Growing a cut flower garden with kids 

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

What is a cut flower garden?

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

Benefits of growing a cut flower garden with kids

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

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

Uses for a cut flower garden

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

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

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

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

How to set up your cut flower garden

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

Where to plant your cut garden

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

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

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

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

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

Creating flower beds

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

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

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

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

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

Annuals (needs planning every year)

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

Perennial plants and flowers (comes back each year)

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

Greens and fillers to grow in your cut garden 

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

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

Tips for choosing cut flower seeds and bulbs 

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

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

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

Where to find flower seeds, plants, and bulbs

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

Planting seeds indoors

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

To start seeds inside, you will need:

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

Tips for starting seeds inside

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

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

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

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

Planting bulbs outdoors

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

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

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

Planting seeds outdoors

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

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

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

Transplanting seedlings outdoors

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

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

Caring for your cut flower garden

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

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

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

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

How to make gardening fun for kids

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

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

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

Harvesting flowers with kids 

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

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

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

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

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

How to make your cut flowers last longer

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

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

Creating cut flower arrangements with kids 

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

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

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

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

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

Sharing the love of flowers

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

Drying and pressing flowers 

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

Saving and collecting seeds 

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

Sustainability and recycling  

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

Learning while you grow

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

Do you grow cut flowers in your garden?

About the author

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

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

The post How to Start & Grow a Cut Flower Garden with Kids appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

The importance of mother-daughter getaways

The bond between mothers and daughters is a unique and profound connection that shapes a woman’s identity and influences her throughout her life. Spending quality time together with my daughter is necessary for us to have a deep, meaningful relationship. But quality time can be hard to come by at home, when we’re both pulled in a million different directions and dealing with the distractions of daily life. 

However, one of the best things we’ve decided to do for us, is to get away every now and then. Our mother-daughter getaways give us a special opportunity to escape the grind and give us time to focus on each other without distractions. This time helps us foster open communication and understanding. It also gives us shared experiences that contribute to our memory banks.

A getaway provides an environment conducive to heartfelt conversations and storytelling. These trips are also a source of joy, laughter, and relaxation. We get to explore, try new things, eat amazing food, relax, and laugh (a lot). Creating memories together in a new place strengthens the foundation of our relationship.

Make the getaway intentional

Intentional conversation

What I mean when I say to make the getaway intentional is to go into the getaway with some ways you plan to connect with your daughter. Think about the questions you want to ask her and the topics you’d like to discuss. I always like to have several fun questions and several serious questions at the ready so when the opportunity for conversation arises, I am prepared.

I think this is more important as your kids get older and tend to be less of an “open book” than younger kids are. Teens and tweens are dealing with much bigger issues these days and conversation can sometimes be hard to come by. However, you have probably noticed that when you are outside together with your kid(s), that conversation flows more freely. Without the distraction of a screen or household chores keeping you busy, you and your daughter can focus on each other. You will learn about her, and she will learn about you. 

Intentional activities

Also, be intentional about where you go and what you’ll do there. Consider what she will enjoy on the getaway. If ice cream is your daughter’s favorite dessert, find a local spot. Bring along her favorite game for an evening activity. Choose a destination with activities that she likes to do.

My daughter loves to dress fancy, so I always try to plan a dinner at a finer dining restaurant on our getaways so she could fancy up a little bit for one night. There is no need to overindulge, but I think recognizing her personality and indulging in her interests, even if it isn’t your preference, can really go a long way.

Come up with some ideas to make it a special time for the two of you. Create some bonding moments that only you share. Try something new together or get outside of your comfort zone together. Those will become core memories for both of you. 

Expectations for your mother-daughter getaway

Give yourself a pep talk about expectations for your trip before you go. And be realistic. If you are doing this mother-daughter getaway during the pre-teen or teen years, make sure you give your daughter plenty of notice, include her in the planning, and tell her how excited you are to get away together.

Have an open and honest conversation about the getaway with your daughter well before the trip. Discuss the purpose of the trip (whether it’s for relaxation, bonding, adventure, or a combination of these), and encourage your daughter to express her expectations and desires for the getaway as well. Discuss the itinerary, potential excursions, or any specific plans you have in mind. Be flexible and open to incorporating activities that interest both of you. This way, you can ensure that the trip aligns with both your expectations.

And be prepared for hard conversations and possibly hearing things that surprise you. Sometimes, the discussions can get intense. I caution you (from my own experience!) to refrain from lecturing and correcting during this time away. Do your best to let your daughter guide the direction and let it flow organically. 

Why choose an outdoorsy location for your getaway?

I’d love to encourage you, when deciding on a destination for your getaway, to consider choosing an outdoorsy location. Spending time together outside can be such a transformative and enriching experience. Plus, you’ll foster a deeper connection through shared outdoor adventures and the beauty of nature.

Whether it’s a serene beach, a picturesque mountain retreat, or a charming countryside escape, being surrounded by nature creates an ideal setting for bonding and creating lasting memories. And outdoor environments offer a recharging break from the routine of daily life. 

Spending time together outside not only promotes physical and mental well-being but also creates bonding through shared activities and experiences. From hiking and biking to exploring local landmarks or simply enjoying a picnic with a scenic view, outdoor adventures offer a wide range of opportunities for quality time and meaningful conversations. 

I firmly believe that your getaway should be outdoor-focused or nature-based. This does not mean that you need to be camping, hiking, or backpacking. Being in nature doesn’t have to mean “roughing it.” If you and your daughter love that, then do it. But, even if you and your daughter don’t consider yourselves “outdoorsy,” there is still a lot of merit in getting outside. 

I said it earlier, but I will say it again. The outdoors fosters openness and conversation. It literally breathes life into us. When we set aside the technology and the screens, our minds and bodies relax. The environment is set for making connections. The quiet moments in the woods or on the water allow our brains to see things more clearly. The noise and distraction are turned off so that we can be creative and dream and rest. This should be a time of connection and restoration.

Top 5 outdoorsy mother-daughter getaways in the Southeast US

There isn’t one outdoorsy destination that is perfect for your mother-daughter getaway. However, I found four incredible options and would highly recommend all of them. I encourage you to choose a destination that your daughter is interested in, and that works for your budget.

(And because I hope your getaway won’t be a one-time occasion, perhaps you could start a list of options for now and the future. My own daughter loves the idea of making a list of places to experience together.)

1. Sky Ridge Yurts in Bryson City, NC

The Sky Ridge Yurts in Bryson City, North Carolina, are luxury yurts in a perfectly positioned location, for an amazing glamping experience. Located right outside of Bryson City, NC, which is a gateway city to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll have easy access to the entire area. You will go to sleep and wake up with nature all around you, but you won’t be giving up any of the conveniences or comforts of your own home.

Each yurt is outfitted with an indoor bathroom, stocked kitchen, small living area, and comfy bed. The outdoor porches and Solo Stove give you an extension for outside fun, too. Enjoy your morning coffee while you take in the views, and end your evening with a campfire.

Glamping, adventure, and access to a national park

Sky Ridge is also located within a few minutes of Nantahala Outdoor Center, where you can have a little adventure together. White water rafting on the Nantahala and Chattooga Rivers is a thrilling activity offered from March to October. You can zipline through the forest and have views of the Nantahala Gorge and Great Smoky Mountains National Park as you soar high above the trees. Or, you can rent mountain bikes or sign up for a guided mountain bike tour on Flint Ridge.

You will definitely want to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park while you are in the area. There are viewpoints, hikes, places to river tube, and more. You can make this a day trip or spend a week here. There is so much to see and do, and you could end up driving quite a bit. The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, which includes the Polar Express holiday special, is not to be missed if you’re looking for a quintessential experience.

2. The Inn at Serenbe in Chattahoochee Hills, GA

The Inn at Serenbe in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, is a historic family farm that has been turned into a luxury retreat. The inn and entire community of rental homes and cottages will accommodate any need. This getaway location  is perfectly situated outside of the major metro area of Atlanta in the rolling hills of the countryside. You will be just 20 minutes from the airport but will feel worlds away during your stay. The 1000-acre grounds offer trails, horseback riding, an outdoor animal village, outdoor games, and open spaces to enjoy nature. 

Horses, food, massages, and bonfires

At the Inn, everything you need is within walking distance or a golf cart ride away. The Inn is relaxed-luxury with lovely rooms. You can also rent a small cottage or home in the Serenbe community area. If your daughter has an interest in horses, this would be an incredible destination, with the opportunity to ride. Hiking trails starting from the inn will lead to a few waterfalls on the property, as well as a labyrinth in the forest. Don’t miss the in-ground trampoline, the bikes, the animal village, or the pool. No matter the age of your daughter, you will not run out of fun things to do outdoors. 

There are also several options for food. The buffet farm breakfast was a winner! It is located in the prettiest windowed room. We also indulged in a delicious dinner at The Hill the previous night. We saw families, groups of girlfriends, couples, and of course, us-the mother-daughter duo. There is no doubt that a long weekend OR a week would be so much fun here, and you never need to leave the property. For a really special treat, visit the spa together and do a mother-daughter massage in their shared massage room. My daughter was so excited to include this in our getaway. Although spa time is not outside, it is a special time together. Do it!

The Inn at Serenbe also hosts events like farm tours, evening bonfires, goat yoga, hayrides, live music on the porch, and community events throughout the year. This is one of those places that has all the amenities of a resort but feels much more like a homestay in the very best way. I can’t emphasize enough the relaxed ambience with all the high-end options. If you want an outdoor-focused mother-daughter getaway that incorporates nature and relaxation, this is the perfect spot.

3. Treetop Hideaways at Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, TN

Is there any more perfect way to do an outdoor-focused getaway than to sleep up in the trees? I don’t think so!

Treetop Hideaways has done an incredible job of creating a beautiful, functional, fun space to reconnect. This boutique treehouse retreat is so special because it has that notion of being rustic, but lacks nothing in terms of comfort. From the moment you enter your treehouse, you will notice the details of playful design combined with intentional, sustainable systems. They have thought of everything.

Twinkle lights, lookouts, surrounded by nature

If you choose this destination (and it should be on your list), give yourself plenty of time to relax on the porches with a book while you listen to the record player and soak it all in. There is a firepit for each treehouse for evening fun and conversation. Wood, a fire starter, and a wagon to transport it all are provided for you. All of the walkways have twinkle lights, making the whole site feel magical. 

Treetop Hideaways is located just 12-15 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. There are restaurants galore to choose from and many of them have outdoor seating options. If you want to give yourself more time to enjoy the treehouse, simply order takeout. Chattanooga is a city that lives on the river, so it is primed for outdoor fun. You can rent e-bikes and use them on the trails and roadways all around the city. There are places nearby to hike and explore, such as Lookout Mountain. Ruby Falls is a series of underground waterfalls, cavern trails, and caves. This is located just below the treehouses! 

4. The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island, SC

This 5-star luxury property is located on Kiawah Island outside of Charleston, SC. The Sanctuary Resort provides the perfect destination for outdoorsy mother-daughter fun. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is a stay that should be on everyone’s wish list. There is no doubt that you will indulge in the delicious food and the super comfy hotel rooms, but there is so much beauty here that most of your time will be spent outside.

Beaches, bikes, and kayaking

The Sanctuary has a beautiful swimming pool and an incredible beach. Honestly, you could spend your entire stay just doing that and get your outside hours. I fully support at least one day of soaking in the sunshine and the salt air, playing in the ocean waves, and otherwise lounging the day away. If you are looking for more activity, though, it won’t be hard to find.

The Sanctuary can help you reserve bicycles to ride the numerous paths all throughout the island. Pro tip: do this early in the morning or after the sun goes down to avoid the heat in spring, summer, and early fall months.

There are world-class golf courses for those of you who have daughters who are interested in golf! If your daughter is more interested in court time, check out the fabulous tennis center to reserve a court or to take a pickleball clinic. 

If you want to go deeper into nature or wildlife, I highly recommend doing a kayak tour on the Kiawah River. We had a glorious guided kayak tour one morning where we learned all about the flora and fauna of the Lowcountry of South Carolina. It was so peaceful paddling and bird watching. Our big surprise was a mama and baby dolphin that swam right past us as we were returning to the launch site. Core memory! 

Why get away outside?

From my own personal experience, I find that time outside together fosters an openness that is difficult to replicate somewhere else. The distractions of shopping, city sites, and shows don’t quite seem to provide the space to really decompress and relate to one another. Statistics show that time in fresh air allows our brains to relax and rest. Because that’s not our natural daily rhythm, when we do allow that, and we do it together, there is deep bonding. 

Gratitude is also a natural outpouring of time outside. In a world that is constantly telling us “more, more, more,” the outdoors helps us to realize that we truly have so much to be grateful for. And when we do this with our daughters, it reminds us that we have so much WITH each other. Simply setting aside those screens for a short time will bring everything back into focus and show us what is important.

The beauty of our natural world is so inspiring. Taking time together outside will also give our daughters an opportunity to think creatively. They will see new things and exposure to new things will aid in their development. 

When should you do an outdoor-focused mother-daughter getaway?

I believe there is merit to doing a mother daughter getaway at any age. But before you go crazy, make sure you take into consideration the activities offered in the destination you are considering. Some may lend themselves to a more appropriate age. I would also involve your daughter in the planning, especially if she is a teenager. The more influence she has, the more she will buy into the experience. 

As our daughters grow older, the time we get to spend with them starts to shrink. I aim to do a mother-daughter getaway every other year. That gives us something to look forward to and time to plan something special. If that seems like too much, then aim for an age marker that stands out, like a sweet 16 or 12 when girlhood is at a pivotal point. 

When will you plan your next outdoorsy mother-daughter getaway?

About the author

Jen has been married to her original adventure partner, John, for 20 years. She is a mama to 3 teenagers who, although they have busy and independent lives, love to adventure in the outdoors when they can. Jen is a native of Chicago, but has lived in South Carolina for two decades and calls it home. She’s always planning the next adventure for herself or her friends, whether near or far. Hiking, kayaking, sailing with her family, or traveling the world is all about the experience and the journey. Her extroverted nature keeps her talking and smiling with anyone she meets along the way. She’s on a mission to show other busy families that traveling with teenagers is possible and fun!

You can find Jen online in the following locations:
Instagram: @gofamilyadventure
Website: Go Family Adventure
RWMC Posts: Jen Barnes

The post Best Outdoorsy Mother-Daughter Getaways in the Southeast US appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Screens aren’t the enemy

It’s easy to be inundated with concerns about the harmful effects of excessive screen time. Too much screen time (and the “wrong” kind of screen time) can absolutely have detrimental effect on children (and adults). But screens have firmly established their presence in our lives, and they’re here to stay. As parents, recognizing this reality is crucial.

Instead of placing the blame solely on screens for various concerns, as parents, we can shift our perspective towards actively engaging with technology in a constructive and balanced manner. Screens can be powerful tools for learning, connecting, and exploring, and it’s essential that we find ways to harness their potential rather than labeling them as the root of all problems.

Technology is an omnipresent force, offering numerous advantages when integrated thoughtfully into children’s lives. It can be an invaluable educational resource, fostering creativity, curiosity, and engagement with the world. Moreover, screens can be the gateway to outdoor exploration. When children learn to use technology as a tool for enhancing their understanding of the natural world, they’re more likely to venture outside, armed with a newfound sense of wonder and knowledge.

Moderation in all things (including tech usage)

Instead of shunning technology and screens entirely, the key is moderation. Moderation allows children to enjoy the benefits of technology while still experiencing the physical, emotional, and social richness of the non-digital world. By letting our kids have screens in a responsible and mindful way, we can equip our children with the skills they need to navigate the digital landscape and, at the same time, cultivate their appreciation for the wonders of the world around them.

The call for moderation in screentime doesn’t mean rejecting technology but rather embracing it with a discerning eye. It’s about striking a balance that prioritizes outdoor activities, face-to-face interactions, and a variety of real-life experiences that nurture a child’s holistic development. Demonizing screens can actually make them more attractive to kids and doesn’t teach them how to use tech in responsible ways.

As we jump into this discussion, we’ll explore how to guide our young digital natives to use screens in ways that are not detrimental but empowering, enriching, and, above all, balanced.

How to turn tech into your ally

The key to using tech in a way that isn’t harmful to kids lies in how we, as parents and caregivers, guide our children to use technology responsibly. Screens are not inherently evil; instead, it’s our role to ensure that our children engage with them in a healthy and balanced way, finding a harmonious coexistence between screen time, outdoor adventures, and non-screen activities.

We have discovered a few ways to use technology as a catalyst for bringing children into nature, which we can’t wait to share with you today. From mobile apps that transform a simple walk in the park into a treasure hunt of biodiversity, to using tech to capture your outdoor adventures, this post will show you how to make technology your ally in nurturing a sense of wonder and discovery about the environment. 

How our love of nature led us to YouTube

When the pandemic hit, I suddenly became more aware of the amount of time we were spending glued to our screens. Everything moved online, from school to work to birthday parties and happy hours. Screens were our gateway to our community, family, and friends. They helped us stay connected to what mattered most. 

But as time went on and things went back to normal, our screen time consumption didn’t decrease as much as I thought it would. We’d found all new ways to use screens for new reasons, some of which were really interesting and educational, including kids programming on YouTube. 

Trust me when I say that I understand that not all YouTube programming for kids is interesting or educational, but occasionally we’d find a hidden gem. I realized that my son was absorbed in various programs (some nature-based, others not so much), and fixated on the number of likes and subscribers they garnered. This sparked an idea! 

Creating our own YouTube show

We decided to create our own YouTube channel, with the goal to inspire parents and caregivers to spend more time outside with their children by showcasing fun and easy activities and crafts.  We hoped that our channel would captivate viewers’ attention, enticing them to put down their screens (after watching), and get outside! We wanted to show kids how they could engage with a parent or caregiver and enjoy the boundless learning and fun that nature offers.

As a family, we’ve always had a love for the outdoors and nature. This felt like such a fun and inspiring project. This idea not only enhanced our family time together (as we were our crew and production team), but it also multiplied our outdoor adventures tenfold. We had content to create, which held us accountable for getting outside, trying new things, and adventuring together. 

However, let me tell you that managing a YouTube channel is no easy task, especially with our busy lives.  But we loved the challenge. Working together as a family unit, we brainstormed ideas and shared the entirety of our outdoor experience, making it an incredible and rewarding journey for all of us. We learned so much from our adventures and have so many amazing memories from the activities we did. Plus, now we have tangible physical evidence (in video) of our family time together, which I know we’ll look back on fondly for the rest of our lives. 

Hobie’s Nature Club- watch here

Skills learned through making our YouTube show

With our YouTube channel about outdoor activities and nature, our family (and particularly my son) all learned so many new skills. While I’m not saying that creating a YouTube channel is for everyone, don’t discount the experience and skills that the whole family can learn together. 

First off, we all had to learn some technology-related skills. My partner was our videographer, but we all had a say in setting up the scene and getting the shots. We learned a lot about lighting, editing, filming, and production.

As for non-tech skills, we all had to work together to create engaging and informative content. We are by no means experts (either in nature or in tech), so one of the best parts about filming Hobie’s Nature Club was that we were all learning about nature together. We had to research our nearby nature, the outdoor activities in our area that we could film, come up with ideas on how to tie them to learning, look up crafts, and make the content educational (as well as fun and entertaining). Recording the videos helped my son build public speaking and presentation skills.

This diverse skill set extends beyond the digital realm. I feel like these skills will not only empower him in the world of technology, but also prepare him for a well-rounded education and equip him with some life skills that are invaluable in adulthood.

Outdoor discovery through apps

YouTube got us started thinking about all the other valuable ways that technology can be an educational resource, fostering creativity, curiosity, and engagement with the world. Moreover, various forms of technology (with and without screens), can be a great gateway for kids to outdoor exploration and learning about nature and the world around them. Technology can make it even more fun! When children learn to use technology as a tool for enhancing their understanding of the natural world, they’re more likely to use it in positive ways, and to venture outside, armed with a newfound sense of wonder and knowledge.

One of our favourite ways to incorporate technology into our outdoor activities is by utilising a variety of apps that encourage kids to step outside and explore the world around them.  We’ve experimented with several apps and got some additional recommendations from the moms on the Run Wild My Child Creative Team. 

Nature identification apps

Nature identification apps have revolutionized the way families connect with the natural world, fostering a deeper understanding of the environment. Whether it’s identifying a mysterious bird call, a vibrant wildflower, or a species of tree, these digital tools provide instant answers that transform nature walks into interactive learning experiences. Through these apps, children and parents alike can engage in a collective quest for knowledge, encouraging teamwork, and inciting curiosity and conversation as they explore the outdoors together. They encourage open dialogue and collaboration, with family members sharing their findings and observations, and often sparking discussions about the natural world and conservation.

Moreover, the thrill of making a new discovery or successfully identifying a species becomes a shared triumph, strengthening the emotional bonds within the family. In an age where screens often isolate individuals, nature identification apps have the power to reconnect families with nature and with each other, making outdoor excursions more memorable, interactive, and meaningful.

Best nature identification apps for kids

There are countless nature apps and digital field guides available that can help families identify local flora and fauna. These apps can turn a simple walk in the park into an educational adventure. Here are a few of our favorites:

• iNaturalist – A wonderful free app to help you identify plants and animals around you through photos and track your discoveries. 
• PlantSnap / Leaf Snap – This is a free app that allows you to take photos of the leaf/plant/tree you are trying to identify and sends you through the options in a fun and interactive way.
• Fossil Explorer- Natural History Museum –  We are big dinosaur fans in our house and we love a day out fossil hunting.  This app helps to identify likely fossil finds in your area and covers the whole world.  It provides a treasure trove of information and pictures.
• Picture This  – Another free app that’s brilliant for capturing images of nature, plants, flowers, and insects and identifying them for you.
• Bumblebee Conservation – This app isn’t as tech-savvy as the other apps (you can’t take photos),  but through illustrations, it helps you identify different types of bees providing the different characteristics of each species of bee.  
• Picture Mushroom – This app is great for fall/spring exploration as this gives you the opportunity to photograph mushrooms and fungi and identify them for you. This is fab if you are into foraging, as it will detail whether it is edible or poisonous. (Never rely exclusively on an app to identify anything you may eat. Educate yourself on the item you’re foraging and always be 100% sure you’ve identified it correctly before consuming.)
• Google Lens – An incredibly quick access to a wealth of knowledge regarding the things we’ve captured in photos.  In fact, while on a recent hiking trip in France, we discovered that we were close to encountering a Wild Boar by using Google Lens.  It wasn’t of a paw print or from hair as you might think, but by taking a photo of an unusual-looking poop! 

Geocaching

Geocaching combines technology, outdoor exploration, and good old-fashioned treasure hunting! By using the (free) geocaching app, families can use GPS-enabled devices or smartphone apps to search for hidden containers (geocaches) in various outdoor locations. Geocaches can be found all over the world and almost anywhere you can imagine. Geocachers usually hide caches in locations that are important to them, reflecting a special interest, memory, or skill of the cache owner. These locations can be quite diverse – from under a bench at your local park, behind a marker along a bike trail, in a fake rock at the botanical garden, or behind a false brick on the side of a building on a busy city street. 

All your need to get started geocaching is a smartphone, a geocaching account (free), and a sense of adventure! Geocaches are everywhere, and it’s a great budget-friendly low-entry activity that’s great for everyone in the family! It’s a fun and interactive way to get outside and explore.

For more information, check out our full post: Beginner’s Guide to Geocaching with Kids

Capturing memories of outdoor adventures 

Gone are the days of traditional photo albums, diaries, or scrapbooks filled with handwritten notes and hand-drawn pictures.  In this digital age, children are finding new and exciting ways to document their experiences and bring them to life. Technology can make this really fun and exciting for kids. 

Photography

Encouraging kids to use their smartphones or tablets (0r digital cameras) to capture the natural world around them is a creative and empowering way to enhance their outdoor experiences. This practice not only stimulates their connection with nature but also nurtures a range of skills and interests.

