outdoor activities for kids

CRAFTS, HIKE, NATURE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, RECIPES, SPRING
How to Make Foraged Tree Tip Syrup with Kids
- September 13, 2021
Are you curious about foraging? Have you ever made anything edible with foraged materials you found in nature? Well, today’s post just may inspire you to get outside with your kids, collect a simple item from nature and then take it home to create a delicious simple syrup. Today, Sarah Warburton, photographer and mom of 2 living in the Swiss Alps, is here sharing advice on how to collect fir tree tips and make a forage tree tip syrup with your kids. She’s included the recipe, plus everything you need to know to get started on your foraging adventure!

Foraged tree tip syrup

If, like me, you like to find simple but fun activities to motivate your kids to go hiking, then this tree tip syrup is for you! From foraging the fresh spring growth of fir, spruce or pine trees to making the syrup, the process is so easy that kids can do it all by themselves. Although traditionally used to soothe coughs and sore throats, the syrup also tastes amazing in both sweet and savory dishes and makes a useful and original gift.

Since discovering the recipe a few years ago, making this delicious, tangy syrup has become an annual tradition. My kids get excited and remind me of our activity as soon as they spot the bright green tips appearing on the trees in spring. They are always excited to scout out the best trees for harvesting, and armed with just a few basic supplies the syrup can even be prepared straight after foraging for the tips out on the trail. As the tips are generally plentiful and the process so simple, even younger children can proudly make their own jar.

What you will need to make the syrup
- Something to collect the tips in – a tub, small basket, bag, etc.
- A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid (we use screw-top mason jars)
- Brown sugar
- Spoon
- Sieve
- A bit of time and patience!
Foraging conifers

Conifers are widely found in the forests of the temperate and sub-arctic climates of the Northern hemisphere. Did you know that spruce, fir, and pine trees all have edible needles, each with a slightly different taste. However, before eating anything wild, ALWAYS make sure you know how to identify exactly what it is that you’re foraging. This article on how to recognize the different conifer species will help you if you’re not sure what’s what!

Where to forage the tree tips

The tree’s new spring growth is used to make the syrup. As the weather warms up after winter the trees grow fresh needles at the end of each branch. The new growth is easy to spot – it’s bright lime green and much softer than the mature needles. This is the portion that you’ll forage to make your syrup.

How to choose trees for foraging

As with any kind of foraged food, select trees that are away from roads (at least 100m is best) and other sources of pollution. Also, be sure to check that you are outside of any protected zones and not on private land. Also be sure to spread out your foraging and not to collect everything you need from the same tree, in order to ensure you don’t put too much stress on the tree.

When to collect the tree tips

Here in our alpine region of Switzerland new growth starts to appear in early May, but latitude and altitude have an important role in determining the timing of this. This past year I left it a bit late to collect the tips in our immediate area, so we had to take a gondola up the mountain to find them. We were still able to find lots of tips at higher altitudes as late as the end of June but they were starting to get quite large. As a general rule, the younger the tips the better for this particular recipe.

Harvesting the tree tips

Now comes the fun part! My kids LOVE to have a ‘mission’ while they are outside and get really excited about finding the best trees and the nicest tips. If you are planning on making the syrup once you return home (rather than while out hiking), all you need to pack is a container to put them in.

Before we get started, I make sure to remind my kids how to forage responsibly. Removing the tree tips is essentially pruning the tree so aim to collect tips from several trees rather than one, and choose mature rather than young trees. It’s especially important to avoid removing the top tip of a young tree as this can stunt its growth.

Tree tips are easy for young children to harvest

Plucking the tips off the trees is a straightforward process and even little hands can manage it. You don’t need scissors or any special equipment.

Select tips from the lower branches and make sure that you only take as many as you need. I find that if each child loosely fills the jar that they will eventually use to make the syrup this works out quite well. Once we’ve finished collecting the tips, we say thank you to the trees for sharing them with us.

Storing the foraged tree tips for later use

If you can’t prepare the syrup right away, then the tips store really well in the fridge or freezer. I have kept tips in the fridge for up to a month but freezing is best for longer-term storage. When refrigerated, keep the tips in a tub or a bag with a damp paper towel to ensure that they don’t start to dry out.

How to prepare the tree tip syrup

If we can, I like to plan to do prepare the tree tip syrup on the same day as collecting the tips while we’re still out hiking. Often we’ll find a spot for lunch and do it there. Bear in mind that to do this, you’ll need to carry the sugar and glass jars with you. This is only really practical if you aren’t hiking too far!

Start by putting a good layer of tree tips in the bottom of the jar. Follow this with a layer of brown sugar, and then repeat the process until you’ve completely filled the jar. Use a spoon to really pack down the layers, and finish with a thick layer of sugar on the top. Screw on the lid and voilà, you’re done!

Combining the sugar and the tree tips is so simple that even small children can do it by themselves. Pouring or spooning the sugar is great for exercising their fine motor skills. Try providing a variety of different brown sugars for an even more fun and tactile experience!

The best tasting tree tip syrup needs time

Once you’re home, place your jar(s) somewhere warm and wait for the magic to happen! A bright windowsill is perfect, but a warm cupboard such as an airing cupboard would work well too. The jar can also be left outside in the sun.

As the sugar melts, it draws out the natural moisture from the tree tips and gets infused with their aromatic goodness. After a week or so, most of the sugar should have melted and the contents of the jar will have reduced by about a half.

This is a good time to give the mixture a stir to break up any remaining lumps of sugar and push any stray tips down under the accumulating syrup. At this point, the jar doesn’t look very pretty as the tips will have discolored. But don’t worry about this – it’s perfectly normal!

We then wait at least another few weeks for more of the goodness to leach out of the tips but some traditional recipes call for waiting months or even up to a year!

Bottling and storing the tree tip syrup

When you’re ready to bottle the syrup, simply strain off the tree tips with a sieve, using a spoon to squeeze out all of the beautiful, fragrant liquid. Discard the spent tips, and pour the syrup into clean glass bottles or jars.

You can also boil the syrup before bottling or can the jars in a water bath to increase its shelf-life. For ultimate freshness and flavor, store the syrup in the fridge. Failing that, a cool, dark cupboard is best. Reports vary as to how long it can be kept, but as it’s pretty much pure sugar it’s very shelf-stable.

How to use tree tip syrup

The first bottle of tree tip syrup that we made we used exclusively as a natural remedy to soothe coughs and sore throats. It’s safe to say we had no problem convincing the kids to take it! Soon I began looking into how else it could be used.

Here are a few suggestions on ways to use evergreen tree tip syrup:
- drizzle over cheese (my personal favorite – soft cheese and goat’s cheese were made for this!)
- pour a little over your favorite pancakes
- glaze or marinate meat, fish, or vegetables
- add a spoonful to a hot herbal tea
- sweeten cold drinks and cocktails – mix with still or sparkling water and add a splash of lemon juice for an easy summer drink
Small bottles also make an interesting homemade gift for friends, neighbors, teachers, or family members. Your children will be so proud to gift a bottle of something they worked to make.

The health benefits of tree tip syrup

There are so many amazing benefits of foraging conifers and evergreen trees. The needles and cones of conifers have traditionally been used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans and Eastern and Northern Europeans. The needles contain potassium and magnesium and are a potent source of Vitamins A and C.

Using alternate sugars for making the syrup

It’s entirely possible to replace the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup. The ratio of tips to sugar would need adjusting to account for the difference in water content. This is not something that I myself have tried but I have heard that the result is equally delicious!

Other uses for foraged conifer tips

If you have tree tips left over after making the syrup, don’t throw them away! The tips can be used to garnish a variety of dishes, eaten raw in salads, and even pickled! There are so many amazing uses for your foraged finds!

Have you tried making tree tip syrup?
What’s your favorite way to use it?

About the author

Sarah is originally from the UK but moved to Switzerland 14 years ago and never looked back! She lives with her Swiss partner and 2 children, aged 8 and 5, in a beautiful corner of the Swiss Alps. Together they run a large chalet and are kept busy looking after the groups and guests that stay there. Sarah enjoys anything that gets herself and her family out into nature. Skiing, hiking, and paddling on local lakes are favourite family activities, and annual camper van trips are always highlights of the year. Hugely inspired by the landscapes around her, she loves nothing more than taking her camera along to photograph or film their adventures and capture all the beautiful details of the natural world around them.

Find Sarah online in the following locations:
Instagram: @swissmountainlife
Website: http://www.sarahbach.ch
Chalet: @bnbvieuxchalet
CRAFTS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PARK, PRINTABLES, SUMMER
How to Make a DIY Park Tour Guidebook
- August 19, 2021
Parks and playgrounds offer endless opportunities for outdoor active and creative play for kids. From swing sets to sporting areas, picnic places, and lakes and streams, exploring new parks with kids can be so much fun! If your local park has lost its appeal and you’re ready to find something new (or you just love new experiences and want to find some fun new places to explore), we’ve got the answer for you…a park tour! Today, photographer and Minnesota mom of three, Angie Mahlke shares how to create your very own DIY park tour guidebook to use while exploring new (to you) playgrounds in your area and ranking them for fun! Give your children the chance to become park connoisseurs on a quest to find their favorite playground!

Why parks and playgrounds?

Being active outdoors doesn’t have to be complicated or require a lot of gear or planning – it can be as easy as exploring a local park or playground with your kids. Checking out a new park allows parents and kids to be adventurous, without needing to travel far or spend a lot of time researching or packing for an exotic outing. Most of the parks near us have wooded areas, lakes or ponds, hiking trails, and a playground, of course, which is always the most attractive feature for my kids and the first thing they want to check out upon arrival.

Like probably most families with small kids, we spend a lot of time at our local parks and playgrounds. They are free and easily accessible and provide endless hours of entertainment for the kids. I wonder what the hour count would be if I had started logging the amount of time we actually spend at parks from that first visit with our new baby 12 years ago? It feels like we’re probably into the millions by now!

Last year, when COVID restrictions hit and indoor places closed, suddenly, parks were one of the only things available to many families (after the brief window during quarantine when they weren’t, of course). Our parks got more crowded than ever and we got an itch to try branching out to find fun new places to explore. This is what prompted the idea (read: necessity) to spice up our playground adventures!

Benefits of playgrounds

Playgrounds are safe spaces where children can be themselves and express their fun-loving nature while developing crucial cognitive, physical, social, and emotional skills. Play is a spontaneous activity that children engage in to have fun. But it’s much more than that. Experts in a variety of fields have conducted a multitude of studies on the concept of childhood play all proving the same critical fact —play is an essential aspect of learning.

As a child grows, their play becomes more complex. Without being able to play, children’s ability to develop and learn is stunted. Playgrounds provide a place for children to get a full-body workout, including exercises that strengthen their arms, legs, torso, and so on. From the cardiovascular system to the circulatory system, each is nurtured and benefited through vigorous and active outdoor play.

A park tour adventure

As our local parks got busy (and started becoming a bit boring to us), we decided to venture out. We started talking about plans to explore more parks. And then, we had an idea! What if we hit up all the parks in our area? We could make a list of every park, map them all out and start park hopping. We could call it a park tour! Doesn’t it sound more exciting to give it a fancy name instead of just saying we’re going to hit up a ton of playgrounds?

But that’s not the big idea. We can go bigger! Let’s not just check out the parks and play, but let’s turn it into a bigger activity. We can record what we liked (and disliked) about each park we visit. We can use a park rating system —similar to a movie rating system—to determine how much fun each park is. Who doesn’t like giving things a thumbs up or thumbs down? What would it take for a park to be worthy of the full five stars?

It’s time to be an official park critic!

DIY park tour guidebooks

And then, we decided to go all out and take it one step further. Why not create our own DIY Park Tour Guidebooks complete with a rating system to fill out after each park visit? Then at the end of the tour, we can look back at our ratings to determine which park is our favorite.

So, that is exactly what we did! All last summer we carried our homemade guidebooks with us from playground to playground, diligently recording our every like and dislike. Each kid made their own park tour guidebook because they all have varying opinions on what made a particular park great. What one rated a “good” park, another deemed a “bad” one.

To be fancy or not to be fancy

Making a park tour guidebook is easier than you think. They do not need to be fancy! (Although, if fancy is your thing, you can certainly do that!) When we started making our park tour guide books, I simply wrote out a quick rating system on a piece of white printer paper. Then I made several copies and stapled them together in a bundle for each of us. Everyone decorated their cover page. Then we were off! Easy peasy.

Your park tour guidebook can be that easy, or you take it up a notch and get a bit more creative. This summer, we decided to do another park tour and make books, but we wanted to do something a bit more fun. Our guidebooks now involve recycled brown paper grocery bags, so of course, the fancy meter is off the charts.

You can choose to make your books however you want and be as creative or as simple as you would like. If you have older kids, they’ll love making their books personalized to their favorite interests and colors. Little ones might need a bit more help, but they’ll love making it theirs. Cater your books and style to your family and what works best for you.

If you’d like to make our oh-so-fancy paper bag guide books, I detail the process below.

Paper bag DIY park tour guidebook supplies
- Brown paper shopping bag (one for each person)
- Filler paper with a rating system (print my PDF if you’d like)
- Hole punch
- String, yarn, or ribbon
- Scissors
- Markers, crayons, paints, or other art supplies
How to make a park guidebook

I’ve learned after many years of doing arts and crafts projects with my children that it goes much smoother to do all the prep work before calling them in to help. If your kids are little (and maybe not the best with scissors), I would suggest doing steps 1 – 2 on your own before including them in on the fun decorating parts.

So, gather your supplies and have them ready. For the filler paper, you can either use pre-printed pages (use our free PDF above) or plain ol’ blank paper. If you’re using our template, print out your pages (one for every park you plan on visiting).

Step 1: Cut the paper bag

You will need to cut the bag to create two separate panels—a front and a back. You can leave the handles of the bag attached for a fun way to tote it around. Like a briefcase.

The bags have a natural fold about a fourth of the way up from the bottom. I cut right across the horizontal fold and discarded the bottom half of the bag. Then I cut off both the “sides” of the remaining top half of the bag. This left me with two panels, both containing a handle.

Step 2: Punch the holes

If you have a three-hole punch, lucky you. You are set for this next step. But if you’re like me and only have a regular ol’ single-hole punch, you may want to follow the steps below.
1. Find a scrap piece of paper the same size as your filler paper and punch three holes (as evenly spaced as possible) along the left side. Use this scrap piece of paper as your hole punching template.
2. Put your front and back panel from the paper bag on top of each other, the handles touching.
3. Then place your hole punching template on the top and punch the same three holes.
4. Do step 2 for the filler paper as well.
Voila! You just took thrice as long to do the same job as the three-hole punch, but you still got the job done!

Step 3: Decorate the cover page

What work of art is complete without some actual art? Spruce up the front cover of your park tour guidebook any way you want! This is the perfect step to bring in the little kids.

My kids chose to draw some pictures and label their park guide books with their names. You could use paint, stickers, stamps, or (gasp) glitter (cue horrified moms everywhere). Be as creative or as simplistic as you’d like.

Step 4: Assemble the pages

Now that all the leg work is done, it’s time to assemble these babies!

You will need to cut three pieces of string (or yarn, ribbon, twine, etc.) to use to bind the pages together. Loop the string through all the layers (front cover, filler pages, then back cover) for all three of the holes and tie them loosely. You will want to leave a little give so the pages can open and close with ease.

And with that, your DIY park guidebooks are now done and ready to be tested!

Creating your park ranking system

So what exactly do the filler pages of the park tour guidebook contain? Other than the park name (that’s important), everything else is really up to you! Last year we listed out and ranked pretty much every single thing we could think of that we may find at a park (slides, swings, climbers, shade trees, picnic area, water features (ponds, creeks), hiking and biking trails, wildlife, parking, uniqueness, etc.). This year, though, we kept it a bit simpler and only included the basics.

As the creator of your park tour guidebook, you (and your kids) get to determine what you want to include in your books to judge and how you want to judge/rank it. Think about what’s most important to you when finding a new park. Is it the playground equipment? Fishing pond? Is it a soccer or baseball field? Or maybe other things like size, distance from home, location, privacy, and remoteness?

And now you get to determine what your ranking system will be. Do you want to give points? Hearts or stars? Thumbs-up and thumbs-down?

We use a five-star rating system, with five stars being the best. We individually rank each of the items, then we tally the number of stars to determine the final score the park earned. This year we added the fun “thumbs up, thumbs down” rating system as well, to give the park as a whole. Thumbs-up means we’ll come back.

How to create the park tour guidebook ranking pages

How you want to create the filler pages with the ranking system is completely up to you and your kids. Older kids may want to create their own pages. They can either do that with pen/marker or maybe on a computer. Then you can make as many copies of the page as you need. Or, maybe each page is recreated on the spot and individualized to the park? For younger kids, maybe you create a page for them and make copies.

