Meghan Garriott

  • GARDENING, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SPRING

    How to Start & Grow a Cut Flower Garden with Kids

    If you enjoy bringing the outside in, gathering a few flowers from your garden to admire on the kitchen table, gifting bouquets to friends, or using in nature crafts and projects, then consider starting a small cut flower garden. Tending these plants from the smallest of seeds into colorful beauties brings a wonderful sense of accomplishment and joy. Plus, gardening has so many amazing benefits for both kids and parents. Today, Illinois mom of three, Meghan Garriott, is here sharing everything you need to know about planting and growing a cut flower garden with kids and the harvesting and arranging of flowers. 


    Growing a cut flower garden with kids 

    Starting and growing a cut flower garden is a relaxing and beautiful hobby. Involving children in the planning, growing, and harvesting of flowers can be a great learning and bonding experience. No matter your previous gardening experience, this post is designed to help you get started growing your own cut flower garden. I’m sharing some great plants to start off incorporating into your garden or yard, including a list of the easiest flowers to grow for kids and beginners. 

    What is a cut flower garden?

    A cut flower garden is a garden specifically for flowers or foliage that will be harvested for fresh or dried bouquets and flower arrangements. The flowers are selected based on their bloom time, size, and color. Ideally, they have long stems and bright colors and maintain a long shelf life in a vase. Cut flowers can be annuals or perennials, flowers, filler plants, bushes, and foliage. Purposefully choosing a wide variety of flowers with differing bloom times will allow you to enjoy bouquets throughout the growing season, including spring, summer, and fall. These plants intended for cutting can be planted throughout your outdoor landscaping or in a separate area designated for cutting. 

    Cut flower garden with two little girls

    Benefits of growing a cut flower garden with kids

    Growing a cut flower garden with kids can offer numerous benefits and educational opportunities. Here are a few benefits of growing a cut flower garden with your kids:

    • Botanical knowledge: Kids can learn about various flowers, their life cycles, and the different parts of plants.
    • Science skills: Observing the growth process teaches them about biology, ecology, and the importance of sunlight, water, and soil.
    • Responsibility: Caring for the garden instills a sense of responsibility as kids learn to water, weed, and nurture the plants.
    • Patience and delayed gratification: Waiting for flowers to bloom teaches patience and the reward of delayed gratification.
    • Appreciation for nature: Kids develop a deeper appreciation for the environment and the beauty of nature.
    • Environmental stewardship: Caring for plants helps instill a sense of environmental responsibility and stewardship.
    • Creativity through floral arranging: Picking and arranging flowers encourages creativity and artistic expression and teaches art principles like color theory, lines, and textures.
    • Sensory stimulation: Engaging with flowers provides a sensory-rich experience, from touching the petals to smelling the blooms.
    • Tactile learning: Gardening involves hands-on activities that enhance tactile learning.
    • Outdoor exercise: Gardening is a physical activity that encourages kids to spend time outdoors and get exercise in a natural setting.
    • Sense of accomplishment: Watching their garden bloom gives children a sense of accomplishment and boosts their self-esteem.
    • Stress reduction: Being in nature and tending to plants has been shown to reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
    • Math and organizational skills: Involving kids in planning the garden layout and spacing of plants enhances their math and organizational skills.
    • Culinary exploration: Some flowers are edible, and kids can explore using them in culinary activities, adding another dimension to their learning.
    • Teamwork: Gardening can be a collaborative effort, promoting teamwork and social interaction among kids.
    • Sharing and generosity: Kids can share the flowers they grow, teaching them about generosity and sharing with others.

    Uses for a cut flower garden

    Why should you grow a cut flower garden? The possibilities and reasons are endless! 

    First and foremost, the main reason most people grow flowers is because they are beautiful. Flowers not only make your garden and landscape more captivating and enticing but harvesting flowers from your garden allows you to create stunning and fresh floral arrangements to decorate your home. Handpicked flowers make thoughtful and personalized gifts for friends and family. Growing your own flowers can be cost-effective compared to purchasing floral bouquets regularly.

    Flower gardens attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem. Growing your own flowers supports local and sustainable practices, reducing the environmental impact associated with commercially grown and transported flowers.

    And, of course, gardening and working with flowers have therapeutic benefits, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. The act of nurturing plants and watching them bloom can positively impact mental well-being. Gardening and cultivating a cut flower garden can be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby, offering a connection to nature and a break from daily routines.

    How to set up your cut flower garden

    Before choosing your flowers, you’ll need to figure out where to plant them so your garden will flourish. There are a few factors that make for a great cut flower garden location: access to sunlight, protection from the wind, a well-drained area, and healthy soil. 

    Where to plant your cut garden

    First, decide where you will be planting these flowers and foliage. Will you have a separate bed just for cut flowers, or will you space them out among your current landscaping? A cut flower garden doesn’t have to take up a lot of room. You can easily grow from the small pots on the porch, in a raised bed in the backyard, or on a sunny windowsill! 

    Find a location in your yard that receives adequate sunlight. Most flowers prefer full sun, so picking a spot that achieves 6-8 hours of sunlight per day is ideal. This will also satisfy any flowers that require partial sun. Be sure to check the back of the seed packets for sunlight requirements.

    Also, consider wind and rain exposure. Lots of flowers grow fairly tall, and a strong wind can easily break them down. See if you can give them some protection from the elements if you live in a blustery or rainy environment.

    It’s also important to find a well-drained area that won’t hold rainwater. Flowers don’t like to be kept overly moist, and too much water, especially standing water, will impede your flowers from growing and thriving.

    Finally, a cut garden also needs fertile, workable soil (typically topsoil and compost). Obtaining a soil test will help you to determine what nutrients you might be missing in your soil, so you can add those missing nutrients back into the soil. Adding organic matter, including compost, leaf litter, and composted manure, will add nutrients to the soil and assist with proper water retention and drainage.

    Creating flower beds

    If you will be making new beds for your cut garden, it’s best to have long and narrow beds with room to walk in between. This way, you can reach all of the flowers for cutting. When gardening with children, you will want to make sure the flowers won’t be too high up for them to cut. So keep tall flowers on the ground and shorter flowers and raised beds. 

    I have my cut flowers planted on the ground around my raised garden beds. Many cut flowers are also deer-resistant, so last year, I planted them around my vegetable garden for a dual purpose!

    Easy, kid-friendly flowers to grow in your cut garden 

    There are so many different flowers and foliage that can be grown in a cut flower garden. When choosing flowers, consider a mix of colors, shapes, sizes, and textures. This will give you the most variety in your flower arrangements! Depending on what climate zone (find your hardiness zone here) you are in, you will have different plants that are appropriate for your area.  When growing with kids, it’s best to choose flowers that are low-maintenance and have showy, colorful blooms to drool over.

    Here are a few of my favorite flowers that can be grown almost anywhere with a little maintenance.

    Annuals (needs planning every year)

    • Zinnias 
    • Cosmos
    • Sunflowers 
    • Celosia 
    • Snapdragons
    • Nasturtium
    • Sweet peas

    Perennial plants and flowers (comes back each year)

    • Black-eyed Susan’s 
    • Echinacea (cone glower)
    • Yarrow
    • Aster 
    • Daisies
    • Hydrangeas
    • Dahlias (perennial, depending on where you live)
    • Tulips
    • Peonies

    Greens and fillers to grow in your cut garden 

    Fillers and foliage not only give contrast and texture to flower arrangements, but they can also offer beautiful scents! Here are some easy-to-grow greens and fillers!

    • Bells of Ireland 
    • Green or purple Basil 
    • Mint 
    • Dill 

    Tips for choosing cut flower seeds and bulbs 

    Once you have decided where you will be planting, you will need to choose the right seeds or bulbs for that area. If you want your cut garden to produce across seasons, you’ll need to consider this when choosing your flowers. Bulbs will have to be planted in the fall for spring blooms.  Seeds can be planted in the spring for summer and fall blooms.

    In order to get the most out of your garden for the longest time, I suggest picking different varieties of spring and summer flowers for each location. An example would be planting tulips or daffodils in the same area as Black-eyed Susans and purple coneflowers. Since these flowers grow in different seasons, they will not be competing with each other for nutrients, but they’ll maximize the number of flowers you can get out of one location. 

    Another thing to consider when choosing your seeds is germination time. Germination time is the time it takes for the seed to begin to sprout. Seeds that have a long germination time will be more difficult to grow and will need to be started indoors if you live in a cooler climate. Flowers like sunflowers and zinnias usually germinate in a week or so, which makes them ideal for anxious kids who are ready to see their flowers growing. 

    Where to find flower seeds, plants, and bulbs

    There are lots of places you can get seeds, bulbs, plants, tubers, and transplants. For starters, check with your local nurseries or garden centers. This way you can see the flowers in person and ask any questions to the knowledgeable staff. In addition, starting in early spring, you should be able to find seed packets at your local hardware store, grocery store, farmer’s markets, or even the dollar store! Get the kids involved in this process and let them choose a flower, plant, or seed packet. 

    Planting seeds indoors

    If you are itching to get the garden started, there are many options for starting your flowers indoors. This is also a fun way to get kids excited about spring and working in the garden. Most seeds will tell you on the back of their packet when to start indoors. Some seed flowers prefer to be sowed directly in the ground, so those will have to wait to be planted until after the danger of frost.

    To start seeds inside, you will need:

    • Seed starting soil
    • Seed starting cells and trays 
    • light source (window or grow lights)
    • warm area 

    Tips for starting seeds inside

    To begin, mix some water with your seed-starting soil.  The soil should be damp but not soupy. Fill the cells or pots with the mixture. Read the package for the desired planting depth. Make a small space in the middle of the pot or cell and plant the seed at the correct depth. Make sure you label what you have planted!  

    Place your newly planted seeds in a warm place with plenty of natural light or under a grow light. You will want to keep the seed nice and damp while waiting for germination! You can use a fan blowing on your seed tray to mimic wind, which can help the stalks grow stronger. 

    For bigger seeds like sunflowers, it can be fun to fold them into a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag and a warm area. This way, you can watch the seeds begin to sprout. After they sprout, plant them at the desired depth in a small pot or cell. 

    Once your seeds have sprouted and you’re out of the danger of frost, you can begin to move your sprouts outside. It is a good idea to put your trays of seeds/seedlings outside for a few hours on warm days to help them get acclimated to the wind, bright sun, and outdoor temperatures before planting. A few hours a day is a good start. 

    Planting bulbs outdoors

    Bulb planting typically happens in the fall before the first frost. Each plant will have a specific planting depth and spacing, so be sure to follow the directions for that plant. Planting bulbs in the fall will help your garden span more seasons, as these plants usually come up in the spring prior to the last frost. This gives you fresh flowers sooner!

    Here are some easy bulbs that grow flowers great for cutting: 

    • Tulips 
    • Daffodil
    • Hyacinth 
    • Hosta
    • Iris
    • Crocus

    Planting seeds outdoors

    Seed planting typically happens in the spring after the danger of the last frost. For perennials, you will only have to plant one time, and then they will come up each year. For annuals, you will have to plant them again each year. Although, there are some annuals that will re-seed themselves.

    Before planting your seeds, make sure the ground is raked and loose so the seeds can enter the soil. If you are planting in a small space or between other landscaping, be sure to give your seeds enough room for their full height and width. If you are planting in a large area, spreading the seeds around by hand can be a great task for your child.

    Once the seeds have been planted, be sure to keep the ground damp for a few weeks to help the seeds germinate. You may have to watch out for squirrels and chipmunks, who love to feed on sunflower seedlings!

    Transplanting seedlings outdoors

    Transplanting your seedlings (that you started indoors) outdoors will also happen after the danger of the last frost. It is a good idea to put your seedlings outside for a few hours each day before transplanting outside. That way, they can get acclimated to temperatures and wind.

    To transplant your seedlings, gently take the entire root bundle from its cell.  And make your hole a little deeper than the depth of the cell. Put your root bundle in the hole and cover it completely. Again, make sure to keep the soil moist for the first couple of weeks after transplanting.

    Caring for your cut flower garden

    Between planting your garden and harvesting flowers, you’ll need to care for and maintain your cut flower garden. It will be important to keep the weeds or grass from growing around your growing flowers. Weeding is a great task for kids; just make sure they know what is a weed and what is a flower! Weeding can be done as often as every day or as little as once a week, depending on where your garden is located.

    It will also be important to monitor how much rain your garden is getting. If you go more than a few days without rain, it’s a good idea to water them. It is best to water early in the morning or late in the evening. Again, watering the flowers is a great task for kids. Kids love using the garden hose; just be sure to show them how to water the plants properly (not too hard of spray) and not too much.  

    You may also want to fertilize your flowers twice a month with a well-balanced fertilizer. 

    Some flowers may need support, such as staking, netting, or corralling. For simple purposes at home, I would suggest using bamboo stakes and plant velcro to help support your flowers upright to get straighter stems.

    How to make gardening fun for kids

    There are so many ways to get the kids involved in the gardening process and make it fun for them. When planning your cut flower garden, be sure to involve kids in the seed-choosing process. Ask them to choose their favorite color flower, or let them pick a seed packet to plant. A specific color flower for each kid would be fun if you have multiple kids.

    Get them involved in the maintenance process, too! It’s more fun when you dress the part, right? Getting some kid-size gardening gloves, a fun apron, and maybe a bucket hat can help kids look and feel ready to help! Smaller tools like shovels,  mini rakes, and small watering cans will make it easier for them to assist in all the different ways we care for the garden!

    And finally, make sure they get to help harvest the flowers and enjoy the fruit of their labor by helping make flower arrangements and bouquets. Before cutting, talk to your child about what colors or textures they want in the flower arrangement! Let them be the boss for choosing the flowers, and let the adult do the cutting until it’s appropriate for the child to use shears. 

    Harvesting flowers with kids 

    Now, we’re ready for the good part…harvesting the flowers! 

    For many cut flowers, the more you cut, the more they will bloom. This is definitely the case with cosmos and zinnias! So don’t be afraid to get in there and start cutting when blooming begins. Just be sure to leave enough of the plant so that other buds can grow.

    However, some plants are a “one-hit wonder” and will only bloom once. Plants, such as single-stemmed sunflowers and tulips, only produce one flower and then are done. The one-hit wonders you will want to plant more of so that you have more blooms, and you may want to consider succession sowing them.

    The best time to cut flowers is at the beginning of bloom or right at peak bloom. When going to cut flowers, it’s a good idea to know what size vase you are going to put them in. That way, you know how long of a stem to cut.

    Using garden shears,  cut at a 45° angle, this will allow the stem to get, the most water once in the vase. Harvest cut flowers when it is cool outside, either early in the morning or later in the evening. Place your flowers immediately in a bucket/vase of cool water and let them sit at least a few hours before you work with them. You may want to check the flower for her bugs and spiders before bringing it into the home!

    How to make your cut flowers last longer

    Once you’ve harvested your cut flowers from the garden, it’s time to arrange them. Here are simple steps to help extend the life of your flower bouquet:

    • Remove all the leaves off the bottom of the stem (the part that will be submerged in water) to keep them from rotting underwater.
    • Cut the stems at an angle to allow for greater water absorption.
    • Add some cut flower food into the vase of water.
    • Change the water daily or when it becomes murky (don’t just add more water).
    • When changing the water, re-cut the ends of the stems at an angle and add more flower food.
    • Remove any flowers or leaves that are dead or dying.
    • As you remove dead blooms, downsize to a smaller vase when your bouquet gets smaller.

     

    Creating cut flower arrangements with kids 

    There are five design elements to keep in mind when it comes to arranging flowers. These elements are line, color, form, space, and texture. Depending on your child’s age, you may pick anywhere from one or all of these elements to focus on when designing your arrangement.

    To start, I would focus on color and texture. These flower bouquets, based on color, will be the easiest for children to identify. When choosing colors for your arrangement, think of choosing complementary colors or analogous colors. Complementary colors are opposites on the color wheel, like yellow and purple, or red and green. Analogous colors are colors close together on the color wheel (e.g. yellow, peach, and orange). 

    When thinking about texture, try to have the child choose flowers with different petals, sizes, and shapes. Flowers with large petals (like zinnia and peonies), tend to be a more softer texture.  Flowers with small, round, or frilly petals, like aster or yarrow, tend to give a contrasting texture.

    When putting arrangements together, start small with just one or two different flowers, keeping their leaves for fill and contrast. As you get better at designing, you can snip the leaves off the stem so you only have the flowers and then choose your own filler flowers and foliage that add to your arrangement’s overall theme. To learn more about floral design, I loved the book Love Language Of Flowers.

    Something fun I do with my kids after creating an arrangement is naming it. We usually name our arrangement of beautiful blooms based on its colors. A few examples are Sunset, this arrangement was full of bold magenta, yellows, and oranges like a sunset. Another flower bouquet example is one named Just Peachy; this one was full of peachy colors and lacy floral accents! The best thing about flower arranging is that you can do it however you want! 

    Sharing the love of flowers

    Once your garden is producing a lot of flowers, you may have enough for multiple arrangements or bouquets. Have your child pick a person to gift an arrangement to and let them do all the work of making it and delivering it.  Not only does this teach your child the importance of giving and sharing, but it will likely make somebody else’s day! Your child will have such a sense of pride when they see how happy their gift has made someone else! In addition to giving flowers to people you know, donating flower arrangements to local nursing homes and community centers can help children feel a sense of accomplishment for all their hard work!

    Drying and pressing flowers 

    Live flower arrangements are not the only way you can enjoy your flowers. Drying and pressing flowers are a great way to enjoy and preserve your flowers. Flowers like daisies and pansies lend themselves to be easily pressed. Plants like strawflower, lavender, and Celosia can make beautiful dried arrangements that can be enjoyed all year long! You can even use pressed flowers to make a fun Halloween costume, like pressed flower butterfly wings.

    Saving and collecting seeds 

    Once the blooming season is over, there is still work that can be done in the garden. Flowers like zinnia and cosmos are very easy to collect seeds from to save for the next year. Collecting seeds is not only an easy job for kids, but it is a great way to prepare for next year and save money.  We collect seeds in paper sandwich bags and label them with the type of flower they are. We store these bags in a cool, dry place until next year. Seeds collected from your own garden are also a great gift to give to others!

    Sustainability and recycling  

    It is important to teach sustainable practices for your cut flower garden. Saving seeds is a great start! Using reusable starter trays instead of plastic ones can also cut down on plastic waste. Used spaghetti jars, glass juice containers, and old mason jars can make great vases for arrangements. When you save these items, not only are you repurposing and recycling, but you have more vases to give away without spending money!

    Learning while you grow

    Creating a cut flower garden with your children is such a great way to teach science, math, and art skills. The time spent with your children in the garden will increase their confidence and give them a sense of responsibility. Plus, the flower arrangements you create will bring daily joy. It may be difficult getting started this first time, but it’s worth it. And every year, you and your children will learn and grow as people and as gardeners. Each year will be more bountiful, joyful, and meaningful. Good luck with starting your own cut flower garden this year! 

    Do you grow cut flowers in your garden?

    About the author

    Meghan is a midwestern mom of 3 kids and one dog. She is a physical therapist assistant and family photographer. At home, Meghan and her family enjoy gardening (both indoors and outside), riding ATVs, and exploring the river behind their house. When not at home, they can usually be found at the lake or exploring Illinois state parks. Meghan’s family has always loved the outdoors, but they really found a passion for being outside and photography when her oldest son had to undergo a bone marrow transplant as a baby. During her son’s recovery, being outside became a safe place for the whole family to learn, grow, and thrive. 

    You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @meghangarriott
    Meghan’s RWMC posts: Meghan Garriott

  • CHALLENGE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PARENTING

    10 Outdoor Activities to Build Confidence in Kids

    Instilling confidence in our children has become more crucial than ever. As parents, we strive to nurture our kids’ emotional resilience and self-assurance that will empower them to face life’s challenges head-on. One powerful way to cultivate confidence is through outdoor activities. Nature has an unparalleled ability to nurture not only our physical well-being but also our mental resilience, communication prowess, and problem-solving skills. By developing in each of these areas, kids gain confidence in what they can do and what they’re capable of. Today, Meghan Garriott, Illinois mom of three, is here sharing how outdoor adventures can be the key to building confidence, and fostering a sense of self-assurance and empowerment. She’ll explore the importance of raising confident kids and delve into 10 outdoor activities designed to boost kids’ self-esteem, enhance their physical abilities, and refine their communication and problem-solving skills. 

    Building confidence 

    It’s hard to know how to raise confident children, when a lot of us, as adults, are still struggling to be confident ourselves. It’s called building confidence because it happens a little at a time as we are exposed to different situations. Every child is different and will have different boundaries and communication styles. Learning those and leaning into them will help us,  as parents, find easy ways to build their confidence daily.  

    Being confident in different situations can lead to high self-esteem. Children with high self-esteem, look for opportunities, have a positive outlook on life, make healthy decisions, and tend to feel more fulfilled in life. Isn’t that exactly what we want for our kids? But how do we get there? How do we put it into practice?

    That’s what we’re talking about here today. Let’s discover the transformative impact that outdoor adventures can have on your child’s self-esteem and confidence. Let’s create a foundation for their future success by fostering a sense of belief in themselves and their abilities today. Below, you’ll find 10 outdoor activities that are great for increasing kids’ confidence in their physical ability, as well as confidence in their communication and problem-solving skills. 
    Child jumping - the importance of raising confident kids and how you can do that through outdoor activities

    Mental health in kids 

    Recently, you may have heard that children around the world are experiencing a mental health crisis. The number of children experiencing anxiety or depression has been greatly increasing over the last 20 years, with a huge uptick over just the last five years. The decline in children’s mental health can be attributed to a multitude of complex factors. Rapid technological advancements, that, while offering connectivity, have also ushered in unprecedented social pressures and heightened feelings of inadequacy and social comparison. Additionally, the ongoing societal changes, such as the pandemic and its disruptions to routines, social interactions, and learning environments, have significantly impacted children’s emotional well-being. 

