to get them on the roster, or even get one-on-one attention in a specific sport. The skills they learn will mean so much more than any toy. This could be something like horseback riding lessons, a private hitting/pitching lesson, rock climbing lessons, ice skating, or dance lessons. A couple of years ago my son was gifted private swim lessons and it was such a great experience for him.  

    Classes/courses

    Maybe it isn’t sports that your child is really into, but something like painting, baking, or pottery. Local rec centers often have a variety of classes that offer great exposure to different areas that your child might want to try. In my experience, the cost is reasonable, too. If you aren’t worried about cost, try looking into private companies to see if they have a course for your child’s age group. Sometimes courses can even be done online – there are lots of online courses for kids on photography, art, music, and more. 

    Restaurant date

    Experience gifts don’t have to cost a lot of money. It could be as simple as a dinner out at their favorite restaurant, but just with mom or just with dad. Make it extra memorable by getting dressed up in your fancy clothes. Especially if you have more than one child, this gift will make all the difference. It’s difficult to find the time in the business of our lives to really sit down and listen to one child for an extended period of time. This provides the perfect setting to do just that. You could even let them choose the restaurant. Don’t be surprised at how long the smile stays on your child’s face after a night out with you and only you!

    Dinner/meal at home

    This doesn’t sound that exciting at first, but if you have a child that likes to cook or bake like my daughter does this could mean the world to them. Let your child plan the menu, find the perfect recipes, then go shopping for the ingredients together. You could even make a centerpiece for the table and bring out the good china and linen napkins. Or, set a blanket out in the yard and make it a picnic. Kids love getting the opportunity to show off their skills and be helpful. Serving a meal that they made (start to finish) will make them so proud. Chances are, years down the road she’ll say, “Remember that one time when we …” and think back on this experience fondly!

    Musical performance/concert

    For the musically inclined kid, a concert might be the perfect experience gift. There are indoor and outdoor venues all over the world that play all different kinds of music. Gift tickets to your child’s favorite band or singer. If your child plays an instrument, consider purchasing tickets to a performance where that specific instrument is featured. Local symphonies often put on family-friendly performances (sometimes to movies) that are perfect for kids. 

    Drive-in movie

    Drive-in movie night is always a really fun experience for a kid. Winter is my favorite time to take the kids to the drive in because it gets dark so much earlier, and they can still get to bed at a reasonable hour. (The mom in me is always concerned about bedtime!) We do live in a fairly temperate climate though, so if you have to plan this one for a warmer season, that works too. Grab some cozy blankets and their favorite snacks and you’ll be set! If you don’t live near a drive-in, check out this post about hosting your own family movie night.

    Museums 

    Children’s museums are absolutely amazing experiences and passes/tickets to one would make a great gift for a child or a family. I can still remember going to the children’s museum as a kid because I had so much fun! These places are built specifically with kids in mind, so take advantage of them if you have one in your area! In addition to children’s museums, there are science museums, space museums, art museums, and the list goes on. While not all museums are made specifically for little ones, many at least have a children’s area. Teenagers or tweens that have specific interests would appreciate you taking notice of what is important to them.

    Ice skating

    Make the magic of the holidays last a little bit longer with a trip to the ice rink! Buy a season pass or just go for a couple of hours, but ice skating is an experience that no one should miss out on. Ice skating is something that the whole family can do together. Depending on where you live, you could find outdoor ice skating rinks or even frozen ponds so you get the fresh air while skating. Oftentimes these places also have fire pits for warming up (or making s’mores), as well as hot chocolate and other goodies. 

    Rock climbing/bouldering

    Have you ever been to a rock climbing gym? My kiddos have been asking to go back for months because they had such a great time! Rock climbing is a great activity because it is adaptive to many different skill levels, and it gives your children the opportunity to try and try again until they reach the top. Many climbing gyms offer open climb time for kids in a “kid-friendly” climbing area. Or, you could sign up for lessons and learn proper climbing and belaying techniques in the big gym. If you want the real deal and have children that are able to, bouldering is also a fun option. 

