With screens occupying a significant portion of our lives, it’s crucial to carve out time to engage in activities that foster an appreciation for the natural world. One delightful and engaging way to achieve this is through creating nature critters with children. Nature crafts provide a perfect opportunity for young minds to explore their creativity while fostering a deep connection with the environment. By gathering materials from the great outdoors, children can transform ordinary objects into whimsical creatures, igniting their imagination and developing a sense of wonder.
Today, Tennessee mom and photographer Somer Pickel dives into the magical world of nature crafts, specifically focusing on creating nature critters with children. She explores the various materials that can be gathered from nature and transformed into unique creatures, as well as the benefits that come from engaging in these crafts together. As parents, we play an essential role in encouraging and participating in these activities, as they offer numerous benefits that extend far beyond the finished product.
On being “not crafty”
Is it alright to start a “crafting nature critters with kids” blog post, saying that I really truly don’t like crafting with kids?
I know, I know…as moms, we’re supposed to love doing all things crafty with our children. And let me tell you, I’ve tried. But at some point, it’s better to just accept the obvious truth. And in this scenario, it’s that I am not a crafty mama.
I can’t stand bits of paper all over the place. Finding stickers stuck to anything other than paper annoys me to no end. Don’t even get me started on glitter, slime, or Play-Doh. No.
But believe it or not, I’ve finally found a craft I can get behind – nature critters. Making nature critters together has just the right amount of crafting, creativity and outdoor time for both me and my kid. I get to have her outside exploring a nature-filled environment, including looking for small, minute details. She gets to use a hot glue gun. So basically, it’s a win-win.
Getting beyond the mess when crafting with kids
I know I’ve already voiced my displeasure about crafting with kids. And yeah, a lot of my displeasure is due to the concerted effort that’s needed in the setup and the patience involved during the actual craft. But, it’s also partially because crafting always seems to be so expensive. Then to add insult to injury, there’s the aftermath. After your kiddo loses interest, you’re stuck cleaning up Elmer’s glue from your kitchen table or picking Play-Doh out of your dog’s hair. Then you have to find someplace to put all kinds of crafting leftovers and supplies.
And don’t get me wrong, I know that crafting is some folks’ cup of tea.There are people who love it so much they have entire rooms in their homes dedicated to the wonders of all things crafting! As I am sure you all can guess by now, that’s just not me. But also, I highly doubt they live with the constant tornadic activity that is a pre-schooler. My kid could thoroughly destroy even the most organized of craft rooms in under 5 minutes.
Benefits of crafting with kids
However, there are some really great benefits of crafting with kids that I really appreciate, and go far beyond the finished piece of artwork and mess left behind. Crafting stimulates and enhances children’s creativity, allowing them to explore their imaginations and express themselves freely. It encourages problem-solving skills as they navigate through different materials and find innovative ways to bring their ideas to life. And doing craft projects with kids also promotes fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, as children manipulate and handle various tools and materials.
Moreover, crafting provides an opportunity for children (and their parents!) to develop patience, perseverance, and the ability to follow instructions, as they learn to complete tasks step-by-step. Doing crafts together and making art fosters self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment as children witness their creations taking shape, boosting their confidence and pride in their abilities.
If you’re a fellow hater of all things glitter, nature critter crafting may be just up your alley!
Tips for moms that hate crafting
For moms who find crafting with kids challenging (or frustrating, or just plain awful), there are several tips and strategies that can help make the experience more enjoyable, less messy, and less frustrating. Here are some suggestions to consider:
Simplify the projects – Start with simple and age-appropriate craft projects that require minimal supplies and have straightforward instructions. This will help reduce the complexity and frustration for both you and your child.
Choose low-mess materials – Opt for crafts that involve materials that are easy to clean up, such as washable markers, colored pencils, or pre-cut stickers. Avoid projects that involve excessive glue, glitter, or paint unless you’re prepared for a potential mess.
Incorporate what you like – Maybe you hate paint, but you don’t mind markers. If stickers seem wasteful, maybe consider stamps. Maybe you’re like me and don’t mind crafts that incorporate natural elements and cute creatures. Figure out (and embrace) what you like about crafting (or at least don’t hate or can tolerate) and use those materials. Cut out anything that’s too stressful, messy, or overwhelming.
Set up a dedicated crafting space– Designate a specific area in your home (or outside it) for crafting activities. Cover the surface with an old tablecloth or use a plastic tablecloth that can be easily wiped clean. Having a dedicated space will make it easier to contain the mess and keep things organized.
Embrace imperfection – Remember that the process of crafting with kids is more important than the final product. Embrace imperfections and allow your child’s creativity to shine, even if things don’t turn out as expected. Let go of the need for perfection and focus on enjoying the experience together.
Incorporate storytelling or music – Make the crafting experience more engaging by incorporating storytelling or playing background music. This can create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, making the process more enjoyable for both you and your child.
Take breaks and keep it short – Recognize when you or your child might be getting tired or frustrated and take breaks as needed. Keeping craft sessions short and focused can help maintain enthusiasm and prevent burnout.
Don’t be too hard on yourself – Remember that not all moms are naturally inclined towards crafting, and that’s perfectly okay. It’s more important to focus on spending quality time with your child and finding activities that bring joy to both of you. Embrace your strengths as a mom and explore other ways to bond and connect with your child that align with your interests and passions.
Crafting nature critters
Embracing what I like about crafts (natural elements, cute creatures, and spending time outside with my daughter) led us to try making nature critters. Basically, nature critters are essentially anything your kid wants them to be – they’re not necessarily real animals, but maybe based on a real animal with some creative elements incorporated.
While I personally like to make them look more like animals, they don’t always end up looking like the one I envisioned when I started. For instance, when I tried to make a porcupine, I ended up making what looked like a turkey. My bird turned into a fish. And so on. Oh well.
My kid, on the other hand, is very imaginative and typically steers toward open-ended toys. So, I guess it’s no real surprise that she seems to like the more abstract-looking critters (cat-monkey!). When it comes down to it, the jest is they’re “critters” made out of any found natural materials and hot glue.
When crafting nature critters, they really can be whatever you want them to be. Or if you’re anything like me, whatever they turn out looking like when you’re trying to make something else. 🙃
How to prepare for crafting nature critters with your kid(s)
Have a glue gun with a few sticks of glue.
Find a mesh baggie to hold the materials you find. Why mesh? We learned the hard way with this little detail. We brought home a few bug “friends” the first time we made nature critters. If this isn’t an issue for you, by all means, use whatever sort of bag you want.
Set aside an hour or so to spend outside looking for critter-making materials. Your natural materials can be any of the following items (or whatever you can find in your area): leaves, pinecones, flowers, shells, berries, sticks, moss, grass, bark, acorns, twigs, pebbles, etc. (see below for more ideas)
Have an outdoor space with an outlet where you can plug in your hot glue gun. Why outdoor? Well, it’s just another precaution, given the likelihood of tag-along bug friends.
Pour yourself a hot cup of coffee or whatever your preferred means of caffeination and ready yourself to provide excessive patience.
When your child is out looking for materials to craft with, they slow down. They take more in and they find purpose in the search.
Safety note
Some hot glue guns probably get hot enough to cause actual burns. Ours is a fairly cheap one that doesn’t get very hot. Even so, my four-year-old was supervised the entire time she used the tool. I also noticed that since she perceived it to be “dangerous,” she took more care with it than I believe she otherwise would have. She was much slower, more deliberate, and controlled with the hot glue gun than she ever is with her typical school glue. This could be purely coincidental, but I don’t think it is. I feel like it tracks with the idea that kids’ capacity to learn increases when a bit of risk is involved. But back to the nature critters…
Typically when children perceive a task as risky, they slow down and focus on what they are doing. In turn, they tap into deeper learning and understanding.
Why natural materials for crafting nature critters
Could you use more than just natural elements when making nature critters? Of course! If you want to break out the googly eyes, pom poms, pipe cleaners, and crafting supplies, go for it! However, we prefer to only use what we find in the yard or on a trail. I feel like this gives the critters a bit more personality and makes the whole activity more challenging and creative.
Plus, it really forces me and my child to slow down and pay closer attention to our environment than we otherwise would. On our most recent critter supply run, my kiddo found two good-sized Appalachian forest snails. They were so camouflaged that I had stepped right past them. My kiddo was so thrilled to have found what my eyes had missed, that she spent the rest of the hike talking about her superhero vision.
I love watching my child slow down and really take in the world around her. This craft has been a fun way for us both to engage more deeply with the natural world and each other.
What materials to collect for crafting nature critters
Honestly, these are your critters, so collect whatever suits your fancy!
Everywhere you go will have different things available. We live in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, so we have an abundance of deciduous and coniferous trees growing in our area. This gives us access to lots of pinecones, needles, pebbles, moss, bark, etc.
But, last week, we were in southwestern Florida. While there, we found loads of shells, fish bones, sand, driftwood, and other treasures on the beaches every morning. I am sure desert environments would have their own brand of wonderful nature treasure finds that would lend to excellent critters too. Just use whatever you find around.
Personally, I’ve found coniferous cones, large and small, make great bases for critter heads and bodies. Acorns are fantastic for heads and hats. Sticks and twigs make great limbs. Other things we have used include leaves, bark, moss, seeds and seed pods, flowers, rocks, and grass.
But really, just collect whatever catches your eye. The good thing is, you can just toss whatever you don’t use into the bushes or compost pile after craft time is over. Or at least that’s what we do.
Nature critters can be made into all sorts of concrete or abstract creations with a bit of creativity and luck! (This is supposed to be a deer of some sort.)Sometimes the critters may just turn out well enough and sturdy enough to be toys! Other times they fall apart if you even try to move them. Either is fine, because, in the end, it was all about the process.
Nature art inspiration
So I’m not deluded enough to believe our crafting to ever grow into something truly outstanding. We are in it for the experience and the fun of creating. However, there are folks out there creating truly inspiring art out of totally found natural materials. One of them is David Bird. He started his career as a Lego toy designer, and that later moved into creating adorable little critters he lovingly refers to as Becorns. Do yourself a favor and check out his work. And, I also love the nature art created by Sisten Golden (@sistergoldenshop) on Instagram. Both artists create such a beautiful blend of photography, naturalism, and art! They demonstrate what is possible with time, creativity, and a passion for the world around us.
Side note: my kid finds value in expressing her independence— including dressing herself. I find value in my own sanity more than her wearing socially appropriate outfits.
Embrace the mess
While the mess and challenges of crafting with kids may seem daunting, it’s essential to embrace the chaos and immerse ourselves in the joy and wonder of creating with our children. Making nature critters together not only allows us to tap into their boundless creativity but also offers a unique opportunity to bond with our children, both inside and outside. By engaging in these activities, we can foster a deep connection with nature, instill a sense of environmental consciousness, and nurture our children’s development holistically.
So, let’s embrace the mess, seize the chance to explore the great outdoors, and create cherished memories as we embark on this creative journey with our little ones. After all, the mess will fade away, but the moments shared, and the love nurtured will endure forever.
More nature crafts (that you may not hate)
Never fear, non-crafty mamas; we have a few nature-inspired crafts and activities that you may not hate! All of these involve spending time outside (in nature) with your kids and can be done with less mess than regular crafting.
Do you enjoy crafting with kids? What sort of nature critters will you make?
About the author
Somer is a mama living in southern Appalachia. Somer’s motherhood journey began when her oldest daughter (Avelyn) was born with severe congenital heart disease. Avelyn spent the majority of her 18 months of life in a pediatric ICU. Though she lived her life chronically critically ill, Avie was an incredibly loving and joyous child. After her death, Somer and her husband sought solace backpacking a section of the Appalachian Trail. Before long, they discovered their ability to cope seemed to correspond with time spent outdoors.