Kids can take photos of plants, animals, insects, and landscapes, adding written notes or voice recordings to a “digital nature journal” to describe what they’ve encountered on their outdoor adventures. This process encourages careful observation, attention to detail, and critical thinking, as they learn to identify and appreciate the nuances of the environment. Over time, their digital nature journal becomes a personalized record of their outdoor adventures, offering a sense of accomplishment and a means to track their evolving knowledge of the natural world.

Taking and editing photos taken during outdoor excursions is an excellent way to introduce kids to basic photography skills. By using photo editing apps, children can enhance their images, adjusting lighting, colors, and compositions to create stunning, artistic representations of the natural world. This creative process allows them to express their unique perspectives and feelings about nature, fostering their artistic sensibilities.

Video diary

This summer, my son decided to swap his pen and paper for an Apple Video app to capture his holiday memories. By taking video on a tablet and then using Apple Video to edit it all together to create a video recap of our trip, our young diarist elevated his vacation journaling to a whole new level. Rather than static words and images, his videos provide a window into his perspective of our trip, capturing the sights, sounds, and emotions of each moment he deemed video-worthy. He captured our trip from his perspective, which was really amazing for us (as parents) to see. With his narration and videos, the story truly comes alive, transporting the viewer to that magical place and time. It’s a powerful and wonderful way to document a trip or event that we’ll treasure for years. 

Other great video editing apps are iMovie and InShot. 

Using tech to observe wildlife

Trail cameras for capturing wildlife images

Setting up and using a trail camera is an exciting and educational way for kids to use technology to connect with the wildlife around them. This hands-on approach allows young naturalists to observe, track, and learn about the diverse creatures that share their outdoor environment. To begin, let your kids help select a suitable location for the trail camera, preferably near a known wildlife path or in an area with ample signs of animal activity. They’ll need to secure the camera to a tree or post and aim it at the desired target area. This setup process offers a valuable lesson in animal behavior, as children must consider where animals are likely to pass and how to remain discreet to avoid scaring them away.

Once the trail camera is in place, kids can eagerly await the results. As the camera captures photos or videos of passing wildlife, children can take on the role of amateur naturalists, carefully analyzing the footage to identify species, behaviors, and patterns. This process nurtures their observation skills and sharpens their knowledge of local wildlife. Additionally, the element of surprise and discovery that comes with checking the camera’s memory card creates a sense of anticipation and excitement, keeping kids engaged and enthusiastic about their wildlife-tracking endeavors. 

Trail cams offer kids a glimpse into the world at night

Trail cameras offer an excellent opportunity for children to experience wildlife in its natural habitat without disturbing or endangering the animals. Most trail cameras also work at night with a flash, giving you a glimpse into the nocturnal world and wildlife action. From mammals like foxes, deer, badgers, and hedgehogs to elusive night-dwelling birds and insects, the camera reveals the hidden world beyond our human perception. This footage can then be used to engage your children in discussions and inquiries about the animals they observe.  Encourage them to research and identify different species, their behaviours, and how they adapt to the darkness. 

This hands-on, technology-based approach enables them to connect with and appreciate the intricacies of the animal kingdom, fostering a love for nature and wildlife conservation. It’s a powerful tool for learning about ecosystems, animal behaviors, and the importance of coexisting with the natural world.

Telescopic lenses and pocket microscopes

Setting up a mobile phone with a telescopic lens or connecting your smartphone to a pocket microscope opens up a whole new world of wildlife (and nature) viewing possibilities, right outside your door. 

Equipping your mobile phone with a telescopic lens makes bird identification easier and more accessible, especially for beginners.  With the ability to capture clear, detailed photos of the avian visitors, you can refer to bird identification guides to identify the species with your children.  This creates a fun and educational experience, encouraging curiosity and learning about the diverse range of birds that frequent your garden.  

Using a pocket microscope in nature really helps your kids slow down and appreciate the intricacies and details of things you see every single day. You’ll literally stop to smell and see the roses (and all the other flowers along the trail as well). It also gives your kids invaluable and concrete STEM skills. But more than that, it nurtures their creativity, curiosity, and imagination. It instills a sense of wonder. The plethora of features to see on even the tiniest bit of nature is surprising. Hairs and pores dot leaves and insect legs, scales cover butterfly wings, jagged edges surround bits of sand, and minute creatures scurry in soil and pond water. Nature is amazing!

For more information, check out our full post on using a pocket microscope (which includes our top pocket microscope recommendations).

Screen-free (but tech-enhanced) outdoor fun

When we send our kids outside to play, we hope they will use their imagination for hours. Endless hours of unstructured free play! It may sound counter-intuitive, but some technology can actually help with open-ended free play and give your children even more freedom to explore the world around them safely. Here are a few tech items that promote and encourage outdoor exploration and play. 

Walkie-talkies

Walkie-talkies are more than tech gadgets; they become catalysts for camaraderie and shared excitement, fuelling a passion for the great outdoors. By equipping children with these handy communication devices, parents and guardians provide a means for kids to venture into the great outdoors while staying connected. This fosters a sense of independence, as kids can explore with confidence, knowing they can easily communicate with adults or friends. Whether on a hike in the woods, a camping trip, or simply playing in a large park, walkie-talkies not only enhance the outdoor adventure but also serve as an essential safety tool, ensuring that children can promptly reach out in case of emergencies or simply share their exciting discoveries, making outdoor exploration not only safer but more enjoyable and memorable. 

GPS-enable devices

Another modern, trendy tech device is the GPS watch for kids. GPS-enabled devices and mobile apps can enhance safety during outdoor adventures. Parents can track their children’s whereabouts (giving parents peace of mind), while giving kids the opportunity to safely explore. Armed with parental knowledge of their whereabouts, children can fully immerse themselves in the beauty surrounding them, eagerly uncovering hidden gems and gaining a deeper appreciation for the natural world. 

We have a Gabb watch and have been really happy with it. We can set up geofencing, call/text our child, and track GPS coordinates from our phones, without any social media access for him. It’s been a game-changer when it comes to letting him ride his bike around our community, to friends houses, or down the street to the fishing pond. 

Metal detectors

Another fun tech device we have invested in to engage in exciting outdoor activities is a metal detector. Incorporating metal detectors offers a unique opportunity for children to discover hidden natural treasures right under their feet!  From exploring beaches after stormy tides to scouring forest trails, the detectors can help kids find interesting geological specimens like fossils, minerals or even unique rocks. Whether searching in fields, parks or historic sites, there’s a chance to stumble upon artefacts like old coins, buttons or even relics from times gone by.  These findings provide a gateway to learning about the country’s fascinating heritage, helping children develop a sense of connection to the land they explore.

Metal detecting can also serve as a tool to in-still a sense of environmental responsibility in children.  Encourage them to leave no trace, respecting the natural surroundings they explore.  Teaching them about the importance of conservation and responsible metal detecting practices helps preserve the integrity of the environments they love, ensuring these treasures are available for future generations to enjoy.

See my full post for more information on Metal Detecting with Kids. 

Using technology to get outside

It’s evident that technology, when used mindfully and in moderation, can be a powerful ally in encouraging kids to embrace the great outdoors and explore the world around them. Rather than vilifying screens as the root of all problems, we should recognize the immense potential they offer to spark children’s curiosity, enhance their learning, and enrich their lives.

By leveraging nature identification apps, encouraging outdoor photography and digital art, setting up trail cameras to track wildlife, and utilizing tools like walkie-talkies for safety, we can empower the next generation to connect with the natural world in meaningful and innovative ways. This harmonious balance between technology and nature not only deepens their appreciation for the environment but also equips them with a diverse skill set and instills lifelong values of exploration, conservation, and the joy of being outdoors.

As we embrace the digital age, let’s remember that screens are not the enemy; they’re a gateway to new adventures, new knowledge, and new connections with the world around us. By incorporating technology, we can equip our children with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate an increasingly digital future. 

Let’s create a world where technology and nature walk hand in hand, guiding our children to be tech-savvy explorers of the great outdoors. 

How do you use technology to get outside?

About the author

Hannah Martin has worked as a PE Teacher in the UK for 15 years. She has always loved being active outdoors. However, she discovered a new passion for nature and appreciating the environment when she had her son Hobie (now 5 years old). Hannah and Hobie’s vision is to inspire parents to spend time doing fun, creative, nature activities outdoors with their children; no matter where they live and whatever the weather. They believe spending time together outdoors as a family will encourage future generations to love and care for the world, wildlife, and environment.

Find more from Hannah (and Hobie) in the following locations:
Instagram: @hobies_nature_club
Website: hobiesnatureclub.co.uk
YouTube channel: Hobie’s Nature Club
RWMC Posts: Hannah Martin

The post Nature vs Tech: How to Use Technology to Get Kids Outside appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

“Mud is the most poetical thing in the world.” ~ Reginald Horace Blythe

Gardening with kids for connection

Gardening with kids is a wonderful way for families to cultivate a deep connection with natural spaces that are well within reach. Children, like plants, need sunshine, rain, fresh air, and mud to thrive. By spending time with them digging in the dirt, placing seeds just so, and observing their growth, children learn a sense of responsibility for a piece of Earth they call their own.

Children who grow up connected to and feeling responsible for nature become stewards of the planet. Gardening is a great way to establish that connection. It’s also an amazing time for kids to connect with their big people.

And let’s face it, children aren’t the only ones suffering from nature deficit disorder. We could all use a little more time outside nurturing plants and nurturing our own souls. 

Climbing and swinging helps build trunk strength and are fun backyard activities to include when gardening with kids.

Benefits of gardening with kids

There are loads of benefits to getting kids in the garden beyond taking in the ample fresh air. Kids learn through experiencing the world around them. Botany, zoology, ecology, and environmental science are much more effectively taught in the garden than behind a school desk. It’s incredible how sophisticated our little learners can be when the learning is done in the correct context.  

Child health and physical development

Children who learn to grow their food are much more likely to eat it, as well. Have a picky eater? Get them to grow something and watch their innate curiosity trump their skepticism of all things green. But, the health benefits go beyond the dinner plate.

Our bodies move differently in wide-open spaces. Children develop best when learning to navigate unstructured environments like those that can only be provided by the outdoors. Swinging and climbing build strong trunks. Balance is fostered by log hopping. Raking and digging yield upper body strength. 

Perhaps best of all, time spent outdoors is not time spent behind a screen or *cough* time spent fighting about being behind a screen. 

Log hopping is great exercise, and logs add a little whimsy to an outdoor garden space.

Problem-solving and life skills learned through gardening

Gardening teaches life skills. There isn’t a gardener in the world who hasn’t at least once in their life encountered a problem that needed solving. Gardening with children teaches problem-solving, teamwork, observation skills, and organization. 

Kids encounter various challenges in the garden, from dealing with pests and diseases to deciding on the right amount of water and sunlight for their plants. These challenges require them to think critically, come up with solutions, and adapt their strategies as needed.  Additionally, gardening teaches kids the value of teamwork. Whether they are gardening with family members, classmates, or friends, they must collaborate to achieve common goals. Tasks such as planting, weeding, and harvesting require coordination and cooperation. Working together in the garden not only fosters a sense of shared responsibility but also helps kids understand the significance of teamwork in achieving success.

Gardening teaches patience 

Want your child to grow up to be successful? Have them grow alongside a garden!

Foundational research at Stanford by Walter Mischel and colleagues has shown that the ability to delay gratification is strongly correlated with success later in life. All gardeners know that gardening requires patience and persistence. You can nurture your child’s ability to delay gratification, and they will reap the benefits throughout their entire lifetime through gardening. 

Adding a sliding board to a raised bed can go a long way in increasing the fun factor!

The ultimate guide to gardening with kids

Have I persuaded you to get outside with your kids? Leave perfection at the door (there’s no place for it when kids are involved). Just get messy and have fun. You may even learn a thing or two along the way! 

But just in case you aren’t sure where to begin, here’s a guide about all the ins and outs of gardening with the little ones in your life. You’ll learn how to add whimsy and magic to outdoor spaces, how to design garden spaces with kids in mind, basic gardening know-how (e.g., finding your zone, choosing plants that will grow, soil preparation, and all about compost), teaching moments that can be had along the way (STEM in the garden anyone?), and arts and crafts for the colder winter months (you can take a gardener out of the garden, but…). 

So let’s dig in, get dirty, and grow something.  

Select a garden spot and get started 

The right garden space can make or break a garden. That said, gardening can be accomplished nearly anywhere and everywhere. I’ve had tiny balcony gardens in the heat of Arizona, to raised beds in the Pacific Northwest. I rarely have the perfect South-facing plot with amazing sun and good drainage.

If you have a spot like that, by all means, get digging, but don’t let a lack of the “ideal” spot stop your gardening dreams from being realized. Truth be told, plants are tough and life finds a way. Plus, a good deal of the fun with gardening comes from experimenting and observing the results. You may be surprised, and that learning will not be lost in next year’s garden.

Companies like Vego Garden make modular raised beds that can be configured in loads of different ways. This gives so much more flexibility for garden spaces that are tight or awkwardly shaped. They even have kids’ beds and in-ground worm composters to add the good stuff back into your soil. They get bonus points for being so beautiful!

Modular beds grant extra flexibility in the garden space. Of course, don’t expect squash to be contained by anything unless you’re growing vertically.

Consider hardiness zones

When choosing the right spot for your garden, keep some basics in mind. For instance, you can find your hardiness zone here. Use your hardiness zone to choose plants that can survive year-round in your area. Hardiness zones are most important with perennial plants, though, as many plants that you place in a spring or summer garden shouldn’t be expected to survive the winter months. Still, it’s nice to have some plants come back year after year! Using native plants is also a safe bet, as native plants have already evolved to thrive in their respective environments. 

Growing seasons

When choosing annual plants, like many of the vegetables that grow in summer gardens, you’ll want to pay attention to your area’s growing season. That is the length between the typical dates of the first and last frosts. Use these as a guideline for what you can grow, as each plant has a number of days from the time the seed is planted before it can be harvested (you can usually find this right on the seed packet). If your growing season isn’t long enough, you’ll never get to harvest before the first frost sets in. Don’t let all the charts keep you from taking chances or experimenting, though! So much of gardening is learned only through trial and error. 

Accessible spaces for children

Probably the most important factor to consider when choosing the right spot for your garden is ensuring that your garden space is accessible to your children. Involving them in selecting the growing space gets immediate buy-in from them and sparks enthusiasm for the project. 

Keep your garden accessible to children, and everyone will reap the benefits.

Getting kids involved in plant selection

Consulting kids about what to garden is as important as where to garden. Beyond hardiness zones and growing seasons, certain plants are better than others at keeping kids engaged. For example, creating a foraging garden that includes plants that are good for grazing, like snap peas and cherry tomatoes, as well as herbs like mint and superfoods like moringa, encourages children to sample what they’ve grown and gets them excited about the prospect of harvesting. Let your kids each pick a type of plant to try growing. They’ll be much more invested in the outcome (and likely to eat it), if they were involved in the process.

Afraid your thumb isn’t green enough, but want an easy win? This post will give you a great start with five veggies that are easy for kids to grow.

Consider creating theme gardens 

Theme gardens can be a lot of fun. Below are some examples of types of gardens your child might be interested in growing.

Pizza garden 

What kid doesn’t love pizza? Have them grow their very own toppings and watch their green thumbs and their palate take off. Pizza gardens might include tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, onions, garlic, artichokes, spinach, basil, and oregano. 

Salsa garden

Salsa is my favorite food group so this one might be more for me than my kiddo. A salsa garden might include cilantro, garlic, hot pepper, onion, sweet bell pepper, tomatillo, and tomato. 

Soup garden

Soup gardens are great for when the seasons start to change. Luckily, most of the contents are ready to harvest just when you might be craving a hot pot of it on the stovetop. A basic soup garden may contain garlic (basically every garden contains garlic), green beans, kale, chard, sweet corn, potatoes, onions, winter or summer squash.

Salad garden

Want your kids to eat the green stuff? Have them grow it! Salad gardens may contain beets, carrots (root veggies are especially fun to harvest since it’s like digging for buried treasure!), cucumber, lettuce, nasturtium (pretty edible flowers make magical fairy salads), radish, spinach, sweet bell peppers, and tomatoes.  

Gardening with kids can take place in all kinds of spaces. Here a child tends to a small balcony garden.

Three Sisters garden

This is a great garden to grow and can be coupled with storytelling!  Corn, beans, and squash are known as the Three Sisters and are central to Native American agriculture and folklore.  The corn provides tall stalks for the beans to climb.  Beans, like other legumes, are nitrogen-fixers adding it to the soil. The squash plants grow as a ground cover, keeping the soil moist and controlling weeds. All three store well and can be used as food year-round. The book “In the Three Sisters Garden” by JoAnne Dennee contains some beautiful stories to pair with planting a Three Sisters garden.

In the Haudenosaunee tradition, all three types of seeds were planted together in a mound. Planting a Three Sisters garden is a great introduction to companion planting, which is when plants are grown near together for the benefit of one or more. Companion planting can be a natural way of pest control, can help plants grow bigger and stronger and increase pollination, and can even make certain fruits and vegetables taste better. Here’s a great resource to learn more.

Potion garden

This one is as useful as it is magical. Your little witchlings will appreciate a space where they can harvest ingredients for any magic they may be conjuring. And you’ll be able to create an apothecary for your family at the same time. Some great medicinal plants to include are calendula, chamomile, comfrey, horehound, lavender, lemon balm, peppermint, and sage. Lemon balm and lavender make a child-friendly and soothing tea to have before bed. Calendula is amazing at healing diaper rash and other minor skin irritations.  

A butterfly or pollinator garden

Vegetables shouldn’t have all the fun! Creating a garden with pollinator-friendly plants will increase the presence of beneficial insects in your yard and garden space. A pollinator garden is also great for any fruits and veggies that you do have planted, as it attracts pollinators to your yard where they can find your vegetables and pollinate those as well.

But, pollinator gardens are fun in their own right. Butterflies are beautiful and honey and bumble bees are fun to watch. Kids love observing insects. This is a great opportunity to witness an entire life cycle in the backyard! Hummingbirds may even stop by. Most of all, creating a pollinator garden helps creatures that we depend on by giving them a safe food source.  

This calendula patch is perfect for creating soothing ointments and yields ample ingredients for kids’ potion-making.

Soil preparation

Preparing the soil is a crucial step when gardening and sets the foundation for a successful and enjoyable experience. Well-prepped soil provides the necessary nutrients, aeration, and drainage that plants need to thrive, offering children the opportunity to witness the direct correlation between soil health and plant growth. Moreover, involving kids in the soil preparation process is a valuable educational experience, as they learn about the importance of soil composition, organic matter, and pH levels, all of which are fundamental concepts in the world of agriculture and environmental science.

Composting

Gardens need nutrients, and that’s where composting comes in! Kids are inherently interested in the transformation of things. Teaching kids about compost is a great way to capitalize on these interests. Start by setting aside a second compost bin next to yours that is just for them. They can add their own food scraps to it and observe how it changes over time. Your little scientists may even want to record their observations.  

Kids love playing in the dirt, and will likely be equally as fascinated in the process of how dirt comes to be. Try a composting experiment to bring the transformation front and center. Replicate a small compost pile inside a plastic bottle to create a compost soilarium (instructions can be found here).

Here’s a fantastic list of children’s books all about composting to read more. 

Build a worm farm

Want to take composting and your garden’s health a step further? Consider creating a worm farm! The only thing that kids may love more than dirt are the things they find in it, including wriggly worms. And the worm castings they create are amazing soil amendments. All you need is a plastic storage container with a lid and some basic things that can be found around the house. 

Drill 10 or so small holes in the sides and bottom of the container. The holes allow air in and excess moisture out. Worms like to be moist, but not soaking. Make sure to cover the holes with a screen so your worms don’t get out. Fill the container halfway with strips of newspaper (children can cut the paper into strips), which serve as a comfy bed (and a snack) for your worms. Moisten the newspaper with a spray bottle. Add red wriggler worms.

Add food scraps to the newspaper (fruit and veggie peels, coffee grounds, pasta, tea bags, and foliage trimmed from the garden make great additions, but don’t add dairy, oil, or meat). Place the bin on a tray or pan in a warm spot out of direct sunlight. Add food and check on it regularly. 

Eventually, worm castings will start to build up, though it can take a while. Once you have enough castings, use a spoon to scoop them out and add them to the soil around the plants in the garden. An indoor worm bin (using red wrigglers) can be started at any time of year and is a great winter activity to get soil amendments ready for use in spring and summer planting.  

Create a soil horizon

Learn about the native soil in the areas you wish to plant by doing this educational activity with your kids. Creating a soil horizon provides information on how often you will need to water your garden and what kind of plants will grow best there. It’s also super easy!

All you need is a glass quart-sized jar with a lid, a hand trowel, soil, water, and a soil-type chart for making observations and comparisons. 

Start by filling the jar 2/3 full with water. Take a soil sample using the trowel to remove the top inch of soil from a small area where your future garden will live, then dig out soil from underneath and fill half the jar with soil, topping it off with water. Seal the jar and have your kids take turns shaking it vigorously. Then place it somewhere it won’t be disturbed for at least 24 hours. 

Encourage your kids to peek at it every once in a while and to observe any changes while using their eyes and not their hands. After 24 hours, you should see different layers of soil at the bottom of the jar. The very bottom layer is sand, with silt on top, and clay on top of that. Compare your soil horizon to a soil chart to identify what kind of soil you have in your garden. Feel free to repeat this experiment in other areas of your yard, or wherever you wish to grow something. 

Having kids water plants is a great way to involve them in age-appropriate garden tasks.

Getting kids involved in garden tasks

Involve children in soil preparation by having them use their tools to loosen it, adding their own compost for nutrients, and creating holes where tiny seeds will go. Guide them in planting seeds at the right depth and spacing, but don’t be a perfectionist about it!

If you are transplanting seedlings, teach them to be gentle with the plants. Let them give the plants a drink and encourage them to monitor their growth on a regular basis.

The best way to avoid garden pests is to catch and remove them early, and little gardeners can use their eagle eyes to find them. Introduce ladybugs in the garden to naturally control pests like aphids. Planting flowers for pollinators and parasitic wasps can also control pest populations naturally.  

Connecting with nature

Remember that one of the overarching goals of getting children in the garden is to cultivate a connection with and stewardship of nature. Choose garden chores that align with specific children’s ages and guide them as they take on new skills. But leave lots of room for unstructured play in the garden.

All work and no play will result in your child quickly losing interest. Kids were created to play and this medium fosters the most effective learning. So incorporate plants that can handle some foot traffic in play areas. Use borders to protect delicate saplings and to remind your own little saplings where their feet belong. And let loose in the garden a bit. Gardening is supposed to be a stress reliever after all! 

Quiet your inner gardener and let your child guide you in taking chances. I let Remy plant any seeds or seedlings he wanted to in his plot. Some of the seedlings looked quite scraggly (which is why they didn’t make it into my raised beds), but low and behold, they all took off when he got them into the ground. So take some chances and quiet the critical gardener who “knows best.”

A lightweight child-sized garden rake is perfect when little hands need to push mulch and soil.

Adding whimsy and magic to your outdoor garden space 

Adding a touch of whimsy and magic to outdoor spaces can transform them into inviting realms for children to play and explore. Incorporating elements like colorful, oversized garden ornaments, fairy lights, and hidden nooks can stimulate their imagination and create a sense of wonder. Enchanting pathways, secret garden doors, and miniature fairy houses can turn a simple garden into an enchanting world where kids can embark on exciting adventures and imaginative quests. These elements not only encourage outdoor play but also foster creativity and a deep appreciation for the natural world, allowing children to connect with the magic of nature in their own backyard.

All things mud

 If your child loves to dig (*enthusiastically raises hand*), create a digging-only bed where they can dig and play in the mud without harming seedlings. Add some earth mover toys and a pile of rocks and sticks for additional textures and to create mud gnome homes (note:  larger rocks are better for staying out of little mouths).

A mud kitchen is a great place to mix potions and make mud pies. Check out the book “Mud Pies and Other Recipes” by Marjorie Winslow for inspiration. Encourage your little ones to build fairy houses with natural objects so the pixies will help care for the garden.  

Mud kitchens allow kids to make messes in all the right places!