    Laser tag

    Laser tag is a super fun and active game for kids (and the whole family). Some arcades or family fun centers have a laser tag option, other places specialize in laser tag. If you’ve never played before, you’re in for such a fun time. One of my sons is asking for a laser tag kit for Christmas this year. Whether you have the kit at home or not, laser tag is so much fun! (Alternative option: paintball.)

    Ziplining

    Ziplining is a great activity for any little adventurer, but not for the faint of heart. If you have a daredevil child or one that’s really into pushing the limits and trying new things, ziplining could be a fun experience gift. Be sure to check on the height or age limit at your local zipline location. Sometimes, depending on the course, the company will have certain limits in place, but if your children are eligible then I highly recommend trying the ziplines. Last January my family and I did a nighttime zipline course over the river that was lined with Christmas lights and we had so much fun! And if heights bother you, maybe now is your chance to let your children see you face your fears! 

    Zoo/animal experience

    Zoos also make really fun experience gifts for kids. Where else can you go and see lions, tigers, and bears all in one day? The zoo is a huge hit with the little ones, but if it’s been a while, I bet even your teenagers would have a good time at the zoo. Our local zoo offers the chance for kids to “adopt” an animal – they receive a certificate and a stuffed animal that represents the animal they adopted. The money goes towards feeding and caring for the animal. Sometimes zoos offer classes or camps that teach kids how to care for animals. Some zoos even offer special experiences like behind-the-scenes tours or the opportunity to be a zookeeper for the day. If you have a little one that’s really interested in animals, this would make a great gift! 

    Aquarium

    Even if you don’t live near the coast, you might have an aquarium near you. Seeing all of the living things that make the water their home is astounding. Tickets or season passes to an aquarium could be an amazing experience gift. Aquariums can be pricy, so a special trip to the aquarium is usually a big treat for our kids. Aquariums are great learning experiences as well, as we all learn something new every time we visit. 

    Driving range or Top Golf

    I never imagined my kids getting into golfing much, but one of my boys really loves going to the driving range! Gift certificates to your local driving range would make a great experience gift for a kid that’s into golf. Some smaller golf courses charge a small fee to rent a club and a big bucket of golf balls, so it might not be as expensive as you might think. Or, if you have a Top Golf location near you, a gift certificate there might be a fun experience for the whole family. You can rent a bay and challenge each other to any of the fun games! 

    Batting cages

    Even if your kids have never played baseball or softball, a trip to the batting cages can still be a hit (pun intended). Most batting cages allow you to set the speed of the ball so a beginner can still be successful. Alternatively, you can increase the speed if you have an experienced batter on your hands. Most kids who have played on a baseball team before will tell you their favorite part is hitting the ball, so batting cages give you just the best part. Don’t forget to step up to the plate yourself for a few pitches and show the kids how it’s done (or what not to do). 

    Photo session

    If you have a child who loves to ham it up for the camera, a professional photo session would be the perfect experience gift. It could be a mommy and me session, daddy and me session, individual session, or even a best friends session. Photographers can also set up fun experiences for your kids based on their interests. For example, a photo session at a professional ballpark or at a dance studio. Maybe the photographer could come take photos of them doing a sport that they love or at one of their games. Can you order prints and hang them on the wall or the fridge. Make a book for them to flip through anytime they like. Studies show that children who have their photos on display in their homes have overall better self-esteem. 

    Experiences matter

    The list of experience gifts you will want to give your children will change over time as they get older and their interests change. One thing that will remain constant is the fact that when you spend time with your children, those experiences will shape them into the people they grow up to be. There are so many things in the world today that want to influence your children. If you want to be the biggest influence in their lives, that is going to take time, not things. This year, invest in gifts that show them you’re willing to put in the time for them. Plan to do the one-on-one activities as well as the whole family adventures. Next year instead of a bunch of lost or broken toys, you’ll have a photo album full of smiles.

    What are your favorite experience gifts?