When it came time to add another kiddo to the mix, bringing the baby along was never a question. In an effort to celebrate the freedom provided by healthy bodies, Somer has hiked her second-born 2k+ miles. Even so, she doesn’t believe grand adventures are necessary to reap nature’s wonder. They just as often revel in mundane evenings in their backyard. The family believes it’s prioritizing time spent outdoors that’s important.
Professionally, Somer has spent the last decade caring for veterans in an acute psychiatric unit as a clinical nurse educator. Over the years, she’s become a passionate advocate for the intersectional relationships of mental health, wellness, and the natural world. She truly believes there’s healing and strength to be found outdoors for those who seek it.
Run Wild My Child is hosting a fundraiser and awareness campaign we’re calling “Hearts in the Wild” for children born with congenital heart defects (“CHD”). During the month of February (“Heart Month”), we are asking families to get outside and find heart-shaped objects in nature. Post them to your social media account and help us raise awareness for CHD and funds for designated nonprofits that support heart families and CHD research.
What are CHDs?
Congenital heart defects are structural abnormalities in the heart and/or its vessels that form prior to birth, oftentimes soon after conception, before mothers even know they are pregnant. When trying to understand CHDs it’s helpful to remember how the cardiovascular system, including the heart, is meant to function. As per heart.org:
A normal heart has valves, arteries, and chambers that circulate blood in a recurring pattern: body to heart, heart to lungs, lungs to heart and then heart out to the body. When all the chambers and valves work correctly, blood is pumped through the heart, to the lungs for oxygen, back to the heart and then throughout the body to deliver that oxygen. When valves, chambers, arteries and veins are malformed, this circulation pattern can be impaired.
Congenital heart defects range in severity from simple problems, such as “holes” between chambers of the heart, to very severe malformations, such as the complete absence of one or more chambers or valves.
Children with critical CHDs often require open heart surgeries to survive, but these surgeries are not considered a cure.
CHDs are the most common birth defect
1% of all babies are born with diagnosable congenital heart defect(s)–making CHDs the most common birth defect. The range in severity of defects directly impacts the child’s prognosis. While most children born with CHD live into adulthood, 15% do not. And 25% of all children born with CHD require cardiac intervention to survive–whether that be open heart surgeries, interventional catheterizations, or a combination of both.
While our understanding and treatment of CHDs has come a long way in recent years, to quote my child’s open heart surgeon, “there’s just still so much we don’t know.” There are a few known genes linked to CHD, but most defects are of unknown origin seemingly without cause. And while there may be small subsets of people who carry higher risks of having a child with CHD, anyone can have a child with CHD.
Raising awareness for CHDs
One cannot underestimate the importance of expectant parents’ awareness of CHDs. Many CHDs, especially critical ones, are now diagnosed in utero–but many go undetected. Sometimes I worry that they may go undetected because expecting parents don’t know what to ask their providers about. Most pregnant individuals undergo anatomy scans, but many don’t realize these scans are much more important than finding out the biological sex of their child. Oftentimes CHDs can be detected on anatomy scans, even at 16 weeks gestation.
Questions expectant parents may want to ask during anatomy scans include:
Does the child have a four-chambered heart?
Are the large vessels/outflow tracts part of your scan?
If so, are they connected normally?
Is the heart pumping normally, including rate and rhythm?
Answering these questions should allow you to either rule out critical heart defects or prepare for any abnormalities found.
Other than encouraging your pregnant friends to inquire about their baby’s heart during anatomy scans, what can you do to raise awareness for CHD?
Help us raise awareness by finding nature Hearts in the Wild!
Finding hearts in the wild
Run Wild My Child is hosting a fundraiser and awareness campaign for children born with congenital heart defects during “Heart Month.” We’re asking families to get outside together and look for heart-shaped objects in nature. Maybe that’s a heart-shaped rock, leaf, chunk of ice, or crack in the sidewalk. Heart-shaped objects are all around us, we only need to look! We hope this activity will not only inspire you to explore outdoors with your kids this chilly month but be extra aware and appreciative of the nature around you and your family.
When you find a heart-shaped object, please post it on social media and tag us! We also hope you’ll consider making a donation to a heart charity (we have some suggestions below) or host your own fundraiser to raise funds and awareness. We’ll show you how easy it is below!
How to participate in the Heart in the Wild project:
Get outside and explore with your family!
Look for heart-shaped objects, heart-shaped holes, heart-shaped shadows, etc. (get creative, anything heart-shaped counts!)
Take a photo and post it to your Instagram feed or story.
Tag @runwild.mychild and use the hashtag #heartsinthewild. We’ll be sure to reshare!
Please consider making a donation (even if it’s just $1) for every heart found or photo posted. We’ll do the same!
Help spread the word by adding a fundraiser for a heart charity* to your post! It’s super easy to do (steps below).
*We’re supporting @BrightforBrett and @MightyOakesHeartFoundation, but you can choose any CHD research or heart-related non-profit of your choosing. Additional information on the charitable organizations we chose to support is below.
Creative Team member Somer Pickel here to tell you about my darling little girl Avelyn Marie.
Avelyn’s story
We found out before Avelyn was born that she had critical heart defects (CHDs), name tetralogy of fallot (ToF), pulmonary atresia (PA), and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs). Given the severity of her diagnosis, we picked up our lives and relocated 4+ hours from home to a city with a renowned children’s hospital in preparation for her birth. We were willing to do anything to provide our child a shot at life and had hope that with multiple open heart surgeries, we’d see her grow into adulthood.
In December of 2015, she was pulled from my womb limp and gray. Even so, she fought to announce her presence. To me, her soft wail was her asserting that she too was taking up the fight for survival. She would fight until her last breath 18 months later.
Our daughter endured horrors alongside miracles. She experienced unimaginable compounding complications, yet to know her spirit—you’d never know it. Even after 4+ months of intubation and 4 open heart surgeries, she was the sweetest most affectionate soul. She inspired those around her to be better and do better. Avie gave us strength to accomplish what we all believed impossible.
Children with critical CHDs are some of the sickest children you can imagine. Their care is incredibly complex and there’s not enough funding for research.
Avelyn’s battle
We stayed by her side day and night, not only to help keep her alive, but to provide every bit of normalcy possible throughout her hospitalization (450 consecutive days– most of which was spent within the pediatric cardiac ICU). When she woke or stirred, she knew her mama or dada would be there to soothe her. I still dream of those sweet chubby hands reaching for me in expectation. She loved, trusted, and interacted with those around her like any other infant. Avelyn made sure her dada & I knew she loved us (something we now cling to).
She was the absolute light of our lives.
Close to the end, she was doing better than she ever had and better than most of her providers ever expected. I cannot describe the feeling of finally bringing our daughter home after 17 months of living the unimaginable (4+ hours away). After so long, our own home felt foreign as feelings of joy and fear mingled indistinguishably. And yet we clung to our baby, rejoicing in her and all she had accomplished.
Sadly just weeks later, she suffered an extremely rare medication side effect. Things escalated quickly, and she had to be emergently transported back to the specialty hospital where she was born. She never saw life outside of hospital walls again.
With more funding for research, more treatment options will become available.
Supporting heart organizations
We have chosen two heart foundations to support during our Hearts in the Wild project this year. Each of these foundations holds a special place in the heart and lives of the Creative Team members they’ve helped and supported. Here’s a little bit more about their mission and all the amazing things they’re doing for heart families and CHD research.
Like most parents of children with CHD, Brett’s parents quickly found that people are in the dark about the existence of CHD, let alone the underfunding of necessary research. Without awareness and education, funding for research will never increase. They believe sharing stories and educating people about CHDs and how common they are in order to raise awareness. The Brett Boyer Foundation strives to support better options for treatment, improved lifestyles for people living with CHD, and positive outcomes for families.
The foundation has raised and donated millions of dollars of funding to cutting-edge CHD research, and they support a mental health research initiative that’s extremely near and dear to my heart. The foundation provided funds for the hiring of a full-time psychologist at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital focused on supporting the psychosocial needs of CHD patients and families. The team is currently researching early mental health intervention for parents and patients and both the mental and physical outcomes of these interventions.
Children with critical CHDs have extremely complex needs that can oftentimes be overwhelming. To best care for their children, parents need to ensure their own mental wellness. Bright for Brett has been funding research that supports parents and children coping with the trauma of CHD.
The importance of supporting parental mental health
Sweet little Brett and my Avelyn were neighbors in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care at Vanderbilt Children’s hospital for 100 days. But sadly, I didn’t reach out to Brett’s family during her life.
In Avelyn’s 450 days inpatient, we saw many families and children come and go. While most of the children did well, many did not. Honestly, by the time Brett came into the PCICU, I’d already isolated myself from other families. I just couldn’t take going to any more funerals for children while my own still sat in an ICU, barely clinging to life.
Instead, I hid within the glass walls of my child’s PICU room, trying to hold myself together. Each time a tiny body bag rolled by or a code blue was called, I’d find myself silently shedding tears for the child and family–while also knowing my child could be next. By the time Avelyn finally discharged after 16+ months, I’d long since exhibited tell-tale signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. But given Avelyn’s critically intensive needs, there wasn’t time to care for myself.
I can’t describe the gratitude I feel knowing there’s now a psychologist on staff who can help guide parents through the immense darkness that CHD can bring into a family’s life. I don’t believe it’s an exaggeration to believe that such care could save lives.
Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation
The Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation was created with a mission to carry on the legacy of Oakes Ortyl, a mighty warrior born with a congenital heart defect, by spreading love and hope to heart families. Oakes Orytl was diagnosed in utero with a congenital heart defect named truncus arteriosus, a defect in which the heart is developed without a pulmonary artery—rather, a large “trunk” artery exists, taking blood from the ventricles of the heart to the lungs, and a hole between the right and left ventricles of the heart. Oakes underwent two open-heart surgeries, three cath procedures, a slide tracheoplasty, plasmapheresis, chemotherapy and a double-lung transplant all before turning five months old. Oakes was 15 months old when he died.For all but 12 days of those months, Oakes was in the ICU at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Through financial and emotional support that’s unique to the needs of each family, the MOHF helps them be a constant, mighty presence for their child, giving their little warrior every reason to keep fighting. Their vision is to be a source of strength, assurance, and hope to families of children with congenital heart defects. They are dedicated to expanding their reach, while continuing to support and connect with families on a personal level. Through critical financial support and emotional comfort, the MOFH enables families to focus on the love that empowers them to bravely face the fight.
How to set up your own fundraiser on Instagram
If you’d like to help us raise funds for supporting heart families and CHD research, there’s a super easy way to do this right through the Instagram app.
Instagram app for Android
Open Instagram and tap .
Create or choose your image and tap .
Crop and filter your post, and then tap .
Tap Add fundraiser.
Choose the nonprofit you want to fundraise for. You’ll automatically go to the “Fundraiser Details” page.
Enter the details for your fundraiser and then tap Done.
Tap .
Instagram app for iPhone
Open Instagram and tap +
Create or choose your image and tap Next.
Crop and filter your post, and then tap Next.
Tap Add fundraiser.
Choose the nonprofit you want to fundraise for. You’ll automatically go to the “Fundraiser Details” page.
Enter the details for your fundraiser and then tap Done.
Raising awareness for congenital heart defects is a passion project for us here at RWMC, as multiple team member families have been affected. We hope you’ll join us in spreading awareness about CHDs and raising funds by finding Hearts in the Wild throughout the month of February!
Please consider donating to one of our chosen heart charties below (or feel free to choose your own). Any and all help raising funds and awareness for CHDs is greatly appreciated!
[maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://www.thebrettboyerfoundation.org/donate” text=”DONATE TO BRETT BOYER FOUNDATION” ]
[maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://www.mightyoakes.org/donate” text=”DONATE TO MIGHTY OAKES HEART FOUNDATION” ]
About the author
Somer is a mama living in southern Appalachia. Somer’s motherhood journey began when her oldest daughter was born with severe congenital heart disease. Avelyn spent the majority of her 18 months of life within a pediatric ICU. Though she lived her life chronically critically ill, Avie was an incredibly loving and joyous child. After her death, Somer and her husband sought solace backpacking a section of the Appalachian Trail. Before long, they discovered their ability to cope seemed to correspond with time spent outdoors.
