Hiking Havasupai with kids

Picture this. You’re scrolling through social media, and suddenly, you see it – a majestic waterfall cascading over a red rock ledge and flowing into the most unreal turquoise-blue water you have ever seen. You wonder if the image is some sort of Photoshop magic, so you investigate. It turns out that the water really is that color. The red cliffs are real, and the waterfall actually exists.

From the moment I saw my first photo of Havasu Falls, I knew that I had to go there. Quickly, I added it to my bucket list and started researching. I didn’t know right away if hiking Havasupai with kids would be something that could happen. I dug around the internet and asked friends who had been before, and I’m here to give you all of the tips and tricks for hiking Havasupai with kids.

What is Havasupai?

The Havasupai Reservation is located in Northern Arizona. The reservation is surrounded by Grand Canyon National Park. It is home to the Havasupai Tribe of Native Americans. Members of this tribe have been living in the area for longer than has been recorded. Some say they have resided there for more than 1,000 years. The United States government allotted the tribe 188,000 acres of land. As of the 2020 census, a little over 200 people lived on the reservation. Visiting the Supai village is a privilege. There is no other place on earth quite like it. 

Havasupai is a remote and stunningly beautiful area known for its vibrant blue-green waterfalls, red rock landscapes, and the Havasupai Native American tribe that calls it home. The name “Havasupai” translates to “people of the blue-green water” in the Havasupai language, perfectly encapsulating the area’s most distinctive feature—the mesmerizing turquoise waters that flow through Havasu Creek.

The term Supai refers to the village within the Havasupai Indian reservation. Supai Village is the only inhabited area in the Havasu Canyon and serves as the administrative and cultural center of the Havasupai tribe. Havasu refers to the blue-green water of the creek. Havasupai encompasses the tribe as a whole, reflecting their historical and cultural ties to the breathtaking natural environment of the Grand Canyon.

Why visit Havasupai?

There are no roads that take you down into the Supai village. The only way to access it is by foot or by helicopter. The trek from the parking lot trailhead to the bottom of the canyon is 8 miles. There’s something special about going places that you can’t drive to. Remote places like this are getting harder and harder to find. With the incredible beauty of the waterfalls, Havasu Creek, and the towering canyon walls on either side, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Havasupai is not just a destination; it’s a classroom where adults and kids alike can learn about geology, ecology, and Native American history in an immersive and enchanting setting. For families seeking an extraordinary blend of adventure and education, Havasupai stands as an unparalleled destination, promising a journey filled with awe, inspiration, and shared memories that will endure for generations. 

When to hike Havasupai

The best time of year to visit Havasupai with kids is typically during the spring and fall seasons. April through June and September through October offer ideal weather conditions for a family adventure in the canyon. During spring, the temperatures are mild, creating a comfortable environment for hiking and camping. The waterfalls are also likely to be flowing at their peak during this time. Summer can be extremely hot, with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38°C), making it less suitable for families, especially with young children. Monsoon season in Havasupai typically occurs during the months of July and August. This period is characterized by increased rainfall, which can lead to flash floods in the canyon. Winter can bring colder temperatures and the potential for snow, making trail conditions challenging.

Accommodations in Havasupai

Hiking Havasupai (with or without kids) is not a day trip. Anyone entering the reservation must have previously made arrangements with either the campground or the lodge in Supai Village. The minimum stay is 3 nights. A room at the lodge for 3 nights in 2024 is $2277. 2024 Camping prices are $455 per person per night, with a 3 night minimum as well. My family and I went in 2023, and the lodge was under renovation at the time. We stayed in the campground. Campground reservations can be difficult to secure (see below for more info). 

The campground is 2 miles from the Village of Supai, where the lodge is located. It’s an easy 2-mile hike, and you even get to go past one of the smaller but still amazing waterfalls – Little Navajo Falls. There is a part of the trail where you cross Havasu Creek, just before entering the campground. My kids loved going over the bridges. I was a tad nervous because we had our packs on, and the bridges were temporary (more on that later), but no one fell in, and we all made it to the campground safe and sound! 

Reservations at Havasupai

The increasing popularity of Havasupai over the last decade or more has led to a fairly complicated campground reservation system. The first order of business is to create an account with the tribe. Initially, you can try to get in on their lottery for reservation dates. The chances of you getting chosen in the lottery system are very slim. 

Cancellations

However, another option is to take advantage of another group’s cancellation. You can go to the website and click on the link for cancellations/transfers. This list updates daily with reservation cancellations. This is how we got our reservations.

The hard part about the cancellation system is that the reservation is already made for specific dates and for a specific number of people. You have to be willing to go for the dates available with the correct number of people. It took me checking every single day for months before I found a date and a group size that fit what we needed. And you have to snatch it up immediately when you see it, because by the end of the day the available cancellations have usually all been taken. May the odds be ever in your favor!

Additional resources

The tribe also has an official Facebook page with loads of great information. As your trip to Havasupai with kids draws closer, you’ll want to check into things like the weather and other updates from the tribe. Their Facebook page is a wonderful place to read the experiences of others who hiked there recently and read information that the tribe has put out regarding trail conditions, etc.

Pack mule reservations

One other consideration to make when planning your trip to Havasupai with kids is whether or not you’ll use pack mules. You can pay to have some of the tribe members strap your packs to a mule and transport your gear to the bottom of the canyon for you. More information can be found on the reservations page after you create your account with the link above. There will be a button titled “Your Pack Mule Reservation.” 

Preparing for the hike (where to stay the night before)

Once you’ve made all your reservations, you’ll want to pack your bags. If you need information on how to pack for a backpacking trip with kids, check out that linked post for tons of great ideas and gear recommendations.

The thing about hiking Havasupai with kids is that the closest overnight accommodations are located at the Grand Canyon Caverns Inn in Peach Springs, AZ. If you want to get an early start on the hike (which I highly recommend), you will want to be as close to Hualapai Hilltop (the trailhead) as possible the night before. 

Grand Canyon Caverns Inn is also the pickup point for the tags you will need to have on your packs if you are sending them via pack mule and the permit you need to get onto the reservation. All I have to say about this place is that I am glad we only stayed one night. It’s definitely an experience. It’s a little over an hour’s drive from the Grand Canyon Caverns Inn to the trailhead.

On your drive, you’ll come to a stop sign that seems to be in the middle of nowhere. Someone will be at the stop sign checking to make sure you have a reservation, so you’ll want to have your paperwork handy. Once you pass this checkpoint, you’re almost to the trail head! You haven’t even started your adventure and it’s already been quite a road trip! 

Hiking the Supai Village trail

The distance from the Hualapai Hilltop trailhead to Supai Village is 8 miles. I won’t lie to you; it’s a long hike and a hard 8 miles. You start with a series of switchbacks going down into the canyon. There is almost no shade for most of the 8 miles, so be prepared with lots of sunscreen and any other sun protection you want.

In the summer months, temperatures can surpass 100 degrees Fahrenheit. We made the trek in March. The temperatures were mild, but the sun was shining. I made sure everyone had lots of water and encouraged them to remember to stay hydrated. 

Supai Village is a wonderful sight to see after hiking for 8 miles! We stopped at the little cafe there and ordered a snack to share. Then we started on towards the campground. Just before you get to the campground you’re met with the most amazing view of Havasu Falls! It makes all of the previous 10 miles worth it. 

Finding a campsite at Havasupai

The Havasupai Campground has no marked sites. All of the spaces are first come, first served. The Havasu Creek runs right through the campground, so if you can find a flat spot beside the turquoise waters you should snatch it.

The campground has a spring where campers can get fresh, clean water to fill their water bottles, as well as composting toilets on each end of the campground. Be sure to bring your own toilet paper though. 

There are some picnic tables dispersed throughout the campground. You’ll have to get there early if you want to set up your tent near a table. In my experience, other campers will share the table with you if you ask. It’s hard to cook without a table or a flat surface. Campfires are not allowed. You’ll need to cook on a portable stove.

Mooney Falls

After your first dayjust getting to the campground, it’s time to explore. The far end of the campground overlooks another phenomenal waterfall – Mooney Falls. We hiked down to this waterfall on our second day. From the top, it looks like a treacherous journey getting down. If you’re afraid of heights, this might not be the hike for you.

In order to get down to Mooney Falls, you’ll have to use the metal chain anchored into the canyon wall. There was a pile of gloves at the beginning of the descent, but if you’re very concerned about having gloves, please bring your own.