Like I noted earlier, last year I simply hand-wrote the categories and drew the stars. Then I made copies on my home photocopier for each of our guidebooks. This year, I created the template on Microsoft word. I searched Google for some free clipart since my five-year-old can’t read yet. Then I set to work creating a rating system.

Feel free to use my park tour guidebook rating page template or use it as inspiration to create your own!

Other fun additions to your park tour guidebook

Your guidebooks don’t have to be exclusively filled with ranking pages. Include a few blank pages in there for journaling or drawing. Maybe your kids want to draw a picture of the playground equipment so they remember the park. Or maybe they find a pretty leaf or flower that they press and glue on a page. Let them use pages to take notes or write down a funny thing that happened at each park.

Think about including a map of your area in your park tour guidebook and letting them plot out the parks they visit. Or a checklist of all the parks they want to visit (or have visited). Encourage them to can draw their own maps of the park, to work on their mapping and spatial awareness skills. Check out this post for more info on map reading skills for kids.

Take your park tour guide books out and play

Now that your park tour guide books are complete, it’s time to get out and explore! Make a list of all the playgrounds in your area and start hitting up as many as you can. Maybe you do a park a week over the next few months. Or maybe you plan a full day of park hopping and visit 10 parks in one day! There’s no right or wrong way to do this! Just have fun and don’t forget to bring your park tour guidebooks and take a few seconds (or minutes) before going home to rate your experience.

If your kids are like mine, they will love expressing their opinions. Sit back and watch their differences roll out! What one kid loves, the other is bound to hate. By the end of your park tour, you just might find one park that the whole family can agree they love and then you have a new family favorite!

What makes a park good for you?
Can you predict which park will be the family favorite?

About the author

Angie is a wife and stay-at-home-mom of three wild hyenas. She resides in rural Minnesota, where there are more cows and cornfields than people. She is an introvert with a creative itch that needs to be scratched, whether it is photographing her children in their daily lives or coming up with fun ways to explore nature in their backyard. Messy hair, dirty faces, mismatched clothing, wild and free children—all these things fuel her creativity and the desire to preserve these fleeting moments. Angie and her family can be found camping, biking, and sitting around a campfire during the summer months and sledding and ice fishing in a million layers during the winter.

You can find Chelsea online in the following locations:
Instagram: @angie_mahlke
RWMC posts: Angie Mahlke
FARM, GOOD FOR NATURE, SUMMER, URBAN NATURE
Exploring Farmers’ Markets with Kids
- August 11, 2021
A trip to your local farmer’s market is more than just a shopping excursion. Farmers’ markets are thriving locations where communities gather, full of interesting people and educational opportunities. Today, Creative Team member and Nevada mom of 2, Ashley Greenhalgh is highlighting how to explore a farmers’ market with your kids. Farmers’ markets are an important part of communities, where you can shop small, meet your local farmers, reduce your carbon footprint and learn to eat seasonally. There are so many benefits of farmers’ markets, let’s dig in!

Exploring a farmers’ market with kids

Exploring a farmers’ market is an outdoor activity your whole family is sure to enjoy. Exploring farmers’ markets with kids can also help your community in a number of ways! Today, I’m excited to share this fun outing with you and cover the basics of what to expect, as well as some tips to enjoy farmers’ markets like a pro. I hope that this post inspires you to get out with your kids and have some good ol’ family fun at your local farmers’ market (and make healthy food choices and meet new friends along the way!).

What is a farmers’ market?

A farmers’ market is an open area where local farmers, makers, bakers, artists, and even musicians set up displays to sell their local goods and share their passions with the community. Each booth space at a local farmers’ market offers something a little different than the rest, making each market a totally unique experience. When you think of farmers’ markets, you may only think of rows upon rows of fruits and vegetables. And while that is definitely a highlight of any good farmers’ market, there is so much more than fruits and veggies to enjoy and explore!

Farmer’s markets are made up of people who passionately grow their fruits and vegetables, bake their bread and pastries, paint their canvases, set up amazing displays, create their own products and work tirelessly to provide local healthy, delicious, beautiful options for you to purchase.

There are usually free samples, free music, and other free or inexpensive options for you to enjoy, making farmers’ markets a fun (and inexpensive) place to hang out, make friends, discover new foods, and meet your community.

Farmers’ markets are good for you (and everyone else)

Did you know that farmer’s markets are GREAT for our local economies, our health, and the environment?!

Purchasing local food is good for the environment. For example, consider the difference between buying peaches from a farm 20 miles from your home versus a farm 400 miles away. Think of the labor, drive time, packaging, processing, and emissions that are saved when the transportation time is reduced. Now multiply that by say 40 vendors at a local farmers market. It is pretty easy to see that shopping local is a great way to help the environment.

Shopping local is also beneficial to your own community and neighborhood. When you purchase food, goods, or services from a local vendor, more of that money stays in your community and area. Your local economy can flourish if everyone seeks out more local options and shops small.

Making connections at the market

The farmers, artists, master gardeners, makers, craftsmen, and entertainers at local farmer’s markets are some of the most hardworking, kind people you will meet. A farmers’ market is a great place to meet genuine and interesting people. The vendors are usually very passionate about the products they produce and the food they grow/harvest. You’ll find that they’re often very willing to talk to you (and especially your kids) about their processes, experiences, and backgrounds. They may even offer you a tour of their farm, a demonstration, or a free sample. The setting is perfect for children to meet and interact with a wide variety of interesting and passionate adults, as well as others their age. Exploring farmer’s markets with your kids is a simple and fun way for them to make community connections and meet new friends.

For more information on how to meet farmers and/or get information on local farms in your area, check out this post on teaching kids about where food comes from.

New foods, new recipes

Farmers’ markets are some of the best places to take your kids to get them more interested in new foods and recipes. There’s such a huge variety of foods at local farmers’ markets, in addition to fresh fruits and vegetables. There are usually meats and cheeses, sausages and eggs, local honey (great for allergies) and salsa, baked goods and jams (and so much more). If your kids are not familiar with the fruits/vegetables available, purchase a few different options to take home and try. Chances are, even if they weren’t huge fans of the vegetable before (or didn’t know anything about it), they will be once they taste fresh produce they picked out and learned about.

Including kids in the act of choosing new vegetables, new fruits, or a new herb can get them excited to try something different! Let your child pick out a seasonal fruit or an exotic fruit to try when you get home. It’s like a treat or a reward that they helped pick out. And there are so many different colors and textures of foods for them to experience at a farmer’s market. You’re sure to find something delicious even for the pickiest of eaters. You might even discover something delicious enough that you choose to plant it in your own vegetable garden next year!

Most of the vendors at our local farmers’ market have free samples to try, as well. It is so much fun for kids to try yellow watermelon, pluots, and lemon cucumbers to name a few. Many vendors also will suggest a simple recipe for a vegetable, herb, or fruit that isn’t well known. Your children will love choosing something new to try at home!

Healthy options for less

Since local produce doesn’t have the high transportation costs that are associated with lots of big-box grocery store chains, many of the healthy foods you will find are less expensive than at a grocery store. Not to mention food that hasn’t been shipped hundreds of miles, is fresher (so it tastes better), and has way less plastic wrapping and packaging! These are all benefits of shopping local and small, which also help reduce your carbon footprint.

Did you know that most of the fruits and vegetables you’ll find at grocery stores are picked prior to being ripe so that they are hard and don’t get damaged during transport? The local fruits and vegetables at a farmer’s market are often picked within 24 hours of you seeing them! They’re fresh, delicious, and more nutritious than what you’ll usually find at a big grocery store.

Farmers’ markets affordably

The SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) provides monthly benefits to millions of low-income families across the country to purchase food and beverages. Starting in 2017, families have been able to use their EBT cards to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from their local farmer’s markets. Click the link to learn about SNAP at farmers’ markets.

Another amazing program increasing accessibility to low-income seniors is the SFMNP (Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program). This program is “designed to provide low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs.” Click the link to learn more about the SFMNP program.

Availability of farmers’ markets

Depending on the weather in your area, markets may be open year-round or seasonally. Some markets are open once or twice per week, or a couple of times per month. There are daily markets and weekly markets. There are morning, afternoon, or evening markets. Be sure to check out the hours, days, and seasons your local farmers’ market is open.

We have found that evening markets many times have food trucks and music, so it makes for a fun, easy evening outdoors where we can enjoy someone else’s cooking! Morning markets are filled with fresh produce and baked goods. This makes an enjoyable morning tasting fresh fruits, enjoying breakfast, buying local produce, and connecting with our community members. Honestly, there’s no bad time of day to visit the farmers’ market.

To find local farmers’ markets, a simple internet search with your area and the words “farmers’ markets.” (Northern California farmers’ markets or St. Louis farmers’ markets, for example). This will provide a local website or list of options in your area.

Many of the farmers’ markets that operate twice per week, for example, do so for variety. A market may feature fruits and vegetables on a weekday, and arts/ crafts on a Saturday. This provides variety for customers and keeps things interesting.

Power of Produce

The Power of Produce (POP) Club is an organization for kids hosted by the Farmers Market Coalition (FMC) which provides a set of over 50 tools, guides and templates to help communities engage younger customers in the farmers market experience through POP Club. The club provides a fun opportunity for children to engage in the local food system through conversations directly with farmers, educational games and demonstrations, and exposure to new fruits and vegetables. In addition to participating in educational activities, POP Club kids receive vouchers to spend at the market, allowing them to make their own shopping decisions at the market. For more information, check out their website.

Other benefits of farmers’ markets

Besides being great for your community, environment, and health there are a few other benefits to exploring farmers’ markets with kids!

Farmers’ markets are a great low-stress environment for them to learn about money and work on social/communication skills. If your kids have some money saved, they can work on talking with vendors, asking questions, adding up items, weighing/measuring, counting money, and calculating change. There are so many great skills that kids can develop from the simple act of shopping! It is a fun, interactive way for them to learn some math and money skills!

More than just food

There are so many other fun, outdoor activities you can find at many farmers’ markets, in addition to fresh produce. We’ve experienced everything from live music at open-air concerts, to cooking demonstrations, a petting zoo, plant displays, pumpkin patches, fresh-cut flowers (make your own bouquet stations), yoga classes, story time (from local authors), and art demonstrations. Many of these activities are free, inexpensive, or merely ask for a small donation. We once found an art bus where the girls could tie-dye a small reusable bag for $5. They had a blast interacting with the small business owner and making something they can use again and again.

Bring your furry friends!

A fun added bonus: you can usually bring your furry friends to the farmers’ market! Since most farmers’ markets are outdoors, many allow dogs on leashes. Kids and dogs are a great combination and can be an icebreaker for your children to meet and interact with others. Exploring farmers’ markets with kids is a great way to bond with them and others, get some exercise, support your community, and help the environment. Is there anything better than that?

Helpful tips for visiting a farmers’ market with kids
- Think ahead of time what you’re looking for at a farmers’ market. If you’re looking for the freshest produce, fruits and vegetables, hitting up the farmers’ markets early in the morning is your best chance of getting the most variety.
- If you’re going to an evening market where there are food trucks and music, it is nice to have a blanket to sit on the grass.
- Bring a basket or reusable bags to carry your produce. Most places do not have bags or boxes, so try to remember to bring your own. This also cuts down on plastic waste.
- Carry some cash. While many vendors accept cards, some may not. Plus, it makes it faster and easier to pay with cash when you’re browsing and trying to purchase a few small things from various vendors.
- Bring a reusable water bottle ~ many markets will have refilling stations for bottles, but not cups. In addition, many markets are during the heat of a sunny day so it is nice to have some cold water on hand.
Have you ever explored a farmers’ market with your kids?

About the author

Ashley is a nature-loving mother of two who is passionate about outdoor education for parents and their children. Ashley grew up in Alaska, where her family spent most of their time outdoors fishing, camping, skiing, and hiking. She currently lives with her husband and children near the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Lake Tahoe, where they can be found outdoors year-round; hiking, backpacking, biking, skiing, and camping. She is also very passionate about photography and owns a small photography business.

You can find more from Ashley in the following online locations:
Instagram: @sage.and.summit
Website: Sage & Summit Photography
RWMC posts: Ashley Greenhalgh
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PARK, SUMMER
Skateboarding for Kids 101
- August 5, 2021
Skateboarding is a fun and active way to spend time outside. It’s not only a great full-body workout, but it helps build core strength, balance, and confidence in kids. It’s one of those fast-action sports that are not only fun to watch, but a blast for kids to participate in. Today, Chelsea Furlong, a Virginia Beach photographer and skateboarding mom of two, shares all her tips for skateboarding with kids. Chelsea shares everything you need to know, including how to choose the right skateboard, best skateboarding gear, skateboarding safety tips, advice for parents, and more.

Skateboarding obsession begins

A couple of years ago my kids asked for skateboards for Christmas. They were using small plastic mini boards made for toddlers but they were ready for something bigger and better. My brothers got them their first real skateboards for Christmas that year and our family’s new obsession began. Within a few months of receiving those gifts, my kids absolutely fell in love with skateboarding. That love eventually became a full-blown obsession. We currently don’t have a single day that goes by without some kind of skateboarding involved. Even on the days when the weather is terrible, they’ll practice in our garage, watch tutorials and youtube videos, or practice tricks on their TechDecks. Skateboarding, for us, has become a lifestyle.

Becoming a skateboarding mom

Many people reach out to me on a regular basis with their questions about skateboarding and how to get their kids started. It’s common for a mom to send me a message on Instagram saying something like, “My child is interested in learning how to skateboard. I’m a little terrified, and I don’t skateboard, so I have no idea where to start. Can you help me?”

Let me start by saying, I don’t skateboard, either! That’s right. My kids tell me they feel more comfortable riding a board at this point than they do walking on their own two feet. But their mother is a totally different story! Haha!

The good news is you do NOT have to know how to skateboard to help your kids get started skateboarding. All you have to do is grab the basic equipment, get them outside and support them on their journey as they practice and get better. It’s not always easy (rarely is anything involving kids easy), but it’s worth it. Skateboarding has become such a vibrant passion for my kids, a fun and active activity that gets us all outside and keeps us on our toes! It’s been a great way to teach my boys valuable life skills and has allowed them to make amazing friendships with a diverse group of skaters.

Benefits of skateboarding for kids

Skateboarding is a full-body workout. Observe your kids on a skateboard and you’ll quickly realize that they use a variety of muscles and movement skills to propel, stop, steer and manipulate the board. Riders exercise their feet, legs, arms, and torso as they twist and balance with each trick and turn. Skateboarding is great for helping develop coordination and core strength. It takes a long time to get good at skateboarding and doing tricks, so it’s a great activity for teaching kids about practice and perseverance. It’s becoming a more popular sport by the day and is really fun to watch, as well as participate in. Skateboarding is a healthy screen-free outdoor activity that gets kids plenty of fresh air, sunshine, exercise, and Vitamin D.

Best age for getting started skateboarding

Like nearly any sport, there’s no perfect age to get them started. You’re never too old to learn to skateboard (although, your body may disagree after a few spills!), and even young kids can give it a try. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that kids under 5 not skateboard. Mainly, this is because their tiny bodies can’t take the impact and you don’t want to risk broken bones and injuries for kids this young. Kids of all ages participate in this sport. But no matter what age your kids are, at first they’ll need close adult supervision and support.

What do we need to get started?

You don’t need very much to get started skateboarding, but the gear is important. Here are the few basic pieces of skateboarding equipment you’ll need to get your kids off and rolling:
- skateboard
- helmet
- protective pads
- closed-toe sneakers or skate shoes
I get lots of requests for brand and equipment recommendations for families just jumping into skating. This has been a trial and error process for us, and what works best for my kids may not be what your kids prefer. However, I’m happy to share what works for us!

Kinds of skateboards

There are many types of skateboards available for lots of different kinds of riding. The list includes longboards, penny boards, carve boards, classic boards, cruisers, popsicle double kicks, etc. Maybe you didn’t realize there are lots of different kinds of boards? Me either! It’s ok if you don’t know what your kids will want or need at first. I’m here to help!

We currently have a few different types of skateboards lined up in our garage: longboards, cruisers, double kicks, and a carve board. For this post, I’ll be mostly focusing on the popsicle double kicks board. This is because that’s what our kids use the most, and that’s likely the kind of skateboard you’re most familiar with as well.

The popsicle double kick is the kind of skateboard most people have in their minds when they think of skateboarding. It’s a board shape with two rounded ends and both of those ends are bent upward. This kind of skateboard can be used for street skating and transition (or bowl) skating. My kids skate both transition and street, and that’s the kind of skateboard deck they both use. It’s a good beginner skateboard and a good choice for shape if you’re looking to purchase your first skateboard.

How to choose a skateboard for kids

When you’re choosing the best skateboard for a new rider, you’ll want to consider the age and size of the rider. If you’re starting a toddler or a very young child, you’ll want a mini-board. These are a much smaller size and are best for the tiny feet of younger skaters. Once your kids are a little older, they can handle a larger board.