When it came time to add another kiddo to the mix, bringing the baby along was never a question. In an effort to celebrate the freedom provided by healthy bodies, Somer has hiked her second-born 2k+ miles. Even so, she doesn’t believe grand adventures are necessary to reap nature’s wonder. They just as often revel in mundane evenings in their backyard. The family believes it’s prioritizing time spent outdoors that’s important.
Professionally, Somer has spent the last decade caring for veterans in an acute psychiatric unit as a clinical nurse educator. Over the years, she’s become a passionate advocate for the intersectional relationships of mental health, wellness, and the natural world. She truly believes there’s healing and strength to be found outdoors for those who seek it.
The Appalachian Trail and Great Smoky Mountain National Park are both huge touristy areas this time of year. The park is incredible, but the crowds can be intense and overwhelming. However, there is another option for exploring the Appalachian Trail with kids nearby that is family-friendly and way less crowded, with spectacular vistas and stunning wildlife. If you find yourself in Southern Appalachia, check out the Roan Mountain Highlands! The Roan Highlands are quite simply a gem of the American Southeast and have something for families of all abilities. Today, local Tennessee mom and avid hiker Somer Pickel is here sharing her favorite section of the Appalachian Trail to hike with kids and tips for exploring the Roan Mountain Highlands.
The Roan Mountain Highlands are the perfect southeastern mountain get away for families of all abilities.
An introduction to the Roan Mountain Highlands
Roan Mountain is located a couple of hours northeast of Smoky Mountain National Park, nestled along the North Carolina and Northeast Tennessee border. It’s part of the Unaka Mountain subrange within the Blue Ridge Mountains. The surrounding mountains of the area are blanketed by beautiful deciduous national forests (hello fall foliage!) and magical spruce-fir forests of the Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests. The area is famous for its expansive 360-degree Appalachian views and incredible wild rhododendron gardens. Every June, crowds flock to the mountain to view the rhododendron and flame azalea blooms for good reason. They’re magnificent.
Roan Mountain has the world’s largest wild rhododendron gardens and it’s sure something to see!
Visit the Appalachian Balds
The Roan Highlands were my first introduction to Appalachian “Balds”. Aka mountain tops and ridge-lines without forests. The Roan Highlands are the longest stretch of balds in the entire Appalachian Mountain range! The Roan Balds stretch about ~ 2.5 miles across three mountains (Round, Jane, and Grassy Ridge). On clear days, hikers have continuous expansive mountain views for hours while exploring the trail.
These wide open views and minimal light pollution also make the highlands perfect for stargazing. On crisp clear nights, the Milky Way is clearly visible, and there’s no better place to watch a meteor shower.
On a clear day you can see hundreds of miles in every direction from the Roan Highlands. Not that your toddler will appreciate it. This boulder is right off the trail about half a mile up. It’s a favorite climbing spot for small children devouring snacks and adults looking for a breather.
Hiking portions of the Appalachian Trail with kids
If one were to take a day hike with kids from Carver’s Gap parking area, they could choose the distance of the hike based on the family’s ability. The wide open expansive views start not even half a mile up the Appalachian Trail.
Oh, I guess I haven’t mentioned that little detail yet. The trail that leads across these stunning mountains is none other than the famous Appalachian Trail!
The Appalachian Trail is a long trail that stretches nearly 2200 miles from Northern Georgia into Maine. The trail follows the Appalachian Mountainss and includes countless incredible vistas. But the Roan Highlands section is considered one of the most beautiful–especially in June when the rhododendrons and azaleas are blooming. Honestly though, I’ve been up there in all seasons and all weather; it’s a beautiful stretch any time.
Exploring with kids isn’t always easy. But that’s not to say it isn’t doable or worth the effort. Even if they are too young to remember it—I promise you will.
Hiking with kids
My recommendation, if you and your children are able-bodied, is to park at Carver’s Gap on the Tennessee/ North Carolina state line. Directly across the street from the parking lot is the Appalachian Trail and an information board.
Anytime you’re new to an area, you’d be wise to look over any information boards you see. Sometimes it’s just a map of the surrounding area and/or trail. But a lot of time, they have invaluable information about the hike you’re about to embark upon. For instance, there may be a posting warning of recent increased bear activity. Or, in the case of Roan Mountain, it may have warnings not to touch the endangered Grays Lily wildflower species or how you can do your part to protect and preserve the Roan Mountain Highland ecosystem.
Roan Mountain Balds sport incredible wildflowers, including these flame azaleas to trout lilies, trilliums, endangered Grays lilies, the famous rhododendrons, and dozens more!
Roan Mountain State Park
If you’re looking to get your bearings before you set out, head to the Roan Mountain State Park Visitor Center. It’s a lovely stop at the base of the mountain situated on the rambling little Doe river. My kid is a huge fan of the large water wheel at the center. I’m not sure what cascades more, the water or all her ‘why?’ questions about its inner mechanical workings.
But all jokes aside, the visitor center is a great resource where you can ask questions. They will know the shape of the trails and roads (aka, are they too muddy or snowy to traverse) and may have insight into how the weather is on top of the mountain. It is typically open from 0800-1600 EST.
For those who may not be up for backpacking, never fear. The State Park at the base of the mountain has over 100 campsites and 30 cabins available for rent.
Camping at Roan Mountain State Park
Roan Mountain State Park also offers camping in designated camp areas. There’s a $5 reservation fee for booking online, in addition to the nightly fee, which varies depending on the season. And while I can’t give exact costs, the nightly rates are quite reasonable—and lower than those we’ve paid when staying at parks out west.
The camping areas have access to walking trails lower on the mountain, wildflower viewing areas, the beautiful Doe river, and of course, some bathhouses. You also regularly see deer ambling about the fields at dawn and dusk.
Hiking with kids is just as rewarding for kids as it is for us parents. Kids get to explore their capabilities and push their physical limits. Seeing them pride themselves in their own accomplishments is incredible.
Roan Mountain cabins
If you book early enough, you may be able to snag one of the park’s adorable little cabins. There are 30 cabins in all, but they’re spread throughout a beautiful deciduous forest, giving each one a secluded feeling. The cabins sleep between 4 and 6 people, and rates vary between $100-300 a night depending on size and season.
All cabins are equipped with electricity and running water but not Wi-Fi.
Roan Mountain Highlands are a fantastic introduction hike for children. The section of trail up to the first bald is accessible for most children and families.
Carver’s Gap hike with kids
But back to Carver’s Gap. Cross the street and head up the trail as it passes through a field spotted with rhododendron. About a quarter mile up, you enter a Frazier fir forest that’s simply magical, especially in golden hour light and/or in fog. You hike through this forest for another quarter mile or so before you come out onto the side of Round Bald with immediate expansive views of the North Carolina Blueridge mountains, including the highest peak east of the Mississippi–Mt. Mitchell.
If your family isn’t used to hiking and the climb is starting to get to you, or if your toddler is demanding their 5th snack of the day, there’s a great snack rock right off the trail. It’s also a great little bouldering challenge for smaller kiddos.
If you keep going up the trail to the summit of Round Bald, you’ll get your first 360-degree views. From there, you and your family can choose how far to go. If you go all the way out to Grassy Ridge and back, the total length of the hike is somewhere around 5 miles. Keep in mind this milage includes some significant elevation gains along the way.
While I wouldn’t say it’s an easy hike, it’s definitely doable for many. My three-year-old has hiked the entirety of the trail on a recent backpacking trip (though she insisted on being called Spider-Man the whole time–hey, whatever works…).
Backpacking to Grassy Ridge was our perfect introduction trip for our toddler. Far enough out to be an adventure, but close enough to bail to the truck if things go awry.
Entry-level backpacking on the Appalachian Trail with kids
For anyone looking for a great entry-level backpacking trip for kids, you found it! This section of the Appalachian Trail was our child’s first backpacking trip when she was 9 months old. It was far enough out to give us the experience we were looking for, but close enough to the car to bail if something went awry. It was also our kid’s first backpacking trip that she hiked completely independently (hallelujah!).
There are multiple places one could set up camp around this area. There are a couple of backpacking shelters within a few miles of Carver’s Gap parking (Roan High Knob and the Stan Murray Shelters).
Backpacking on the Roan Highlands is one of our favorite family adventures. The mountain gets top points for it’s beauty and accessibility.
Recommended camping site
My recommendation is to camp on one of the balds, if the weather forecast is favorable. If you keep a keen eye, you’ll find multiple established campsites on each bald. I truly cannot describe how beautiful and otherworldly watching the sunsets and sunrises from each of the three balds. (Unless you’re three. Then you’re too busy playing with the penlight you found in your mom’s pack to notice.) Plus, having multiple options on each bald is fantastic when hiking with kids who may or may not have lost all interest in forward progression.
The sunsets and sunrises are 100% worth the lack of sleep that comes with sharing a tent with a toddler. Can we take a moment to peep that happy pupper? Okay, you’re welcome. Moving on.
More family-friendly & accessible trail options
If hiking isn’t your family’s cup of tea, but you’re still out looking for a fun nature-fueled adventure with the kids, head up past Carver’s Gap to the rhododendron gardens. There’s parking galore and trails aplenty to explore.
Another of our favorite trails is the Roan High Knob trail. This leads to a beautiful deck overlook on the western side of Roan. The trail winds less than a mile through a beautiful mossy rich fir forest, that always reminds me of Middle Earth. The forest is an amazing habitat full of treasures. From mushrooms in what look like fairy gardens to salamanders. It’s truly a kid’s dream come true.
While the first section of this trail is paved, the whole of it is not. So, I don’t recommend bringing strollers or wheelchairs on this particular trail. However, the popularity of the rhododendron gardens has led the park to develop more options for folks of all ages and abilities. Paved meandering paths wind through the gardens and fir forests. While some are wheelchair or jogging stroller accessible, others aren’t easily so in patches where roots have bumped up the asphalt. But with a bit of extra effort, you could get kids of all abilities deep into this forest wonderland. On hot days you can smell the balsam in the air as you see the sun twinkling through the canopy overhead. We’re talking core memories here, people.
FYI, the access road up to the gardens is closed in the winter months, so check before heading out.
The Roan mountain ecosystem is incredibly diverse and rich. Salamanders are a definite favorite of our family though. If you’d like to learn more about them check out our Salamander article!The rhododendron gardens are designed so that visitors of all ages and abilities can get out and explore.
Special considerations when hiking the Appalachian Trail with kids
While I don’t want to scare anyone off the trail, there are special considerations to take if you are planning to day hike or backpack this section of the Appalachian trail (especially if you plan to have kids in tow).
First off, know your and your child(ren)’s abilities. If your kid has never done a five-mile hike on even terrain, don’t expect them to be able to climb up and down three mountains. But too, don’t be frightened. This is a great hike for parents of little kids or babies still in carriers. There are sections that are pretty technical and require having the littles under three or four in a carrier. But, there are many sections all along the way that are quite mild. My kid has been crawling down them since before she could walk.
A side note of caution to any parents hiking while wearing or carrying children. Keep in mind wearing children throws your balance and makes it more difficult to keep your footing–especially if you are wearing your child in the front and you can’t see your feet. I always recommend using hiking poles while baby wearing on the trail. They’re a quick and easy safety tool that’s saved my kid and me more than a few mishaps.
There’s loads of opportunity for parents to stretch their legs and for kids to safely explore.
