kathleen white

BOOKS, NATURE SCHOOL
10 Diverse Nature Books for Kids
- August 7, 2020
Nature is full of color and diversity…children’s books about nature should be, too! Diverse books are incredibly important, not only for children who are looking to see their own lives reflected in literature, but to introduce new thoughts and ideas to all children so they know there is so much more to our beautiful world. Diversity can be brought out in the character’s background, race, skin color, religion, socio-economic status, or family life as well. Or diverse books can also deal with characters that have disabilities. Today, we have Kathleen White, photographer and Arizona mom of 3 here sharing her family’s 10 favorite diverse nature books for kids. We hope you’ll add a few of these to your bookshelves or library wishlist!

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The importance of diverse books

As a homeschool mama of three, books are a staple in our house. I love watching my kids turn the pages, learn, and get excited as the stories come alive. And as the matriarch of a mixed family, it is extremely important for me to provide my kids with books that show diversity so they see kids that look like them and they can relate to in the stories as well. When kids open a book and see a character that looks, thinks, feels, and loves the way that they do, they feel less alone. Kids need to feel confident in who they are from the earliest stages of development, and normalizing diversity is key to that goal.

Diverse books are also a great way to allow children to walk in another’s shoes and learn about another’s world and experiences. In a book, they get the chance to see things from a new perspective, in a place they may never go, and live in a culture they may never experience. Diverse books can help cultivate compassion, awareness, and understanding.

Research on prejudice shows that coming in contact with people who are different from us helps to reduce stereotypes by giving us the opportunity to learn about them and their stories. And while it would be ideal for children to actually meet people from different backgrounds in person, if that isn’t possible, books can serve as a wonderful next best thing and introduce kids to diverse people, experiences, and cultures.

10 diverse nature books for kids

Today I’m excited to share a few of our favorite diverse nature books for kids to hopefully inspire and encourage conversations about diversity with your kiddos. When compiling this list, I tried to narrow it down to include books about different topics, as well as books that all ages can enjoy. I have a 9 (almost 10) year-old, 4-year-old, and a 2-year-old and they all couldn’t put these down! This list of topics in these book range from an inspiring story of the first African American entomologist, to weather, to taking care of our Earth, planting gardens, and going on hikes! There is bound to be something here for all of your little readers. Not only are these books vivid and fun to read, but they are excellent conversation starters! As we all begin a new school year, I hope that this helps add to your home library!

1. All About Weather by Huda Harajli MA

All About Weather is the perfect book for your preschooler. It will keep your kids entertained, while giving them a first look at all the different types of weather. I love the interactive questions at the end too!

2. Green Green: A Community Gardening Story by Marie Lamba

Green Green: A Community Gardening Story is a short and sweet story about the importance of community, as well as creating a garden that everyone can share. It also helps children identify their colors, which is a perfect activity and lesson for preschool-age children, as well!

3. Only a Tree Knows How to Be a Tree by Mary Murphy

Only a Tree Knows How to Be a Tree is a great reminder to kiddos that we are all created in our own unique ways and that we are the only ones who know how to be us. It’s simple, joyful, and colorful. All of my kids love it!

4. One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree by Daniel Bernstrom

One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree is so much fun to read aloud! It keeps my kids entertained the whole time as they try to find out if the boy can escape the snake! Also, it’s beautifully illustrated and really colorful. A hungry snake. A beautiful brown boy. What more can a young reader ask for?

5. Are Your Stars Like My Stars? by Leslie Helakoski

Are Your Stars Like My Stars is a precious book. It “teaches children that no matter where they live, all children gaze at the blue sky, bask in the warmth of the golden sun, dig in the rich dirt, and watch clouds grow soft and rosy at end of day. Through the eyes of one inquisitive and thoughtful young narrator, young readers explore the idea of perspective, and come to realize that all of us, everywhere, share the colors of the world.”

6. Lola Plants a Garden by Anna McQuinn

Lola Plants a Garden starts out with Lola’s mom reading her a classic garden poem which inspires her to create a garden of her own. They go to the library and learn all about gardening, buy their seeds, and get to planting. But, of course, Lola wants the flowers to grow right away! She creates a flower book and spends time with friends in her new garden. This book is part of the Lola Reads series, which I highly recommend!

7. My Friend Earth by Patricia MacLachlan

My Friend Earth is a super interactive and stunning book! It contains die-cut pages and flaps that engage your kids while reading. My daughter especially loved it! Little readers might try to damage the pages (like my 2-year-old, for example!) but it is still one I will keep around as it teaches important lessons about taking care of the Earth.

8. Buzzing with Questions: The Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner by Janice N. Harrington

Buzzing with Questions: The Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner tells the story of the first African American entomologist. It showcases his ideas and discoveries about ants, bees, and other insects and how far his inquisitive mind got him. I love that it shows real photos of him in the back of the book too! It is perfect for older readers, but of course, you can always read it to your littler kids.