In addition to the different styles of skateboards, there are also different sizes. My kids are ages 7 & 9. They both wear a kids’ size 3 shoe. They’re currently riding size 7.75 skateboard decks. For reference, my oldest son will likely be moving to a size 8 board within the next year.

The next bit of important information is that when you’re buying a skateboard, I recommend starting with a complete skateboard set. This just means that all of the skateboard parts are already there and assembled! Again, beginners may not know this, but there are several different parts to a skateboard that can change a lot about the ride. As my kids have become more advanced, they now fully customize their boards according to what/how they want to ride. However, a beginner skater doesn’t need to worry about any of that, so opt for a complete set.

We started out with a complete board from CCS. This is a quality skateboard for a beginner. You can even customize the design on the board with your own artwork or a photo of your new skater!

Protective gear – skateboarding helmets and pads

The proper gear when skateboarding is essential. Just as you wouldn’t let your child ride a bike without a helmet or ride in a car without a seatbelt, don’t let your skater ride with a helmet and pads. Biking helmets and skateboarding helmets are made completely differently! There are some helmets that are now formulated for both, but we recommend having separate helmets for our kids for biking and skateboarding.

Yes, you can absolutely use a bike helmet for your child who’s just starting out if you don’t have a skate helmet. It’s certainly better than no head protection at all. But, if your child really starts to get into skating, you’ll want a high-quality helmet. We use the Protec brand because they’re highly regarded in the skate community as one of the best quality, safest brands of skating helmets. Be sure to get the correct size for your child, too. If you’re not sure about sizing and fit, head to your local skate shop and someone there should be able to check it for you!

There is a LOT of falling involved in skateboarding, so I also recommend getting a set of pads for your child, as well. You’ll want both knee pads and elbow pads at the minimum. Or, you can get a full set of pads which also includes wrist guards. We use 187 Killer Pads because they’re high quality, but again, any pads are better than no pads when you’re just getting started! You can always upgrade later, if/when your kids decide that skateboarding is life! My kids are trying some pretty crazy tricks at this point, so we need gear that can handle the constant blows day after day!

Skateboarding shoes for kids

Beginner skateboarders don’t need any particular brand of skateboarding shoes, but it’s important that your child wears comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good tread or rubber on the bottom. You definitely don’t want them slipping around on the skateboard. Also, the grip tape on a fresh board can be hard on open skin. Occasionally, I accidentally drag my hands or arms on my kids’ boards when I’m moving them around and that grip tape is no joke!

Additional skateboarding gear suggestions

After a year and a half of serious (and I mean serious) hours put in at our local skateparks, I’ve learned to have a few other items on hand! You may not need these items early on in the process, but if you find yourself spending more and more time skating, it’s a good idea (actually, it’s a great idea) to keep these items handy and closeby:
- Medical kit – You’ll want to have bandages available from the very beginning. As your little skater progresses and attempts more difficult tricks, you’ll want to have a more substantial kit on hand. We use ours almost every trip to the skatepark, whether for our own kids or to share with other skaters getting injuries.
- Skate tool – This is a tool used to tighten or loosen the trucks (the metal part that the wheels are on)
- Extra shoe laces – Once your skater starts to attempt different tricks, they’ll also start to snap their laces! There were some skatepark days where we went through several sets of laces in a single day!
- Shoe Goo – This is great for fixing shoes that are getting torn up for skating! It’s a great trick for extending the life of your shoes.
- Camera (with video capability) – My kids are constantly asking me to take photos and videos of their runs and tricks. They like to see how they look (and how they can improve). They analyze the videos later and adjust accordingly. It’s an amazing process of self-awareness.
We keep all of these items in our skate bag so we have everything we may need all in one place!

Getting started as a skateboarding parent

Once you have all of your gear purchased and ready to go, it’s skate time! Personally, I think skateboarding is MUCH harder than it looks. It takes a lot of time to get good at a new sport like skateboarding and takes way more hours of practicing than you can ever imagine. However, if you have determined little ones that love the activity, you’ll be amazed by how quickly they improve and how strong and brave they can be. Here are a few tips and suggestions for parents when your kid is learning how to skateboard.

Get mentally prepared

I’m going to say it again: Your child WILL fall. They will get hurt. Hopefully not terribly hurt, but they will get some scrapes and bruises along the way. It’s best to prepare yourself for that fact early and be prepared to remain calm and encouraging for your child as they learn this new skill. Just like they fall off bikes sometimes (or out of trees or off the swingset), they’ll also fall off of their skateboards! It’s inevitable.

It’s important to keep a calm and confident attitude throughout this learning process because you are the model for your child. If you act nervous, stressed, and terrified, your child will also feel nervous and afraid. If you panic every time they fall off the skateboard, they will panic and be afraid to step back on the board. Your little one will look to you for praise and encouragement, so be ready for it! Provide positive feedback and keep an upbeat attitude about conquering new skills. You’ll be impressed with how quickly they’ll be able to brush off falls when they’re determined and encouraged.

Find a safe place to start

When your child is first learning how to stand on and ride a skateboard, start them on a flat, smooth surface. Your flat surface can be a paved path, parking lot, driveway, etc. Whatever you have available to you will work! If you see lots of rocks and debris, sweep or remove it so your little one doesn’t get caught on it. For your very first time on a skateboard, you might even want to start in the grass or on carpet. That’ll keep the board from moving out from beneath your little one’s feet until they feel comfortable standing on it.

Balance and push

Next, it’s time to practice balancing. Some children will want you to hold their hand as they begin and some will want to do everything on their own. Once the child has practiced balancing on the board, it’s time to push off. The best way is to teach them to push off with their back foot. My kids both skate mongo, which means they push off with their front foot. It’s not hindering their progress greatly, but they really should be pushing off with the back foot instead! Some tricks can be a lot harder to master when you push mongo, so it’s just easier on the skater to learn how to skateboard using that back foot to push.

Hit the skatepark

Once they can balance and push themselves around, that’s really all there is to it! The rest is up to them to progress and try new things and a few basic tricks. I’d also recommend checking out a skatepark in your area if you have one. A lot of public parks don’t allow skateboarding, so designated skateparks are a great place to get the feel for the sport.

Get to the skatepark early in the morning when it’s less crowded and give your kids some time to practice new things. If they can ride on a flat surface, move on to slants, ramps (or mini ramps), and inclines. These are far less tricky than dropping in on transition and they teach kids how to balance their weight and keep the board moving. Even if your kid is just riding around the flats, it’s good to get them comfortable at the skatepark and start teaching them skateboarding etiquette.

Practice, practice, practice!

The most important thing my own kids needed as they learned how to skateboard was lots of time. People often comment on how “naturally talented” our kids are. And while they do have talent, it’s really been the amount of time they spend practicing that has propelled them forward.

If you’ve read the book “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell, you’ll be familiar with the “10,000 hour rule.” That’s what I mention to people when they comment on our kids’ skateboarding and scootering abilities. On a good skate day, my kids will put in a solid 6 hours of practicing. And that’s not because it’s forced; it’s because they truly just love it. When it comes to learning how to skateboard, I always use the phrase, “Practice makes progress!”

If your kids want to take their skills to the next level, there’s also the option of private lessons, skate camps, and group coaching. A lot of these options will meet your skater at their skill level and help them advance to the next with tips and advice that’s sometimes easier to hear from a pro than mom or dad.

Are your kids interested in learning how to skateboard?

About the author

Chelsea is a photographer, mother of two busy boys, and a sunshine and fresh air addict. Her family lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and spends as much time outdoors as they possibly can! Most of their outdoor adventures involve exploring the beach, inlets, and nature trails nearby. They love biking, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, building forts, and playing in the sand! During the warm months, you can find them enjoying the Chesapeake Bay almost every night until long after the sun goes down. They’re doing our best to reduce their carbon footprint and always try to leave every trail cleaner than it was when they arrived. Chelsea is also the Run Wild My Child Sustainability Expert and helps spearhead our efforts at reducing our carbon footprint and leads our Eco-Challenges.

You can find Chelsea online in the following locations:
Instagram: @dimples.and.the.blonde
Website: dimplesandtheblonde.com
RWMC posts: Chelsea Furlong
FAVORITE GEAR, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER
How to Get Started Playing Golf with Your Kids
- July 21, 2021
Summer is the time of year when children tend to have a lot more downtime. School is out, the days are longer, and children want to be outside doing something fun. What better time to introduce a new sport to your child! Not only will it give them something new and exciting to spend time doing outside, but learning a new sport is full of opportunities to gain new skills, make friends, burn off energy, and so much more! Today, Creative Team member and outdoor adventure dad, Matthew Marvich, is sharing his knowledge on introducing golf to kids. This guide is perfect for anyone interested in golfing with kids, including what equipment is needed, ideas for practicing, the steps to encourage a love of the game, and much more!

{This post contains affiliate links.}

Introducing golf to kids

Have you ever wanted to introduce your kids to the game of golf, but do not know where to begin? Perhaps you play the game yourself and want to get your kids involved to create a family experience. Or, maybe you are a grandparent who wants to pass the knowledge of the game down to your grandchildren? If you have contemplated these questions, breathe a sigh of relief because I have too!

Golfing with kids is a fun activity for the whole family. A golf course is a great place to make memories and spend quality time together. You don’t have to be Tiger Woods to enjoy a round of golf. (Trust me, you don’t have to be very good at all to have fun.) I am here today to share tips on how to get started golfing with kids.

Golf is a generational family sport

Golf is a generational game. I am not only referring to its origination in Scotland during the 13th century, but more so the generational relationships it will create. If you are reading this and play golf, then you are already taking the steps to pass down the game to your children. My grandfather played golf, his sons (my dad and uncles) still play, and most of their children (including me and my siblings) play. And now I am teaching my four-year-old son to play. I want my son to have similar memories of playing with his father and other family members. I want him to take this game through his teenage years and into adulthood. Someday I hope he teaches his children how to play golf.

So, if creating generational family memories with your children is something you want too, I encourage you to try golfing with your kids.

Golf teaches life lessons

Many other sports allow you to bend the rules or push them to their limits. In some professional sports, you are encouraged to break the rules until the referee catches you. Golf couldn’t be further from this. It is an individual sport and you are the ref of your own game.

In the Professional Golfer’s Association (PGA), integrity must be held to the highest standard. If you feel some intimidation at this point, let me ease your mind. The point is to encourage your kids to enjoy golfing and to do this, the rules of the game are gradually introduced as a child’s skill level increases. We will discuss below how to adjust the game to your child’s skill level and enhance their experience.

Golf takes time and patience to learn, but if you see it through the payoff is a lifetime of enjoyment. Once you learn to play, you can play well into your latest of years. That is an advantage that golf has over many of the other sports. Other sports also depend upon your physical attributes and fitness level. This is why golf is a great sport to learn at a young age, even as a secondary sport. As time goes on the main or number one sport may fade, but golf will always be an option. Golf was always a secondary sport for me and I am glad I listened to my dad years ago and stuck with it. Now, it is my main sport and I get to play with my son.

Benefits of golf

There are so many physical and mental benefits of playing golf. Golf is a great way to get the kids physically active in a safe environment. It teaches them a sport they’ll love that can last a lifetime. It helps develop hand-eye coordination and large gross motor skills. Golf is a low-intensity sport that won’t over-tax their small, growing bodies. It’s low-impact, but still provides vital cardiovascular exercise that promotes overall health and staves off obesity.

Through learning the game of golf, children will also learn discipline, patience, respect, and individualism. There is prestige to the game of golf because of its desire for honesty. These are learned character traits that will stay with them forever. Golf can help with mental and emotional development. It can serve as a stress reliever, as well.

Because golf can be played both alone and in groups, it’s a good sport for both introverts and extroverts. It can help quiet kids become more confident. It can help active kids with concentration. When played with others, golf can foster friendships and help develop conversational, social, and emotional skills that will last a lifetime.

Golf is gaining popularity

We all can agree that 2020 was difficult for everyone. We all were challenged, tried, and forced to seek new outlets. Golf was a beneficiary of everyone’s recent emphasis on spending time outdoors. For the most part, this is because golf can be played individually (socially distanced), doesn’t require any gear-sharing, and is all outside. In 2020, golf had a net increase of 500,000 players. This includes new golfers such as those who played their first-round ever and returning golfers who had not played in years.

It is the highest increase for the sport in over 17 years! I can speak directly to these statistics! I played more golf in 2020 than I played in the last 5 years combined. And many friends who hadn’t played before decided to pick up the game on their local courses as well. These numbers are important because I want you to know that you are not alone. Right now, there are mothers, fathers, caregivers, grandparents, and beyond who are deciding today is the day they will go golfing with their kids!

So let’s join in on the fun and get started together!

Best age to start playing golf with kids

There’s no right time age to learn how to play golf. You can learn to play golf from age 2 through 102. Research suggests that kids that start playing golf early are more likely to play golf as adults, but there’s no right or wrong time to start. If your child needs lessons or formal instruction, it’s best to save that until your kids are school-age (5-6) when their attention span is long enough for them to take in the lessons and rules. All kids (all golfers) progress and develop at different rates. What is right for one child is not necessarily right for another, so use your judgment as a parent (or grandparent) to know what’s best for your kid based on his/her age and personality.

Golf equipment for kids

Here’s a list of basic golf equipment you may want to have when playing golf with kids:
- clubs (driver, iron, wedge, and putter)
- golf bag
- golf balls
- tees
- ball markers (you can use a coin for this as well)
Having the right golf equipment is important, but, golfing with kids does not need to be expensive. You don’t need to go out and buy a bunch of new equipment and clothes. For your first outing, try renting clubs (or borrowing them from a friend), just to see if this is a sport you’d like to continue to play.

If you know you want to purchase clubs and/or any gear, let your children be a part of the process. Your purchases can be as simple as tees, a sleeve of balls, and ball markers, and your child’s involvement can go a long way with increasing their engagement level. What kid doesn’t love using the new toy or equipment they helped pick out?

Golf clubs for kids

The first thing you will need is golf clubs. Golf clubs can be purchased new or used. Clubs are categorized by height and club weight when they are at the junior level. You can measure your child’s height and determine which set is best for them. The most essential clubs that a child would need when playing golf are a driver, a wood, irons, sand-wedge, and putter. You’ll also need a golf bag to carry your clubs in.

Having the right size and weight of the club is really important when you’re just beginning. Golf is a hard game to learn and clubs that are not the right size can make it impossibly hard. It’s better to only have a club or 2 that’s the right size/weight than a whole bag of clubs that are way too big and unwieldy.

Best golf clubs for kids

I am a researcher at heart and before I do anything, go anywhere, or make any purchase I research everything possible regarding the subject. I hope that I can make your search for golfing equipment very simple and ease the burden for you. You can get a full set of very decent junior golf clubs brand new that includes a bag and enough clubs for $80-$200. You can usually find gently used junior sets in resell shops for a fraction of that price.

Here are the golf clubs for kids that I recommend:
- 5 and up – I purchased the Top Flite Junior Boys Set for my son. He is almost 5, so I bought the 5-8-year-old size. He is 45” tall and this set is for 46-52.” I purchased them with the future in mind, so my child can get multiple years out of them. This is set is perfect for this age and has the essential clubs that he would need. The club set also comes with a bag with a stand and back straps so he can carry it with ease.
- Under 5 – For the younger golfer, the Precise XD-J Junior Set is a great option for 3-5-year-olds. This set comes highly recommended from multiple sites and is similar to the Top Flite set. The only difference is it does not include the sand wedge. This is intentional because shots from around the green and in sand traps are difficult for that age group.
- Under 3 – If your children are younger than 3, then there is a perfect plastic set for them! It comes with three clubs (driver, iron, and putter) and a bag with a carrying strap. This particular set looks more similar to an adult set than other plastic versions out there.
Best golf balls for kids

The next item is golf balls. Here’s a place where you certainly don’t need to spend top dollar when getting started. For the most part, any ball will do to learn the basics of swinging a club and chasing down your ball. Plus, kids are much more likely to lose balls, so don’t give them anything expensive that you’re not ok with mysteriously disappearing.

You can purchase any low-dollar golf balls such as the Nitro golf balls which come in multiple colors. Letting your child pick a color will help them feel a part of the process and get them excited about using them on the course. You can also purchase practice balls that can be used in the backyard or a nearby park. These can be a great way to introduce the game without having to leave your house.

Golf attire for kids

What do golfers wear? This is usually specified in the rules of the golf course or club where you’re playing. Some courses require a collared shirt. Unless otherwise stated by the golf course you are golfing on, it doesn’t really matter what you wear. But, in case you want to look like a typical golfer, here is what you may consider wearing.