Exposure & elevation
While we are on the topic of safety, let’s point out one of the dangers brought on by what makes Roan so unique. You’re totally exposed for miles. There aren’t any trees to buffer the wind or offer shade. You have to plan for sun and wind exposure. We take sunscreen year-round. We also utilize merino wool’s sun protection year-round (if you want to read more about the crazy awesome powers of merino wool, check out this previous article).
The Roan Mountain Highlands are at a higher elevation than typical for most of us Easterners, and the weather can change on a dime. But don’t let these challenges stop you. Just make sure you prepare properly for the environment. Below are some basic hiking safety tips that can be applied to almost any situation.
If properly dressed kids will often surprise you on what they are game for, even in cold environments.
Always check the weather
I am a strong believer in “There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather” (if you haven’t read this book yet, I 100% recommend it). However, you have to know what sort of weather you might encounter while out adventuring and hiking with your kids so that you can be prepared.
Oftentimes, regular weather apps and websites aren’t suitable sources for labile mountain-top weather. The weather on the mountain may be very different than the weather down below. My personal go-to is mountain-forecast.com. You can look up specific mountains you’ll be on rather than the nearest town, which may be 30+ miles from where you are hiking.
Weather changes rapidly in mountain environments. It’s always safe to bring extra layers just in case.
Dress in layers
Once you know the weather you should expect, plan for the worst outcomes. For instance, with a 30% chance of rain, I’m going to bring my kid’s rain gear and an extra change of clothes in case she gets wet. (You know what, let’s be honest. My kid is three, so I always bring an extra set of clothes with me and have another in the car no matter what the forecast. If your kid is anything like mine, they’re born with an innate ability to trash clothes. But, I digress…)
If it’s showing temperature ranges of 45-60 degrees Fahrenheit, I’m going to bring multiple layers for my kid, including an insulating layer and a windbreaker. Little kids and babies can’t regulate body temperature as well as adults. What may not be too cold for you, could very well likely be too cold for your toddler. (This is especially true if you have recently transitioned your toddler from a front carrier to a backpack carrier where they can’t rely on your body heat any longer.)
If you want to know the ins and outs of layering and my personal go-to’s (hint, hint–it’s merino wool 100% of the time) check out my merino wool article. It contains all you could ever possibly want to know, and then some, about the wonders of merino wool and layering in general.
Merino wool is nature’s wonder fabric. It wicks moisture, protects from the sun and temperature regulates!
Bring food and plenty of fluids
For those out day-hiking, keep in mind that you’re totally exposed to the elements when on the balds. So, bring plenty of water, as it’s likely that you will dehydrate faster than typical. Plus, you never know when your kid might decide to trail run a couple of miles for no reason (or is that just my kid?). But yea, definitely bring water for each party member and even more for breastfeeding mamas–even if you only plan on going out a mile or so.
Snacks are a must for my kid in every situation, but they become more important while hiking. I like to bring high-calorie snacks when hiking with my kiddo. Our go-to’s are typically nut butters, granola/protein bars, meats sticks, dried fruits, and crackers.
But let’s not forget the bribery tools, because heck yes, I resort to bribing my kid on the reg. My favorite bribery snacks are fun-sized packages of fruit snacks or gummies, chocolate bites, and lollipops. Word to the wise about the lollipops, though, do not give your kid a lollipop in a backpack carrier if you have hair. Trust me, just don’t.
If ever in doubt, bring all three layers for your kids. It’s so much better to be safe than sorry.
And last but not least…leave no trace
Please make sure to follow the leave no trace principles whenever you are visiting wild spaces. Take out all your trash and try to leave the area cleaner than you found it. If we want these places to remain accessible to future generations, we have to preserve, protect, and take care of them. Little eyes are watching.
Have you ever hiked a portion of the Appalachian Trail?
About the author
Somer is a mama living in southern Appalachia. Somer’s motherhood journey began when her oldest daughter was born with severe congenital heart disease. Avelyn spent the majority of her 18 months of life within a pediatric ICU. Though she lived her life chronically critically ill, Avie was an incredibly loving and joyous child. After her death, Somer and her husband sought solace backpacking a section of the Appalachian Trail. Before long, they discovered their ability to cope seemed to correspond with time spent outdoors.
When it came time to add another kiddo to the mix, bringing the baby along was never a question. In an effort to celebrate the freedom provided by healthy bodies, Somer has hiked her second-born 2k+ miles. Even so, she doesn’t believe grand adventures are necessary to reap nature’s wonder. They just as often revel in mundane evenings in their backyard. The family believes it’s prioritizing time spent outdoors that’s important.
Professionally, Somer has spent the last decade caring for veterans in an acute psychiatric unit as a clinical nurse educator. Over the years, she’s become a passionate advocate for the intersectional relationships of mental health, wellness, and the natural world. She truly believes there’s healing and strength to be found outdoors for those who seek it.
Parenting today is hard. Parents are feeling the weight of the world on them and every decision feels monumental. Stress and anxiety have been piling on top of parents over the last couple of years and we’ve been operating in survival mode, not taking care of ourselves as we should. We all know the benefits and importance of getting kids outside, but what about parents? Today, nurse educator and mom, Somer Pickel is here to chat about mental health and how parenting outdoors can make a huge difference. Spending time outside isn’t just good for the kids – it’s healing for parents, too. This post will walk you through the importance of getting outside with (or without) your kids, as well as help you overcome your objections and struggle points.
Most parents are well aware that getting our kids outdoors is important. But do we prioritize our needs for time spent outside?
Getting outside benefits my mental health, making me a better mom
We have all heard that getting outside benefits mental health. We know it can make kids less anxious, reduce stress, and improve self-esteem. Yet, we don’t often consider how getting outside (with or without our kids) benefits parental mental health. So, that’s what we’re going to discuss here today.
Mental health is something I take very seriously. Not only is it my job (I’m an acute mental health clinical nurse educator), but I personally struggle with profound grief, depression, and post-traumatic stress due to the chronic critical illness, hospitalization, and death of my firstborn child. Medication and therapy aside, regularly getting outdoors have been my ticket to productively coping and functioning. To be honest, getting out into nature quite simply helps me be a better mom.
Full disclosure about seeking help
Before we jump in, y’all should know, I’m not a medical provider. Professionally, I’m an acute mental health clinical nurse educator. However, nothing within this article should be taken as a substitute for medical/psychological care. If you are experiencing mental illness and/or distress, please speak to your health care provider about options best for you and your family. Seeking help for our mental wellbeing is one of the bravest and most essential actions we can take for ourselves and our children.
Trauma and grief have profound effects on our lives that continue to surface for years. Being proactive in caring for my mental health aids in my ability to maintain stability.
Parenting is hard
Being a mom is the most important thing I’ve ever done. But dang, it’s hard! I’m not even talking about parenting or caring for a child who is medically fragile with complex needs. (That’s a whole other level of difficulty that you can’t begin to fathom unless you’ve been there.) I’m just speaking to the typical parenting of typical kids.
Sure, kids can be the most precious little creatures on the planet. Their big eyes of wonder and hilarious antics can give you an oxytocin boom that’s like a kick to the ovaries. Then the next minute, your grade-schooler is exasperatingly precocious. Or maybe your toddler is insisting on being carried, while simultaneously melting into semi-liquid with Gumby joints. And of course, no one wants to go outside.
Parenting is never easy, but it grows more difficult when our mental wellness isn’t what it should or could be.
The struggle of getting outdoors
We know that getting outside benefits mental health, but that doesn’t mean that getting out the door is any easier. Getting outdoors can sometimes feel like a task I’m just not up for, even before kids are added to the mix. Their complaints atop readying gear, snacks, and the logistics of it all can feel too overwhelming to bother with. Don’t get me wrong, I know that time spent outdoors is important for my kid. I’m fully aware that nature benefits her physical, psychological, and developmental health. Yep, I’ve got it. My guess is that you likely do too if you’re here.
But what about when we (the parents) are struggling, especially with our mental wellbeing? Why should we push through what feels insurmountable at the moment to reap the benefits of the outdoors, not only for our kids, but for ourselves? And how do we even begin to try?
Sometimes we have to put our needs before our children’s wants if we are to be the parents they deserve.
Humans are designed for the outdoors
According to a theory called the biophilia hypothesis, humans have a seemingly innate need to seek connections with other life, most notably within nature. Our brains and bodies are the products of evolutionary processes attuned to living in natural environments. And while the theory is much more complex than I’ll go into, suffice to say–we, as a species, are designed to function best outside in nature.
Now, let’s take into account the modern world. I don’t know about you, but my windowless and sterile hospital office is anything but a natural environment. It’s a wonder I manage to get anything done within it, and it isn’t surprising that I’m stir crazy by the end of the day. The same goes for our kids spending the majority of their time within school walls, where physical activity is discouraged for hours at a time.
Nature offers a reprieve from the overstimulation and stress of the modern world.
Getting away from distractions
Getting outside helps us reconnect with ourselves and our kids. It gets us away from screens and more immersed in our surroundings. It also gets us out of the house and away from all the potentially distracting tasks (hello, mountain of laundry) we’d likely otherwise be doing instead of engaging with our children.
Are there any other moms out there who go into crazy-multitasking mode around the house–then basically end up chasing your own tail? Not to say household chores don’t need to be done, but more than a few can be prioritized behind outdoor time that benefits our wellness, relationships with our kids, and their development.
Pro-tip along these lines: the more your kids are outside, the less time they have to destroy your house (can I get an amen?!). This is probably why our own mothers locked us out of the house in the summers when we were kids. Maybe they were onto something…
The longer it takes me to get out of the house, the more time I spend running circles cleaning, straightening, and cursing. The quicker I can get my kid strapped into the car, the better. Even if that means lunch is haphazard or everything is thrown in a single bag unorganized. It’s what works best for us. You’ll find what works best for you.
Calming effects
Mother nature calms both us and our kids. Well, most of the time. Kids will still be kids and there may still be tears, for reasons big and seemingly microscopic. However, there’s research to show that being outdoors helps lower our stress hormone levels and blood pressure, as well as helps us center ourselves. So maybe when our kids inevitably act a fool, we’ll at least be in a better place to handle it than we would otherwise.
Pro-tip #2: Kids are calmer when they’re asleep (brought on by physically exhausting themselves outdoors, of course). I am always amazed at how much I’m able to accomplish while my kid is napping after a long jaunt outside.
Who am I kidding? I usually grab a nap myself (can I get another amen?).
There are few things more precious than the sight and sounds of our kids sleeping after thoroughly wearing themselves out?
Social outings in COVID times
I don’t know about you all, but I still struggle with COVID restrictions and anxieties. Logically, I know my worry is heightened by the trauma experienced loving and losing our oldest child. Given it’s easier to accept trauma responses than to reason yourself out of them, our social gatherings are all outside these days to lessen the risk of COVID transmission.
So, needless to say, getting outside with other families is huge for us. Meeting up for outdoor adventures and/or picnic meals has been a win, win, win. Both parents and kids get in some healthy outdoor time, exercise, and socialization. Hallelujah. If getting outside benefits mental health, then getting outside with friends seems to exponentially make things better.
The outdoors offers great opportunity for socialization while also social distancing. Plus, I don’t feel the need to guilt clean my house first!
How to get outside when you’re just not feeling it
I will again preface with, I am certainly not an expert and still struggle with this myself. All I can do is share with you what has worked for me and our family.
Start small (with or without kids)
Spend more time in your yard or on the porch
Eat a meal outdoors, picnic-style or even while walking
Go on an evening neighborhood walk
Look up and visit the parks closest to you.
Make it easy
Have a go-bag with essentials packed and ready
Ours has snacks, a first aid kit, and seasonally appropriate items
Create routines (which isn’t easy to start but makes things easier later)
Outdoor routines help manage expectations. One of our routines is that we spend an hour outside every evening when I get off work. We may do different things each day, but my kid knows that we’re going to spend an hour outside. She fussed the first week or so, but then rarely.