9. The Hike by Alison Farrell

The Hike is a wonderful book about three friends who set out on an adventure together! It features a glossary, a sketchbook by one of the characters that highlights aspects of the hike, and labels throughout that encourages scientific learning. This book is perfect for kids who love exploring!

10. National Parks of the USA by Kate Siber

Finally, it wouldn’t be a nature book list without including one all about the National Parks of the USA, right?! Not only will you want to put this book on display, but it also includes maps and information about 21 different parks. We are National Park lovers and this book is amazing.

Divided by region (East, Central, Rocky Mountains, West, Tropics, and Alaska), a pictographic map at the start of each section shows the locations of the parks to be covered. Each park is introduced by a stunning, poster-worthy illustration of one of its scenes and a summary of its makeup, followed by individual illustrations of the animals and plants that make their homes there.

There is also a “Can you spot this…?” page at the back that challenges kids to find a pictured critter or plant for every letter of the alphabet. My kids love this page.

The parks include: Acadia, Badlands, Big Bend, Biscayne, Bryce Canyon, Channel Islands, Death Valley, Denali, Everglades, Glacier, Glacier Bay, Grand Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains, Hawaii volcanoes, Isle Royale, Mesa Verde, Olympic, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, Virgin Islands, Yellowstone, and Yosemite.

What are your favorite diverse nature books for kids?

For more book recommendations, check out the following posts:
About the author

Kathleen is married to her high school sweetheart and is the mama to 3 energetic littles. She is passionate about natural and intentional living, photography, and documenting her family’s travels in their RV. They just wrapped up traveling full-time around the United States in their RV for nearly a year! When she’s not planning her family’s next adventure, she is running a health and wellness business and homeschooling her three kiddos.

You can find more from Kathleen in the following locations:
Website: www.faithboundtravel.com
YouTube: Faith Bound Travel
Instagram at @faithboundtravel
Other RWMC posts: Kathleen
CRAFTS, NATURE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, OUTDOORS INSIDE, SPRING
DIY Flower Suncatcher
- May 26, 2020
Looking for a fun and simple way to bring a bit of color and nature into your home? Want an excuse to go out and pick some beautiful wildflowers? Are your kids are bored and need a fun craft project! We’re here to help! Today, Kathleen White, Arizona mom of three shows us how to make a DIY flower suncatcher with simple everyday items you probably already have at home. This fun and easy craft will encourage your kids to get outside and enjoy nature and give you a fun way to display it at home.

Bring the beauty of nature inside

With all of us being in our homes a little more than usual lately, it’s more important than ever to bring nature inside to us. We’re always looking for ways to bring more nature into our indoor lives and fun ways to stay entertained. Flower suncatchers are the perfect combination. This is a fun and super easy DIY project that you can do with kids of all ages. It’s easy to get the whole family involved in the process. Let’s get started with what you will need!

Gather your supplies

The beauty of this DIY flower suncatcher is that you probably have all of these items sitting at home. No need to leave your house, except to go pick some flowers! And since we’re all about getting kids outside, this is my favorite part of the process! Here are all the supplies you’ll need:
- Paper plates (preferably the old school ones, not foam plates)
- Markers or paint
- String or yarn
- Press N Seal wrap
- Hole punch
- Scissors
- Flowers, leaves, grass, etc
Go flower picking

The first thing you need to do is to collect your flowers. Time to grab all the kids and get them outside to explore! Give them their mission to find as many flowers, leaves, foliage, grass, etc. as they’d like to use. Spend this time getting some of that energy out so they’ll be ready to focus on the craft when you get home! We chose to use a flower pot that was sitting around to put all of our treasures in. You can use whatever you have at home (bag, box, bowl, etc.)!

If you want to protect tiny hands, you can take along a pair of gloves. Not necessary, but may be a good option if you’ll be picking thorny flowers. Have fun with the flower picking portion of this project! Make it an adventure! Choosing different shapes, sizes, and colors will make each suncatcher unique!

Instructions for making a flower suncatcher

Step 1: Cut out the center circle from the paper plates.

Step 2: Once you have cut out all the circles, let the kids decorate the front of the paper plates. You can use colors, markers, paints, stickers or whatever else you have on hand.

Step 3: Place a sheet of the wrap paper on the front of the plate. Turn it over and add flowers. Next, place another sheet of the wrap paper on top and press the plate flat to allow the two pieces to stick together.

Step 4: Use the scissors to cut off any excess wrap around the edges.

Step 5: Punch two holes in the top and add your string so you can hang it up!

Show and share

See, I told you it was easy! Making DIY flower suncatchers is such a fun project for kids and a great way to display your nature treasures. The kids were so incredibly proud of their suncatchers. They added nature elements and fun color to our space and reminded us of our fun outing.