    About the author

    Wendy is a married momma living in central San Diego, CA, raising 4 human kids, 2 goat kids, 4 chickens, and one grumpy cat. She enjoys gardening, hiking, camping, backpacking, going to the beach, and generally getting out-of-doors. Wendy is a family photographer and also works at several local elementary schools as a garden educator. She dreams of traveling to all 50 states and beyond, and believes that there is great beauty to be found in all parts of the earth, we just have to open our eyes to see it.

    You can find more from Wendy online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @wendycoxphotography
    RWMC posts: Wendy Cox

  • CRAFTS, HOLIDAYS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, WINTER

    Dried Fruit Holiday Garland

    We love holiday crafts, projects, and traditions. If you’re looking for a fun new tradition to start with your kids, making dried fruit garland is a great one! This fun and easy project is made from natural items, is eco-friendly, and easy enough for little kids to help with. Plus, you’ll end up with a beautiful decoration to hang on your mantle, tree, or cozy spot of your choosing! Today, the uber-talented Tiffany Griffin, Texas homeschooling mom of four, walks us through the process of how to make your own dried fruit garland with kids. She’s got a step-by-step tutorial with all the details – you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how fun and easy this project is!

    Starting a new holiday tradition

    Traditions are a big thing in our family. I find around the holidays, my heart aches for slow mornings, simple crafts, and quality time with my children. I can only hope my love for traditions rubs off on them to pass down to generations after me. One of our favorite holiday traditions is the ever popular dried fruit garland! If you’re looking for a fun new tradition to start with your kids this year, making a dried fruit holiday garland should be at the top of your list! 

    There are so many reasons this activity is so wonderful. It’s great for little hands and helps with dexterity and fine motor skills. Not only is drying fruit a gift of beauty from mother nature, but it is also a sustainable craft that requires little to no waste. Leftovers can be composted, used to infuse for water/homemade cleaning solutions, or in our case, fed to our pet Lizards. Win! It will also add so much natural beauty to your home (and smells great, too!). 

    The history behind holiday citrus

    While the drying of fruit has been around for countless years, are you aware of why oranges are seen as a “holiday” fruit? During the Great Depression, oranges and citrus fruits were considered a luxury item. Most families could not afford citrus fruit at all, any time of year. But they’d splurge at Christmastime and give oranges, which became a symbol of gold and wealth! Ever received an orange in your stocking? That is why! 

    Optional air-dry clay beads

    We decided to add in some hand made beads to turn this project into a fine motor skills activity. Molding clay improves children’s spatial awareness and 3D visualization abilities. Throw in the wonderful dexterity workout that is threading the oranges and beads and you have a full force sensory craft to share with your children, while also creating a tradition that can be shared each year! 

    How to make your own dried fruit garland with air-dry clay beads

    STEP 1: Cut the oranges into 1/4 in slices. 

    STEP 2:  Pat dry as much as possible, the drier the better!! It is very important to get as much juice off of the oranges/grapefruit that you can. Paper towels and terrycloth rags do wonders! 

    STEP 3: Once the fruit is as dry as you feel you can get it, place the slices on parchment paper on a cooking sheet. I found it was helpful, but not necessary to bake them on a cooling rack. If you don’t have one, no worries! 

    STEP 4:  Preheat your oven to 200 degrees and put in your fruit! The middle rack works best! Cook them for about three hours, making sure to flip halfway through. Be sure to check on them about every 30 minutes to make sure they are not browning. If they are, take them out and allow them to cool and dry out for 12-24 hours before resuming. 

    Step 5: Allow the fruit to set out until they are completely cool. This is a good time to make your beads!

    Step 6: Using air dry clay, have your kids roll the clay into small balls. You can do all the same size or various sizes. Use a toothpick to make a hole through the ball big enough for your string/jute/twine. Allow to dry and harden. 

    Step 7: Once the fruit slices are cooled and dry you can use a toothpick to make two small holes through your fruit to thread your string/jute/twine through the oranges to create a garland! Alternate between fruit and beads.

    Step 8: Hang your garland and enjoy!

    Have you ever made dried fruit garland?

    About the author

    Tiffany is a homeschooling Mama of four earthside children, one baby girl that travels among the stars. She is a vintage-obsessed, wicker-collecting, tree-loving photographer, creator, painter, and writer. She loves to document her children’s childhood and is passionate about sharing her take on motherhood, raising children outside of the “norm” and in nature. She’s crafty, creative, and passionate about mental and emotional health. She’s a big believer in the healing power of nature.