The chain is very wet. It isn’t hard to hold onto, though. The spray from the waterfall is continually soaking the area where the chain is. You’ll definitely get damp on your way down, and back up, the chain. In the summer this would probably be very refreshing! In the spring we didn’t take too long to dry so it wasn’t unpleasant to get a little wet. When was the last time you were close enough to a waterfall to get wet in its spray? I say embrace this amazing experience!

We stayed at Mooney Falls for a short time. The kids wore their swimming suits and got in the water a bit. It was magical to sit there and take in the waterfall. Mooney Falls was my favorite of all the waterfalls we saw in Havasupai. 

Beaver Falls

The hike from Mooney Falls to Beaver Falls is about 3 miles. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but you will cross Havasu Creek several times during those three miles. As you’re traveling with kids, this will take a while. Parts of the creek are fairly deep, about to an adult’s thigh. The water wasn’t moving very quickly while we were there, but you will want to be sure that your kids are within arm’s distance when crossing the creek.

The rocks in the creek shift easily and are slippery in places. There was one crossing where almost everyone in our group fell at the same part of the creek! Plan on getting wet by bringing quick dry clothes or packing an extra set of clothes in a waterproof bag. 

Bridges and ladders

When you’re almost to Beaver Falls you will come to a series of ladders leading up and down the boulders. There is also a creek crossing that, when we were there, was too deep to wade through. There was an existing “bridge” made up of a couple of narrow logs/boards that led to a rope you could grab to help yourself up a ladder waiting on the other side.

This, by far, required the most bravery and skill to accomplish, but everyone in our group made it safely to Beaver Falls. The youngest member of our group was 11 years old. I was never worried about whether they would make it, but we had to work together to get everyone up, down, and across all of the many obstacles between Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls.

When we got to Beaver Falls, a member of the tribe was there making sure everyone who went to the falls made it back out. There was a storm coming in, and it did end up raining hard that night. The tribal member let us know that we needed to head back to the campground by a certain hour, for safety reasons. 

Footwear considerations for hiking in Havasupai

Footwear is another important part of hiking in this area. Because you will be crossing the water several times, you’ll want to have suitable shoes or sandals. This could be sandals, water shoes, or regular tennis shoes if you have a backup pair to put on after the hike. The actual hiking part requires sturdy soles, so if you bring water shoes, I would either change into your hiking boots after crossing the water or bring water shoes with a sturdy sole.

I will also note that my husband carried several children (and also me) across the creek more than once. It took a long time to take socks and shoes off and then put them back on again after crossing. He’s a trooper!

Havasupai wildlife

Another highlight of our hike on this day was the wildlife. The canyon has a rich biodiversity of native species, such as mule deer, bobcats and bighorn sheep. We came around a bend and saw several bighorn sheep just hanging out on the side of the trail. They took no notice of us and continued to eat their delicious green grass.

The calls of canyon wrens echo through the air, while colorful songbirds flit among the vibrant foliage as you’re hiking. Keep a keen eye out for the turkey vultures soaring overhead and the acrobatic antics of agile squirrels and chipmunks scampering through the lush undergrowth. 

The Confluence

Though we only made it to Beaver Falls, the trail continues to the confluence of the Colorado River and Havasu Creek. From what I have read about this part of the hike, it requires even more water crossings and is not easy.

It’s about 5 miles from Beaver Falls to the confluence. I don’t think I would attempt it with younger children. However, if I had teenagers and they wanted to do the hike, I think it would be a realistic goal to make it to the confluence.

Day three activities: rest, explore, and fry bread

The tribe requires a three-night reservation, so on the third day, we got to rest a bit. We hiked the few miles back into the village for a snack from the cafe there. At the top of the hill, just before reaching the campground, there is something you will not want to miss. A couple of tribal members set up a fry bread stand. My son said eating the fry bread was the highlight of the trip, which is so funny to me! After you purchase the fry bread there is a table with chocolate syrup, strawberry syrup, peanut butter, honey, powdered sugar, and more. I think the kids put every one of the toppings on their fry bread!

After the most delicious fry bread treat we made our way back to the campground. We napped, played cards, swam in the turquoise water of Havasu Falls, and just enjoyed being in such an incredibly beautiful place.

The hike out of Havasupai

In all honesty, I was incredibly nervous about the hike out. Hiking down into a canyon and hiking all the way back up it are two very different things. The hardest part of the hike back, all of the switchbacks, is at the very end on the way back up. They come after hiking over 8 miles from the campground. The lack of shade made me nervous too, because if all went as planned, we would be getting to the switchbacks a little after midday, when the sun is high. 

Turns out I had nothing to worry about. The kids were literally running up the switchbacks at the end of the trail. They were so excited to get back to the car and take their packs off, they had no trouble with the switchbacks or lack of energy. I brought up the rear, and they were all waiting for me as I came up to the last turn! 

Hiking Havasupai with kids

Hiking Havasupai with kids is not for the faint of heart. It requires a lot of preparation and must be planned months in advance. However, all of the planning and preparation are worth it. As you navigate the rocky red landscape and crystalline waters of Havasupai with your children, the bond forged through shared challenges and the sense of accomplishment will create lasting memories for your entire family. Witnessing the wide-eyed wonder of your little ones as they explore this natural wonderland is a testament to the profound impact that such an expedition can have on young minds!

The breathtaking beauty of Havasupai, coupled with the educational experiences it offers, makes every moment invested in preparation worthwhile. It’s a journey that goes beyond the physical exertion, leaving you with a treasure trove of memories and instilling in your children a lifelong appreciation for the great outdoors. The experience is one that you will look back on for the rest of your life and think, “I can’t believe we did that!”

Have you ever hiked Havasupai with kids?
Would you consider it?

About the author

Wendy is a married momma who recently moved from San Diego to Virginia. She’s raising 4 human kids, 2 goat kids, 4 chickens, and one grumpy cat. She enjoys gardening, hiking, camping, backpacking, going to the beach, and generally getting out of doors. Wendy is a family photographer and also works at several local elementary schools as the garden educator. She dreams of traveling to all 50 states and beyond and believes that there is great beauty to be found in all parts of the earth; we just have to open our eyes to see it.

You can find more from Wendy online in the following locations:
Instagram: @wendycoxphotography
RWMC posts: Wendy Cox

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Nature journaling with kids

George Washington Carver once said, “Reading about nature is fine, but if a person walks in the woods and listens carefully, he can learn more than what is in books…” And I am inclined to agree with him. Our family spends time in nature daily. Because nature has so many benefits for us, we want to help inspire your family to do the same. 

Something we combine with our nature walks is nature journaling. It is one of our favorite things to do, especially when we have been busy or on the go. Nature journaling quiets us, helps us slow down, and restores peace in our day. Nature journaling’s multidisciplinary approach involves many subjects, so it appeals to a wide audience. And it works with different age groups and ability levels because there is not one way to do it. It’s open-ended and forgiving. 

Benefits of nature journaling

Connection to nature

There are so many benefits of nature journaling for kids. Perhaps most importantly, nature journaling inspires us to be outdoors and connects us with the natural world. It encourages curiosity about the world around us. We learn how to ask questions. And we discover how to seek out the answers to those questions through the help of those around us, books, websites, and documentaries. This sense of wonder not only enriches their educational experiences but also lays the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of nature. Nature journaling can be a gateway to science, ecology, and environmental stewardship, instilling a lifelong love for learning and discovery.

Observation skills

Nature journaling also teaches us how to observe with all our senses. We begin to see, hear, and even smell our surroundings like never before. As kids start to journal, they learn to observe the world around them in a whole new way. This heightened awareness not only deepens their connection to the environment but also nurtures essential scientific skills and curiosity. Through the process of sketching and describing what they see, children develop an acute attention to detail, honing their observation skills.

Fosters creativity

Additionally, nature journaling serves as a creative outlet, enhancing self-expression in children. Through drawings, descriptions, and personal reflections in their journals, children can freely express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in connection with nature. The act of recording our thoughts, ideas, and observations on paper makes them concrete and creates memories of our time in the great outdoors. 

Nature journaling supplies

To get started with nature journaling, you only need a few supplies, many of which you probably already have on hand. Nothing fancy or expensive is required for this activity, and all the supplies should fit comfortably in your backpack if you decide to take them with you. 

• Paper – We prefer blank pages rather than lined paper, but a lot of people also like graph paper. You can buy a blank notebook, nature journal, or DIY nature journal with completed pages. Journal pages can be kept in a notebook, loose in a folder, or added to a binder.
• Writing utensils – We prefer to use pencils, but some people like to use colorful pens or markers for writing and drawing.
• Adding color – Colored pencils are our go-to, but watercolors, crayons, markers, and even watercolor pencils work well.
• Camera (optional) – Whether a fancy DSLR, a phone camera, or a simple Polaroid, adding photos to your nature journal from your adventures can enhance the experience.
• Magnifying glass, binoculars, or pocket microscope – These items help kids observe details of any natural object close up and get a better sense of the intricacies of nature. 
• Field guides or identification apps – We use these to help us identify what types of flora or fauna we’re observing. iNaturalist is a great app for identifying plants and flowers. We also have a laminated field guide for common birds in our area. 

