megan havelaar

  • BEACH, FAMILY TRAVEL, LOCAL GEMS, SUMMER

    Best Kid-friendly Beaches in Southern California

    If you’re planning a trip to Southern California with your family, hitting a beach should be on your to-do list! Southern California has some of the most beautiful and unique beaches in the country. With so many beach options available, it can be hard finding the best beaches for kids and families. Today, Megan Haveelar, photographer and mom of four, is here sharing her family’s five favorite kid-friendly beaches in Southern California. Each of these beaches has its own unique qualities and should be a bit less crowded than many other beaches, making them great for kids of all ages. 

    5 best kid-friendly beaches in southern california

    Summertime in Southern California

    Yay, it’s summertime! And summer means fun in the sun and making memories with our loved ones! I’m sure many of you have some exciting summer travel plans. One popular destination happens to be Southern California. There are a variety of famous attractions that draw many people each year; from Hollywood to Disneyland, Sea World to Universal. There’s the the infamous Santa Monica Pier, Catalina Island, and the historic Pacific Coast Highway. The list could go on!

    Nevertheless, the place that families want to visit most while they are here is our stunning beaches! Warm, soft sand, cool water, salty air, and beautiful views! There’s really not much better than a gorgeous sunny day at a southern California beach!

    Best Southern California beaches for families

    Today, I’m sharing my top 5 favorite kid-friendly family beaches in Southern California. Each of these beaches are a little less touristy, so you don’t have to battle the crowds, and have their own personality. These are beaches our family visits regularly and they each have a uniqueness to them that makes them fun in different ways.

    If you’re looking for a beach to surf or boogie board, I got one for you! If you’re looking for a beach with beautiful crystal blue water and stunning views, I got one of those! Looking for a beach that offers more than just laying in the sand, I know of a beach with a beautiful hike up and down the seaside cliffs. As well as a beach named Pirates Cove and one named Treasure Island! I mean what kids wouldn’t want to visit a beach with a name like that! Whatever beach you choose, I highly recommend staying and watching the sunset at any of these locations, you will be so thankful you did!  

    Crystal Cove State Park

    Crystal Cove is located in Orange County between Newport and Laguna Beach. It’s one of the largest remaining areas of open space and natural coastline in Orange County. It’s a huge stretch of beach running 3.2 miles long and also 2,400 acres of wilderness. Because the beach is inside a state park, the hours are sunrise to sunset and there are also fees for parking.

    Crystal Cove State Park is definitely a must-see for any beach-loving family! From the seaside cliffs to the tide pools down below, this beach offers lots of space and fun for kids and families. The walk down to the beach can be long for little ones, but if you can make the hike, it’s so worth it. Crystal Cove also offers hiking and camping!

    Visit their website to find out more http://www.crystalcovestatepark.org/

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    Corona Del Mar/Pirates Cove

    The two beaches of Corona del Mar and Pirate’s Cove are definitely ones we visit a lot! They are connected by a rock jetty at the entrance to Newport Harbor in Newport Beach. While right next to each other, they have different features and personalities, so I’ll discuss them individually. 

    Corona Del Mar beach

    Corona Del Mar is also a state park beach. It’s about half a mile long, at the base of a seaside cliff with cool rock formations at the bottom. The parking lot is located at the bottom, and there is a parking fee. However, as you’ll see there is a stunning neighborhood up top with street parking that’s free. You can easily walk down the path to the beach. We love using our boogie boards here and checking out the sea life on the rocks. If you enjoy some beach volleyball there are plenty of courts to get your serve on! 

    best so cal beaches for kids - corona del marbest family beaches california - corona del mar

    Pirates Cove

    Pirates Cove is a very unique spot! Located just to the right of Corona Del Mar, it’s an amazing beach for kids and families. You can either park in the lot or park above in the neighborhood. You cannot see this beach from the parking lot, you must climb over what looks like a hill of large boulders! Once you climb up and are at the top you will see a staircase that leads you down to a very secluded beach that looks across the channel of Newport Harbor.