    You can find more from Tiffany in the following locations:
    Instagram: @dear.wildlings
    RWMC posts: Tiffany Griffin

  • FAVORITE GEAR, GIFT GUIDE, GOOD FOR NATURE, INFORMATION

    Eco-Friendly Holiday Tips, Swaps & Gift Ideas

    For many, the holidays are a time of celebration, gift-giving, and abundance. This is the time of year we tend to overspend, over-indulge and make a lot of choices based on what’s easy and convenient. However, we’re all aware of the desperate shape of our planet and how much it needs our help. Now is a great time to make some deliberate decisions to be more eco-friendly in your actions and support brands and companies that are doing good for our planet. Our creative team member and resident eco-mom, Chelsea Furlong is here today to help us make small changes in our actions and purchases this holiday season to be a more conscientious and Earth-friendly consumer. Not only does Chelsea have lots of great ideas and tips for things you can do to be more sustainable, but she’s got a huge list of eco-friendly holiday gifts for everyone on your list!

    eco-friendly holiday gifts

    Eco-friendly holidays

    It can be really hard to not get caught up in the consumerism which often goes hand-in-hand with the holiday season. Once those sales start, we tend to get ourselves all worked up and forget that there is ultimately a cost with every single purchase we make. This holiday season, I encourage you to slow down, step back, and really think through your actions and purchases. The decisions we make today will have an impact on our planet for years (decades). If we all make small choices that are better for the environment, the combined impact can be huge! Together, we can make a difference.

    Sustainability tips for the holidays

    If you’re interested in making some eco-friendly holiday choices this year, stay tuned! In this post, I’m sharing some general tips to be more sustainable and help minimize your environmental impact. These are small actions and eco-friendly swaps that make a big impact. I’m also sharing some of my favorite Earth-conscious and eco-friendly gift ideas. These gifts are not only good for the planet, but most of them will support a small business.

    Eco-Friendly Christmas Ideas

    Swap out your wrapping paper

    When it comes to wrapping paper, we all know how much waste ends up in our recycling bins on Christmas morning. It’s always upsetting to me to see all that paper pile up! This year, instead of buying regular wrapping paper, make a better decision. Purchase reusable wrapping gift bags or buy them from a small business on Etsy.com.

    Want to make your own recycled wrapping paper? If you forget your reusable bags (on one of those countless trips to the grocery store for last-minute ingredients for holiday meals), opt for paper bags. When you need wrapping paper, simply open them up and have your kids decorate the bags. Their art makes beautiful (and very special) wrapping paper! We do this every year and the grandparents love seeing their grandchildren’s artwork all over their gifts. You can also use recycled kraft paper for this.

    You can also skip the wrapping paper altogether! Instead, just DIY a little decoration made from materials you find in nature. Attach a branch of pine or a twig of holly to the unwrapped gift instead!

    Finally, if wrapping paper is your thing and you do choose to purchase those large rolls of wrapping paper, try to opt for a brand made with recycled paper. Every little action matters.

    Eco-friendly tips for holiday meals

    Speaking of those last-minute trips to the grocery store, we all know this is the season for lots of parties, baking, and eating. Whether you’re bringing a potluck dish to a family member’s house or hosting your own big shindig, there are lots of ways you can make your meals more eco-friendly and better for the environment. Here are a few ideas. Keep these in mind for all your party planning. 

    Avoid single-use tableware

    While it may be easy to grab some single-use paper or plastic plates, napkins, and utensils, it’s truly unnecessary if you already own these items. These materials are used for maybe 15-20 minutes, and then they’re generally tossed right into a landfill. In addition, think about the significant resources used to create those items in the first place. From the trees or oil from which they’re made, to the energy that runs the factory which produces them. The entire process uses up valuable resources. While it may save you some time doing dishes, it’s really not worth the trade-off when you look at the big picture.