Be flexible and try to leave your ego at home
The thing that helps me get out the door on my hardest days, is telling myself we can bail if we get out and just aren’t feeling it. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but once we’re outside, we usually find our stride. Very rarely do we turn tail and head home, but the option helps make getting out the door manageable.
Try to catch sunrises and/or sunsets (especially with friends!)
With the days being so short in the winter, it’s hard to get much outdoor time each day. For some reason, I used to be wary of keeping the kid out for sunset. But now that she’s older and can eat on the go, sunset adventures are probably my favorites.
As for sunrises, I like to enjoy those alone with a steaming cup of coffee for my own sanity. No one else is invited. Maybe not even the dog.
Confidence in motherhood
Getting outdoors improves my mental health–period. A healthy mama is what is best for my kiddo. So, yes, getting outside with or without her makes me a better mom. And for some reason, parenting outside gives me confidence in my mothering ability. I don’t know; maybe it’s feeling more connected to natural life cycles, or being made to feel just a small part of our big beautiful world. Or maybe it’s just that once you’re outside, parenting is easier.
For real, parenting is easier outdoors. When outside, kids basically entertain themselves. I find myself saying “yes” more than “no” when we’re outdoors. Nature is full of great sensory experiences, physical challenges, and imaginative catalysts. Plus, nature can handle a bit of child’s play. For the most part, you don’t have to worry about your kids being too rambunctious or destructive (one more amen?).
All you have to do is let them be who they are, while you get to marvel at who they’re becoming. Isn’t that what parenting is meant to be?
Parenthood is the hardest and most important thing we will ever do. Let’s make sure we are setting ourselves up for success by prioritizing our own outdoor needs.
Do you find getting outside benefits your mental health?
About the author
Somer is a mama living in southern Appalachia. Somer’s motherhood journey began when her oldest daughter was born with severe congenital heart disease. Avelyn spent the majority of her 18 months of life within a pediatric ICU. Though she lived her life chronically critically ill, Avie was an incredibly loving and joyous child. After her death, Somer and her husband sought solace backpacking a section of the Appalachian Trail. Before long, they discovered their ability to cope seemed to correspond with time spent outdoors.
When it came time to add another kiddo to the mix, bringing the baby along was never a question. In an effort to celebrate the freedom provided by healthy bodies, Somer has hiked her second-born 2k+ miles. Even so, she doesn’t believe grand adventures are necessary to reap nature’s wonder. They just as often revel in mundane evenings in their backyard. The family believes it’s prioritizing time spent outdoors that’s important.
Professionally, Somer has spent the last decade caring for veterans on an acute psychiatric unit as a clinical nurse educator. Over the years she’s become a passionate advocate within the intersectional relationships of mental health, wellness, and the natural world. She truly believes there’s healing and strength to be found outdoors for those who seek it.
We’ve all probably heard people rave about how merino wool is the best base layer for kids when playing outside in cold weather. But why is that? What’s so great about merino wool and why is it so expensive? Is it really worth it? And if so, which brands are the best? Our Creative Team member Somer Pickel, Appalachian mom of a whirlwind toddler, had the chance to test out seven brands that all make wool base layers for kids. She’s sharing her findings on how they hold up to rough and tumble outdoor toddler play, along with her review on the quality, colors, pricing, thickness, durability, and sustainability of each brand.
**This post was sponsored by the following merino wool companies: Chasing Windmills, Iksplor, Nui Organics, TK Clothing, Simply Merino, Wee Woollies, and Woolino. Product was provided as compensation for review purposes. All opinions expressed and photos herein belong to the author.
Merino wool is nature’s wonder fabric. It keeps your kids warm in the cold and cool in the heat.
Layers for the win
Here at Run Wild, we strive to be your go-to resource for all things that help get kids outside. We’re real-life parents who are keenly aware of how difficult it can be to get kids out the door. Especially when the weather isn’t ideal. And once outside, you need to keep them out for longer than a few minutes. Because let’s be real, when the crew is finally outside, you’re only going to last as long as your most uncomfortable member. The only thing worse than being cold is your child being cold or even just worried they are.
With winter on the horizon, we are here to help you avoid unnecessary stress regarding dressing your kids in all their winter layers. Layers, layers, layers. I’m sure you’ve heard over and again how important it is to layer your child when out in winter weather.
Benefits of layering
Kids will stay warmer outside in cold weather if they wear layers. Layering helps trap and warm the air between the layers of clothes, which keeps kids insulated and warm. Layering also allows them to adjust their clothing depending on the weather, activity, or situation. They can take off a layer if they’re doing something active, or put on an additional layer if they’re cold.
Typically, kids need three layers for cold-weather outdoor play: 1) a base layer to wick away moisture; 2) a mid-layer to insulate and help retain heat and maintain body temperature; and 3) a shell or outer layer to protect from water, wind, rain, and snow. Base layers are usually long-underwear/thermal type clothing that fits close to a child’s skin. The middle layer is great for fleece or other sweatshirt-type material. And the outer layer is a warm waterproof coat or shell. You can always add additional layers or thicker layers if the temperature drops. Or shed layers when there’s warmer weather or your kids are active.
A base layer makes all the difference
A thermal base layer is the very bottom layer of clothing that kids wear. They’re also called thermals or long underwear. You may have even had some as a kid – they were usually made of a waffle-weave cotton material. Cotton is a poor insulator of body heat and performs horribly if it gets wet (from snow or sweat), so it likely didn’t keep you all that warm for long. Luckily, now, most children’s base layers are either made of wool or synthetic materials.
A good quality base layer is imperative if you’re going to be spending a lot of time outside in the cold. It can help keep a child warmer than a huge thick puffy coat. But unfortunately, base layers for kids are some of the most overlooked pieces of kids’ winter gear. It’s easy to remember that kids need a coat, snow pants, and boots. However, if you are committed to spending quality time outside with your kids, you need to be prepared to invest in the best base layers for them.
You’ve probably heard everyone recommend wool layers as your base layer (even over synthetic base layers). But why? What’s so great about wool? And why does it cost so much? We’re here with the answers as to why wool is a great option for your base layer needs. We tried and tested a variety of brands of wool layers and are here to give you the scoop on each of them.
Merino Wool is insulating when it is cold and cooling when it is hot. Pictured wearing Woolino size 3t (child is ~30lbs and 38 inches).
What is merino wool?
Humans have used wool for clothing for millennia, and have been selectively breeding sheep for superior fleece for hundreds of years. Merino wool comes from breeds of sheep that produce extremely fine wool fleece. These fine fibers provide the wool more flexibility, giving it a strong yet buttery soft, and comfortable feel. Given their natural origins, merino wool fibers are biodegradable. The sheep are typically sheered once a year, which also makes wool a renewable sustainable resource.
As a mom who cares about the health and future of our planet, I find these facts quite alluring. However, it’s how well merino wool keeps my child safe and comfortable that’s truly won me over.
Merino wool is naturally breathable and can absorb large quantities of moisture. It can absorb a third of its weight before it even feels wet! As the fibers absorb moisture vapor, they move it away from the skin. That means when it’s hot out, the merino fiber evaporates the vapor outside the fabric—which will help keep your little one cool. When it’s cold out, the vapor condenses inside the fibers and puts off heat, even when wet, which helps keep your child warm. So, yes, you heard that right. Merino wool kids base layers can be worn year-round and aren’t just for cold weather conditions.
Qualities of merino wool
Other fabulous positives about merino wool are that it’s quick-drying, odor-resistant, and stain-resistant. This makes it perfect for puddle jumping and exploring creeks! The fabric is also much more durable than cotton, machine washable, hypoallergenic, and naturally UV resistant. Did you catch that last bit? Yes, merino naturally blocks UV rays—some brands listed below tout a UPF of 50! Can you say, hello, reef-friendly sun protection?!
Merino woollies are extremely functional as base layers for cold days, as pajamas, or even as stand-alone clothing for warm days, making them a triple-threat and three times as useful. The form-fitting design of merino wool base layers means that it’s an easy option for wearing under other clothing without a ton of fuss from your little ones.
Merino wool is by far the most versatile fabric for enjoying the outdoors in any weather. Pictured wearing Nui Organics sizes XS in women’s and 3t in children.
Merino wool is an investment
For many families, merino base layer/pajama sets are a bit of an investment (the brands listed in this article range from $63 to $109 USD). Although merino’s durability, versatility, and sustainability justify their cost over time, the initial price tag can be a hard pill to swallow.
It can be hard to spend a higher amount on kids’ clothes when you know your child will likely grow out of them in a season. This is especially true when buying for multiple quickly growing children. However, while investing in a wool winter layer can be pricy, they usually last a long time, making them suitable for handing down to another kid (or reselling second-hand).
Getting your money’s worth
Wool layers are also great for handing down, recycling, or reselling. If you have multiple kids, wool layers can be passed down from one kid to the next (they’re very durable). Sometimes wool layers are saved for generations and passed down to grandkids (talk about a long-lasting investment).
Lots of brands offer wool base layers for kids that are designed to last longer with cuffs that can be rolled up or down so that your child can get multiple seasons of wear out of one size.
For me, this makes merino wool the best option for sustainability and keeping clothing out of landfills.
Pro tip: To save some money on new items, you can sign up for the newsletter for many of these companies and receive info on sales, special officers, Black Friday deals, seasonal discounts, free shipping offers, off-season sales, and more. You may have to be patient and willing to purchase in the off-season, but the discounts can pay off!
Best brands for wool layers for kids
There are a lot of brands out there that sell merino wool layers. So, how do you know which one you should buy? The good news is, most of the brands in this lineup are small parent-owned and operated companies. They’re all reputable brands that make high-quality products. And because they’re parents, they also know the pricing struggle all too well. Multiple brands have designed wool sets with features for growing children in mind or affordable options for moving on to the next size.
Here are the brands of merino wool layers we tested and our top picks for the best merino wool brands for kids (alphabetical order):
In preparation for this article, I reached out to the above-mentioned brands about testing their products. Each of these brands produces merino wool base layers specifically for children. We have since been thoroughly testing the woollies since late summer. And when I say thoroughly, I mean I put the wool on my toddler and set her loose in the forests, creeks, and alpine balds of Southern Appalachia.
My child is a force of nature, so she’s given them some real wear and tear. Personally, I can’t think of a better fabric durability and kids’ baselayer tester than a toddler. So, here is our review of each brand and how they tested.
Chasing Windmills offers their base layers via a direct-to-consumer model. Pictured wearing size 4t.
1. Chasing Windmills
About the brand
Chasing Windmills is a small family owned and operated company located in Denver, CO. When browsing their website, it’s easy to see they are deeply committed to environmentally friendly and sustainable values. Chasing Windmills was born by a mother-father team (of twins) out of respect for Mother Nature’s goodness, and their commitment to minimizing their impact naturally follows.
They source traceable wool from pasture-based sheep roaming freely in mountainous New Zealand and Australian meadows. Their merino is certified by ZQ Merino, the Global Merino Quality Assurance Program, and the Responsible Wool Standard. The RWS program focuses on five cornerstones: protecting animal welfare, preserving land health, protecting social welfare, traceable chain of wool custody, creditable certification by professional third-party auditors, and stakeholder input and engagement, including animal welfare and environmental experts.
Their partners in merino meet strict animal welfare, environmental, and economic sustainability standards. Mindful of their eco-footprint, they purchase carbon offsets to ensure that renewable energy projects and greenhouse-gas-capture projects offset the environmental impact of their home office and shipping.
Chasing Windmills Merino Wool Base Layers’ knee pads are extremely functional
Why we love this brand
I love Chasing Windmills’ beautiful earth-toned colors and classic designs. The owners explain that they choose their colors consciously to avoid passing fashions—and hopefully last multiple siblings/children. My kid absolutely glowed in our local forests in the golden amber color gifted to us for this article. I love the natural hue and she loved its brightness.