Are you ready to make your own DIY flower suncatcher? We want to see it! Post a photo of your suncatcher on social media and use the hashtag #runwildmychildDIY so we can see and share your creations!

About the author

I’m Kathleen, wife to my high school sweetheart and mama to 3 energetic littles. I’m a photographer in love with telling compelling stories of life’s beautiful chaos and photographing families authentically. I am slightly obsessed with window light, Saturday morning snuggles, and documenting our adventures. We recently took the biggest leap of faith of our lives and are currently traveling full-time around the United States in our RV!

You can follow our adventures in the following locations:
Website: http://www.faithboundtravel.com
YouTube: Faith Bound Travel
Instagram at @faithboundtravel
Other RWMC posts from Kathleen: Kathleen
CAMP, FAMILY TRAVEL, NATIONAL PARKS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Top 5 Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park with Kids
- December 9, 2019
Yellowstone National Park is the oldest and one of the most spectacular national parks. This 3,500 square-mile wilderness recreation area sits atop a volcanic hot spot, in Wyoming. Yellowstone features dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, lush forests, hot springs and gushing geysers. It’s also home to hundreds of animal species, including bears, wolves, bison, elk, and antelope. With so much to do and see, planning a visit to Yellowstone with kids can be overwhelming. However, we have Kathleen White, photographer and full-time RV mom of three, here sharing her family’s top 5 things to do in Yellowstone National Park with kids. Plus, she’s got lots of great info on how to get to all these places and what to expect while you’re there. If you’re planning a trip to Yellowstone with kids sometime soon, make sure you read and bookmark this post!

Visiting Yellowstone with kids

Have you ever been somewhere where you felt like you were standing on another planet? Where the colors and sounds literally take your breath away? This is exactly what it feels like when visiting Yellowstone National Park. America’s first National Park, with over 2.2. million acres of steaming geysers, colorful springs, and wildlife galore, it has quickly become our family’s favorite National Park.

However, since it is so large it can be overwhelming to try and plan where you should visit, especially if you have kids coming along with you. So, to help make your trip to Yellowstone easier, I’m sharing my top five things to do in Yellowstone National Park with kids, plus info on getting to each location.

Getting there

First, let’s talk about getting into Yellowstone National Park. There are five entrances- North Entrance, Northeast Entrance, South Entrance, East Entrance and West Entrance. For reference, when we visited we entered through the North Entrance and stayed at Mammoth Campground and had to drive about an hour and a half to get to Old Faithful! Here’s a little bit about each to help you decide which way you want to go.
- North Entrance: best if visiting Mammoth Hot Springs and the Boiling River
- Northeast Entrance: best if visiting Lamar Valley
- East Entrance: best if visiting Yellowstone Lake
- South Entrance: best if also wanting to visit Grand Teton National Park
- West Entrance: best if visiting Old Faithful
1. Terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs are a must when doing Yellowstone National Park with kids. In the Mammoth area, the hot, acidic solution dissolves large quantities of limestone on its way up through the rock layers to the hot springs on the surface. Above ground and exposed to the air, some of the carbon dioxide escapes from the solution. Without it, the dissolved limestone can’t remain in the solution, so it reforms into a solid mineral. This white, chalky mineral is deposited as the travertine that forms the terraces. Although these springs lie outside the caldera boundary, their energy has been attributed to the same magmatic system that fuels other Yellowstone geothermal areas. But they are so different from other thermal areas. They’ve been described as looking like a cave turned inside out!

To get to the terraces at Mammoth Hot Spring, use the boardwalk to walk all along the terraces and view unreal springs, full of colors and steam. Liberty Cap is probably the most famous landmark of the Lower Terrace. This hot spring cone was named in 1871 for its resemblance to the peaked caps worn during the French Revolution. Minerva Spring is favorite because of its wide range of colors and intricate travertine formations.

Don’t put off walking to the top, it’s worth it, even with kids! You can access the upper boardwalk from the one-way Upper Terrace Drive and parking lot. The road winds among springs for 1.5 miles before it loops back for a half-mile.

2. Have a picnic with elk by the Albright Visitor Center

After hiking through Mammoth Hot Springs you’re going to be hungry! Located by the hot spring is Albright Visitor Center. This historic structure was built by the United States Army in 1909 as bachelor officers’ quarters for the cavalry troops who protected the park before the creation of the National Park Service. This pit stop is outfitted with picnic tables and views of the springs and elk! Gather the kids and picnic with wildlife (just watch out for scat 😜). It also has a bookstore, a backcountry office, restrooms, and free Wi-Fi.

Go inside Albright Visitor Center and talk to a ranger to learn more about the history and wildlife of Yellowstone. Get help planning your trip and stamp your National Parks passport. Kids can also become Junior Rangers and earn a badge.