Places to hide

Incorporating living structures like squash tunnels, sunflower houses, and bean teepees into your garden can transform it into a captivating and imaginative haven for children. These living structures not only add a sense of enchantment to the garden but also provide fun places to hide, play, or curl up with a book. Squash tunnels create cozy hideaways where kids can explore the lush foliage and vibrant blooms while staying shaded from the sun. Sunflower houses offer a natural, sun-dappled retreat where young readers can immerse themselves in books amidst towering, sunflower walls. Bean teepees, with their climbing vines and leafy canopies, provide secret alcoves for imaginative play and offer a sense of seclusion within the garden’s green embrace. These living structures not only inspire a love for gardening but also nurture a child’s sense of adventure and wonder in the great outdoors.

Creature features

Include bird houses, bat boxes, feeders, and bee baths for lots of creature viewing and additional connecting with nature. You may wish to create a sit spot where your child can engage in the mindful practice of sitting quietly and observing. Have them select the spot, but it should be in a location that is good for observing nature with varied and interesting things to watch. Your child can return to the same spot as frequently as desired and note how wildlife changes throughout the year. This is a great practice to couple with nature journaling.   

Squash tunnels are space-efficient and a fun place for kids to hide.

Garden safety tips for kids

Don’t forget about safety! Always supervise children when they are in the garden, especially younger ones. Keep a close eye on them to prevent accidents and ensure they are following safety guidelines.

Teach kids how to use garden tools properly. Better yet, invest in small, lightweight child-sized versions of trowels, rakes, and watering cans to make gardening more fun and to get your kids invested as well. Ensure that any chemicals or fertilizers are stored out of their reach. This is a great time to go over proper hand washing, too. 

And finally, teach children not to touch or ingest any plants without your guidance. Some plants can be toxic if ingested or cause skin irritation upon contact. Familiarize yourself with the plants in your garden and educate your children about any potential hazards.

Sunflowers are beloved by children and pollinators alike!

Garden arts and crafts 

Crafts are a great way for your artsy child to put their mark on their garden. Have your child plant seeds in the shape of a design in the garden and watch their artwork literally come to life!

Let your child paint the sign for their garden to instill a sense of pride and ownership. Kids can create plant markers by painting river stones. Garden games can also be created with the use of river stones and acrylic paint. For instance, paint rocks as ladybugs and bumble bees for a fun game of tic tac toe on a tree stump.

When it’s especially cold and wet outside, inside garden crafts abound. Create mosaics by using a piece of cardboard, some glue, and some randomly- (or carefully-) placed seeds of different shapes, colors, and sizes. Envelopes can be decorated and labeled to collect seeds from the garden for planting the following year.

During the winter months, your budding artist can create a plant collage using an old seed catalog, scissors, glue, and poster board, to use while planning and dreaming up spring’s garden.

Seed mosaics and garden-themed books bring the outdoor learning inside when the weather is inclement.

Live your garden

Weave gardening into your everyday life, much like brushing your teeth. Collect some flowers for a small vase on your child’s play table. Let them pick the lettuce that will go on the sandwiches you make for lunch. Grow a pumpkin that will be carved for Halloween or made into a pie at Thanksgiving. Create a pizza garden that is utilized on Friday movie nights. When the garden is dormant in the wintertime, spend that time cozy in front of the fire with a seed catalogue dreaming about what will go in your plots in the spring. Have a garden party. Find garden-themed books and read them all year long (this list has some amazing titles, as does this one). 

Focus on your child’s passion and let them do some leading. What is their favorite thing to eat? Grow that! And don’t forget the very little ones.  Just being alongside you in the garden is enough to feed their interest for the coming years as their abilities allow them to participate more and more. It’s never too early to start!

Above all else, get outside, nurture, and be nurtured. 

Little hands love new textures and gardens provide all that and more!

Do you garden with your kids?

About the author

Jackie grew up in central Pennsylvania but is currently enjoying island life in the Salish Sea with her two teens, a pre-schooler, and identical twin baby girls. She specializes in soul-centered outdoor elopements on wild pieces of Earth, as well as soulful, nostalgic, and cozy storytelling photography for families wishing to reconnect with the Earth and with each other.

Jackie is a former forest preschool teacher with a Ph.D. in developmental psychology who whole-heartedly believes that Reginald Horace Blythe was right when uttering the words “Mud is the most poetical thing in the world,” and loves to spend her time in the thick of nature, usually with bare feet. Her greenhouse is her happy place. She also believes that children are big philosophers in little bodies and that we would all be better off walking through life as they do, with our eyes, ears, and hearts open to it all. To that end, she wishes to share photography as a means to live more fully and intentionally in each moment and in nature. Mostly, she just wants her children to grow up with a sense of wonder, to wander, and to have a strong passion for protecting this planet.

You can find more from Jackie in the following locations:
Instagram: @raising_little_naturalists
Website: Wild Women Wandering
RWMC posts: Jackleen Leed

The post The Ultimate Guide to Gardening with Kids appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Teens need play, too

It can be daunting to come up with a list of outdoor activities to get teens and tweens off screens, but I bet you have a bunch of these ready in your back pocket. You just need a refresher and some inspiration! Outdoor games and activities are a great opportunity for teens to take breaks from their screens, get social, exercise, and have fun. The best outdoor activities for teens are the ones that combine fun, friends, and fresh air! 

The best way to encourage teens and tweens to get outside for some fresh air and fun is to ensure there is a lot of peer community. Contrary to popular belief, older kids need and want to play. I believe it’s important to give teens and tweens an outdoor outlet to play and connect with each other. And yes, the competition might be leveled up as the kids get older, but that’s all part of the fun for them.

The benefits of outdoor play for kids (teens and tweens included) are boundless, ranging from physical health to mental well-being and personal development. As we delve into the thrilling outdoor pursuits listed below, we’ll also uncover the compelling reasons why fostering a love for the great outdoors can shape our teens and tweens into well-rounded, resilient individuals.

So, join us on this journey to reconnect with nature, as we discover the transformative power of unplugged adventures for our young ones. It’s time to swap pixels for sunlight and pave the way for unforgettable memories and lasting life lessons. You may want to bookmark this post so you can come back to it the next time your teen says he/she is bored or if you find them staring at the screen for too long.

Organized outdoor activities and games

Sometimes, organized outdoor activities give teens and tweens the structure to get started and provide teens and tweens with the essential structure they need to kickstart their outdoor adventures. These activities offer a framework that introduces them to the joys of being outside. This structure not only fosters discipline and teamwork but also encourages them to discover new interests and skills. What’s truly remarkable is how these organized activities can serve as a springboard for creativity. As long as you have an outdoor space for them to play, you may be pleasantly surprised how often they go outside. 

As they get used to turning toward outdoor fun, they will begin to create their own versions and rules and sometimes even their own games. These newfound freedoms allow them to experiment, collaborate with friends, and develop problem-solving skills—all while having a blast in the great outdoors. In this way, organized outdoor activities serve as the initial stepping stones that lead to a world of limitless possibilities for creative and unstructured outdoor play.

For now, here is a list of organized games and activities for your teen or tween started:

Disc golf / frisbee golf

Disc golf, also known as frisbee golf, combines the precision of golf with the excitement of throwing a frisbee. This fun activity encourages teens to explore natural settings like parks or wooded areas while honing their throwing skills. The benefits include enhanced hand-eye coordination, cardiovascular exercise, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors. There are a host of established courses that many local parks and recreation facilities can offer. If you don’t have any courses near you, teens and tweens will often make their own course through the neighborhoods. Local parks are also a good space to set up a homemade course.

Putt putt golf

For very little cost, teens and tweens can meet up together to play a little putt-putt together. Putt-putt golf, a miniature version of traditional golf, is a classic outdoor game that provides an engaging outdoor experience with its colorful courses and quirky obstacles. Teens can challenge their friends or family while developing focus and patience. This fun activity not only encourages friendly competition but also improves concentration and spatial awareness. This is also a great outdoor activity while traveling!

Pickleball

This fast-paced sport, most well-known for a more mature crowd, has taken the teen world by storm. Pickleball, a hybrid of tennis and table tennis, is played on a smaller court with a lightweight paddle and a wiffle ball. It’s perfect for teens looking for a fun and fast-paced outdoor activity that promotes agility, teamwork, and cardiovascular fitness. The relatively low learning curve allows beginners to quickly get into the game and enjoy the benefits of active play.

Parks and recreation facilities are quickly adapting their tennis courts, and pop-up pickleball clubs are all the rage. Rent paddles or buy your own.

Tennis

Tennis, a fast-paced racquet sport, encourages teens to engage in friendly matches or practice their skills on public courts. This activity enhances cardiovascular fitness, agility, and hand-eye coordination while fostering social interaction and sportsmanship. It’s a game that can be played casually or competitively, indoor or outdoor, any time of year, making it adaptable to different skill levels and interests.

Golf

Golf, with its serene greens and picturesque landscapes, invites teens to embrace a more tranquil outdoor experience. Whether they’re playing on a full-sized course or enjoying mini-golf, golf teaches patience, focus, and precision. Teens can challenge themselves while enjoying the beauty of the natural surroundings. Golf encourages strategic thinking and problem-solving as they navigate the course. These activities not only promote physical fitness but also instill valuable life skills, making them ideal options to lure teens away from screens and into the great outdoors.

Both tennis and golf are sports that are great for a group as small as two. Actually, golf can be played solo and well into the late decades of your life, making it a great sport to start young. Teens will definitely get their steps in and make memories playing.

Kickball

Kickball, reminiscent of childhood playground games, is an excellent choice for teens (and kids of all ages). It’s a fun game that encourages them to run, kick, and strategize as a team. The benefits include increased physical fitness, improved coordination, and opportunities for social bonding. It’s a great game that can be played in parks, schoolyards, or any open space, making it accessible and convenient. Kickball is a classic game and great for involving teens and tweens because it just doesn’t get too serious, and everyone can have fun.

Big group games and activities

Teens and tweens can have so much fun by engaging in big group games and activities outdoors. These large-scale gatherings create an atmosphere of excitement, camaraderie, and friendly competition that’s hard to replicate indoors. I often think about the field day activities that little kids have so much fun with and what a good time those were. This is similar, but maybe just up a notch for the older kids. They have a little more freedom and a little more self control, but at the same time the wild draws them in more.

These types of activities can transform an ordinary day into an unforgettable adventure. The sheer scale of these activities fosters a sense of community, encouraging teens to bond with their peers, make new friends, and build lasting memories together. The laughter, energy, and shared moments create a sense of togetherness that’s both invigorating and deeply satisfying.

Moreover, big group activities outdoors offer a unique chance for teens and tweens to develop essential life skills. They learn teamwork, communication, and problem-solving as they strategize with their peers to achieve common goals. These games also promote physical fitness, as running, jumping, and competing in large group settings provide an excellent workout.

Beyond the physical benefits, these fun outdoor activities teach crucial lessons about leadership, cooperation, and adaptability, which can prove invaluable as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and beyond. In essence, big group outdoor activities empower teens and tweens to have fun, forge strong connections, and grow into more resilient and socially adept individuals.

Glow stick tag

If your teens find themselves bored or restless after the sun goes down, this game of tag is a way for them to extend their outside time. Better to play with a glow stick than the glow of a screen! Glow Stick Tag is a variation of the classic game of tag, but played in the dark with glow sticks. Teens experience the thrill of pursuit and evasion while enhancing their agility and reflexes. This outdoor game for teens is perfect for summer evenings and encourages outdoor play well into the night.

Capture the Flag

Capture the Flag is another classic game involving strategy, teamwork, and a bit of stealth as teams work to capture the opposing team’s flag while defending their own. Played in wide open spaces, this game encourages teens to explore outdoor settings, develop communication skills, and engage in friendly competition. Benefits include improved physical fitness, enhanced problem-solving abilities, and the cultivation of a strong sense of camaraderie among participants. There are all kinds of versions the game that the group can adapt and make work for older kids, younger kids, and even adults (if they’ll let you play!). This is great for maximum physical activity with fun.

There’s also a glow-in-the-dark version of this game that can be played outdoors at night, making it extra fun and keeping teens outside into the evening hours. 

Ultimate Frisbee

Ultimate Frisbee combines the athleticism of soccer, football, and basketball with the joy of throwing a frisbee. Played on a field, this game promotes cardiovascular fitness, teamwork, and strategic thinking. Teens improve their coordination, communication, and agility while relishing the exhilaration of a fast-paced outdoor sport. This one will require a big, open space, so consider a local school field or park with lots of room to run. My youngest loves to gather his buddies on a rainy day and play this at our local park for maximum laughs and a reason to get as dirty as possible. Bring towels and a change of clothes!

Outdoor scavenger hunt

Outdoor scavenger hunts (or treasure hunts) are fantastic for unleashing the inner child and explorer in teens. Armed with a list of items to find or clues to decipher, they venture into nature or urban environments, promoting an appreciation for the world around them. These hunts enhance observational skills, boost curiosity, and provide educational opportunities about the environment and local history.

Teen group activities are great, but if it’s a huge group, sometimes breaking into smaller groups helps the quieter ones. You can find online resources to make clues and/or ridiculous lists of treasures to find. A fun variation of this to make it a photo scavenger hunt or use the Goosechase app to create the scavenger hunt. Teens and tweens can use their phones, so it’s kind of a win-win for everyone.

Manhunt

Manhunt, a modern twist on hide-and-seek, is an exhilarating outdoor game where one person hides (or one team hides), and the other team members seek to find them. Teens experience the excitement of exploration and strategy as they work together to outwit their pursuers. It’s like hide & seek in reverse, and awesome for larger groups (and any age group). Manhunt fosters creativity, adaptability, and quick thinking, all while getting teens to move, run, and explore the great outdoors. End of the game is when all players have been found. It can be adapted for teens who are driving or can be done on a large property for high-level fun.

Water games and activities

Teens and tweens will take any chance to play around water. There is no better way to motivate my teenagers to get outside than to just add water! Because of the summer heat where we live, sometimes water activities are the only way to get my teens outside. Use whatever water you can get your hands on. Hoses, sprinklers, pools, natural waterways, whatever works! For instance, water balloons, add a refreshing twist to classic games like tag or dodgeball. The splashes and giggles that ensue create unforgettable moments, while also providing a much-needed respite from the heat during hot summer days (bonus points if you add ice cream to the mix after the game).

Activities like slip ‘n’ slides turn any ordinary backyard into a water park, allowing teens to slide and glide to their heart’s content. These games not only offer a great workout but also inspire creativity as teens invent new ways to make a splash and keep the fun flowing.

Pool basketball and pool (or beach) volleyball

Pool basketball and pool volleyball transform a typical backyard pool into a vibrant arena of aquatic competition. These games encourage teens to engage in friendly matches, improving their coordination and teamwork as they chase after the ball. Beyond the physical benefits, these activities offer a refreshing escape from the summer heat, promoting a sense of well-being and relaxation.

Both of these games are great for small groups, big groups, or even just one-on-one hours of fun in the sun…or rain, as my kids would have it! They’re a great way to get everybody involved. If you have too many to fit in the pool, do a rotation to make sure you’re being inclusive to all. We like this 4-way volleyball set that can also be adjusted down for badminton. 

Mass water balloon fight

Water balloon fights are a lighthearted way to bring large groups of teens together for a wet and wild adventure. These battles not only foster social interaction and laughter but also promote strategic thinking as participants aim to soak their opponents while staying dry themselves. The spontaneity of water balloon fights creates unforgettable memories and strengthens bonds among friends.

You can play something like this with any number of players. If you have a big group you can set this up as a dodgeball-type competition, or if you have a smaller group, then perhaps an egg toss-type event. Even a combo of Capture the flag with water balloons could work and be a fun way to mix it up. You could also do something similar with Nerf guns or water cannons. The idea is to get everyone outside and having fun.

Giant slip ‘n slide

Turn any grassy slope into a thrilling water park. Teens can slide and race, mastering the art of balance and speed. These slippery adventures provide a full-body workout while keeping everyone cool and entertained on hot summer days. For this to work well, it needs to be a rainy day, or you need access to running water. Either way, your teens and tweens will have some war wounds they can brag about. I’ve seen these set up to land in a lake or a pool. I highly suggest using something as a trial run to make sure no one gets seriously injured.

Tubing, water skiing & wakeboarding

Tubing, skiing, and wakeboarding introduce teens to the exhilaration of water sports. Whether gliding behind a boat on an inflatable tube, skiing across the surface, or riding the waves on a wakeboard, these activities promote physical fitness, balance, and coordination. Add a little speed on the water really gets the teens goin’ and keeps them outside for hours with some healthy risk-taking. They also foster a deep connection with natural bodies of water, encouraging teens to appreciate and protect these environments. 

Backyard games for teens and tweens (or at the beach)

Whether it’s a game of cornhole in the backyard or a round of spikeball on the beach, these fun activities create opportunities for physical activity and social interaction. Backyard games offer a casual yet competitive setting where teens can bond with friends or family while honing their hand-eye coordination and aiming skills. What’s particularly wonderful about these outdoor games is their adaptability to different skill levels, making them accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Backyard (or beach) games encourage teens and tweens to unplug and immerse themselves in the sensory delights of the outdoors, from the feeling of sand between their toes to the warmth of the sun on their skin. These activities not only provide a well-rounded workout but also offer countless opportunities for laughter, camaraderie, and spontaneous moments of creativity as teens build, chase, and compete in the beauty of the backyard or along the shoreline. 

Spikeball

The ultimate yard and beach game is set up for a 4 player game. Spikeball is a dynamic and fast-paced game that combines elements of volleyball and four-square. Played on the grass or sand, it demands quick reflexes, teamwork, and strategic ball control. It’s an excellent way for teens to engage in an action-packed outdoor sport that keeps them on their toes. If you have multiple nets, you can set up a tournament or just keep it small with a few friends. I see teens carrying this game in their cars so they have it at all times when the opportunity arises.

Cornhole

Cornhole, the classic bean bag toss game, offers a perfect blend of leisure and competition. Teens can gather in teams, honing their tossing skills while enjoying spirited matches. Beyond the fun, cornhole fosters precision, focus, and friendly rivalry among players. This easygoing game is great for all ages and allows for a lot of peer interaction. For tweens, this can be a good activity to get the conversation rolling without too much awkwardness. 

Horseshoes

Horseshoes is a classic yard game great for family events! This game combines skill, precision, and friendly competition. Played with the simple goal of tossing a horseshoe to encircle a stake in the ground, it requires a keen eye, a steady hand, and strategic judgment. Horseshoes is not only a great way for teens to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine but also an opportunity to bond with friends and family in a relaxed and social setting. Whether played casually at a backyard barbecue or in a more competitive tournament format, horseshoes provide a perfect blend of leisure and challenge, making it a timeless favorite that connects generations and fosters good-natured rivalry.

Bocce ball

Bocce ball is a simple yet strategic game that encourages teens to engage in precise throws and tactical thinking. Played on a grassy surface, it promotes gentle physical activity and can be enjoyed in a relaxed or competitive setting.

Obstacle course

A great way to get teens and tweens involved is to have them develop an obstacle course. Obstacle courses are versatile and adaptable outdoor activities that allow teens to construct challenges from everyday objects or purchased equipment. Building and navigating these courses enhances problem-solving abilities, creativity, and physical fitness. There are so many different way to adapt this idea for kids of any age. Teens can design their own courses and compete for the fastest time, fostering a sense of accomplishment. Help them brainstorm creative ideas to use items you have around the house. Invite the neighborhood friends and find a way to make it a fun competition. 

Shoot hoops

Shooting hoops is a timeless activity that encourages teens to practice their basketball skills, improve hand-eye coordination, and engage in friendly competitions with friends. Whether they’re aiming for a casual game of H.O.R.S.E. or a more serious one-on-one showdown, shooting hoops is a fantastic way to stay active and develop athletic prowess.

Ladder golf

Ladder golf combines strategy and precision as teens aim to toss bolas onto a ladder-like structure. This game promotes balance, accuracy, and the joy of aiming for a challenging target. Ladder Golf is an ideal choice for socializing and refining coordination skills.

Slackline

Slacklining involves balancing on a narrow, flexible strap suspended between two anchor points. It challenges teens’ core strength, concentration, and balance. Slacklining offers not only a unique physical workout but also a sense of accomplishment as teens progress from wobbly steps to confident walks on the line.

Photo Credit: Jen Barnes

Other outdoor activities

There are other things to consider as a way to get your teens and tweens off screens and outside more. Plan a field trip day for big fun. Make a plan and invite friends. Or engage in some everyday outdoor fun like biking, fishing, or hiking.

Water park

Make reservations or buy tickets to a nearby water park. This is a great way to spend all day long outside in the hot summer temperatures. Most places allow you to pack your own picnic lunch and provide facilities to shower or change clothes. 

Theme park/amusement park

These may not seem like outdoor activities, but your teens and tweens will get in lots of steps on a day exploring. Even the waiting in lines keeps them outside and off screens for the day!

Zoos and aquariums

A trip to the zoo or aquarium can be both entertaining and educational. Teens can learn about various animal species, conservation efforts, and even participate in behind-the-scenes tours and interactive exhibits.

Historical sites and museums

Teens interested in history can enjoy visiting historical landmarks, battlefields, or museums dedicated to art, science, or culture. These trips provide valuable learning experiences while keeping them engaged offline.

Outdoor adventure parks

Adventure parks with activities like zip-lining, ropes courses, and rock climbing can satisfy the thrill-seeker in teens and tweens. These parks often offer age-appropriate challenges that promote physical fitness and confidence.

Botanical gardens

Strolling through beautiful gardens filled with exotic plants and vibrant flowers can be a serene and visually stimulating experience. Some botanical gardens even host seasonal events and workshops.

Outdoor sports venues

Take teens to watch live sporting events like baseball, soccer, or football. Witnessing professional athletes in action can ignite their passion for sports and encourage physical activity.

Additional resources

• 30+ outdoor party games for kids
• Wilderness survival skills for teens
• Teen mental health & the outdoors

Which outdoor games and activities will you use to get your teens and tween off screens?

About the author

Jen has been married to her original adventure partner, John, for 20 years. She is a mama to 3 teenagers who, although they have busy and independent lives, love to adventure in the outdoors when they can. Jen is a native of Chicago, but has lived in South Carolina for two decades and calls it home. She’s always planning the next adventure for herself or her friends, whether near or far. Hiking, kayaking, sailing with her family, or traveling the world is all about the experience and the journey. Her extroverted nature keeps her talking and smiling with anyone she meets along the way. She’s on a mission to show other busy families that traveling with teenagers is possible and fun!

You can find Jen online in the following locations:
Instagram: @gofamilyadventure
Website: Go Family Adventure
RWMC Posts: Jen Barnes

The post Outdoor Games & Activities To Get Teens and Tweens Off Screens appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Sunflowers are the flower of summer

The sunflower is the ultimate symbol of summer. Whether growing wild on the side of the road or carefully cultivated in a field, the sunflowers’ vibrant yellow blooms not only delight bees and bring smiles to faces, but they create a gorgeous backdrop for photos. However, sunflower fields are often wild (just like your kids!), so you have to consider the elements when planning a trip to a sunflower field to capture some photos. 

Why take photos in a sunflower field?

Visiting a sunflower field in the summertime for family photos can be a fantastic idea for so many reasons. The vivid colors of the sunflowers can create a visually appealing and cheerful backdrop for your family photos. Sunflower fields offer a natural and picturesque setting that can add a touch of beauty and charm to your family photos. Sunflowers are often associated with positivity, happiness, and warmth. Incorporating these symbols into your family photos can infuse a sense of joy and optimism into the images.

In addition, summer is a time of growth and abundance, and sunflowers are quintessential summer flowers. Capturing your family in a sunflower field can help evoke the essence of the season and create a timeless memory. Sunflower fields can provide a playful and adventurous atmosphere for family photos. Children can enjoy running among the sunflowers, which can lead to candid and spontaneous moments that result in charming photos.

Visiting a sunflower field with your family can be a memorable and enjoyable outing in itself. The experience of being surrounded by nature’s beauty and spending quality time together can be cherished by both parents and children. Sunflower fields can serve as a natural playground for them, making it easier to capture genuine smiles and expressions in the photos. Being in a sunflower field can help your family feel more connected to nature and the environment. This connection can be reflected in the photos, adding depth and authenticity to the images.