    The same goes for paper towels and napkins! Although they may be easier to use, it’s so much better for Mother Earth to skip them altogether. You can purchase reusable napkins for almost nothing at your local thrift store. Keep a basket of folded-up cloth towels and napkins right on the table for your family and guests to use instead. If you’re not comfortable offering mismatched towels and napkins during gatherings, you can go a little higher end with unpaper towels made by one of my favorite companies, Marley’s Monsters. And while you’re over there, feel free to grab a couple of their reusable sponges to use instead of throw-away ones you have sitting on your sink!

    Eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas

    Avoid single-use food storage

    Most of us will have leftover meals and baked goods from our holiday gathering or have baked goods to give to others during the holiday season. Instead of using a plastic sandwich bag to store the items, pick reusable sandwich bags or use washed-out food jars.

    We try to buy items packaged in glass jars over plastic anytime possible. Once the olives, pickles, salsa, etc. have been consumed, we give them a second life before they end up in a landfill.  (Did you know: only about 9% of your recycling actually gets recycled? So even if you usually put your glass/plastic jars in the recycling rather than the trash, there’s still a good chance it ends up in a landfill.) You can store all sorts of products and leftovers in glass jars! And if you’re sending guests home with leftovers, you won’t have to worry about getting the food containers back!

    If you usually store your food on plates or bowls covered in plastic wrap, you could opt for a reusable beeswax wrap instead. And most of us know that it’s always better to purchase stainless steel or glass food storage containers in place of plastic ones. But, since they’re significantly more expensive than plastic ones, I still recommend using the free glass food jars most of you already have sitting in your fridge instead!

    Buy your food locally

    When planning your holiday meals, try sourcing your food locally! Look for a local CSA for your produce or your neighborhood farmer’s market. See if there’s a local farm nearby where you can buy your meat. Go to a local bakery for your bread. You may be surprised at all the amazing options you have nearby once you start looking into it! Not only will the food be fresher and locally-grown, but you’ll also be supporting small businesses in your area.

    Eco-friendly stocking stuffers

    Christmas tree dilemma

    One of the biggest eco-friendly holiday swaps relates to trees. When it comes to Christmas trees and the environment, there are arguments for both real and fake trees. On the one hand, an artificial tree can be reused many times and keeps a real tree from being cut down and then decomposing. But, on the other hand, cutting down a live tree can be both environmentally beneficial and economically conscious. Let’s take a deeper dive into both options.

    The environmental impact of a real tree

    I’ve read many articles on the environmental impact of both real and artificial trees and I’m still “Team Real Tree.” We know that decomposition does put carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. And we know that fossil fuels are used to deliver them. However, the benefits of purchasing (or cutting down your own) real tree outweigh the few environmental costs.

    For example, when you purchase a live tree you’re supporting a farm that depends on the income from those trees to continue to run. While the trees are growing, they’re helping to clean the air. Once the trees are cut down, they’re replaced with new ones. Once you’re finished with the live Christmas tree, it can often be repurposed. Here at the beach, we bring our trees over to the water to help prevent beach erosion. Many cities also collect the live trees and turn them into mulch or other products that are used throughout the year. In those cases, the tree gets another life before it decomposes.

    The environmental impact of artificial trees

    While artificial trees can be reused for several years, they’re made from products that will sit in a landfill for generations after we’re gone. They’re often produced in factories overseas and use lots of resources to reach the United States. Instead of supporting a small farmer, you’re likely supporting a large corporation. Unless you do a significant amount of research, you’ll also not know how that factory operates. How does it treat its workers? What are the carbon emissions produced by that factory? There are lots of details we don’t immediately know about the production of those artificial trees. But, if you have any local Christmas tree farms, you can talk directly to the farmer!

    If you do have an artificial tree, don’t beat yourself up or immediately throw it out. Data shows that you should reuse it for at least 7 years to balance out the environmental impact. And when you’re done with it, try donating it to a school, hospital, nursing home or somewhere that might be able to squeeze a few more years out of it! The longer we can keep them out of landfills and in use, the better.