3. Swim in the Boiling River

Once you have trekked through Mammoth Hot Springs, on your way out you can stop by the Boiling River for a swim! Don’t worry this river isn’t actually boiling. The Boiling River was created where a large hot spring entered the Gardner River. The hot and cool waters mix into a temperature comfortable enough to bathe in. The natural hot tub makes a great place to stop and relax while soaking in the warm water and soaking up the natural beauty of Yellowstone. It is a little bit of a hike to get down there and parking fills up fast in the summer, but it is a must-do if you are visiting Yellowstone with kids.

Pro tips: The Boiling River is closed once it gets dark, so go during the day. It’s open 3 seasons (winter, fall, late summer), but closed during the spring when the river rises and becomes dangerous and often doesn’t open until mid-summer. Take your swimsuit because skinny-dipping is against the rules.

Yellowstone’s Boiling River is located approximately 2 miles north of Mammoth and 2.9 miles south of the park’s North Entrance. This must-stop spot is just south of the 45th Parallel Bridge, located in the Mammoth area of the park. It’s right near the North Entrance to Yellowstone accessed via Gardiner, Mont.

4. See Old Faithful erupt

Old Faithful is obviously the most quintessential thing to do in Yellowstone National Park with kids. Old Faithful is a cone geyser named in 1870 for its frequent and somewhat predictable eruptions. It has erupted every 44 minutes to two hours since 2000. Old Faithful eruptions can vary in height from 100-180 feet with an average near 130-140 feet. Eruptions normally last between 1.5 to 5 minutes.

Because eruptions happen so frequently (about 20 times a day), you can plan when you want to see it around the rest of your schedule for the day. Make sure to get a seat early and listen to the Ranger give amazing facts all about Old Faithful. Like the fact that when you are sitting out there, there is enough magma to fill 13 Grand Canyons. What?!

Old Faithful is located in Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin in the southwest section of the park. The geyser-viewing area is the most accessible and visitor-friendly in the park with bench seating, a large parking lot, and a ranger station that tracks the time, height and length of an eruption to predict the next eruption.

5. Admire the Grand Prismatic Spring

Last, but CERTAINLY not least, add a visit the Grand Prismatic Spring to your trip to Yellowstone National Park with kids. Of all the stunning sights that Yellowstone has to offer, the Grand Prismatic Spring is far and away the most majestic and awe-inspiring. At 160 ft (almost 50m) deep, it’s the largest hot spring in the U.S. and the third-largest in the world. The spring’s incredible rainbow colors give it an other-worldly appearance. Needless to say, Grand Prismatic is Yellowstone’s most photographed thermal feature and to many the main reason to visit America’s Oldest National Park.

This was our favorite place we saw while we were there. This area is extremely popular with tourists and it’s important to plan your visit ahead in order to avoid frustration, traffic and massive amounts of people. Also, make sure to give yourself 1 to 2 hours for your visit, more if you are planning to hike to the overlook. Make sure to walk across the bridge past an out of this world steaming spring, to admire the vibrant blue and orange colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring.

As you enter Yellowstone National Park, look for signage to the Midway Geyser Basin. The Grand Prismatic parking lot is incredibly busy and priority seems to be given to the many visiting tour buses. Traffic can be heavy at times and is often impeded by visitors parking along the roads and around the parking lot entrance.

5 things to do in Yellowstone National Park with kids

I hope this list of the 5 best places to visit in Yellowstone National Park with kids helped make planning your adventure less overwhelming. Or, I hope that maybe we inspired you to visit America’s first National Park! Yellowstone is unbelievably amazing and is definitely someplace that everyone should get to experience.

Check out our Yellowstone videos

If you’re more of a visual person, we’ve got you covered! Here are two of our family’s videos of all of these places in Yellowstone we mentioned above. Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more of our RV adventures homeschooling, exploring National Parks and living the RV life! I hope you enjoy!

About the author

I’m Kathleen, wife to my high school sweetheart and mama to 3 energetic littles. I’m a photographer in love with telling compelling stories of life’s beautiful chaos and photographing families authentically. I am slightly obsessed with window light, Saturday morning snuggles, and documenting our adventures. We recently took the biggest leap of faith of our lives and are currently traveling full-time around the United States in our RV!

You can follow all our adventures online in the following locations:
Website: http://www.faithboundtravel.com
YouTube: Faith Bound Travel
Instagram: @faithboundtravel
RWMC articles: Kathleen
CAMP, FAVORITE GEAR, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
20 Must Have Items for RV Camping
- September 26, 2019
Getting started RV camping with your family can be quite an overwhelming task. While it may sound easy enough to pack up food, your clothes and some camping gear, there are so many items you need for RV camping that aren’t obvious. Today, we have full-time RVing mom of three, Kathleen here sharing her family’s 20 must-have items for RV camping. After spending months on the road with her family, Kathleen’s RV packing list includes all those essential RV items you never knew you needed to stay safe, organized and have fun!