One family journal or individuals?

My kids and I each have our own nature journal. When they were small, I had one for the family that I kept and maintained. However, as they got older, they wanted their own journals to be customized as they saw fit. If you have older children, nature journals and supplies make great gifts and are a fun way to help encourage kids to spend more time outside. 

Getting started with nature journaling

There’s no time like the present to start incorporating nature journaling into your outdoor routine. If you don’t currently spend a lot of time outdoors, let nature journaling be the catalyst for changing that! It’s a creative way to combine learning, creativity, and outdoor adventure. 

To get started, I recommend that you choose a location that’s easily accessible and abundant in natural elements. This could be a local park, nature reserve, or even your backyard. Encourage children to explore and observe their surroundings, paying attention to the colors, textures, and sounds of nature.

When introducing kids to nature journaling, make it fun and focus more on the exploration and discovery of nature than on their artistic ability. Begin with simple activities like identifying and sketching common plants or animals, and gradually progress to more detailed observations. Encourage them to use their senses – touch, smell, and sound – to deepen their connection with the environment. Making it more about playing outside is an easy way for them to connect journaling with fun.

Make sure to keep a non-judgmental attitude towards their drawings and notes, emphasizing the process of observation over creating perfect representations. By keeping the experience light-hearted and fun, children are more likely to develop a genuine enthusiasm for nature journaling, making it a fun activity and not a chore. 

When to use your nature journal

Setting aside dedicated time for nature journaling ensures that the experience becomes a regular and anticipated part of their routine, providing a consistent opportunity for connection with the outdoors. But there’s no one perfect way to journal – it’s up to each person to journal as fits their needs and schedule. 

You may choose to bring your journaling supplies with you when you go outdoors (even in your own backyard), but you can nature journal when you get home as a way of taking inventory of all the memories you made, plants and animals you saw, and adventures you braved. 

Some people even like to do their nature journaling before heading out to explore, researching the things they might encounter or observe while at a particular location. We have been known to pull out our nature journals on a rainy day and take off on a virtual adventure through a book or documentary. 

If you choose to do your nature journaling in the field, it is helpful to find a spot to sit that’s comfortable, safe, and off the beaten path. It’s an excellent way to take a mindfulness break and enjoy the moment. If you have young children in tow, you might also need to pull out some snacks to keep them occupied while you all journal (and make it fun!). Keep your expectations simple, and start small. 

What to include in your nature journal

Nature journaling is all about documenting your observations in nature, but there’s no one right way to do this. The sky’s the limit for what to include on the pages of your journal. Because the options are virtually endless, we have a list of some ideas below to avoid the “blank page problem” that sometimes makes it challenging to get started. 

Three very general things to include are (1) information, (2) illustrations, and (3) photographs. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways and works for people of differing ages and abilities. 

Nature journal prompts and ideas

• Include a short paragraph of information recounting your observations might include the things you see, hear, smell, or feel around you.
• Include common names and scientific names of the plants you find in nature. This is a fun project for older kids to get them familiar with how the scientific naming process works. 
• Bullet points are my favorite way to jot down observations quickly. You can always go back and add more detail later.
• Write a poem to describe your entire experience or one animal, plant, fungi, river, sunset, etc that you observed. We especially love acrostic poems, haikus, and shape poems (calligrams).
• Compose a story based on your explorations. Both fiction and non-fiction stories capture moments from your adventures to preserve them as memories.
• Create simple illustrations of your surroundings as a whole or in part, which leads to further research after your outdoor experience. This means learning about different species of living things or landmarks you saw.
• Combine nature journaling with a scavenger hunt, where kids are tasked with finding (and recording) certain items. 

Details and tactile experiences

Kids can incorporate details such as the date, time, location, season or time of year, and weather conditions during their outdoor adventures. This not only adds context to their entries but also introduces the concept of tracking changes in nature across different seasons.

Encourage them to collect and attach found objects like leaves, feathers, seed pods, or pressed flowers to their journals, creating a tactile and interactive dimension to their records. It adds so many fun textures and different colors to your nature journal.

You could also do bark and leaf rubbings on the trail directly into your nature journal. We like doing these to help us identify species of trees and plants we didn’t know previously. This is especially great for younger children who want to be involved but may not be able to read or write yet. 

Nature journaling for kids

Nature journaling is a simple yet powerful activity that opens the doors to a world of exploration and creativity for kids. Its open-ended nature allows children to document their unique journey into the natural world over time, filled with their unique observations, thoughts, and reflections. There’s no right or wrong way to journal, making it a fun family activity for recording your nature observations and cultivating a love of nature. 

Not only is nature journaling an affordable endeavor, requiring only basic supplies like a sketchbook and pencils, but it also offers the flexibility to be anything a child envisions it to be and can be done at any age! Nature journaling can be done before, during, or after your adventures. It can be as quick and simple or as detailed and intricate as your time and interest level dictates.

For our family, the best things about nature journaling are our time together outdoors and the memories we get to relive and enjoy each time we open up our notebooks and lovingly flip through the pages. So, grab some paper, step outside, and let the adventure of nature journaling unfold.

Additional resources for nature journaling

Nature journaling with kids is a great idea, especially if you’re looking for a wonderful activity that seamlessly combines creativity and outdoor exploration. If you’re interested in learning more about nature journaling or how to get kids started, here are a few of our favorite resources on this topic and recommendations:

• How to Find a Nature Sit Spot
• John Muir Laws (Guide to Nature Drawing & Journaling)
• Nature Notebook
• 100 Nature Journal Prompts for Kids
• How to Press Flowers for Nature Journaling
• Free Scavenger Hunt Bundle for Kids

About the author

Laura is an ecology writer and the founder of Firefly Nature School, a nature study curriculum designed for homeschooling families, co-ops, and classrooms. Laura has a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Ecology from Iowa State University with an emphasis in natural resource education. A former wildlife conservation educator and upper school science teacher, she now directs School of the Wild, a local nature school serving her community. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family, hiking, running, writing, reading, and cooking. Laura lives with her husband and their three children in the beautiful Ozarks countryside.

Find more from Laura in the following locations:
Website: Firefly Nature School
Instagram: @fireflynatureschool
Facebook: Firefly Nature School
RWMC posts: Laura Stroup

The post Getting Started with Nature Journaling for Kids appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Adventure schooling

Adventure + homeschool = adventure schooling

Some moms might say homeschooling in and of itself is quite an adventure, but when you add a healthy dose of nature and exploration to the equation, you get something incredibly unique and special. 

In recent years, an increasing number of families have chosen to break away from the traditional education system, opting for a more personalized and adventurous approach to learning and homeschooling. Adventure schooling is an innovative educational model that goes beyond the confines of the traditional classroom and encourages families to get out there and explore the world around them and use the outdoors as their children’s classroom.

In this article, we will dive deep into the realm of adventure schooling and explore ways you can take your homeschool classroom outside. We’ll get perspectives from two moms about what adventure schooling means to them and the how and why behind their choice to “adventure school” their children. 

Photo Credit: Nichole Holze

Nichole’s adventure schooling story

Nichole – @coleyraeh

We decided to homeschool from the very beginning of our children’s education. While that’s the right thing for us, I will never claim that it is the best for everyone. Each family is wonderfully unique, and each child’s needs are equally unique. That said, our choice to homeschool was the catalyst for what I call adventure schooling.

From the time my youngest was only a few months old, I had a deep desire to get out of the house and disrupt the grip of postpartum depression that pulled at me. Our first adventures merely involved me successfully getting out of the house with both kids, snacks, water, and the diaper bag. We usually hit a nearly park or playground and may have only stayed at the park (which was five minutes away) for thirty minutes. But, with two small kids, this was a huge victory and as I kept going, with little adventures around town, I strengthened my adventure muscles so that we could do bigger and more adventurous outings. 

When we decided to homeschool, I already had plenty of experience taking my kiddos on adventures by myself. So, it was a natural progression for me to schedule adventure into our homeschool week. It’s all part of a process I call being responsibly brave. Now, years into our homeschooling experience, I still incorporate an “adventure day” into our schedule. 