The Chasing Windmills’ woollies are the only merino wool set in this lineup whose fabric is obviously ribbed. The ribs are extremely soft and seem to give the woollies a bit more flexibility. They’re of excellent quality and great for outdoor activities.
My favorite aspect of Chasing Windmills’ wool base layers is that they have reinforced knees (hallelujah!). As a toddler mom, the knee patches are a weight lifted off my shoulders. My child wears woollies year-round, day and night, over and over. Eventually, even the best quality clothes start to give under that sort of pressure. Inevitably, the first place she blows through in her wool sets is the knees. The extra protection from the get-go is hugely appreciated. I know the patches will save me the time I would’ve spent patching them. I should also point out, the knee patches are extremely well done. They blend nearly seamlessly into the pants. Even though they add an extra layer of durability, they aren’t bulky in any way.
The knee patches add extra protection without any bulk.Chasing Windmills’ golden color of glows in forest environments.
Sizing, price, and options
Chasing Windmills’ merino wool base layers for kids are made in the USA with 100% merino wool (18.5 micron, 200 GSM). They are available in a size range of 3 months to 12 years.
The company sells via a direct-to-consumer site model that allows them to offer its products at more affordable prices. The thermal long-john wool layers are sold in a set (long sleeve shirt and pants) for around $77 in a variety of different colors.
Their product line includes base layers, mid-layers (sweatshirts, hoodies, pants, skirts, etc.), neck warmers, socks, beanies, swaddle blankets and crib sheets. They also offer women’s sets in a wide size range that look delectable.
Iksplor is a children’s merino wool base layer company that designs and makes all products in the USA. Pictured wearing size 2t.
2. Iksplor
About the brand
Iksplor is a small family-owned and operated company based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Their mission is to create easy-to-use and care for clothing that helps get kids outdoors and wherever their childhood adventures take them. On their website, it’s obvious that the sisters are passionate about their commitment to sustainability.
Iksplor makes its products from 100% ZQ certified merino wool (18.9-micron, 200 G5M). ZQ wool is from New Zealand and certified to very high standards for the welfare of sheep, land, farmers, farmworkers, and of course wool quality. ZQ reports each and every fleece is hand-selected by highly skilled “wizards of wool” for fiber quality prior to certification.
Merino woollies are extremely functional as base layers or as stand-alone clothing.
Why we love this brand
Iksplor sets are offered in some really fantastic colors. My kiddo was gifted the raspberry color and let me tell you, she loves them (and so do I). The bright color drew her in immediately. She was literally clapping while jumping up and down! And I love how visible she is in fields and forests. I never have to wonder where she is when she’s wearing these woollies, which makes hide-and-seek extra comical.
Some of my favorite aspects of the Iksplor set are its 50 UPF sun protection, long-fitting limbs, and torso, thumbholes, and flatlock seams. These woollies are perfect for string bean kiddos like mine. The long features really stretch out the wear time for quickly growing children and move exceptionally well with my always rolling and wallowing toddler. This feature will let us get extended wear out of one size of wool layer.
The fabric of these merino woollies is quite soft and thin, but somehow substantial, even so. The thin close-fitting features make for perfect base layering in colder months and cool sun protection in warm environments.
All the products are high-quality and hand-me-down ready. But, if you don’t pass them on to another when your kiddos are done with them, you can send them back to the company (no matter the condition) and receive 20% off your next order. Once receiving the wool, it’s repurposed, reused, or composted.
Iksplor Merino Woollies move great with ever-bending kiddos.
Sizing, price, and options
Iksplor makes their base layers in a size range of newborns through 12 years.
The wool base layer set (long-sleeve shirt and pants) sells for around $89 (0-24 months) and $109 (2-12 years).
In addition to base layers, the company makes beanies, neck warmers, and a swaddle/adventure blanket.
Nui Organics’ merino wool base layers are heavenly soft but still durable. Pictured wearing size 3t.
3. Nui Organics
About the brand
Nui Organics makes a wide range of beautiful, functional products and wool base layers for kids. They’re a company founded on ethical, sustainable practices. The company takes special care to lessen its impact on the environment, even in the smallest details—like recently changing its product labels to biodegradable fabric and using compostable mailers.
Nui was founded in 2004 by a New Zealand mom with a small collection of organic merino wool baby blankets. The company’s guiding philosophy has always been to make something good, that causes no harm, and provides a safe, natural alternative to something that didn’t. They partner with factories in Bulgaria, India, and Lithuania that are committed to sustainable development and fair social conditions within the apparel industry.
When buying Nui, parents can rest easy knowing their children’s clothing doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals or additives.
Why we love this brand
Nui’s merino wool thermals are insanely soft to the touch, which I am guessing is due to using 17.5-micron fiber. For reference, human hair is around 100 microns. This makes it some of the softest merino wool on the market.
One of my favorite features of Nui’s kids’ wool base layers is the extra-long cuffs on the arms and legs. The long cuffs allow you to size up and get multiple years of wear out of each woolly set, even with growth spurts on the horizon! Our kiddo has been wearing the same set of Nui woollies for about 18 months and still has plenty of growing room left in them.
Nui has also added knee patches to their woollies, which I am a HUGE fan of. The knee patches aren’t only adorable; they’re extremely functional—especially for crawlers or those who wear the woollies as stand-alone garments rather than underlayers.
In the last few years, Nui has made the shift to making clothing that is simpler and more timeless. Their color palettes are beautiful and perfectly complementary. The complementary colors and high quality make Nui the place to go if you’re into building your child a functional capsule wardrobe.
Children’s merino wool base layers with knee patches will save you time and money in the long run.
Adult sizes are now available
Now, to all you fellow Mamas out there researching and buying your kids’ top-notch gear while YOU are still squeezing into the same base layers you’ve had since high school (please tell me I am not the only one)…I have great news. Nui Organics has expanded its product line into the adult realm! Now you can get gorgeous merino wool layers for the whole family!
The company quite kindly gifted me a set of their new adult merino Tencel blend base layers, in addition to the kiddo merino thermals for this article. And shoo wee, are they soft, comfortable, and breathable. They’re also extremely lightweight and temperature-regulating, making them the perfect base layer/pajama combo to take on any backpacking trip or even wear under my nursing scrubs on cooler days.
Nui now makes amazing adult merino and merino blend products! These are the merino/tencel blend base layers. Pictured wearing size xs in women’s and 3t in children.
Sizing, price, and options
Nui Organic’s merino wool base layers are available in a size range of newborn to 12 years.
The wool base layer set (long-sleeve shirt and pants) sells for around $69.
Some of their other lines, outside of merino thermals, include merino mid-layer knits, 100% organic cotton thermals, heavenly soft merino silk blends, and the newly introduced merino Tencel blends.
Other products (in addition to the wool base layers) include merino wool clothing such as tops, dresses, leggings, shirts, sweaters, socks, cardigans, and booties.
Simply Merino is small company that designs and makes all products in Vancouver, Canada. Pictured wearing size 3t.
4. Simply Merino
About the brand
Simply Merino is a lovely little family-owned and operated company out of Vancouver, Canada, that makes the cutest wool base layers for kids. The core of Simply Merino’s ethos is community and sustainability. All products produced by the company are 100% merino wool and made in Vancouver. They take special care to gather or produce all other needed materials locally—everything from elastic to packaging.
This little company is exceptionally waste-conscious. They recycle or repurpose all their fabric in creative ways. For instance, included with our woollies was a personalized and sewn card made with merino scraps. Seriously, does it get more creative than that?
All products made by Simply Merino carry the Responsible Wool Standard and OEKO- TEX Standard. These standards basically mean, the company can certify their products are produced ethically and sustainably, without potentially dangerous chemicals—from the sheep to your child’s skin.
Simply Merino’s base layers are beautiful colors and are great quality.
Why we love this brand
One of the key differences in Simply Merino woollies from the rest of the products featured in this article is that their actual fabric is a bit thicker (18.5 micron, 220 GSM). Honestly, I really like it. It’s still quite soft, just a touch thicker. If we were going out on an extremely cold day, these would be the base layers I would choose. Though it stands to reason, all the woollies in this article could handle any challenge the Appalachians could throw at them.
If you haven’t already figured it out, I am a sucker for earth tones, and Simply Merino has a beautiful color palate. They sent us a deep forest green color that’s swoon-worthy. An unexpected benefit is that the dark color resisted any staining despite some pretty intense puddle jump testing. I also love how my kiddo blends into the forest with these woollies on, it’s almost like she becomes part of the forest herself.
Another difference in Simply Merino from the rest of the pack is, you purchase base layer tops and bottoms separately to allow the option of mixing or matching. While for some this may not seem like a big deal, for the more fashion-oriented children out there, color choice matters (probably too much on some days – #toddlers, am I right?).
Simply Merino also makes some adult clothing, from beanies to women’s base layers.Simply Merino’s base layers are a bit thicker than others in this line up.
Sizing, price, and options
Simply Merino base layers have a size range of newborn to 12 years, and from XS to XXXL in women’s sizes.
Tops and bottoms are sold separately, so you can mix and match colors. Wool thermal long-sleeve tops are around $37 and the bottoms are also $37 (for a total of $74 for the set).
In addition to base layers, Simply Merino makes beanies, neck warmers, nursing pads (!!), tanks, and wool craft/mending materials. We had the opportunity to test out a couple of their merino beanies. The beanies are great, especially for kids. They don’t fit slouchy but aren’t at all constricting. My little one wore hers for hours without it falling off or her pulling it off due to discomfort. Yay for minor miracles and warm ears!
TK Clothing’s ‘Grow with Me’ style is extremely functional. Pictured wearing size 2/4t.
5. TK Clothing
TK clothing is another small Canadian family-owned and operated company that makes ingenious handmade wool base layers for kids. A major benefit of this company’s small size is that some of their pieces are still made to order and, therefore customizable! Their base layer set is probably the most unique in this lineup, and I absolutely love them!
The products are real-life actual handmade clothing. If the listing on their site says “handcrafted in North Saanich, BC,” then it’s made personally by Rebecca – a person, not a factory. When you buy from TK Clothing, you are supporting a truly Canadian handmade small business. The merino fabric is sourced from a carefully selected range of suppliers including: a mill in the USA (organic merino), a mill in Australia (one of the few left!), ZQ merino, or Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified or better.
They also have a small selection of products (like laundry soap and socks) that they do not make themselves, but are offered as part of the whole merino apparel package! – The laundry care products are all from Canadian companies, and the socks are from a small family-run business in New Zealand – they did design them all, though!
My child is on the smaller end of TK’s 2/4 but the woollies aren’t at all baggy.
Why we love this brand
First off, the woollies are made in a “grow with me” style. They have long limb cuffs and an elastic-free yoga-style waistband. All of which are easily folded up/down to fit your child through at least two years of growth. This bit of extra length is remarkable and extends the wearing season significantly. It’s ingenious! TK’s sets also look super adorable with contrasting neck, limb, and waist cuff colors.
The other most notable difference with this set is that it’s a slightly thinner weight of superfine merino wool (195 GSM). Even so, my kid has worn a pair for six months with no visible wear or tears. But if you’re looking for something thicker, the company also makes layers in mid and heavy-weight merino, too.
TK gifted us with a beautiful olive/ochre color set. The colors are rich and earthy, which y’all know I love. I think the contrasting neck and cuff colors add a touch of whimsy and fun, without taking away from the clothing’s simple and classic look. The fit of the “grow with me” style is fantastic. My child is on the smaller end of her 2/4 size and the woollies aren’t baggy. Even without an elastic waistband, the woollies stay in place through frolics and tantrums alike. Did I mention the style is ingenious? Because it is.
TK also believes in environmentally aware packaging. So when our package arrived, it was wrapped in paper and tied with 100% cotton string. The string can be composted and the packaging can be recycled. And if you’re local, they even offer pickup from their house (!!!) to save on shipping fees, packaging, and gas. How amazing is that?