Typical golf attire for a male from top to bottom is a hat or visor, polo/collared-shirt, shorts (no jean shorts), belt, and golf shoes. For a female, it is a hat or visor, polo/collared-shirt, shorts/skirt/skort, and golf shoes. These do not need to be expensive “golfing” clothing line choices like Titleist or Nike. They can be any clothing brand that fits and makes your child feel comfortable.

Golf shoes have adapted over the years from spikes to a hybrid shoe. I believe the hybrid shoe is more practical and convenient for beginners and the average golfer. I personally use a hybrid shoe. Kids and young people usually do not need anything fancy or specific golfing shoes. Flat-soled non-slip tennis shoes work just fine. Since my son is only 4, he just wears regular sneaker shoes when we play.

Golf instruction for kids

Now that you have the proper equipment it is time to start swinging! The object of golf is to get the ball from the tee box into the hole on the green in as few strokes as possible. You hit the ball over and over until you accomplish your goal. Sounds easy enough, right? Yes and no.

If you’re a golfer, you know it’s not as easy as it sounds. And if you’re new to golf, you may be surprised by how easy golf is (in theory), but how difficult it can be (in practice). Golf can take years and years to get good at. That’s why it’s a wonderful sport to play over a lifetime. Every day and every course is different. It’s what makes golf so exciting (and frustrating) for players.

If you’re familiar with the sport, you can easily teach your child how to play golf yourself. I recommend keeping instruction as simple as possible for beginners. Let your child’s natural swing take over and do the work. If they have played baseball previously then the swing and grip can be easily adjusted for golf. If not, there are plenty of Youtube and PGA instructional videos out there to give you the basic idea. You don’t want to get too technical and make them overthink it. The most important thing is that you have fun with it. Show them how much fun you’re having and make sure to laugh at your own mistakes.

Make sure you communicate with your young golfer on their level. Kneel down and look them in the eye. Talk gently with enthusiasm when teaching them how to play. Simplify the terminology and teach them in ways they will relate to and understand, using shapes, sounds, and humor.

Golf lessons for kids

If both you and your child are beginners, I recommend getting a lesson from a local golf pro at a nearby driving range or golf course. Lessons are a great way to not only learn the rules of the game, but perfect your swing and get some pointers on how to play and improve. This will help take your skills to the next level.

Practice golfing

Golfing with kids should be fun, even while practicing! Even experienced golfers need practice. We all know how children can turn on an activity when it is no longer fun or captivating. It is important your children feel involved, so ask them what they would like to practice (driving balls or putting). Let their minds explore the sport and answer any questions they may ask.

Practicing is also a great time to encourage your child with a “great swing” or “wow, awesome putting stroke!” My son loves to try and make long putts, so I help him line it up and he tries to get as close as he can to the hole. Practicing is a great way to get younger kids involved with golf without actually taking them to the course just yet. Let their confidence and comfort level grow with these activities.
- Make it a game: You can practice in your backyard with plastic balls and make games out of it. Set up a bucket or crate in the yard and see if they can hit the ball near it or better yet, in the bucket.
- Take them to a driving range or practice green: Look up what is available to you locally and let your child see others practicing the same way they are.
- Sign your child up for lessons, golf camp, or junior programs: I worked at a country club during my college summers and helped with the junior program there. It is fun for the kids to be with friends and play the sport together. It’s also really beneficial for kids to see other kids their age playing golf and their skill level (and not just that of a parent or grown-up). They’ll get instruction from a golf professional who can guide children in getting better at the sport. The PGA is focused on golfing with kids so there are plenty of ways to find assistance through their association as well, including lessons and summer camp.
Tips for taking kids to a golf course

Congratulations, you have made it to the best part…actually golfing with your kids! My first time taking my son to a golf course was one of the best days of being a dad for me. I woke up excited for the opportunity to enjoy this moment with my son.
- Be prepared: I prepared all of our equipment, snacks, and drinks the night before so that I could avoid forgetting anything or getting stressed out by the preparation.
- Shorten the hole distance: Golf courses have grown in size to keep up with technology and the strength of today’s players. However, we don’t need to let that interfere with our goals for our kids. Instead of having them hit from the tee box, have your child tee the ball up from where you hit your drive or 100 to 50 yards from the hole in the fairway. This will allow them to play the hole without having to hit it over and over again to keep up the pace. You can also hit the ball from the same spot as your child. We all know children are visual learners. Golfing with kids is a bonding experience and they will watch and learn from you.
- Shorten the number of holes you play: You can play 9 or 18 holes, or maybe you play 6 or 12. Whatever lets you have the best experience with your child is the right number of holes to play.
- Forget the rules. When you first start golfing with your kids, throw the rules out the window. Allow your junior golfer to enjoy this experience without having to worry about the rules in the beginning. Let them hit the ball a couple of times and pick the best ball to use.
- No scorecard: Our objective is not to see who won or lost. If your children are older and they want to keep score you can still adjust the way you do it. You can come up with your own method together. Maybe you just keep track of good shots and bad shots by getting a + or a – sign.
- Embrace the golf cart: This is one of the best parts of golfing with kids. Children love riding around and viewing the golf course from it. Make sure you take safety persuasions while driving the cart but also enjoy it.
- Make it about them: It’s not about you when you take your kids out golfing for the first time. Forget about your game and focus all of your attention on your child so that they can enjoy it as much as you do.
- Choose the right time: I recommend going to the course during non-peak times. Choose tee times later in the day or early evening, to avoid a crowded course. This will give you more time to enjoy the moments and the practice without feeling rushed through your game or like you’re holding others up.
Different types of golf

18 hole courses aren’t the only option when it comes to playing golf. There are a few other ways to play golf and all of them are a blast to do with kids.
- Miniature golf (putt putt): Mini-golf is where it all started with my son. We have a great miniature golf course nearby that has a fun putt putt course and sells ice cream we like to enjoy as a post-game treat. This was the best way to get him interested in the sport. Even if that is all the further it went, we always have a blast together. And who doesn’t love ice cream?!
- Par 3 courses: If you are lucky enough to have a Par 3 course nearby, take advantage of it. Your children will greatly benefit from having this smaller course to practice on. I recommend seeking one out even if you are on vacation visiting a new area.
- Top Golf: Golf is a family sport as well and Top Golf brings that to fruition. Regardless of skill level or interest, a family night out at Top Golf will not disappoint. It is an interactive driving range with large holes to hit the balls in for points. There are a variety of games you can play. There is also food and drinks available for you to make an event out of it.
Take a full swing

Golfing with your kids can be one of the best choices you make today. They will be able to play golf their entire lives and they will have you to thank for it. Go get started and encourage them to stick with it s0 they will be able to play with their friends, coworkers, and maybe someday their own children.

Where are you planning to take your kids golfing?

About the author

Matthew is a loving father to one nature-seeking son. They live in western Pennsylvania and focus on visiting every trail, waterfall, and scenic view they can find. He works full-time and his son is in preschool. They are adventure enthusiasts who love to hike, travel and learn everything they can about nature. Matthew grew up loving outdoor play and adventures so he has become intentional about displaying that love for his son to emulate. He focuses on creating and capturing moments that they experience together through photos and writing in a journal to one day give to his son about their journeys together.

You can find more from Tine online in the following locations:
Instagram: @matthew_marvich
RWMC posts: Matthew Marvich
CAMP, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, RECIPES, SUMMER
Tips for Backyard Camping with Kids
- June 29, 2021
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!

{This post contains affiliate links.}

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!

Image 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.

Image 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.

Image 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.

Image 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.

Image 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.

Image 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.

Image 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.

Image 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.

Image 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, FAMILY TRAVEL, GOOD FOR NATURE, HIKE, LOCAL GEMS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER, WATER
West Coast Road Trip: California to Oregon with Kids
- May 12, 2021
Family road trips are some of my fondest childhood memories and should be experienced by every kid at least once. There’s something extra special about a road trip, where the journey is just as much (if not more) fun and important than the destination. Road trips are wonderful opportunities for families to reconnect and experience new things together. Today, Araceli Gonzalez, a California mom of three, shares her family’s West Coast road trip from Northern California to Oregon. She shares her favorite spots along the way and reminds us just how magical a road trip can be.

West Coast road trip from California to Oregon with kids

I love road trips. And I especially love road tripping with my little people. I’ve spent a significant amount of my life on the West Coast and there’s always more to do, to see, and to explore. Driving the coast is a great way to immerse yourself in all the wonders and adventures this area has to offer.

Last summer, we set out on an EPIC West Coast family road trip. Our seven-day adventure had a jam-packed adventure itinerary, filled with fun outdoor activities for the family. We traveled from California to Oregon and had some amazing adventures along the way, making memories and enjoying our time together. From Northern California, where we paid a visit to the magnificent California Redwoods, on up the Oregon Coast, this road trip was amazing.

Planning your west coast road trip

There was so much to see and do. We could have spent an entire summer exploring this area! We made the most of our road trip by planning each stop and outlining exactly what we wanted to do at each location along the way. Yes, it takes a bit of planning, but it’s worth it. And chances are, if you’re traveling with kids, things won’t always go according to plan and you’ll have to make changes and adjustments along the way. The good news is that no matter where you visit along this part of the West coast, you will be sure to find gorgeous spots to explore, trails to hike, beaches to comb and so many observation points along the way.

My kids described each stop and place we visited as epic! Every hike topped the next. It was definitely a memorable adventure and one that would be fun and easy for other families to do if you’re looking for a fun West Coast road trip with kids.

Exploring the California Redwoods with kids

Our first stop was to see and explore the magnificent California Redwoods in Redwood National Park. We are from California and we love to visit the beautiful redwoods as often as we can. Walking through the redwoods feels like you are walking into an enchanted forest, each hike is better than the next. Each trail more beautiful than the last. Our kids have a rating system for each hike, fun, super fun, epic, and LEGENDARY. This place is LEGENDARY by all standards.

You will find creeks filled with huge redwood tree trunks, making it the most magical playground around. We could spend hours exploring this magnificent place. If you are road tripping and have the chance to drive the length of the park, there are some really great options and things to do to fill an entire fun day (or more). Some do require that you drive on narrow, windy, dirt roads, so just be prepared for that.

Boy Scout Tree Trail

If you’re looking for a moderate hike on the Northside Redwood National Park, try the Boy Scout Tree Trail. This trail is challenging, but so rewarding! It may take you a while to do this one, especially with kids, as it’s a 5.5 mile round trip trail. But if your kids are experienced hikers, they can handle it. The trail goes through fun creeks and falls and you’ll see lots of very big trees!

Each one of our kids is responsible for their own backpack. They carry water, snacks, and often a change of clothes. If you need to know what to pack, here’s a great post on the 10 hiking essentials for families.

Hiking is one of our family’s favorite activities. I enjoy observing their expressions, seeing the magic and the look in their eyes as they find a new cave or a new giant tree trunk to climb. There is nothing like it. Pure joy. Childhood played out in all its glory. It is always worth all the effort.

Trillium Falls Hike

Another favorite hike is the Trillium Falls Hike. This one is located on the Southside of the national park and is really family-friendly. There’s plenty of parking, bathrooms, picnic tables, trash cans, and more. This hike will take you past some gorgeous super huge trees, beautiful flowers and ferns, and even a couple of small waterfalls if you go after a rain. Plus, there’s a chance you may see elk on this trail! They’re definitely around – be sure to look for evidence (have you ever spied elk poop)? The full loop is just under 3 miles, but there are turn-around points at various locations if you don’t want to do the whole thing.

This redwood forest is the perfect combination of everything a kid could possibly dream of; lush jungle-like vegetation, cold crisp creeks, glorious redwoods, vast canyons, and a ton of SLUGS! We love discovering new trails, seeing what is around the corner, and losing ourselves in the magic that the forest offers.

Southern Oregon coast

After spending some time in Redwood State and National Parks, we made our way up the 101 to the Southern coast of Oregon. This area is full of amazing places to visit and we had a hard time narrowing down what we wanted to do and see. There are so many wonderful lush hiking trails with spectacular views followed by sand dune-like beaches.

If you have the opportunity to travel through this gorgeous state I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. It surpassed all our wildest expectations. We have plans to explore other parts of this state and cannot wait to visit again.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

In southern Oregon, there’s an area known for amazing sand dunes and adventure. The Oregon Dune National Recreation Area is a 31,500-acre portion of the Siuslaw National Forest and is one of the largest expanses of temperate coastal sand dunes in the world.

Our hikes normally take hours because there are distractions such as these. We pause to roll down sand dunes and it means everything to me to see my kids enjoying the great outdoors. I have seen their love for these places grow a little more with each adventure. This is why we make the effort. My hope is that this will remain in their heart forever, that they will always treasure these places.

Oregon waterfalls

Oregon is full of these grand waterfalls. Millions of years ago, geologic activity created the diverse landscapes of southern Oregon and created some of the most beautiful alpine lakes, rushing streams, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. If you have the opportunity, you must visit the Cascade Mountain Range in southern Oregon. You’ll find some of the most incredible waterfalls, including those in the Umpqua National Forest.

Waterfalls in the Umpqua National Forest

You are almost guaranteed to be mesmerized throughout your time in Oregon, particularly if you’re a waterfall chaser. The waterfalls in Umpqua National Forest have been labeled by my kids as LEGENDARY. Every single one of them. The fascination is like no other. There are so many great hikes within Umpqua National Forest and the prize for getting down them is usually a stunning view of an Umpqua waterfall. Trust me, each one is worth the effort!

Keeping up on hikes is easy for kids when you are greeted by a beautiful waterfall at the end. I find that our little guy is keeping up with the rest of us easier here than anywhere else. He is learning the art of exploration first hand from his sister and brother and I can’t think of a better way to spend our time.

And if you want an even bigger reward at the end of a long day of hiking, be sure to unwind in the revitalizing geothermal hot springs of Umpqua National Forest. The terraced pools of warm water provide a fabulous view overlooking the Umpqua River. It’s an incredible way to relax, rest your legs and reward yourself for a hike well done.

West coast family road trip

A west Coast family road trip is like no other. Along the way, you can explore jungle-like forests, discover historic lighthouses, spot whales and elk, peer into tide pools, find secret sand-dune beaches, and stared up into towering cascading waterfalls. The west coast really is amazing and diverse and beautiful. I hope our adventures have inspired you to plan a trip out west to see what you can discover!

Check out this post for advice on how to road trip safety during the pandemic.

Happy road-tripping from our family to yours.

Is a west coast road trip on your summer bucket list?

About the author

Araceli is a wife and momma to three wild and adventurous littles. She believes that nature and free play are truly the foundation of a beautiful childhood. Araceli and her husband have made it a priority to raise their children with a strong bond to the great outdoors. Araceli is a working mom with an extensive career in Project Management. She’s creative, crafty, and loves collecting houseplants. As a family, they love exploring wild places and she loves documenting their adventures.

Find more from Araceli in the following locations:
Instagram: @roaminggonzalez
All RWMC posts: Vista Verde Ranch (Colorado), Winter Crabbing with Kids, California Tide Pools, Sun River Resort (Oregon)
FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SPRING, SUMMER, WATER
Outdoor Rainy Day Activities for Kids
- April 29, 2021
It’s raining, it’s pouring! So, now what? When it’s rainy outside, you have two options: stay inside and let your kiddos run amuck, or get outside and enjoy some outdoor rainy day activities for kids! In my opinion, this isn’t a hard one – let’s go and play in the rain! We know that most rainy day activity posts are usually about things you can do inside, but that’s not our style! There is so much fun to be had when you play outside with your kids. Today, SarahRuth Owens, Creative Team member and Georgia homeschooling mom of three is here sharing her family’s favorite outdoor rainy day activities for kids (and toddlers, too!), as well as the gear and supplies you might need to enjoy these days the most!

Fun things to do on rainy days outside

While playing outside in the rain might not sound like a blast for parents, it’s so much fun for kids! Rain makes everything feel more magical and can turn ordinary adventures into extraordinary ones! Today, I’m sharing some of our favorite screen-free rainy day activities for kids. All of these rainy day activities have been tried and tested by my crew of adventurers and are sure to get your kids excited about the rain. Because there’s no such thing as bad weather!

Best rainy day gear for kids

When engaging in rainy day play, one might ask oneself: to be wet, or not to be wet? A lot of factors play into this. Things like…how much laundry is already sitting in piles on your couch. And whether or not there are currently any crayons melted to the inside of your dryer (just me, eh?).

If you don’t care how wet they get, then just send them outside to play in whatever they want to wear. If the weather is warm and your kids aren’t sweet enough to melt, let them out to play in the puddles and engage in rainy day play outside, getting as wet as possible.

Doing outdoor rainy day activities with kids sounds good, but maybe you just don’t want soaking wet kids? If you are in the not-to-be-wet crowd, there is a great solution! Rain gear has come a long way in the past decade. It can be found in a variety of sizes, patterns, and even price points. We’ve got a huge comprehensive list of the best rain gear for kids and toddlers, if you’re in the need of new gear.