    Another option (which I think is the best option), is to get a live tree that hasn’t been cut! Some places even rent them out! However, buying a full tree that can be planted after Christmas is the most expensive option. A small potted tabletop tree (not a full-sized Christmas tree), runs around $70. And as the size goes up, the price goes up. Not everyone can afford it, but if it’s in your budget and you don’t mind the much smaller size, it’s a great super eco-friendly Christmas tree choice!

    Eco-friendly Christmas Ideas

    Eco-friendly holiday cards

    Like everyone else, I truly love receiving holiday cards. I used to excitedly send them out, but in the last few years, I’ve opted out. Considering that those cards will most likely just be thrown away in two weeks, it’s sadly not worth it to me. The wasted paper, the cost of the cards, the fossil fuels necessary for delivery all add up. Plus, the overwhelming stress of choosing the perfect card and all the time necessary to address, stamp and stuff the envelopes. It’s one thing I’ve taken off my to do list and has the added bonus of being good for the planet. Feel free to give yourself this same break!

    But if holiday cards are your jam, instead of traditional paper cards, consider sending eco-friendly holiday cards made from plantable paper. These have seeds incorporated into them and can be planted in your garden. Another alternative is to send digital cards. I know this doesn’t have nearly the excitement as a real card and may not seem as personal, but it also won’t have the environmental impact. If you truly love sending traditional holiday cards and can’t give it up, look for a brand that uses recycled materials or is compostable.

    eco friendly gift ideas

    Eco-friendly holiday gift-giving

    When it comes to gift-giving, I’ve become much more conscious as a consumer over the last few years. When I’m looking for items for our family or to give as gifts, I often spend a lot of time researching. It’s important to me to spend my money on brands and companies that support my values and beliefs. I like to choose products that are made with the environment’s best interest in mind.  These little changes can make a big difference, especially if we all start shopping with our hearts and our heads.

    Choose slow fashion

    As a society, we are very hung up on “fast fashion,” for example. Fast fashion is the result of clothing companies making the consumers believe that your wardrobe needs to be replaced at least every quarter. Because of this, many people are purchasing cheaper fashion items to be used only for weeks and then tossed out. Instead of falling into this fast fashion trap, I recommend taking the time to really research where your clothing is being made and how long that item will last. It is definitely more expensive to buy higher quality items, but those items will last years (often decades, depending on the brand.)

    Patagonia is one of the best examples of slow fashion that I know. This company intentionally makes products meant to last a long time to reduce the number of clothing items tossed in a landfill. They also have a repair service they encourage you to use if your gear gets damaged. They prefer that you fix a product you’ve purchased from them before purchasing a new one! Not many organizations put the planet before their bottom line. Obviously, you will pay significantly more than you would at your local Target, but you’ll have the items a long time or you’ll be able to pass them down to other people several times.

    Buy second hand

    There are also many options for purchasing pre-loved fashion items now, too. Thrift stores and online used boutiques allow you to avoid falling into that fast fashion trap! If you’ve never purchased second-hand clothing, just give it a chance. Years ago, the thought of second-hand fashion products freaked me out. I get it. But trust me, it’s actually pretty awesome! I get so excited when I have a good thrifting day and get lots of name brand gear without the guilt. You may find that you love it, too!

    eco friendly holiday gift ideas

    Purchase high-quality brands

    If you are going to buy new items, look for ones that have a track record of lasting a loooong time. You don’t want to purchase something that’s going to fall apart after a few washes. When we purchase items, we also consider things like:

    • Are the items sustainably made?
    • Is the company certified fair trade?
    • Is there a product guarantee or warranty?
    • Does the company participate in/donate to any organizations that positively impact the environment?

    I’ve often found that the brands we’re interested in purchasing from are part of 1% for the Planet or One Tree Planted. If I’m considering similar products from a couple of different companies, I will always pick the one that gives back in some way. As an added bonus, usually, when a company participates in one of these organizations, they’re more likely to be careful about their carbon footprint throughout the entire process.