How to plan the perfect sunflower field photo session for your family

Taking quality photos at the sunflower field with your family requires planning and patience. It also takes a little research into the weather, temperature, wildlife, and lighting at the time you’re planning your outing. For nine summers straight, I have loaded up my family to explore sunflower fields – both commercial and wild – in four states (Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri). After countless sunflower field adventures and escapades, I feel I have made enough mistakes to help you make your family’s visit to the sunflower field go smoothly!

A little planning goes a long way to ensure your trip to the sunflower field with your family leaves you with gorgeous pictures and fond memories. Here’s everything you need to know to take amazing photos of your family at the sunflower fields this year. 

From bugs to vines, you never know what you will find on the sunflower blooms.

How to find a sunflower field near you

Finding local sunflower fields when they’re in bloom can be difficult if you don’t know where to look. Oftentimes, sunflower fields that you may see when out driving are on private property and, thus, unavailable to use for photos. Here are some effective ways to locate accessible sunflower fields open to the public in your area:

1. Online searches: Use search engines like Google to search for “local sunflower fields” or “sunflower fields near me.” This might lead you to websites, blogs, or news articles that provide information about the nearest sunflower fields and their blooming schedules. 
2. Social media: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter often have local users/influencers/photographers who share their experiences visiting sunflower fields. Use relevant local hashtags to find posts and images from people who have visited sunflower fields in your area. Join local photography groups or forums to see if anyone has shared information about sunflower fields in your area.
3. Local event listings: Check out local event listing websites, community forums, or Facebook event pages. Sometimes, sunflower field owners, farms, orchards, parks, or organizations hosting events around sunflower blooms will promote these on such platforms.
4. Farm directories: Websites that list local farms and agritourism destinations often provide information about sunflower fields and other seasonal attractions. Examples include LocalHarvest and PickYourOwn.org.
5. Local news: Keep an eye on local newspapers, news websites, and TV stations. They often highlight popular seasonal attractions like sunflower fields when they’re in bloom.
6. Local tourism websites: Many cities and regions have official tourism websites that showcase local attractions, including seasonal events like sunflower blooms.
7. Botanical gardens, nature reserves, conservation areas: Check with your local botanical gardens, nature reserves, conservation areas, or parks, as they sometimes plant sunflower fields for visitors to enjoy.

8. Word of mouth: Ask friends, family members, coworkers, local photographers, or neighbors if they know of any sunflower fields in the area. Personal recommendations can be valuable for finding the best local places from those in the know.

When is peak sunflower bloom season?

Peak sunflower bloom times can vary depending on your location and climate. Generally, sunflowers tend to bloom during the late summer and early fall months. In the Northern part of the US (and Canada), sunflowers tend to peak at the end of July and the first few weeks of August. In the Midwest, August is a great month for sunflowers. And in the Southern US, blooms could go into September.

If you’re not in the US, here’s a rough guideline for peak sunflower bloom season in different regions:

Europe:

• Western Europe: July to September
• Central and Eastern Europe: August to September

Australia:

• Southern Australia: January to March (summer)
• Northern Australia: April to June (dry season)

Asia:

• Depending on the country, the sunflower bloom season can range from July to September.

Keep in mind that these are approximate timeframes and can vary due to factors like local weather conditions, specific sunflower varieties, when the sunflowers were planted, and agricultural practices. It’s a good idea to monitor local sources such as farm websites, social media, and news outlets as the season approaches to get more accurate information about the bloom timing in your area.

How to prepare for your family’s visit to the sunflower field

Like most adventures with your family, a bit of planning will make things run smoothly. Here are some things to consider and do before heading to the sunflower field with your family to explore the fields and/or take photos. 

1. Research the sunflower field’s rules

It’s important to remember that these fields are on someone’s property, and these people rely on this crop for their livelihood. 

Most fields have a social media presence, and their rules can be easily found on their Facebook or Instagram. For example, our favorite field here in eastern Kansas posts every year on its Facebook page their “rules of engagement.” Here the owners clearly, and humorously cover everything from bathrooms to behavior expectations when visiting the field. 

If a sunflower field does not have its rules listed in one place, here are a few common considerations and etiquette tips for visiting sunflower fields with your family:

• Remember that sunflower fields are often on private property or owned by farmers. Always respect the property and follow any posted rules or guidelines.
• Stick to designated paths and walkways to avoid damaging the sunflowers or trampling on the plants. This helps preserve the beauty of the field for others to enjoy.
• While it might be tempting to pick sunflowers, it’s important not to pick any sunflowers (unless you’re authorized to do so) or damage the plants. Farmers might have plans for the sunflowers after they bloom, such as using them for seeds or other purposes.
• Leave no trace and pack out everything you bring with you, including trash and litter. Keep the field clean and beautiful for others to enjoy.
• Be respectful of the local wildlife, animals and insects that call the field home.
• Be considerate of other visitors by keeping noise levels down, giving people space for photos, and waiting your turn for popular photo spots.
• If you’re taking photos, be aware of other visitors who might also want to capture the beauty of the field. Be patient and allow others to take their shots as well.
• Some sunflower fields might have entry fees, prices for cutting sunflowers, and/or specific visiting hours. Check online or contact the field owner in advance to get information about any requirements. Know what kind of payment they accept. 
• Get pertinent information about parking. If you visit an established farm that has other events like pumpkin patches or berry picking, expect to find a designated parking lot. You may have to park on the side of a road for wilder sunflower fields. Either way, find out whether parking is paved, gravel, or dirt (mud!) and plan accordingly.
• Know the bathroom situation. If you’re visiting a farm that hosts other events, they probably have a bathroom of some kind. If you plan to visit a field only open to the public during the sunflower bloom season, then have a “bathroom” plan for your family. 

Sunflower blooms do not last long once cut, but you can take some home to use for crafts or to harvest seeds to start your sunflower field next year. Make sure you know ahead of time whether the field charges per bloom cut or accepts donations. 

Think through your expectations ahead of time and then discuss them with your kids about their behavior before you head to the sunflower field so no one gets lost.

2. Set expectations before visiting the sunflower field with your family

Like any adventure with your kids, it’s important to set clear expectations of their behavior and educate them on what to expect. The sunflowers will most likely stand taller than your children, and if the sunflower field is large, staying together may be difficult. If someone wanders too far, what’s the plan? Is there a place on the edge of the field to head to, like a large rock or a tree? 

Before you head out, remind your kids that cut sunflowers don’t survive long. While it’s fun to cut them (if allowed), take only 1-2 and leave the rest in the field for other families to enjoy. Scroll down for fun activities to do with your sunflowers after you cut them. 

“Leave No Trace” principles apply to the sunflower field. Keep in mind this is someone’s land, and the sunflowers are their livelihood. The owners will need to run a tractor through the field to harvest all the sunflowers when the time comes. Things that do not help their tractor run include dirty diapers, keys, cell phones, trash, and large items you drug out there but were too lazy to drag back. Leave the field better than you found it. Pick up any trash lying around, and pack out whatever you pack in.

If your kids are willing, coordinating your outfits will help your family photographs at the sunflower field look polished.

What to wear to the sunflower field with your family

If you plan to include your family in the photos at the sunflower field, put some thought into what everyone wears, just like with any family photo shoot. Take into consideration the weather and dress accordingly. Sunflower season tends to be sunny, hot, and often humid. 

While it looks fantastic having your kids dressed up in photos, my family opts for comfort over style. I know it will help my kids enjoy the experience, which means they will cooperate with my (seemingly incessant) photo requests. My kids and husband wear synthetic shirts or polos (usually Under Armor), and I wear a workout top that will not show sweat easily. 

Also, take into consideration color choices and choose clothing that will complement the yellows and greens (and not clash with them). Stick with complementary colors like blues, whites, browns, and oranges. I always lean towards blue. We tend to go in the evening so navy and royal blue work well. If we go midday I choose a lighter blue.  As far as color scheme, you want your family to stand out amongst the flowers, but not completely steal the show. Also, try to avoid wearing clothing with logos, sayings, patterns, and characters. Stick with neutral solids in complementary colors. 

Whatever your family wears, make sure that you don’t mind them getting dirty, your kids feel comfortable wearing them, and they can move easily. 

Consider dressing in blues, whites, browns, and even orange to compliment the colors of the sunflower field.

Packing list for family photos in the sunflower field 

The weather, time of day, and the size of the field, and the accommodations available will affect your packing list. Water and snacks are mandatory for every family adventure. Here is our list of things to bring to ensure your trip to the sunflower field with your family goes smoothly.

Bug repellant

There will be bugs. Prep your kids for an abundance of pollinators zooming around the sunflower blooms. Also, because it’s a field, expect mosquitos, ticks, chiggers, and other bitey insects. We always shower and do a thorough tick check when returning home from the field. 

Sun protection

Whatever you use, bring them (sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, protective clothing). You can always remove hats and sunglasses for photos. Consider a non-toxic reef-safe sunscreen if you’re going to be touching plants and/or wildlife. 

Change of clothes/shoes

From toileting accidents to unexpected mud, pack a bag with extra clothes and shoes to ensure comfort on the ride home. Feel free to leave your change of clothes in the car; no need to lug it out to the sunflower field with you. 

Mentally prepare your family for the high number of bugs at the sunflower field.

If there’s mud, they will find it! Packing a change of clothes and extra shoes will make the ride home from the sunflower field much more comfortable.

Toileting supplies

Do bring these out into the field with us. My backpack includes wet wipes, tissues, a diaper or two, a Kula cloth, and plastic bags. Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles – pack everything out.  

Camera

Whatever camera you’ll be using, make sure to bring it along. While we love a beautiful DSLR image, you can get some pretty spectacular photos using just your smartphone. If you need photography tips and tutorials, be sure to check out these tips for how to take better photos of your outdoor adventures using your iPhone. 

Tripod

Optional, but odds are, you want to be in the photos with your family. A tripod, along with a timer or remote, will allow you to set up your photos and appear in them. I recommend bringing a tripod with adjustable leg heights.

Come prepared to the sunflower field with your family. Use a stool as a prop or to help you change your point of view. Pack extra toileting supplies just in case.

Stool

Changing your angle makes a big difference when photographing sunflower fields. Having the ability to stand on an elevated surface can help hide double chins and allow you to show how vast the field is by being able to see over the tops of the flowers. A gardening stool or even a Squatty Potty will work. I attach my collapsible stool to my backpack with a carabiner to make carrying it easier. 

Props for photos

People bring all sorts of things to pose with in the sunflower fields: decorative chairs, bicycles, baskets, umbrellas, and even bubbles. You may want to load everything up into a wagon, like one you would use to haul things to your kids’ sporting events. Or you could use a wagon to haul things, and as a prop in the images, so something like an old metal Radio Flyer wagon would look great.

Let your kids pick out something fun to bring as well. Mine love to bring binoculars, a favorite hat, stuffed animals, magnifying glasses, and an old point-and-shoot digital camera so they can take photos as well. 

Sunflowers are heliotropic, meaning they follow the sun until fully bloomed. Therefore, you may find sunflower blooms facing different directions early in the season.

Tips for photographing sunflowers with your family

Fun fact to share with your kids about sunflowers: they are heliotropic. Sunflower heads follow the sun as they grow until they fully bloom. As they grow, they face east in the mornings to greet the rising sun and slowly follow the sun across the sky as the day progresses. Overnight, they return to facing east ready for the sunrise. 

1. Know the best time to take sunflower photos with your family

Understanding heliotropism comes in handy when planning a visit to the sunflower field with your family.  If you’re familiar with the sunflower fields, consider what will be in the background in that direction at the time you’re visiting. If you visit the field in full bloom, expect the majority of the blooms to face east.

Try to avoid visiting the sunflower field with your family during midday if you can. It’s hotter during this time, and most sunflower fields don’t have shade. The sun sits overhead, resulting in blown-out backgrounds, sun streaks, and harsh shadows (like the photo below). Harsh is usually not an adjective we want to describe our family photos. 

Aim to visit the sunflower field with your family in the early morning or the golden hour (1-2 hours before sunset). If you go in the early morning, the sunrise will illuminate the front of the sunflower blooms and your subjects (if you pose them in front of the flowers). If you can’t make it at these times, try visiting on a cloudy day. Cloud coverage will keep the harsh shadows at bay. 

If you visit during the golden hour, the sunset will backlight the blooms, which will create a glowing effect around them, as well as help you capture the vivid colors of the sky as the sun sets. As nightfall approaches, you may need help to illuminate the sunflower blooms and your subjects.

Unless you love to edit, stick to early morning or the golden hour for photographing your family at the sunflower field.

The sun setting behind the sunflower blooms will create all sorts of cool effects on the flowers and your family as well.

2. Get creative with different angles when photographing at the sunflower field

For me, it’s tempting to take all close-up shots of sunflowers (and my family) because I love the different textures and patterns of the flower and stem. However, variety is the spice of life and getting creative in the different angles and perspectives you can use in your photos will give them each a unique look and feel. Besides close-ups, here are some different ways to photograph sunflowers and your family in the field. 

Pull back

If you’re at a larger field, try to capture the endlessness of the blooms by widening your shot. Use hills to your advantage for this, if your field has them. Experiment with standing at the base of the hill, photographing up, and standing atop the hill shooting down.

Experiment with aperture

Widen your depth of field (using a lower/small aperture) if using a DSLR to blur the flowers in the background. You can also do this on your smartphone using portrait mode. Crop trees out as you frame your shot, as they interrupt that endless feeling unless the field is ginormous and trees mark the boundary of the field. 

Play with the light

You can also get creative when utilizing the sunlight in your images. In the evening hours, experiment with the sun shining through the sunflower blooms. Adjust how you frame the image to have the sunburst peak between flowers or have a bloom block it to create a glowing effect.

Change your perspective

Here’s where the stool and change of clothes will come in handy. Use a foldable gardening stool or Squatty Potty to get more sunflowers in your frame by elevating yourself. This works especially well for fields with taller sunflowers. Elevating your camera will also reduce the appearance of double chins.

Or, try getting really low and shoot up into the sunflowers. Crouch or even sit down and aim your camera up at the blooms. Experiment with this to see if you find a perspective you like. Finally, remember that the backs of sunflowers look beautiful as well. Don’t forget to shoot different sides of the sunflowers. 

Don’t be afraid to widen your shot to capture the vastness of the field.

Don’t be afraid to get dirty yourself – that’s why you packed an extra set of clothes after all. Crouch or sit down in the field to capture your child’s perspective.

Sunflowers are beautiful from all sides, just like your family.

Getting your kids to leave the sunflower field can be hard once the photo shoot ends. Cut a bloom, or two, to take home to enjoy and interact with even longer.

Things to do after you visit the sunflower field 

The fun doesn’t have to end once your family leaves the sunflower field. Here are three crafty projects you can easily complete with your kids in the days following your visit to the sunflowers to keep the excitement alive.

Sunflower portraits

There are lots of options with making your own sunflower portraits, with no right or wrong way to do this fun sunflower activity, as long as everyone has fun.

Take photos of the sunflowers you cut from the field and stage them in a vase on your table or the ground (inside or outside). Poll your kids to see what mediums they want to use to create their sunflower portrait. Chalk on dark-colored construction paper is always a hit at our house. Or, have your kids use a permanent marker to outline the shape of the flower, and watercolor paints to color in their sunflower.

Don’t stress too much about supplies for this craft. Even a box of regular crayons or markers paired with scratch paper from around the house produces memorable work. 

Once they finish, you can frame and display your kids’ creations alongside the photos you took in the sunflower field to create a unique and memorable gallery wall. Or stick them on the fridge.

Continue the sunflower photo shoot at home

Back at home, hand over your camera (or phone) to your kids and allow them to orchestrate their sunflower photoshoot with the stem(s) you cut from the field. Use a cardboard box to create a homemade studio. Allow your kids to find things around the house or yard to use as props and backgrounds. Teach them to play with lighting. Taking photos near a window will create different shadows and colors than if they use a flashlight or lamp as a light source. The possibilities are endless. 

You can also continue the photoshoot at home. Remove the sunflowers from their natural environment and photograph your family with the cut blooms out of the field for a unique twist. 

Don’t feel like you need to do this photoshoot as soon as you return home from the sunflower field. You can wait until the sunflowers dry out. Hang them upside down in a dry location for 4-5 days, before taking photos. Try converting their digital images to black and white. The textures on dried sunflowers look even more impressive in high contrast. 

Take the sunflower out of the field to continue the photoshoot.

Harvest your sunflower seeds 

Cut sunflowers only last so long before they begin to droop due to the weight of the bloom. You can harvest the seeds to plant in next year’s garden, bake them for a tasty snack, or use them as bird feed. Pair a bag of seeds with a sunflower portrait or photo your child took for the perfect gift for friends, family, or teachers. 

To harvest your sunflower seeds, find a dry place to hang the blooms upside down. The flower petals will wilt and begin to fall off, and the backside of the sunflower will brown. Continue to dry the sunflower until the seeds begin to loosen from the head. When the sunflower is completely dry, brush the seeds with your hand to remove them. Use tweezers to remove stubborn seeds. 

Rinse the sunflower seeds and thoroughly dry them. Store seeds in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to use them. We have a spot in our pantry where we store our seeds, up high and out of the way (but brightly labeled so I don’t forget about them).

The importance of family photos

Capturing your family’s memories through photos is one of the best ways to tell your story. No, not just for Instagram, but for your family’s posterity and future.  While social media might make it seem as if photo taking and storytelling are trendy here and now, photos are forever. Each one is a frozen moment in time you can go back to again and again. I am in it for the long-term payout. 

Not only are photos a wonderful way for parents to remember the big and small moments and details, but they’re a way to pass down those memories to your children and grandchildren. I want our memories, stories, and adventures to be stamped into the soul of our family. I want them to bring us joy for years and serve as the roots that keep us all grounded and connected.

Sunflower family photos

In the radiant embrace of a sunflower field during the summer, an opportunity for captivating gorgeous family photos comes to life. With their vibrant petals stretching toward the sun, the sunflower’s cheerful blooms set the stage for a backdrop that resonates with positivity, happiness, and the very essence of the season. Amidst the sea of golden hues, children’s laughter blends with the rustling of leaves, creating a playful and heartwarming atmosphere that encapsulates the joy of familial bonds.

Over the years, these images become more than just photographs; they are portals to cherished memories of a day spent amidst nature’s beauty and the warmth of your loved ones. In capturing the love, laughter, and togetherness within the sunflower field’s embrace, you immortalize not only the moment but also the unique spirit of summer and the irreplaceable moments shared by your family. I hope this post will inspire you to get out into a sunflower field soon and capture some memories!

Have you ever visited a sunflower field for photos?

About the author

Writer, editor, photographer, teacher, and mama. Sarah Boles resides near Kansas City, Missouri, and escapes into the woods whenever she can. Her professional and personal mission is to help families get outside by increasing access to the outdoors for everyone. When she’s not creating or teaching, Sarah’s playing outside, usually with her kids. She loves to climb, hike, run trails, snowshoe, paddle, jump in puddles, garden, and pick up trash.

You can find more from Sarah online in the following locations: 
Instagram: @on_belay_edits
RWMC posts: Sarah Boles

The post How to Take Photos at a Sunflower Field with Your Family appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Exploring the kid-friendly hikes in Atlanta

Hiking in Atlanta doesn’t just mean you have to do urban trails. There are many kid-friendly hikes that don’t feel like you are in the city at all! Many of them are in secluded neighborhoods with lush vegetation and lots of green space. This makes you feel like you are far from the city and deep in nature.

Today, I’ll be covering 7 kid-friendly hikes and trails in the Atlanta area. Be sure to add these kid-friendly hikes to your list next time you are exploring Atlanta. 

1. Sweet Water Creek (red trail) 

Sweet Water Creek is a popular state park. One of the main trails to do is the red trail. This trail starts at the visitor center and takes you down a path where you are able to walk alongside the creek the entire way. The hike can be a bit rocky in certain parts, especially as you get closer to the end. With this being an out-and-back trail, once you get to the end of the trail, you must turn around and go back toward the beginning of the trail. 

2. Sope Creek Paper Mill trail

This trail is one of the best kid-friendly hikes in all of Atlanta. There is so much history at Sope Creek, with the ruins once being the largest paper mill in the state during the Civil War. To access this trail, there are a few starting points, but the main entrance is off paper mill road.

The trail is easily accessible year-round, but even better in the summer when you can play in the shallow parts of the river. The main loop is 2.3 miles and takes you down to the ruins and access to the Chattahoochee River. Once you walk back up from the river access, you continue on the loop, which will take you around the lake and back to the main parking lot. 

3. High Falls

High Falls is another state park in the Atlanta area with great hiking. This park offers camping and a few different hiking trails. The High Falls Trail takes you over to the beautiful waterfall. This trail is a quick 1-mile loop. You can park across the street in the main parking lot and then cross over to the trailhead.

Head down the staircase and get treated to the beautiful waterfall view that is High Falls. After visiting the falls, you will continue on the trail through the wooded forest and loop back around towards the start of the trailhead. 

4. East Palisades bamboo forest 

The bamboo forest on the East Palisades trail is such a hidden gem! Many locals don’t even know that it is there. This loop is about 4 miles and is considered moderate, but it is a very kid-friendly hike. If my 3-year-old and 4-year-old can do it with no problem, yours can too! Using the AllTrails app to map your hike is helpful for this particular trail because finding the trailhead can be a little tricky.

Once you park in the parking lot, you can either walk back down the road a little to access the trailhead from that end (which is a quick way to the bamboo forest if you don’t want to do the whole loop), or access the trailhead closest to the parking lot and make the full 4 mile loop. There is a lot to see and do on this trail, and once you start walking alongside the river, you will quickly approach the hidden Bamboo forest! 

5. Vickery Creek 

Vickery Creek is a local favorite, and for good reason! This hike leads to a stunning waterfall and is a great family outing experience. The loop is 2 miles, and you will cross over a bridge and end up at the popular waterfall along the trail.

This kid-friendly hike is also great if you want to just walk up to the waterfall alone and make a day of it. Vickery Creek runs along the Chattahoochee River, and on a day after rainfall, it flows heavily and is amazing to see! 

6. Clyde Shepherd nature preserve  

Clyde Shepherd is a true hidden gem right in the city of Atlanta. It’s tucked away in a neighborhood in Decatur. This nature preserve is funded by local donations. Volunteers of the neighborhood are the ones who continue to take care of it.

This park has a few trail options. The interpretive main loop that covers most of the preserve is 1.5 miles. There is a big pond (seasonal) that you can walk past on the loop as well as another small pond closer to the beginning of the trail. There are so many unique areas along this trail that make it a super kid-friendly hike. with over 300 species of native plants and animals, your child is sure to find something to keep them engaged for quite some time on this hike. 

7. Cochran Mill (orange trail) 

Cochran Mill Park features miles of hiking trails, a playground near the parking lot, and a few beautiful waterfalls! The orange trail is easily accessible and a great kid-friendly hike option. Once you cross the street from the parking lot, you will head over the bridge. The main waterfall is immediately to the right as you cross the bridge, and the kids have a lot of fun playing in the creek under the bridge.

If you want to do the entire loop, you will head left on the trail after you pass the waterfall and continue to make that loop. Along the trail, there are a few more waterfalls to see, and some you can even walk up to. 

Best kid-friendly hikes in Atlanta

Atlanta is filled with so much more nature and outdoor fun than you might expect. It’s a big city, but one with a lot of amazing local green spaces, hiking trails, parks, and nature preserves.

If you are looking to get out in nature and out of the city, these trails are perfect for your next adventure! Which trail will you go on first?

Did you know about any of these hikes in Atlanta?

About the author

India is an outdoor adventure enthusiast, blogger, and travel photographer. She is also a single mom to two young boys (ages 5  & 4). India and her boys currently live in Atlanta, Georgia, where she grew up, and are always out exploring, whether that be camping, hiking, backpacking, and so much more. She loves taking road trips with her boys to new places at a moment’s notice and is grateful to be able to share this love of adventure with her kids.