    At Pirates Cove beach, you’ll find little caves to sit in and get out of the sun, as well as a giant boulder out in the water you can swim to and jump off. There is a lifeguard here during the summer months and they rope off the swim area so no one gets too far out into the channel. This is a fun place for kids to explore and swim! The water is very calm and shallow so it’s great for little ones! You can also watch the sailboats and yachts go in and out of the harbor. 

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    Treasure Island

    Treasure Island is a very beautiful, super unique spot that does require a bit of walking, but again, it’s so worth it! The beach is located at the bottom of the Montage Resort in Laguna Beach. It’s known for its crystal blue waters!  There is a small parking lot located on the southwest side of the resort, or you can also park on the street for free. There’s a beautiful path with lots of flowers and greenery on top, just behind the resort, and there are different staircases and ramps that lead to different parts of the beach.

    Our favorite part of this beach requires us to walk north all the way until we get to the little peninsula at the base of Goff Island. This is a great spot to snorkel and the sand here is so soft. The beach part is kind of rocky and gets deep quickly, so make sure your kids are good swimmers. My kids are between the ages of 7-11 and do just fine. Here you seriously feel like you are on a tropical island out in the pacific!

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    Torrey Pines

    Torrey Pines is located in San Diego. There are so many great beaches located in San Diego, but this is one that my family and I really enjoy visiting. It’s located just north of La Jolla and downtown San Diego. Torrey Pines is a State Reserve as they are protecting the Torrey pine trees that are specific to this one area of southern California. There is parking close to the beach or you can drive up to the top of the cliff where the Torrey Pines Lodge is located which is now a visitor center and ranger station. There are some cool things to learn at the visitor center about the Lodge and the history of the area.

    My family I like to park at the bottom in the beach parking and walk up the drive to the top, and from there we hike down to the beach. It’s a good way to get some steps in! I’ve done it with the small children and they do well, you might just need to take lots of breaks. The rocks hiking down can be slippery so be sure to hold onto those small hands. Also, if you go in the evening and catch the sunset on your way down…it’s breathtaking! We’ve also seen seals come right up to the beach here! 

    best beaches for kids in california - torrey pinestorrey pines beach - best kid-friendly beaches in san diegofamily friendly beaches san diego - torrey pines

    Newport Beach

    The beach around Newport Pier is a great spot for surfing, boogie boarding, swimming, fishing, dolphin watching, and sand castle building! We enjoy Newport because the beaches are situated in neighborhoods so they don’t feel touristy, more like you’re around a bunch of locals. Parking is free on the side streets, but there is meter parking on the main street.

    Newport Beach is a great spot for families, as you could spend all day and never get bored! There is no shade here, so I definitely recommend bringing an umbrella or shade tent. The tide here is great for kids and adults learning to surf, but if you really want to see some professional surfers just head down to the Wedge, located at pier W, just down the way from Balboa Pier. I also highly encourage walking down the pier to see if you can spot some seals or dolphins. 

    There is a boardwalk perfect for jogging, bike riding, skating, or walking. You can rent bikes and scooters at places around the pier. There are also a couple of playgrounds located right on the sand between Newport and Balboa Pier. 

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    Best kid-friendly beaches in Southern California

    Okay, so there you have my top five recommendations for some of the best kid-friendly beaches in Southern California! However, if none of these are in the area close to where you are staying in California, don’t worry, there are many more! Just visit the website below to find state beaches close to you and get some helpful information about beaches nearby and what each one offers. We enjoy state beaches over city beaches because they are usually cleaner and we like to support our state and the efforts they put into keeping our oceans and beaches protected and preserved!   https://www.parks.ca.gov/

    Best kid-friendly beaches in Southern California

    Which Southern California beach is your kids’ favorite?