In a nutshell, adventure day is one day per week that I set aside to chase shenanigans with my children. It’s not meant to be a field trip. It is not a day to play with friends (although friends are always welcome to come along). It doesn’t have to be an entire day. This can be in the morning, an afternoon, or even an intentional hour or two where our focus is on exploring or doing something together instead of schoolwork or other things on our to-do lists.  

These adventures can be anything from visiting a local park or trail, to a museum, a day trip, or even big day hikes or camping trips. It’s anything at all. Mostly, it’s an opportunity for us to connect through doing something together, and I am so grateful we started it. I have years’ worth of memories and photos of my kids with our various dogs under this one specific tree on a trail we hike almost weekly. It’s simple, but it’s beautiful.

Photo Credit: Lea Reynolds

Lea’s adventure schooling story

Lea – @wildstokefam

I had no plans to homeschool my children. I was a full-time working Registered Nurse in the busiest hospital in town. But when my 4-year-old son was due to enter pre-school, my husband and I were nervous about him leaving the comforts of our sides and attending school every day. I was full of fear, anxiety, and excitement at the same time. I was excited that he would make friends, learn, and be surrounded by the fun of school. As a child, I loved school, which was filled with learning, fun, and friends. However, I was also a nervous wreck. He’s my baby, and the thought of sending him off to school for 7 hours on his own was overwhelming. How on Earth was I supposed to let him go to school all day?

But we swallowed our fears and got ready to register him for preschool. Only to be told that there were 15 children on the waitlist for preschool ahead of us. 15! The odds of him getting into preschool were not in our favor.  The next closest school with availability was a 25+ minute drive from our home, each way. And while that was technically doable, the thought of spending almost two hours every day in the car (with our littlest in tow), was mind-boggling. And this is where the idea of homeschooling first came into mind.

At first, I was terrified of the idea of homeschooling. I am a nurse by trade, so my expertise is in everything medical and human anatomy. Regarding homeschooling, I was really worried about failing him and not teaching him enough of what he was “supposed” to learn. I spent many long nights researching, reading, and studying how to teach my child preschool material in a way that worked for both of us. 

Soon, I discovered there were quite a few wonderful homeschool groups in my area. I fell in love with countless homeschooling books. And I dove deep into the idea of incorporating nature into our studies.  As a Type-A person who loves outlines and schedules, I knew I needed a curriculum and a plan. However, I also learned very quickly that a strict schedule does not always work with kids. But my Army training kicked in, and I became resilient and figured out how to adapt. I had to learn how to tailor the days to both of my kids and their interests while incorporating the necessary alphabet, phonics, math, etc.

Long story short, we all learned very quickly what worked for us and what didn’t. A designated room in the house was not a good idea (we cannot be contained). I also felt very distracted and a bit claustrophobic, spending our day inside. My patience runs thin with the mountain of laundry, toys and dishes needing to be tackled. I am a better mom (and a better teacher), when I am outside in nature with my children. And I noticed quickly that my son and 2-year-old daughter were more receptive to whatever I was trying to teach them when they were moving their little bodies, playing, and, most importantly, outside!

We put our classroom in a backpack and headed outside to explore. When we are outside running on the beach, or hiking a trail, we are all happy, engaged, and eager to learn. Thus, our adventure schooling began.

Photo Credit: Jackleen Leed

What does adventure mean to you?  

Nichole – @coleyraeh

I would say that adventure is a mindset. It’s changing how you think when you approach an activity. Adventure can happen right in your backyard as you look for worms after a good rain. Maybe it can be in your neighborhood when you walk each week and watch how the plants change with the seasons. Adventure can be biking the same trail in your city, over and over again. Or maybe it’s going on a big hike to a waterfall, or going camping, or going to a climbing gym. It can be big, or small, near or far. It’s choosing to view the world through a lens of wonder, wherever you choose to wander.

Lea – @wildstokefam

Adventure is defined as an exciting experience and exploration that deviates from the ordinary. The essence of adventure lies in embracing the uncertainty and the thrill of the unknown, often leading to memorable and transformative experiences. Simply reading under a tree at the park can be an adventure. As a society, we have gravitated towards a sedentary lifestyle. Even in traditional schools, kids don’t get the chance to spend much time outside or being active. The days of kids running wild and free and learning through play are limited. I saw this firsthand for myself when I was an elementary school nurse. The 4-year-olds seemed to spend more time waiting in lines and being contained in a group than actually playing outside or doing typical 4-year-old tasks. Nature is vital for kids and adults alike, as is adventure! 

Photo Credit: Lea Reynolds

Incorporating nature into your schooling

Incorporating nature into schooling (whether homeschooling or traditional schooling), can be a transformative and enriching experience for both parents and children. By getting outside into nature and embracing the great outdoors, you not only provide a dynamic and engaging learning environment but also foster a deep connection with the natural world around you. 

Here are some creative ways to integrate nature into your homeschool curriculum, no matter the age of the child or grade level, put together by Lea (@wildstokefamily).

Math

• Measure items in nature
• Create a sundial outside
• Search for shapes in nature
• Complete arithmetic outside using rocks, twigs, leaves
• Build a fort and talk about angles, shapes, steps, etc.
• Visiting a farmer’s market and having a child weigh produce, count money, and learn values

Science

• Learn about the life cycles of animals. Observe the ones that can be found in your area in the wild or at a local nature center. Visit those that are a bit more exotic at a zoo, aquarium, or while traveling. 
• Creating a nature box with interesting items found outside and keep them in a keepsake box (e.g. feathers, seashells, sea glass, and dried insects like dragonflies and beetles)
• Nature journal: older kids can focus on more in-depth science investigation and learn scientific names, habitats, etc. 
• Forage in the woods, the beach, the city
• Do some nature-based outdoor STEAM activities and science projects
• Visit a local education center or outdoor children’s museum for hands-on science
• Start a garden (or visit a botanical garden) in order to learn about plants and the growing cycle
• Set up a weather station in your backyard with simple instruments like a thermometer, rain gauge, and wind vane. Keep a journal to record daily observations and weather patterns.
• Turn your backyard into a birdwatching haven. Provide binoculars and bird identification guides, and challenge your kids to identify different bird species. 

Art

• Painting outside (plein air painting)
• Creating art with leaves, twigs, and items found outside
• Nature journaling
• Making nature paintbrushes 
• Creating seashell crafts, such as necklaces
• Making mandalas using nature items, crafts, etc. 
• Paint kindness rocks
• Creating art structures out of recycled materials
• Making leaf and/or flower crowns

Language arts

• Nature journal, nature poetry
• Creating your own park review guides
• Writing a short story about an adventure
• Reading outside in your yard or at a park
• Visiting your local library
• Learning to spell with wooden or magnetic letters
• Spell outside with sticks, leaves, rocks

Photo Credit: Nichole Holze

Incorporating adventure into schooling

If you’re looking for ways to incorporate more adventures into your homeschooling (or simply add more adventure to your daily life), here’s a great starter list from Nichole (@coleyraeh) to help spark some ideas for ways to get out the door and learn in a whole new way!

Outdoor adventure – close to home

• Explore nature in your own backyard
• Plant a garden
• Go for nature walks in your neighborhood
• Visit a local nature trail or park
• Visit a garden center at different times of the year
• Visit a local farm or farmer
• Volunteer at a community garden
• Play at a skatepark
• Drive RC cars outside somewhere
• Go for a bike ride on a trail or around your neighborhood
• Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddle board if that’s available
• Go on a mural scavenger hunt around your town or city
• Try geocaching
• Play in a creek. Like this.

Indoor adventure – close to home

• Go to a movie
• Visit a local museum
• Take a tour of any local historic sites or homes
• Visit the library
• Try a new restaurant, especially if it’s a type of food that correlates to something you’re studying!
• Take “school” to a coffee shop
• Go to a play or musical
• Go see the symphony (many cities will have children’s theater days for shows and for the symphony)
• Check out trampoline park
• Go go an indoor climbing gym
• Visit a bowling center and/or arcade (pro tip – let them use their own money at the arcade, and don’t forget about Kids Bowl Free programs in the summer)

Outdoor adventure – bigger and farther

• Go camping at a campground or state park cabin or yurt
• Go on a bigger day hike to something neat like a waterfall
• Canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding
• Mountain biking on bigger trails or at a pump track
• Find a climbing club or group to go climbing outdoors with
• Try a via ferrata if there’s one nearby, if not, try an adventure obstacle course or zipline
• Visit a new to you state or national park
• Snorkeling – in a creek, a lake, or even the ocean
• Paddle camping – hauling everyhing you need to camp in your canoe or stand up paddle board. 
• Explore something unique to your state: like crystal digging in Arkansas.
• Visit a zoo or wildlife sanctuary
• Visit gardens and botanical centers
• Check the calendars for nearby state parks, national parks, historic sites, and cultural sites

Photo Credit: Sara Webb Lesire 

What does adventure schooling look like for you?