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Learning our lesson

When we rented our very first RV, we were completely clueless as to what we would need. We thought we’d fill our suitcases with clothes and the pantry with food and we’d be good to go! Boy, were we wrong! We forgot so many important items. We brought stuff we didn’t need that took up space and caused clutter. And we ended up wasting a lot of time and money going out and purchasing all the things we forgot to pack or figured out we needed along the way.

Must-have items for RV camping

We’ve been a full-time RV family for a few months now. When we look back at those first misadventures in RV packing, it seems obvious where we went wrong. There are so many factors that go into RV life that I didn’t know about until I experience them! So, to make life easier on you, take some advice from someone who’s been through this and learned our lessons. Here is my list of our top 20 must-have items for RV camping with kids.

Spoiler alert: Not every item is fun, but these items are necessary to get set up and start making memories with your family!

Must-have RV camping basics

The most important things are water, power, and sewer when it comes to camping. Not at all glamorous, but extremely necessary! Here are a few basic essentials that you’ll most definitely need for cooking, cleaning and living comfortably in your RV.

1. Freshwater hose

A water hose for freshwater is a necessity. Make sure it is drinking water approved/safe. We also have a second hose strictly for cleaning out our black tank. We never swap them out or use them for the other’s purpose. We also store each of them in separate storage containers.

2. Water filter & regulator

When you are camping, you never know what the quality of the water will be. That is which is why a water filter is super important. We still purchase gallons of water for drinking, but we use our filtered water for cooking, showering, etc. It’s also a good idea to have a water pressure regulator so you don’t destroy your plumbing. In fact, in some RV parks and campgrounds, it’s mandatory!

3. Surge protector

Depending on the amperage of your RV, you will either need a 30 amp or 50 amp surge protector. Always, always, always check this when plugging into shore power. The surge protector will let you know if the wiring is okay, or if something isn’t right it will protect your RV from harmful power surges!

4. Sewer hose kit

Yes, this one is just what it sounds like – a hose kit for cleaning out your sewer. Okay, I get it! You’re probably now thinking, “We’re supposed to be making memories, not dealing with all this boring maintenance!” But trust me, basic RV maintenance and protection is a necessary evil. If you’re going to live in your RV, you need to protect it and keep it well-maintained. After getting this sewer hose kit, make sure you also stock up on some holding tank treatment.

5. Generator

If you know ahead of time that you will ALWAYS be camping with full hookups, a generator might not be necessary for you. However, when boondocking or dry camping in warm weather you must have a way to power your air conditioner, keep the fridge running and charge your battery. Inverter generators are preferred in the RV community because they are much quieter and lighter!

Pro tip: We blew through 2 different generators (causing many stressful days) because they weren’t strong enough to power our A/C. Make sure you determine how many watts your RV needs to run your A/C and other necessary electrical appliances.

6. Solar charger

This solar-powered charger is our favorite! It won’t power the air conditioner in the RV, but it charges our batteries and is much easier to set up than a generator. All we do is set the panels out and plug it into our RV solar connection! This is perfect for keeping your batteries charged, and also for boondocking or dry camping in places where you don’t need A/C.

Essentials for setting up your RV

The next few items are necessary for getting your RV set up and level at your campsite. Again, these items might not be the most interesting or novel, but they’re each essential for making sure your RV camping experience is fun, easy and memorable (for all the right reasons). Here are a few more must-have items that will help make RV camping better and easier.

7. Leveling blocks

Sometimes you arrive at a campsite and it’s not level. It’s the worst! If you’re not prepared, you can waste a ton of time trying to get level and frustrate yourself to no end. Save your sanity and use these nifty little leveling blocks to help with leveling your RV. In addition, they can also be put them under the tongue and stabilizer jacks. Plus, your kids will think they are giant Legos!

8. X-Chock wheel stabilizers

No one wants their RV to accidentally roll or take a trip on its own! Sometimes your RV has a mind of its own! Give yourself some peace of mind that that won’t happen with these awesome x-chock wheel stabilizers. These little guys go in-between the wheels of your RV, on each side, to keep your RV safe and sound in one place.

Best RV tools & equipment

It goes without saying that there are lots of tools that come in handy when you’re RV camping. Basic tools like screwdrivers, hammer, wrench set and pliers are obvious. Here are a few not-so-obvious extra tools we have found to be extremely helpful when RV camping.

9. Robertson square-tip screwdriver

Who knew these square tip screwdrivers even existed? Before owning an RV I definitely didn’t. The interior of most RVs is assembled using square tip screws. If you want to be able to unscrew anything in your RV for any reason at all, you will need one of these!