    Confidence and self-esteem have a direct relationship to anxiety and depression. When a child’s confidence is low, they can have difficulty trusting others, feel self-doubt, and feel unloved or unlovable. These feelings cause children to be less outgoing, take fewer opportunities, and have difficulty setting personal boundaries.

    Confidence affects mental health

    Building a child’s confidence and self-esteem early has a direct effect on their current and future mental health. A child who has a positive self-image and confidence is better equipped to navigate life’s challenges, build meaningful relationships, and cope with stressors.

    Early experiences of success and positive reinforcement contribute to a resilient mindset, fostering the ability to face setbacks with resilience. And there’s no better place to have powerful and meaningful experiences than outside!

    Moreover, children with high self-esteem are more likely to engage in healthy social interactions, seek support when needed, and approach new opportunities with a sense of capability. This early investment in their emotional well-being not only sets the stage for a more content and secure childhood, but also serves as a protective factor against mental health challenges that may arise later in life. 

    10 outdoor activities to build confidence and self-esteem in kids

    Confidence and self-esteem 

    By definition, confidence and self-esteem are two different things, but are very much intertwined with each other. Confidence is a person’s attitude about their own capabilities and skills in different situations. Self-esteem is how we value and perceive ourselves as a whole.

    While confidence is situation-specific, self-esteem encompasses a more global sense of self. These two attributes work hand in hand to create a holistically healthy child. A child with high self-esteem is more likely to approach various aspects of life with a positive self-regard, laying the groundwork for confidence in specific endeavors. Having confidence in different situations and multiple areas of our lives, can lead to improved self-esteem.

    Together, confidence and self-esteem form a powerful synergy, nurturing a child’s resilience, adaptability, and emotional well-being across diverse facets of their lives.

    10 outdoor activities to build confidence 

    10 outdoor activities for building confidence 

    Getting kids outside gives them a unique and dynamic environment that serves as a natural catalyst for building confidence. Unlike indoor settings, outdoor spaces provide an expansive and unstructured area for exploration, physical challenges, and social interaction.

    Outdoor activities often involve a degree of unpredictability, encouraging children to adapt, problem-solve, and take risks in a more natural context. The open-ended nature of outdoor play promotes creativity and decision-making, instilling a belief in one’s capabilities that transcends specific activities and contributes to a more robust and generalized sense of confidence.

    Here are ten outdoor activities that will help kids build confidence and self-esteem. 

    1. Walk (and talk)

    Yep, it can be as simple as taking a walk and talking. Getting outside and away from distractions can make it easier to talk to your kids. I know most of my most meaningful conversations with my kids happen on the hiking trail. Outside, we are not distracted by screens, or chores, or other daily tasks. And walking next to each other and talking is a little less intimidating than face-to-face conversations with full eye contact. Your walks don’t have to be big, long hikes. They can be a walk to the mailbox, a walk around the block, or taking the dog for a walk. 

    Talking to kids, asking open-ended questions, and having an open line of communication with them gives them the confidence to speak up. During these “walks and talks,” you and your child can talk through problems, work through feelings, or just talk about the next day’s plans. As your child shares their thoughts and experiences, they not only strengthen their connection with parents but also develop essential communication skills. Knowing that their thoughts, ideas, and opinions are heard and valued (and knowing that they have a supportive space to express themselves) fosters a sense of self-worth and confidence in their own voice. 

    No matter what you talk about, just giving them a time and a place to talk openly, will help them build their confidence and communication skills.

    having conversations while walking or hiking helps kids build communication skills and deepens family bonds

    2. Climbing (big or small)

    Climbing is a great all-around confidence booster for kids. Small rocks and ledges are good enough for smaller kids. Increase size and difficulty as appropriate as children get older.

    This activity doesn’t have to be anything big or dangerous. It can be as simple as scrambling over the rocks at your local park, or as big as a rock wall or Alpine Tower. Climbing takes focus and problem-solving, to figure out how to get up these often uneven surfaces.

    There is a lot of pride that comes with finishing a mentally and physically difficult task like climbing. This pride is a building block for confidence in their own problem-solving and physical strength abilities.

    To learn more about the benefits of climbing, and different ways to start, check out these articles on Benefits of Climbing Structures for Kids and How to Get Started Rock Climbing with Kids

    rock climbing helps kids build confidence and self esteemrock climbing helps kids build confidence and self esteem
    3. Volunteering (yardwork)

    Kids always feel better about themselves when they’re able to help. Knowing that you can do something valuable to help others gives you a deep, rooted confidence. Engaging in volunteer activities can provide them with opportunities to contribute to their neighborhoods or communities and make a positive impact. As kids actively participate in helping others, they develop a sense of purpose and accomplishment. The act of giving back reinforces the idea that their efforts matter, instilling a sense of value and importance. 

    Volunteering to do yardwork for a neighbor or family friend is an easy way to get started volunteering and get OUTSIDE. This is a great entry-level way for kids to begin to feel comfortable helping others. Children of any age can help by picking up sticks, raking leaves, sweeping sidewalks, or shoveling snow. As kids get older, they can help with more difficult tasks like mowing yards and trimming hedges. Not only will they feel better about themselves for helping others, but they will also be learning how to do valuable skills that they will need to use later on in life.

    For more information, check out our full post on how to get started volunteering with kids. 

    how volunteering and doing yard work for others can help build confidence in kids

    4. Join or organize an outdoor playgroup

    Joining or organizing an outdoor playgroup is a great way to make new friends of different ages and abilities. Having friends to play with outside, can boost confidence by teaching children new and creative ways to play. Group play teaches kids how to communicate and work together with others, which can build confidence in teamwork. Having other kids around to applaud, even the smallest achievements, like going down the slide or running really fast, can really help kids feel special and build their confidence and their physical abilities. 

    Don’t know where to find an outdoor playgroup (or interested in creating your own)? Check out our full post on how to organize an outdoor playgroup. 

    5. Lawn games

    Lawn games can come in many forms, like cornhole (or bags, depending on where you are from), horseshoes, yard darts, or maybe even ladder golf. These games are often done in pairs, but they can also be practiced alone. Lawn games are relatively inexpensive and can be done by many different ages and abilities.

    Involving kids in outdoor lawn games alongside adults can give them a sense of belonging and help them learn healthy competition. Winning a game like this when paired with an adult helps children feel bonded with that adult and pride in their skills, which helps to build confidence.

    There is also confidence in learning how to lose a game, and not being scared to begin a game just because you might lose. Lawn games also teach children how to work together with another person, which will help build their confidence in their own role as a teammate.

    For more ideas, check out our full post on Outdoor Games to Get Kids Off Screens. 

    6. Model positive self-talk during a difficult activity 

    This may seem like an easy activity (or not even an activity at all), but I have found that practicing positive self-talk when outside on any of your adventures can be one of the more difficult ones. It may not be a specific activity, but it’s something you can do and practice any time you’re outside doing an activity.

    As parents, we may give our children a lot of encouragement and praise, but we often forget to talk kindly to ourselves. Our kids see and hear that. Our voices become our children’s inner voices. If we talk kindly and encouragingly to ourselves and about ourselves while we’re out exploring or trying new things, they will do the same. 

    Your outer voice becomes their inner voice

    Next time you are tasked with a difficult chore or are embarking on a new or difficult task, try to talk yourself through it out loud. Be positive and honest with yourself.   Try to say things like, “this might be really hard, but I think I can do it,” or “I’ve never played this game before, but learning will be fun”.  Yes, it will feel awkward at first, but you should talk to yourself like you want your child’s inner self to talk to themselves. You might be surprised to hear your words echoed back just a few minutes later. 

    It’s important to show our children that even grown-ups can get nervous to try new things. Show them that you have self-doubt, but that you also have the tools to hype yourself up. This will give them the confidence to talk themselves into a positive headspace when trying something new or difficult. Children will likely have a voice in their head, as we all do, giving them doubt in new or difficult situations. A parent’s voice of encouragement and positivity will always drown out that doubt as long as you say those things out loud often enough.

    practicing positive self-talk can help our kids with confidence and self-esteem

    7. Practice and praise 

    Most kids probably have a sport or recreational activity that they enjoy doing or may want to get into. Showing interest in their chosen activity and encouraging their efforts is a huge confidence booster.

    Practice doesn’t always have to be about improving their technical skill each time – it can be just about having fun together. Take your child outside to the backyard, the local basketball court, or the baseball field. Ask them what they like to work on. During these practices, you and your child can become better at giving encouragement and receiving encouragement.

    Refrain from giving feedback

    Notice how I didn’t say “feedback” or “constructive criticism” there. Sometimes, it’s best to leave the correction of technical things to the coaches or let them figure things out for themselves. As parents, sometimes it can be hard to correct instead of just being their biggest cheerleader. If you’re in the backyard, playing catch, or shooting hoops, try not correcting ANY mistakes and ONLY praising their achievements.

    Sports aren’t just a physical game. There’s a big mental component to playing many of these words. Confidence when shooting the ball or up to bat is a huge part of the game. I guarantee the more they practice and the more you praise them, the better they will get (as opposed to practice alone). 

    be their cheerleader, not their coach

    8. Try something new together 

    Trying something new is always a little scary. Doing new things together with your child can build a foundation for overcoming fears and enjoying new experiences. This can be as easy as going to a new park and trying a new piece of playground equipment, or starting a new activity like bike riding. Trying something new can also set them apart from their peers and give them confidence in knowing they are different or have a different skill set.  

    My son started sailing this summer. No one in our family knows how to sail, and none of his friends do either. He got a big confidence boost, talking about his experience sailing and teaching others what sailing is and how to do it.

    Once you try something new and realize, “Oh, this can be kind of cool,” you’re more likely to try new things more often. Taking that first big step with your kid teaches them how to try new things within the comfort zone that you give them. I love this article about having a “try new things” mindset

    trying new things together as a family builds confidence in kids

    9. Animal training 

    Animal training can be a great way to build confidence in a leadership role for your child. This could be anything from riding a horse, training a dog, or learning to show livestock. All of these activities involve assertiveness, giving direction, and taking responsibility for another being. While being in charge of an animal can give confidence in leadership, it also gives the child a friend and a source of comfort all in one.

    A few years ago, my son and I spent a day learning how to train retrieving dogs with some friends of ours. It was amazing to see my shy and quiet son blossom and become loud and commanding as he learned how to take charge of the dogs.  If you decide this approach might be great for you and your child, check out our full post on dog training with kids and this great informational post on the benefits of raising kids around animals.

    raising animals and training animals build confidence in kids

    10. Play on the playground

    Kids love to play on the playground. How surprised do you think they would be to see you join in?

    Now let them lead. Let them show you around the place and how to use all the equipment. 

    At home, parents are in charge, but here on the playground, kids are the kings of the castle. Shifting the power dynamic gives them the confidence to make decisions and have fun doing it. Having you out there with them may also give them the confidence to try new pieces of equipment that they couldn’t quite manage on their own. Have fun and be silly with them, or this gives them the confidence to be themselves, and to be fun and silly too.

    letting your child lead you around the playgroup builds confidence

    Confidence-boosting outdoor activities

    These 10 confidence-building outdoor activities are pretty simple, but they’re powerful. You are probably doing a lot of them already. But now that you know just how important they are, try leaning into the part of the activity that increases their confidence.

    Because the common threat to all of these activities is that YOU are doing them WTIH your child. Knowing they are wanted, loved, and worthy of the time you spend with them is the biggest foundational block of confidence. It is so important to remember that everything we say TO our children and everything we do WITH them is building those foundational blocks of confidence in their adult selves.
    10 Confidence-boosting outdoor activities

    Confidence for all

    You might find that playing silly games, trying new things, and practicing your own positive self-talk, might increase your own confidence too! Wouldn’t that be something? We’re learning how to be parents right along with our kids and I don’t know a single mom that wouldn’t benefit from a bit more confidence in her parenting skills.

    So, get out there and have some fun WITH your kids.  You can do hard things, even if the hard thing is telling yourself, you can do hard things.

    About the author

    Meghan is a midwestern mom of 3 kids and one dog. She is a physical therapist assistant and family photographer. At home, Meghan and her family enjoy gardening (both indoors and outside), riding ATVs, and exploring the river behind their house. When not at home, they can usually be found at the lake or exploring Illinois state parks. Meghan’s family has always loved the outdoors, but they really found a passion for being outside and photography when her oldest son had to undergo a bone marrow transplant as a baby. During her son’s recovery, being outside became a safe place for the whole family to learn, grow, and thrive. 

    You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @meghangarriott
    Meghan’s RWMC posts: Meghan Garriott

  • BEACH, FAMILY TRAVEL, HIKE, NATIONAL PARKS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Exploring Indiana Dunes National Park with Kids

    Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park offers a unique and unforgettable experience for families. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast excited to explore the biodiversity of the sand dunes, or simply a Midwest mom looking for a nearby beach getaway with your little ones, Indiana Dunes has something special in store for you. Today, Meghan Garriott, Illinois mom of three, is going to take us on an exciting journey to discover why Indiana Dunes National Park, along with its neighboring Indiana Dunes State Park, should be at the top of your family’s travel list. Meghan’s family recently spent time exploring both parks and fell in love with the stunning landscapes, the fun sandy beaches, easy hikes, and kid-friendly activities in this hidden gem of a National Park, perfect for outdoor adventures. 

    Indiana Dunes National Park with kids

    Indiana Dunes consists of 2,182 acres of primitive, beautiful, historic, and unique landscape in Porter County, Indiana. It includes more than three miles of beautiful beach along Lake Michigan’s southern shore.  Large sand dunes, located beyond the entire shoreline, have taken thousands of years to form, and tower nearly 200 feet above Lake Michigan. A wide range of habitats and plant species are found in the park, with vegetation stabilizing some of the sand. These habitats provide homes for many types of plants and animals. The lake also provides a habitat for many aquatic species, as well as a constantly changing fishery.

    The diversity in activities, variety of learning opportunities, and wealth of habitats make Indiana Dunes National Park a great family vacation spot. National Geographic even named it a “Best For Families” park. There are beaches to play on, hiking trails to explore, wetlands for bird watching, and deep history all to experience at the Dunes.

    We recently spent quite a bit of time there exploring everything that was offered, and here are some of our favorite activities from our trip!

    West Beach Trail
    West Beach Trail

    Why explore the Indiana Dunes?

    Midwest hidden gem (one of the only Midwest National Parks)

    Here in the central Midwest, National Parks are few and far between. In fact, Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas don’t have ANY National parks. Indiana was a part of that list as well until Indiana Dunes gained its National Park Status in 2019. Being from Illinois, I had only ever visited one National Park, Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri. This also happens to be Missouri’s only National Park and the smallest National Park out of all of them.

    Indiana Dunes, for many of us in the central Midwest, is the closest National Park to visit. It may not be on the top of your National Park Bucket List, yet, but it was on the top of mine and I can’t wait to convince you why it needs to be added to your list!

    Sand dune ecology and biodiversity

    Indiana Dunes National Park ranks 7th in biodiversity out of all of the nation’s national parks, because of the lake and shoreline, and the dunes in the habitats in between the Dunes. There is a myriad of plants and animals that are able to call the Indiana Dunes area home. The types of habitats at the dunes include bogs, rivers, forests, swamp forests, marsh, oak savanna, interdental ponds, foredunes, beaches, and lakefronts.

    All of these different habitats have their own species of animals and plants, making it a great place for birdwatchers and Arbor enthusiasts. Since all of these habitats are so close together, it’s a great place to bring children to learn about all of these different habitats in real life.

     
    From the Top of Mt Tom

    Where are the Indiana Dunes located?

    The Dunes are made up of multiple Indiana Dunes National Park areas, with an Indiana state park nestled in the middle. The dunes area runs along 15 miles of Lake Michigan’s southern shore, from Gary, Indiana to Michigan City, Indiana.  For those looking for a short road trip, the dunes are only a few hours from a lot of major cities (1 hr from Chicago, 2.5 hours from Milwaukee, 3.5 hrs from Detroit, 4 hrs from Louisville, 4 hrs from Cleveland, 5 hrs from St. Louis and 5.5 hrs from Des Moines). 

    Central Beach

    What are the Indiana Dunes?

    The dunes are large mounds of sand formed by the wind along the shores of Lake Michigan. These dunes provide natural protection against storms, surges, and high waves. They provide a habitat for many plants and animals. Seeing the trees grow out of the sand was one thing we thought was really neat while doing our hiking. And the three tallest dunes, Mount Tom, Mount, Holden, and Mount Jackson, are located within the state park. The most dynamic and moving dune is Mount Baldy, which can “move” up to 4 feet a year. 

    Central Beach

    What to pack for a trip to the Indiana Dunes

    Clothes

    Being in the Midwest, the Indiana Dunes is open through all 4 seasons. Your clothes will likely reflect the seasons. From our experience visiting in the summer, we packed mostly summer clothes and lots of swimwear! Many of the trails lead to the beach. For convenience, you can hike with your swimwear in your bag, or with your swimwear on!

    Footwear

    You know how kids prefer to hike in Crocs, and usually, it’s not the best option? Well, this location is their place to shine. I wouldn’t bother even bringing tennis shoes. Most of the trails are sand, and obviously, the beaches are as well. I wore hiking sandals, throughout our entire trip, and my kids wore their Crocs. This is the best place for Crocs! The sand can run right out of them before we get back into the car. They were also light enough for me to carry when my kids would ditch them to be barefoot in the sand.

    Food and water

    How much food and water you bring may depend on where you decide to stay, but there are not a lot of places to eat in close proximity to the dunes. So, if you were staying for a couple of days, I would highly recommend packing some food and some water if you can. Especially, if you are hiking with kids, don’t forget to bring some snacks for the trails!

    Trail to Mt. Jackson

    Indiana Dune National Park vs. State Park

    The Dunes region is made up of both the national park and the state park. The state park is located in the middle. Because both of these parks require an entry fee, it’s best only to visit one park a day to get the most out of your money. You can get a national parks pass online or at the National Park visitor center. You can purchase a private vehicle pass for $25 that will last you seven days.  This pass gives you access to all of the national park, the beaches, and the trails.

    The state park is a one-day pass. For the state park, a one-day pass is $12 for an out-of-state vehicle or $7 entrance fee for an Indiana resident vehicle.

    We spent two days at the national park and one day at the state park. Both parks are definitely worth visiting. Each park has dunes, trails, and beaches. The national park has a visitor center, and the state park has a nature center, both of which are worth visiting!

    Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center

    Kid-friendly hikes in the Indiana Dunes National Park 

    Hiking in Indiana Dunes National Park is a journey through diverse ecosystems that’s great for both kids and adults. With over 50 miles of trails, there’s a path for every skill level and interest. Families can embark on leisurely strolls along the picturesque shoreline of Lake Michigan or venture into the heart of the park to explore the rugged sand dunes and lush woodlands. The diverse landscape offers opportunities to encounter unique plant and animal species, and the park’s knowledgeable rangers often lead guided hikes, sharing fascinating insights into the park’s ecology and history. 

    Mount Baldy Beach Trail at the Mt. Baldy Access

    Due to the shifting of this dune, you are not allowed to climb up the dune, but there are ranger lead daytime and sunset hikes on the Mount Baldy summit trail occasionally. You can find a schedule of all the ranger-led hikes by going to the visitor center or the national park website calendar. The beach trail is not a restricted trail. It is only a 0.36-mile-long trail to the beach. While on the beach, you get a great view of Lake Michigan as well as Mount Baldy.

    Dune Succession Trail at the West Beach Access Point

    Take the “Diana of the Dunes dare” by completing the dunes succession trail. Along the way, you will learn about Diana of the Dunes as you walk in the footsteps of a lady who lived on the dunes in an abandoned shanty for over nine years in the early 1900s. This trail was easier than most because of the stairs and boardwalk. Instead of being all sand, this trail leads up to the top of the dunes and along the beach. 

    Heron Rookery Trail

    If you’re looking for a trail that is not sand and is more forested, this is the trail. This trail showcases more of the beautiful habitats in the national park. It’s a great place for birdwatching and seeing wildflowers.

    Dunes Succession trail at West Beach Access

    Kid-Friendly Hikes in the Indiana Dunes State Park 

    3 Dune Challenge

    Are you up for a challenge? The 3 Dune challenge is a combination of Trail 4 and Trail 8, which brings you to the peaks of Mt. Jackson, Mt. Holden, and Mt. Tom. Mount Tom, is the highest dune in both parks at 192 feet above Lake Michigan. While the 3 Dune Challenge is kid-friendly, it’s not necessarily mama with a child carrier on her back-friendly. My kids had no trouble bounding up the sand trails to the top of the peaks. I, on the other hand, with extra weight on my back, really struggled with uphill sand trails. The trails to Mount Jackson, and Mount Holden, are completely sand. The trail to Mount Tom, and down are stairs, which makes the end of the trail much easier.  

    The 3 Dune Challenge starts and ends at the state parks nature center. At the nature center, you can get a sticker signifying you completed the challenge. You can also explore exhibits about dune habitats, wildlife, and the history of Lake Michigan. I definitely recommend doing this trail in the morning or evening when it’s not as hot out.