When it comes to great quality rain gear for kids, here are a few of our favorites:
- Mk Nordika sells rainy day gear in a mid-point price range. It is high quality and includes adorable and cheerful rainbow stripes! They have sizes from toddler up to adult. We own this brand and it is so easy to care for. You simply wipe it down if it is muddy.
- Oaki also has a great full-body rain suit that easily slips over kids’ clothing. It is lightweight and you don’t have to keep up with multiple pieces. They have toddler-sized rain suits all the up through big kids.
Safety concerns playing outside in the rain

While outdoor rainy day activities are fun, here are some safety considerations to keep in mind:
1. Never encourage children to play outdoors in a thunderstorm. Lightning is real and does strike. Teach children to come indoors and speak to an adult if they hear thunder and are unsure about safety.
2. Be certain your children have on the right shoes for their location. If they are headed on a hike, the muddy trail is different than the puddles on the pavement. Choosing the correct gear for where your child will play in the rain is important.
3. No swimming in storms, please. Remember when the lifeguard had everyone get out of the pool for half an hour when there was thunder? There is good reason for that as water is a conduit for electricity and lightning spreads over the water, impacting anyone in it.
4. If you’re near running water (streams, creeks, rivers), keep a close eye on the water level, as streams can rise very quickly in rain. You never know if it may have rained much more higher upstream, so always keep a careful eye out and stay in shallow water, away from currents.
Be sure and keep safety in the forefront of your mind during outdoor rainy day activities!

You don’t need anything special to do outdoor rainy day activities with kids

There, I said it. You don’t actually need anything special or planned or extravagant to enjoy rainy day play. You don’t need Pinterest perfect crafts or any special rain toys. The rain itself creates so many fun things outside. Rain makes everything ordinary feel different. It’s a full-body sensory experience that kids can’t get enough of!

So, what do you really need for outdoor rainy day activities for kids? A smile is your best supply!

Go for a rainy day walk

One of my boys’ favorite things to do on a rainy day is gear up, bring umbrellas, and walk to town. Would you believe that they can walk miles in the rain? Without complaining! They can, and I bet your crew can as well. This activity requires absolutely no planning or prepwork. It’s something we could do at any time, but the rain makes it extra special and novel.

Things you can try if your kiddos do begin to get the rainy day blues on your walk:
- Sing songs (Singing in the Rain is always a fun tune)
- Jump in puddles
- Have a contest to see who can save the most worms (this means put them back in the grass and off the sidewalk)
- Collect nature items
- Watch water go into a sewer drain (I promise this entertains children)
- Cup your hands and see who can overflow their hands with rainwater
- Play “I Spy” as you walk
- Wave at passerby and vehicles
Outdoor rainy day activities for kids in the woods

Are you ready to unlock expert outdoor parenting level? Go play in the woods….in the rain! Let’s do this. Honestly, rainy day play in the forest is absolutely magical. Some special things happen when you visit the wet forest and see the changes happening as the flora and fauna drink in the rain. There is so much to do while in the woods on a rainy day.

I organized a forest playgroup for kids for years and rainy days in the woods were some of our favorites! Here are some of the best and favorite rainy day outdoor activities to do in the woods from our forest school excursions:
- Build a shelter – bring tarps, some twine, etc. and challenge the kids to build a dry shelter
- See if you can build a fire when it is wet outside
- Go on a mushroom hunt (fungi love wet conditions)
- Sketch the woods in the rain
- Get in the creek – hey, you’re already wet, right? (be careful and cognizant of rising water)
- Play rainy day hide and seek
- Bring a ruler and a clear glass or cup and measure the rainfall during your time in the woods
Outdoor rainy day activities for kids that use supplies

Ok, so you tried the rainy day activities without supplies (or maybe you didn’t…that’s ok, we won’t tell), but maybe you want to enjoy some structured organized fun like crafts and games. That’s great! I’ve got you covered!

Here are some fun outdoor rainy day games, crafts, and activities for kids and what supplies you need:

Rainy day bike ride

Clearly, you need your bikes and helmets. My sons like to have bike gloves because in the rain, your hands tend to rub the handlebars more. Try sloshing through puddles! We also like to have a manual bike pump on one of our bikes, and don’t forget to bring water!

Water-gun fight

This one is so much fun during Summer showers. Each person gets a water gun and you can go to town. I suggest having buckets of water on hand, or even a large rubber maid tub filled with water for refills.

Water balloon fight

Yep, let’s do this water thing all the way! About 100 balloons usually works for our crew of 5. We like to prefill and place them in the fridge in Summer. This means that humid, warm weather won’t be an issue! Swimsuits are smart gear to have on during this activity. Also, be certain to clean up any broken balloon bits; they don’t decompose.

Water table fun

You can create a simple water table at a mud kitchen, or even just at a table, by providing your kiddos with scoops, spoons, a colander, shovels, bowls, and cups. Sometimes simple is best.

Bob for fruit

This one is so much fun in the rain. I cannot explain it, it simply is! Add some apples, peaches, or whatever round fruit is in season, to a big bowl or rubber maid container filled with drinkable water. Now bob!

Paint with mud

All you need is some mud, a few paintbrushes and something to paint! This could be anything from a piece of paper or cardboard to your driveway. It doesn’t have to be fancy. If you want more ways to play with mud, check out this post with lots of fun and creative Mud Activities for Kids.

Boat races

Have your kids find natural materials (sticks, leaves, pinecones, etc.) and make a small boat. Then race them down the run-off water in the street or down a stream. This is a great way to also teach kids about engineering and what floats (and doesn’t).

What are your favorite outdoor rainy day activities?

We want to see you and your kids having fun doing rainy day play. Use the hashtag #runwildmychild for a chance to be featured on our Instagram account!

About the author

SarahRuth is a homeschooling mother of three boys. She was raised in cities across the East coast, but now resides in the Appalachian Mountains of Georgia where her husband grew up. Passionate about inspiring others to shift from the status quo of Western indoor life, she launched a local Free Forest School chapter in 2017. Her family clocked over 2k hours outdoors in 2019 and believes that outside time as a family is vital to a joy-filled life. She collects books, stray children, and as much coffee as her body will permit. When not foraging, chasing waterfalls, or camping with her crew, you can find SarahRuth crossing the globe from her laptop, teaching English full time online! She has two bachelor’s degrees in Education and is passionate about teaching children to love learning through outdoor adventures.

You can find more from SarahRuth in the following online locations:
Instagram: @kindle_togetherness
RWMC posts: SarahRuth
ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, GOOD FOR NATURE, HIKE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Outdoor Etiquette & Nature Manners for Kids
- April 20, 2021
If you’re raising outdoor-loving kids, chances are that you’re also teaching your kids outdoor etiquette (whether you know it or not). Nature manners are a set of rules that help kids understand how to treat outdoor spaces, the environment, and wildlife. They’re practices that help us show respect to our planet and our fellow outdoor adventurers. Today, Creative Team member Michelle Garrett, California mom, and creator of Wonder Club Explorers, is here with some guidance for parents about teaching outdoor etiquette to kids and seven easy nature manners to teach your little nature-lovers.

Outdoor etiquette and nature manners

Our littles have a great big world waiting for them to explore. With a little help from us grown-ups, we hope they will grow to love and appreciate all the joys that nature has to offer. For many, nature’s benefits include the serenity that comes from being outdoors, breathing in the fresh air, or feeling the sunshine on one’s face. Being outdoors also affords nature-goers the wonderful pleasure of meeting other kindred spirits who, too, enjoy being outside.

One of the benefits of spending time in nature is the opportunity to teach children how to be good stewards of the outdoors. Whether the mountains are calling or the beaches are beckoning, there is a certain set of etiquette for the outdoors. We’re not talking Emily Post-style etiquette, but rather a handful of good manners and practices to set in motion while kids are young to help them appreciate and respect nature, as well as preserve the enjoyment of the outdoors for others.

What are nature manners?

Nature manners are a set of rules that help kids understand how to treat outdoor spaces, the environment, and wildlife. They’re practices that help us show respect to our planet and our fellow outdoor adventurers.

Nature manners are equally as important as the ones we learn around the dinner table. Especially if nature is to be enjoyed by everyone. They’re not hard and fast rules that are difficult for kids to grasp or implement. We’re certainly not asking your kids to be quiet outside or stay calm at all times (don’t worry, that’s not our style).

Our nature manners for kids are merely ways to teach kids how to respect and appreciate nature, without doing harm. They’re based on the “Leave No Trace” principles, but adapted for little ones.

7 easy nature manners for outdoor-loving kids

Today, we’re sharing seven easy manners to teach your kids when adventuring outside. We hope these easy-to-implement manners will help to raise awareness and decrease frustrations when we are out enjoying our beautiful outdoor spaces together. These concepts are all practices that we can teach our kids through modeling and with gentle reminders when we’re out and about in nature. They’ll pick up on these nature manners quickly and they’ll become second nature to them as they grow into nature-loving adults.

1. Give a hoot, don’t pollute!

Woodsy the Owl said it best, “Give a hoot, don’t pollute!” Teaching kids to properly dispose of their trash – food wrappers, juice boxes, and bottles – is one of the easiest manners to teach kids. Trash has no place along trails, waterways, and oceans. Not only does trash not look nice, but it is also harmful to native flora and fauna.

One of the best ways to prevent littering is to teach kids the “pack in, pack out” mindset. On your next adventure, carry along a grocery bag and stuff it with all of your trash. This includes food scraps and toilet paper. When the adventure is over, ask your little one to toss it into a trash can so they know how to dispose of it for next time.

And if you want to go a bit above and beyond and really teach amazing outdoor etiquette, teach your child to practice “negative trace” where they also pick up the trash and litter others have left behind. Leaving an outdoor area even better than you found is one of the best things you can do for our planet and a wonderful concept to teach kids.

2. Just say no to graffiti

Kids are natural artists, but we certainly don’t want to encourage them to leave their mark on nature in a damaging way. On our family hikes, we would often let our son grab a stick and draw zigzags and numbers in the dirt along the trails. But, when we came upon graffiti carved into trees or painted on rocks and signs, we made sure to point out that it was destroying the natural beauty of the trails we all enjoyed.

No one wants to see spray paint or carvings when they’re outside enjoying nature. Graffiti and vandalism have a permanent impact on beautiful places. Even when it can be cleaned up, the parks don’t always have the resources to take care of it. There are appropriate ways to express selves artistically in nature such as Plein air painting or taking photos, but graffiti sure isn’t one of them!

3. Look with your eyes, not with your hands!

How remarkable is it to come across the habitat of an animal in nature? Nests, dens, hives, and other habitats give rare glimpses into the animal kingdom and are the equivalent of a science textbook come to life! Bu animal habitats can be delicate, carefully constructed, and teeming with life. They should be observed with an abundance of caution.

Kids, however, are naturally curious creatures. The lure of touching these habitats is strong. And while we are all about hands-on learning, nevertheless, it’s important to impart respect for our animal friends and teach kids to follow the simple adage, “look with your eyes, and not with your hands” in these instances. There are plenty of other things in nature that kids can touch and experience up-close.

4. You had me at “hello”

One of my favorite nature manners to teach my son is to be friendly and courteous to other outdoor adventurers and nature-goers. By saying hello, smiling, or nodding one’s head, you’re acknowledging another person’s presence without being overbearing or intrusive.

The benefits of engaging in this type of hiking etiquette extend beyond just being warm & friendly. Being courteous gives folks a chance to share potential hazards ahead or landmarks to assist with navigation or distance. Conversation with fellow hikers also makes one more memorable in case a rescue team needs to locate a lost adventurer.

And while it’s really nice to be friendly with your fellow explorers, remember that most people aren’t out there to make new friends or hang out with other people. Say hi and be helpful, but do not monopolize your time or help yourself to another group’s space or resources.

5. Leave it as you found it

The simple, yet effective, phrase “leave it as you found it” speaks to one’s influence in maintaining nature for everyone to enjoy. Some might even say, “leave it better than you found it.” Regardless, don’t do anything to destroy the outdoors. Try not to disturb things and leave items in their natural condition, whether it’s rocks or vegetation.

We all know what happened when Goldilocks explored the home of the three little bears. Had she “left it as she found it,” that particular nursery rhyme would have ended a lot differently.

6. Be mindful where you walk

When you’re out exploring, teach your kids to be mindful of where you walk, sit, put down your bags, and allow your pets. Life outside in nature can be fragile and our missteps can damage it for years to come. When possible, stay on the marked trails and try not to disturb the plants and environment around you. Sometimes this is a hard concept for kids because they’re naturally curious and want to explore. We’re not telling you that you can never go “off trail,” but if/when you do, just be mindful of your steps and your actions to not harm or disturb your surroundings.

7. Show respect for wildlife

It’s important to teach your kids to respect wildlife and wild animals. Don’t feed wild animals or leave food scraps behind. Animals fed by humans may become dependent on that food and have difficulty learning how to fend for themselves in the wild.

For the safety of both kids and animals, keep a safe distance from wild animals. Animals need privacy (particularly during breeding seasons) and can be very protective when approached. A good rule of thumb is, actually using your thumb: close one eye, and then if you hold your thumb up to your open eye and can cover the animal with your thumb, you are at a safe distance. This works out to about 100 yards for large animals like bears and moose, and 25 yards for most medium-sized wildlife.

Use your nature manners to love Mother Earth

As Earth Day approaches, families will have opportunities to talk about nature and how to protect our planet. A great way to underscore nature manners is to repurpose items found during hikes and beach days into art. Known as process art, kids can creatively make unstructured art projects like sculptures and collages using bottle caps, straws, and other commonly discarded items. Shore Collections Art has some really creative and inspiring ways to think artistically about the impact our individual actions have on Mother Earth.

Connect with Wonder Club Explorers

If you’re looking for other fun ways to connect with your kids and nature, Wonder Club Explorers might be for you. A fun scouting alternative, Wonder Club Explorers offers merit patches and adventure vests to inspire wonder and curiosity in kids. Open-ended and self-guided, kids earn patches such as “Nature Explorer,” “Process Artists,” and “Good SamariKids.” These are just a few patches that can be earned by practicing good “nature manners” like the ones above.

Have fun exploring and remember to tag #runwildmychild on your next outdoor adventure. Until next time!

What nature manners are you teaching your kids?

About the author

Michelle spends her days working on projects to improve the quality of life for the citizens of her community and her nights reading books to her 6 year-old about every kind of dinosaur there ever was (there are 900 validated species, in case you’re wondering). Together with her son, Michelle created Wonder Club Explorers, a company to inspire wonder and curiosity in kids. She carves out time for herself on the weekends as an early morning exerciser and metalsmith of fine jewelry. She resides in Altadena with her husband and son amongst California Oak trees and a stone’s throw of the San Gabriel Mountains.

You can find Michelle online in the following locations:
Instagram: @wonderclubexplorers
Website: http://www.wonderclubexplorers.co
RWMC posts: Michelle Garrett
CAMP, HIKE, INFORMATION, NATURE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Outdoor Skills: Teaching Kids How to Build A Fire & Fire Safety Tips
- March 8, 2021
Having outdoor skills like knowing how to build a fire are important when you spend a lot of time outside. Teaching kids how to build fires isn’t very difficult, but it does take some thought, planning, and time. Plus, teaching your children basic fire safety tips and advice is something that may be invaluable and could possibly save lives. Today, Georgia homeschooling mom of three, SarahRuth Owens walks us through the basic fire safety skills and tips for teaching kids how to build a fire.

Teaching basic fire skills to kids

If your kids are like my boys, they love the idea of creating a fire, cooking over a fire, and even extinguishing a fire. Having a firestarter in your home is a fun journey. Kids learn so much as they practice following directions, caring for the environment around them, and more. Furthermore, they begin to feel responsibility and ownership of their time outside. When children have a buy-in, a role, they really want to be in that place often. So let’s get started; let’s teach our kids how to build fires.

Smokey the Bear says “safety first”

Conversations and practice are the best ways to teach kids how to build fires. When my boys were 2-3 years old, we began this process. As we were outdoors nearly daily, they sat around a fire, gathered kindling, and helped put out a fire from a very young age.

Let me begin by telling you that 6 years ago, I knew nothing about building a fire. Zero. Zilch. So do not be intimidated. You can learn just like I did. Go with a friend who enjoys building fires and knows how. Watch, ask questions, be like a kid learning to build a fire. In truth, I think this might be the best way anyhow. If you don’t have someone to show you how, you can always Google it! There are tons of videos and articles out there that will show you exactly how to build a fire.