10. Air compressor

You could say that tires are a pretty darn important part of your RV. Unless your RV is parked and never moving, you’re going to want a way to keep your tires well-maintanced and full of air. This portable air compressor will give you peace of mind while on the road and allow you to inflate your tires on the go. We like this one since we can use it on the RV, as well as our truck tires.

11. Tire pressure gauge

Yep, this tire pressure gauge does exactly what it sounds like! It makes sure your tires are all set at the correct pressure. Don’t underestimate how important it is to maintain proper tire pressure, particularly when you’re hauling such precious cargo. It’ll save wear on your tires and get you better gas mileage. Both of those things will save you money in the long run and is definitely worth it. We use this every time we get ready for a travel day.

12. Torque wrench

Each time before heading out with your RV you should check your tires not only for correct pressure, but also check that the lug nuts are secured properly. Both items are crucial in ensuring your tires are safe on the road. A torque wrench is the best and easiest way to make sure everything is tight and secure.

13. External battery charger

We love finding ways to harness our planet’s natural energy and this battery charger works great. It’s solar-powered and includes 3 USB ports for charging all your devices. We set it outside the RV while we’re out and about, exploring, eating, and playing. It also has a built-in LED light that we can use in and out of the RV when it’s dark.

Thank me later items for you RV

Alright, we’re now to the fun part! These are the items I’ve learned from experience that we could not live without while RV camping. Most of these are items I would not have thought of before spending a significant amount of time on the road in the RV with our kids. These are the fun items that make life easier, your RV better and your memories amazing!

14. Bug spray

If you’re going to be spending any time outside while you’re camping (and of course you will be), you’re going to need bug spray. This bug repellent is the BEST bug spray ever. It’s organic, hypoallergenic and DEET-free. It keeps the bugs away, is safe for the whole family and doesn’t stink!

15. Mattress topper

If you’ve spent any time at all in an RV, you know that they’re not known for not having the most comfortable beds. However, there is a quick fix! We purchased this mattress topper and it helps so much! We are also considering putting one on the bunks for the kids. It is super easy to trim to whatever size you need. We may eventually buy a new mattress, but this works for right now!

16. Instant Pot

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few years, you’ve heard the hype about the Instant Pot. Everyone loves the Instant Pot and it’s easy to see why – it does everything! It’s a slow cooker, a pressure-cooker, a steamer, a rice-maker, a yogurt-maker and more! I love cooking in the RV with our Instant Pot because it’s super fast and makes large amounts of food to save for later! Plus, it doesn’t take up a lot of space, doesn’t fill your RV with heat and is easy to clean up. What’s not to love?

17. Scratch-off map

While maybe not technically a must-have item for RV camping, having a large scratch-off map in your RV adds so much fun to your trips. We love documenting where we have been with this giant fun map! We scratch off each state as we travel and it is a perfect memory of our travels. The kids love pointing out where we are (and where we’re going next) and scratching off states as we pass through. And I love that they’re learning geography as we travel!

18. Hanging organizers

Space in an RV is limited! There’s never enough room for everything you want and it’s easy to lose things if they get boxed up and put ouf of sight. We love having these over-the-door hanging clear organizers for storing things. These have been lifesavers for us! We hang one over the pantry door (to hold food, spices, etc.) and one over the bathroom door for all our toiletries and bathroom items. They keep things from moving/sliding around and give us easy access to the things we use most.

19. Command Strips

Command Strips are everything when it comes to hanging things in an RV! These little guys are so incredibly useful and versatile. We use them to hang our picture frames, all decorative items, and more. We also use the hooks to hang our keys. They hold strong and remove easily with no residue, mess or holes left behind.

20. Collapsible dish drainer

Our final must-have item for RV camping is a good one! Are you ready for this…a collapsible dish drainer! (Yeah, ok, not as exciting as you may have thought). However, counter space in an RV is precious territory. You never have enough! This dish drainer is perfect for saving space while doing dishes (because those never end). Plus, it folds up small for easy storage (because storage space is precious, too).

And there you have it, friends! Our most used and beloved items that make our life easier while traveling full-time in our RV. Of course, there are many more items we love and use all the time, but these are 20 must-have items you need to get you started with your RV adventures. I hope this helped and that you feel even more prepared for your next family road trip!

And if you’re looking to spend more time on the road in your RV, be sure to check out Kathleen’s post: Tips & Advice for RV Camping with Kids.

What are your must-have items for RV camping?

I’m Kathleen, wife to my high school sweetheart and mama to 3 energetic littles. I’m a photographer in love with telling compelling stories of life’s beautiful chaos and photographing families authentically. I am slightly obsessed with window light, Saturday morning snuggles, and documenting our adventures. We recently took the biggest leap of faith of our lives and are currently traveling full-time around the United States in our RV!