    View from the top of Mt Jackson

    Indiana Dunes State Park Beach 

    The Indiana Dunes State Park beach is one of only two beaches that has lifeguards from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Coast Guard-approved life vests are allowed; you can only swim and water up to your armpits. and swimming is only allowed when lifeguards are present. We especially enjoyed this beach because there is a restaurant on site. The Dunes Pavilion Restaurant and Grill was a nice upscale place to eat after a long morning at the beach. They also have a walk-up area where you can get fast food, ice cream, and treats to bring back to the beach.

    Indiana Dunes State Park Beach

    Indiana Dunes National Park Beaches

    The beaches at Indiana Dunes National Park are nothing short of spectacular (even for the Midwest!). Stretching along the southern shore of Lake Michigan (the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore), these pristine sandy shores offer a perfect playground for families visiting the park. With 15 miles of pristine coastline, you’ll find plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the sun and surf.

    What sets these beaches apart is their dramatic backdrop of towering sand dunes, creating a stunning contrast between the azure waters of Lake Michigan and the golden sands. It’s a haven for beachcombing, sunbathing, and building sandcastles with the little ones. Some of the beaches also feature designated swimming areas with lifeguards on duty during the summer months, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for families. 

    There are 8 beaches at Indiana Dunes National Park. We came across West Beach and Porter Beach while hiking. We swam and played at Portage Lakefront, Riverwalk Beach, Central Beach, and Mount Baldy Beach. It should be noted that West Beach is the only NP beach that has a lifeguard on duty. 

    Finding rocks at Central Beach

    Our top Indiana Dunes National Park Beaches

    Portage Lakefront and River Walk

    This was my favorite beach for swimming and spending the day. There is a large concession stand located at this beach that has great food. I had steak tacos, and the kids had pizza. This beach is only 1 to 2 feet deep for quite a ways out, which made it easier to keep an eye on my kids because I knew that we were not going to be going into deeper water. And because of the marina nearby, there are a lot of boats that come by this beach (which is fun for the kids). The boats are far enough away that they don’t cause waves to come up to the beach, but my kids loved watching all of the big boats go by. The lighthouse is also another great feature on this beach!

    Central Beach

    Central Beach is not far from Mount Baldy Beach, but there are two different parking lots. From the parking lot, you can walk through a nice forest trail to the beach. I don’t know if it’s because of its position on Lake Michigan or because of the tide and weather while we were there, but this beach was loaded with cool rocks and sea glass! Please remember that because this is a national park, you are not allowed to take rocks or sand from any of the beaches. However, sea glass is not a native part of the beach/park; therefore, it’s the ONLY thing you are allowed to take home with you from the beach. 

    Mt.Baldy Beach

    This beach is at the most Northwestern tip of the National Park. There are no changing areas or rinse stations at this beach. During our time at this beach, it was under a red flag warning, which meant no swimming or getting in the water because of large waves and riptides. Nonetheless, it was beautiful to sit on the beach and watch those huge waves and play in the sand!

    Sea Glass from Central Beach in Indiana Dunes National Park

    Water safety along the lakeshore 

    Indiana Beach State Park Beach and West Beach are the only two beaches with my lifeguards. Make sure you check beach conditions before you go on the National Park or state park website to make sure you are allowed to swim, and be sure to check to see that there are no red flag warnings. These beaches can get very busy during the summer, so try going on a weekday when there are fewer crowds so that you are better able to see children. Depending on your children’s age, make sure you have a talk with them before you go to the beach about only going into a certain depth to maintain safety.

    If you need a life jacket before you go, check out this post with our recommendations for the best life jackets for kids. 

    Portage and Riverwalk Beach

    Things to do in Indiana Dunes National park beyond the beaches and trails 

    Education centers

    Beyond the beaches and the trails, you can visit the nature center at the state park, the visitor center at the National Park, and the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education in the National Park. Of these three, the Center for Environmental Education has the most kid-friendly hands-on activities.

    World’s Fair Century of Progress Homes

    I also recommend that you take a drive!  Each evening, we had fun driving along Beverly Shores’ Lakefront Drive. We loved watching the sunset over Lake Michigan as well as seeing all the different beautiful lake houses. Some of those houses include the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair Century of Progress Homes. You can walk past these homes and read about their history, or once a year, there are ranger-led tours of the first floor of the houses. We especially loved the pink “Florida Tropical” house. The other houses include the Rostone House, the Cypress Log House, the House Of Tomorrow, and the Armco-Ferro House. 

    Chellberg Farm

    If you’re interested in history, Chellberg Farm (sometimes also referred to as Anders Kjellberg Farm), is a historic farmstead of Swedish immigrants that became part of Indiana Dunes National Park in 1972. Chellberg Farm represents the ethnic heritage of a nearly forgotten Swedish-American settlement in the area. The farm includes a family home, a water house with a windmill, a chicken coop/bunkhouse, and the original barn. Other nearby Swedish landmarks have been restored or preserved, including the Burstrom Chapel and the Burstrom Cemetery.

    Junior Ranger program

    Like all United States National Parks, the National Park Service offers a Junior Ranger badge for visitors. The Junior Ranger Activity Guidebook can be picked up at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center or the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education. When you complete the Junior Ranger Activity Guide, bring it back to the Visitor Center or Paul H. Douglas Center to receive a Junior Ranger badge. 

    In addition to the larger Junior Ranger Activity Guide, Indiana Dunes has a Beachcomber Activity Sheet for families enjoying the beach for the day. You can pick up a Beachcomber activity sheet the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center or Paul H. Douglas Center.

    Florida Tropical House

    Where to stay in Indiana Dunes National Park

    Unfortunately, there are not a lot of family-friendly (yet affordable) places to stay within walking distance of the Indiana Dunes National Park (or the state park). If you want to be close by without doing too much driving, your best bet is to stay at one of the campgrounds. Campgrounds in both parks have RV and tent camping. If camping isn’t your thing, we stayed at Al & Sally’s Motel, which is not far at all from Central Beach and Mount Baldy and no more than what we needed as we were rarely there.

    You can also find some other historic places on the Indiana Dunes tourism page. Keep in mind if you get a hotel in one of the nearby towns in the near future, you may run into traffic as there was widespread roadwork and lots of construction being done while we were visiting!

    Camping in Indiana Dunes National Park

    Indiana Dunes National Park offers a range of camping options that allow families to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. The park features two main campgrounds: Dunewood Campground and the more rustic Dunewood Youth Group Campground. Dunewood Campground provides a family-friendly environment with well-maintained facilities, including restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to strike a balance between modern amenities and the tranquility of the outdoors. The campground consists of two loops containing 66 campsites (53 conventional drive-in sites and 13 walk/carry-in sites). Four sites are wheelchair accessible. The campground is closed during winter (November 2 – March 31).

    Camping in Indiana Dunes State Park

    If you’re seeking a slightly different camping experience, Indiana Dunes State Park offers its own unique charm. The state park boasts two family campgrounds: the Indiana Dunes State Park Campground and the more primitive Wilson Shelter Campground. The State Park campground provides all the amenities a family needs for a comfortable stay, from electric hookups to modern restrooms and showers. Located less than a mile from the beach and within walking distance of the South Shore Rail Station, this campground is one of the most popular in the area and fills up quickly, so be sure to make your reservations as soon as possible. Every site has full electrical hookups, with modern restrooms and shower houses available to every camper.

    Lakeside of Mt Baldy

    Eats and treats 

    We loved visiting the State Park Beach and the Portage and River Walk Beach because they both had good food. If you travel with kids, you know that having easy, inaccessible food is of the utmost importance. Other than these two areas, you may have to drive a little way to get local food and drive even further into one of the nearby towns to find a chain restaurant or grocery store.

    Because of the road construction going on while we were there, and likely going on for a while, driving into the nearby towns, wasn’t the best option to get food. We mostly packed food for breakfast and ate lunch or dinner at the beach concession area/restaurants.

    We did venture into the nearby town of Portage for some ice cream at Super Scoops. They had generous portions of ice cream in tons of flavors, and they are half-price happy hour on weekdays from 2 to 4 pm. We just happened to go in during that time, and we’re pleasantly surprised to get ice cream for all four of us for $7!!

    Mt Baldy Beach

    Best time to visit Indiana Dunes National Park

    The best time of year to visit Indiana Dunes National Park with kids is undoubtedly during the warm and sunny months of late spring, summer, and early fall. These months, typically from May through September, offer the most ideal conditions for a family adventure in this beautiful park. During this period, the weather is generally pleasant, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, beachcombing, picnicking, and exploring the dunes.

    In the summer, the kids can splash in Lake Michigan’s waters, play in the sand, and enjoy the many educational programs and ranger-led activities offered, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the park’s unique ecosystem. At this time, the park is in full bloom, with vibrant wildflowers adding to the park’s natural beauty, providing an inspiring backdrop for family photos and memories that will last a lifetime.

    Additionally, the summer months are when Indiana Dunes National Park offers full services and amenities (restaurants, shops, concession stands, camping, etc.).

    Family-friendly fun at Indiana Dunes National Park

    If you’re looking for a fun vacation spot with multiple activities to do, different terrains to explore, and beautiful beaches, don’t overlook us here in the Midwest! A visit to Indiana Dunes State and National Park is a great budget and family-friendly way to check off another National park, learn a lot about local ecology, spend some quality time on the beach, and have some fun! Don’t miss your chance to explore miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and visit one of the most biodiverse national parks (and one of the only Midwest National Parks). 

    About the author

    Meghan is a midwestern mom of 3 kids and one dog. She is a physical therapist assistant and family photographer. At home, her and her family enjoy gardening (both indoors and outside), riding ATVs, and exploring the river behind their house. When not at home, they can usually be found at the lake or exploring Illinois state parks. Meghan’s family has always loved the outdoors, but they really found a passion for being outside and photography when her oldest son had to undergo a bone marrow transplant as a baby. During her son’s recovery, being outside became a safe place for the whole family to learn, grow and thrive. 

    You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @meghangarriott
    Meghan’s RWMC posts: Meghan Garriott

  • HIKE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, RECIPES, SPRING

    Spring Foraging With Kids

    Spring foraging is a great way to get the whole family outside after a long winter. There are so many flowers, plants, and mushrooms that can be foraged in the spring, but it is important for the health and safety of your family and the land that you know how to do it properly. Today, Illinois photographer and mom of three, Meghan Garriott, is here sharing tips for wild foraging with kids for springtime plants, flowers, and mushrooms. She’s got tips on how to identify what you find and foraging etiquette. 

    Spring foraging with kids

    What is foraging?

    Foraging is the act of searching for, identifying, and collecting wild food and resources. Before the days of modern agriculture, humans relied on foraging from the land they lived. Many cultures forage not only to feed their family, but they also used these wild plants and mushrooms for medicines and hygiene. Contrary to popular belief, just because a plant is not commercially grown or mass-produced, does not mean it’s not healthy! There are so many things around you (possibly in your own backyard) you probably never realized are not only edible but are also healthy and delicious!

    Importance of foraging with kids 

    Kids love a good scavenger hunt. Foraging is like a scavenger hunt where you can eat your prizes for dinner or dessert once you’re done. It is fun and productive. When you are out in the forest foraging, this is a perfect time to pass down traditions and culture about foraging. Explain to your children what you are gathering, and weave in storytelling elements while you gather. My grandmother loves to tell me about her childhood foraging for violets and making violet jelly.  

    Being outside and taking from nature is a great time to teach kids about respecting nature and how we can try to live more sustainably. A foraging haul can provide a nutritious meal or snack, but be sure to harvest mature plants, only to take what you need and leave some for others. When gathering food with your own hands, you tend to appreciate what you’re eating and waste less. These are all good lessons for children to learn. Additionally, the act of foraging keeps little bodies active, promotes better eyesight, and improves self-confidence.Little child holding mason jar of violets

    Foraging rules and regulations 

    Before heading out to forage, make sure you know the laws or restrictions on foraging in your area. Different plants have different rules, as well as different areas.  These laws dictate not only what you can take, but how to harvest it. As a general rule, foraging is not allowed in nature preserves or conservation areas. Public or state land may allow you to forage, but only native species. If you are foraging on private land, you should always have the land owners permission. Do your research and know the rules before you go. 

    Sustainable foraging 

    There are some plants like ramps/wild leeks that have recently become very popular, so to ensure future growth, forgers are instructed to cut from the base and not to take the bulb. It is best practice when foraging to only take 1/4 of what you see.  This ensures that there are enough wild plants and flowers left for other species, and enough to regrow or spore for next year.

    Identification when foraging

    Being able to correctly identify what you are foraging is incredibly important, even more so when forging with kids. You should always have multiple identifiers before picking or eating anything you find outside. Identifiers for plants and flowers are things like color, leaf shape, petal shape, and number of petals. For mushrooms, some identifiers are color, presence of gills, and shape of the cap and stem. Remind your children that they should never touch, eat, or pick anything that has not been properly identified by an adult (one that knows what they’re doing) first. 

    If you are unsure if you have the right item, do not pick it. Using tools like Google Lens and nature-identifying apps can be helpful, but should not relied upon solely.

    Different colored violet flowers

    Special considerations when foraging with kids 

    Precautions should always be taken when out in nature, but special precautions should be taken when children are helping. If you are not familiar with the area you are foraging, make sure an adult checks the area for animal or insect nests and poisonous foliage first. Educate kids about using multiple identifiers before picking. When you’re done foraging, make sure to double-check your haul to make sure extras aren’t brought home, like bugs, spiderwebs, or unwanted plants. Be sure to remind kids that when out in nature, we should always respect the other species and their habitats, and try not to take more than needed. 

    Boy holding dandelions

    Spring flowers to forage with kids

    Flowers are one of the best and easiest things to start foraging for when you are just getting started. Because of their multiple identifiers, colors, and beauty they are easy to spot and correctly identify. Spring is a great time to forage flowers.

    Dandelions

    Dandelions are probably one of the most well-known landscaping weeds. People work very hard to get these out of their yards. But did you know the entire plant is edible? The roots, the stem, the leaves, and the flowers all have amazing benefits health benefits! And, because of their bright color, these are one of the easiest flowers for a little hands to find and to pick. Because there is an abundance of dandelions around, there’s also an abundance of things you can do with them.

    Here are my top 3 things you should do with dandelions:

    Child holding violets

    Violets 

    Violets are another flower commonly found in the early spring. In addition to growing in people’s yards, they also grow in forests and along river banks. Although they can come in many variations of purple, their color makes them easy to spot against the contrasting green grass and leaves.

    Similar to dandelions, the flowers and the leaves of violets are edible. Violet flowers can be used to make jellies, simple, syrups, and candies. Here is an article dedicated to foraging violets with kids and using them to make a simple syrup that will change colors! 

    Forsythia flowers

    Forsythia 

    Forsythia is a flowering plant in the olive family. In the spring, its branches are full of bright yellow flowers.  This bright shrub is usually found in gardens and landscaping, but can be found in parks, as well.

    Because the flowers are large and close together, it doesn’t take long to fill up a jar of them. The bright yellow flowers not only taste good but are used for medicinal purposes in traditional Chinese medicine. We have used these golden flowers to make Forsythia Honey. Forsythia can also be used to make soaps, lotion,  and toners. 

    Boy holding muscari
    Muscari/ Grape hyacinth

    Muscari/Grape Hyacinth

    Grape Hyacinths are actually not Hyacinths at all. Thank goodness because true hyacinths are not at all edible! Muscari are extremely invasive, so you can take as many flowers as you want; just try to leave a few for the bees. People often plant just a few and end up with them invading and overtaking their entire yard.

    Grape hyacinth blossoms are used as a flavoring in Europe. You can use the little blossoms to make simple syrups to add a little flavor to teas and lemonades. Like violets, grape hyacinths are pH sensitive. This means if you add grape hyacinth syrup to a base, it will turn from purple to more blue, and if you add it to an acid, it will turn more pink!

    Here is a video showing how to make the Grape Hyacinth Lemonade 

    A young magnolia blossom

    Boy with magnolia flower

    Magnolia blossoms

    Magnolia blossoms are such a beautiful site after a long winter. The flowers of the magnolia tree are large, brightly colored blooms and are some of the first blooms of spring. Foraging magnolia blooms might be difficult for smaller kids due to the branches being so up high. The blossoms can be used to make Magnolia snap cookies, and petals can also be pickled for a sweet and tangy treat. My bet is, kids will be more excited about the cookies.

    Red bud blossom

    Red bud 

    Red bud trees are easy to spot, and their buds and blooms are edible! Like magnolias, it may be hard for kids to reach high enough to pick the blossoms to forage, but they can definitely be spotters! Red bird blooms are high in vitamin C, and, like other flowers, can be used to make jellies and syrups! If you want to sprinkle some color on a salad, these can be eaten raw as well.

    Red clover

    Red Clover 

    Similar to dandelions and violets, red clovers are commonly found in yards, landscaping, and along roadsides and sidewalks. Red clovers are easy to spot and their flowers usually stick up 6 inches or more from the ground.

    The flowers not only smell delicious but are tasty as well. These pretty pink flowers are mostly used for tea. Red clover tea is not recommended for children, as it is traditionally, used to help with women’s health issues, such as menstrual and menopausal symptoms. A more kid-friendly way to use red clover is in these Red Clover biscuits. 

    Lilac

    Lilac

    Nothing smells better in the spring than fresh lilac in the breeze. Lilac tastes as good as it smells! The flowers can be used to make syrup, flower-infused sugar, and candies. Infuse lilacs in oil to make delicious-smelling soaps and lotions! Here is a video on how to ferment lilac water using the yeast that is naturally on it to make a fizzy lilac drink!

    Wild leeks Spring plants to forage with kids

    Wild plants are a little harder to for untrained eyes to find than flowers. Luckily, the plants listed below are readily available and probably in your front yard, back yard, or along your local sidewalks! Here are a few of our favorite local plants to forage in the spring. 

    Ramps/wild leeks

    Ramps are a species of wild onion that can be found all over North America. Ramps are among some of the first plants to appear in the forest in the spring. The very strong garlicky smell of ramps can help to identify them properly.  Be aware when foraging for ramps that lily-of-the-valley looks very similar, but is NOT edible. Both ramps and lily-of-the-valley can’t have white or red stems. If you are not for sure, do not eat it.

    Ramps have recently risen dramatically in popularity over the last few years, and because of this, some places have put restrictions on foraging ramps or instructed foragers to cut ramps instead of pulling out the bulb. Please do your research and be aware of any rules or restrictions when harvesting. 

    Plantain

    Plantain 

    You have probably seen this plant in the cracks of sidewalks. Plantains grow all over and have qualities you probably didn’t even know about! Did you know that plantain can be used to help sores, blisters, and insect stings? Indigenous people would chew up the leaves of plantain and use the poultice to soothe insect bites. This could come in handy, especially for kids, who are often stung by bees and bit by mosquitoes while outside playing!

    Here you can read about the medicinal benefits of plantain with sources and science to back up the claims!

    Onion grass

    Onion grass/wild onion/wild garlic

    If you’ve spent any time outside in the spring, you’ve probably seen wild onion grass. It pops up in the spring, usually before the regular grass, and it grows twice as fast and much taller. You can often find it growing in small patches or clumps.

    When identifying, you can pull out the patch, and you will see small white bulbs at the end, just like miniature green onions. The stems/grass part of the plant can be used like chives (fresh or dried), or you can grind up dried stems to make onion powder!

    Fiddlehead ferns/ostrich fern

    Fiddleheads are the furled fronds of a young fern. Say that 5 times fast! Fiddlehead ferns are edible ferns before they unfurl and become inedible ferns. They are edible when in the furled-up stage of a fern, just after they start to shoot through the ground in spring. As they emerge through the fertile, wet April soil, they grow and unfurl quickly (sometimes lasting just a few days in their furled-up stage) – so you have to act fast! At this unfurled stage, they are tender and edible. 

    Though all ferns have a fiddlehead stage, it’s the Ostrich fern, a specific edible fern species, that has become synonymous with the words “fiddlehead ferns.”  Their taste is often described somewhere between asparagus, broccoli, and spinach. The ostrich fern is pictured here. Hosta shoots

    Hosta Shoots 

    Did you know these shade, loving ornamental plants were also edible? Hostas usually spread/multiply quickly over the years. So instead of getting rid of them to keep from overcrowding, you can dig up, young shoots and eat them!

    Most people prepare them like you would asparagus, with a similar taste and texture. All species of hosta are edible, but they are best eaten right when they shoot up. Here is a recipe for Bacon Wrapped Hosta Shoots. 

    Mullein

    Mullein 

    Mullein is probably most recognizable when it is large, tall, and its yellow stalk is flowering along roadsides and sidewalks. Foraging mullein is best done in the spring when the leaves are young and tender. These fuzzy leaves are fun and easy for kids to identify. Mullein is most known for its respiratory benefits. Smoking Mullen is probably not the best way to utilize it with kids, but mullein tea is also raved about for its respiratory healing properties.

    Morel mushrooms
    Morel mushroom picture by @c_l_allofus

    Foraging spring mushrooms

    There are thousands of mushrooms/fungi to find out in the woods or even just in the backyard. It’s important to know that while a lot of mushrooms are edible, there are a lot that are not. Some mushrooms are very dangerous and even deadly if ingested.

    Morels

    Morel mushrooms are a great way to start foraging mushrooms because they are easier than most to identify! Not to mention, they’re delicious! You can find morels under or around fallen and decaying trees, and along south-facing slopes. Morels have deeply ridged camps that resemble honeycombs. The stem of the morel is hollow. These mushrooms are delicious when sautéed or when fried!