Nichole – @coleyraeh

My kids are now 12 and 9, so while we’ve been doing this a while, it doesn’t look that much different as we enter the teen and tween years, but our adventures are bigger. I think that it’s often easy to feel pressure to let go of the hands-on and experience-based learning as the kids get older and move closer to middle school and high school. However, in my experience, those are the opportunities for the adventures to get even bigger. It’s also when you begin to see some fruits of your labor from the years you put in when they were little, when they begin to make observations or recall things they’ve learned while out in the world.

As we’ve always done, we incorporate adventure schooling into our homeschooling schedule through our weekly adventure day, which is sometimes a canoe trip, a SUP trip, hiking, mountain biking, or perhaps even a trip to a museum or art gallery. These are bigger adventures than we did when they were younger. It’s taken us a while to get here and I’m so proud of the adventures that we’re now able to do. I intentionally set aside time for real world adventures and experiences, whether or not they’ll have any measurable academic value. Not all adventures need to be educational. Sometimes, they’re just for fun! Those experiences are what etch into our memories and keep the spark of curiosity burning.

Lea – @wildstokefam

Each week, we learn a new letter (my son is only at a Pre-K/Kindergarten level, so I tailor our work towards him and my 2-year-old). We go over the sounds and tie in a book and an animal or nature theme to that letter. I try to choose things that he is interested in because, at the end of the day, that’s how he will retain what I am teaching. Right now, my son loves fishing and wants to be a fisherman when he grows up, so we spend a lot of time on/near the water.

Not all of our time is spent outside. I do teach him in the house at the start of the week. We read our book, practice writing letters, do arts and crafts. Every Friday is our adventure day. We go on a field trip to either a learning center or simply outside. I create things to do in nature that still tie in with what we are learning during the week. He never complains and never thinks of it as “school.” He is simply out in nature, playing and learning at the same time. We fish almost every weekend already, so my next plan is to catch a fish large enough to keep, learn how to clean it, and make it for dinner. 

Every week is different, some harder than others, but I try my best to let my creativity spark fun ideas to incorporate school, outside. 

Photo Credit: Lea Reynolds

Favorite adventure schooling gear and gadgets

Lea – @wildstokefam

I am a sucker for all the coolest homeschool gadgets and outdoor gear. I can write an entire article on my favorite gear but here are my top favorites. Don’t forget to shop second-hand. You’d be surprised what you can find at children’s consignment stores, Facebook Marketplace, and yard sales. 

1. Magnetic letters – we use these to help with phonics, learning new words, and spelling.
2. Julia Rothman collection – since we don’t have one set curriculum we follow, we plan my unit studies a week at time and incorporate nature studies from her books. The artwork is lovely, and the information is perfect for my son. 
3. Life Cycles Kit – we use them every week, and even my 2-year-old loves them. She focuses on matching them to their selective card while my son practices the actual life cycles.
4. Adventure kits – binoculars, nets, whistle, compass, flashlight, net 
5. Pocket microscope for kids – perfect to take with us on the go to get an up-close look at everything around us

Photo Credit: Lea Reynolds

Adventure schooling for all

Adventure schooling, while usually referred to when talking about homeschooling, is not exclusive to homeschooling families. Learning through adventures is a versatile approach that can be seamlessly integrated into the lives of all families, regardless of whether children attend traditional schools or are schooled at home.

Embracing the spirit of adventure learning involves recognizing the educational potential in activities and outdoor exploration. Even for families with packed schedules, simple changes like turning weekend hikes into interactive biology lessons or transforming a camping trip into a history exploration can make a significant impact. The key is to view the world as a vast classroom where learning is not confined to textbooks but unfolds organically in the midst of nature’s wonders.

For families with children in traditional schools, you may need to reach out to your child’s teacher to plan adventures based on what they’re learning. As a parent, you can supplement their education by dedicating weekends or holidays to family adventures that blend recreational activities with educational components. Whether it’s a visit to a historical site, a day at the beach exploring marine life, or a camping trip under the stars, each adventure becomes an opportunity for hands-on learning. By weaving adventure into the fabric of family life, all children can benefit from a holistic education that transcends the boundaries of traditional schooling.

Photo Credit: Lea Reynolds

Have you ever considered adventure schooling?

Nichole

Nichole is a writer, content creator, and family travel and adventure influencer residing in southwest Arkansas. Though she and her husband are originally from the Midwest, they’ve lived in Arkansas for ten years now and are thrilled to call it home. They have homeschooled their children from the beginning of their educational journey. They have a now 12-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter, along with a one-year Direwolf Dog puppy. Nichole is an avid outdoor adventurer and road tripper and has been taking her kids on adventures by herself since they were infants, it’s all part of what she calls being responsibly brave. She is also on the Executive Team for Run Wild My Child and has contributed to Wild and Free. Be sure to follow her on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with all of their shenanigans.

Lea 

The post Navigating the World of Adventure Schooling appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

*This post is part of a sponsored series of blog posts with Arkansas Tourism about the total eclipse.

Experience the total eclipse in Arkansas

A total solar eclipse is a magical experience. My children and I traveled to Casper, Wyoming for the last eclipse and lived out of our minivan camper for a month on the road. The high point of our trip was experiencing the eclipse along the line of totality. We camped in a field directly on the center line of totality and experienced it in a way that was absolutely magical. We will never forget that life-changing experience.

If you didn’t get a chance to experience the last solar eclipse along the line of totality, don’t worry! There’s is another eclipse coming up this April 2024, and I’m thrilled to help other families have that same experience in my home state of Arkansas. The center line of totality for the 2024 eclipse bisects the state, and most of Arkansas will have excellent viewing.

One of the cities to experience totality in is Mena! Keep reading for family-friendly things to do in Mena, Arkansas, and check out our recommended itinerary. This is the first post in a series all about some of the best places to view the eclipse in Arkansas, and what you can do with your family while you’re there! 

Where is Mena, Arkansas?

Mena, Arkansas, is a charming town in west-central Arkansas. It’s near the Oklahoma border, surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest. It is in the direct line of totality for the April 2024 total solar eclipse. Mena will experience totality for four minutes and 8 seconds!

There are several festivals and events just for the eclipse happening as well. It’s a great place to visit, and there are lots of family-friendly things to do in Mena, Arkansas, and the surrounding areas. The Ouachita National Forest and mountains are nearby, and there are plenty of open spaces to play, explore, and experience the total solar eclipse!

Outdoor things to do in Mena, Arkansas

Some of the family-friendly things to do in Mena, Arkansas, include visiting the state parks! The town is lucky to have two beautiful state parks close by. Arkansas State Parks are wonderful things for families with kids of all ages to visit. There are always activities going on, so be sure to check the state park’s calendar so you don’t miss anything!

Queen Wilhelmina State Park

One of the most iconic state parks in the western half of Arkansas is Queen Wilhelmina State Park, just a quick drive up the mountains from downtown Mena. The route has two options, and I recommend taking the Talimena Scenic Drive. It’s a beautiful route that winds through the Ouachita Mountains from Mena, Arkansas to Talihina, Oklahoma. There are overlooks and scenic pull outs along the way.

In the spring, the route is dotted with wildflowers as the forest comes alive, and it’s beautiful! Be sure to plan some extra time to enjoy your drive up the mountain and back down. The entire mountaintop park is a great place to view the eclipse. 

Things to do at Queen Wilhelmina State Park

A unique thing about Queen Wilhelmina State Park is the lodge that sits perched atop the mountain. It’s a great place to stay but also a great place to just visit for the day. There is a restaurant called The Queen’s Restaurant, open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM. They have a great menu that includes some gluten-free options. The park is also home to Mountain Glory Train Station, an adorable mini train that takes all ages on a scenic ride around the mountaintop.

Family-friendly things to do in Queen Wilhelmina State Park also include going on a tour of the Wonder House and grabbing a photo next to the big steam engine. The visitor center has a cute gift shop, and the interior of the lodge has some neat history to read.

There are a few hiking trails, too. Lover’s Leap is a beautiful trail that goes around the top of the mountain with an overlook halfway through. The Reservoir Trail is another great hike for kids. Both trails are around one mile. 

Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area

Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area is a beautiful park that’s only about forty minutes from Mena. It’s a unique state park destination that’s actually one of the top whitewater kayaking spots in the state. There can be class IV and class V drops when the weather is right, including the legendary “skull crusher.” The water is only high enough for kayaking in the spring or after significant rainfall, but the Cossatot River is beautiful all year long.