TK Clothing’s earth tones blend beautifully in natural settings.
Sizing, price, and options
TK’s merino wool base layer sets are ZQ certified and have a size range of 3 months to 12 years.
The wool base layer set (long-sleeve shirt and pants) sells for around $80.
They also have some other unique product offerings. While most are kid-focused, TK clothing makes cloth diapering materials, leggings, hoodies, rompers, dungarees, undies, and some adult merino base layers and hoodies.
Wee Woollies make and design their base layers out of 100% Merino wool in Canada. Pictured wearing size 3t.
6. Wee Woollies
Wee Woollies is yet another small Canadian family-owned and operated children’s merino wool brand that makes great kids merino wool base layers. They too design and make their products in Canada from ZQ certified wool that is Bluesign, approved. This means they, too can assure their customers ethical sustainable practices (without dangerous chemicals) from the sheep to your child’s skin.
Wee Woollies is a fun kid and nature-centric company. A lot of their advertisements feature their own children in base layers running around the beaches of Vancouver Island barefoot, which is just straight-up endearing.
Is there anything more wholesome than a little kid in white long johns?!
Why we love this brand
The family also promotes mending of their products before replacement. The company has merino mending kits on their site should anyone be in need. This company likely has the most colorful and cheery woollies in this entire lineup. Each set has adorable contrasting cuff and neck hems. But Wee Woollies takes it a step further in that their gusseted bum is also a contrasting color. And can we just give a shout-out to bum gussets? I can’t think of any population who needs bum gussets more than ever squatting and bending little adventurers.
They gifted us a pair of their Polar colored woollies-which are naturally white. Before you start thinking white may not be a good idea, these woollies are beautiful and stand out. With merino’s natural UPF properties, the light color is perfect for hot days spent in alpine environments. They are also a bright pop in our typically densely green southern Appalachian forests.
There’s something incredibly classic and pure about a little kid in white long johns. I’m positive these are the pajamas my kiddo will wear to bed on Christmas Eve for Christmas morning. They’re just that wholesome. Okay, sorry for the tangent, back to the functionality of the woollies. They’re great.
The woollies are made in Canada from 100% ZQ merino wool (195 GSM, 18.9-micron). The wool feels soft and thin but is still incredibly durable. At 195 GSM, these are the woollies I grab when it’s hot and we are headed into exposed alpine environments. They have kept my kid comfortable and safe in all kinds of situations. Wet, dry, cold, hot , and of course glaring alpine sun—these woollies are a great choice.
Wee Woollies’ bum gusset is one of a kind in this line up. It allows your child to bend and squat to their heart’s content without straining the fabric.
Sizing, prices, and options
Wee Woollies have a size range from newborn to 12 years. Though I should probably note that the contrasting bum gusset is just in the smaller sizes (size 6 and down).
The wool base layer set (long-sleeve shirt and pants) sells for around $84.
The company also has merino hoodies, tees, neck warmers, and shortie jams in their product line.
Woolino specializes in safe sleep products for babies and toddlers. Pictured wearing size 3t.
7. Woolino
Woolino primarily focuses on safe sleep for infants and toddlers. This company is passionate about designing innovative, functional, and most comfortable sleeping solutions for babies using the best fibers nature has created. They love merino wool for all its naturally perfect properties – it’s the finest and softest wool on the planet, it’s exceptionally breathable, constantly renewable, versatile, and altogether unmatched by anything manmade. They make a range of merino wool products from bedding and blankets, to pajamas and their bread-and-butter wool sleep sacks. The sleep sacks are their jam and where this company truly shines!
Woolino products meet the highest quality standards. Everything they produce is made with Woolmark and Oeko-Tex 100 certified merino wool and GOTS and Oeko-Tex 100 certified organic cotton. They use nickel-free YKK snaps and zippers that are also certified to be lead and phthalates-free and carry Oeko-Tex 100 certification.
While their wool pajamas may not be their central product, they’re really great. All three of the color offerings are sweet, light colors with solid tops and striped bottoms. They are very reminiscent of classic pajama designs and just plain cute.
Woolino’s merino sleep sacks are so versatile and warm, we have taken it backpacking. Pictured wearing 18-36 month size sleep sack.
Why we love this brand
For the purposes of this article, we were gifted a lovely light blue set of wooly pajamas. The wool layers are extremely soft, which makes me think they likely have a lower micron (but the wool’s specifications aren’t listed in the product description). They’re also a similar lightweight to most others listed in this lineup.
My child quite literally spent an hour climbing up boulders to crawl around on her hands and knees in these woollies. Somehow, they survived unscathed (did I mention toddlers are the best product testers?). All in all, Woolino’s pajama sets are a very solid and adorable base layer for babies and toddlers.
But like I mentioned before, Woolino’s sleepsacks are really what the company hangs their hat on, and for good reason. Woolino’s sleep sacks are insanely breathable, durable, and functional. Some toddler models have footie holes that allow your kiddo to stand and walk in the sack safely (and may or may not make your toddler look like baby Yoda).
When I contacted them for this article, Woolino graciously wanted to gift us a sleep sack too. Given we have used one nightly for the last couple of years, I jumped. Their sleep sacks really are something special and hold up exceptionally well. These products will most definitely last you through multiple children. The one we have used for two years has no noticeable wear—and we’ve even taken that bad boy backpacking!
We have loved our Woolino sleep sack for the last 18 months now.
Sizing, prices, and options
Woolino focuses on infant and toddler safe sleep, so their product size ranges from newborn to 4t.
The wool base layer pajama set (long-sleeve shirt and pants) sells for around $65. The wool sleep sacks range from $75-$99. They usually offer free shipping on orders over a certain dollar amount.
In addition to wool pajamas and sleep sacks, the company offers a variety of products such as blankets, bedding, pillows, gowns, socks, pants, bodysuits, sleepers, and lambskins.
Merino wool is durable, but it also needs to be properly taken care of. All of the recommendations in this list can be machine washed on the gentle cycle in cold water with a wool wash like this one. While regular laundry detergent in your washing machine will get your wool clean, it’s may also shrink or damage it. Most laundry detergents have enzymes that are designed to break down biological molecules (food stains), but that also means they’ll break down the biological molecules in the wool. You should also hang dry your wool layers, instead of running them through the dryer to prevent shrinkage. Proper care of merino wool clothes is essential in helping them last!
Conclusion
As we head into the colder months and the holidays, if you’re looking for versatile clothing that your children can wear in all situations, check out merino wool. I’ve mainly spoken of wool base layers for kids throughout this article, but there are companies out there making all sorts of children’s products out of wool. From the obvious like wool socks (Nui and Woolino both make fantastic wool socks) to outer layers, and even toys—merino is nature’s best technical and ecologically friendly fabric.
What’s your favorite thing about merino wool base layers for kids?
About the author
Somer is a mama living in southern Appalachia. Somer’s motherhood journey began when her oldest daughter was born with severe congenital heart disease. Avelyn spent the majority of her 18 months of life within a pediatric ICU. Though she lived her life chronically critically ill, Avie was an incredibly loving and joyous child. After her death, Somer and her husband sought solace backpacking a section of the Appalachian Trail. Before long, they discovered their ability to cope seemed to correspond with time spent outdoors.
When it came time to add another kiddo to the mix, bringing the baby along was never a question. In an effort to celebrate the freedom provided by healthy bodies, Somer has hiked her second-born 2k+ miles. Even so, she doesn’t believe grand adventures are necessary to reap nature’s wonder. They just as often revel in mundane evenings in their backyard. The family believes it’s prioritizing time spent outdoors that’s important.
Professionally, Somer has spent the last decade caring for veterans on an acute psychiatric unit as a clinical nurse educator. Over the years she’s become a passionate advocate within the intersectional relationships of mental health, wellness, and the natural world. She truly believes there’s healing and strength to be found outdoors for those who seek it.
You can find Somer online in the following locations:
Instagram: @somerpickel
RWMC post: Somer Pickel
Exploring nature with kids is always an adventure. There are so many things for them to discover and learn with their senses. Sometimes, they find new plants and creatures that even we parents know very little about. This can be unnerving because we don’t always know if it is safe for our children to explore. Salamanders, with their bright colors, potential toxicity, teeth, and generally strong ability to remain unseen, are one such creature many parents may be wary of when stumbling upon one in nature. Not to fear, Somer Pickel, Creative Team member, and nature-loving Tennessee mom shares everything you will ever need to know about discovering salamanders with kids.
Eastern newts, in the juvenile red eft stage, are strikingly red-orange.
Teaching kids to love nature through sensory experiences
The cognitive, emotional, and physical benefits for kids spending unstructured time outdoors are well documented. And I am guessing you wouldn’t be on this website if you didn’t already believe in the wonders of time spent outside. But how do we get our kids to defy the allure of screens and seek more time outdoors?
What if we could help our children foster a personal relationship with the natural world? If our kids develop a passion for being outside, they’ll take more interest in leaving the screens behind. I’d argue the most long-lasting (and fun) way to encourage your child’s love for the outdoors is through complete and total immersive play. Our kids are sensory beings. They learn most easily when they’re having fun and allowed to explore.
In less fragile areas (and where you have permission), let them venture off-trail to experience the thrill of wandering and independent discovery. Let’s encourage them to literally delve in and make their own connections. Mother nature is tough, surely she can handle a bit of child’s play.
It may seem like it on the surface, however, I’m not promoting the abandonment of leave no trace (LNT) principles. LNT values have their place. But too, if all our kids are never granted the freedom to roam or learn as their little heart’s desire, how will they connect with the natural world? So, from time to time, seek balance. Let your child run wild and discover salamanders in their natural habitats.
Why salamanders?
I am sure some of you are wondering what any of this has to do with salamanders. Why should you discover salamanders with kids? Well, these adorable little creatures are a great means to actively engage and immerse your children in nature. Salamanders are a mostly harmless, yet abundant, class of critters that your kids can explore safely (with supervision).
They’re also quite elusive. To have any luck finding them, kids will have to put in effort learning about their habitat, behavior, and activity. They’ll need to get out and trek through the animals’ natural habitats if they are to have the honor of eyeing one of these guys up close. Discovering salamanders could be your child’s window into the wonders of nature.
Salamanders love fresh pollution-free creeks under tree canopies.
What are salamanders?
Salamanders are in the amphibia class along with frogs. Within the amphibia class, they are members of the Caudata order, meaning “tail” in Latin. Like other amphibians they are cold-blooded critters who (mostly) remain tied to water.
Salamanders either live wholly aquatic lives and/or lay their shell-less eggs in it. Their eggs hatch into larvae, which resemble tadpoles, and stay in the water until they metamorphosize weeks or months later. During this process, they grow limbs and tails.
Once mature, most salamanders are like lizards in shape. They tend to have elongated necks and bodies with lengthy tails. But unlike lizards, they lack claws and scales. In lieu of scales, they sport thin permeable skin. And instead of claws, most have adorable little toes. Though, some species lack legs altogether and tend to look more like eels.
Discovering salamanders can be a great introduction to your area’s local fauna.
Where do salamanders live?
Salamanders can be found all over the world, with Australia and Antarctica being the exceptions. But, they are most abundant in the northern hemispheres. Those found in the southern hemisphere tend to be in mountainous regions or the Amazon basin.
Like all amphibians, salamanders’ permeable skin makes them unable to survive saltwater. So, while salamanders do boast quite an impressive range (from nearly the arctic circle of Russia to Bolivia’s Andean Mountains!) they aren’t found in oceans, salt marshes, estuaries, or tidal creeks.
When teaching kids where and how to find these critters, they learn and discover about salamanders’ habitats.
Salamander diversity in the US
The United States is home to 186 distinct species of salamanders, which is about a third of the world’s salamanders! Though salamanders can be found almost anywhere in the U.S., four regions contain particularly high concentrations and diversity. The areas are the Pacific Coast; Edwards Plateau region in Texas; Ozark and Ouachita mountains in AR, MO, and OK; and the Southeast.