    Family time foraging 

    You don’t have to venture far to begin your foraging adventures. Nearly everything listed here was found on or around my own property without too much searching. Even if you don’t plan to eat the things you find, looking for these spring treasures is still a fun and educational scavenger hunt! How much can you forage in your backyard this spring!?!

    What do you forage in the spring? 

    About the author

    Meghan is a midwestern mom of 3 kids and one dog. She is a physical therapist assistant and family photographer. At home, her and her family enjoy gardening (both indoors and outside), riding ATVs, and exploring the river behind their house. When not at home, they can usually be found at the lake or exploring Illinois state parks. Meghan’s family has always loved the outdoors, but they really found a passion for being outside and photography when her oldest son had to undergo a bone marrow transplant as a baby. During her son’s recovery, being outside became a safe place for the whole family to learn, grow and thrive. 

    You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @meghangarriott
    Meghan’s RWMC posts: Meghan Garriott

  • FAVORITE GEAR, GIFT GUIDE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PARK

    Best Outdoor Swings For Kids

    From simple and small to complex and engaging, there are so many options out there for kids’ swings. However, not all swings are equal and there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a swing for your kids. Finding the best outdoor swing for kids can be challenging. Luckily for us, Illinois mom of three, Meghan Garriott has tested a ton of them out and put together a great list of the best outdoor kids’ swings. This is the perfect post to help you find the best swing out there for you and your family based on your needs, your budget, your space, and the ages of your kids.  Best out door swings for kids

    Popularity of swings

    Undoubtedly, a swing is one of the most common pieces of play equipment at the park and in backyards, and for good reason. The benefits of swinging and having a swing aren’t just physical. Swinging can help regulate emotions and help the brain! There are many types of swings out there for every person and every situation. This post not only covers why swings are great (and super beneficial for kids), but also contains a round-up of the best (and most fun) outdoor swings for kids that you need to try. 

    Photo credit @sara_mccarty

    Benefits of swings for kids

    Physical benefits of swinging:

    Swinging is a full-body activity and can benefit every part of the body, from the brain down to the toes. Your arms and legs are used to help propel you, and your core is constantly engaged to keep you in place. Not only are your muscles activating, but your heart gets a great workout while pumping your arms and legs.  

    Swinging on a swing addresses both fine motor and large motor. Holding onto the chains or ropes of the swing can improve fine motor and dexterity, while the pumping of the legs and arms benefits gross motor and coordination. 

    Mental benefits of swinging:

    Because swinging is a full-body activity, it takes a lot of brain power and coordination. Many different parts of the brain are used to facilitate rhythmic and fluid movements like swinging. The inner ear helps tell our brain where our body is in space. The motion of swinging help develops and improve children’s body awareness. This leads to improved coordination and balance.

    Swinging also increases blood flow to the brain, which can improve focus and attention for hours after. If you ever have difficulty focusing on a project, or if your child has difficulty focusing on homework, try going outside to swing for a bit and then coming back in. You will likely do better and be more productive after swinging!

    Photo credit @sara_mccarty

    Emotional benefits of swinging:

    The rhythmic movement of swinging is calming and relaxing. Being outside and swinging can bring added relaxation and peace. Swinging is usually a simple activity that kids can learn very easily and at an early age. Being able to do this activity independently can be a source of pride for kids.

    Because swinging can be done alongside others or with the help of others, it can also be a great bonding experience between adults and kids, or kids and their peers. Taking turns on the swings encourages generosity and thankfulness, leading to feelings of happiness and contentment. The rhythmic movement of swings can be very calming for children of all ages but can be especially useful for those with sensory processing disorders.

    Swings help get kids outside 

    Outdoor play is known to have benefits for the mind AND body. Just like wanting to be outside, swinging comes naturally to most children, when given the opportunity. A swing is an easy way to spend quite a bit much-needed time outside in any condition or location.

    Check out these other Items that Promote Outdoor Play.

    Boy in red pushing boy in yellow on a yellow swing

    Choosing the right location for your swing

    The good news is that you don’t have to have a huge space to have a swing. There is a swing for every location.  Whether you’re by the water, in the woods, in the backyard, or on the porch, there is a swing that fits your needs.

    A rope swing can fit in a small area on a small branch, while a large climber swing will need a lot more room and more sturdy support. Some swings go forward and back, while others swing from side to side, so you’ll want to check to ensure you have enough room in each direction. The area around the swing should Be designated just for the swing, with no walkways or other play equipment too close by.

    Some swings are great at holding up to the outdoor elements, but others may need to be taken down during rain and wind. This is important to keep in mind as chose your swing spot.

    Three children on red swings - how to choose the best swing for your kids

    Where (and how) to attach your swing

    If you don’t already have a swing set to attach a swing to, this metal swing frame is a great place to start. For a nice sturdy tree branch, this tree swing strap is easy to install and holds up to 2,000 lbs. A slackline is another great place to add different swings if a tree limb or traditional swing set isn’t accessible. 

    Swing safety for kids

    There are a few precautions that you’ll need to take when enjoying a swing, but also some safety concerns to think about before buying one. All swings come with weight limits, it’s important to follow these to prevent injuries. 

    It’s also a good idea to have specialized seats with straps, support, and a seat belt, to ensure safety for children under three years old. Little kids and children under 5 should have close supervision while playing on swings.

    Make sure your swing or swing set is regularly maintained. Check for weak spots in the wood, broken or open links in the chains (so little fingers don’t get pinched), and ensure all straps are secure at each use. Ensure that any adjustable ropes or chains are correctly positioned for the size of your children. 

    Child swinging on yellow swing at sunset

    Best simple outdoor swing for small spaces 

    Disc swing– A disk swing is great for small spaces and easy storage. You can stand on the disc or sit on the disc, making it feel like a classic rope swing (with a bit more support). It’s a hit with both big kids and toddlers. This disc swing even has platforms for climbing up the rope. It has a 220lb weight capacity. 

    2-in-1 bounce swing with hanging rings – If you don’t have enough space for multiple swings, this swing is perfect. You can hang From the rings, bounce on the swing or sit and swing. The bar allows you to switch from one to the other easily. 

    The classic belt swing seat– A belt swing seat is small, durable for outdoor conditions, and uncomplicated. Belt swings are classic swings that can be used in so many ways, depending on the age (and creativity) of your kids. Its weight capacity is 250 lbs. 

    Photo credit @sara_mccarty

    Best large area swings for kids

    Climber swing– If you have a lot of room and some little monkeys who love to climb and swing, this would be a hit! This climber swing comes with its own frame! It’s a great choice for a fun backyard swing for kids. 

    Tent swing– A tent swing is a hideout and a swing all in one. Some are even waterproof with lights (although, be aware that they should not be left up when not in use). My kids love playing in their tent swing at night with flashlights. 

    Hoopla Ring Swing – Just like a circus swing! This swing is round with a seat and handles to hold onto. It can spin and swing in all directions.

    Child looking out of a hanging tent swing

    Best set of swings 

    Swingsets are a great option for your family, if you’ve got the budget and the space for them. There are so many different options and types of outdoor swing sets out there, from wooden swing sets to classic metal swing sets, to obstacle course-type swing sets. Here are a few of the best swing sets for kids. 

    Steel swing set – This heavy-duty swing set allows for multiple different types of swings, is durable for all weather conditions, and has foam-covered poles for safety!

    Ninja course swing set– With this set up, you can mix and match different types of hanging swings, sit swings, and standing swings! Basically, it’s a new and improved monkey bars in your own backyard. Some available options to add are trapeze bar swing, monkey wheel swing, rope ladder, and a twister swing. These handle swings are great for developing and improving upper extremity strength, range of motion, and dexterity! This set is great for older kids because it is more engaging!

    Child swinging from one handle to another

    Best outdoor swings for babies 

    Safety and comfort are key when looking for an outdoor baby swing. Having a high back for neck and trunk support is important. Straps or a harness are a must to keep babies secure. 

    1st Little Tikes Snug and Secure– This classic is one of the most popular and best outdoor baby swings. It has safety features such as adjustable straps and a high supportive back. Fits children from 9 months to 4 years. 50lb weight limit. 

    Baby bucket swing– A bucket-type swing is the best toddler swing for younger children. This type of swing is usually seen at parks and playgrounds and is a popular choice for young children. It is very durable and can withstand sun and rain. Easily add this to an existing swing set. Not as adjustable as other baby swings 

    Character baby swings– Baby swings shaped like cars, trucks or tractors let your child drive and swing at the same time. It has adjustable straps and a high back for good neck and trunk support. This swing has thin plastic and can crack, so be sure to take it down when not in use. 
    Baby in a green tractor swing

    Best tire swings 

    Tire swings are so nostalgic and classic. I grew up swinging on a tire swing at my grandparents’ house. Tire swings are great because you can sit on them, stand on them, or sit inside them. Tires can also be positioned up and down, or crossways. You may be able to find an old tire from your local farmer or mechanic, but here are some more fun options That might not be as greasy and dirty.

    Pony horse tire swing– This pony/horse swing is a fun and creative take on the tire swing. Customizable! 

    Classic tire swing– This tire swing is durable for outdoor conditions. The tire is positioned in a sideways position. It’s great for multiple children. Comes in different colors. 
    Boy on tire swing panning effect

    Best swing for multiple children 

    Saucer swing– These large round swings are great for multiple kids and for adults to sit on as well. Older kids will love this swing as much as the little ones. This swing has a high weight limit and is moderately durable in outdoor conditions. 

    Web swing– This circular webs swing is shaped like a giant spider web and is a great option if you have multiple kids. It lets multiple kids sit, lay down or stand with lots of places to hold onto!

    Vortex Spinning Ring Swing– This large multi-level swing spins while it swings. Think teacup spinning ride at the state fair. Can hold 4 kids and up to 300lbs but needs lots of room to move!

    Baby on a web swing

    Best tandem swings 

    Expression Swing– This swing allows children and adults of all ages and abilities to enjoy swinging along with a caregiver or friend. 

    Glider swing– With this glider swing, kids sit back to back, and using both arms and legs, they have to work together to swing. This swing is durable for all weather conditions. Great for siblings! Weight capacity of 150lbs total 

    Boat swing– This fun swing is shaped like a boat, making it great for two riders to face each other and feel the wind in the sails. Weight capacity is 200 lbs. Due to the thin material, take this swing down when not in use. 

    Hoop swing – This awesome hoop swing fits 2 riders and can hold up to 300 lbs. The stainless steel frame is durable and should last for years of fun and outdoor play. 

    Two children on expression swing smiling
    Expression swing

    Best standing swings 

    Standing swings are not only fun but are the best for encouraging high-level strength and coordination! Unlike a regular swing, stand-up swings give your kids a new way to swing and usually move all over the place! 

    Surf swing– Surf the wind! This Swurfer Swing allows children to stand and shift weight from side to side. This swing required a lot of open space laterally and may not fit well on traditional swing sets. Weight capacity is 150 lbs. It’s great for older children that want to swing high and fast and love a challenge.  

    Standing swing– This standing platform swing is a great option for big kids. It’s square-shaped with indents for your feet. This swing allows forward and backwards movement while standing. 

    Boy on surf swing swinging to the side
    Surf swing

    Best hammock swings for kids 

    Signature Yellow leaf Hammock– This hammock is durable for all weather conditions but light and easy to pack up and take camping. It is designed not to flip, making it safer for children to get in and out of. It can be hung from many different spots and has a 400lb weight capacity.

    Hammock Chair Swing– A swing with pockets! For books or rocks, it has pockets to store things in while kids relax. It offers a little more cushion and support than a traditional hammock but has all the laid-back relaxation. 

    Girl In hammock swing eating apple
    Photo credit @sara_mcarty

    Inclusive swings for kids 

    A swing is a great tool for all abilities. Swinging gives vestibular and proprioceptive stimulation. The movement can help soothe and calm a child whether they are overstimulated or seeking more input to feel regulated.   Using the full body to swing activates muscles on each side of the body equally, which can help improve strength balance and coordination. Swinging can be a fun and engaging tool to address things like weakness, tone, sensory processing disorders. And kids love it. 

    Little Tikes Inclusive Swing– this swing has a high back/neck support, sturdy 3 point harness and high grade plastic. Weight limit of 250lbs. The downside is it is more expensive.

    Deluxe swing seat– This highback swing seat has leg support and secure straps. It has a weight capacity of 200lbs but can come in smaller sizes as well. 

    Portable Swing Chair– sitting still is hard, when kids need sensory input in the go this portable swing chair is perfect! It is great for camping or sporting events 

    Photo credit @sara_mccarty

    Best porch swings 

    Family Wooden Porch swing– Take some time to sit back and enjoy the sunrise or sunset while sitting on a porch with your family. It’s such a great way to start it end the day. This porch swing is durable and customizable!

    Porch swing with stand– If you don’t have a sturdy porch or don’t have a porch at all, you can still enjoy the outdoors with this swing that includes a stand. This large and sturdy swing is perfect for sitting and relaxing in the yard, as well. 

    Photo credit @sara_mccarty

    Get to swinging!

    Having a swing at home has endless benefits. Swinging is enjoyed by many ages and many abilities. This activity can provide hours of endless fun for the whole family while encouraging physical activity and emotional bonding. You can never have too many types of swings.

    What kind of swing is your kids’ favorite?

    About the author

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

    You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @meghangarriott
    Meghan’s RWMC posts: Meghan Garriott

  • BEACH, FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER, WATER

    Best Life Jackets for Kids

    Summertime means days at the lake, spending time on the boat, hanging out at the beach, swimming in the pool, and being in and around WATER a lot! And anytime children are around water, safety is our number one concern. Life jackets help keep kids safe when spending time on the water. But, with so many options, brands, and types of life jackets and personal floatation devices out there, how do you know which ones are the best for kids? Today, Meghan Garriott, Illinois photographer and mom of three, is here to help you find the best life jackets for kids. She’ll go over proper life jacket fit, how to choose a life jacket based on your activity, and includes recommendations for the best life jackets for kids. 

    Best life jackets for kids

    Our recommendations for the best life jackets for kids

    All our analysis, safety features, and full product reviews are below, but if you’re ready for us to get to the point right NOW, here are our recommendations for the best life jackets for kids:

    Safety always comes first 

    There are so many fun water activities that are great for your health, but no matter what you’re doing, when water is involved, safety precautions must be taken. Water wings, floaties, and other blow-up toys and floatation aids are fun (and often very affordable and easy), but they are not life-saving devices in emergency situations. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, drowning is the number one cause of unintentional death for children ages 1 to 4.  

    The good news is drowning is preventable with constant supervision and a reliable personal flotation device, like a life jacket. However, not every life jacket is made for every situation. Shopping for a life jacket can be overwhelming. But don’t worry; we’re here to help! We’ve got the best kids life jacket recommendations for your little swimmer. 

    *It’s important to note that children should still be constantly supervised when in or around water, even with life jackets on.

    Life jackets are a summer staple

    Life jackets are a quintessential part of our summer wardrobe. Lake days are our favorite family activity in the summer and safety is our utmost priority. I think it’s safe to say most families find themselves in or around water sometime during the summer. Water is fun for the whole family, but it can often be stressful for parents trying to find the right gear to keep kids safe AND comfortable.

    Whether you are in the pool swimming, on the lake fishing, on the beach playing, or behind a boat riding a wake, life jackets for kids must be a part of the fun. But in order for it to be fun, the life jackets need to be comfortable and safe. We are here to help you find the right life jacket for kids, no matter what the age of your kids or the situation, so everyone can safely enjoy the water. 

    If you are looking for fun ways to get in the water, check out these 15 kid-friendly ways to get active on the water. 

    Child in kayak with life jacket on - best life jackets for kids

    What to look for in a kids’ life jacket

    When trying to decide on a life jacket for kids, there are a lot of factors to consider. Here are a few factors that will affect the type of life jacket you need:

    • Where will your child be wearing a life jacket?  Pool, lake, or ocean? 
    • Will they be doing a lot of swimming or just hanging out on the boat/beach? There are different types of life jackets for different activities. 
    • What material does your child prefer? Life jackets are made of nylon, neoprene, or vinyl. My kids prefer neoprene as it is softer and does not cause chafing after a long day of swimming, but it can be more expensive.
    • What is the size and body type of the child wearing it? Life jackets Are usually sized by weight, but the ranges can vary by brand. Always check the sizes and be sure that your child fits the size parameters for the life jacket at the time they’re wearing it.

    Another variable to consider is the color of the life jacket. I try to look for brands of life jackets with bright neon colors that will contrast against both a pool and the lake. Neon colors help to increase supervision and safety. 

    When does your child need to wear a life jacket?

    It is important to know when your child should be wearing a life jacket. If you are planning a trip to a lake or river, be sure to check that area’s rules and regulations. As a general rule for lakes and rivers, children should ALWAYS have their life jackets on when under 12 years old, even if your child is a capable and confident swimmer. This applies whether your child is in a canoe, kayak, or a boat under 16 feet in length.

    In many places, boating laws require lifejackets to be US Coast Guard-approved (see below for more info on that). If you are renting a boat, make sure to ask if they provide baby or child-sized life jackets or if you’ll need to bring your own. Before going to a pool, check to make sure lifejackets are allowed and if they also need to be Coast Guard approved. 

    Coast Guard-approved life jackets

    If/when the U.S. Coast Guard stops you on the water to do a safety check, they will almost always check whether you have the right life jackets onboard. Not all life vests or flotation devices are approved USCG life jacket types. If you need a USCG-approved life jacket, be sure to check the label for all pertinent information before buying a life vest. The label of all US Coast Guard-approved life jackets contains a statement that it is approved, with an approval number.

    There are 5 categories of United States Coast Guard life jacket types, which will be labeled Type I through IV. Most of the life jackets we cover in this post are “USCG Type III” (flotation aids). Each type corresponds to the type of activity your child will be engaged in. Type I are offshore life jackets; Type II are near-shore vests; Type IV are throwable devices; and Type V are special-use devices. It is important to have the right life jacket for the right activity. 

    Children playing in sand with life jackets on - how to choose the best life jacket for kids

    Life jacket sizing for kids

    Life jackets for kids usually come in 3 different sizes, but that can vary by brand and purpose. Picking the right size life jacket for your kids is the most important factor when choosing a life jacket. Kids should fit properly in the life jacket they’re wearing at the moment. Do not buy a life jacket that your child will grow into. Buy one that fits their size and weight right now. Kids’ life jackets are sized according to weight, not chest size (adult life jackets are sized by chest circumference). 

    • Infant/Toddler: 8-30 lbs
    • Child: 30-50 lbs
    • Youth: 50-90 lbs

    Proper life jacket fit for kids

    A life jacket must fit properly in order for it to be safe and effective. It should have a secure, snug fit. If it’s too tight, it won’t provide sufficient flotation (you’ll need to move up a size). A fastened life jacket or vest should never rise above the face when a child is in the water. It’s important to make sure the adjustable straps are secure and the crotch strap is tight enough to prevent the life jacket from riding up. If the life jacket does rise up, it’s likely too large (go down a size). 

    Try the life jacket on before leaving the house

    Before heading out to the pool or the lake, have your child try the life jacket on at home to make sure it fits properly and familiarize yourself with how to secure it. Most life jackets have a lot of different zippers and buckles. Many have leg straps, a crotch strap, and a snug-fit that kids need to get used to. It’s helpful to know how it goes on prior to getting on an unsteady boat or when your child is already slippery with sunscreen or sand.

    When you’re doing the life jacket try on, get excited and talk it up to your kids! Some kids are not always excited about having to wear a life jacket, so any enthusiasm on your part will help make it a better experience. When trying it on beforehand, talk about how cool it is, and explaining the importance can help make your day in the water a little easier. Let your child move around in it for a little while so you can see how comfortable they are in it, and if any adjustments should be made to make them more comfortable.

    It is important to make sure your child understands that the lifejacket HAS to be worn, and no exceptions will be made. Try to keep your tone light and excited about all the fun you’re going to have on your adventure! Modeling a life jacket yourself is a great way to help them get excited or at least feel ok with their new gear. 

    Baby in pink life jacket holding onto boat steering wheel - best life jackets for babies

    Best for life jackets for babies (0-30lbs)

    When buying a life jacket for a baby, make sure there is good head support and a snug secure fit. Babies come in many different shapes, sizes and body types, and there are different life jackets to match. Babies may be uncomfortable in a life jacket at first, but a flexible and soft life jacket is key to it keeping them happy for long-term wearing. Don’t worry, they will get used to it, I promise! Here are our top picks for life jackets for babies and infants. 

    • Best overall life jacket for babies – STEARNS Puddle Jumper Hydroprene Infant Life Jacket 

      • PROS: soft and comfortable hydroprene material, large head support, bright colors, USCG-approved, affordable, grab handle
      • CONS: 3 buckles and a zipper that can make donning difficult, can be tight on chunkier babies

    • Best life jacket for chunky babies – O’Neill Wake Waterski USCG Infant Life Vest 

      •  PROS: wider neck and arm openings, bright colors, adjustable around the waist, USCG-approved
      • CONS: price, nylon material is not as soft or flexible as neoprene

    Best overall life jacket for kids (swim/play/sports) 

    Ready for the best all-around life jackets for kids? This rapid dry life jacket can go from the pool to the lake on the same day (we’ve done it!). It is super comfortable and flexible, great for hours of swimming or playing. It’s also well-made and holds up over the years. We’ve had ours for 3 years now, and there are no tears or loose stitching. It’s very affordable for the quality!