    About the author

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Welcome to a new year

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

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

    Spend more time outside this year

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

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

    practical tips for getting outside with kids

    Be intentional with your actions

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

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

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

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

    how to spend more time outside with kids

    Practical tips for spending more time outside with your kids

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

    Set yourself up for success

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

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

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

    Incorporate their interests into your outings

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

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

    New Year's Resolutions to Get You Outside

    Don’t let the weather ruin your plans

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

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

    How to get outside with kids

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

    Invite friends to join you

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

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

    How to find outdoorsy families in your area 

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

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

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

    Go somewhere new!

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

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

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

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

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

    We’re here to help

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

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

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

    -Thomas Berry

    About the author

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

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

  • BEACH, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER, WATER

    Boogie Boarding with Kids

    Boogie boarding is such a fun way to enjoy a day at the beach. Not only is it affordable and fun, but it’s an easy activity for kids of any age. Boogie boarding has physical benefits, as well as helps kids become confident swimmers. Today, Creative Team member and Las Vegas mom of four, Megan Havelaar shares all the tips, tricks, and advice you need to know to get starting boogie boarding with kids this summer! 

    Boogie Boarding with Kids - tips and advice on how to get started.

    Boogie boarding with kids

    Are you heading to the beach this summer? Are you looking for something different for your kids to do besides just swimming and playing in the sand? Let’s talk about boogie boarding! I have found boogie boarding is a fun summer activity for kids of all ages. Our family enjoys it because it’s a relatively inexpensive activity and easy enough for the kids to get the hang of quickly. You don’t need a lot of equipment to try it out and you can learn at any age!

    Benefits of boogie boarding for kids

    Boogie boarding is a great outdoor physical activity for kids. Not only does paddling for waves require a substantial amount of arm, chest, and upper body strength, but you’ll also gain core strength as you balance on your board. Kicking to gain extra speed to catch waves works out your leg muscles. Water has a calming effect on the mind, and being outside in the fresh air and sunshine means extra Vitamin D. It’s also great because kids can do it with a level of independence, and helps to build their confidence in the water. 

    How to get started boogie boarding with kids

    Boogie board or bodyboard?

    There’s no real difference between the act of boogie boarding and bodyboarding. Boogie Board is technically a brand name for a foam bodyboard trademarked in the 1970s. The term has now become synonymous and representative for nearly all bodyboards, even those made by other companies. You can still buy official “Boogie Boards” at lots of retail stores. It’s totally up to you whether you want to call it boogie boarding or bodyboarding; as long as you’re having fun, no one will mind! 

    Boogie boards for kids

    Let’s talk about the boogie boards. This can get as expensive or inexpensive as you want. I have found that they range anywhere from $5 to over $100. I have four kids, so when we originally started boogie boarding it was because we found some on sale for $5 at our local retail shop. At a cost of $20 total for a board for each kid, it was well worth the investment. We are now entering into our third summer with those same boards! For those that would like to invest in a different style, higher performance board (with channels or bottom fins), there are some really nice, quality boards you can get if your kids are really into it. 

    How to choose the right boogie board for kids

    When you’re picking out your boogie board, size is the most important feature. Most boogie boards come in a range of sizes, so pick the best size for your little rider. If you’re a beginner, it’s better to choose a bigger and wider board. It’ll give you more control in the water as you get used to riding the waves. A 33″-37″ boogie board is the best option for smaller kids (under 85 lbs). A board that’s around 40″ or larger is better for bigger kids, teens, and adults (over 90 lbs). 

    Best boogie boards for kids

    Here are a few recommended boogie boards for kids: 

    Beginner's Guide to Boogie Boarding with Kids

    Other boogie boarding gear

    Boards also come with a leash that attaches to the board on one end and has a wristband on the other. This will keep the board attached to your rider and prevent it from getting away. You can also purchase swim fins that will help your child practice their kicks, and if they have sensitive skin a rash guard is great for protection from the sun and friction from the board. 