Kathleen can be found in the following online locations:
Website: http://www.faithboundtravel.com
Instagram: @faithboundtravel
YouTube channel: Faith Bound Travel
CAMP, FAMILY TRAVEL, FAVORITE GEAR, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Tips & Advice for RVing with Kids
- July 30, 2019
We’ve had a few recent posts here on Run Wild My Child about what it’s like to go RV camping with kids. (spoiler alert: it’s awesome!) But how do you even get started going on an RV adventure with your whole family? Where do you go? What do you pack? How do you cook? Well, today we have the amazing Kathleen White, photographer and full-time RVing homeschool mom of three here sharing everything you need to know to get started RVing with kids. Kathleen and her family are just beginning their adventures across the country and are documenting the entire journey (links below where you can follow along). If you have any questions about how to get started on your own RV adventure, she’s here to help!

Let the adventure begin!

As a kid, my summers were filled with pool days, going to camp, and traveling. I cherish those simple childhood memories and will never forget our adventures. Now, as a mother to three, I want to fill my children’s childhood with amazing memories, too. As they say, we only get 18 summers with our kids. If that’s not a motivator to soak it all up, then I don’t know what is! It’s what spurred our year-long RV roadtrip across the USA, with three kids in tow in a 300 sq. ft. RV. Adventure is out there and we haven’t looked back!

Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind, and fills your life with stories to tell.” -Paula Bendfeldt

RVing with kids tips and advice

Whether you are looking to go full-time in your RV or are just planning your next weekend adventure, getting started RVing with kids can be a bit overwhelming. Where do you even begin to know what to pack, where to park or what to bring? What do you eat? Where does everyone sleep? And how do you make your RV feel like home? If you’ve ever had these burning question, wonder no more! Based on our travels and adventure experience, I’m here to share some helpful tips and advice for RVing with kids to get you started on your next RV trip.

How to choose the right RV for your family

There are so many personal decisions and consideration to take into account when purchasing your RV. Starting the RV buying process is extremely overwhelming. Travel trailers, fifth wheels, Class A’s…oh my! Where do you even start? And then you need to consider price and condition (used vs. new), gas mileage, features, etc. Making this decision is not easy and every family’s needs will be different. I could write an entire post on just this one decision – actually, I did! If you want more information on how we chose the right RV for our family, check out our post on how to decide between a travel trailer and a fifth wheel.

Safety first

Before the adventure begins, you have to make sure you are protecting your precious cargo. Remember, when RVing with kids, you are never in so much of a rush to disregard safety! Mistakes are more likely to happen when you are rushing, so slow it down, if you can. Towing an RV is a whole other beast on its own and there are a few things you must be aware of. First, always double-check that your tow vehicle and RV are set up correctly. Second, always do a walk around your entire rig before pulling off. Third, be sure to check your towing capacity and cargo weight to make sure you are not overcapacity. We also carry a first aid kit, tool kit, emergency roadside kit, plenty of flashlights, and extra water, just in case.

This is obviously not an extensive list of all the safety tips when RVing with kids, but it’s a good place to start.

You know your child best

RVing with kids allows you to experience things with your family in a whole new way and in lots of new places. Your RV can take you on adventures you never thought possible. The world is literally right outside your door and you get to choose your own adventure daily. However, sometimes that can be a bit much for kids. As the parent, you know your kids best. Can they hike for a while on their own, or do they get tired easily? Do they love being in the water or do they come alive in the forest?

Knowing your kids and planning your adventures to suit their strengths and interests will really help with keeping your kids excited about the trip and minimizes meltdowns! Of course, there will be an adjustment period after first setting out on your adventure. Especially if they are used to constant streaming shows, video games, and larger spaces. However, don’t give up! The reward is so great when you see them playing outside, experiencing new things and interacting with nature on their own!

Just have patience, and remember why you are RVing with kids in the first place!

Setting up your RV

Once you arrive at your awesome new location, it’s time to set up! The first thing to do is check into your campsite, if you need to and park according to the rules (is it a pull-through or do you need to back in?). Make sure there are no low-hanging branches to scratch your vehicle or interfere with awnings, pop-outs, etc. Once you’re positioned on flat ground or leveled out, park and unhook the RV from the truck. Connect your power/water/gas hookups and check to make sure everything is working properly. Assigning tasks to each person can also be helpful to make things go smoothly!

Next, we put out our outdoor rug and chairs and call wherever we are at home for a little while. I even set out a candle, plants, and pillows inside which helps make the RV feel homier. This is one of my favorite parts about RVing!

Full hookups vs. dry camping vs. boondocking

If you are coming from a “sticks & bricks” house, then you are used to the conveniences of home (long showers and A/C all the time!). This is why a lot of RVers love full-service campsite that have electric, water, and sewer hookups. You can shower to your heart’s content and not have to worry about filling up your black and grey tanks. You can run the A/C and have a movie night if you want! A lot of them also include other amenities such as laundry facilities, pools, playgrounds, restaurants, shops and dumpsters. However, these kinds of RV parks usually come with close neighbors and high price tags.