    Child in puddle pals life jacket - best life jacket for toddlers

    Best 2-in-1 life jacket for kids that hate wearing life jackets (33 to 55 pounds)

    Do you have a little escape artist? One of those kids that can wiggle out of any jacket or life jacket? My 4-year-old is notorious for this! However, we found a great solution. This two-in-one life jacket and rash guard combo will be a lifesaver (literally) for you and your kiddo. The back buckle and long sleeve rash guard make it impossible for the child to get off on their own. It’s a great toddler life jacket option as it’s also flexible and comfortable, so hopefully, after a while, they won’t be trying to take it off.

    Best life jackets for fashionable kids (33 to 55 pounds)

    Do you have a child who loves colors, characters, fashion, or just needs some bribing to put the thing on? Well, then the Paddle Pals life jacket might be a good option for your child. There are tons of (20+) characters, colors, designs, and even 3-D options. The shoulder straps help keep the floaties nice and secure. 

    • Body Glove Paddle Pals 33-55lbs 

      • PROS: shoulder straps and back buckle keep the arm and torso floaties secure, so many colors and characters, USCG-approved, affordable 
      • CONS: arm wings can limit arm motion

    Child on paddle board in life jacket - best life jacket for water sports

    Best life jackets for kids participating in water sports 

    If your child is going to be tubing, skiing, or wakeboarding, you are going to want a life jacket that is flexible yet lightweight. If you are out on the water often enough for water sports, you will want to invest in a high-quality life jacket that is durable enough for spins and flips, and wipeouts!

    Child playing on the beach with life vest on - best overall life jacket for kids

    Best kids’ life jackets for swim training 

    If you have a young child (ages 2 to 4) that’s just learning how to swim, you may want something different than your traditional life jacket. A swim training vest is lightweight and less bulky than most life jackets, yet still buoyant.  It can be used for training at the swimming pool when working on your swimming skills, or we use it for beach play. I have one child who is more interested in playing in the sand on the beach than getting in the water, so this swim vest works well for him because it allows him to play more comfortably but keeps him safe.

    Please note that swim vests are NOT USCG-approved, so it’s best for pools or the beach and under high supervision. It’s designed to help kids swim in the prone (face-down) position, so it’s definitely not the right safety device if you’re out on open water.

    Best life jacket for kids when fishing 

    When fishing from the dock or boating to a waterfowl hunting spot, this life jacket will keep your child safe and fit in with the rest of the camouflaged gear! Plus, everyone loves pockets, right? This life vest has pockets for all your bobbers and fishing gear. 

    Child in pink and blue life jacket

    Comfort, safety, fun!

    Nothing can spoil a beautiful summer day like a toddler meltdown due to an uncomfortable life jacket. We don’t want you to have that experience. We hope this post and these life jack recommendations help you be prepared with the most comfortable, most adorable, and safest life jacket for your water adventures.  Wearing a life jacket may take some getting used to, but once you find the right one, everyone can have endless and safe fun! (And you can have a bit more peace of mind.)

    Where will your kiddos wear their life jackets for some water fun?

    About the author

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

    You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @meghangarriott
    Meghan’s RWMC posts: Meghan Garriott

  • OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, RECIPES, SPRING

    Wild Violet Foraging with Kids & Color-Changing Simple Syrup

    Wild violets are one of the very first sure signs of spring and the warmth it brings. Seeing that first colorful sign of spring after a long cold winter is such a happy sight. While most people may consider violets as a pesky weed that commonly grows in yards, we’re here to change your mind. Today, Meghan Garriott, Illinois mom of three, is here to tell you all about the benefits of wild violets and how useful (and fun) they can be.  Soon, you and your kids will be searching the yard and excited about foraging violets out in the wild!  These edible and medicinal little flowers and leaves can be used to make jellies, color-changing simple syrups, salves, and so much more. 

    Violet foraging with kids

    Benefits of foraging for violets

    Foraging is gathering plant matter provided by nature to eat, use, or consume. Did you know that violet flowers (as well as their young leaves) are edible? Violets are known to be high in vitamin A and vitamin C and can be used in many different ways. In addition to being edible, violets have many known medicinal uses. Studies have shown that violets can help with insomnia, decrease oral cancers, and are good for skincare oils and salves.

    Violet foraging with kids - Little fingers holding violets

    Identifying wild violets for foraging

    There are many different species of violets that can be found across the United States, Canada, and Australia. Violets can be white, yellow, or their namesake purple color. The violet colors can range from dark purple to a light lavender color. The contrast between the green leaves and violet flowers makes them the easiest to spot.  Yellow varieties are may cause an upset stomach in large quantities, so we stick to the purple and white flowers.

    The flower portion of a violet has five irregular petals that usually range from a penny to a half dollar in size. The stems of the flowers can be 3-6 inches long, which makes them easy for little hands to pick. The stems stick out from heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges. There are usually many flowers clumped together in one patch making them easy to spot even for the littlest foragers.

    Violets spread and reproduce by underground rhizomes and seeds. These seeds sprout later in the season after the blooms are long gone. This is great news because it means you don’t have to worry about your harvest affecting next year’s growth. You can pick all you want! 

    Spring outdoor activities for kid - Violet foraging with kids

    Foraging for violets with children

    The first time my 4 year old went violet foraging it only took a few minutes for him to begin finding patches by himself by identifying the leaves alone. When your children find them on their own for the first time, make sure to praise their efforts. Get excited with them! It’s a big deal for them to find things on their own and this extra encouragement can make foraging a lot more fun when they are proud of themselves.

    Child holding a white violet and a purple violet - violet foraging with kids

    Where to look for violets in the wild

    Violets prefer partial sun or light shade and a good amount of moisture. We have the best luck finding them along shallow creeks with adequate tree coverage. In the earliest part of spring, you will find the first violets where the sun can warm the soil. The shadier areas will have violets in the later spring once the soil there warms to the right temperature. Violets can also be found in yards in early spring before the first mowing.

    Child searching ground along creek bed

    When to forage violets 

    The best time of year to forage for violet is early spring, when nighttime temperatures begin to rise above freezing. Once you see violet leaves unraveling from the ground it won’t be long (about a week) before the flowers are there, as well.

    Since violets are found across the US and Canada, the best time to find violets can vary based on the weather conditions of that year and the general seasonality of the area. Here in the Midwest, April is a sure time to forage for violets. Violets only bloom for about 4-6 weeks, so if you are hoping to find them, you’ll want to keep an eye on the weather so you don’t miss this window. 

    While not as plentiful, violets also bloom in late fall when the temperatures begin to drop again. 

    How to forage for wild violets with kids

    Foraging safety tips

    Foraging with kids is a fun outdoor physical family activity that can really connect you with nature, but some precautions should be taken. First, you (and your children) should always be very aware of where you are foraging for violets (or anything, really). If you are not familiar with the area, take some time to look around before you begin picking. Check for animal nests and be alert for snakes or insects that may be around your area. Also, check for poison ivy or poison oak. It’s best to find a patch of violets, then do a quick visual check of the area. Once cleared, then direct the kids to that area for foraging. Remind kids that nature is home to wildlife, and they should keep watch for dangers as well. 

    You should also be aware of any local rules or regulations regarding foraging or harvesting if you’re on public land or parks. Many parks have rules about taking nothing out of the park or restrictions against picking flora. Only forage in places where it’s allowed or you have express permission from the landowner. 

    You also need to be very cautious with your find before ever consuming something that you foraged. Double and triple-check your haul to make sure that you have accurately identified the plant and didn’t include any other plants or materials (including bugs, webs, etc.). Remove anything that is not the item you were foraging and NEVER consume anything you’re unsure about. Find more outdoor safety tips here.

    Patch of violets

    Using wild violets to make color-changing simple syrup 

    Violet simple syrup is our favorite thing to make with our foraged violets. Not only is it delicious, but it’s so much fun for kids! The syrup changes colors based on the type of liquid you add it to! It’s a really neat hands-on science experiment for kids to learn about pH.

    The violet syrup itself can range from bright purple to dark blue. When added to an acid like lemonade, the drink will turn pink. In a base like baking soda water, it will turn greenish. How fun is that?! Let me show you how to make it.

    Color-changing wild violet simple syrup recipe - Lemonade, Violet syrup, baking soda water
    Lemonade, violet syrup, baking soda water before mixing
    How to make wild violet syrup
    Lemonade with syrup added on the left and backing soda water with violet syrup added on the right.

    How to make wild violet syrup

    When we search for violets to make syrup, we usually aim to loosely fill a quart-sized mason jar. This gives you just the right amount of foraged violets to make a batch of color-changing simple syrup. Here’s the process:

    • Remove the stems of the plants from the flowers. Keep only the flowers for the syrup.
    • Do a quick rinse of the flowers to remove any dirt, sand, or insects.
    • Once rinsed, put the flowers back in the quart jar and fill it to the top with it hot distilled water.
    • Seal the jar and let it steep overnight.
    • In the morning, strain the flowers from the liquid, leaving behind beautiful violet-tinted water.
    • Set the mason jar filled with the violet water into a pot of water to heat it up enough so that it’s warm.
    • To make the syrup, mix equal parts warm violet water and sugar (1 cup water + 1 cup sugar) and stir until the super is dissolved.

    Here is a video from Alexis @blackforager on how to make the syrup. 

    Ways to use violet syrup 

    You can mix the violet simple syrup into all kinds of drinks. If you add it to an acid drink (like lemonade), it’ll turn pink! 

    Our favorite way to use our forage wild violet simple syrup is in homemade lime water. The citrus mixed with the sweet floral of the violet syrup is so good! The resulting beautiful pink color is an added bonus. My kids love to watch the drink change color as we mix the syrup and lime water.

    The simple syrup can be added to any drink of your choice. Consider adding it to tea, juice, mocktails/cocktails, sparkling water, or even just diluting it with water and adding other fresh herbs like mint or basil. The syrup would also be as delicious as a drizzle on baked goods or pancakes!

    Pink drink in a mason jar made with wild violet color-changing simple syrup
    Lime water with violet syrup added

    Using violet leaves

    Violet flowers aren’t the only part of the plant that is usable. Young violet leaves can be used in salads, in teas, and as garnishes. The leaves, as well as the flowers, can be infused in oils for use on the skin and can be used to make balms and salves. New growth emerges from the ground rolled up like a funnel and slowly unrolls from the center of the heart, shaped like a rose. 

    Violet leaves
    Young violet leaves

    Wild violet treats – jellies, cookies, and cakes 

    Making syrup isn’t the only way you can use your foraged wild violet flowers. The flowers of the violets can also be pressed or used to decorate desserts such as shortbread cookies and cakes. Here are some awesome recipes to try out!

    Baby with violet bow holding mason Jar of violets - foraging violets with kids

    More springtime foraging fun 

    Foraging violets is a fun springtime activity, but not the only one! If you’re not able to find violets or want some other springtime foraging ideas, never fear! Other spring blooms that are edible (and can be used to make similar items) are Forsythia, dandelions, and lilacs. We also have a great post on how to forage for pine tree tips and make a DIY foraged pine tree tip syrup. 

    There is no shortage of delicious and amazing things to make after you forage violets. So get outside and have some fun while collecting the goods!

    Do you forage with your kids? 

    About the author

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

    You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @meghangarriott
    Meghan’s RWMC posts:

  • CRAFTS, HOLIDAYS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, WINTER

    20 DIY Nature-Inspired Holiday Ornaments for Kids

    We love finding fun ways to incorporate nature into our home and decor. While it may be cold outside, now is a great time to get out into nature, collect some fun items, and get crafty! Today, Meghan Garriott, Illinois mom of three, is here with 20 nature-inspired holiday ornaments that you can make with your kids. These DIY ornaments are all made with items found in (and just outside) your home! Not only are they the perfect (non-breakable) addition to your tree, but they also make adorable gifts for friends, family, teachers, and neighbors. 

    20 diy nature inspired holiday ornaments

    Nature-inspired holiday ornaments

    Decorating for the winter holidays can be a fun family experience. Each year we like to put on music, dance and decorate. Unfortunately, with 3 little kids, it’s hard to not have a ton of broken or damaged decor by the end of decorating, and definitely by the end of the season.

    This year we are doing things a little differently. I’m pardoning all my glass bulbs and heirloom ornaments. They’re staying in their boxes, safe and sound this year. Instead, we are made all of our own nature ornaments.

    Not only does that mean that we got to spend some time outside in the fresh air collecting items, but we got to spend time together making the ornaments and putting them up. 

    Plan your crafting day

    Below, I’ve included ideas for making 20 different kinds of nature-inspired ornaments. Each ornament uses both natural materials and traditional craft supplies. Making the ornaments is super fun, but so is collecting all your nature items. Since you will be using a lot of the same materials over again, I recommend making a full day out of it and do both the collecting and ornament making in the same day. Spend the morning gathering all your materials and then go home and start making your ornaments. Your nature items will be fresher, there will be less whining about when you’ll make them, ess clean up and fewer sticky/painted fingers this way!

    Nature ornaments for kids

    Gather your craft supplies 

    For our day of ornament making, we used only the craft supplies that we had at home. No additional trip to the store for supplies – we made do with all the scraps, ends, and bits we found in our craft closet and boxes. Every ornament we walk you through below is very easy to customize based on what you have at home and I’ll include fun variations for a lot of them.

    Our non-nature material included:

    • string
    • twine
    • glue
    • construction paper
    • Mod Podge
    • wood beads
    • oranges
    • salt dough (water, salt, flour)
    • paint

    Some additional fun things to consider using would be:

    • leftover ribbon
    • leftover wrapping paper
    • spare buttons
    • popsicles sticks
    • glitter
    • sequins
    • stickers

    Collect your nature materials

    The next thing to do is get outside and find natural materials. You likely won’t have to venture too far from home to collect most of your nature materials. In our own yard, we collected sticks and pine cones. We went to the park to collect some pieces of arborvitae/red cedar tree clippings and some pine clippings. We had some pressed flowers from over the summer that we used as well. Acorns were on our list of things to find but unfortunately, the squirrels beat us to most of them. I’ve included how we planned it used them.

    My kids had a great time finding the perfect sticks and pine cones to use. To make the most of your hunting day check out this Fall Scavenger Hunt how-to.

    Holiday salt dough tree ornaments with pine and red string

    20 DIY nature-inspired ornaments (and how to make them)

    Ok, let’s get to the good part. Are you ready for 20 easy DIY tutorials on how to make the cutest nature-inspired holiday ornaments with your kids? Here we go! 

    Salt dough ornaments

    There are so many different fun types of ornaments you can make with salt dough. Have you ever made salt dough? It’s super easy and guaranteed to be fun for the kids. I’ve included the recipe and instructions below, as well as three different types of nature-inspired ornaments you can make with salt dough.

    Salt dough recipe

    • 1 cup of flour
    • 1/2 cup of salt
    • 1/2 cup of water (may add more as needed)

    Knead the dough till smooth then use a rolling pin till thin. Use cookie cutters to cut desired shapes. Using a reusable metal straw poke holes for string to go through. Bake at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 20min then flip over and cook for 10 more minutes.

    1. Salt dough Christmas tree ornaments

    Gather small Arborvitae/red cedar clippings. Choose the pieces that look the most like a Christmas tree. Cut them to fit your salt dough shape. Place clipping on salt dough and paint with thick layer of Mod Podge. It will likely take a few coats with about 20 min dry time between each coat.

    Once the Arborvitae is securely on your dough you can paint ornaments or a star on your tree, or leave it as is. (As an added bonus, these clippings smell really lovely)

    Painting modge podge on ornament - how to make diy salt dough ornaments2. Salt dough pressed flower ornament 

    As above you organize then pressed flowers on your cut and baked dough. Carefully handle the pressed flowers.  They may be delicate. Once arranged how you like paint with. Thick layer of Mod Podge. It will take a few coats.

    If you don’t have any pressed flowers this year, keep this idea in mind come spring and summer! Collect them and press them in a book until you’re ready to use them next December. Add some ribbon or twine to hang and some accent beads if you have them.

    3. Salt dough pine needle ornament

    For this ornament you will coat the whole ornament with Mod Podge before placing the needles. While the Mod Podge is still wet use the pine needles to make designs on your ornament. Let dry then coat with one more layer of Mod Podge.

    Pressed flower on salt dough - easy nature inspired holiday ornaments to make with your kids

    Acorn ornaments 

    4. Acorn silver bells ornament 

    Paint acorns in metallic silver. Add a black cross-hatch on the bottom of the acorn to look like the bottom of a bell. Tie a red ribbon or string around the acorn stem to hang

    5. Acorn bulb lights

    Paint the bottom part of multiple acorns in bright colors. Hang separately or along one long string like a strand of lights.

    Twig star wrapped in twine - holiday ornaments made from nature

    Ornaments made from sticks and twigs

    6. Stick star ornaments

    Use 5 fairly equal in length sticks. Fashion them in the shape of a star and glue edges together. Regular glue works ok, but has a longer dry time. Hot glue works best. Once dry wrap string, twine, or ribbon around the star. Wrap just the points of the star, wrap the individual twigs or wrap the whole thing like we did. There is no wrong way to decorate your star.

    A fun variation would be to make tassels and attach them to the end of the points. If you don’t have string or ribbon just paint that star or cover it in glitter ( if you’re brave). You could also paint the sticks/twine or add sequins to make them more colorful.

    7. Stick letter ornaments

    Use sticks to make the first letter of all the names in your family. This was a good activity for my 3 year old who is learning how to spell his name. Wrap letters in ribbon, yarn or twine. Decorate with buttons, paint, or glitter.

    8. Stick reindeer ornaments

    Make a triangle with sticks with one point of the triangle pointing at you. This will be the reindeer’s nose. Bring the furthest side from towards you a few inches, the extra length on the sides will be the antlers. Use  construction paper to make a red Rudolph nose and put some eyes on each side a few inches above the nose.

    9. Stick snowflake ornaments

    Using 6 sticks of equal length, glue them all together at one point to create a circle. At the end of each stick glue 2 small stick pieces to each side of each stick to form the full snowflake. Paint it white, cover it with glitter or just leave it as is.

    Christmas tree made of sticks and string -diy nature inspired holiday ornaments for kids

    Tree ornaments made of sticks 

    10. Stacked stick tree ornaments

    Start with a stick about 6 inches long, place gradually shorter sticks above to form a Christmas tree. To keep the stack together you can glue to a. Popsicle stick base or tie them together with knots between each stick as seen below.

    11. Wrapped twig tree ornament

    For this tree we used a stick that naturally branched off into a V then glued another stick across the bottom to complete the triangle. We then use a small piece for the trunk of the tree. Wrap twine, yarn or string around the triangle to fill in the tree. Add a star at the top.

    Tree made from string and twigs

    Pinecone ornaments 

    12. Pinecone Christmas tree ornament

    Paint the scales if the pine cone green. Feeling artsy? Try using two or three different colors of green on the same cone. Add a star at the top and maybe some homemade ornaments to finish it off. You can use sequins or little pom-poms for the ornaments. Or even nature confetti (use a hole punch on some vibrant colored leaves). 

    13. Snow covered pinecone ornaments

    Paint the edge of each scale white. For glistening snow add iridescent flake paint on top of the white or sprinkle with white, silver, or gold glitter.

    14. Beaded pinecone ornaments

    Use smaller pine cones for this one. Tie string to the top of the pine cone, add colored or plain wood beads to the string on top of the pine cone. If you have small beads, glue then to the pinecone scales like ornaments on a tree.

    15. Disco ball pinecone

    There are a few ways to completely glitter your pinecone in order to turn it into a sparkly disco ball. You can spray the whole pine cone with spray adhesive then put pinecone and glitter in ziplock bag and shake till completely covered. Another way to cover it in glitter is to paint each scale with glittered acrylic paint. Either way you do it these are a great addition to the holiday decor because they are so sparkly and reflect the lights beautifully. 

    Pro tip: When temperatures are low pinecones tend to close up. To open them back up just put them in the oven at 200 for about 15 minutes. 
    Painting glitter on pinecone

    Globe ornaments 

    16.  Filled globe nature ornaments

    Start with some clear plastic globe ornaments (like these). Then, fill them up with your favorite nature finds. You can make beachy ornaments (filled with sand or shells from your favorite beach), pine forest ornaments (filled with pine needle clippings) or even wildflower ornaments (filled with dried flowers). The possibilities are endless!

    Pro tip: This is also a great way to remember a particular trip or vacation. While you’re there (wherever you are), remember to collect a bunch of small items that can be placed in a globe ornament. When you get home, put all the things in the ornament and write the destination and date of the trip on the globe. 

    17. Pressed flower globe ornaments

    Instead of putting dried flowers inside a clear ornament, you can decorate the outside of your ornament with them! Paint the entire outside of the globe ornament with Mod Podge. Gently spread pressed flowers onto wet Mod Podge and allow the first layer with the flowers to dry. Next, add a second layer on top of the flowers to seal. The Christmas tree lights shining through the flower petals is so pretty.

    Orange slice with cinnamon stick and red string

    Dried fruit ornaments

    Decorating with dried fruit is so simple and festive! To dry oranges or grapefruit, slice the fruit into thin even slices. We used a potato slicer/mandolin to make sure all slices were the same thickness. Place slices on parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Before baking punch holes for hanging. We used a reusable metal straw to punch these holes. Bake for 2-3 hours or until dry. 

     18. Dried orange ornaments

    While the dried oranges are beautiful hung just by themselves, we also made a few with pine clippings, cinnamon sticks and beads on the string above the orange. Another variation and to add some color, use grapefruit or blood oranges. 