The state park visitor center is a must see for families because of the wonderful nature center. It has some great hands-on learning opportunities. A playground sits next to the visitor center, and so does the Waterleaf Interpretive Trail, which is about one mile long and partially ADA accessible.

Other kid-friendly recommended hikes in Cossatot River State Park:

• Harris Creek Trail – just over 3 mile loop, moderate to challenging
• River Corridor Trail – 12 miles, following the river, you can hike sections of it. Ed Banks to Sandbar is a favorite section. You can park at both the Ed Banks river access and the Sandbar access. 

More remote areas of Cossatot River State Park

Part of what makes Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area one of our family’s favorite places to visit is the remoteness of the park. If you stop at the visitor center and ask about the Sandbar area and The Falls, they’ll give you directions for how to get there. It’s about a thirty-minute drive down the forest road.

Things to remember: 1) You’ll lose cell service, so save a map offline.  2) Please practice Leave No Trace principles and pack in what you pack out. 3) Both areas have campsites that are first come, first serve and do not have hookups. There are pit toilets at the Sandbar campground and The Falls campground.

Here are some practical tips for heading out into this remote area:

• For older children and the adventurous: pack a picnic lunch in a backpack, wear water or hiking shoes with good grip, and spend the day out on the boulders at the falls area (also known as “sheeps den”). It’s a very scrambly hike over large boulders, but there are lots of great swimming holes and places to play. It’s a great place to watch the eclipse if you don’t mind being more remote. Talk to the park interpreters for more details about how to prepare and what to expect. 
• For a calmer water play experience on the river: pack a lunch, water clothes and shoes, and some chairs and head to the sandbar area for the day. The visibility will not be quite as open, but it’s a great spot to sit and enjoy the beautiful Cossatot River. It’s a calm area that also has great fishing by the low-water bridge. 

Digging for crystals in Mena, Arkansas

Another family-friendly thing to do in Mena, Arkansas, is to go hunting for quartz crystal! The Ouachita mountain range is a hot spot for quartz crystals, and Mena has its own place to go crystal digging.

Board Camp Crystal Mine is located just southeast of Mena and it’s a great place for kids and adults of all ages, because kids under 16 dig for free! Digging for quartz crystal is a bucket list experience and you can even dig for crystals while you enjoy the total solar eclipse! Board Camp Crystal Mine offers a more holistic approach to crystal digging, and while they do not open any large rock veins in the earth, they welcome surface hunting and shallow digging to find the treasures. 

Bigfoot and the UnXplained

In 2016, Board Camp Crystal Mine started having odd and unexplained events. So many, in fact, that they shut down their yearly folk music festival to focus on understanding what was going on. From strange lights, to levitating rocks, to Bigfoot footprints, they’ve had a little bit of everything happen at their property.

As an add-on to crystal digging or its own experience, you can go on one of their “unexplained tours” to learn all about what has transpired at their property over the last six years! Whether you believe or not, it’s a fascinating learning opportunity. 

Blue Zip Line and Farm

Did you know that there’s also a zip line? It’s one of the best family-friendly things to do in Mena, Arkansas. Blue Zipline and Farm offers a full zipline tour, along with camping spots with RV hookups. They have 160 acres and can offer full concierge services to set you up with a wide range of experiences, including ATVs, fishing, and hiking.

The zip lines are so much fun for families, and there are two really fast lines at this place! All participants must sign a waiver. The requirements are at least 5 years old, at least 60 pounds, and no more than 275 pounds. Children aged 5 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Be sure to reserve your time slot ahead of time, especially during the eclipse festival! 

Other outdoor adventures near Mena, Arkansas

There are so many family-friendly things to do in and around the Mena area and so many great outdoor adventures. Because of its location in the Ouachita National Forest, there are lots of outdoor recreation opportunities. Here are some more fun ways to explore the outdoors:

• Wolf Pen Gap ATV Trails – Rent ATVs and/or go camping. 
• Buckeye Mountain and Caney Creek Loop – 10-mile hiking loop, one of our most favorite hikes in Arkansas. This is a strenuous hike, especially for a day hike. My children have done it with me, but please be prepared for a hard day hike. It’s also a great backpacking loop. Catch a sneak peek of the trail here. 
• Shady Lake Recreation Area 
• Other hikes: Shady Lake Trail, Settler’s Ridge, and more hikes on AllTrails. 
• Ouachita National Recreation Trail passes through the area. 
• There are over 20 geocaches in the Mena area! What’s geocaching? Read more here. 
• Disc golf is another great free, family friendly thing to do in Mena, here’s a great course. 

Parks and playgrounds inn Mena, Arkansas

Mena, Arkansas, has several wonderful parks within the city limits as well. The parks have lots of wide open spaces that are a great place to view the total solar eclipse. Be sure to plan out your day to arrive early and grab a spot. 

• Janssen Park – the large park near downtown Mena. It offers a playground, splash pad, basketball court, natural spring and beautiful walking paths. The park also features a 100-year-old log cabin that’s said to have been a hideout for Jesse James! 
• McMillan Park – seasonal swimming pool, pavilions, playgrounds and picnic area. 
• Aubrey Tapley Park – sports fields, tennis courts, two playgrounds, and a walking/biking trail. 

Indoor family-friendly activities in Mena

While Mena, Arkansas, is a hot spot for outdoor recreation, there are still plenty of things to do indoors in the town. The historic downtown is charming and offers great specialty and gift shops to explore.

Here are a few of our favorite indoor things to do in Mena, Arkansas:

• The historic KCS train depot. This beautiful train depot has a free museum with lots of great history about the area, as well as the Chamber of Commerce. Be sure to stop outside for a photo with the fully restored 1939 police cruiser! 
• Mena Silver Screen – Small movie theater showing current films. 
• Ouachita Little Theater – A historic community theater right in downtown Mena. Be sure to check their website for events. 
• Art galleries and boutiques – downtown Mena has several incredible galleries filled with work from local artists. A few of our favorites were the American Artisans Eatery and Gallery, and Mena Art Gallery
• The Market Alehouse and Mercantile

Mena, Arkansas, coffee shops and cafes

In our family, finding all the local coffee shops and cafes is a must! Mena has several great spots that are family-friendly and a must-see when you’re in town for the total solar eclipse in Arkansas. 

• Our personal favorite, which is a one-stop shop for coffee in the morning and a tap house and pizzeria for dinner, is The Ouachitas. 
• The Q on Main serves coffee, ice cream, and a limited food menu. It’s also cute as can be and full of great photo ops. 
• Sherwood Bistro is right across from the historic train depot. It has a great food menu, plus good coffee! PS – they have gluten-free bread and lots of baked potato options for allergy-friendly meals. 
• Cossatot Grounds Cafe is on Highway 71 in nearby Wickes and a great place to stop on your way to or from Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area. They also share a building with a Mexican restaurant, and both have food menus. 

Family-friendly places to eat in Mena

Our number one favorite place to eat in Mena is The Ouachitas. They have a great menu with a range of options. But best of all, they have a gluten-free crust for pizza and hard cider on tap for adults with gluten allergies. It’s also a beautiful restaurant with a newly added outdoor dining porch.

For lunch, American Artisans Eatery and Bistro have gluten-free bread and a full menu of options. Cruizzers Drive In is a great place for families and is a retro-style drive-in restaurant, with some photo characters out front for photo ops.

Simple Simons is another great spot for pizza. For an upscale dining experience, check out Chopping Block Steakhouse, and be sure to make a reservation ahead of time if you do! 

Where to stay in Mena, Arkansas

The best place to stay in Mena, in my opinion, is Ouachita Wilde Luxury Tents. At the time of this publishing, they are not booked yet for the eclipse! This beautiful space is run by a mother-and-daughter team and features multiple glamping tents in a gorgeous private setting not far from downtown Mena. They can also do mobile setups and backyard parties.

Other unique stays include Be Boppers Inn and Youngblood Country Cabins. There are also many campgrounds, HipCamp sites, and Airbnb sites available around the Mena area. Check here for more lodging options. 

Sample itinerary for the eclipse in Mena, Arkansas

To help take the stress out of planning your trip, here’s a day-by-day breakdown with an itinerary of family-friendly things to do in Mena, Arkansas. 

Day before the eclipse

• • Pack a lunch. 
  • Grab coffee and breakfast at Cossatot Grounds Coffee Shop then drive to Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area 
  • Enjoy the visitor center and learn about the park, try the Waterleaf Interpretive Trail. 
  • Hike the Harris Creek Trail Loop. 
  • Drive to the Falls area and enjoy a picnic lunch. 
  • After lunch, explore the Falls area, or head to the Sandbar area to play. 
  • Drive back to where you’re staying and get cleaned up. 
  • Dinner at The Ouachitas in downtown Mena. 