The other types of RV camping are dry camping or boondocking. Dry camping essentially means staying in a campground without hookups, whereas, boondocking typically means staying in a completely undeveloped area (also without hookups).

There is a time and a place for each type of camping and they all have their pros and cons. While I love having amenities, some of my favorite campsites have been when we are boondocking. If you’re wanting to get away and have a place to yourself, this is definitely the way to go. Just be sure to check the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service for rules and regulations.

Cooking in an RV

There are many ways to prepare food in an RV, which many people don’t realize! If you have electric hookups or a generator, you can use your Instant Pot, crockpot, microwave, toaster oven or other electric cooking appliance. I love using the Instant Pot because it makes a lot of food in a short time!

Another way I love making food when we’re RVing is using our stove, which I can use anywhere and anytime since it runs off of propane. There is really no limit to what you can cook. RVing adventures are not just eating BBQ and s’mores (although those are really yummy!).

Keep in mind that RV refrigerators are a bit smaller depending on your RV type. Buying refrigerated perishables in bulk is not necessary. We are a family of 5 and have had no issues with not having enough food. We also use our pantry to store dry goods, snacks, and household goods. And because we have kids, we always have plenty of snacks on hand. Being active outdoors makes for hungry kiddos! Crackers, granola bars, fruit, and pretzels are some of our favorites.

RV organization

One of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to RV life is, “How in the world do you store all your stuff?!” Well, the first answer is to downsize, downsize, downsize. Everything in your RV needs to have a place, and there aren’t a lot of places. I highly recommend downsizing before starting your RV adventure. We downsized our clothing, furniture, pots and pans, and the kids’ toys. It is so refreshing to get rid of so much stuff and eye-opening to see how little we really need.

As for what we kept, my husband and I each have a closet in the bedroom and we use hanging storage organizers for our clothes. The kids each have a storage bin filled with all of their clothes. If it doesn’t fit anymore, we donate it. Right now, all of their clothes have to fit in the bins!

When organizing your RV, storage baskets will become your best friends. Baskets and bins make everything look less cluttered. We also use hanging organizers for the back of the pantry and bathroom doors to maximize storage, which is my favorite RV storage hack!

Enjoy the memories

Spending time together on your RV adventures is an incredible experience your entire family will never forget. RVing allows you to camp in some of the most amazing places and experience the world in a whole new way. We have just begun our RV journey and the hard work of RVing has been so worth it. The memories we will make together make up for all the stress of planning, downsizing, and packing. RVing is an experience in and of itself. I can give you all the tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way, but my best piece of advice is to soak it up and enjoy the journey.

What questions do you have about RVing with kids?

About the Author

Kathleen
Arizona
@faithboundtravel

I’m Kathleen, wife to my high school sweetheart and mama to 3 energetic littles. I’m a photographer in love with telling compelling stories of life’s beautiful chaos and photographing families authentically. I am slightly obsessed with window light, Saturday morning snuggles, and documenting our adventures. We recently took the biggest leap of faith in our lives and are traveling full-time around the United States in our RV! You can follow our adventures at http://www.faithboundtravel.com or subscribe to our YouTube channel.

kathleen white

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5. Are Your Stars Like My Stars? by Leslie Helakoski

6. Lola Plants a Garden by Anna McQuinn

7. My Friend Earth by Patricia MacLachlan

8. Buzzing with Questions: The Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner by Janice N. Harrington

9. The Hike by Alison Farrell

10. National Parks of the USA by Kate Siber

What are your favorite diverse nature books for kids?

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Instructions for making a flower suncatcher

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Visiting Yellowstone with kids

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2. Have a picnic with elk by the Albright Visitor Center

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5. Admire the Grand Prismatic Spring

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Learning our lesson

Must-have items for RV camping

Must-have RV camping basics

1. Freshwater hose

2. Water filter & regulator

3. Surge protector

4. Sewer hose kit

5. Generator

6. Solar charger

Essentials for setting up your RV

7. Leveling blocks

8. X-Chock wheel stabilizers

Best RV tools & equipment

9. Robertson square-tip screwdriver

10. Air compressor

11. Tire pressure gauge

12. Torque wrench

13. External battery charger

Thank me later items for you RV

14. Bug spray

15. Mattress topper

16. Instant Pot

17. Scratch-off map

18. Hanging organizers

19. Command Strips

20. Collapsible dish drainer

What are your must-have items for RV camping?

Let the adventure begin!

RVing with kids tips and advice

How to choose the right RV for your family

Safety first

You know your child best

Setting up your RV

Full hookups vs. dry camping vs. boondocking

Cooking in an RV

RV organization

Enjoy the memories

What questions do you have about RVing with kids?

About the Author

runwild.mychild