    19. Dried fruit garland

    Instead of one single ornament, string oranges or grapefruit slices together using twine or string. Add beads, cranberries, acorns or popcorn between each orange for fun variations.

    Suncatcher nature ornament 

    20. Suncatcher nature ornament

    Using clear contact paper, place colorful leaves, pressed flowers, ferns, nature confetti, or pine needles in a fun arrangement. Place another layer of contact paper over the top to seal in arrangement. Cut out into shapes and poke a hole in the top to hang on tree. Check out this fun flower suncatcher for more ideas. 

    Get creative with your nature ornaments

    Nature-inspired ornaments are so much fun to make with your kids. The good news is that there is no wrong or right way to make any of these ornaments. You or you children will likely come up with many variations as you are working on them. The beauty of working with natural materials is the are already perfectly imperfect and leave a lot of room for creativity. Thankfully,  if any of these get knocked off the tree by tiny excited gift retrievers, you don’t have to worry about glass or ruining an heirloom. You can go outside and gather your supplies to make another.

    How will you be using nature ornaments to decorate for the holidays this year?

    About the author

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

    You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @meghangarriott
    RWMC posts: Meghan Garriott

  • FALL, FARM, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, RECIPES

    Tips for Apple Picking with Kids

    Apple picking in the fall is a time-honored tradition for our family. Each year during apple picking season, we head out to our local u-pick apple orchard and stock up on this delicious treat. The kids love the hay rides to the field and running through the rows of apple trees to find the best fruit. I love making a huge vat of apple sauce and how it fills my whole house with the sweet scent of fall (and a touch of cinnamon). Today, Meghan Garriott, Illinois mom of three, shares all the best apple picking tips for kids, plus a few favorite kid-friendly apple recipes so you can put your pickings to good use. So, get on board the apple wagon, and let’s get picking! 

    Tips for apple picking with kids and kid-friendly apple recipes and crafts

    Apple season

    Nothing says Fall quite like Apples. Their colors, smell, flavors, and orchard experiences are Autumnal staples. They have all the reds, greens, and golds of the changing fall leaves.  The smell and taste of caramel apples and apple pies brings me right back to the happy Autumns of childhood.

    Harvest for these favorite fruits spans the whole fall season from August to November giving everyone plenty of time to enjoy the season. Today we are talking about all things APPLE and the many ways you can enjoy them with your kids!

    Benefits of apples

    An apple a day keeps the doctor away. We’ve probably all heard this saying, right? They may not be a cure-all but apples do have many health benefits in addition to being a delicious treat for all ages. Apples are are a great source of fiber and vitamin C. The fiber in apple skins helps to feed the good gut bacteria as well as keeping things moving through the digestive tract as they are supposed to. An apple a day was linked to 28% decreased risk of type 2 diabetes. So while it is a sweet snack, at only 90 calories, it’s one you can feel good about eating and feeding to the whole family. 
    Two boys with bags of apples in front of an apple tree

    Types of apples 

    There are so many types of apples. They vary greatly in their season availability and their taste. Below are some of the most popular varieties, what they are best used for, and when they are in season. Apple season runs from August to November for reference. 

    • Gala – Early picking season. sweet flavor. Good for salads, snacking, and freezing.
    • Red Delicious – Mid to late season picking season. Mild flavor. Good for snacking.
    • Granny Smith – Mid to late picking season. Tart flavor. Good for baking and snacking.
    • Fuji – Midseason picking. Very sweet. Good for snacking and salads.
    • Honeycrisp – Early picking season. Juicy and sweet flavor. Good dessert apple.
    • Macintosh -Mid picking season. Sweet and tart. Good for baking and snacking.
    • Jonagold – Late picking season. Sweet and tart. Good for snacking salads and sauces.
    • Pink lady – Late season picking. Sweet with some tart. Good for baking and applesauce.
    • Ambrosia – Mid picking season. Sweet and Crisp. Good for baking and snacking.
    • Golden Delicious – Mid picking season. Mellow and sweet. Good for snacking, salads and baking.

    Child laying on ground under Apple rainbow

    U-pick apple farms and orchards

    Picking your own apples either at the store or at a local apple orchard is a great family activity. Visiting your local u-pick orchard it’s a great way to support local businesses and shop small. Our local orchard Okaw Valley Orchard grows a wide variety of apples and fresh fruit and veggies, and also carries many products from many other local businesses as well. Letting children pick out their own food items from the farm market can help children try new healthy foods or encourage picky eaters to give things a try. 

    No matter where you live (in the US), there’s a good chance that you have a local apple orchard or pick your own farm nearby. Apples are grown all across the US and are usually available starting late summer through the fall (late October or early November). U-pick orchards are also everywhere. To find an orchard or u-pick farm near you, check out pickyourown.org and search by your state and region. 
    Two children picking app,es

    What to know before you go apple picking

    Before heading out to the orchard be sure to check out the orchard’s website, Facebook page or other social media channels. Different types of apples have varying seasons. Know what’s ripe in your area (and how you’ll use it), so you know what to pick (and how much). If you are in search of a certain variety it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for when they will be available. The orchard may also have specific times or dates for picking your own apples.  Many orchards host school tours and events. Checking their website or social media can help you plan your trip on a less busy day, and ensure you get all the products you are after.

    You’ll also want to know if there’s an admission fee to pick apples, the price (per pound) of apples, whether they take credit cards, what’s available in the farm store, etc. 

    Two boys picking apples

    Apple picking with kids

    Apple picking with kids is a fun and easy outdoor fall activity for the whole family. Every year we make it a point to make a day trip to go pick apples and it’s become a family tradition that we all look forward to. Apple picking is easy enough for little kids (although, they may need some help reaching the high ones) and still fun and enjoyable for older kids (and adults). Apples are available around us from late August through early November, which means we could even go a few times a season in order to get the best varieties for our treats (see below) in a wide variety of weather. Our local apple orchard has a ton of fun activities for the kids that keep us busy all day. 

    What to pack for apple picking with kids

    The good part about apple picking is that you don’t really need any special gear or items. If you have a long drive, pack accordingly for your car ride (toys, entertainment, water, and lots of snacks). Depending on the weather, you may need layers, sunscreen, bug spray, a raincoat, boots, or a jacket. We always pack a change of clothes (because you just never know with kids) to keep in the car. And maybe bring along some cash and/or change for any events, rides, activities at the orchard. 

    For the most part, the only thing you need to pick apples is a container to hold them. Most u-pick farms will provide bags, baskets, or buckets for holding your apple haul. However, check to make sure before heading out the door.

    Finally, don’t forget to bring along a camera! Apple orchards make beautiful backdrops for pretty family photos. 

    Boy in blue shirt picking apple

    How to pick and choose your apples

    When it comes to picking your own apples right off the tree, there are some things to keep in mind to make sure you get the best apples and to ensure the tree is unharmed so we have apples for years to come.  Kids tend to want to just pull the apple down until it comes off. Unfortunately, this method can damage or break branches on the apple tree. To pick effectively without damaging the tree remind kids to “twist, then pull upward”. This helps to loosen the stem and preserve the tree branches.  

    Before twisting and pulling check the apple to make sure there are no openings in the skin and give it a little squeeze before picking to make sure it is firm and not squishy. Little ones might be tempted to fill their bags with apples from the easy-to-reach ground so you may want to double-check them to make sure they are free of soft spots. 

    If you plan to do some baking keep an eye out for “seconds specials”. Seconds are apples that may not look great on the outside but are perfectly fine to eat. These ripe apples are best for baking, where their skin imperfections will go unnoticed. 

    Exploring an apple orchard with kids

    Most orchards have more to do than just picking apples, which is great because kids can sometimes be over the picking part quickly. Local apple orchards can offer a wide variety of games and activities, such as hayrides, bonfires, tractor rides, corn maze, pumpkin cannons, pig races, train rides, cider mill tours, pony rides, live music, pumpkin patch, scenic wagon ride, a petting zoo full of farm animals, farm stand, beer garden, wine tasting, food trucks, bounce houses, carnival rides, face painting, and more! The food is usually delicious too – bratwurst and burgers, funnel cakes, ice cream, apple cider doughnuts, and fresh apple cider, of course! 

    Our local orchard has a playground outside and a lot of products to browse through on the inside at the market. Many of these products are made with or pair perfectly with apples like bbq sauce, cinnamon apple jellies, and ciders.  Our favorite thing to get inside our local orchard store is cider slushies and cider donuts! Local orchards are also a great place to start some of your holiday shopping with small gifts like soaps, home goods, and delicious canned goods. 
    Boy looking at apples in store Two boys drinking apple cider slushees

    Kid-friendly apple recipes 

    Visiting the orchard is fun but let’s be honest, the best part is eating! Apples can be sweet, savory, and even spicy. They can be used in so many different dishes. Here are a few recipes that kids will love to help out with and eat!

    Sweet apple treats

    Apple chips– Thinly slice a cored apple. Place slices on parchment paper. Sprinkle slices with cinnamon. Place slices in the oven at 200 degrees cooking low and slow for about 2-3 hours until they are nice and crisp. As an added bonus the house will smell delicious as these cook! 

    Apple roll-ups– Using pre-made crescent roll dough sprinkle each dough slice with some cinnamon and sugar. Place one apple slice in the middle of the dough then roll up and bake as directed on the packaging. These make great afternoon snacks!

    Apple nachos– These are very customizable and fun to make. Use apple slices as you would chips in traditional nachos. Then cover the slices with all your favorite toppings, we used peanut butter, chocolate, chocolate chips, and marshmallows. Nuts and caramel would be delicious toppings as well. 

    Apple donut rings– Core and slice apples crossways. Decorate slices using peanut butter, Nutella or marshmallow cream for the “donut icing”. Then have fun with the toppings using chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and sprinkles. The “icing” can be difficult for little fingers to spread so it worked best for us if the adults did the spreading and the kids did the decorating. 

    Apple butter– Check out this post on a fun family tradition of making a huge vat of homemade open-fire apple butter outside with the whole family! Apples, red hots, and even some silver dollars make this a really special recipe! Pair with biscuits for cleaning the pot!

    Two boys making apple nachosChild decorating apple slices

    Savory apple recipes for kids

    Turkey apple grilled cheese sandwiches– Spice up the traditional grilled cheese with some deli turkey, cheddar cheese, and some thin-sliced apples. To apple it up even more add some apple butter. Then prepare just like you would traditional grilled cheese. If you happen to have a panini press that would work as well!

    Apple beer bread– This apple beer bread is the perfect combination of apples, honey-wheat, and cinnamon. Plus, it only takes 5 minutes to prepare, so you can enjoy it soon without the long wait. Try it warm with a slathering of butter (or spiced butter!). 

    Apple and pork breakfast sausage– In a bowl combine ground pork, shredded apple, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Form the mixture into small sausage patties. Cook the patties in a skillet for about five minutes per side until golden brown

    Apple crafts for kids

    If eating apples is just not going to happen, don’t worry! Apples can also be used to feed wildlife and for kid crafts. 

    Apple stamping– Cut an apple in half, paint the cut side and use it as a stamp to get a perfect apple-shaped silhouette. Stamp on a paper tree or fill a paper basket with stamped apples while learning about apples at home without going to the store or orchard. 

    Apple suncatcher– Use construction to cut out a large apple outline. In the center of the outline, use contact paper and colored tissue paper to decorate the apple. Hang on windows to let the sun illuminate the tissue paper. This is a fun way to decorate for fall. 

    Apple bird feeder– This is a great way to use apples that may have imperfections or soft spots and aren’t going to get eaten. Cut the apple in half. Hollow out the center of the apple. Fill with peanut butter then coat with birdseed. Then hang in a tree for birds, and probably squirrels, to enjoy. Check out this post for even more fun and simple bird feeders you can make with kids.
    Boy holding apple bird feeder

    A favorite fruit 

    Apple picking is one of those wonderful fall activities that’s fun for the whole family and is sure to be a great time! Hitting the orchards is one of our family’s favorite fall traditions and a fun way to get outside and enjoy the cooler weather and fresh air. Apples are a favorite fruit for kids and adults alike, and for good reason. With all of their uses and their many varieties, they can easily please a wide range of people. There is no shortage of fun and delicious things to do with apples. So get out to your local orchard and start picking today!

    About the author

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

    You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @meghangarriott
    RWMC posts: Meghan Garriott

  • OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER

    30+ Fun Trampoline Games and Activities for Kids

    Finding ways to keep children occupied during the long days of summer can be a challenge! There is so much daylight and only so many activities you can come up with when your children need some outdoor play encouragement. But, if you have a trampoline (or know someone who does) your options for outdoor family fun are almost endless! Meghan Garriott, Illinois mom of 2 (almost 3) recently discovered the endless joys of trampoline play and shares 30+ trampoline games and activities kids (and adults) will love to play!

    Trampoline games for kids

    Trampoline newbies

    Our family got our first trampoline this summer.  I was a little nervous about it but I soon realized there is SO much fun be had and so many new trampoline games to play.  My boys have already spent many hours on the trampoline this summer.  Now that we have it I can’t imagine our yard or a summer evening without it. The trampolines of today, with their padded spring covers and fall-proof nets, are so much safer than the trampolines I grew up on. It’s a lot more fun for us parents knowing the kiddos are safe.

    Trampoline safety tips

    Even though trampolines are designed to be safer than they used to be doesn’t mean you still shouldn’t take some precautions. Here are a few trampoline safety tips for kids. Go over these rules with your little ones before they play and remind them of the importance of being safe on the trampoline.

    • Adult supervision on a trampoline is always required.
    • Always use a safety net around your trampoline.
    • No gymnastic exercises or stunts, such as somersaults or flips.
    • Never allow children to bounce off the trampoline.
    • To prevent young children from getting on without supervision, do not leave a ladder or chair near the trampoline.
    • Make sure your trampoline is on a clear, flat area free from potential hazards, such as fences, hedges, trees, washing lines or other equipment.
    • Always carefully review the safety materials included with your trampoline.

    Benefits of trampoline play

    Jumping and playing on the trampoline have so many physical benefits and healthy benefits for kids.

    • Jumping up and down and running around with the resistance of the mat and springs is great exercise and helps to increase circulation and cardiovascular health by increasing the heart rate.
    • The uneven and constantly moving surface of the mat helps to increase balance and coordination and improve core strength.
    • Little bones are built under the pressure of and stress of contracting muscles. With all the jumping and balancing needed to play on the trampoline, it is great for helping bones grow and increasing bone density.
    • The most important physical and mental benefit is all the fun and laughs to be had!!

    Child doing a flip on a trampolinePhoto credit @heather_lee_wilson

    Trampoline fun

    While my boys are perfectly content just jumping and chasing each other for hours on the trampoline, it is also fun to see their imagination and creativity when it comes to playing trampoline games and making up new challenges. The best part of watching them is seeing their imagination come to life when they create new games or new ways to play classic games. Today, I’m sharing a few of our family’s favorite games on the trampoline. Some of these are classic games and some are new to us.

    The fun doesn’t stop on the trampoline, nor does it have to be just for kids. There are a lot of fun games that kids can plan and the parents can join in on from outside the trampoline. Or, if you really want to make your kids’ day, get on there and play with them! I hope you and the whole family have fun enjoying all these trampoline games and activities. 

    Trampoline ball games 

    1. Monkey in the middle

     2+ players on the edges of the trampoline throw a ball over the “monkey” in the middle of the trampoline while the “monkey” tries to jump and catch the ball in the air. If the “monkey” catches the ball, whoever threw it becomes the new “monkey.”

    2. Lava balls

    Get as many balls as you can, all different sizes, and put them on the trampoline. The kids will run around trying to avoid the balls touching them. If a ball touches you, you have to get off the trampoline until only one player is left. This also works with a bunch of water balloons! I’ve also heard this trampoline game called “poison ball.” My kids think this is one of the best trampoline games there is!

    3. Bombs away!

    2+ players on the trampoline and one player outside the trampoline enclosure. The player on the outside will have some soft balls and yell “bombs away” while throwing the “bombs” inside the net and trying to hit those on the trampoline surface. If you get hit, you’re out! This is also called “cherry bomb” when the ball is thrown by one of the players on the trampoline, as opposed to one of the outside players.

    4. Mid-air catch

    A player on the outside of the trampoline throws a tennis ball to the first player in the center of the trampoline. The catcher jumps on the trampoline and tries to meet and catch the ball in mid-air. This is a great game to practice timing and coordination!

    5. Dodge ball

    Playing dodge ball on a trampoline is a fun way to spice up this classic game and is a great game for older kids. On the trampoline, it’s more fun with higher jumps! Use chalk or painters tape to mark off the centerline. Divide the players up into two teams and have them throw soft balls at the other team. If you get hit by a ball (below the neck), you’re out. But if you catch or dodge the ball, you stay in. First team to lose all their players loses.

    6. Keepy-uppy

    This is a simple game to see how long you can keep a soft ball up in the air while jumping on a trampoline. Mix it up and try to keep the ball in the air with your feet, head or elbows. You could also use a pool noodle to keep the ball in flight. Balloons and beach balls make good balls to use for this game.

    7. Hot potato

    One person stands on the outside of the trampoline and either sings a song or counts out-loud while the jumpers bounce around the trampoline passing a ball back and forth, from one person to the next person, in a circle. When the person on the ground stops singing or counting, the last person to touch the hot potato is out.  This can be played with anything – a water balloon, ball, bean bags or even a stuffed animal!

    Boy shooting ball on trampoline

    Water games on the trampoline

    8. Water balloon dodge

    Fill up a bunch of water balloons and load them up on the trampoline. The name of the game is for the players to bounce them and start throwing! It’s so much fun to dodge the balloons when you can jump high, or throw them mid-jump.

    9. Sprinkler jump

    Running through the sprinkler during a hot summer day is a must, but putting that sprinkler underneath the trampoline just makes things that much more fun! Check out your local sports store or online for sprinklers made specifically for the trampoline.

    Child on trampoline being sprayed with sprinkler Image credit: @jentheis

    Balance games on the trampoline

    10. Single leg stand

    How long can you stand on one leg? It seems like an easy game, but on a trampoline, it’s much harder to stand on one leg. Get a timer and each take turns. To take this game up a notch, have others bounce around the stander to see how long they can last.

    11. Bird dog

    Bird dog is a yoga pose where you are on your hands and knees you lift one arm and try to lift the opposite leg without falling. On the trampoline, this is even more challenging, but it makes for some good laughs when you fall over. This is also a great core workout!

    12. Twister

    Grab some sidewalk chalk, painters tape or go ahead and pull out that twister mat and tape it onto the trampoline and spin the wheel! Twister is hard on steady ground, but it’s extra hard on the trampoline. It becomes exponentially harder when everyone’s laughs are rocking the trampoline mat.

    Two boys jumping on a trampoline

    Single-player trampoline games 

    13. Bubble pop

    Have your child blow bubbles, or a parent can blow bubbles from outside of the trampoline, then the child’s goal is to pop all of the bubbles before they get away!

    14. Hopscotch

    Using sidewalk chalk or painter’s tape, make the classic hopscotch on the trampoline. Then your child can enjoy the game on a much more bouncier surface.

    Child sitting alone by trampoline Photo credit @their_wild_little_lives

    Multiplayer challenges for the trampoline

    15. Telephone

    This classic game starts with the first person jumping and doing a pose and then the next child does the first pose and adds their own after it. The next player does the first two poses then adds on again. The game goes on and on until you can’t remember all of the poses.

    16. Crack the egg

    This classic trampoline game is one of the most popular games for kids of all ages. It begins with one child sitting on the trampoline, bringing their knees to their chest, and then wrapping their arms around their legs. This child is the “egg.” The egg tries to hold their arms and legs together tightly while the other kids jump around them trying to break their arms free. Whoever can hold their egg pose the longest without cracking wins.

    17. Marco polo

    This game is not just for the pool, it’s just as much fun on the trampoline. One child closes their eyes and yells out “marco” while trying to find and tag the other players.  The other players with their eyes open, yell “polo” while trying to avoid being tagged. If you need some fun games for the pool too we have you covered there too!

    18. 4 corners

    Using sidewalk chalk or painter’s tape, draw a big cross in the middle of the trampoline. The edges of the cross go from one side of the trampoline to the other. One player sits in the middle of the cross and counts to 10, while the other players pick a corner. When the sitting player gets done counting they will point to one corner making sure to keep their eyes closed. Everyone in that corner has to get off the trampoline, and the game continues until there’s only one person left.

    19. Bum wars

    Bum wars is one of those classic trampoline games I remember playing as a kid. As all the players bounce on the trampoline, one person calls out “1, 2, 3, 4. I declare a bum war!” and all the players must land in a seated position on their bum, immediately take one bounce and get right back to their feet. If anyone bounces on their feet or on their bottoms more than once, that person is out. As a variation, players can add additional moves like “1, 2, 3, 4. I declare a knee war,” upon which everyone lands on their knees before bouncing back to their feet. 

    20. Rock paper scissors

    The classic game can also be played on the trampoline between 2 players. To play rock-paper-scissors, start with the players chanting “Rock, paper, scissors, shoot.”On “shoot,” each person jumps on the trampoline and lands in one of the positions: (1) curled up for a rock, (2) stretched out for paper, or (3) in a sitting position for scissors. Rock beats scissors, scissors beats paper, and paper beats rock.

    21. Sword fights

    Cut a pool noodle into thirds and wrap one end with silver duct tape to make a light saber handle. Use your pool noodles to have an epic sword fight or light sable battle on the trampoline!