You can find more from India online in the following locations:
Instagram: @ourwanderlust_life
Website: www.ourwanderlust.life

The post Best Kid-Friendly Hikes in Atlanta appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

*This post was sponsored by Wylder Hope Valley. Activities and accommodations were exchanged for review purposes. All opinions expressed and all photos contained herein belong to the author.

Cross-country skiing with kids

Are you looking for a fun way to get outside, explore, and be active with your kids during the winter months? Looking for an activity that is accessible to beginners and does not require much gear to get started?  Well then, we have a great option for you!

Cross-country skiing with kids is such a great sport to try this winter.  With very little (or no!) experience, this is a great winter outdoor activity for children and a great way for the whole family to explore during the cold winter months together!

What is cross-country skiing?

Unlike downhill skiing, cross-country skiing involves gliding across relatively flat terrain, relying on your own power and strength to move yourself from point A to B. The classic style of cross-country skiing entails shuffling your legs back and forward (as if you’re running). The more-complex skating method involves moving your legs side to side in an ice skating-like motion. 

Cross-country skiing is a sport you can try on your own, as a family, with a friend, or take lessons from a professional instructor.  Most ski resorts offer cross-country ski rentals, coupled with lessons. Cross-country skiing is definitely less daunting than traditional downhill skiing or snowboarding, more affordable, and much more accessible. 

Benefits of cross-country skiing for kids

Cross-country skiing is a low-impact sport and an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise. Sliding across snow-covered trails is much more strenuous than it looks! Cross-country skiing works every single muscle you have and helps improve balance, coordination, and agility. 

Cross-country skiing is also an activity that’s easy to pick up at any age and can be done together as a family. It’s a great way to get outside and explore together during those cold dark winter months when kids can really benefit from fresh air and physical exercise. The mental benefits of spending time outside also apply, such as a reduction of stress and anxiety. 

Wylder Hope Valley

We had the opportunity to visit a beautiful resort that offers cross-country skiing sessions, along with many other family-friendly winter activities.  We love to discover destinations where access to adventure is easy for the entire family. Let me introduce you to Wylder Hope Valley; it is an all-season resort tucked away in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Alpine County, California, right in the middle of Hope Valley.

Alpine County (and Hope Valley), is only a 20-minute drive from South Lake Tahoe, but it feels like you’re in another world. This majestic area will take your breath away. Located on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevadas, northeast of Carson Pass, Alpine County is California’s least populous county. The US government owns 96% of Alpine County, the highest percentage in the state, including 3 national forests: Eldorado, Stanislaus, and Humboldt–Toiyabe. And because of its sparse population, Hope Valley is one of the best places in all of California to stargaze!

Located along the banks of West Carson Fork River and nestled in a grove of aspen trees, Wylder Hope Valley offers a variety of lodging options, such as cabins, traditional campsites, RVs, and custom yurts. Most of the adorable cabins were brought in from around the world, themed, and impeccably outfitted. 

Cross-country skiing with kids at Wylder Hope Valley

Wylder Hope Valley offers wonderful activities for the whole family all year long! Enjoy fly fishing, wildflower hikes, and mountain biking during the spring and summer months.  Hope Valley is a popular destination in the fall for its picturesque autumn colors and aspen groves.  You can explore the area’s gorgeous trails and fall colors, taking in views of all the beautiful aspen trees and fall foliage. 

In the winter, the area turns into a literal Winter Wonderland! You will find amazing views and snow-capped mountains, wide-open valleys, and pristine rivers. During the winter months, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular activities. 

We took advantage of all the snow we’ve gotten and decided to give cross-country skiing a try! We booked a lesson through Wylder to learn the basics, which we’re now passing on to you! Joyce and Todd manage the ski shop and have over 30 years of experience skiing and teaching. Joyce set us up with the equipment we needed, and we were on our way!

Todd & Joyce Coker – Wylder Hope Valley Ski Shop  

What you need to cross-country ski with kids

You will need the following gear and equipment to cross-country ski:

• Skis – two styles, classic or skate (see below)
• Boots – must be compatible with your skis 
• Poles – it is important that they are sized correctly 
• Base layer – made for snow conditions 
• Snow jacket and pants
• Warm socks
• Waterproof gloves – when skiing with kids, warm hands and feet are of most importance 
• Eye protection (sunglasses/ski goggles) – really important even on cloudy days

There are two styles of cross-country skis, classic and skating. We opted for classic skis, these are usually made for trails that are already groomed, and you move them in a similar motion like walking or running.  Skate skis are made to move faster and at higher speeds. 

Dress for the weather

It is important to dress in layers that you can remove as you move through your session.  It’s very cold when you’re just getting started, but by the middle of the session, our kids were ready to strip down to their base layers.  It is quite a workout, and you will work up a sweat! We highly recommend a good merino wool base layer because it’s naturally breathable and can absorb large quantities of moisture (so you don’t feel wet and cold). 

When it’s cold outside, your child’s head, ears, hands, and feet are most prone to cold exposure. Extremely cold weather can cause two potentially serious conditions: hypothermia and frostbite. To ensure they stay toasty and warm, make sure you have heavy socks, waterproof boots, waterproof gloves, a scarf, and hat, and/or ear muffs on hand depending on changes in weather. For older children and toddlers, gloves are needed when the weather is 40°F or lower.

Additional items to pack for cross-country skiing

Here are a few extra things to consider bringing with you when skiing with littles.  We brought along a backpack and carried a few extra items that came in handy during our session.

• Snacks 
• Sunscreen – even on cloudy days
• Hand and feet warmers 
• Water 
• Phone 
• Extra change of clothes – which you can leave in the car to change into afterward

Cross-country skiing basics

Todd, our amazing instructor, was super patient with us and gave the kids plenty of time to play in a flat area to familiarize themselves with their skis before we got started. We then moved right into the lesson and started working on the basics of cross-country skiing.

We started by learning how to put on the skis and move around on skis, making our way around a flat area. The kids practiced shuffling around and walking back and forth to get a feel for how the skis move. Similar to downhill skiing, balance is very important when cross-country skiing.  We learned how to shift and move our weight correctly so that we could move in the direction we wanted and use our weight to our advantage. 

Next, we learned how to use our poles. Our poles were strap-wrapped around our wrists correctly to avoid getting tangled up or lost. If you have little kids (under age 8), you might even start them out without poles. Sometimes poles just get in the way for younger kids who are just learning how to balance and move around. 

Finally, we learned how to fall (and get back up again). Practicing this makes falling into less of a fail and more of a game.

Hitting the cross-country trails

Once we had the basics down, we set out along some groomed trails.  The kids got the hang of it pretty quickly.  The most challenging part was getting up after a fall, but after a few times, they mastered the skill.  They made their way through pretty deep snow-covered trails.  It was definitely a workout, and by the end of our adventure,they were completely exhausted! (I call that a win!)

There was an incredible amount of snow on the ground due to recent storms, so it was pretty difficult to move through so much fresh snow. However, we managed to learn the basics and still had so much fun. We didn’t even mind the cold weather.  The mountains, the fresh air, and something about being out in the middle of this valley made this such a memorable experience. We can’t wait to come back again and put our new skills to good use! 

Cross-country skiing safety 

When you’re heading out into the elements with kids, it’s really important to take weather and snow conditions into consideration. Check weather information ahead of your trip and continue to do so the day of. Selecting the right area for skiing is key.

Choose an area that matches your skill and comfort level.  Staying on groomed trails is a much safer option; only experienced skiers should venture out into backcountry trails where the risk of going off trail is higher.  As a beginner, it is important to stick to areas that are marked and closely monitored.  While it is a pretty low-risk sport, and almost everyone can enjoy it, it is important to know our limitations.  

Ultraviolet radiation is something to consider and, therefore, it’s super important to wear eye protection and sunscreen.  

Last, consider animal safety and familiarize yourself with the area and carry appropriate safety items such as bear spray. 

After skiing fun at Wylder

After a full day of adventure, we went back to our cabin at Wylder to relax and unwind.  Whether you are looking for a cozy rustic log cabin, a camping weekend, or a glamping experience, you will find it at Wylder! We enjoyed the most amazing dinner onsite at Sorenson’s Cafe, which offers seasonal home-cooked meals all year long. Their homemade tomato soup hit the spot after a cold day out!  We picked up a cherry pie from the General Store (right by the Ski Shop) and enjoyed it by a cozy fire back at our cabin. 

Like so many families, we are constantly seeking out wild destinations where adventure is easily accessible.  We love places where it is easy to get outside, create memories and disconnect in nature; Wylder Hope Valley offers that and so much more. We have now added a new activity to our skill set and look forward to returning to Hope Valley to put our new skills to use!

Wylder Hope Valley
1425 CA-88
Hope Valley California 96120
Phone: 530-694-2203
guestserviceshv@wylderhotels.com

Have you ever been cross-country skiing? 

About the author

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

Find more from Araceli in the following locations:
Instagram: @roaminggonzalez
All RWMC posts: Araceli Gonzalez 

The post Cross Country Skiing with Kids appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Free outdoor scavenger hunts for kids

We’ve put all the outdoor scavenger hunt ideas into one fun FREE printable bundle for you! Click the button below to download the entire bundle of 20+ free outdoor scavenger hunts! The free printable bundle includes the following scavenger hunts for kids:

1. Alaphabet Scavenger Hunt
2. Color Wheel Scavenger Hunt
3. Beach Scavenger Hunt
4. Hiking/Forest Scavenger Hunt
5. Holiday Walk Scavenger Hunt
6. Halloween Scavenger Hunt
7. 4th of July Scavenger Hunt
8. Sensory Scavenger Hunt
9. Texture Scavenger Hunt
10. Park/Playground Scavenger Hunt
11. Spring Scavenger Hunt
12. Summer Scavenger Hunt
13. Fall Scavenger Hunt
14. Winter Scavenger Hunt
15. Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt
16. Creature/Critter Scavenger Hunt
17. City Scavenger Hunt
18. Farm Scavenger Hunt
19. Creek Scavenger Hunt
20. Camping Scavenger Hunt
21. Road Trip Scavenger Hunt
22. Indoor Scavenger Hunt (for days when you cant’ get outside)
23. Zoo Scavenger Hunt

FREE SCAVENGER HUNT BUNDLE

Great activity for all ages

Scavenger hunts are great for kids of any age. The great thing about scavenger hunts is that there are so many ways to make them adaptable, not only for kids of all ages, but for whatever location and adventure you want to have. Use the printables like traditional scavenger hunts for the little ones. Younger kids love the thrill of finding something on the list of items and checking it off. If you have older kids and want to take it up a notch, turn it into a photo scavenger hunt and let them take a picture of each item they find. Older kids can also help out the little ones and show their reading skills and leadership. Scavenger hunts don’t have to take up much time and can help kids get comfortable in new locations. 

Alphabet scavenger hunt for kids

“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.” – Fred Rogers

With school-aged children, use their knowledge of the alphabet as a starting point for a scavenger hunt. This simple scavenger hunt idea allows the children to find objects that coordinate with each letter of the alphabet and can adapt to any location or environment you are exploring. This activity can be done outside on nature trails, running errands, or in the grocery store with your young kids. Our free printable list of scavenger hunts includes an alphabet page for kids to cross off each letter as they find something outside that starts with that letter. 

Color wheel scavenger hunt for kids

“Colors are the smiles of nature” – Leigh Hunt

Nature is a rainbow of elements, colorful, vibrant, and ready to be explored. Use our color scavenger hunt for kids to inspire your children to get outside and identify all of the colors mother nature produces. This will help younger children identify colors and name them. You may even be surprised by what colors you can find that are purely natural!

Beach scavenger hunt for kids

“When two roads diverge, take the one that leads to the beach!” – Hannah McKinnon

Do you have the privilege of living near a beach? Or plan to visit one on vacation? If so, keep our beach scavenger hunt for kids in mind. Your child can add shells, rocks, tiny sea creatures, driftwood, or even an unfortunate litter to their search. Collect smaller items with a paper bag or bucket if you’d like, but remember to leave any living creatures at the beach!

Forest/hiking scavenger hunt for kids

“Into the forest, I go, to lose my mind and find my soul” – John Muir.

I love this quote because it shows the healing power of the woods, where children can play freely and reap the benefits of fresh air and sunshine. So why not facilitate a scavenger hunt in a beautiful forest? Hit the trails and keep your kids entertained while hiking with our forest/hiking scavenger hunt.

Many items can be found on a scavenger hunt in the forest. Mushrooms, insects, flowers, a variety of trees, colorful leaves, pine cones, bird nests, stones, and animal tracks are just some of the treasures you may find. 

Holiday scavenger hunt for kids 

“May you never be too grown up to search the skies on Christmas Eve” – Unknown

Not all scavenger hunts with your kids need to be physically collecting items. The holidays, specifically winter holidays, can be a great time to participate in a holiday-themed scavenger hunt in your town or neighborhood. Take a drive or walk around and see what sights you can find. Christmas trees, wreaths, blow-up lawn decorations, rainbow light displays, the grinch, and a snowman wearing a top hat are just some items you can seek out. 

We’ve also included free scavenger hunts for Halloween and the 4th of July! 

Five senses scavenger hunt for kids

“My five senses are a doorway to the present” – Unknown

While most of these scavenger hunts utilize your child’s eyesight solely to find treasures, you can also do a scavenger hunt based on your other senses. Go on a nature walk and listen for a bird chirping, feel something wet, smell something pretty, taste a wild blueberry. This sensory scavenger hunt will help kids feel completely immersed in nature and aware of all the wonderful things around them.

Texture scavenger hunt for kids

“Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning.” -Diane Ackerman

A texture-based scavenger hunt is an engaging, outside-the-box option for your child to explore the outdoors. Find something soft (moss, a bird feather, a cattail). Look for something rough (bark, pavement under your feet, a rock). Find something smooth (birch bark, a rounded stone, an acorn). Can you find something prickly (holly leaves, pinecones, butterflies feet)? Or silky (water, mica, beetle wings)?

Playground or park scavenger hunt for kids

“It is a happy talent to know how to play” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

A playground at your local park is a great place for outdoor fun and to initiate a scavenger hunt. Include the other young kids at the park for even more fun! Our playground scavenger hunt will have your kids looking for swings, a slide, a water fountain, a trash can, a sign, a tree, etc. 

Seasonal scavenger hunt for kids 

“There is a beauty to be found in the changing of the earth’s seasons, and an inner grace in honoring the cycles of life.” -Jack Kornfield

Each season comes with beautiful changes, many visible to the keen eye of your children. Changing leaf colors, snow or ice, new sprouting flowers, or leaf buds are signs of change. You may even weave your scavenger hunt activities into your homeschool curriculum if you homeschool your children. Our free printable scavenger hunt bundle includes a separate scavenger hunt for each of the four seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. There are specific items to find in each season, relating to the change of the seasons and weather. 

Backyard scavenger hunt for kids

“Play is the highest form of research.” – Albert Einstein

No need to travel to initiate a scavenger hunt! If you have an outdoor space where you live, head outside! Or go for a walk around your local neighborhood. Look for garden tools, toys, and even small animals or insects that live near your house. This is a great way to explore your own backyard with your kids! 

These scavenger hunts are perfect activities to use at a birthday party, a local park, and with kids of all ages. You can set a time limit or adjust each hunt depending on your child’s skill level. I hope you enjoy these printable scavenger hunt lists and exploring with your family!

Neighborhood scavenger hunt for kids

“We become neighbors when we are willing to cross the road for one another” – Henri J. M. Nouwen

Get outside and explore your neighborhood with your kids! This fun scavenger hunt gives you many different things to look for: fire hydrants, mailboxes, stop signs, pets, flowers, and even wild animals can be found in your neighborhood. A fun walk through your neighborhood is a great option for an easy dose of fresh air and one of our favorite outdoor activities for families. 

Creature/critter scavenger hunt for kids

May we raise children who love the unloved things–the dandelion, the worms, and spiderlings. – Nicolette Sowder

What is more fun than finding small animals and insects? Birds, bugs, chipmunks, deer, or foxes could be found! This scavenger hunt is perfect for kids who love all creatures of the world and teaches us how to care for the critters that live in our environment. 

City scavenger hunt for kids

“To live in a city is to live the life it was built for, adapt to its schedule and rhythms, and move within the transit layout made for you during the morning and evening rush, winding through the crowds of fellow commuters. To live in a city is to consume its offerings.

Do you live in a bustling city? Will you be visiting one soon? Scavenger hunts can be so fun in an urban environment and are a great option for keeping kids entertained when traveling through the city. Keep an eye out for buses and taxis, pigeons and dog walkers, and don’t forget to seek out the elements of nature that are always present, like trees and flowers!

Indoor scavenger hunt

Yes, I know we’ve mentioned multiple times that these scavenger hunts are designed to help kids, and families get OUTSIDE. But, as parents, we know that’s not always a possibility. When you need a fun indoor activity on a rainy day, we’ve got you covered. We included a free printable indoor scavenger hunt in our bundle with items kids can easily find around any house. 

20+ free printable outdoor scavenger hunts for kids

We hope this free PFD printable scavenger hunt bundle for kids will help get you outside with your kids and keep them entertained and on the lookout for nature all around them! Scavenger hunts are a fun outdoor activity for the whole family. Spending time together outside and in nature is always worth it! Download your free copy of our printable scavenger hunts today and let us know which one is your kids’ favorite! Happy hunting! 

Which scavenger hunt will you choose first?

About the author

Lissy lives near the ocean on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, with her husband, 2 rambunctious boys (aged 4 & 7), and an ever-growing number of pets. She grew up walking nature trails and finding joy in the beauty of nature. She now shares that love for local adventures with her community through her blog, “Get Outside Cape Cod”. Lissy knows that everyone can benefit from spending more time outdoors, and wants to inspire and support families to do just that!

You can find more from Lissy in the following online locations:
Instagram: @getoutsidecapecod
Website: Get Outside Cape Cod
Facebook: @getoutsidecapecod
RWMC Posts: Lissy Perna

The post Free Outdoor Scavenger Hunts for Kids appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Special thanks to our Instagram community

These winter fun activities are guaranteed to keep your kids (and you) entertained, learning, and active while outside this winter, whether you have snow or not! These activities have been tried, tested and kid-approved by our followers, editors, writers, and contributors! Plus, all of the photos in the post of kids outside having fun are from our absolutely amazing Instagram community! A very special thanks to all the mamas that let us feature their beautiful images. 

Free printable PDF checklist

While this post will give you all the details and variations for all 100+ outdoor winter activities for kids, if you want a printable checklist version, CLICK HERE to sign up for our newsletter and get a free printable of the list! 

Photo credit: @ourgirlielittlelife

Benefits of spending time outside during the winter

The winter blues are real, and it can be easy to succumb to cabin fever if you’re used to spending time outside. While it may sound warm and cozy to spend the winter months inside your house, you might be surprised at the multitude of mental and physical benefits for children spending time outdoors. It is a common misconception that being outside in cold weather can bring on illness, which is why many parents keep children inside. However, research has shown that’s just not true! As long as kids bundle up and stay safe, being outside in the cold is more beneficial than staying inside. 

Photo credit: @thejessaddress

One of the biggest health benefits from spending time outside during the winter is the Vitamin D our skin absorbs from the sun. Humans require Vitamin D for bone health and disease prevention. Vitamin D can also help protect against a plethora of diseases. Kids also burn more calories in the cold than in the heat. Our basal metabolic rate – which is the number of calories we burn just by living and sitting still – increases in the cold because our bodies use up more energy to keep warm. Spending time outdoors in the winter can also help with mental health (preventing Seasonal Affective Disorder) and help improve creativity and focus.

Photo credit: @everydaylightwithliza

A bit of extra caution in the winter

While we want your kids to spend as much time outside during the winter as they can, it must be noted that going outdoors in the winter does require preparation and precaution. Dress your children appropriately for the weather in layers. You can always take off a layer if you get too warm, but it is dangerous to be outdoors with not enough protection from the cold. Also remember to bring plenty of water, as water fountains or other water sources may not work in freezing conditions. Another important tip is to know the weather forecast and keep an eye on the sky as you spend time outside. This will help you to avoid getting caught in a winter storm.

It is astonishing what we can gain just from spending time outdoors in the winter. It can help us improve our bodies and our minds. So, if you are feeling restless after long days spent cooped up indoors, get outside, be safe, and have fun!

Photo credit: @ae_bacz86

100+ outdoor winter activities for kids

The temperature may be dropping, but getting your kids outside should still be a top priority. We’ve worked with our team and online community to put together this giant list of over 100 fun things to do outside with your kids this winter! We’ve got all the traditional winter (and snow) activities, but we’re throwing in dozens more than you may not expect (and don’t need snow to enjoy)! We hope this list will help you learn about nature and plan fun outdoor adventures for your family this winter. And if there’s anything we’ve forgotten, let us know in the comments below, and we’ll get it added!

Photo credit: @the.meadow.house

1. Ice skating

Winter is such a fun time to try ice skating – particularly at an outdoor rink. There’s something magical about skating outside when it’s frosty cold. Most rinks have rental ice skates for kids as young as two, along with buckets or rails for little kids to hold onto. If your kids are little, we also recommend wearing a bike helmet and super thick gloves to protect kids’ heads and fingers.

2. Frozen colored ice globes

Even if you don’t have snow, you can add some magic and fun to your outdoor space by making colored ice globes. All you need to do is add a few drops of food coloring to the water in a water balloon and let them freeze (either outside or in the freezer). Once frozen, pop the balloon and you’re left with a beautiful ice globe in your color of choice. Take them outside to decorate or play with.

3. Make nature confetti

We’ve all heard the dangers of glitter and want to use less plastic. One way we can incorporate natural elements into our winter celebrations is by making nature confetti from leaves! All you need to do is use a hole-punch to punch out shapes from colorful leaves. Use the punched out shapes (circles, hearts, starts, etc.) to throw in your celebration. If your celebration is outside, there’s no need to clean up. The little pieces of hole-punched leaves will simply biodegrade. One day you’ll see them scattered all around the grass and then a few days later, they’re gone. Start your year (or celebration) off by being conscious of the environment.

Photo credit: @sara_mccarty

4. Frozen suncatchers

Suncatchers made from ice are not only beautiful, but super easy to make! Spend some time outside gathering natural items to use in your suncatchers. The more colorful the better. Examples: branches, berries, twigs, flowers, buds, leaves. Lay out a plastic lid, paper plate, pie plate or silicone mold to use as the mold for your suncatcher. Fill the mold with water and add your natural elements to the water in any design of your choosing. Leave outside for a few hours or overnight to freeze. Gently remove the ice suncatcher from the mold and hang from a tree branch or window sill. Pro tip: Rumor has it that if you want your ice to be crystal clear, boil the water first! For a full tutorial, check out our post on how to make frozen ice suncatchers.

5. Chalk hearts & kindness words

This is a perfect outdoor wintertime activity for kids to do around Valentine’s Day. All you need is some sidewalk chalk and the desire to make others smile. Head to your local park or pick a sidewalk on a favorite street. Have the kids use the chalk and leave words of kindness, love, and encouragement for others. Decorate with hearts or any other designs of their choice.

6. Evergreen identification

Winter is a great time to learn about evergreen trees and how to identify them. Knowing the conifers common to your area is a great educational skill to possess. Kids can learn to identify conifers by their shape and by their needles. While you may think that all evergreens look alike, upon inspection, each of these trees looks very different. You can find printables of different shapes and needles to help you identify the trees in your area. Go on a hike and try to collect as many different varieties as you can (and take a photo of the shape of the tree).

Photo credit: @this_gr8_kozi_life_

7. Make a snowman

Do you want to build a snowman? We’re not sure if there’s anything more quintessential winter childhood than building a snowman. If your kids are looking for a creative spin on this classic activity, try making a snow animal (bear, cat, dog, penguin) instead.

8. Snow paint

Get creative with your outdoor nature crafts this winter by making some snow paint for your kids. Combine food coloring or watercolor paints with some water and place in a spray bottle. Send your kids out to color the snow in any creative way they’d like! You’ll be surprised by what incredible clever creations they come up with!