As a fourth-generation Tennessean, I was shocked to learn the American Southeast has the highest genetic diversity of salamanders in the world (who knew?!). On that note, all photos in this article are of salamanders native to the southern Appalachian region.
Salamanders come in all shapes and sizes, making each species a fun new discovery for children.
Salamander habitat
Salamanders are extremely diverse across species, including the habitats they call home. Some salamander species are aquatic and spend their whole lives submerged in creeks, bogs, swamps, ponds, rivers, or lakes. Others live in caves, freshwater seeps, terrestrially in forests, or burrowed within moist forest soil.
Many terrestrial species tend to return to the same water source each breeding season. Some salamander species have been known to travel up to nine miles back to the vernal pond where they were born. Imagine traveling that far on teeny legs! After breeding, the new generation hatches and metamorphosizes within the water source. Then they find their way onto land.
Teaching kids about salamanders in their natural habitats gets them outdoors exploring and discovering.
Salamander size
In case you weren’t already thoroughly impressed with these under-rated amphibians, they also have huge variants in size. And I am not talking about a pound or two’s difference. While some salamanders only ring in at a couple of inches, others grow upwards of 6 feet and >60lbs! (I know, crazy right?!)
The Southeastern U.S. has a species called the Hellbender that can grow up to a couple of feet long (though unfortunately, they’ve become quite rare). The largest terrestrial species are members of the mole salamander suborder and endemic to North America. Some of these species, such as the tiger salamander, can be more than 8 inches long. However, most salamanders that you’re likely to find on your adventures will be less than 6 inches.
Salamanders come in all shapes and sizes. Discovering just how teeny they can be is fun!
Salamanders are carnivores
Salamanders are carnivores from the larval stage through adulthood. Adult terrestrial species tend to consume a wide variety of invertebrates including millipedes, centipedes, insects and their larvae, snails, and earthworms. But large mole salamanders may go as far as to eat small mice, shrews, and snakes. Aquatic species feed on fish, crawdads, zooplankton, mosquito larvae, and even other salamanders.
Some North American mole salamander species, such as the tiger salamander, require only a few meals a year. Uniquely for cold-blooded animals, they tend to function better at lower temperatures. They’re able to conserve energy and go long periods between meals because they’re more active in colder temperatures. Some species go into a mostly dormant state in their burrows during the hot summer months.
Don’t discount toddlers! Kids of any age can explore their surroundings.
Salamander color diversity
There’s an incredible amount of body coloration diversity within the >575 known species of salamanders. They come in a myriad of colors, ranging from camouflaging browns, dramatic neons, and even translucent in some cave-dwelling species.
Biologists who study reptiles and amphibians believe the brightly colored salamanders evolved their beautiful tones as a toxicity warning to their potential predators. As shown in some of the photos within this article, the Eastern U.S. has some strikingly bright species.
Some eastern newts, in their juvenile red eft phase, are so bright they seriously do not look real.
Salamander toxicity
On that note, yes, some salamanders are poisonous. However, you must ingest the salamander for it to be of any harm. I don’t think this article will lead folks to run off into the forests to catch and eat salamanders, but let’s just throw it out there, *salamanders are not safe for human consumption*.
For all practical purposes, if your kids wash their hands after handling, they’ll be alright. However, it’s worth noting some of the larger species, namely Hellbenders, pack a mouth full of teeth and can bite. If you and your kids find the motivation to explore and discover these critters, you may want to stick to the smaller species.
Kids love hands-on discovery. As long as you and the kids are careful it can be a safe learning experience for all involved.
Salamander lifespans
If you’re anything like me, then you may equate a critter’s small size with a short life span. That’s not the case with salamanders. These typically small vertebrates have uncharacteristically long lives. Some span decades.
Hellbender lifespans can be upwards of 30 years, and spotted mole salamanders can live up to 20 years. There are accounts of giant salamander specimens in Japan and China living 60-70 years! With such long lives, I guess it’s not surprising that some species, like the eastern newt, spend years in their juvenile stages before metamorphosizing into their adult forms.
Aquatic salamanders are typically less brightly colored than their terrestrial cousins.
Salamander skin
Another distinctly amphibian characteristic is the salamanders’ skin. They sport thin permeable skin that must be kept moist. Even so, there’s a lot of diversity in how a salamander’s skin can feel. Some are mucous-covered and slimy. Others (especially juvenile newts called efts) feel more dry, bumpy, and granular.
Salamanders also differ across species in how they breathe or participate in gas exchange. Some oxygenate through their permeable skin, others through gills or lungs, and still others using a combination thereof.
Children love discovering and learning about the world around them.
Where to look for salamanders
One thing that all salamanders seem to have in common, is that they are very sneaky. Depending on species, they may burrow under the ground, logs, rocks, boulders, or leaf litter. With such a wide range, while you are out discovering salamanders with your kids it’s probably best to look up what species are native to your area and where they tend to reside.
Terrestrial salamanders
If your local salamanders are terrestrial, take to forests, especially on wet days. Once under the tree canopy, very slowly and carefully look under rocks, fallen logs, or freshwater seepage areas. Just take care to return whatever rocks or logs are moved. You may also want to research your native salamanders’ breeding seasons and seek out seasonal/vernal ponds.
If you do find a salamander, be mindful to not return the log or rock on top of the creature, as they can be easily crushed. One tactic is to return the rock or log first, then gently release the salamander next to where you found it. You’ll be amazed at how quickly their short legs can get them back undercover! If you and the kids are up for it, you can also go forest exploring on a rainy night when salamanders tend to be more active.
Aquatic salamanders
If your area has native aquatic species, go exploring creek beds, bogs, swamps, springs, and ponds. Aquatic salamanders are often easier to find, but harder to catch. They are faster than their land-dwelling cousins. The aquatic salamanders use their tails to propel themselves through the water like little missiles. They also tend to be more camouflaged as compared to the brighter colored terrestrial counterparts.
If you go searching in freshwater habitats, look under rocks near the bank or in creek beds. Lift the rocks slowly and carefully to limit siltation (murky water), which decreases water visibility. And just like you do for terrestrial species, take care to replace all potential cover back into place prior to leaving. Salamanders may be stealthy, but they need the natural cover of rocks, logs, of organic debris for protection and hunting.
Teaching kids from an early age about the environment gets them to care about conservation as they grow.
How to handle salamanders
When you are lucky enough to find salamanders, please take care in handling them. Their permeable skin makes them delicate and quite sensitive. Try to remember to wash your hands with soap and water before going out. Make an extra effort to not have any chemicals on your hands including sunblock, bug spray, sanitizer, scented lotions, or any other substances that could be potentially harmful to the amphibians. Many species breathe through their skin and need to stay moist. So, it may be beneficial to wet your hands before touching them.
When attempting to hold them, keep in mind that they can also be very fast. They will squirm and squiggle right out of kids’ paws if given the opportunity. Try to prepare your kids. You don’t want them to clamp down on the fragile critters should they make for an escape. A gentle loose grip is best.
For smaller kids, who may not have the dexterity to safely hold small salamanders, bring along a small cup to put them in temporarily. That way your child can see them up close without harming or overstressing them. After you all have gotten a good look, help empower your kiddos to be good nature stewards by releasing the salamanders right where they were found.
Of note: Some terrestrial species secrete a very sticky mucus when handled as a defense mechanism. The mucus tends to not wash off for a day or two, although in my experience it lost the stickiness within a couple of hours.
Bringing a small cup ca help small children explore salamanders more safely.
Salamander conservation
Scientists consider all amphibians, including salamanders, as sentinels or bio-indicators. This means that the health of an area’s species, or group of species, is considered an indicator of the overall wellbeing of that habitat or environment. This is because amphibians are extremely sensitive to environmental change. Due to this sensitivity, amphibian populations seem to be declining globally.
Note how camouflaged its skin is with its environment.
Salamander vulnerability
Salamanders, like frogs, lay unshelled eggs in water. Without outer shells, the eggs are easily damaged by pollutants, ultraviolet radiation, and other disturbing factors. It’s more complicated for terrestrial species who depend on vernal ponds to lay eggs, as seasonal water sources are being increasingly affected by climate change. And as mentioned earlier, salamander’s permeable skin also makes them quite fragile to chemical pollutants. They can’t survive in polluted waterways.
Even very young children can learn how to be gentle and respectful of small critters.
How to help salamanders
All is not lost; we can help protect these amazing creatures. There are simple things we can do to benefit salamanders no matter where we are.
We can help by ensuring they have shelter. When you see rocks stacked into (unnecessary) “cairns”, dismantle them by gently dispersing the rocks. Removing rocks from creeks and streams to form stacks, causes over-siltation of the waterway and loss of protective shelter for salamanders and other little beasties like crawdads.
Advocate against using salamanders for fishing bait, and for the humane release of Hellbenders caught by anglers.
Collect litter we come across while out adventuring, especially trash you can reach at the edges of water sources.
And if your family is really looking to be a force of change, investigate how you can engage in local habitat restoration efforts in your community.
Last but certainly not least, help us spread the joy and wonder of these clandestine critters! The more folks know about them, the more folks will care, and the more likely we’ll be able to make a difference.
The more you expose kids to nature the more they learn about the interconnectedness of the world around them.
Cool salamander facts for kids
Salamanders are older than dinosaurs! The earliest found fossil records of salamanders are more than 250 million years old. That’s 40 million years older than the first fossil records of dinos. That means these incredible creatures survived the great extinction events that killed the dinosaurs. No wonder some species (particularly in the cryptobranchidae family) look so prehistoric.
“Salamander” is Greek for “fire lizard”. The name has its origin in the myth that salamanders can walk through fire. This myth came about in ancient times. People would often see salamanders as they crawled out from logs that had been thrown onto the fire.
A group of salamanders is referred to as a herd or a congress.
The axolotl, a native Mexican species, can regenerate missing limbs, eyes, gills, and some organs (cool, right!).
Colloquial names for salamanders include snot otter, devil dog, lasagna lizard, walking fish, fire lizards, Allegheny alligators, mudpuppies, waterdogs, and baby dragons.
The biomass of salamanders in America’s southeastern Appalachian forests is greater than all mammals and birds combined.
Teaching children about small creatures is also extremely adorable. Did I mention that yet?
Salamander fun for young children
Bring the outdoors in with salamander toys and books!
Salamander puppets are a good option too. Folkmanis has a couple options; a mud salamander finger puppet and axolotl.
Kids learn through play. So bring the outdoors in through toys!Salamanders are beautiful creatures that can teach kids and parents alike so much about our local environments.
How are your kids developing a passion for the outdoors?
About the author
Somer is a mama living in southern Appalachia. Somer’s motherhood journey began when her oldest daughter was born with severe congenital heart disease. Avelyn spent the majority of her 18 months of life within a pediatric ICU. Though she lived her life chronically critically ill, Avie was an incredibly loving and joyous child. After her death, Somer and her husband sought solace backpacking a section of the Appalachian Trail. Before long, they discovered their ability to cope seemed to correspond with time spent outdoors.
When it came time to add another kiddo to the mix, bringing the baby along was never a question. In an effort to celebrate the freedom provided by healthy bodies, Somer has hiked her second-born 2k+ miles. Even so, she doesn’t believe grand adventures are necessary to reap nature’s wonder. They just as often revel in mundane evenings in their backyard. The family believes it’s prioritizing time spent outdoors that’s important.
Professionally, Somer has spent the last decade caring for veterans on an acute psychiatric unit as a clinical nurse educator. Over the years she’s become a passionate advocate within the intersectional relationships of mental health, wellness, and the natural world. She truly believes there’s healing and strength to be found outdoors for those who seek it.
You can find Somer online in the following locations:
Instagram: @somerpickel