    Dancing trampoline games

    22. Dance battle

    This game is great fun for your musical and dancy kids! Turn up some upbeat music and give each child 15 seconds to jump, dance, and flip to the beat of the music. The best dance wins!! Or have the kids come up with a dance or routine together and have them perform it for the rest of the family.

    23. Strike a pose

    Taking turns ask the kids to jump as high as they can to the beat of the song, and do a funny or cool pose while mid-air.  There’s no end to the fun trampoline tricks your kids will come up with. There’s also usually no winner to this game. It can go on for a long time and it’s always funny to see what kids will come up with.

    Small child running toward trampoline with children jumpingPhoto credit @entophos

    Sports on the trampoline 

    Playing  classic sports like baseball and basketball on the trampoline not only makes them more fun, but it can help improve skills for when kids go back to playing those games in school, or competitively. Trying to pass a volleyball back and forth on uneven surfaces can help increase coordination. Trying to hit a baseball in the air can help improve timing and teach kids how to better keep their eye on the ball when playing on the real baseball diamond. Here are some fun ways to shake up these classic games, but can also really improve skills and boost confidence.

    24. Volleyball

    Pass a volleyball back-and-forth while on the trampoline. Toss the volleyball up and try to jump and spike it over the side of the trampoline net (if you have one). This would be a good game to play if you have some players who are not jumping (outside the net of the trampoline) and want to participate too.

    25. Basketball

    Set up a basketball hoop inside the trampoline net and practice jumping and shooting the ball into the hoop.

    26. Baseball

    Have a parent or another kid toss the ball from outside of the trampoline. Have a hitter on the trampoline jump and try to hit the ball mid-air over the trampoline net.

    27. Football

    Jump and catch, then jump and throw the football.

    28. Soccer

    Practice dribbling footwork around the edge of the trampoline. It’s a lot harder to control the soccer ball on such a bouncy surface, but practicing this way can really improve ball control once back on the field. 

    29. Karate/Taekwondo

    Take all your punches and kicks to the next level with jumps before and after. Just make sure we’re doing air punches not punching each other!

    Best trampoline games for little kids

    30. Ring-around-the-rosy

    This classic sing-along game is tons of fun on the trampoline, especially for younger children. All the little kids hold hands and spin in a circle singing the chant, “Ring around the rosy, a pocket full of posies, ashes, ashes, we all fall down.” Then, they all fall down and laugh hysterically.

    31. Freeze bounce

    Everyone bounces around the trampoline at the same time and then a designated referee will yell “freeze!!” Everyone has to stop bouncing and the last person to have their feet hit the trampoline or the last person to stop moving loses.

    32. Simon says

    One player (or a parent) play the role of “Simon” and issues orders to the rest of the players on the trampoline, prefaced with the words “Simon Says.” These can be things such as jump as high as you can, touch your toes, sit down, etc. Every now and then, Simon should give an order that doesn’t start with the magic words (“Simon Says”) to see if someone will perform. If they do, they’re out!

    Two boys pressing their faces against trampoline netting

    Get creative with your trampoline games

    The most important thing when it comes to trampoline games is to have fun! Don’t be afraid to get creative and make up new games and new rules as you go. Children are often incredibly inventive, so make sure to play along to their games, even if the rules don’t make much sense. Trampolines are a great way to be physically active and to get outside this summer without going too far from home. We hope you and your kids enjoy these fun trampoline activities this summer.

    If you take photos of your kids on the trampoline, tag us on Instagram! Use the hashtag #runwildmychild for a chance to be featured on our account.

    What are your kids’ favorite trampoline games?

    About the author

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

    You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @meghangarriott
    RWMC posts: Meghan Garriott

  • CAMP, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, RECIPES, SUMMER

    Tips for Backyard Camping with Kids

    Camping with kids is so much fun, but it’s also so much work! If you’re intimidated by venturing out for a camping trip with your kids or just want a fun way to spend a few more hours outside together, why not give backyard camping a try! Today, Creative Team member Meghan Garriott, Illinois mom of 3 is here with us sharing some brilliant and creative tips and tricks to make your backyard camping with kids adventure a success!

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    Tips for backyard camping with kids

    Backyard camping with kids

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

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

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

    playground activitiesImage credit: @meghangarriott

    How to pick your backyard campsite 

    When setting up your campsite in your backyard, there are a few things to consider:

    1. Cooking and eating (campfire and table/chairs)
    2. Sleeping arrangements (tent or other)
    3. Activities or games (enough space to play)

    You don’t need a ton of space for backyard camping, but you’ll want to have a designated space for each of these things, if possible. All three of these designated areas can vary greatly depending on where you live, the size of your yard, and what you plan to use for each. 

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

    Tents in backyardImage credit: @sara_mccarty

    Backyard camping food 

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

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

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

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

    Child with Marshmallow on a stickImage credit: @meghangarriott

    Creative campfire recipes

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

    Grilled jelly and cream cheese sandwiches

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

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

    Cinnamon bears

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

    Cast-iron skillet pizza

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

    Foil-packet meals

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

    Child by campfire - how to camp in your own backyard with kidsImage credit: @sara_mccarty

    Backyard camping sleeping arrangements 

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

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

    Image credit: @sara_mccarty

    Backyard tent camping 

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

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

    Backyard campsite - setting up a tent in the backyardImage credit: @thimbleandtwig

    Hammocks

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

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

    Boy in hammock - backyard camping with kidsImage credit: @wonderclubexplorers

    Sleeping bags

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

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

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

    backyard hammock camping with kidsImage credit: @sara_mccarty

    Set the mood for backyard camping

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

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

    Playset lit up at night - backyard camping tips and ideasImage credit: @meghangarriott

    Backyard camping games and activities 

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

    Slackline

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

    Glow sticks

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

    Flashlight tag

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

    Catching fireflies

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

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

    Boy holding mason jar with lightening bugs - backyard camping activities for kidsImage credit: @meghangarriott

    Backyard camping freedom 

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

    What are your favorite backyard camping tips?

    About the author

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

    You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @meghangarriott
    RWMC posts: Meghan Garriott

  • BEACH, BIKE, CAMP, FAMILY TRAVEL, HIKE, LOCAL GEMS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PARK, SPRING, SUMMER, WATER

    7 Family-Friendly Places to Explore in Illinois

    Illinois might not be on the very top of your family’s outdoor adventure bucket list. But, this Midwest state just might surprise you with some really incredible hikes and trails, amazing state parks, camping options, lake adventures, and more! Today, Creative Team member Meghan Garriott, Illinois mom of 2 (soon to be 3) shares 7 of her family’s favorite free family-friendly places to explore in Illinois! (try saying that five times fast!) If you’re in or around Illinois (or even just driving through on a road trip this summer), make sure you check out this post and add a few of these destinations to your adventure list! 

    Family-friendly outdoor places to explore in Illinois

    7 outdoor places to explore in Illinois

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

    1. Matthiessen State Park 

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

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

    Cascade Falls at Matthiessen State Park

    Favorite Matthiessen trails 

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

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

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

    Wet crossing at Matthiessen State Park - Family friendly places to explore in Illinois
    Wet crossing at the upper Dells

    2. Ferne Clyffe State Park 

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

    Moss covered rocks Ferne Clyffe State Park - Family friendly places to explore in Illinois
    Spider-Man Rock

    Kid-friendly Ferne Clyffe trails

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

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

    Family in shelter bluff
    Hawks Cave trail

    Ferne Clyffe waterfalls

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

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

    Boy in blue at the bottom of a waterfall

    3. Rock Springs Conservation Area

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

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

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

    Sun burst through pine trees
    Pine Forest at Rock Springs

    Rock Springs Nature Center 

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

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

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

    Boy viewing birds out large window
    Bird Viewing Window at at Rock Springs Nature Center

    4. Garden of the Gods 

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

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

    Garden of the Gods - Family-friendly places to explore in Illinois
    Garden of the Gods from the Observation Trail

    5. Allerton Park and Retreat Center 

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

    Boy looking at purple flowers
    One of the gardens are Allerton Park

    Allerton Park garden trails 

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

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

    Boy in red hat among the arborvitae
    Arborvitae trail that runs along the main garden trail

    6. Giant City State Park 

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

    Giant City State Park, Illinois - Family friendly places to explore in Illinois
    Giant City Nature Trail

    Giant City camping and lodge

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

    Giant City Nature Trail - Family friendly places to explore in Illinois
    Giant City Nature Trail

    7. Lake Shelbyville 

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

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

    Child in red shirt and helmet riding bike over ramp
    General Dacey Bike Trail

    Water fun at Lake Shelbyville

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

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

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

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

    Lake Shelbyville - Family friendly places to explore in Illinois
    Playing in Lake Shelbyville on a summer day

    Budget-friendly outdoor family fun in Illinois

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

    About the author

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

    You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @meghangarriott
    RWMC posts: Meghan Garriott

  • FAMILY TRAVEL, HOLIDAYS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Our Favorite Adventures of 2020

    Happy 2021, friends! We are so excited to wish farewell to 2020 and to start a new year of adventures with you. No matter who you were or where you lived, 2020 was probably a tough year. And while it had its challenges for everyone, there were also a lot of amazing things that came out of those difficult times. We seemed to all feel a big shift towards what really matters, like family, nature, and self-care. The adventures we took in 2020 probably looked different than how we imagined them when planning. But, we still managed to make the most out of it and spend some time outside together. Today, a few members of our Creative Team are here sharing a little bit about their favorite adventures from 2020. Here are a few memories we’ll never forget. 

    Leslie – @c_l_allofus

    Our family plan for 2020 was to spend the year clearing our newly acquired homestead land and beginning the process of building our house and barn. Even in our personal lives, not much else went we as expected in 2020, but that basic plan of spending the year working together outside never changed. It stretched and challenged us as we cut trees, burnt massive piles of branches, put in our driveway, and passed out endless snacks to our pint-sized helpers. Our kids learned to help with whatever jobs they could, to stay clear of moving equipment and falling trees, and to discover endless ways to create their own adventures on our homestead property. They found favorite climbing trees, built forts and hidden playhouses in the west thicket, and made playgrounds out of just-dropped trees. I love the above picture because it shows our whole family working and playing together–our three-year-old plopped down with her coloring book and crayons in the dirt driveway while the two older girls play in the dirt, our son and his dog dig up a groundhog hole, and my husband works with the mini excavator.

    We’ve spent the year trying to balance work and fun, stopping to enjoy the little moments and accomplishments together. We camped out on our property, dreaming about the many nights there in our future. We’ve watched the sun set across the field and fog lift over our meadow. The autumn leaves have fallen and we’ve learned which trees have the most spectacular color. We’ve watched trees bud and left footprints in the snow. 2020 may not have held epic visits to exotic locations for us, but it’s been full of beautiful adventures right here on our own homestead.

    Best of 2020 - Favorite Outdoor Adventures

    Kristen & Jared – @kristcx & @bikeshikesbiners

    Our favorite adventure this year was getting to take our kids on a road trip to visit a handful of National Parks. One of those parks was Arches National Park. My husband and I had visited this park on our honeymoon 12 years ago. So, getting to come back to explore it with our new little family was such a great experience. We made so many new memories together as a family. We loved getting to see our kids explore new terrains and experience a different region from our own, learning as they went and opening their minds to what else was out there. It really fanned the flame of our sense of adventure and we can’t wait to see where 2021 will take us!

    Our Favorite Outdoor Adventures of 2020

    Stacey – @familyroots.photo

    2020 was a crazy year for everyone! It brought highs and lows to all of us. Our family is so grateful to have had some wonderful memories come from it. Here’s a photo of my kiddos and their cousins at the top of the deer loop trail. This trail is right down the street from our cabin in Vermont. It’s about a 3.5 mile loop and the kids absolutely love exploring this trail. We’ve gone multiple times this year, over various seasons – spring, summer, and fall. And it was right here at the top, with this beautiful view of Pico mountain, where they took their very first solo ski down the mountain. It was a memory I’ll never forget and one of our favorite adventures. I hope you and your families can dwell on all the good memories this year has brought you all and cheers to a happy + healthy new year! 

    2020 Favorite Outdoor Adventures

    Nichole – @coleyraeh

    This year was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Unlike anything any of us have experienced. But for us, it was also a year of “level up” adventures. We weren’t able to travel quite as much but I decided to dig deep into shenanigans close to home. Lucky for us, Arkansas is full of adventure. My favorite adventure this past year was a canoe and camping trip, to a floating platform on a river in central Arkansas. Yes, my kids and I CAMPED on a platform, in a river, surrounded by massive cypress trees, blue herons, egrets, owls, and Pileated woodpeckers.

    The experience stretched all of us – for me, loading and unloading the canoe from my car (by myself, thank you very much) and for my kids paddling in a river, and against a headwind on our return trip. We also learned the best way to pack the canoe to balance their weight with mine. My son slept in a hammock (with a bug net) and couldn’t stop talking about the stars. We also spotted a snake mid-meal, with the still croaking frog hanging out of its mouth. It was memorable. And yes, we even jumped on the Ocean Spray cranberry juice/Fleetwood Mac challenge, making our video while floating down the river. I’m so excited about where our canoe will take us in 2021! 

    If you’re interested in reading more about this trip, I wrote a post about it on my blog Luckey Wanderers. 

    Favorite Adventures of 2020

    Michelle – @wonderclubexplorers

    I have to say, picking just one favorite outdoor adventure from this past year was tough! If nothing else, 2020 was a year that taught us to count our blessings and get creative, especially here in Southern California where safer-at-home orders kept us, well, home. Sort of. In search of new vistas and fresh scenery, we perfected the art of Sunday drives this year. Our destinations were always somewhere new and different filled with interesting roads and places to explore. 

    One of our family’s most favorite and memorable Sunday drives was to the Anza Borrego Desert in California. Here in the desert, we found more than 100 sun-bathed metal sculptures amidst the cactus plants, tumbleweeds, and sandy earth. As my son ran wild from sculpture to sculpture in the desert, he proclaimed that “This day was the most fun ever!” I have to agree, and as we waved goodbye to the dinosaurs, dragons, and wild horse sculptures on our drive home, I looked back and indulged in a cotton candy-colored sunset. How lucky are we to have this beautiful earth to explore?

    Favorite Adventures with Kids Outside in 2020

    Araceli – @roaminggonzalez

    I read an article that described 2020 as the year that offered us a “reset”.  That is the biggest lesson I am taking away from this year. Although it was difficult, lonely and some days were impossible, I am walking into 2021 with a grateful heart. We grew closer than ever as a family. I realized how over-scheduled life was for us.  This year gave us an opportunity to slow down. Our days were filled with all the simple things that matter most and that is what I plan to take into the new year!

    We are also unbelievably grateful that we were able to recreate responsibly throughout the year. Whether it was exploring where we live or camping along the coast we treasure what the great outdoors offered us this year more than ever.  Sunshine, fresh air, and time together as a family. ADVENTURES are truly the best gifts. We remain hopeful for a better year.

    Favorite Outdoor Adventures of 2020

    SarahRuth – @kindle_togetherness

    The devil came down to Georgia. Seriously, you’all. The devil came down here. This guy made 2020 his year. Maybe it wasn’t just Georgia, but can I tell you something? We had a hurricane. In the Appalachian Mountains. Pause there and let that settle for a minute. Five and a half hours from the nearest beach, our family lost power for four days. Our community had massive flooding, hurricane-force winds, and more. With three young kids and a camper hanging out in our driveway, we figured if the devil came here to Georgia, we would head to North Carolina! In a frenzy, we packed up enough clothing to get us through, tossed the bikes on the truck, and ran!

    If 2020 was anything, it was unexpected. As we drove a couple of hours away, we laughed, we cried, and we counted our blessings. Not everyone could run away from 2020 for a few days and fish, ride bikes, count the stars. But, if they could, they should, right? So we did! And we had the time of our lives. If I learned anything this year, it’s that circumstances don’t determine outcomes. Often time, you can switch gears and change the atmosphere of a situation. It is hard to defy your feelings. Super challenging to go against the crashing waves of fear and anxiety….but when you do it, you don’t regret it. Instead, you walk away a victor. I’m all about bringing my kids along for that!

    “Challenges are what make life interesting, and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” – Joshua Marine

    Favorite Outdoor Adventures of 2020

    Meghan – @meghangarriott

    We had a lot of growth in 2020 at the Garriott home. Our boys grew and grew and so did our garden! The initial shutdowns across the US due to COVID 19 just happened to be the same time to start a lot of my seeds indoors. This year we grew Roma tomatoes, grape tomatoes, bell peppers, and jalapeños from seed. With all our added time at home it worked out perfectly to be able to care for our little seeds and expand our garden. As the weather warmed we planted green beans, carrots, green onions, basil, mint, and cilantro.

    Our extra time at home over the summer ended up making for a much larger and better cared for crop than in years past. We were able to freeze over 20 quarts of carrots, canned and froze 15quarts of tomatoes, and 20 quarts of green beans all while also eating fresh throughout the summer. Our time in the garden gave us some much needed physical and mental exercise. My boys loved helping me dig and water the garden, they were less thrilled with weeding but I took what I could get. I can’t wait to see what our garden brings in 2021 with all that we learned and expanded in 2020!

    Ashley – @sage.and.summit

    My favorite memories and outdoor adventures from this year would have to be hiking with my girls and incorporating trail cleanups on those hikes. It not only was a way to get us outside, strengthening our bodies and minds. It also made us feel good to leave the places better than we found them. The most challenging thing about 2020 was not being able to see our friends, however, it made us all more grateful for those friends that we will hopefully see in 2021.
     

    Gaga – @groovybananaphotography

    2020 has been a very weird year. We did quite a bit of international travel in the beginning of the year, then the borders to our island were closed because of COVID. As wedding, engagement and family photographers, we had much less work coming in, as people were not allowed to travel overseas for destination weddings. Incredibly, our island was very lucky to not get hit by COVID and we lived quite a bit of the year in a normal bubble where we could still hang out together. Having more time not working gave us more time to spend with friends, and above all, with our kids.

    My favorite outdoor adventure of the year was probably our trips to Tanna, another island of Vanuatu. One time we went for a couple photoshoot on the top of a volcano and another time to cover a huge cultural event. In both cases, we went exploring the volcano ash plain which offers out of the world landscapes. It was the most amazing playground and a trip we’ll never forget.

    Favorite Outdoor Adventures of 2020

    Sara – @sara_mccarty

    This may be a very unpopular opinion, but I did not think 2020 was the worst year ever. Yes, it was tough, challenging, infuriating, and heartbreaking. But, it was also beautiful, eye-opening, transformative, and resetting. When the world shut down, it forced us to reevaluate and reprioritize our actions. It was disappointing having to cancel adventures, trips, and extra-curricular activities, but it forced us to get creative and explore our local surroundings in a whole new way. We were scared and apprehensive, but spending time together as a family in nature seemed to make things feel more manageable.

    In 2020, we did a lot of fishing, a family canoe trip, some camping, quite a few hikes, and more creek play than we knew what to do with. One of my favorite adventures from this past year was a 2-day getaway to a nearby lake, where my two big kids (6 and 8) and I rented a tiny cabin in the woods. We fished during the day, made a bonfire each evening, and spent our time enjoying the beautiful fall colors and nature around us. The weather was perfect and the kids got along the entire weekend (which is a miracle in and of itself after all the “togetherness” we’ve had). The kids also discovered a newfound love of kayaking and I could barely get them out of the water to eat or go home. It was amazing to see their confidence grow with each trip out and we can’t wait to do it again. It was a bit of a last-minute trip, less than an hour from our house, but it was just what we needed to re-energize and reconnect. 

    What were your favorite adventures from 2020?
    We’d love to hear all about it!

  • ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, WATER

    Dog Training Tips for Children

    Having a dog is a great way to get outside, stay active, and learn about loyalty and companionship. Training a dog for basic obedience and to play games can improve the relationship between a dog and a child. However, with everything that goes along with getting a puppy or an older dog, it’s hard to know where to start and what to do when it comes to training. Our Creative Team member and Illinois mom of two, Meghan Garriott, took her son along on a fun-filled morning with a dog training family. They learned some great tips and tricks and even found some unexpected benefits that came along with the training process. Read along to learn the best ways to get children involved in the dog training process. 

    Dog training tips for children

    A dog training family

    My son Emmett (5), and I spent a morning outside, learning all the ends and outs of dog training with the Houk family, Avery (5) and her parents, Justine and T.W.  The Houk’s run Round 2 Retrievers in Bethany, Illinois, where they train dogs for hunting, hunt testing, obedience, and puppy preschool. Avery spends most of her days, when not in school, outside training alongside her dad, or inside getting dogs socialized. Her confidence and control when handling the dogs can be recognized immediately and is amazing to watch. 

    Avery training dogs at 2 years old

    Setting up the training session

    Our morning started with setting up the training activities. The kids helped TW by bringing bumpers to the tree line, which was approximately 160 yards away. These bumpers are for the dogs find later in the training.  Bumpers are durable plastic dummies that the dogs can carry in their mouths. When training for hunting the bumpers are used in place of what the animal is trained to retrieve for the hunter (e.g. ducks and other birds).

    Setting up for dog training
    Setting up the field for training

    Taking to the training field

    The first dog to take to the training field was an advanced black lab named Stoger. We watched as Stoger was released from the sitting position by use of his name. With ease, Stoger was guided with hand signals and whistleblows to where the bumpers were.  

    T.W. signaled right or left with hand signals and called “back in” or “to attention” with whistleblows. Because of the uneven terrain, the dogs can’t see the bumpers until they are within a few feet of them. The dogs must rely on the hand signals and the whistle blows in order to get them to the right place to find the prize.