Fire safety tips for kids

If you recently learned how to build fires, then you will remember the safety rules, the steps involved, etc. If it’s been a while, here’s a quick refresher of some important rules to establish when teaching kids how to build a fire and teaching children about fire safety:
- Location – Only build a fire in an area you know allows it.
- Fire ban – Make sure there are no fire bans.
- Check the wind – Windy days are not fire-friendly days.
- Clear the area – Make sure there’s nothing in the area where you’ll be making the fire. This is such a good project for littles, they can begin this in their toddler years.
- Wood only – Remind kids that the only thing that goes into a fire is wood. No fresh weeds or vines. No food. No plastic.
- Water supply – Have a working water hose or a vessel filled with water near your fire ring.
These fire safety tips can be parts of conversations you have while you build fires near your children. It can take months of this type of conversation before some will feel comfortable heading into fire building with a child. Eventually, your firestarter should be able to tell you these rules independently. Knowing this information and being able to implement it without reminders, is the first step towards autonomy when building fires.

Basic steps of building a fire

Once a child knows the basic safety rules, they’re ready to start building a fire. Teaching kids to build a fire occurs in steps. Dependent on the age of your kids, they can help with various tasks. Before the actual fire starting can begin, they’ll need to clear the area, gather kindling, and demonstrate that they know and observe safety practices near an active fire. Then, they are ready to begin to build.

The basic steps of building a fire go like this:
1. Location – Choose a spot with at least a 10-foot circumference of clearing, there should be no overhanging branches.
2. Clear the area – Remove all brush, twigs, leaves, etc. from around the fire area.
3. Dig a small pit – Some sites recommend as deep as one foot. Our family chooses to not make so deep of a pit and instead focus on a larger fire ring.
4. Create a ring – Arrange rocks around the space you will build an active fire.
5. Gather wood – A fire needs three things: fuel, oxygen, and heat. Wood is the fuel. You want three types of wood: Tinder, kindling, and logs/large wood.
6. Arrange the wood – There are a couple of different options for setting up your firewood. We go over the teepee and log cabin styles below.
7. Ignite the kindling – Finally, ignite the kindling to get the fire started.
Looking at the list above, things might feel overwhelming. So, let’s move through the fire-building process step-by-step.

How to choose a safe fire location

Choosing a location is probably the easiest and most self-explanatory part of teaching kids how to build a fire. Kids should understand where are good fire spots and where are not. Having adults help with this is necessary and not something I would pass off to a child until they have shown their understanding many, many times. Practically speaking, I let my boys show me where they would like to build. They typically choose well, but, occasionally they need a reminder about being too close to a tree or other structure, or if there’s a limb hanging overhead.

Clear the area and make a fire ring

As I said earlier, clearing an area can be something even your youngest firestarters can help with. Having a space for your fire free from things that could burn is essential. In our family, digging a pit is optional. If you have properly cleared an area and created a ring with rocks, plan to maintain and remain with the fire, you can decide if you need a pit or not. They can be great for camping, as it creates an easily reusable space. One of my boys’ favorite parts of fire building is the ring itself. Something about hunting rocks and shaping the ring is just fun!

Gathering wood for a fire

When teaching kids how to build a fire, you’ll need three types of wood: tinder, kindling, and fuel wood. We actually like to bring our own tinder (see below). For those times when you have no tinder with you, it can usually be found in your immediate surrounding area. You can use dry bits of grass, pine, moss, lichen, and leaves. Focusing on finding dry, crunchy leaves is the best.

Once you have collected a good handful of tinder, you need kindling. It is fun to assign roles if more than one child is involved. Someone can be the tinder person, the kindling person, and the fuel wood person (of course, you’ll want to rotate). Kindling will be the small sticks and twigs you set up over the tinder. It will catch fire first and then ignite the fuel wood.

Choose your campfire style

There are a few different ways to stack your wood so that it gets proper aeration for a long-lasting burn. For this discussion, we’ll cover the basics of the teepee/cone method and the log cabin method. Both are easy for kids to understand and create.

A teepee tends to be a great and easy starting place. For the teepee/cone method, make a small teepee/cone of kindling around a few handfuls of tinder that are loosely piled in the center of the fire ring. Your tinder goes at the base of the fire and then your kindling is placed over it in a tent/cone shape. Once you have your kindling in place, you will build a larger tent shape with your fuel wood around your kindling. Light from beneath and blow as needed. Once the fire is going strong and the temperature increases, you can add larger logs a few at a time as needed. My boys love to build this and enjoy the challenge of getting it to stay upright.

For the log cabin method, place two larger pieces of fuel wood parallel to each other on the ground in the center of the pit. Leave some room in between the logs. Then, place two more pieces of fuel wood criss-crossed on top in the other direction (like you’re building a log cabin) to form a square. Place your tinder inside the square. Continue adding a few more layers of fuel wood around the perimeter, getting a bit smaller with each layer. Finish your log cabin with a layer of kindling and tinder across the top to make a roof. Make sure you leave some space between the fuel wood logs so the fire can get plenty of oxygen. This build is great for longer and slower burns.

Some additional info on firewood

Depending on where you’re making your fire, there may be restrictions on firewood. Usually, it’s recommended that you do not bring firewood with you if you’re traveling from more than 50 miles away or crossing large rivers. Some campgrounds may even ban bring-your-own firewood regardless of the distance you travel. This is to keep local insects out of certain areas and to prevent the spread of new (and possibly invasive) species into areas.

If you forage for firewood, make sure to show the kids how to gather only downed wood. Never cut live trees or break off branches from standing trees, even dead trees. Birds and wildlife make use of dead branches and snags. Fresh wood can also be an issue because sometimes it can be wrapped with poisonous vines that can cause reactions to the skin when burned.

Starting the fire

Matches are our favorite item for lighting our campfires. Kids can simply toss the match into the fire once ignited. Easy peasy. Just make sure to supervise and stay close to your kids at all times.

DIY firestarters

One of our favorite types of kindling is homemade firestarters. DIY firestarters are super easy to make and truly make the fire lighting process so easy. We gather our dryer lint and keep it in a bag in our kitchen along with any old candles (with that wee bit of wax in the bottom), used wax melts, string, twine, etc.

When you want to make some tinder, you can use an old cardboard egg carton. Simply put some of the dry burning things in, heat the wax you’ve saved, and pour it over the dry pieces. This makes amazing firestarters. You can break off the carton cups and use one section at a time to start your fire. This is also another way children can be involved in the whole process.

Putting out a fire

Possibly the most important part of teaching kids how to build a fire and about fire safety is to teach them the proper way to put out a fire. Having a shovel and a bucket is a must. Bring these with you any time you build a fire outside. The shovel is to toss some dirt and stir your fire. A fire must be cold when you leave a site. A person should be able to touch the coals and not feel any heat. If there is heat, repeat!

What do you repeat? Water, stir, touch. Adults only for touching, please (at least until you have a child who knows and understands when it may be too hot). Putting out a fire is a simple process, but teaching your kids to be sure it is stirred and cold it where it’s at.

Teaching kids how to build a fire is fun

There is something truly magical about outdoor campfires. I love cooking over a fire, roasting marshmallows, and sitting beside a fire and crocheting. Teaching my kids how to build a fire has been an important outdoor survival skill. Seeing my sons take pride in a fire they built and can now enjoy, is the icing on top! There are so many fun things to do with a campfire. Once they can build a fire, they can practice making food in the campfire! They can catch fish and roast them. Kids will love the responsibility, the wonder, and the memories made!

Don’t forget to ALWAYS use common sense and safety practices with fires. Especially as your children are learning.

Do you have tips for teaching children to build outdoor fires?

Show us your campfires!
Use the hashtag #runwildmychild and tag us on Instagram!

About the author

SarahRuth is a homeschooling mother of three boys. She was raised in cities across the East coast, but now resides in the Appalachian Mountains of Georgia where her husband grew up. Passionate about inspiring others to shift from the status quo of Western indoor life, she launched a local Free Forest School chapter in 2017. Her family clocked over 2k hours outdoors in 2019 and believes that outside time as a family is vital to a joy-filled life. She collects books, stray children, and as much coffee as her body will permit. When not foraging, chasing waterfalls, or camping with her crew, you can find SarahRuth crossing the globe from her laptop, teaching English full time online! She has two bachelor’s degrees in Education and is passionate about teaching children to love learning through outdoor adventures.

You can find more from SarahRuth in the following online locations:
Instagram: @kindle_togetherness
RWMC posts: SarahRuth
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SPRING
Mud Activities for Kids: 7 Creative Ways to Have Fun with Mud
- February 19, 2021
As parents, we see mud and only see a mess. But to children, mud is an abundant and attractive medium for creation, exploration, and adventure. Mud is fun! Playing with mud engages all the senses, encourages creativity, and creates long-lasting childhood memories. Now more than ever families need ways to keep kids safe at home and entertained in our own backyards. What’s for more to a child than giving them permission to get muddy! Today, we have Brandi Markham, Maryland teacher and mom of 3 here to share her family’s favorite mud activities for kids with you and lots of ways your kids can have fun with mud!

The magic and benefits of mud

Mixing soil, water, and other natural materials like pebbles, leaves, or grass provide children endless possibilities for learning and fun. Many of us parents have fond childhood memories of creating mud pies, digging for worms, or making streams and valleys in the mud. But it’s not just about fun. Children benefit from messy play, particularly muddy play. Mud play has also been associated with a range of benefits including increased happiness, improved well-being, stronger immunity, and a deeper connection with nature.

Now more than ever, kids need fun, safe and easy activities they can do in their own backyard. Playing with mud is definitely one of them! It’s a simple concept with tons of adaptability and allows kids to get dirty and creative! Kids will love having permission to get messy and parents will love the endless hours of unstructured outdoor playtime these simple mud activities provide.

Creating a mud play space

If possible, consider setting up a dedicated mud play space for your kids. Maybe in a corner of the yard that you don’t mind getting really messy! With kids, the mud probably won’t stay contained to one location, so consider where and why they’ll be moving around the yard when choosing a spot. They’ll probably need access to water, so a nearby water spout or hose is ideal. This also helps for clean-up.

If you have a mud kitchen, all the better to create some really amazing mud confections! You can buy a pre-made mud kitchen or make your own from wood pallets or an old desk or shelving unit. You could even just set up a table – kids are creative and don’t need much. Stock your mud kitchen with all kinds of old pots, pans, utensils, mixing bowls, and kitchen gadgets. You can usually find these things second-hand very inexpensive, so you’re giving extra life to these items.

If you don’t have a dedicated spot in your yard for a mud patch or a mud pit, it’s easy to create one! You can fill a plastic kiddie pool with mud so the mud is contained and won’t get all over your yard. You can also create a mobile mud patch by filling a wheelbarrow with mud, which can be moved around the yard, as necessary and easily emptied and hosed out.

Mud activities for kids

But kids don’t need to understand why this type of play is important to their development. What’s important is that we, as parents, provide opportunities for them to do it – and give them permission to get dirty! Mud play was a huge hit with my kids and even earned me the title “Best Mom in the World” from my son. So, before we get to International Mud Day on June 29th, read on to find out some fun and simple and fun mud activities for kids.

1. Mud pies

If your childhood was anything like mine, you already know all about the most classic way to have fun with mud – mud pies. Making mud pies is perhaps the most simple and creative way to play with mud. In order to make mud pies, all that is needed is mud and some old cups, pans, pie tins, bowls, or containers. Simply send those kids outside to the mud and let them loose! Watch your child’s creativity shine. My kids have used sticks, flowers, leaves, and anything else they find in the yard to decorate their mud pies. The options are endless.

2. Mud soup

Another simple way to have fun with mud is to make mud soup. For our mud soup, we pulled out the witch’s cauldron from Halloween and some spoons for mixing. If you don’t have a witches cauldron, don’t worry! Buckets, large mixing bowls or a punch bowl would all work just as well. Sticks are great for mixing. First, my kids started with dirt and added water to make the mud. Then, they added all kinds of special ingredients to make their mud soup especially tasty. They added leaves, sticks, mulch, water, flowers, seeds, pebbles, and anything else they could find. Mmmm…delicious!

3. Mud sculptures

Mud sculptures were a new idea for our family. This was one of my favorite mud activities because it involved art, as well as science. My daughter quickly learned that she had to have a certain ratio of mud and water in order for her sculpture to stand. So building mud sculptures was as much a science experiment as it was creative play. If you have clay-heavy mud in your area, all the better for this one. You can also add some modeling clay to your mud to help with the consistency.

Kids can get as creative as they want with this activity. Mud sculptures can be anything from figures, shapes, mud animals. Try building a mud house using mud bricks. Feel free to add sticks, leaves, flowers and more to those sculptures to make them extra awesome! Older kids may be better at this activity, but it’s simple enough for even little kids. If you have kids in the early years, they’ll enjoy just squishing the mud between their fingers. Let the older kids make the sculptures and then let the little ones destroy them!

4. Mud painting

Another fun art project to do with mud is mud painting. This can be done in several ways. We simply took white paper outside and used our fingers to paint with mud. Handprints were a big hit, of course. The kids also painted pictures of houses and animals. This would but a fun activity to do on a light-colored sidewalk or wall outside if possible.

If you want to get extra creative, try adding some powdered food coloring to your mud to create mud paint. Then you could use paintbrushes or sponges to paint with your colored mud. Mud paints are a fun way to play in the mud and still be artsy and creative. Let the kids have fun and see what they make!

5. Muddy car wash

Creating a muddy car wash was a big hit for all of my kids. They enjoyed driving their cars around the backyard to cover them with dirt mud so they could visit the car wash. In order to create the car wash, we added some dish soap to a bucket of water. Then the kids used one of their doll brushes to scrub their cars clean. We even had to refresh the water a few times because they had so much fun with this simple activity.

This can also be done with larger cars (think Tonka Trucks) or even with bikes and tricycles. Let the kids ride their bikes through mud puddles and get as dirty as possible, then go through the mud car wash to get them clean! This is a super easy, fun and creative way to let the kids play in the dirt and enjoy outdoor play time.

6. Mud bath/spa

Ok, are you ready for the mother-lode last two muddy activities for kids? These next two mud play activities for kids may be a tough sell for some parents, but I guarantee they’re going to be a BIG hit with your kids. Both these activities require a LOT of mud and a LOT of clean-up, but they’re also going to create some epic memories, amazing opportunities for photos and SO MUCH FUN.

If you’re feeling adventurous, create a mud bath or mud spa for your kids. This activity is probably best saved for a warm day. You can create a mud bath/spa at home in the backyard or even at the beach in sand. For their mud spa, my girls dug a big hole in the sand and filled it with water. Next, they took turns covering each other with mud. This was great at the beach since they could run to the water to clean off afterwards, but it could be done just as easily at home with a water hose or sprinkler. If you’re at home, try filling a kiddie pool with mud and letting them take a mud bath. That way the mud is contained. This is sure to be a big hit for the kids!

7. Mud sliding/pit

Finally, one of the best, but messiest ways to have fun with mud is to create a mud pit or mudslide! If you’re playing in a big patch of mud for any of these activities, then this is probably inevitable anyway. The kids will enjoy running and sliding, digging and jumping in the mud. Don’t be afraid to let them go! Dress them in clothes that they can get as muddy as they want, so you’re not worried about them ruining anything. Just be sure to have a hose ready for clean-up and towels available to dry off.

Fun with mud

What are you waiting for? Now it’s time to head outside, let the kids go, and live it up…we have nowhere else to be right now. I promise the smiles will be worth it.

And if you just can’t stomach the thought of your kids getting this mess and dirty, but still want to give them a fun sensory activity, try making this fairy mud from Happy Hooligans from toilet paper and soap!

What is your child’s favorite mud activity?

About the author

Hello, I’m Brandi! My husband & I live just outside of Washington, DC with our three littles. They are my favorite people in the world & my biggest inspiration. I am a full-time elementary teacher & a part-time photographer, but mostly I enjoy photography as a hobby. I love chocolate, animals, & nature! Summer is my favorite because we get to spend all of our time outdoors!

You can find more from Brandi in the following locations:
Instagram: @brandimarkham
RWMC posts: Brandi Markham
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PHOTOGRAPHY, PRINTABLES, WINTER
Winter Photo Scavenger Hunt for Kids
- February 4, 2021
The winter months can be frigid, but that certainly doesn’t mean that you and your little ones have to stay inside! Now is a great time to find some fun and creative ways to get outside together with your kids. And even better if you can teach them a skill, while you’re at it! If you or your little one is into photography, we’ve got a treat for you. Today, Megan Rigdon, Maryland photographer and mom of three is sharing two super fun and free Winter Photo Scavenger Hunts for kids. Budding photographers of all ages will love this wintertime activity. So grab your favorite hat, mittens, and a camera, and let’s have some fun!

Winter photo scavenger hunt for kids

I love to get my kids outside as much as possible, year-round. It’s more important now than ever, with virtual learning and all the time spent inside on a screen. However, the cold winter months can make it trickier to get your little ones outside for fresh air and adventuring. Finding fun activities that teach and challenge them can make it a lot more enjoyable. Photography is my passion. My children see me capturing the world around me all the time! They also share my interest in photography and want to snap photos and see the finished project. So, when I created this fun outdoor winter photo scavenger hunt, I knew it would be a big success.