The day of the eclipse

• • Grab coffee and breakfast at The Ouachitas. 
  • Explore downtown Mena. 
  • Get to your eclipse viewing location AT LEAST two hours before the eclipse begins. Totality occurs at 1:45 PM, so plan on being in your post by 11 AM at a minimum. I’d recommend going earlier. Bring some games and activities, and don’t forget your eclipse glasses!
    • For more tips on having your best eclipse experience with kids look here. 
  • Get dinner at Cruizzers or Simple Simons. 

Day after the eclipse

• • Breakfast and coffee at Sherwood Bistro. 
  • Check out the KCS Historic Train depot and grab a photo with the police cruiser. 
  • Go digging for crystals at Board Camp Crystal Mine. Pack a lunch to stay the day or head back to town for lunch when you’re done.
  • Lunch at American Artisans Eatery and Gallery. 
  • Go ziplining at Blue Zip Line and Farm. 
  • Dinner at Chopping Block Steakhouse. 
  • Dessert at The Q on Main. 

Experience the total solar eclipse in Mena, Arkansas

A total solar eclipse is an incredible event. This will be the third time in Arkansas history to experience a total eclipse. The last one was in 1918! Viewing it as a family is sure to be a memorable event. There are so many unique family-friendly things to do in Mena, and it’s the perfect spot to view the eclipse.

The top three locations I would recommend to view the eclipse are 1) Queen Wilhelmina State Park, 2) any of the city parks in and around Mena, and 3) Board Camp Crystal Mine or Blue Zip Line.

For the adventurous, I recommend The Falls area at Cossatot River State Park, or anywhere along the ridgeline on the Buckeye Mountain Trail. I hope you and your family get to have the experience of a lifetime and that you enjoy exploring all that the Mena, Arkansas, area has to offer! 

Have you made plans for the April 2024 eclipse yet?

About the author

Nichole is a writer, content creator, and family travel and adventure influencer residing in southwest Arkansas. Though she and her husband are originally from the Midwest, they’ve lived in Arkansas for ten years now and are thrilled to call it home. They have homeschooled their children from the beginning of their educational journey. They have a now 12-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter, along with a one-year Direwolf Dog puppy. Nichole is an avid outdoor adventurer and road tripper and has been taking her kids on adventures by herself since they were infants, it’s all part of what she calls being responsibly brave. She is also on the Executive Team for Run Wild My Child and has contributed to Wild and Free. Be sure to follow her on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with all of their shenanigans.

The post Family Friendly Things to Do in Mena, Arkansas appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Fall hiking with kids

Hiking is our favorite family outdoor activity year-round, but our favorite time of year to go on nature hikes is definitely the Fall. We live in New England, so the natural changes of the season are so pronounced, and it’s a cooler and quieter time to get outside. The changing colors of the leaves make our hike feel like we’re walking through a postcard. The cool, crisp air is refreshing after a hot summer. 

Would you like to experience fall hiking with your kids? Well, keep reading because I have a few tricks to make your adventures safe and fun for all!

Picking a trail for your fall nature hike

Are you in a rut, hiking with your kids on the same nature trail every time you explore? Are you ready to make hiking feel exciting again for your kids? While re-hiking the same route has benefits, sometimes it’s nice to explore a new-to-you location! Hiking in a new location opens all kinds of possibilities and exciting finds for kids. Not knowing exactly what to expect can be part fo the fun (especially for older kids).

I have a few methods for finding new hiking trails near us: (1) using the All Trails app (they have a free version!), (2) checking out local Land Trust websites, and (3) visiting the nearby town’s natural resource department web pages. These resources will usually have a list of any local trails they own and maintain. Sometimes, these pages will have trail maps, lengths, and even a description of what to expect in the area.

Another idea is to check out your local library or bookstore for hiking guides. Where we live on Cape Cod, there are so many! None of them were necessarily geared toward families, so I ended up writing my own. It’s called “50 Cape Cod Hiking Trails” and is available at local shops and on Amazon, too!

What to pack for fall hiking with kids

It’s always best to be prepared when hiking with kids, no matter the season. We bring a hiking bag filled with what we’ll need every time we go out on a trail. Usually, our little nature walks are under three miles, so we don’t need much, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Sometimes, my kids bring their own backpacks or fanny packs, but generally, they want me to be the pack horse, and I’m okay with that, too!

Here’s a list of the essentials we keep in our bag:

• First aid kit – you can find these at most grocery stores, pharmacies, or sporting goods stores. I also recommend keeping one in the car at all times as well.
• Bug spray– we almost always spray our shoes and clothes before heading out on a trail, but I bring it along in case we need a refresh.
• Baby wipes – we use these before we eat a snack, if someone has an emergency bathroom break, or for sticky encounters such as slugs, sap, or mud puddles!
• Tecnu wipes – these are wipes used if you come into contact with poison ivy. I highly recommend them if this noxious plant affects you or your kids.
• SNACKS! – a must-have with doing absolutely anything with kids. More on this essential below. 
• Wet bag– these reusable, washable bags are a lifesaver. I use them for any trash we accumulate or soiled or wet clothes. The snap loops on the packs are great for attaching to your backpack.
• Water– our backpack has water bottle holders on each side. I like to bring our reusable water bottles along on any trail we walk.

For more info on what to pack when hiking with kids, see our full post on the 10 Essentials for Hiking with Kids. 

What to wear when fall hiking with kids

With the change in season comes cooler temperatures, so it’s best to dress appropriately. Layering is the key to comfortable dressing in the fall! You can always shed or add layers to adjust as temperature changes or you warm up (or cool down) on your hikes.

On warmer days, we still wear a single-layer shirt, but bring a sweatshirt or light jacket. On colder days, wear an additional coat over a sweater or sweatshirt. When choosing hiking shoes, I always opt for closed-toe waterproof shoes or boots if it has been raining lately or if the trail we are walking has a pond or beach nearby. Wool socks are always my go-to, as they keep the feet warm and dry.

We also keep a set of clothes and shoes in the car at all times in case we need to change after our hike, as oftentimes, we’re hiking near water and it’s inevitable that the kids will get wet and/or muddy. 

Check out our full post on the best hiking shoes for kids. 

Tick prevention while hiking in the fall with kids

While you may encounter fewer mosquitoes and gnats while hiking in the fall, ticks can still be active during this season. If you live in an area where ticks are prevalent, it’s a smart idea to wear bug spray or take other precautions. All-natural bug sprays exist, but we chose this brand as it works great. If you aren’t into using bug sprays, you can take other precautions like wearing light colors, long sleeves and pants, hats, and tucking your pants into your socks. As always, make sure to do thorough tick checks after every hike.

Activities for your fall nature walks with kids

While simply walking through the woods in the fall with your kids, breathing in that fresh air, and getting some exercise can be fun enough for most people, sometimes our kids need a little more motivation to keep their feet moving down that trail. With an arsenal of activities at the ready, your kids will be excited to go on your next Fall hiking adventure. Here are some ideas for what works for my family. Hopefully, these fun hiking activities will work for your family, too!

1. Add wheels! 

You might think scooting or biking down a paved pathway through a park or wooded area isn’t hiking. And you may be technically right. But, it still involves moving your body, enjoying nature, and being outside, which counts as a hike in my eyes! (Plus, I’m still hiking, as scootering isn’t quite my thing.) 

My boys love to visit our local state park, Nickerson State Park. There are miles of paved trails that wind through hilly woodlands. It’s a beautiful spot to explore, and the boys love bringing their scooters, skateboards, or bikes along for the adventure. If you have access to paved trails around you, break out some wheels and let them go at it! It’s a whole different way to explore (and burns a ton of energy!). 

2. Hike with friends

What is more fun than a fall nature hike? A fall nature hike with friends!

We have a group of friends that try to walk weekly, with children aged two to ten. We pick stroller-friendly walks so the little ones can take a ride if they need a break. The older kids have fun running ahead and playing together. It is an excellent exercise for us moms and gives us time to catch up with one another.

If you’re interested in getting a group together for hiking or just an outdoor play date, consider creating a hiking club with friends or other families in your neighborhood! Here’s a great resource about how to get started organizing an outdoor playgroup. 

3. Fall leaf activities for kids

Walking in the woods during this time of year is dreamy – crisp, cool air, bright sunny days, and leaves crunching beneath your feet. The leaves are so colorful and pretty this time of year; why not use those leaves for activities once you get home?