9. Lichen hunt

A lichen hunt can be done year-round, but is especially great to do in the winter. Lichen is easy to find nearly anywhere, so get out and explore! Head to a park, local trail or into the woods. Look for lichen on trees, stumps, fallen logs, etc. Talk to your kids about what lichen is, how it’s different than moss, what purpose it serves and where it’s usually found. Then let them find some! Lichen comes in all kinds of varieties, shapes, and colors. Get up close (or take photos), but make sure to leave lichen on living trees alone, as removal may disrupt the ecosystem.

10. Freezing bubbles

Blowing a bubble and watching it turn to ice is such a fascinating activity. If it’s super cold outside (below freezing), try making frozen bubbles! This is a great science experiment for kids in freezing temperatures. It might take a few different attempts to get a bubble to freeze, depending on time, sunlight, what the bubble lands on, and bubble solution. This is an experiment that can last over weeks! Check out our full post on how to make frozen bubbles with kids (which includes a DIY bubble recipe). 

Photo credit: @thesamfam4

11. Eagle watch

January is prime time to see eagles along rivers and reservoirs. Bald eagles are fascinating to watch! Bald eagles are fierce predators that hunt from high-up perches and hover over water scooping up fish with their talons. They grab what’s been left or dropped by other animals, or outright steal other’s prey. They’re opportunistic feeders, choosing live, fresh or dead animals, whatever is available.  There are lots of places across the US that host “Eagle Days” to celebrate and observe eagles hunting fish in nearly frozen rivers and streams. Many of these festivals include observation stations, conservation programs, and educational nature activities for kids. Check out the resources in your area to find a local eagle watching location near you.

12. DIY Yeti tracks

After you’ve found animal tracks in the snow, why not have some fun creating some of your own! Use heavy cardboard to create oversized yeti footprints. Cut the feet out and attach them to the bottoms of your kids’ snow boots. Head outside and let them create their own yeti tracks in the snow. Create a trail around the yard or neighborhood for others to track. Your kids might be surprised by how they can seem to walk on top of the snow. With a larger surface area, they will sink less, giving walking on snow a whole new feel.

13. Cut down your own tree

There are so many great reasons to choose to cut down your own (or purchase a live) real tree, instead of purchasing a plastic one.  Heading out to the woods or local tree farm is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise. It’s also a fun family tradition you can start and continue doing each year. When you purchase a live tree you’re also supporting a farm that depends on the income from those trees to continue to run. While the trees are growing, they help clean the air we breathe. Once the trees are cut down, they’re replaced with new ones. When they’re in your home, they smell heavenly! If you need tips on what to do before you go tree hunting or how to choose the right tree, we’ve got a great post with tips on cutting down your own tree.

Photo credit: @lizbinder

14. Explore an ice castle

Have you heard of the Ice Castles? The Ice Castles are awe-inspiring, must-see winter phenomenon, each built with hundreds of thousands of icicles that brings fairy tales to life. There are six locations throughout the US and Canada in 2020 (Colorado, Alberta, Minnesota, Wisconsin, New Hampshire and Utah). The perfect destination for the whole family to explore. The photos I’ve seen taken there are just spectacular! They’re blue and white and gorgeous by day and lit up in vibrant colors at night. Visiting an ice castle is at the top of my winter bucket list.

15. Plant onions

Winter onions are basically the same as “regular” onions, except they grow in bunches and the flavor is slightly milder. Winter onions can be planted any time the ground can be worked – usually between October and December in most climates – or two to three weeks before the first hard freeze. Plant the onions 2 to 4 inches deep (with 4 to 6 inches between each bulb), in full sun. Water well. The onions are underground and tolerate cold weather. However, a layer of mulch is helpful for overwintering onions in cold, northern climates. Harvest the first winter onions two to three months after planting. When allowed to mature, each bulb usually produces seven or eight bulbs.

16. Animal tracks spotting

Winter is a great time to head out to the woods (or even your local park) and see if you can find animal tracks. Fresh snow is great for showing tracks of various woodland animals. Examples include rabbits, foxes, deer, and squirrels. Make it a game and see who can spot the most tracks, the biggest, the smallest and the most exotic. Try to guess what animal made them, where they were going and what they were doing. Don’t recognize the tracks? Take photos of the tracks and look them up when you get home to see what animal made them.

Photo credit: @nicolecaradonnaphoto

17. Goose lessons

Geese are really fascinating creatures and winter is the perfect time to study their unique habits and leadership skills. Geese begin migrating back North as early as January. Watch the skies for classic V geese formations in the sky. If possible, find a place where you can safely view geese from a distance (without bothering them). Talk to your kids about why geese migrate, where they go and their characteristic flying V formation. This formation is a highly efficient way of flying that creates up to 70% less drag on the geese by picking up the updraft the geese in front of them.

The lead goose expends the most energy, so geese tend to switch out the position and share the responsibilities. Geese are great examples of teamwork, leadership and hard work. Geese also make a lot of noise! Listen to them honk and try to hear the variety of the sounds they make.

18. Snow maze

If you’ve got an untouched patch of snow (a field or a large yard), have the kids create a snow maze! It’s up to them to come up with the parameters, the maze entrance, the obstacles, and the exit. Let them challenge each other to see who can make the hardest maze and see who can finish fastest.

19. Start a winter solstice tradition

The Winter Solstice marks the first day of winter (in the Northern Hemisphere), which is the shortest day and the longest night of the year. Many families adopt traditions for the Winter Solstice that they do every year to get outside and celebrate the change of the seasons, such as candlelight dinners, outdoor picnics and offering trees. Traditions help us remember the past and are wonderful ways to pass love and memories to the next generation. If you’re looking for some fun festive traditions to start with your family to celebrate the Winter Solstice, we have a great post with a few fun and simple ways your family can celebrate the Winter Solstice this year (and every year!).

20. STEM skier challenge

We love projects that not only get kids outside, but also teach them about nature and science. Setting up a “Winter Sports Ski Challenge” will teach and engage your kids during the winter season. Work with your kids to plan, design, and engineer a skier (from aluminum foil or other material of their choice) that can stand on skis (popsicle sticks) and make it down a slope! Not only will this get kids thinking outside the box about physics, engineering, elements, and design, but it’ll keep them interested, engaged and outside for hours!

21. Skiing/snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding with kids is incredibly exhausting, but so much fun! Pack up your gear and head for the hills to take advantage of all the fun the winter has to offer. If your kids are new to skiing, we highly recommend a lesson or ski school before hitting the slopes. Instructors are usually really great with kids and teach them in a way that’s fun and easy to understand. Once they’ve gotten the hang of it, they can show off their new skills with you.

Here’s a great post with the best tips for getting started downhill skiing with kids. 

22. Christmas light walk

One of my kids’ favorite holiday activities is to go for a nighttime winter walk through our neighborhood and look at the Christmas lights. I bundle them up, pop them in our little red wagon with a travel mug of hot cocoa, and off we go! We usually only walk around a few blocks, but just being outside at night all alone is so special to them. We always have the best conversations and so much fun on our evening walks.

Photo credit: @young.explorers.vienna

23. Build a nest challenge

Building a nest is a super fun STEM challenge for kids that gets them thinking creatively and applying imagination to science! Making a nest is a great activity for any age. Start by going on a nature walk and collecting items that a bird might like to use to build a nest. Twigs, feathers, leaves, dried grass, pine needles and evergreen branches are all great building materials. Use the dried grass and twigs to make a circular shape. Weave in some feathers and leaves so that there’s a comfortable, padded space for the birds and their eggs. You’ll be surprised how much you learn about the intricacies of nests and how hard it must be for birds to make without hands!

Check out our post filled with nature-inspired outdoor STEAM activities for kids (including nest building). 

24. Make snow ice cream

Snow ice cream is one of those special delicacies that every child should experience! It’s a magical mixture of nature, vanilla, sugar and sprinkles! What could be better than that? Our favorite recipe combines 1 cup milk/cream, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 8 cups clean snow. Mix all together, adding snow until you get the creamy consistency you want. Then top with sprinkles! Homemade snow ice cream on a cold day can’t be beaten!

25. Maple syrup snow candy

Speaking of delicacies, how about maple syrup snow candy? All you need to make this delicious treat is some pure maple syrup and snow! You’ll need to help your little ones, though, as you first have to heat the syrup before pouring it hot into the snow to solidify. Grown-up supervision is a must. For the full set of directions, check out this awesome maple syrup snow candy post from our friends at Little Bins for Little Hands.

26. Shovel someone’s sidewalk

Around the holidays is a great time to consider doing some acts of kindness to others. If you have kids old enough to help, shovel the sidewalk or driveway of an elderly neighbor or new parents. They’ll not only appreciate the kindness, but hopefully, pay it forward. Check out this post for more outdoor acts of kindness for kids. 

Photo credit: @sara_mccarty

27. Go caroling

Caroling is one of my kids’ favorite winter traditions (and one of the cutest). Every year, all the kids on our street go house-to-house and sing 2-3 songs for a donation to give to a local charity. We print off the lyrics of around 10 songs for the kids. Caroling doesn’t have to just be for Christmas! Start a new tradition in February and go caroling for Valentine’s Day! You can serenade your neighbors with silly love songs! Bust out your favorite Disney songs, like Let it Go, Hakuna Matata and Bare Necessities. Some of our favorites for little ones include: Ram Sam Sam, She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain, You are my Sunshine, Twinkle Twinkle, Ants Go Marching, Baby Shark, Wheels on the Bus and Take Me Out to the Ballgame.

28. Build an igloo

There are so many fun things you can do in the snow. Building a snow fort has to be up there at the very top of awesome winter outdoor activities. Last year my kids built an amazing igloo (with my husband’s help) that they played in for hours and hours over the course of a few weeks (until it melted). They were so incredibly proud of their igloo and had so much fun building it! Always be extra careful not to make it too heavy on top and make sure kids have proper adult supervision.

29. Look for beaver dens

Beavers spend the winter inside their lodges, but you can still find evidence of beavers in the area. Winter is a great time to study how beavers have changed the landscape in your area. A beaver dam is a barrier that stops the flow of water and forms a pond or lake. These new ponds make it easier for beavers to access trees found along the shoreline. Beavers collect logs and branches in a pile to create the dam and then use grass and mud to fill in the spaces in between.

Go for a hike and look out for dams, blocking streams to form ponds and reservoirs. Look for trees missing bark or cut down, from their sharp teeth. Finally, keep your eyes open for beaver lodges. You can tell if beavers are inside a beaver lodge by looking at the very top of the lodge. In the winter, their breath and body heat will rise, which melts the snow at the top of the lodge. Sometimes, if you listen carefully, you can even hear (and smell) the beavers inside!

Photo credit: @rachelgatesphotography

30. Ice fishing

If you live in an area where ice fishing happens, share this experience with your kids! It’s not something I’ve had the opportunity to every try, but I can only imagine how fun this would be to fish with those tiny poles and pull out a massive fish! This activity is definitely on our family’s bucket list! Make sure you dress warm and go with an experienced angler that knows what they’re doing and how to stay safe.

31. Nature-inspired Valentines

February is the month of love! While lots of kids will be handing out store-bought Valentines (there’s nothing wrong with that), consider making your own this year using items found in nature. Attach a cool rock to a card that says “You Rock, Valentine.” Tie a couple of twigs together to a card that says “Let’s Stick Together.” Or create cards that are little envelopes/pouches for wildflower seeds. Our friends over at Rain or Shine Mama have a fun round-up of 15 nature-inspired Valentine’s Day cards, crafts, and activities.

32. Study snowflakes

There’s nothing more magical in the wintertime than snowflakes! If you’ve ever seen photos of individual snowflakes up close, you know just how truly miraculous and incredible they are. Take some time this winter to study snowflakes with your kids. Talk about how snowflakes are formed, how/why they’re similar, but all unique. Use a piece of black felt to try to catch falling snowflakes to observe and see if you can even photograph them.

33. Make a birdfeeder

Winter is the perfect time to feed your local backyard birds and observe them. There are so many great ways to make simple bird feeders with kids. We’ve got a whole post with 3 simple bird feeders you can make from household items. Set these up in your yard where you can easily observe them from a window and let your kids watch the fun (and drama!) that is backyard birding. Here’s more about how to create a “nature window” where you can observe and learn. Get all the steps in this post on eco-friendly bird feeders to make with kids. 

Photo credit: @maakitude

34. Cross-country skiing

Tons of people enjoy cross-country skiing in the winter. I personally have never tried cross-country skiing, so I’m definitely not the right person to tell you how to get started with this activity with your kids. Our friends over at Tales of a Mountain Mama have a great post on how to cross-country ski with kids. I leave you in good hands! Let us know how it goes.

35. Fly a kite

You may think that kite flying is only for summertime, but you’d be wrong! You can fly a kite in any season, and winter is a great time! Winter winds can be chilly, but they also make it easy to fly kites to great heights. Plus, in the dreary weather, the splash of color high in the sky is a beautiful contrast to the gray-white background.

Photo credit: @_anines_

36. Visit a zoo

Winter is a great time to visit your local zoo. The crowds are usually much thinner in the winter and there’s often a discounted admission fee!  There are so many animals that are super active in the winter. Wolves, otters, red panda, snow leopards, cougars, arctic fox, sea lion, and polar bears love the cold weather. Plus, many zoos have penguin walks/parades in the winter and let the penguins get out and explore. Check out all the different ways animals get through the colder months and talk about the differences. There’s a lot to learn in the winter!

37. Turn water into ice

Turning water into ice sounds simple enough, but in the winter, it’s a great educational science experiment. Water freezes at 0 degrees Celcius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Challenge your kids to see how long it takes water to freeze into ice at various temperatures throughout the winter months. Try freezing water in various locations around your neighborhood to see if that makes a difference. What about using different containers? On a super cold day, we’ve heard of people throwing a cup of water into the air and watching it freeze instantly!

Photo credit: @kdmsphotography

37. Listen for owls

Owls are very active in winter months, making it the perfect time to listen. Most owls are nocturnal, so you’ll need to find a time and a place to safely get out in the evening for your adventure. Owls use their voices to establish territories and attract mates in the dark. Several species begin nesting as early as midwinter, which is one reason why you can often hear them in fall and winter, when most other birds are quiet. Try to identify the different calls of the Barn Owl, Eastern Screech-Owl, Western Screech-Owl, and Barred Owl. Here’s a great post on getting started owling with kids.

38. Attend a tree lighting

Tree lightings are really fun ways to celebrate the holiday season outside with your community. Lots of cities, towns, neighborhoods, and areas have local tree lightings that you can attend with the kids. Most are outside and are accompanied by a special visitor from the North Pole! Our local community’s tree lighting is adorable and filled with kid-friendly holiday activities. All the kids gather outside city hall and sing Christmas carols until Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive. They come roaring up on a fire truck called the Polar Express! There are lots of booths and stands selling hot chocolate, cookies and donuts and holiday goodies from local shops and vendors. The kids have the chance to get a photo taken with Santa or help decorate a gingerbread house.

39. Garland for the birds

Similar to making a bird feeder, winter garland for birds and woodland animals is super fun and easy for kids to make. There are lots of options for making garland. You could string up popcorn, cheerios, cranberries, pretzels or dried fruits. Consider using slices of dried oranges or apples. You could dip pinecones in peanut butter and roll them in birdseed and hang those on the string.

Photo credit: @familyroots.photo

40. Outdoor hot tub

Who says you can’t swim outside in the winter?! If you have the opportunity, let your kids experience the fun of “swimming” (or soaking) in an outdoor hot tub in the winter. There’s something really special about being enveloped in warm water while it’s snowy and cold outside. The contrast is invigorating! Don’t have a hot tub? Make your own! Fill a big bucket, tub, or kiddie pool with warm water and let the littles soak. But as always, use caution and adult supervision. Kids shouldn’t spend very much time in hot tubs at the risk of overheating their small bodies.

41. Make kindness rocks

Making kindness rocks are one of my kids’ favorite activities. I have to admit, I love it too! Any time we have a rainy day or need to stay inside for any reason, I set them to painting kindness rocks. We keep them super simple with brightly colored paint and simple words of kindness such as “hope,” “brave” or “love.” Once we’re back outside, we love taking these rocks to local parks or carefully placing them along hiking trails or walking paths. We hope that they’ll spread kindness and smiles to those that need a little extra love. Check out this post for some great ideas for making kindness rocks with kids. 

Photo credit: @e_hawthorne_photography

42. Winter hiking

Hiking in the winter is one of my favorite ways to spend time outside in the cold. Hiking warms us up and gets us active on cold days. We love exploring some of our favorite trails in the winter to see just how different they look/feel. Without all the leaves on the trees, you can usually see really far into the woods and spy lots of awesome things you can’t see in other seasons (bird nests high in the trees, frozen waterfalls, icy creeks, fallen logs, etc.). Get all the details on how to have a great winter nature walk with kids. 

43. Eat an icicle

Icicles are nature-made popsicles, just hanging there ready for a lick! Let kids be kids and give them the chance to taste an icicle this winter. Be careful getting them down, as they can be very sharp. For extra awesomeness, dip it in sugar!

Photo credit: @lindseydennistonphoto

44. Antler shed hunt

Did you know that adult male deer naturally shed their antlers each year? After the rut, decreasing testosterone levels trigger this phenomenon. The deer’s antlers fall off and they grow back a new set of larger antlers in the beginning of spring. This means that late winter (starting around the end of January) is a great time to get out and look for antler shed. You don’t need a hunting license or anything other than permission from the landowner to “shed hunt.” It’s a great family activity that occupies and entertains the kids as you hike through the woods. You can keep antlers as a souvenir or leave them for other animals to enjoy (squirrels, mice and other animals eat them as a source of calcium!).

45. “Recycle” your tree

Once you’re finished with a real Christmas tree, it can often be repurposed. Many cities collect live trees and turn them into mulch or other products. Some conservation departments use trees to create woodland habitats for wildlife. Areas close to beaches and rivers often sink them along areas next to water to help with erosion. We often take our tree to a friend’s pond and sink it to make a habitat for fish and other aquatic wildlife. We go back summer after summer and fish in the spot where we deposited our tree and always catch big ones!

Photo credit: @roaminggonzalez

46. Howl at the moon

Traditionally, the January full moon was called the “Wolf Moon,” appearing when wolves howled outside the villages in hunger. Celebrate the wolf moon by heading outside and howling at the moon with the kids! Get prepared by reading a book about wolves and/or the moon. We recommend the following moon and wolf books for kids: Full Moon Lore, The Ways of the Wolf, Lessons for the Wolf, and The Wolf Who Ate the Sky.

47. Look for snow fleas

Have you ever seen (or even heard of) snow fleas? According to the Farmer’s Almanac, during warmer periods in the winter, snow fleas can be found speckling the snow and jumping around! But don’t worry, they aren’t really fleas (or insects) at all, they’re totally harmless and actually good for the environment!

These small wingless creatures are classified as hexapods (closely related to crustaceans). They are small (about 2-3 millimeters in length) and blue-black in color. They have a super-powered jumping ability that comes from a sort of tail (called a furcula), which unfolds and launches the snow flea over large distances. Snow fleas come out in the winter, dotting melting snow looking for food. They are an essential component in the ecosystem because they feed on decaying organic matter in the soil, thus helping it to decay faster, turning it into plant food. They live in areas rich in organic materials (like leaf litter) and are common around tree trunks.

You’ll see them on warmer days when the snow melts because snow fleas are rising to the surface of the snow in search of new food sources. You’ve probably encountered thousands of snow fleas in your lifetime without even realizing it. In the summer, they tend to sit on top of rich soil, but because they are so small and dark, most people don’t notice them!

Photo credit: @kaylasatromphotography

48. Set up a bat house

Speaking of insects, if one of the reasons you love winter is due to the lack of mosquitoes, we’ve got a winter project for you! Use this time to construct and erect a bat house. Bats are amazing creatures. One single bat eats between 6,000 and 8,000 insects per night! Less than 1% of bats carry rabies (far lower than raccoons) and a female bat usually only has one pup per year. Bats need our help to survive. Store-bought bat boxes are generally not very successful. By building a bat box, you are supplying bats with a home so they won’t come looking for shelter in yours! In addition, you’ll get less-buggy evenings to spend outside without spraying down your kids with toxic chemicals. It’s definitely a win for all. Check out this awesome post if you want more info on building a bat box with kids.

49. Plan your garden

If you’re anything like me, the minute I rip out my garden in the fall, I start getting excited about what I’ll plant in the spring! Winter is a great time to really do your research and come up with a great garden plan. Think about what worked last year, what you’ll do differently and how to maximize your growing space. Get those seed catalogs ordered and map out your area. Winter is also the time to prep your garden beds and get them ready for spring planting. Add compost and/or fall leaves for some extra protection and nutrients. Don’t forget to get the kids involved in prep and planning. The more involved they are in the process, the more likely they are to help out in the summer and eat the fruits of their hard work! 

Read our full post on winter garden planning with kids. 

50. Valentine’s heart walk

Love (actually) is all around! All you have to do is look for it! A great outdoor activity to do around Valentine’s Day is go on a heart walk. Whether you’re walking around your neighborhood, through town or into the woods, if you keep your eyes open for hearts, you’ll be surprised how many you can find! From heart-shaped rocks and leaves to heart-shaped knots on trees and everything in between! Go on a hunt for as many heart-shaped objects as you can find. Bring along a camera and take photos of each. Winner gets a prize at the end of the walk! Maybe a nice heart-shaped piece of chocolate!

Read our full post on nature heart hunt with kids. 

Photo credit: @muse_framed

51. Make evergreen tea

Winter months often bring sickness, coughs, and flu to families. It’s more important than ever to make sure you’re all getting plenty of fresh air, sunshine, exercise, and vitamins during these long cold months. One way to get all of these things is to forage pine needles to make your own evergreen tea!

For generations, pine needle tea has been consumed by indigenous peoples as a decongestant, expectorant, and antiseptic wash. Pine needles have up to five times more vitamin C than freshly squeezed orange juice. While the majority of pine trees are fine for consumption, make sure you steer clear from the following: Common Yew (Taxus), Norfolk Island Pine (Araucana Heterophylla), Ponderosa Pine, Lodgepole Pine, Shore Pine, and Monterey Cypress.

To make pine needle tea, gather at least 1 cup of fresh pine needles. Thoroughly wash the needles with clean, cool water. Chop the needles into small pieces and remove any brown portions. Next, bring 3 cups of water to a rolling boil then add needles to the water. Remove the saucepan from the heat and cover. Allow the tea to steep for at least 20 minutes. Increase potency by allowing the tea to steep overnight. This results in a deep, reddish-brown color as a higher concentration of compounds were leached into the water. Pour the tea through a strainer to remove the pine needles. Sweeten the tea with honey or agave nectar. Add freshly squeezed lemon to enhance the flavor. Enjoy!

52. Colored icicles

If you’re looking for a really cool outdoor STEM activity to do in the winter, try making colored icicles! There are a few different ways to do this, but we love the idea of attaching yarn to small water bottles filled with different colored water and letting it drip down the yarn to created mixed color masterpieces. You can hang the water bottles from your house, on a fence or even off a ladder. Check out both those posts for two different takes on a really cool (literally!) experiment and try it yourself with your own spin!

Photo credit: @melisdawn80

53. Night hike

Because it gets dark so early in the winter, it’s a great time to consider a night hike with kids! Give each child a lantern, flashlight or headlamp and head out on a local well-known trail around dusk. As it gets dark, your eyes will adjust to the dark and you’ll start hearing different sounds. Hopefully, you’ll also be able to see the stars in the sky and hear an owl hoot or coyote howl. Hiking at night adds a whole new layer of excitement to a normal hike. But make sure to stay extra safe when night hiking in the winter. Always stay on the trail and make sure someone knows where you’ll be and when you’ll be back.

54. Make a percussion wall

If you’re looking for a way to spice up your backyard to keep the kids outside and entertained, consider adding a percussion wall. It’s super easy to make a DIY percussion wall for kids with items that can be found around the house. If you have a fence or empty wall, all you need to do is hang some “noisy” items on it to create a masterpiece that will keep the kids making music for hours. Add pots, pans, silverware, pipes, rattles, wind chimes, colanders, plates, cookie sheets, hubcaps or anything else you want! Then give the kids a drumstick or spoon and let them create!