    Best age to start boogie boarding

    What’s the right age to teach a kid how to ride a boogie board? Well, like a lot of outdoor activities, it depends on the child. There is no minimum age for learning to boogie board. As soon as a child can walk and swim, they’re ready to hit the waves (maybe around the age of four). Parents are usually the best judge of knowing whether or not your child is ready to give boogie boarding a try. You know your child’s skill level, swimming expertise, comfort with the water/waves, and temperament best. It also may depend a lot on your location and the size of the waves. 

    Boogie boarding tips and advice for beginners

    The right beach for boogie boarding with kids

    I recommend going to a beach where the waves crash a little away from the shoreline, and one that stays shallow a good distance out. You also want to make sure your kids can touch the bottom. Familiar beaches are great for building confidence for beginners. And warm water is best for little kids (so they don’t get cold), but rashguards and wetsuits can help if you’re at a beach with colder water. 

    Wherever you are, it’s always important to watch the waves and continue to be observant while you’re near the water. I try and take notice if there are a lot of surfers on the waves because it could be an indication that the waves might be a little too big. Along with that, consider your comfort level with their ability to swim in those conditions. If the beach is too crowded, it might be worth it to wait for the crowd to die down, especially if your kids are young or it’s their first time. 

    How to boogie board

    Boogie boarding is a great introductory beach sport for kids. It features many of the attractive elements of surfing, but on a smaller scale. Like surfing, you’ll want to be where the waves break and then ride them in towards the shore.

    I recommend that kids start in water that’s around waist-deep. When you see a wave you want to ride, you’ll move onto the board with your stomach lying flat across the board. As your wave approaches, kick your feet and paddle with your hands to gain momentum. The current will do some of the work for you, but the kicking will add speed for more experienced boogie boarders. Once you reach the shore, grab your board and head back out to catch another wave!

    How to choose the right boogie board for kids

    Coaching boogie board beginners

    Even if it’s something you never have done, boogie boarding is pretty easy to teach kids. If your little one is just getting started, here are a few tips to make the experience easier and more enjoyable for everyone.

    Start by making sure you put the wristband on the child’s wrist. That way they won’t lose the board if they take a spill. Next, you’ll want to position your kids in the best sport for catching a wave. Go out to where the waves are breaking or just in front. Walk out there with them so you can feel whether there’s an undertow and gauge the depths of the water. 

    Once you see a wave start to break (maybe explain what that means if they don’t know), have them hop on their boards belly down, eyes up, and face the shore. They should start to kick their feet. Once they start riding the wave to the shore they can stop kicking and just enjoy the ride!  Now, just keep repeating this process.

    After the kids get the hang of it they can pretty much do it all on their own, or until you feel comfortable that they are confident in the water. You can always grab a board of your own and join in on the fun with them! I love grabbing my camera or phone, and capturing those smiles and laughs as they ride wave after wave into the shore. 

    Boogie Boarding with kids

    Enjoy spending time at the beach

    Lastly, I thought I would share some benefits I’ve seen in my children as we have spent time at the beach. There’s nothing quite like spending time outside and a day at the beach means you’re surrounded by nature AND water! There is so much sensory play to be found at the beach, between the sand, water, and if you’re at a beach with rocks and tide pools. There are always little creatures to be discovered, shells and rocks to be collected, sandcastles to be built and waves to jump. 

    Saltwater has so many healing properties, and the sound of the waves is very calming. The beach is a great place to socialize, meet and make new friends. It sparks a lot of curiosity and you will probably get asked a lot of questions! You may, or may not, have the answers to them, but you’ll be impressed by your kids’ curiosity and imaginations! Keep that spark of learning about the ocean and beach going at home by reading books about the sea. And lastly, you are making wonderful memories with your kids! 

    More fun ways to enjoy the water

    If you’re looking for even more fun ways to get outside and enjoy the water this summer, check out a few of our other favorite water posts! 

    Have you tried boogie boarding with your kids?

    About the author

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

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