Winter children’s books to get you inspired

There are so many children’s books that would make a great intro to this fun adventure. My kids and I love reading some of these fun classics before venturing outside for our winter photo scavenger hunt. The books help get us excited about the season, the weather, and the cold. We talk about the pictures in the books, the scenes, and the characters. Here some of our favorite winter children’s books.
Prep for the activity

Luckily, arranging and setting up the winter photo scavenger hunt doesn’t take a lot of preparation or forethought. You only need a few things and we’ve got you covered. First, I gathered and prepared all of the materials that we would need before I told the children about our exciting plans for the day! For example, I printed the Winter Photo Scavenger Hunt on 8.5 x 11 inch cardstock paper. Since my daughter would be using an instant camera, I taped a small sandwich bag on the back of the paper so that she could put her photographs in it. I gathered the camera and popped in the firm. I laid out all our winter clothing so we’d stay toasty warm while exploring outside. Finally, we were ready!

Two printable scavenger hunts

In order to make this fun for kids in both snowy and n0-snow conditions, I created two different versions of the winter photo scavenger hunt for kids. The first scavenger hunt printable is a “Winter Photo Scavenger Hunt” – this is perfect for a chilly winter day where it is absolutely fine if there is no snow on the ground. The kids can find things like a brown leaf, an evergreen branch, and a pinecone.

The second photo scavenger hunt printable is a “Snowy Day Winter Photo Scavenger Hunt.” This one is great for adventures outside when the snow has covered the ground. Children can search for a snow shovel, icicle, and a snowball. This activity also opens up opportunities for your child to make a snow angel and snowman too!

Click here for a printable PDF

Click here for a printable PDF

Bundle up!

A hat, mittens, and boots are challenges listed on both versions of the winter photo scavenger hunt for kids, so make sure your little ones have bundled up appropriately for the winter weather! They will need to take pictures of these articles of clothing. Plus, the added warmth will help keep them cozy warm for longer while you’re outside snapping away and looking for all the items on your photo scavenger hunt.

Instant cameras

There are countless types of cameras your child could use for this challenge such as an instant print camera, your cell phone, or a digital camera. Instant cameras are a great way to get kids started in photography since it gives them some instant satisfaction. If you had a Polaroid growing up, you probably remember this feeling.

My daughter wanted to use her Fujifilm Instax camera. This camera prints the photos right away so she can immediately see the image she took. She loved using this camera and then showcasing her images in a special book when she finished the hunt.

Below is a list of some great options for instant cameras for kids (and adults).
Photographing tips

Before you get started, there are a few tips you should share with your child on how to properly take and compose a photo.
- Handle the camera with care. Use a strap to either secure around your child’s neck or wrist so it does not fall.
- Take your time! Do not rush to take the picture.
- Ask yourself…how can I capture this subject in a creative way? Is there a better angle? What’s in the background?
- Hold your camera very still when taking the picture.
Ready for the hunt!

My daughter could not wait to start this fun winter photo scavenger hunt! She put on her fingerless red gloves, snuggly hat, and boots and headed outside! She looked around the yard for all of the winter challenges. The squeals of excitement when she found each challenge was so sweet. It just warmed my heart how happy she was to see the images that she had captured!

Photo keepsakes

After we completed the winter photo scavenger hunt, we came inside to warm up our fingers and toes! We set out all of the photographs and chatted about each challenge. My daughter decided to make a winter photo book to showcase all of the beautiful images that she captured. She glued the photographs to each page and labeled them. Throughout the winter, she can go outside and take a few more pictures to add to her book. What a lovely keepsake!

More photography resources

If you’re interested in more photography resources, download our FREE guide with our best tips and tricks for taking better photos of your kids’ outdoor adventures with the camera on your PHONE! From creative composition tips to our favorite editing apps, this guide includes everything you need to know to make the most out of the camera in your pocket!

Are you kids into photography?
Have you ever done a winter photo scavenger hunt?

About the author

Megan Rigdon is a mother to three energetic children and lives on their family farm in Harford County Maryland. She is a lifestyle family photographer and a lover of joyful and colorful images. Megan has a degree in Early Childhood Education and taught kindergarten prior to having her own family. They spend as much time as possible exploring the farm and going on adventures together! Raising chickens, fishing, gardening, and crafting are just a few of her favorite things that she enjoys doing with her family.

You can find more from Megan in the following locations:
Instagram: @meganrigdonphotography
Website: http://www.meganrigdonphotography.com
RWMC Posts: Megan Rigdon
BEACH, BIKE, HIKE, LESSONS, NATURE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, OUTDOOR SCHOOLS
How to Cultivate Nature-Inspired Literacy in Children
- November 11, 2020
These days, the adage “not all learning happens in the classroom” couldn’t be more true. The notion of a classroom has been redefined by the pandemic. Kids are learning from home and from school, on the road in RVs, and while at the beach. Learning can happen anywhere! Given the deconstructed school day that exists for many, why not use this opportunity to redefine the classroom a little more? Today, Creative Team member Michelle Garrett, California mom, and creator of Wonder Club Explorers, is here with four fun outdoor activities for kids that will help cultivate nature-inspired literacy.

Nature-inspired literacy

In these crazy pandemic times, it is tough watching children sit for long periods, away from friends, and adapting to school on a computer. Most parents and teachers will tell you the same thing…kids should be active, socializing, and outside! One way to provide balance to a child’s day is to introduce nature-inspired literacy as a supplement to textbooks and tablet learning.

Literacy is an ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate, and compute, using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. Nature is a great learning tool and can be used to help kids grasp large concepts. Outdoor nature-inspired activities like tide pooling, stargazing, hiking, and biking have foundations in physics, astronomy, and geography. Using tools, materials, and resources while participating in a fun outdoor activity can help your child become literate in these complex subjects and explain things in ways children can understand and appreciate.

Today, I’m going to show you how simple outdoor activities can help to expand your kids’ horizons outdoors and in nature. Here’s how to use tide pooling, stargazing, hiking, and biking to help cultivate nature-inspired literacy in children.

Teaching marine sciences and physics through tide pooling

Tide pooling is an excellent activity to expose your child to marine science. Tide pools can be found in intertidal zones and they give kids an up-close experience with marine life. As tides recede, animals and algae are exposed in craggy rock pools at the ocean’s edge. Within these rocky crevices, kids can usually find sea urchins, sea stars, hermit crabs, sea anemone and so much more. In just one square meter of a tide pool, your child could find dozens of different animals, a remarkable display of adaptation and survival. How cool is that?

In order to teach your kids about the cycle of the tides, you’ll also want a basic understanding of physics. In particular, you’ll want to be familiar with the relationship between the gravitational pull of the moon and the Earth. If you need a quick primer, here’s the basic premise. The moon’s gravitational field is significant, and it causes the rise and fall of the ocean level as it orbits the Earth. When the Earth faces the moon, a tidal bulge occurs and it results in a high tide on the opposite sides of the Earth. When the face of the Earth is perpendicular to the moon, low tide occurs.

The best tool for making the most of a tide pooling experience is a tide chart. Tide charts contain data for local water levels, tide predictions, and other oceanographic and meteorological conditions. High and low tides both appear twice in a 24 hour day. Tides occur at different times each day depending on where the moon is in its cycle. Understanding how to read tide charts is essential for a tide pooling excursion. And it’s relatively easy to do. Kids will love using a local tide chart to help determine when to visit the tidepools. This will not only teach them about tides but about timing and lunar cycles, as well.

A good source for information to learn more about the tides is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Teaching astronomy through stargazing

Who doesn’t love a starry night? What makes stargazing such a wonderfully fun activity is that anyone can do it. All you have to do is look up! Stargazing is an introduction to understanding the universe outside of the Earth’s atmosphere. It is also an excellent primer for the scientific field of Astronomy.

Some 400 years ago, stargazing developed as a scientific pursuit. The Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei designed a telescope to enable the close observation of the night sky. The rest of his astronomical pursuits were groundbreaking. Gallileo’s credits include such things as being the first person to spot the four moons of Jupiter (a.k.a the Galilean moons), as well as his discovery that the surface of our moon contains mountains and craters.

The best time to stargaze is on a moonless night. Once outside, close your eyes and count to 100 to acclimate to the dark. As you slowly open your eyes, stars will appear across the night sky. Stars are not the only things you can spot in the night sky. To differentiate all the lights in the sky, you need to know that stars twinkle and steady lights are planets. Other fun things to spot on a dark, moonless night are things like meteors (shooting stars), satellites, and aircraft.

To help your child learn astromony through stargazing, there are some really great online tools. Stellarium is a free open source planetarium for your computer. It shows a realistic sky in 3D, just like what you see with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope. Star finder apps like SkyView can help your child find and identify constellations using your phone’s camera. NASA’s Spot the Station Website gives you a list of upcoming space station sighting opportunities for your exact location. A constellation chart is another great resource for astronomy.

Keep in mind that while stargazing is easily done with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope will enhance the experience. We like this beginner portable telescope.

Teaching topography through hiking

Two super handy things to have for a hiking adventure are a good sense of direction and knowledge of your environment. Without these things, even a simple hike can go sideways. It’s always a good idea to carry a map to help you make sense of your position in the outdoors. However, carrying a map is only half of the equation. Your child should also know how to read one. This is a skill that many children are losing due to GPS access and phones. Teaching kids to read a map is a skill that any outdoor child should learn – it could save their life.

Topographic maps are pretty standard fare amongst seasoned hikers. Topographic maps are graphic representations of natural and man-made features of the Earth’s surface. They show the shape of the land, lakes, streams, roads, and provide a complete inventory of the terrain, including elevation. When you know how to read a topographic map, you’ll have a better chance of locating a good camping site or water source, distinguishing main trails from minor ones, identifying trail connections, and estimating elevations. Each of these skills will help your child to be mentally prepared for a trek.

Reading topographical maps requires practice. You’ll want to teach your child to understand how to decipher all of the technical information that appears on a map. In addition to reading a map, you may also want to teach your child how to use a compass. The pairing of map reading and compass reading will require basic navigation skills. If you need to brush up on your navigation skills, check out this great article from Backpacker Magazine to learn the basics of compass navigation.

Teaching geography through biking

Did you know that there is a U.S Bicycle Route System? In fact, there are likely designated bike routes in your own cities and towns. If you’d like to go on a biking adventure outside of the neighborhood with your kids, then you will want to teach them the ins and outs of reading a bike map. Rest assured, the same map reading and route planning skills involved with hiking apply to bike riding as well. Again, being able to read a map is an important skill.

It is worth noting that not all bike routes are the same. A bike map will distinguish between the classes of bike paths. A Class I bike path is a completely separated bi-directional right-of-way designated for bicycles. Class II bike lanes are striped lanes for one-way bike travel. Class III bike routes are travel ways for bicycles through a community denoted by signs). Finally, enhanced bike routes are a superior route based on traffic volume and speeds, street width, directness, and cross-street priority. Each of these bike routes results in different road conditions. Cyclists should know the difference between the types of routes as they are important for a bicyclist’s safety.

Transportation planners take a holistic approach when mapping out bike routes. For that reason, you will often see bike routes integrated with public transportation. Knowing how to navigate these connections it is an added benefit of bike map literacy. For a peek at what the USBR’s National Corridor Plan will look like, once complete, visit Adventure Cycling.

Make nature-inspired literacy part of your school day

Nature-inspired literacy is easily attained by taking the time to familiarize oneself with the charts, maps, and resources that are part of outdoor activities. By taking the time to learn how to use these tools, kids will learn more about the activities both in a practical and academic sense. As with anything, once you understand the concepts behind an activity, the more enjoyable they become. As parents and caregivers, let’s make the most of these unprecedented times and incorporate nature-inspired literacy into our children’s school days. Don’t forget to have fun exploring and be sure to tag #runwildmychild in your outdoor adventures!

Which of these activities would your child like the most?

About the author

Michelle spends her days working on projects to improve the quality of life for the citizens of her community and her nights reading books to her 6 year-old about every kind of dinosaur there ever was (there are 900 validated species, in case you’re wondering). Together with her son, Michelle created Wonder Club Explorers, a company to inspire wonder and curiosity in kids. She carves out time for herself on the weekends as an early morning exerciser and metalsmith of fine jewelry. She resides in Altadena with her husband and son amongst California Oak trees and a stone’s throw of the San Gabriel Mountains.

You can find Michelle online in the following locations:
Instagram: @wonderclubexplorers
Website: http://www.wonderclubexplorers.co
RWMC posts: Michelle Garrett
INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, WATER
How to Pan for Gold with Kids
- October 26, 2020
All that glitters isn’t gold…but it might be! Have you ever been panning for gold? It’s easier than you might imagine to get started with this fun outdoor activity! Gold panning is a great way to get the entire family outside, spend time in nature, learn about history, and maybe even strike it rich! Today, we have Kat Hodgins, Canadian mom, and writer, here to share her experience panning for gold with kids. She’s got all the tips you need on how to pan for gold, what to pack, where to find gold, and how to make gold panning fun for kids.

Gold fever

Gold fever, it’s catching—even long after the gold rush.

We’re a family of west-coast Canadians who use gold panning as an excuse to get out and explore nature. It’s an activity that we love to do as a family. However, our baby is less than a year old, making her more of a spectator than a participant in gold panning. Taking her to the creek is short-lived and involves very little panning.

We wanted to see how an older kid fared when it came to an afternoon of prospecting so we know what to expect in a few years. A weekend visiting family allowed us to borrow my nephew to see if he enjoyed an afternoon gold panning by the creek. We spent a weekend in the semi-desert climate of Kelowna, BC recently, which is where we took these photos.

My husband, the gold prospector, found a few gold panning spots in Kelowna thanks to his network of gold panning enthusiasts. We drove through a residential neighborhood and parked the car in a small park. It doesn’t sound like there would be rustic nature nearby, but it can be found almost anywhere if you know where to look. A short hike down a dusty trail, through a wall of trees, we emerged creekside. This oasis didn’t seem like it belonged minutes away from houses and a bike park. Talk about a great surprise.

Why gold panning?

Though the gold rush has long since passed, there’s still adventure out there when it comes to the thrill of the hunt for gold. Gold panning is a great history lesson for kids. It’s also a hands-on way for them to experience how prospectors back in the day found their riches. Panning is also a fun way to get kids outside and introduce them to a lifelong hobby. Before you go, do yourself a favor and learn a bit of gold rush history. This way you can share some tales with your kids while you’re out by the creek.

My husband is a walking encyclopedia on the history of gold panning. He knows where to find gold, the best tricks for finding gold, how to read the land, what the rock formations tell you, and more (so, so, so much more). He kept a steady dialogue for my nephew who seemed to appreciate the facts and tidbits about a foregone era.

How to dress for gold panning

You don’t need any special attire for panning for gold with kids, which is a great perk of the hobby. Everything your kid needs, they likely have in their closet. A simple t-shirt (or a sun shirt) and shorts are all they need to wear. In an ideal world, they’re in a wide-brimmed hat and rain boots (or water shoes), but a baseball hat and some sneakers will do if you don’t mind them getting wet. If it’s sunny, don’t forget the sunscreen.

Things to bring gold panning

If you’re just starting out, all you really need to go panning for gold with kids is a pan and a shovel. Since my husband has become a full-blown prospector, we have all the additional gear: buckets, a pickaxe, gold vials, snuffer bottles, and various other gold panning paraphernalia (most of which I have no idea how to use). You don’t need all this stuff, especially if you’re new to the gold pan game.

A few other things you may want to bring:
- Water
- Snacks/lunch
- Towel
- Sunglasses
- Beach toys
- Shade cover for little ones
- Sunscreen (make sure you apply it and reapply it—especially if you’ve borrowed your nephew for the day)
- Bear spray (in certain areas—but make sure you keep it out of reach of children!)
- A change of clothes in case you get wet
- A pair of dry (or more comfortable) shoes
Where do you get a gold pan?

Some families may have a gold pan kicking around somewhere. Ask your parents, grandparents, extended family, or friends if they have one. You can also probably find a used one pretty cheap. If all else fails, a new pan from an outdoor shop will cost you less than $20.

We bought my gemstone-loving nephew a brand-new pan, vial, and snuffer bottle from a prospector hobbyist store. If you go this route, you should know that brand-new pans have oils on their surface to keep the pans from sticking together. You need to get rid of this oil so the pan surface isn’t so smooth. That will help it catch the gold better. My nephew’s first task with his gold pan was to scratch it up as much as possible using a bunch of dry dirt and rocks. He had a great time ridding the pan of its pristine appearance.