55. Collect maple sap

Have you ever considered tapping a maple tree? The whole concept of tapping maple trees, collecting sap, and creating your own syrup is something that fascinates me! For hundreds of years, residents of the North American continent have tapped holes in maple trees in late winter. They’ve collected the sweet sap that flows through the trees as the days warm above freezing, and boiled it down into pure maple syrup. Last year we bought a couple of taps, hoses, and buckets to give this a try in our backyard. We didn’t collect enough to make much syrup, but the process was fascinating and definitely taught us a lot about foraging and where our food comes from. If you want to know more, we have a great post on Tapping Trees & Making Maple Syrup with Kids.

Photo credit: @jen.aquila

56. Build snow castles

Sandcastles are all the rage in the summer, but building snow castles can be just as much fun! Get out your sandcastle-building equipment (cups, bowls, shovels, etc.) and do the same in the snow! Create elaborate castles with moats and leaf flags. Bring out the army men, Barbies, or characters and make an entire town. Add some colored water to give it a whole new look! There are so many fun things to build in the snow.

57. Go ice bowling

Keep your kids outside and occupied for hours with ice bowling! All you need are 10 water bottles and a balloon. Fill all the water bottles with colored water and place them outside or in the freezer to freeze solid. Leave room at the top or leave the lid off to give the water room to expand as it freezes so it doesn’t distort the bottom of the bottle, keeping them from standing upright on a flat surface. Fill a round balloon with water and freeze to make a round bowing ice ball. Once it’s all frozen solid, take outside and set up a bowling lane! The bottles are the pins and the ice water balloon is the ball. Teach your kids how to keep score and it becomes an educational math activity as well!

58. Snow cake for animals

Everyone loves cake…even animals! But while deer, squirrels and birds probably shouldn’t be eating cakes made from sugar and flour, they can eat cakes made of snow, fruits and veggies for the animals! Head out to a field or choose a spot near the woods where animals will be sure to find it. Use the snow to make a big cake on the ground and decorate it with birdseed, carrots, apples, lettuce and other fruits and vegetables. The animals will be grateful for your generosity.

Photo credit: @hikingtheglobewithkids

59. Sledding

Sledding is a quintessential outdoor winter activity for kids of all ages! All you need is snow, a sled and a hill to have some exhilarating outdoor fun! Dress the kids appropriately for the weather and they can stay outside sledding for hours! The thrill of speeding down a hill on a sled is invigorating! Plus, trudging back up the hill a hundred times is sure to get them all the exercise and fresh air they need to sleep very well through the night!

60. Host an outdoor playgroup

Sometimes getting the kids outside in the cold weather is easier if they’ve got someone to play with. Hold yourself more accountable for getting outside by creating or hosting an outdoor playgroup. Invite some families with kids the same ages as yours and pick a time, place and outdoor activity to do. Knowing that others are counting on you makes it more likely that you’ll get outside. Plus, having friends around makes it much more enjoyable for kids, so they’ll likely spend more time outside and less time whining.

61. Winter scavenger hunt

Scavenger hunts are fun outdoor activities for kids that can be enjoyed year-round, no matter what the season. Winter scavenger hunts are extra fun for kids because so much can be seen and observed outside without the leaves on the trees. The barren landscape provides a new element in the hunt and an extra challenge. Winter scavenger hunts focus on items that can be found outside in the colder months. You can find a lot of examples on Pinterest (this is a good one) or make your own. Include things like pinecones, acorns, animal tracks, frozen puddles, feathers, evergreens, etc. We also have a Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt that can be done at any time of year.

Photo credit: @danaphillipsphoto

62. Build a fort

Cooler and colder temperatures do not mean the fort building has to stop. For many of you in the warmer climates, it’s actually the best time of year to head to the woods to build some forts! The risk for snake encounters goes down, the ticks die off and so do the mosquitoes! There are so many options for building forts, including eco-friendly options. Our favorite ways include finding long sticks and piling them up to make a giant teepee type structure or lining them up against a fallen tree to make a shelter inside. Here’s a great post on how to build an eco-friendly winter fort with kids.

63. Go snowmobiling

If you live in an area where you’ve got lots of snow, we highly recommend a snowmobile ride! There’s nothing quite like zipping across the snow to get your heart racing! Snowmobiles can be rented for the day or even by the hour. Lots of rental places offer safety lessons and guided tours, for those not familiar with the area or machines. Snowmobiles will give you access to incredible places you couldn’t otherwise get to. Snowmobiling is a fun outdoor winter activity for the whole family.

Photo credit: @lminor17

64. Visit a ski town

If you’re in an area where you can visit a local ski town or ski resort, make sure to get outside and explore! Ski towns offer many fun outdoor winter activities for kids and families to do outside in the winter months. From walking around town and window shopping to tubing, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, bonfires, skiing, and more!

65. Flashlight tag

It’s dark so early in the winter, so use that to your advantage. Burn some energy after dark with a game of classic flashlight tag. This fun game mixes hide and seek with tag and is played in the dark. The person who is “it” waits at home base counting to a high number while everyone else hides. Then, armed with a flashlight, this person searches for the others who may be switching hiding spots. The flashlight must remain on at all times and may not be covered. When “it ” spots someone, s/he must use the flashlight to get a close enough look at the person to identify him or her and call out that person’s name (who then becomes “it”)!

Photo credit: @expat.adventures

66. Attend a winter festival

No matter where you live, there are usually opportunities to attend winter festivals. Many towns and cities have winter festivals to celebrate everything from winter activities to winter harvests, winter holidays, and active winter animals. Lots of winter festivals have both indoor and outdoor activities and are family-friendly. Enjoy shopping from local vendors and taste delicious food from local bakers. Check out the activities in your area and find a fun winter festival to attend with the kids.

67. DIY wildflower seed bombs

Wildflower seed bombs are super easy to make, great for the environment, and make lovely gifts (perfect for Valentine’s Day). They are easy enough for kids to make in under an hour and good for the birds, bees, and butterflies in your area. They only require a few ingredients and have the added benefit of letting kids get their hands really messy! Make them and let your kids “bomb” the neighborhood once the snow melts. Or give them as homemade eco-friendly gifts to teachers, neighbors, family, and friends. Everyone will love watching the bombs grow into a beautiful patch of colorful wildflowers. Check out our full post on DIY wildflower seed bombs for all the instructions.

68. Go sightseeing

Winter is a great time to go explore a new city/town, a natural attraction, or a state or national park! Sightseeing in the winter is great because crowds are usually smaller and lots of companies are running winter deals. Everyone has a different goal when it comes to winter vacations. Some want to ski or savor all that goes with a snowy environment: cozy fireplaces, hot cocoa, crisp air, and white-capped mountains.  Others want to and swim in warm tropical waters and soak up the sunshine. Whatever your goal, look at taking a winter trip with the kids and exploring a new location. Here’s a great post from Travel + Leisure about the best US cities for winter travel.

Photo credit: @smallstories_fotografia

69. Host an outdoor family happy hour

We love the idea of hosting an outdoor winter party for families. Cover your summertime lawn furniture with buffalo check plaid tablecloths and lots of warm snuggly blankets. Make a centerpiece of evergreen branches, holly, and pinecones. Set up a smores station around a bonfire, with hot chocolate for the kids and mulled wine for the adults. Add some twinkle lights around the location and you’re all set for a fun and festive outdoor event!

70. Winter word hunt

Similar to a scavenger hunt, try doing a winter word hunt with your kids.  This fun winter outdoor activity combines education with exploration. Learning outdoors is active and increases students’ physical, mental, and social health. Outdoor education and play support emotional, behavioral, and intellectual development. Most children learn better by using their senses, and outdoor environments provide wonderful hands-on experiences in nature. Check out our Winter Word Scavenger Hunt post for more details on this fun activity.

71. Go geocaching

Geocaching is a fun outdoor activity for kids no matter what the season. As long as your location isn’t buried under tons of snow, geocaching is a great way to get outside and explore during the cold winter months. Geocaching is basically treasure hunting, with the GPS on your phone as a guide. Caches can be found nearly anywhere these days and kids have a blast finding them! Bring along a few trinkets to trade and mark them down as a smiley! If you need more info, we’ve got a great post on how to get started geocaching with kids.

Photo credit: @misskyleejo

72. Visit a botanical garden

Winter is a great time to explore your local botanical gardens. In the winter months, you’ll find fewer crowds, lovely lawns, and gorgeous greenery. Botanical gardens usually expand for miles both outdoors and in, with well-maintained paved trails, so they are a wonderful place to spend a chilly winter afternoon. Most gardens even have special exhibits that rotate through the winter months, so there is always something new to see. And if you are tired of the cold weather and need some warmth and some pretty plants, lots of botanical gardens have lovely indoor greenhouses filled with lush warmth and color! It feels great to enjoy the warm, humid greenhouses on a cold harsh winter day.

73. Make colored ice blocks

Most educational resources will tell you how important it is for kids to learn how to play with simple blocks. We definitely agree, but we want to put our own twist on it by taking it outside! And in the winter, why not make ice blocks for building for an even more enjoyable experience? All you need to do is freeze water in various size containers. Make small blocks using ice cube trays and larger ones using Tupperware. Add a few drops of food coloring to the water to make colored ice blocks. Pop them all out of their containers on the ice-cold sidewalk and let the kids get creative!

74. Socks & mitten experiment

If your house is anything like ours, you’ve probably got a dozen pairs of mittens/gloves scattered throughout your house and probably only half of them have matches. Some of the gloves are fine, some only work for a short amount of time outside before they get wet and cold, some are too big/small. Why not turn your haphazard mitten situation into a science experiment!?

Test the gloves/mittens in all different scenarios to see which ones withstand the cold and keep your hands warm. Take them outside and try them in the cold. Put your gloved hands in ice (or ice water) and see how long it takes before you feel the cold. Talk about the difference between fingered gloves and mittens (which keeps your fingers warmer). Not only will this teach children about proper insulation and the importance of wearing gloves outside, but you’ll know which ones they like, which ones you can pitch, and which ones work so you know what to buy next year!

Photo credit: @kylieraephotography_

75. Winter photography challenge

Two of my biggest passions are exploring the outdoors and photography. I love it when these two come together in one fun activity for kids. Winter is a great time to give them a camera (handheld or phone) and see what they can capture. You can either make a list of winter items to photograph or let them choose what to capture on their own. There’s a lot of beauty in the cold winter months and this activity forces you to actively look for it. Consider photographing things like snowflakes on colorful leaves, winter shadows, frost on leaves and grass, frozen berries, patterns in lichen or bark, fog, ice puddles, and animal tracks.

76. Make wind chimes

Making windchimes with kids is a fun and easy activity for kids to do any time of year. Last winter we made windchimes from driftwood and shells we found on our beach vacation. We drilled small holes in the shells and then hung them from a long piece of driftwood with twine. We also dangled a few pieces of driftwood so they’d all knock together in the wind and remind us of the beach. Other fun natural elements to add or use for windchimes are pinecones, sticks, sea glass, rocks. To make them extra fun and musical, add bells, old utensils, CDs, beads, or cans. Feel free to make wind chimes out of anything you can find! It’s fun to let kids choose their own items and discover what makes noise and what doesn’t.

77. Outdoor luau

Just because it’s chilly outside doesn’t mean you can’t have a Tikki party! Break out the hula skirts and lais – layer them over your down coats for extra color this winter! Host an outdoor luau with a traditional bonfire and warm(er) versions of your favorite summer drinks and frozen fruit kabobs! Set up the slip-n-slide for the kids and let it cover over with ice. Fill up a baby pool with snow for the little ones. Play Hawaiian music and dream of warmer summer days ahead!

Photo credit: @romana_zackova

78. Hand-feed chickadees

Did you know that you can train chickadees and nuthatches to eat out of your outstretched hand? It’s truly amazing and all it takes is a bit (ok, a lot) of patience and determination. If you want an incredible experience this winter, this is definitely one to work towards. Start by filling a bird feeder with black-oil sunflower seeds, which is the food of choice for small birds.

Once chickadees start visiting your feeder, stand about ten feet away and watch them for 10 minutes a day for a few days. Every day, while their eating, move just a bit closer. In time, the birds won’t mind, particularly if you make “pish” noises. Next, take away the feeder and fill a bowl with the sunflower seeds. Hold this with your hand in the place where the feeder was and do NOT move! The birds will eat out of the bowl. After a few days of doing this, try using your open hand. Soon, the chickadees will be eating straight out of your hands! It’s an incredible feeling!

79. Set up a birdbath

Birds need water to drink and bathe in. However, during the winter months, water sources often freeze, leaving the birds high and dry (literally). If you have the means and the location, consider setting up a year-round bird bath for our feathered friends. You’ll need to add a small heater to keep the water from freezing in the winter. And consider a way for the water to flow. Flowing water attracts birds, keeps water fresh and also helps prevent it from freezing.  This may be a bit of an investment, but the birds will love you for it!

80. Decorate outside with twinkle lights

You certainly don’t have to celebrate Christmas to enjoy the fun and beauty of twinkle lights. Early darkness means that kids have fewer hours of daylight to spend outside playing. Take the opportunity to turn their favorite outdoor play location into a magically-lit space for evening play. Use twinkle lights to brighten up playground equipment and swing set in your backyard. String them through the trees where they play fairies. Decorate their clubhouse. Place them around the fence that borders the kickball field. Transform the places they love to play into something magical and beautiful with twinkle lights that keep them outside longer.

Photo credit: @littletreatsphotographycalgary

81. Park playground games

If it’s snowy and/or muddy outside and you’re not in the mood to track through the muck and get filthy, consider a playground. Most local parks have some sort of outdoor playground equipment that can be enjoyed no matter what the season or weather. You’ll likely have it all to yourselves, which makes it the perfect place to play games. My kids love playing Follow the Leader on playgrounds. They take turns being the leader and lead each other through a maze of playground equipment, doing silly and challenging things. For example, they love walking across the swings without touching the ground, climbing up the slides, and leaping from thing to thing. Check out our post for even more ideas of park playground games for kids.

82. Go on a sleigh ride

Do a little research and see if you can find a place near you to take the kids on a real-life horse-drawn sleigh ride. There are lots of places these days that offer sleigh rides, through the woods, in parks, on local farms or through conservation areas. If you don’t have snow or you’re in the city, try a horse-drawn carriage ride! Our local parks offer carriage rides through a winter wonderland of twinkle lights in all size carriages. Some are huge and can fit large groups and some are small and intimate. One even looks like Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage. A sleigh ride outdoors through the crisp air, while you’re bundled up in blankets is a thrill! It’s something super special and unique that doesn’t happen every day. It’ll be a winter memory that will last a lifetime.

Photo credit: @racheldayphotography

83. Outdoor tic-tac-toe

Playing tic-tac-toe outside in the winter is so much fun for kids. There are a variety of ways you can set up a game outdoors. Use 4 large sticks to create a board and then use colored water in spray bottles to designate your X or O marking. Or use pinecones for Os and 2 sticks to make Xs. You can do the same even if you don’t have snow in your area. Play on a picnic table with rocks and sticks. Or play in the driveway.

84. Pinecone dissection

Winter is the perfect time of the year to examine evergreen branches and pinecones. Gather your science tools, a few evergreen branches, and some pinecones and get started examining and observing. Use your tools (tweezers, knife (with supervision) and microscope) to examine a pinecone and dissect it. Discuss how pinecones are the fruit of the tree and inside are seeds. Break or cut them open to observe. Feel the textures and smell them. Explore further by measuring, snipping, shaking and observing the pinecones in different scenarios (e.g. do they float?).

Photo credit: @susan.grimes

85. Paint your windows

While technically an indoor activity, this is one that is worth including on the list. The house I grew up in had a series of large picture windows. Every winter, my mom would let each kid decorate a window any way they wanted. I usually chose colorful paints and created a bright scene on my window. It was such a simple thing, but something I looked forward to every year. Now, I let my 2 big kids each decorate one of the glass doors in our home. We use washable paint, dry erase markers, and gel clings. They’re always so incredibly proud of their designs. A few weeks later (when the paint’s chipping), I wash it all off and we do it again the following year.

86. Outdoor exercise

Get outside and active this winter by exercising outdoors. Kids love and need to get physical, especially in winter months when illnesses are prevalent and they tend to spend more time indoors. Tons of local parks have exercise stations around them or places where you can exercise outside. These stations include: pull-up bars, incline benches for situps, stretches, and push-ups. Even if you don’t have access to these park stations, you can easily create your own outdoor exercise routine and get your kids involved. Include exercises that they can easily do, like sprints, jumping jacks and frog jumps! 

Read our full post on exercising outdoors with kids.

Photo credit: @siesta_makes

87. Explore a frozen creek

If you know me at all (or have been reading this website for any length of time), you know I’m a bit obsessed with playing in creeks. Exploring a creek in the winter can be just as much fun as it is in the summer. Wintertime creekbeds are really fun for kids to check out. There’s all kinds of things to do and look for. My kids love throwing rocks (splashing, skipping or using them to break the ice), using sticks to flip over rocks, searching for minnows and crawdads and stomping through frozen puddles. Always make sure kids are accompanied by an adult and keep them out of deep water areas. Dress appropriately and always make sure to have a change of dry clothes nearby!

88. Visit a national park

One of the best ways to get outside and explore when the temperature drops is by visiting a National Park or Monument. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who loves to explore but prefers to avoid crowds, visiting National Parks in the winter helps you do that and more. There are so many great National Parks that are just as wonderful (if not even more so) in the winter months. We love this post by Bearfoot Theory on the best national parks to visit in the wintertime.  Their list includes a few parks that are brutally hot in the summer, but lovely in the winter, such as Death Valley, Everglades, Joshua Tree, Petrified Forest and Gulf Islands National Seashore. And a few parks that are just spectacular with a dusting (or more) of snow, such as Arches, Grand Tetons and Great Basin.

Photo credit: @blueberryhillimages

89. Make snow angels

Making snow angels is a quintessential wintertime childhood outdoor activity. This activity needs no real explanation or instruction, but there are a few things you can do to make it more fun for kids. After the make the snow angel, let them decorate them! It’s really funny to see hollow snow angels on the ground with pinecones for eyes, sticks for hair, and a red berry mouth!

90. NYE sunset countdown

Celebrate the end of the year with kids by watching nature’s very own ball drop – the sunset. Gather with friends and family on the last day of the year and watch the sunset together. Share stories of the highlights of the year and feel free to share goals or make predictions for what the new year will bring. The sunset usually happens early enough for kids of any age to enjoy it without throwing off bedtime. It’s a lovely way to end the outside and in nature.

91. Make a winter mandala

Making a nature mandala is a wonderful activity to do any time of year. In its simplest form, a mandala is a circular structure with a design that radiates out symmetrically from the center. You can find natural mandalas in flowers, tree rings, the sun, eyes, snowflakes, spider webs, seashells, seeds, fruits and more. There is no right or wrong way to make one which is why it is such a wonderful way to engage children to make their own mandalas using items they find in nature.

Go for a walk or hike and collect items to use in your winter mandala. Choose a location to start making it and let the children’s imaginations create something beautiful! This is a great time to discuss symmetry and shapes, but don’t push them too hard to stick to any hard and fast rules. Creativity wins the day. We’ve got a great post on making nature mandalas with kids if you want to read more about this fun activity.

Photo credit: @rachelpeacephotography

92. Have a bonfire

I’m pretty sure I’ve recommended having a bonfire and roasting marshmallows in every seasonal activity guide we’ve published. That’s because this is a timeless activity that can be done in any season and is always a hit. S’mores taste extra great when it’s cold outside and winter bonfires have the added bonus of warming your hands and backsides! Gather some firewood and those you love and spend some time outside together around a fire on a cold and dark evening. Sharing songs and memories around a campfire is such a simple and beautiful experience for families. It makes kids feel incredibly special to be part of it, to listen and participate. 

Find out more about the 5 S’s of making a successful bonfire with kids. 

93. Practice fire safety skills

And while you’re at it with the bonfire, let your kids be a part of setting it up. Safely building a fire is one of those imperative skills that every adult should know. But we often overlook how beneficial it is for children to know about fire safety and how to properly handle a fire. Because fire is inherently dangerous, I believe kids should learn about it at an early age. With the proper instruction and supervision, kids learn a healthy respect for fire, and with early and frequent exposure, the thrill and mystique of fire wears off. It becomes simply a useful tool, as opposed to something mysterious and forbidden which they can’t resist the urge to explore in secret. 

Here’s a great post on how to teach kids how to build campfires and fire safety tips for kids. 

Photo credit: @dayslikethisphotos

94. Explore a beach

Beaches in the wintertime are magical places. While the cooler temperature makes the water a bit too cold for swimming, there are still many activities the whole family can enjoy doing at the beach during the cooler winter months. Take advantage of the lack of crowds and spend some time shelling. For the best shelling, arrive at the beach at the earliest low tide, when the water recedes uncovering thousands of shells. Shells are especially abundant after winter storms stir up the ocean water. Bring along some binoculars to spot all sorts of birds and marine life, from crabs and live sand dollars to dolphins. Look for a place where the sand is dotted with rocks and branches so that the water get’s trapped when the tide is low and you will find many critters in these small tidepools. 

Read more about finding sea glass with kids. 

95. Frozen water beads

Water beads are a really strange, yet super fun sensory activity for kids. Most people only play with water beads in the summer, but there’s no reason you can’t break them out in the winter, too! Take them outside and see if they stick/freeze to objects? Or freeze them (you can put them on a cookie sheet in the freezer) and use them in outdoor games, like marbles.

96. Play Red Rover

Red Rover is a classic childhood game that is tons of fun to play in the winter when everyone is bundled up and layered with protection! All you need are two teams (the more kids, the better!) and a large open space (a grassy field is perfect). The kids are divided up evenly between teams and stand, facing each other, a good distance apart. The first team to go decides who they want to “send over” and then they yell, “Red Rover, Red Rover, send Janie right over!” At this point, Janie has to leave her team and run toward the other group, who are holding hand. She has to try to break through their barrier.

The more momentum and speed she has, the better. If she makes it through, she gets to choose a person from the opposing team to go back to her team. If she doesn’t get through, she becomes a new member of that team. The group with the most kids after how-ever-many rounds wins!

Photo credit: @rubkowa

97. Have a sword fight

Kids don’t need anything but a stick to be completely entertained! But how often do we (parents) interfere with their love sticks because we’re afraid they’ll get hurt? I want you to try giving your kids permission (even if just for one cold winter day) to use those sticks to have the most epic winter sword fight of all time! Let their imaginations run wild as they battle against evil knights and bandits. Give them the chance to learn how to play with sticks safely by allowing them to explore and test the boundaries. Let them play!

98. Bonfire cinnamon rolls

Making a bonfire is already on the list, but let’s take it up a level. Cinnamon rolls on the bonfire are a fun delicacy. All you need is a tube of store-bought cinnamon rolls and a few long sticks. Wrap a cinnamon roll around the stick and let the kids roast them in the fire. Don’t forget to rotate them and practice proper fire safety. They cook up nice and puffy and (once cooled enough to handle), you can pop them off the stick, dunk them in icing and enjoy! 

Here’s a great post filled with even more delicious foods and meals that you can make over the campfire. 

99. Candy cane hunt

A candy cane hunt is a really fun way to get your kids outside, exploring and active. All you need is a box of candy canes (as many as you want) and a place to hide them that your kids can safely explore. Take a few minutes to hide them all (hang in trees, on bushes, stick in the ground, etc.) in various locations and at different heights (for different kids). Then let the kids go and see how many they can find. If you have kids of different ages, consider giving them each a section of space to find the candy canes or hide candy canes of different colors for each child. Once they’re all found, start again! Hide them in new places or let the kids take turns hiding them for each other.