    TW giving hand signals to direct hunting dog
    T.W. gives hand signals to the dog

    Age of dog for training 

    We met a large variety of dog breeds and dogs of various ages while visiting Round 2 Retrievers. Some of these dogs were in various stages of hunt training, while others were there just for obedience training. T.W. says dogs can begin any type of training as young as 8 weeks. And while you can certainly teach an old dog new tricks, it is easier when you start with simple commands from a young age.  It is easier to train a dog to properly do tasks than to have to correct old habits first. 

    Petting a young dog with long lead
    T.W. rewards with praise and affection

    Puppy training 

    With puppies, it is helpful to get them used to a collar and a leash early on. This is a great task for children to get involved with from the beginning. One of the younger dogs we observed that was being trained wore a long rope leash. The leash was not used to direct the dog anywhere (verbal commands and hand signals were used for that). The leash was there so he could get used to it and as a safety precaution in case they needed to use it.

    T.W. says it is important for a puppy to be properly socialized and get them used to being touched in order to prevent future problems, especially around children. To do this, he suggests often touching their paws, opening their mouths to look at their teeth, rubbing their bellies, and lifting and checking their ears. This makes the dog more comfortable being touched by their owners, groomers, and veterinary staff in the future.

    Dog with long lead retrieves bumper in water
    Retrieving the bumper with long lead

    Beginner-level dog training

    The first commands to learn when beginning dog training are: “sit,” “here,” and “heel.” T.W. says that when dogs that come to them already knowing these commands, they’re way ahead and are much easier to progress than dogs starting from scratch. The best way to implement these commands is to have the dog sit before completing activities like going outside and before being given food.

    Training a black lab
    T.W. instructs Emmett

    Kids can help with dog training from the start 

    For children involved in the training process, sit, heel, and stay are easy words to say and can be done many times throughout the day.  Early commands teach the dog to be alert for commands. “Sit” can be easily carried out by gently pushing their bottom to the floor to show them what you mean when you say sit. Do this every time to reinforce the command/action connection until the dog does it automatically. These first commands should be given along with a hand signal. As the dog advances, the verbal command can be dropped, and just hand signals can be given (or vice versa depending on the circumstances).

    Yellow lab holds bumper in mouth
    Avery and Emmett begin their training

    Consistency is key

    T.W. notes that the amount of time training each day does not have to be great, especially in the beginning. Consistency is what matters most. A lot of time does not need to be spent giving or carrying out the commands, but they should be done frequently and in different situations for the dog to learn. Be sure to give the same word and hand signal every time so that dog is not confused and knows what to expect.

    Boy and girl with dog
    Emmett’s turn to train with Avery’s assistance

    Training techniques

    There are many different techniques used to train dogs: (1) positive reinforcement with rewards such as treats or affection, (2) e-training with an electrical shock collar to alert or discourage the dog, (3) attrition, which is a technique of repeating a command until the dog gets it right, while also actively preventing the wrong action. With this technique, you don’t punish wrong behavior; you merely prevent it. At Round 2 Retrievers, Avery and T.W. use a combination of these techniques. For younger dogs or dogs just beginning their training, attrition is mainly used along with rewarding with affection.

    Dog returns bumper to trainer
    Emmett and Avery use hand signals to tell Yeti where to return

    Children excel at affection 

    A child’s love and affection are the best rewards for most dogs. Children give this affection easily. This easy affection was clearly observed as Avery and Emmett interacted with the dogs, petting them, scratching their ears, and talking sweetly to them. Loyalty and the drive to please are some of the dogs’ greatest traits and they should be utilized and embraced when training. Likewise, the ease with which children give praise and their love of free play should also be embraced when going through the training process. 

    Boy with dog at his side, girl stands behind them
    Emmett trying by himself under Avery’s supervision

    Dog breeds

    When it comes to dog breeds, T.W. says most dog breeds can be trained to do most things. However, different breeds may have different motivators and may excel at particular activities. Active breeds, such as labs, retrievers, and shepherds like to move, play, and complete tasks. They are easily motivated with affection and praise for a job well done. More sedentary breeds (like Saint Bernards or bulldogs) may be more motivated by foot or treats.

    If addressing general obedience or training the family dog to play games, all breeds are equally appropriate. For higher-level training like hunting dogs, working dogs, or service dogs, there are preferred breeds to suit the needs of those roles. 

    Black lab races with bumper in mouth
    This black lab was fast and excited to be training

    Safety while training 

    It is important to remember (and remind children) that dogs are animals and not people. As lovable and cute as they are, they still have protective instincts, and there are measures that should be taken to ensure children are safe around the dogs and vice versa.

    T.W. says that most dog bite incidents happen around a dog’s kennel or around food. Be sure to educate children not to put their hands in a kennel, which is supposed to be a dog’s safe place. Children should also be instructed not to play or bother a dog while it is eating. When approaching a new dog or a dog that is not your own, do not approach them from behind, which may surprise them, and always ask the owner’s permission first before petting or approaching. 

    Releasing the dog to fetch
    Avery releases Yeti to fetch from the pond

    Dog training games for home

    After seeing the hunting dogs train, we went up to the house and met a 9-month-old golden retriever named Lola. Lola was at Round 2 Retrievers for obedience training, but T.W. and Avery had also taught her a fun trick of finding his keys. T.W. said he started with a metal washer. He would put the metal washer on the ground with a treat in the middle and release her to find it. Once she got good at that, he stopped putting the treat in the middle and just placed the washer on the ground for her to find.

    As she did well with that, he progressed her to keys. We watched as we were in the kitchen of the house, and T.W. threw his keys into the living room. He told Lola to find them, and off she went. She put her nose down on the keys till he came to retrieve them. This is an easy hide-and-seek game children can play with their dog at home. Plus, it can usefun as well when you need to leave and can’t find your keys!

    Yellow lab jumps into pond
    Yeti eagerly jumps into the pond

    Outdoor games for kids and dogs 

    Dogs and children alike love to be outdoors and play games. Training dogs to play active games is a great way for the whole family to spend enjoyable time outdoors with their pet. Playing fetch with balls and frisbees is one of the better-known and easiest games to play.

    Teaching the dog to drop the ball when commanded, or having the dog sit before giving a command to retrieve a thrown ball are ways to advance these games. Agility games, such as having dogs jump through hula hoops or over hurdles, can be great exercise and lots of fun for the dogs and kids. Hide and seek, as mentioned above, can also provide endless hours of fun. 

    Boy training yellow lab by pond
    Emmett releasing Yeti into the pond

    Unexpected confidence boost 

    Going to our training session, I thought I knew all the benefits of training and the process of training. The dog would be well-behaved (obviously), and playing outside with our dogs is something we could all do together. But as our session progressed, I became aware of another unexpected benefit. As Avery showed us how she took command of her dog Yeti, she was so confident in her commands. She had no trouble explaining to Emmett what to do and how to do it. She was calm and decisive and assured. 

    Emmett was at first very timid. We have dogs at home and Emmett wasn’t scared of the dogs. But he was lacking confidence in his ability to command Yeti and for Yeti to listen to him. With a quiet voice and his hands in his pockets, he started out very timidly.  After a few tries with Avery by his side, he soon realized that Yeti would release when he so much as whispered “Yeti” and she would bring that bumper right to his hand if he held it out.

    As the training progressed, his hands came out of his pockets. His voice grew louder and more confident. In just the short time we were there, not only did he learn a new skill, but his confidence in himself and his abilities grew tremendously. By the end of the morning, he was confidently throwing the bumper into the pond and was overjoyed to watch Yeti retrieve it. Seeing that confidence bloom in your child is a beautiful sight.

    Check out our full post on all the benefits of raising kids around pets and animals. 

    Boy and girl watch as dog comes out of pond with bumper
    Emmet confidently accepts the bumper from Yeti

    Benefits of training with children

    Having a well-trained and obedient dog has obvious benefits. The dog is better behaved, listens better, and will be safer around children and in other situations. The process of training may seem difficult and time-consuming at first, but the benefits are immense and last a lifetime. Plus, when the whole family is involved in training, it can help build relationships and improve communication skills with each other and with the dog.

    Training a dog takes consistency, patience, and grace. But, the relationship your family will build with your dog (and companion for many years) will be worth it. Plus, training your dog to play games can help get everyone outside and more active, improving the physical health of the entire family.  Just remember to start small and have fun!

    What will you and your dog start learning today?

    About the author

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

    You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @meghangarriott
    RWMC posts: Meghan Garriott

  • BIKE, HIKE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, WATER

    Exploring the Outdoors with Medically-Complex Children

    Exploring the outdoors with a medically-complex child can seem overwhelmingly hard and scary. There are so many considerations to take into account concerning the health and safety of your kid. However, getting outside and into nature has been proven time and again to help both children and adults lead happier and healthier lives. The benefits of nature are immense and while it’s never easy to get outside and explore with a medically-complex child, it’s almost always worth it. Today, we have Creative Team member Meghan Garriott, Illinois mom of two, here sharing her story of how their family gets outside with a medically-complex child and how nature has been beneficial for the whole family. 

    Exploring the outdoors with medically-complex children

    Difficulties of caring for medically complex kids

    Caring for a medically complex child can be stressful and isolating. Parents and caregivers often experience intense emotional stress as they navigate their child’s medical condition. Witnessing a child’s pain, discomfort, or limitations can be emotionally draining. Medical care for complex conditions can be physically demanding. Administering medications, managing medical equipment, and assisting with activities of daily living can take a toll on caregivers’ physical well-being. It also requires a significant time commitment. Frequent doctor appointments, therapies, and hospital stays can disrupt daily routines and limit caregivers’ availability for other responsibilities. Plus, the costs associated with medical care, treatments, therapies, and specialized equipment can place a significant financial burden on families. 

    However, despite these challenges, caregivers of medically complex children also exhibit immense resilience, dedication, and love. Seeking out support networks, accessing respite care, prioritizing self-care, and spending time outside are important strategies to help caregivers cope with the difficulties they face.

    The benefits of getting outdoors

    The benefits of getting kids outside have been well documented, and the same applies to medically-complex kids. Fresh air, natural light, and physical activity can help enhance their overall well-being, strengthen muscles, and boost immune function. Being in nature can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation, which is especially important for children dealing with medical challenges.

    Medically-complex children often have limited social interactions due to their conditions. Outdoor activities can provide a platform for them to interact with family members and other children, improving their social skills and emotional well-being.

    Nature also provides a rich sensory environment that can be particularly valuable for children with medical complexities. Different textures, sounds, smells, and sights in the outdoors can help stimulate their senses and promote cognitive development. Medically-complex children can engage in various activities that stimulate their curiosity and cognitive abilities. They can learn about plants, animals, geography, and more, fostering intellectual growth.

    Benefits for the entire family

    Exploring the outdoors with medically-complex children is not only beneficial to the child but for the whole family. As a family, getting outside can help to reduce stress and increase physical activity for the whole family without a financial burden. Caring for a medically-complex child can be emotionally taxing. Spending time outdoors offers a reprieve from stress and caregiving responsibilities, allowing family members to recharge and rejuvenate.

    Engaging in outdoor activities can promote a positive outlook on life. It’s a way to focus on what the child can do rather than their medical challenges, fostering a sense of optimism within the family. Outdoor activities provide quality family time away from the distractions of daily life. And sharing outdoor experiences creates lasting memories and strengthens family bonds.

    Learning how to get outside with a medically-complex child

    Learning when and how to introduce children to the natural world can be daunting. Understanding your limits as a caregiver and your child’s limits may be a slow process, but it will be well worth it. Understanding your own limits as a caregiver involves acknowledging your capabilities and resources.

    No matter what you’re doing, it’s essential to prioritize safety at all times. Medically complex children may have specific medical needs or mobility challenges that need to be taken into account when exploring the outdoors. By recognizing your own limitations and seeking guidance when necessary, you can ensure that you’re well-prepared to handle any situation that might arise. 

    Every child is unique, and medically complex children often have varying levels of tolerance for different outdoor experiences. By taking the time to understand your child’s limits, you can tailor outdoor activities to match their comfort and abilities. This might involve starting with short and simple outings and gradually increasing the duration and complexity as your child becomes more accustomed to the natural world.

    Introducing your child to the natural world doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. It’s a slow process that involves gradually exposing your child to different outdoor environments and activities. This allows them to adapt to new sensory experiences, sounds, and textures at a pace that feels comfortable for them. Here are some fun activities and tips my family has found throughout our journey with rare disease,  bone marrow transplant, and isolation.

    Get started in the backyard

    Getting started adventuring outdoors with medically-complex children can be the hardest part. Where do you even begin and how do you know if it’s safe? There are a lot of precautions to take when exploring outdoors with medically-complex children, but the good news is that you don’t have to go far to enjoy some good quality outdoor time. Your own backyard is a great place to start while staying within your comfort zone. This is a great place to start that allows you the safety of home, combined with fresh air and sunshine. 

    Start a garden

    One of our favorite backyard activities is gardening. Planting and weeding a garden is a simple and wonderful way for children to get outside and learn. Growing their own food, and being proud of their harvest, may help with picky eaters or those with food aversions to be more open to trying new things. As long as the dirt stays out of cuts or sores, it’s perfectly safe for kids to handle. You can use gloves, waterproof bandages or Tegaderm to help keep out dirt and germs when handling dirt. Letting kids pick out their own gardening gloves can get them excited for the job while also teaching them about safety.

    Backyard fun

    If the maintenance of a garden is too much for your little one, consider going outside each morning to stretch or do some yoga. Sit in the backyard on a blanket and read or listen to music. Watch the clouds drift by or have a picnic. These are simple ways to fit in that backyard outdoor time and get kids comfortable with nature in a safe environment. 

    Exploring the outdoors with medically-complex children - backyard gardening

    Outdoors in your community 

    Exploring the outdoors with medically-complex children doesn’t mean you have to go deep into the woods or to exotic locations. If you are ready to get out and away from the house, but aren’t sure how to safely start, consider local parks.

    Many community parks offer safe activities that don’t involve coming into contact with people. Going to the park at non-peak hours of the day will also help. Non-peak hours may differ depending on the time of year and where you live, so you may have to do a bit of research on this (or trial and error). 

    Explore local parks and trails

    Most community parks have paved or gravel paths for walking or bike riding. Bike riding is a fun way for the whole family to get out and be active. If a child isn’t physically able to ride a typical bike, that’s not a problem!

    Try asking a physical therapist or occupational therapist about adaptations that can be made to a bike to allow your child to ride. Enclosed bike trailers are also a good option for kids that can’t ride themselves or for longer/harder rides. This way they can still sit and enjoy the ride and nature all around them. Don’t forget the helmets no matter which option you choose. 

    Child on red bike wearing helmet on an autumn leave covered trail

    Searching for wildlife 

    Observing wildlife is a great way to help your medically-complex child explore the outdoors get your kids interested in nature. When you’re outside, bring along a pair of binoculars and a journal for birdwatching and wildlife sighting. Have your children write down or draw a picture of the different birds that they see. Pick up field guides to help you identify birds, bugs and other local wildlife. For younger kids, turn this into a game to keep their attention and interest.

    Some community parks have small ponds that are really fun for kids to explore and find wildlife. These ponds are great for searching for minnows, fish, tadpoles, frogs, and toads. There are also usually interesting birds and bugs around water. Remind your child to look but don’t touch and keep a safe distance from the water, if they can/shouldn’t swim or get wet. 

    Exploring outdoor ponds and nature with medically-complex children

    Hiking with medically-complex kids

    Hiking is one of our family’s favorite outdoor activities. Hiking with medically-complex kids involves a little more planning than the previously-mentioned activities, but it’s worth it. Many state and national parks have handicap-accessible trails that are great for medically-complex children. Check out this helpful like for info on national parks accessibility.

    Paved paths make it easier to avoid bugs and poisonous plants. Knowing the types of trails that are available and their length is important when choosing a hike. Make sure to set realistic goals for both you and your child. Start on short flat paved (easy) trails to get a feel for how fast you can do them. Work up from there.

    When preparing for the hike, long pants or socks are a must. A long sleeve shirt is also a good option if the temperature allows. While these items are good for kids in general, they’re especially important for medically complex children. Skin is the first defense against infection. You’ll want to protect your child’s skin from being cut by twigs or stones, getting bug bites or touched by poisonous leaves.

    You’ll also want to avoid the crowds and the hottest time of day when hiking. Usually, the best time to go hiking while avoiding contact with others is in the early morning. After your hike, be sure to check for ticks, bites, scrapes, cuts and rashes. Treat immediately, if necessary. 

    Hiking outdoors with medically-complex children

    Water activities 

    Water activities such as swimming, boating, and water sports can be a lot of fun for medically-complex kids when done safely, with certain precautions taken. However, lines like ports, central lines, and feeding tubes can make water activities more difficult.

    When my son had his Broviac line, we used aqua guard for a while but found that Press ‘N Seal worked the best for keeping water away from his line. We simply wrapped it around the end, then wrapped it around his chest where the line entered him. Now we use Tegaderm to cover infusion sites and small abrasions to keep dirty water from causing infections.

    Unfortunately, lakes and rivers aren’t always the cleanest or safest for medically-complex kids. You’ll want to be cleared by your doctor before participating in any water activities, just to be on the safe side.

    Baby splashing in water with AquaGuard covering Broviac line

    Talk to your doctor about new things

    Don’t be scared to ask your doctor if you can try new things outdoors with a medically-complex child. I assumed that swimming in a lake would be a hard NO for my son after his bone marrow transplant. I asked his doctor if he would be allowed to swim and surprisingly (at two years post-transplant), his doctor said YES!

    He was allowed to swim in the lake as long as he understood the importance of not drinking the water. We definitely talked to him about this and stressed the importance. Now, swimming in the lake is one of my son’s favorite activities and it keeps him very active! I’m so glad we asked about it! 

    Little boy in life jacket and rash guard swimming in lake

    Sprinklers and splash pads

    Sprinklers and splash pads are other fun places to visit to enjoy some water fun. Most splash pads are handicapped accessible or have accessible activities. As with other activities try to go at non-peak times to avoid crowds and the high heat of the day. Also, try calling the park to see if they allow private rentals or have certain dedicated hours for disabled or medically-complex kids.

    If you don’t have access to a splash pad, you can turn on the sprinkler in your yard and let the kids run and play with the water. Sometimes, something as simple as a sprinkler will bring your kids hours of fun and enjoyment!

    Boy surrounded by water sprinkler droplets

    Activities around water (but not in it)

    Exploring the outdoors with medically-complex children doesn’t mean you have to get wet and dirty. There are so many activities that can be done around water without jumping in. Fishing is a fun activity that can be great for kids of all ages. Depending on where you live, fishing can be done all year round in any number of locations. You can fish off a boat, the bank, or a dock. Some places require a fishing license for adults but most do not for kids.

    Birdwatching and rock skipping are also fun active activities to consider if you are near the water. When visiting the ocean/beach, don’t let the sand slow you down. There are all-terrain stabilizer tips that can be placed on the ends of walkers, crutches, and canes to make walking on sand easier. You can find these at most medical equipment stores or even Amazon. There are also places that will allow you to rent wheelchairs that go on sand!

    Little boy fishing off dock with floatation device on

    What to bring when adventuring with a medically-complex child

    Before setting out on your adventure outdoors with medically-complex children, make a list of all the things you need to bring the night before your outing. Medically-complex kids can need quite a few things that aren’t on your typical outdoor adventure list. On the day of, make sure you check everything off that list. If you will be bringing medicine, injections, or feeds, try to have them pre-portioned and ready to administer. This way, it can be done easily while you were out and about.

    Bring a cooler. Not only for water but so that you can keep medicines in there too. Diaper bags that have built-in coolers or insulated bags work best for us. Set your alarms so you don’t miss a medication time. When you are out and about, time seems to move differently than when you are at home on your own schedule. Set alarms to remind you when to give medicines or feeds.

    Lastly, bring some extras of everything –  extra bandages, extra Tegaderm, extra socks, extra clothes, extra snacks. Whatever you may need, having extra is a great way to ensure peace of mind for parents and makes your outing more enjoyable when you’re not stressed about time or not having everything you need. 

    Two Tegaderm dressings

    Climate-controlled learning about nature 

    If you are interested in teaching your child about nature but aren’t ready to go out in it, there are still options. Give your local conservation office or nature preserve area a call. Most of these offices will allow you to have a private tour when you explain your individual circumstances. Both of our local conservation offices have large bird-viewing windows. These are great because they allow you to sit inside in a controlled environment and still enjoy nature and wildlife.

    A lot of small local nature centers also have injured or rehabilitating animals that they use for demonstration and teaching. These animals can include birds, turtles, lizards, snakes, and small mammals. Many nature centers will bring these out so that kids can see wildlife up close in a safe environment. Permanently disabled or rehabilitating animals are also a great way to teach children about their own disabilities and how to adapt and thrive.  

    Child at Macon county conservation area nature center

    Gettting outside helps the entire family 

    Having a medically-complex child with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or rare disease can be stressful. Isolation from people for health reasons doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Sometimes, it just takes a little extra planning, some accommodation (and compromise), and some practice to keep the fun going.

    Getting outdoors and enjoying nature has been proven to decrease stress, increase happiness, and improve children’s development. Outdoor adventures can teach children not to put limits on themselves or their abilities.

    Exploring the outdoors is not only safe, but it’s a great way for the whole family to learn and grow together. 

    How do you explore the outdoors with a medically-complex child?

    About the author

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

    You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @meghangarriott