Safety, safety, safety

Panning for gold with kids is a safe activity, but it is near streams and water safety should always be taken into account. Even if your kid is an amazing swimmer, creeks and rivers have currents that bring some very serious concerns, especially during flooding season. If the water is rushing too fast for comfort, put your child in a lifejacket and find the calmest and most shallow areas. If you can’t find a safe place, save gold panning for another day or another creek. Scope out a location before bringing your wee ones out for a day of gold panning, if possible, so you are comfortable with the terrain and know what to expect.

We were fortunate that the area we were in had some pools of water in areas of the dry creek bed, giving us peace of mind. To further punctuate the safety of our location, another family with two youngsters under five came out so their kids could swim in the creek. As an extra safety measure, we always give a family member our location and an estimated time to be home.

Where can you pan for gold?

Let’s talk gold claims for a moment. A claim is a permit that grants you the use of a specific piece of land that you’re legally allowed to pan for gold and other minerals. Recreational gold panners don’t need their own claim, but you do need to make sure you’re not panning on another person’s claim (in the old days, they’d shoot you for this!).

As awesome as it would be to grab a pan and head to any creek, there are some rules about where you’re legally allowed to pan for gold. These rules vary, depending on where you live. Do a quick search online to find places that may be designated areas for recreational gold panning. In Canada, you can also pan on Crown land without claims. Likewise, in the US, you can pan on Bureau of Land Management land without claims.

How old should kids be to pan for gold?

Panning for gold with kids can be done at any age, but there are definitely perks for panning with older kids. My nephew is almost eight. He was really interested in gold panning for about twenty minutes. After that, his patience waned because of the lack of instant/exciting results. Keep in mind, this is only one boy and we could have brought him out to the creek on a low-energy day. As far as age goes, it really depends on the kids. Patient or older children will be able to pan for longer periods. Younger kids, or children who can’t sit still for long periods, may need other activities to keep them busy.

If you’re bringing an infant along, gold panning needs to be done in shifts so somebody can keep the little one busy. The great outdoors is always a fun place, but with gold panning, safety at the creek comes first. Our baby doesn’t get much out of gold panning itself, but she loves to watch the movement of the water. We dipped her toes in a pool of water and let her touch the rocks and trees around us. Gold panning is something that she’ll grow into with time, but right now she’s just there to watch.

A quick overview of how to pan for gold

Panning for gold is pretty simple, but it does require patience. Here are a few more tips to walk you through the gold panning process, start to finish.
1. Pick the right location – Ideally, you’ll find yourself in a place with gold rush history. Known gold producing areas increase the chances of finding gold (which greatly increases the thrill factor)
2. Make sure you have the right gear – If you have your pan and a small shovel, you’re in fine form for some panning. If you want to bring a small container with a lid to put your gold into, or tweezers to pick up the gold from your pan, bring those along too.
3. Find the best places to dig – Choose a gravel bar with cobbles instead of sandy areas (gold doesn’t settle in light material, like sand). The areas where you’ll have the most luck are on the inside curve of a river bend or on the downstream side of a boulder (gold tends to settle behind these boulders).
4. Fill up your pan with gravel – Don’t be stingy, scoop in as much material as you can hold comfortably. Kids will take much less material in their pans.
5. Submerge, stir, and shake the pan – Put the entire pan of rock material underwater. Pick off the large stones and shake the pan side-to-side vigorously. Use your hands to stir the material and help the heavy gold sink to the bottom of your pan.
6. Wash off lighter rocks – Lift your pan hallway out of the water and angle it forward (tip it away from you). Moving the pan back and forth will wash off the lighter rocks.
7. Find gold (hopefully) – As you get to the bottom of the pan, you might see some black sand—this is a good sign! This is heavy iron material that indicates that you might be in a gold-bearing area. When you’re down to about two tablespoons of material, angle the pan forward again and shake it side-to-side. Add a cup of water to your pan to help spread the remaining material. Slowly swirl the water. If there’s gold, it’ll stay put, while other material will move around. Use a keen eye because gold pieces can be quite small!
8. Remove gold from the pan – Lucky or seasoned prospectors may find gold pieces big enough that they’re able to pick it up by pinching with their fingers. The more likely scenario is that you’ll find gold specks, which you can pick up with tweezers, or press on with the end of your fingertip to make it stick to your skin. If you brought a small container along, carefully put the gold inside and seal it with the lid so you don’t lose it.
Can you actually find gold?

Absolutely! You can find real gold. Don’t expect to find giant nuggets, though. If you choose the right places, you’ll find specks and flecks of gold in your pan. Don’t be discouraged by small specks of gold. Finding gold in any quantity these days is an amazing feat! You can suck these small specks up in a snuffer bottle and slowly add to your gold collection every time you go out. Over time, it adds up!

Keep your eyes open for other great rocks and minerals. You don’t just find gold on these adventures; if you look in your pan, you might find garnets (which are similar to rubies), iron pyrite (fool’s gold), white quartz, and gemstones. These other types of minerals vary depending on your climate and location.

If you’re wondering about the difference between gold and fool’s gold, take a look at the color. If the material only sparkles in the sun, it’s iron pyrite. Real gold retains its bright luster even in the shade (although, it’s not sparkly like in cartoons!).

Do kids like panning for gold?

Panning for gold with kids involves digging, playing in the dirt and rocks, and getting wet. Therefore, it’s a great activity for kids. However, kids have shorter windows of interest than adults. My nephew took to it for a while, but what he was really fond of what Prospector Dan’s pickaxe because it reminded him of one of the tools he uses in a video game. His interest in gold panning came and went throughout the few hours we were out by the creek, so make sure to plan for other activities to break up the afternoon and keep the kids engaged.

Other creek-side activities

Unless you have older children with the patience for gold panning, I would suggest merely planning for a day at the creek. This sets you up for fun, rather than expecting to spend the entire afternoon gold panning. Kids are only interested for so long before they want to do something else. Don’t allow them to get bored with gold panning by doing something else for a bit. Come back to gold panning later, after doing another activity. We suggest building a cairn, swimming (if it’s safe to do so), geocaching, racing sticks down the water, skipping stones, exploring the area, and playing in the sand.

Tips to get your kids more involved in gold panning

My nephew liked gold panning a lot more when we involved him rather than just telling him what to do. Some things you can do to get them more involved are:
- My husband taught my nephew how to gold pan and then my nephew “taught” me.
- Get them to pick the spots where you dig.
- Bring along some painted rocks that you slip into the dirt in their gold pan. The size will be far more gratifying to them to find in their pan than small specks of gold.
Congratulations! You’re now a beginner prospector (and you didn’t even need to grow a mustache!). Hopefully, your kids enjoy learning something new while they play outside—and start a little gold collection along the way.

Have you ever tried to pan for gold?

About the author

Hey, I’m Kat Hodgins, a fun-loving Canadian who doesn’t say “eh”. I’m mom to a baby daughter, wife to a fantastic husband, and lover of the great outdoors. My husband and I have spent a great portion of our relationship outside, and that love of nature has become our business, The Sassy Plant. I’ve been a writer for over a decade, working with a variety of companies on a spectrum of topics from boating to health to building your own outhouse (honestly). I’ve been published by print magazines, online sites, and a micropress. I recently wrote a YA novel that is currently being queried for publication.

You can find more about Kat in the following locations:
Instagram: @houseofhodgins and @thesassyplant
Facebook: @itsthesassyplant
Website: houseofhodgins.com and TheSassyPlant.com
BIKE, HIKE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER
10 Ways to Make Summer Last
- September 1, 2020
Summer’s last weeks are upon us. The shimmering sunlight dancing on water as your children frolic seaside (or lakeside, or creekside) is fading. Soon, the leaves will start changing, the days will get shorter and the temperatures will drop. While fall is my favorite season, I’m certainly not ready to give up summer yet! The last few weeks of summer have the potential to be the best of the season! Today, we have Creative Team member SarahRuth – Georgia teacher and homeschooling mom of two – here with 10 ways you can make summer last and get the most of the final few weeks of this magical time of year.

10 ways to enjoy the final weeks of summer

With officially only a few weeks remaining of summer sunshine and play, we’re determined to make summer last as long as possible! Grab your children, your sunglasses, and your smile….we won’t let you miss out on those last days of summer. Here are ten ways to make summer last and create memories that will last well beyond the seasons!

1. Chase a waterfall

If you are new to this idea, grab hold and run with it! Remember that song, “Don’t go chasing waterfalls….”? Ignore it – that’s terrible advice. You most certainly should chase waterfalls. When dating my husband, he took me to a new waterfall on every date. The sense of wonder and awe as you trek to along a path and hear the rushing water, continuing until it crests into view – it’s priceless.

Where we live, kid-friendly waterfall hikes are often under one mile. Unless your children are older or more used to hiking for longer periods stick with shorter walks on even terrain. Add some floats and you’ve won summer accolades officially! Buckets, small containers, and scoops are welcomed tools at waterfalls for my sons. Summer will certainly last longer when you and your crew make chasing a waterfall happen!

2. Sit in the sunshine

Yes, just sit. On a blanket, or not. Barefoot, or not. On a sunny day or in a sunshower. The benefits of sunlight and sun exposure are innumerable! The list goes on and on; it eases depression and anxiety, lowers blood pressure, enables the production of vitamin D, and more! Merely basking in the sunlight outdoors is an invaluable experience. You don’t need to do anything more than walk out your door.

But if you’re feeling adventurous, go for a hike. Our family often grabs a favorite book and brings it on hikes. When we arrive at a good resting place, we drop a blanket on the ground, get out a snack, and I read aloud to the kids. Our skin yearns for a good kiss of the sun. Of course, wear a good sunscreen if you intend to show a lot of skin for an extended period. Hammocks also make a great sit spot in the sun. We like to hang some in our yard as well as carry them on hikes. Summer won’t slip away as quickly if you make it sit with you.

3. Forest bathe

Not a bath. Well yes, a bath, but a different kind. The bathing that occurs when you let summer linger on your skin and prickle your senses in the woods. Summer will last longer if you dash into the woods headlong and let the greenery embrace you. Believe it or not, forest bathing is a real thing. The term first emerged in Japan and is taking the world by storm.

Did you know that phytoncides are emitted from plants and trees in the forest to protect them from harmful insects and germs? Some say it is what creates that “forest smell”. When you forest bathe, you literally immerse yourself in nature. But sure to cut off your phone and put down the iPad. Disconnect from the world and reconnect with the natural world.

Want to forest bath in the deep end? May I suggest a barefoot bath? Encourage your children to join you. Connect your feet to the earth and experience grounding. Breathe deeply. Close your eyes. Feel the warmth and the coolness of the woods. Allow the trees and the forest canopy to offer something nowhere and no one else can.

4. Water fight

A water fight is a great way to make summer last a bit longer! Do you need instructions? 1. Splash in a river. Laugh. 2. Throw a water balloon at your partner. Laugh more. 3. Jump into the pool and soak everyone poolside. Laugh. 4. Let your children use water guns to soak you….then bring out your super soaker and get them back! Keep laughing! 5. Get out the water hose and give everyone a turn chasing and spraying each other. Laughter galore!

There really is nothing quite like a water fight to level us onto equal footing with grandparents, babies, and all ages! Whether you do this in the cool of the evening, or in the midday heat, it’s guaranteed to be a favorite! Invite neighbors. Social distancing approved. Everyone wins in a water fight. There is no keeping score, there are no losers. Celebrating with a homemade popsicle is a great finale, by the way. If summer had a magnum opus it would be a great water fight in the back yard, don’t you think?

5. Watch the sunset

Most summers, our family rents a condo on Hilton Head Island. While there, my favorite thing to do is see the sunset and sunrise. Pink, orange, and dusky purple swirl at the horizon. Rain or shine, I ride my bike along the pathways and then onto the beach. I often bring my journal and watercolors along. Every poem I have ever memorized erupts to meet the sunrise and sunset as I watch my children play in the sand.

This year, the current pandemic prevented our summertime escape to the beach. However, our mountains have let us experience new joy. Summer continues to bring us beautiful sunsets as we hike to peaks and watch as another day closes. Not willing that it occur without our happy chatter and watching eyes.

Don’t live in the mountains? No beach trip for you either? That’s okay! The sun sets in the West everywhere! No matter your location, get outside and experience it with your family. Try out a compass. That is a fun way to practice navigating and essential skills while making summer last. Never once have we regretted watching a sunset. Snacks welcome – our favorite is air-popped popcorn, in case you’re wondering.

6. Dance in the rain

Wellies or not, dancing in the summertime rain should be on your making summer last list! Wriggling worms, the pitter-patter of drops hitting trees, and the laughter of your kids are worth this little adventure. What might make this most wonderful of all is that it is usually a surprise and can’t be planned! You won’t know exactly the day or hour of this grand ball – you may have an inkling of suspicion around the weather, but the invitation will be random. Also, no need to leave your house or pack bags. This fun summer activity will meet you at your home, at the park, or wherever you happen to be!

When you hear the drops begin to drip, run outside (sans umbrella) and dance like nobody is watching. Let your inner 5-year-old out! Splash in puddles, let the rain be your music. I can assure you there are nary few children who won’t stop gawking and join you! Also, rainy day hikes are great fun. Don’t let showers deter you from hitting the trail. Instead, pack your gear and plan to enjoy the coolness of a good summer rain. You will make memories that last a lifetime! Plus, this is a grand way to make summer last.

7. Ride bikes at sunrise

If you have a bike, plan a biking date with a new day. Grab a light snack and your favorite cold brew. Put those sleepy babes in the bike trailer (yep, in their PJs) and ride out to meet a new day! A little foresight is needed for this one. Ideally, you would know the local sunrise times and also plan for comfortable weather. A rainy day might make seeing the sunrise less brilliant. Be sure and check your tires and bike chains before heading out. A good flag on your bike trailer is also essential.

Our family loves bike rides because the wind from our speed truly cools us as we pedal. Breakfast picnics are also welcome. Fresh fruit, cream cheese, and good bread taste even better in the summer morning’s first light. Go ahead, ask me how I know!

8. Splash in the creek

Make summer last a little longer by heading creekside. If there isn’t one super close, it is totally worth a day trip. Plan to visit a creek with 2-6 inches of water and not more. A good flow of water is fun, even for littles. So long as the water depth is shallow, the speed of the water is nothing to fear. Lots of small rocks are ideal.

Be sure and bring some small mason jars or a plastic container. When your children get into the creek, they are sure to find some amazing creatures. Crawdads, crawfish, crayfish….how do you say it? These little fellows are summer’s mascots! Carefully overturning rocks is sure to be a favorite past time once they observe a salamander skittering through the shadows. Parents can enjoy some lounging beside the water, toes in. Although this mama enjoys some splashing and creature hunting as well. Summer will last a smidge longer if you linger creekside.

9. Eat a meal outside

In our family, summer is for outdoor eating (well, so are autumn and spring, now that I think of it). Nothing fancy is required for dining al fresco. Your regular food can just happen to make its way to a picnic table in your driveway or a blanket on the lawn. If you aren’t up for a big meal, sandwiches taste better on a blanket in the woods. Promise.

Does summer last longer if ants are guests during meal times? I’m not sure, but you can be certain these bodybuilders will be visitors if you plan to eat out of doors. Kids love watching ants and it truly is amazing to see them carry crumbs 100 times their weight! Also, eating outside means you beat heating up your home by using the oven. Some family favorites of ours include waffles and bacon in the yard, fire-cooked burgers, and fresh fruit. Meals outside mean less clean up. Dripping popsicles, goopy marshmallows, and melty ice cream don’t require mops when enjoyed outdoors. Standing ovation, please! Of course, you do want to pack in and pack out, like all good visitors.

10. Activity of your choice

My last suggestion on making summer last is to choose your family’s favorite summertime activity and enjoy it together one last time. Whether it’s catching fireflies, enjoying a bonfire, watching a movie outside or something not shared here, the important thing is getting out there and enjoying the last weeks of summer. Together is better. Children thrive when experiences include parents, grandparents, and friends. Stay safe. Use caution and wisdom. Our summer may have looked different this year, but it’s still a beautiful season to embrace and behold!

So how will you make the most of these final weeks of summer?
Share your ideas in the comments or tag us in a photo posted on social media with the hashtag #runwildmychild.

About the author

SarahRuth is a homeschooling mother of three boys. She was raised in cities across the East coast, but now resides in the Appalachian Mountains of Georgia where her husband grew up. Passionate about inspiring others to shift from the status quo of Western indoor life, she launched a local Free Forest School chapter in 2017. Her family clocked over 2k hours outdoors in 2019 and believes that outside time as a family is vital to a joy-filled life. She collects books, stray children, and as much coffee as her body will permit. When not foraging, chasing waterfalls, or camping with her crew, you can find SarahRuth crossing the globe from her laptop, teaching English full time online! She has two bachelor’s degrees in Education and is passionate about teaching children to love learning through outdoor adventures.

You can find more from SarahRuth in the following online locations:
Instagram: @mountainpaz