Photo credit: @jessicaklinephotography

100. Snowball target practice

Nothing thrills my oldest child like introducing some competitiveness to any activity we do. Making snowballs is all fun and games, but having a snowball fight is better. He tends to get a bit aggressive with the snowballs, so instead, we do target practice. All you need to do is draw a bullseye target on a large piece of cardboard, poster board, a box or even the side of the house or a fence. All the kids will need to make their own snowballs of various sizes, shapes, and densities (consider it a STEM activity). Then line the kids up and let them take turns hitting the target. Have them keep score and the winner gets a prize!

101. Winter slip & slide

Turn your slip-n-slide into an instant sledding hot spot! Get your money’s worth all year round by breaking out the slip-n-slide this winter. If you have time (and kids that are old enough to handle it), spray it lightly with the hose the night before your big sled party. This will create a thin layer of ice on it, which means extra speed and slickness when sledding. (We haven’t actually tried this at home yet, so proceed at your own risk!)

102. Find winter constellations

Cold (and early) dark winter nights are the perfect time to teach kids about the constellations. Stargazing is a great outdoor winter activity for kids. In the winter, there are six constellations that you can usually find in the night sky: Orion, Taurus, Canis Major, Canis Minor, Gemini, and Aurigo. These constellations are known as the “Winter Six.” Print out a copy of the winter six constellations and see who can find them first. If you need extra help, try the Sky View app.

Photo credit: @kirschkerne

103. Play flag football

My son recently joined a peewee flag football team that plays games outside during the winter months. Snow and rain don’t slow these kids down, either. They love playing outside and barely feel the cold. It’s much more brutal on the fans and families than the players, but it’s a great way to spend some good quality time outside in the winter and get lots of exercise. If you can, organize a game of flag football for your kids and their friends. The rules are (relatively) simple (basic football rules with no tackling) and you don’t need much other than a ball, a few “flags” (pieces of an old cloth also work) and a place to play! Game on!

104. Hibernation hunt

There are lots of animals that hibernate through the cold winter months. We all know about bears and immediately think of them in dark caves. However, chipmunks, bats, turtles, snakes, hedgehogs, frogs, skunks, and prairie dogs all hibernate as well. Studying hibernation is a great wintertime activity. Pair your study with a hibernation habitat hunt (or hike) and let the kids look for places they think animals might hibernate. Look for dens, burrows or hollowed-out tree trunks. This is more of an i-spy activity and identifying potential habitats. Stay away from any place you think might be housing an animal, as we don’t want to disturb any hibernating animals.

105. Snow day photoshoot

While most families choose to have family photos taken in the fall, winter is another great time! Why not ask your photographer about scheduling a “snow day” photoshoot on the first snow of the season? Dress everyone up in adorable winter wear and get some action shots of all of you making a snowman, having a snowball fight, sledding or skating. Creative family photos are always so much fun. Incorporating a fun activity will take the pressure off getting the perfect posed shot and create memories along the way.

Photo credit: @nina.bogomaz

106. Car camping

Don’t let winter keep you from camping and enjoying the outdoors. Winter is a great time to car camp! Basically, car camping is camping with your vehicle. You can “car camp” anywhere that you can drive up to in your car, truck, or van. While car camping can also mean literally sleeping in your car, that’s not a requirement. The key is that you arrive to your campsite in your vehicle and keep your vehicle onsite, which allows you to carry more essentials than a backpacking trip or somewhere you don’t have access to your car. This means you can bring all the things to keep you toasty warm when camping in cooler weather. Read all about tips for winter car camping with kids. 

107. Winter adventure chores

This time of year can be hard to get outside with kids. So, why not use this season of staying warm and close to home to clean, prep, and maintain your gear for your upcoming adventures. This post contains a list of winter chores for kids that help them prepare for their next hiking, biking, or camping adventure. A little gear maintenance, organization, restocking, and preparing will go a long way in getting your family out the door quicker when the weather warms up! 

108. Winter photo scavenger hunt

Grab your camera and get outside for a fun winter photo scavenger hunt. In order to make this fun for kids in both snowy and no-snow conditions, we created two different versions of the winter photo scavenger hunt for kids. The first scavenger hunt printable is a “Winter Photo Scavenger Hunt” – this is perfect for a chilly winter day where it is absolutely fine if there is no snow on the ground. The kids can find things like a brown leaf, an evergreen branch, and a pinecone. The second photo scavenger hunt printable is a “Snowy Day Winter Photo Scavenger Hunt.” This one is great for adventures outside when the snow has covered the ground. Children can search for a snow shovel, icicle, and a snowball. This activity also opens up opportunities for your child to make a snow angel and snowman too! Get the winter photo scavenger hunt printables here. 

What are your favorite winter outdoor activities for kids?

The post 100+ Outdoor Winter Activities for Kids appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Outdoor adventure travel for families

When outdoor active families are considering where to go and what to do on a family vacation, there are a variety of things to consider. The best family vacations are the ones that perfectly fit your family’s wants and needs. Most families are looking to prioritize the quality time they will have together during their trip. They want to experience good times as a whole family and make memories together. They are open to trying new things and want their kids to have new experiences. These families want to spend less time on screens and more time getting to know each other. 

Families that love adventure and prioritize spending time outside have a wide variety of options when it comes to finding amazing outdoor adventure family-friendly destinations. I’m passionate about helping families connect through travel and outdoor adventures, and I’ve been planning trips for my family and others for years. Today, I get to help you! 

I arranged this post into ten categories (different locations and types of family travel), with plenty of options in each one. Many of the categories overlap in places, but I think they will get your wheels turning and the ideas flowing about the types of destinations and adventures you could have there. We focus heavily on travel with in the United States, but there are some international options included. I hope they help as you prepare to plan a trip with outdoor adventures and find the best family vacation spot for your family!

1. Outdoor family vacation in National Parks

National Parks travel is likely one of the most common trips a family will take. Is there anyone who hasn’t thought about a Grand Canyon vacation? Or about a hike under those red rock arches? The iconic spots dotted across the U.S. landscape lure families of all types. A National Parks vacation provides wide open spaces for families to explore together. Whether you enjoy hiking, paddling, rafting, horseback riding, or other activities you can find a lot in our National parks. 

Multiple national parks or a deep dive?

There are so many ways to do a National Parks vacation. You can plan a road trip that covers a group of National Parks together. A good example of that would be to road trip what is commonly referred to as “Utah’s Big 5”. There will be a good bit of driving involved for this type of trip. The extended days outdoors amongst the rock formations of Arches National Park or hiking along the waterways of Zion National Park will meet those outdoor wanderlusts. Don’t forget that parks like Death Valley National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are dark sky areas. They are perfect for nighttime star gazers. You and your family can literally spend from sun-up to past sun-down outside.

Another idea is to do a deep dive of a National Park. You can easily spend a week enjoying parks like Yellowstone National Park, Olympic National Park, or Glacier National Park. Those trips are especially satisfying if you want to do any long-form hiking. All-day treks and multi-day treks eat into an itinerary quickly. This really lets you connect as a family while you soak up the fresh air together.

Planning a national parks trip with kids

Here are a few tips if you are planning a trip to National Parks.

1. Look into an annual pass that will cover your cost for entrance for a full 12 months.
2. Be prepared that cell coverage is scarce inside the parks. Download your maps and let your friends and family know where you are and that you will be out of touch for a while. It’s glorious!
3. Many families choose to camp or RV in the parks, but there are also in-park accommodations to look into. Many parks have gateway towns or cities that facilitate family vacation plans. They offer hotel chain options or smaller mom-and-pop lodging.
4. If you want to stay inside the park, you must plan up to a year in advance.
5. Food can be very limited and pricey inside the parks, so I suggest packing a cooler for those long days of outdoor exploring.

2. Outdoor family vacation in state parks

Do not underestimate the park and recreation systems within each of the 50 states. State parks are outdoor havens on a smaller scale than national parks, but that does not mean they are lackluster. Look first at your own state to find the local treasures. My home state of South Carolina has incredible and diverse options from coast to mountains to choose from. They are perfect for long weekend getaways when we need to step away from the daily grind.

As you plan a family road trip, look to include a few state parks. They offer great day trips and can often have more overnight camping openings than a National Park. The entrance fees are typically less than the National Parks and can give you a closer view of the local area as you explore. 

Favorite recommended state parks

A few unique state parks that regularly come up as places to experience together as a family are Starved Rock State Park in Illinois, Watkins Glen State Park in upstate New York, Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada, and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Florida. Located along the Illinois River, Starved Rock State Park is filled with hiking trails and seasonal waterfalls. Watkins Glen has amazing waterfalls and is a respite during the hot months of summer. Valley of Fire has rock formations that are fun for scrambling around, especially in spring and fall. John Pennekamp is an underwater park; it’s a haven for snorkeling and diving that families love to visit. 

Wakulla Springs State Park, outside of Tallahassee, Florida, is a hidden gem and a family favorite. Home to one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs, the sapphire water of Wakulla Springs boasts manatees, alligators, gars, and a host of diverse birds and wildlife that can be viewed from a riverboat tour, guided by knowledgeable park rangers. The kids will love the boat tour, and you’re basically guaranteed to see alligators galore, up close and personal, in their natural habitat. The water at the springs is a cool and refreshing 70 degrees year-round, which feels absolutely invigorating on sweltering hot Florida summer days.

3. Best family beach vacation destinations

Many a family vacation tradition has begun at the beach. It’s no surprise that families flock to these sandy, sunny spaces to enjoy time together and relax. Of course, not every beach vacation is tropical in nature. Sure, you can hit the warm coastal beaches of the southeast or southern California, where the sun shines, and the temperatures heat the days. A lot of families get out in the mornings to seashell hunt and build sandcastles. Then, head inside for the middle of the day, and return beachside for wave jumping and beach games in the late afternoon until dinner. My family likes to then take a walk down the beach after dinner to extend our outside time.

Beach vacations are a great way to travel as a multi-generational family. Everyone from infants to grandparents can soak up the fun at the beach. It’s nice to have an option that includes everyone for together time. You will primarily find vacation rental properties (with full kitchens) and some of the best family vacation resorts in beach towns that line the coasts. Even the Great Lakes have beaches where families seek out rejuvenation. Make sure to read our tips for a successful beach trip with kids.

Florida beaches with kids

There’s something truly magical about the beautiful beaches in Florida. Florida tends to have something for everyone, whether you’re looking for action-packed entertainment or want to get away from it all. The beaches along the Gulf of Mexico are usually white sand and low surf, making them perfect for families with little kids. Most places we have vacationed have all kinds of outdoor activities for families, including fishing, tide pooling, kayaking, surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, jet skiing, and so much more. A few of our favorite vacation spots to enjoy the Florida beaches with kids are Destin, Gulf County, Anna Maria Island, and Captiva. 

A different kind of beach vacation

If you want a different kind of beach – not your typical warm water white-sand beach – then head to the PNW. Even in the summer, the water can be chilly, but that certainly doesn’t stop the kids from exploring the tidepools, digging up razor clams, and splashing in the waves. You’ll be blown away by the abundant and colorful aquatic life in the area – bright purple sea stars, fire-orange urchins, turquoise anemones, red rock crabs, and all kinds of various plants, barnacles, mussels, and more. Our favorite beaches in the Olympic National Park area were Ruby Beach, La Push, Kalaloch, and Rialto. Most of them have that iconic PNW rocky shore feel, with driftwood and sea stacks, dark sand, and a lingering layer of mist. They’re each more beautiful than the next.

International beaches

International beach destinations draw families, too. Consider Costa Rica, where you can learn to surf or go deep-sea fishing. My youngest and I spent three glorious days at a surf camp in Jaco, Costa Rica. We took surf lessons, stand-up paddle boarded, and enjoyed one-on-one time together. Think about Puerto Rico, where you can do a bioluminescent kayak excursion, or the Greek Islands, where you can kite surf. There are so many options for activities! These kinds of activities are great for trying new things together as a family. 

4. Camping & backpacking family vacations

Spending a vacation camping or backpacking is a no-brainer for families who love the outdoors. As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, many of these ideas overlap, so your camping adventure could take place in a national park, state park, or even at the beach. Family camping inside national and state parks is a great way to immerse yourself in the heart of it all. If your family has the desire to step away from the distractions of daily life, weekend camping trips are a wonderful and low-cost option to maximize your outdoor time and really bond. 

State and national park camping

You can certainly camp and backpack in National and state parks. Great Smoky Mountains National Park ranks among one of the best spots for a family camping vacation. When we visited Olympic National Park, we came across a family with middle school-aged children who were backpacking for the first time. The hiking was mostly flat, and they camped along the river bed; it looked like a great way to get started. Hunting Island State Park in South Carolina is a great family camping spot in the southeast for its proximity to beachside camping. 

Unique camping adventures 

Camping can be done at various levels of comfort. RV camping has become increasingly popular with families who love to road trip and explore together but want the comforts of a real bed and bathroom. Car and van camping provide makeshift beds inside a vehicle, but also allow you to be in nature. Tent camping and hammock sleeping put you in the midst of the wilderness, breathing that fresh air all night long. If you’re not quite ready for full-on tent camping or aren’t sure about investing in the equipment needed, you could also consider glamping. Glamping can be anything from those big, heavy canvas tents set up and decked out for families, to sleeping in a teepee, bus, mini-cabin, treehouse, or yurt. Some even have bathrooms connected!

Backpacking for families

Backpacking is a level-up from camping. It’s typically done over a few days and requires you to pack in and pack out all of your own supplies. This includes bedding, shelter/tent, all food, and all waste. Backpacking can be an unbelievable way to immerse yourself in nature and a great family bonding experience. So many of the epic locations you see in photos are from people who have trekked into the deepest parts of the wilderness. Check out this post for more info on how to get started backpacking with kids. 

5. Family ski trips (and snowboarding)

There are a number of ski resorts and ski towns across the U.S. that cater specifically to families. There are a wide variety of ways to do a ski trip, but one thing is for sure. You will spend a lot of time outside, and much of it in weather that may not be optimal or even desirable if not for the powder. Ski trips have a way of getting everybody outside in the winter months that may not otherwise. If you don’t ski or snowboard, don’t worry. Most ski areas offer other outdoor activities such as snowshoe trails, dog sled excursions, sleigh rides, and snow tubing. There is so much to do on or off the slopes for the entire family while outside. A ski vacation is an annual tradition for many families!

Snowboarding with kids

If you’re looking for a great snowboarding spot on the East Coast, consider Bolton Valley Resort in Vermont. Bolton Valley was the perfect spot for learning the basics of snowboarding with kids. It is large enough to have nice rides down, but not intimidating or too difficult. The staff is so incredibly helpful and patient! They paid very close attention and assisted every person, from toddlers to adults, as they were learning.

The resort also has an indoor skatepark, which is attached to the Sports Center and has both street and traditional features. It includes a micro mini ramp, a mini ramp, a vert ramp, and even a bowl to ride. The Sports Center also includes a pool, sauna, and hot tub, as well as a game room. And everything at the resort is close enough together that you can easily walk from your room, to the lifts, to the restaurants, to the Sports Center as much as you want! It doesn’t feel overwhelming because it’s all easily accessible. 

Click here to read our full review on Snowboarding with Kids at Bolton Valley Resort.

Colorado skiing with kids

Colorado is jam-packed with so many great places to ski with the entire family. Breckenridge and Vail are both huge mountains, with tons of runs for all different skill levels of skiier. There are also a lot of things to do in and around town. Other smaller favorites close to Denver are Keystone, A-Basin, Copper, and Beaver Creek. 

One of the best ski resorts to visit with the entire family or kids just learning how to ski is Buttermilk Mountain, just outside of Aspen, Colorado. While not as technical as Aspen Mountain or as large as Snowmass, Buttermilk is a great compromise for families looking for a little bit of everything (and easy access to the other area ski resorts). Buttermilk is the perfect place for kids to learn the basics, master the terrain park, skin uphill, or watch the world’s best athletes during the X Games. It’s usually less crowded than other local mountains but still serves as a one-stop shop for lessons, rentals, tickets, and lounging. At the top of Buttermilk, with panoramic views of the dramatic Pyramid Peak and the entire Maroon Creek Valley, is the Cliffhouse restaurant. Don’t miss this! It’s famous for its Mongolian grill.

6. Outdoorsy activity vacations

Did you realize you can plan an entire family vacation around one outdoor activity? With one week or a long weekend, you can base an entire trip on one outdoor activity of your choosing! As mentioned above, skiing is a great option. Some others that come to mind are mountain biking, fishing, multi-day canoe adventures, snorkeling, surfing, and more. 

Plan a trip around your interests

Tap into the interests your kids already have. Find a way to travel to a place that brings some extra excitement around doing it in a new location. Or, if there is an activity you have all talked about trying and are curious about, perhaps plan a trip around giving it a shot!

The best way to plan a trip like this is to search for destinations that cater to the specific activity you and your family are interested in. For example, a quick google search on kiteboarding in the U.S. brings up a list of top spots for this exciting sport. And if Key West, Florida is a place you have always wanted to visit anyway, it may be the perfect outdoor family vacation spot.

Montana, Colorado, Arkansas, and Wyoming are great destinations for fly fishing. If you have avid anglers who want to fish in some of the most scenic locations, you can plan an entire trip around this activity. Make sure you have the appropriate permits and that you follow all of the state laws about catch and release, open season, etc. 

Pick a destination where you can do it all

Another idea is to plan an outdoor adventure vacation that incorporates lots of outdoor activities you can try. For example, both the Lake Tahoe area and the Southwest Michigan area have so many amazing outdoor activities for families. You could plan a week-long itinerary in either of these locations with swimming, rock climbing, family hiking, rafting, skiing, cherry picking, sailing, dune buggy rides, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, boating, and so much more! There is a little something for everyone. 

7. City vacations for families who love the outdoors

I know what you are thinking when you think about a city vacation. Yes, every city has museums and indoor activities, but many of them also have a host of outdoor tours, parks, and nature nearby. You will, of course, want to plan for a specific season that will allow you to enjoy the outdoor parts. Honestly, a good city destination gives you a taste of both worlds. You can find comfy lodging, great restaurants, and cool outdoor activities!

Fun cities to visit for families will have a variety of outdoor activities and options for everyone in your family or group. City parks with playgrounds are great for young children, but older kids and parents can enjoy them, too. Central Park in NYC and Forest Park in St. Louis are great examples of green space within major metropolian areas that are perfect for the whole family. They offer biking and nature trails, waterways and lakes, museums, zoos, golf courses, restaurants, and so much more. Don’t forget about all of the outdoor dining you can do in the city. The best European family vacation can’t be done without the cafe life!

Urban adventures for outdoorsy families

The best cities for outdoor recreation are typically located near big nature landmarks. Places like Denver, Colorado and Salt Lake City, Utah, have mountains within a short driving distance. They tend to embrace outdoor activities like skate parks and snow parks to accommodate active people. Miami, Florida, pulls in people who love to be on the water for activities like boating or fishing. Asheville, North Carolina, and Boise, Idaho rank amongst the best cities for hiking because they have good trails nearby and cultivate a culture of outdoor-loving people. 

Wendy from the Run Wild creative team highlights San Diego, California, as an amazing outdoor city. San Diego is a great outdoor city because there are so many outdoor family-friendly options! There are countless beaches, parks, and playgrounds. San Diego is also home to the southern terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail for the hikers/backpackers out there. Additionally, it’s home to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, Sea World, the San Diego Botanic Garden which has two amazing children’s areas, The Living Coast Discovery Center, Balboa Park, Legoland, Petco Park to watch Padres baseball, and so much more!

8. Outdoor family vacation at a dude ranch

If you search for memorable family vacations, you will be sure to come across dude ranch vacations for families. The appeal of this type of family trip is that all of your activities, meals, and lodging are in one location and often come together as an all-inclusive option for the whole family. These types of vacations draw families of all ages and are great as a multi-gen travel option. Do be sure to check the minimum age for horseback riding, so that no one is disappointed.

A family guest ranch experience will connect your family with hands-on experiences and exposure to new skills. Together as a family you can learn and experience all of the ranch chores and activities. With that, you will have on-site accommodations suited for a family, and on-site dining usually within walking distance of where you are sleeping. Your days will be packed with outdoor activities, fun for everyone! Those activities may include but are not limited to horseback riding, cattle sorting, shooting (age appropriate), and nature walks. Adults are not left out! Many of the ranch vacation spots will have wine & cheese for parents or even a happy hour.

Horse ranches for the whole family

You may need to do your research to find the horse ranch that meets the needs and desires of your family. You should be able to find everything from mid-range budget to a luxury dude ranch experience, with lots of daily activities. As most travel is, this is an investment into your family memory bank. And remember, almost everything you will need is included in the one-stop pricing. 

White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, is a fan favorite for its proximity to Saguaro National Park. Vista Verde Ranch in Colorado is another family favorite and a great place for all kinds of outdoor adventures. Run Wild creative team member Araceli covers the joys of visiting a ranch in winter and all that a ranch vacation can be as a family. 

9. Family sailing vacations

There is no doubt that a family sailing vacation is super niche and may not be the right fit for everyone. However, the truth about sailing is that it is unique and fabulous, but not “bougie” in the way you may expect. Sailing is very technical and adventurous, but it can also be very relaxing. There are several ways to plan a sailing family vacation and quite a few destinations that support this type of trip. I usually describe family sailing vacations as camping on the water. And while you camp, you get to travel to some of the untouched places of the world. The only time you’re not completely outside is when you are sleeping, and even then, the windows are open. It’s pretty fantastic.  

Sail yourself

The first way to do a sailing trip is to charter a boat and sail it yourself. This is called bareboat chartering, and you will need to be able to demonstrate your skills or provide certification documentation. Our family was able to do this in the British Virgin Islands for an amazing sailing Caribbean vacation. We anchored or docked for small fees and cruised around the islands for nine days of pure bliss. We snorkeled, swam, and visited the different islands for fun. The best part about this type of sailing vacation is that you determine the when and where with total freedom. It does require that you know how to sail. 

Charter a boat

The second way to sail together as a family is to hire a captain through a charter company. You can sit back, relax and enjoy the trip without having to do the work. Most countries in Europe, like Croatia and Greece, require a hefty amount of sailing hours and instruction in order to sail on your own. So, last summer, we hired a captain to sail us around the small Cyclades in Greece. My kids took part in helping out with the sailing because they are interested and wanted to learn, but it wasn’t necessary. We enjoyed stopping at various islands, eating at local restaurants, coastal hiking,  and relaxing at the beautiful beaches. I cannot recommend a Greek sailing vacation enough!

Small-scale group cruise

The third way to sail together as a family comes in a larger format, but not as big as a traditional cruise. Smaller crafts more suited to authentic experiences and smaller groups can be found. These types of trips not only get you outdoors but afford you unique opportunities you may not find elsewhere. A great example of this is in the Galapagos islands of Ecuador, perfect for a family that thrives on wildlife encounters. Another option that I’m personally keen to experience is Uncruise, which sails to places like Alaska, Baja, and Belize. 

10. Outdoor vacation bucket list spots 

Garden of the Gods

Outdoor family vacations are important

I believe in the importance and benefits of outdoor family vacations for so many reasons.  Everyone needs a break from the daily normal, and a family vacation is a great way to get away from your routines, and busy schedules and really reconnect. Give yourself and your family a chance to breathe and do it together. Not only will you create core memories, but you will bond in such a special way. Focus on an outdoor family vacation to elevate the experience and leave behind all of the noise of the world. It’s worthwhile, even if just for a long weekend. Our brains and bodies need this. Give yourself the opportunity to step away from your phone. Get off the wi-fi for a bit and let your mind reset. Let your body work and rejuvenate in nature, too. 

Additional resources about family travel & favorite destinations

• Family Sailing Vacation in Greece
• Finding Nature In Urban Settings
• Family Vacation in Gulf County, FL
• Kid-Friendly Spring Break Outdoor Destinations
• Outdoor Adventures in Destin-Fort Walton Beach with Kids
• Healthy Risk Through Outdoor Adventure & Travel
• Family-Friendly Places to Explore in Illinois
• RWMC Get Out Guides – Outdoor Adventures in St. Louis, Bentonville, Cape Cod, and Virginia Beach

Are you ready to go on an outdoor family vacation?

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The post 10 Ideas for Outdoor Family Vacations & Adventure appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.