    Buy products locally

    I used to be someone who ordered almost everything online. It was so easy! However, as I saw the boxes piling up on my doorstep (and all my neighbors’) the more it started to bother me. Not only did it make me aware of how much Americans are consuming on a DAILY basis, but it also made me start thinking about how many resources we’re using up for every single item we get delivered. I realize that many of us will still need to purchase some items online because we may not have direct access to stores that sell the items we’re looking to buy. But I highly recommend putting in that extra effort to check your local stores first. Instead, you’ll put your hard-earned money right back into your local community and avoid the use of resources it takes to deliver every individually boxed item to your door.

    eco-friendly gifts and stocking stuffers

    Best eco-friendly holiday gift ideas

    Phew! That is a lot of information! Now that we’ve gone over the general best practices, let’s get to the fun stuff! Here is a list of some of my favorite eco-friendly holiday gift ideas. I hope this will help as you work on your holiday shopping! This list has everything you need for everyone on your list to have a truly magical and eco-friendly holiday! Hopefully, some of these items will even inspire the recipient to make more earth-conscious decisions and take more eco-friendly actions in the future. Our planet needs more conscientious consumers. 

    Eco-friendly stocking stuffers

    Eco-friendly holiday gifts

    environmentally friendly gift ideas

    DIY a gift

    There are also tons of eco-friendly holiday gifts you can make yourself. Pinterest has an endless supply of ideas. This year I’m making vanilla extract using some vanilla my husband brought back from a work trip to Madagascar! I plan to reuse some glass jars and dress them up a bit to use as gifts for friends.

    Another great DIY gift for kids is to make an art cart! We have a cart like this in our home and we have all sorts of art supplies and “trash” items. Our kids love making art from trash. I have a constant collection of plastic, cardboard, and paper products that I add to our cart throughout the year for the kids to use to create whatever they want. Whenever we have other kids over at our house, they always head right to the art cart to see what fun items are stored in there. You can even use a storage unit you already have in your house or find one at the thrift store instead of purchasing one new. Grab some items from your recycling bin, get some art supplies at the thrift store, and let your kids create! They’ll love it!

    Minimalist Christmas Gift Ideas - experience gifts for kids and parents

    Give experience gifts

    I’m sure many of you already do this, but gifting someone an experience rather than a possession is always a great eco-friendly holiday gift idea! You could gift a membership to a local museum, rec center, zoo, aquarium, nature center, science center, children’s museum, or botanical garden for families with children. You could even gift memberships to AAA, a local gym, yoga studio, spa, etc. for adults. Gifts like these keep on giving and you can avoid the guilt of getting someone “stuff” that they may or may not even use.

    Minimalist gift ideas - experience gifts for kids and families

    Gift cards and activities

    Similarly, gift certificates and gift cards are another great eco-friendly holiday gift option! You could gift an experience using a gift card to the movie theater, an indoor golfing facility, climbing gym, local pool, digital music or movie service. Local spas, painting or art classes, or restaurants are also great options. If you have a traveler in your life, you can even get AirBnb and airline gift cards now!

    For families with children, how about offering to pay a month’s worth of tuition to things like dance lessons, music lessons, sports, swim lessons, or other activities? As a parent, I LOVE when family members offer to help with these kinds of activities. They get really expensive, and since the kids are already doing the activities, it’s very practical. Another great idea is to offer babysitting services so the parents can have a night out! Most parents I know would welcome any of these in place of toys that will clutter up their house.

    Minimalist Eco-friendly Gift Ideas

    Make a donation

    Finally, making a donation to an organization in your friend or family member’s name is a wonderful eco-friendly holiday gift alternative to giving material items. You can find an organization you know the person is passionate about and donate directly to that cause. It’s a great way to show someone you truly listen to their heart while contributing to a cause in need of funding!

    Eco-friendly holiday changes

    There are so many ways to keep your holidays eco-friendly. I hope you’ve come up with some small, but impactful changes to make this year! If we all choose to make even a few eco-friendly decisions, we can make a big difference. Hopefully, we’ve convinced you it’s worth trying! I’m always looking for new ideas to reduce my carbon footprint, so I’d love for you to share some of your small changes with me.

    What small changes have you made to reduce your carbon footprint?
    What are your favorite eco-friendly gifts to give? 

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

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