While out on your hike, have your kids collect leaves along the path for activities back at home.. (Who said the fun had to stop once you leave the trail.) Start with something fun and easy, like crayon rubbings. Just lay a dry leaf on a flat surface, cover it with paper, and rub the side crayon over the leaf. The result will be an artistic copy of your leaf treasure!

Try with different species of leaves, cut them out, and create a garland. Or, keep your leaves to make a leaf crown. Preserve the leaves by dipping them in beeswax and using them for home decor. Whatever you don’t use, just toss back outside once you’re done! Who knew fall hiking with kids could be so fun?

Check out our full post filled with fall leaf activities for kids. 

4. Fall hiking scavenger hunt

Scavenger hunts are an excellent activity for kids of all ages, are low-cost (or even free), and can be done nearly anywhere (including the hiking trail). They keep kids motivated to continue along the trail to check their finds off the list. 

Scavenger hunts are easy to find and/or create. We have a free downloadable Scavenger Hunt Bundle for Kids that has scavenger hunts for all the seasons and various locations and celebrations. 

If you choose to make your scavenger hunt, you can include items that are native to where you’ll be hiking and what’s going on at this particular time of year. You can include items such as a red leaf, a giant boulder, a wooly caterpillar, a tree with no leaves, ice (if your autumn is extra chilly!), acorns, seed pods, etc. The possibilities are endless.

You can print a paper scavenger hunt or use an iPad or phone to track your findings!

5. DIY hiking sticks for your fall hike

One of the best DIY activities I’ve done with my kids is to make our own hiking sticks! It’s a pretty simple activity, once you’ve gathered your tools and supplies. All you really need is the perfect-sized stick (this can be your kids’ mission to find when out hiking), and a few colorful accessories like ribbons, string, bells, or paint.

Once you’ve made your hiking stick, you can keep it in the car to bring it on all your fall hikes with your kids! They will be proud of their creations, which help hike uneven terrain! Also, I love a good craft project using found items in nature, don’t you?

Here’s the full tutorial I wrote on how to make your own hiking sticks with kids. 

6. Make a fall mandala

What’s a mandala? According to Wikipedia, “A mandala is a geometric configuration of symbols. In various spiritual traditions, mandalas may be employed for focusing the attention of practitioners and adepts, as a spiritual guidance tool, for establishing a sacred space, and as an aid to meditation and trance induction.” 

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, sea shells, 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.

Create your mandala by collecting items along your hike, such as leaves, acorns, twigs, shells, or rocks, and assemble your mandala. It’s best to find a smooth, flat surface to construct your nature-themed mandala. You’ll be surprised how beautiful these creations turn out. Be sure to take a photo, as you can’t bring your art home!

7. Bring your pet on your fall nature walk

Do you have a four-legged friend who loves the outdoors, too? Consider bringing your pup along on your next fall hike! Not only will this keep the kids entertained, but everyone will get extra exercise and fresh air! 

Dogs love to spend time with you and enjoy all the sights (and smells!) in the woods. Just remember to follow guidelines for dog leashing and dog waste for the trail you choose. Also, your dog might get thirsty too. We like this collapsible bowl, as it’s a space saver and convenient to keep in our hiking backpack.

8. Let your child lead your fall hike

A fun way to get your kids excited about hiking is to give them control! Kids rarely feel like they get to be in charge, so this is a fun way to hand over the reins on your next fall hike and let them make some decisions. Start by letting them choose which trail you’ll hike. Give them control of packing what you’ll need for the hike and which snacks to pack (with supervision, of course). Once you get to the trail, let them find the trailhead, lead the way, and decide to take a left or right, and when to stop for a snack break.

My boys enjoy taking turns being the leader, and they thrive when they control our adventure. I think it’s great practice for them to make decisions and think about their actions. I hope this trick works for your family, too!

9. Take a fall hike at night

The sun is setting earlier this time of year, and it may be cutting into your outdoor time. Let’s take advantage of the earlier darkness and take a night hike! Star-gaze, take a flashlight hike, or even go owling!

• Star gazing: Take a walk outside on a clear night, preferably away from street lights. Check out the stars above and see if you can identify any constellations or plants. Bonus points if you catch a shooting star!
• Lantern/flashlight hike: We like to do lantern or flashlight hikes on trails we are already familiar with, so we know what to expect regarding terrain and trail layout. Bring along a flashlight to light the way. Trust me, it is so fun! 
• Owling: Owling is when you go out at night to look and listen for owls. If you have a nature preserve near you, check to see if they lead owling walks; it’s a great introduction to this activity. If not, go for one on your own. Just remember, avoid using flashlights, and stay quiet. Going on a non-windy night is best so the wind won’t obscure the owl’s sounds. Before you head out owling, look at photos of owls local to your area and listen to their calls.

Check out our full post all about Owling with Kids.

Photo credit: @raising_little_naturalists

Best fall hiking snacks for kids

As parents, we know that snacks are an essential part of every day for our kids. It’s no different when you’re going out on a trail! Bringing enough snacks is the key to success for any activity with kids!

Here are some shelf-stable snack ideas for you to tote along and make your fall hiking adventure successful:

• Trail mix
• Granola bars
• Dry cereal
• Clementines
• Apples
• Bananas
• Beef sticks/jerky
• Peanut butter and crackers
• Popcorn
• Dried fruit
• Apple sauce pouches

Pro tip: You can use that wet bag in your hiking backpack to hold the waste from your snacks until you return home to dispose of it!

For more, check out our full post on trail-tested and kid-approved hiking snacks.

Fall hiking books for kids

I always like to recommend books that will support the information shared in my posts. The following books can be found at most bookstores and libraries; I hope you check them out!

• Owl Moon by Jane Yolen – This book is a story about a child going owling with their father. It makes me want to go on a night hike on a chilly fall evening.
• On the Nature Trail, a Backpack Explorer Book – This durable activity book is one I have consistently bought as a gift for nature-loving kids.
• We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger – Remember the iconic storybook “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt?” This book is similar but fall-themed and so cute!
• The Busy Tree, by Jennifer Ward – This book has beautiful illustrations and explains how different animals use trees and how important each piece of the tree is.

Fall hiking with kids

As you lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore the trails with your little ones this fall, remember that the beauty of the season goes beyond the colorful leaves—it’s in the shared laughter, the time spent outside together, and the connection you made during your hike. Embrace the magic of the season, using the activities and ideas in this post to make your fall family hikes truly special. 

I hope this information was helpful and got you motivated and excited to explore some hiking trails with your children this Fall. Now, get out there and explore! Happy hiking!

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 Fall Hiking with Kids: Tips, Tricks, Activities & Snacks 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.

The profound impact of an outdoor playgroup

When my kids were young, starting an outdoor playgroup was one of the best decisions I ever made. At the time, I had no idea the impact it would have on my young family’s life, in how we related to each other, our community, and the natural world around us. Eight years later, and I fondly remember the days spent with our playgroup as some of the most magical of my kids’ early childhood. I would not be the person, mom, or community member I am today if it were not for that group. In this post, I hope to show you how profound a simple little outdoor meet-up can be on you, your family, and your greater community. 

Benefits of outdoor play

We probably all know that outdoor play is more than just a fun pastime; it is a vital component of a child’s development. Spending time outside playing fosters physical health and well-being. When children engage in outdoor activities like running, jumping, climbing, and hiking, they develop strength, agility, and coordination.

Exposure to natural light also helps regulate their sleep patterns (because who doesn’t want kids that sleep better?!) and boosts the production of essential vitamins like Vitamin D, contributing to overall physical health. Moreover, outdoor play encourages kids to explore the world around them, enhancing their spatial awareness and fine motor skills through activities like digging, building, and exploring nature.

Beyond the physical benefits, outdoor play is a cornerstone of child development. It stimulates cognitive growth as children engage with their environment, problem-solve, and develop their creativity. In outdoor settings, children are free to use their imagination, creating games and stories that enhance their critical thinking and social skills. Interactions with friends and peers in outdoor settings foster important social skills, teaching them how to share, communicate, and collaborate. Furthermore, the sense of wonder and curiosity that outdoor environments provide can spark a lifelong love for learning and a deep connection with the natural world.

Equally important, outdoor play encourages mental well-being by reducing stress and anxiety, boosting mood, and offering a respite from the pressures of academics and technology.

What is an outdoor playgroup? 

Have you ever heard of an outdoor playgroup? Do you know of any in your area? Have you ever thought of organizing one?

Let’s start with the basics. An outdoor playgroup is a regular gathering of children and parents or caregivers in outdoor settings, providing an opportunity for kids to engage in active play, explore nature, and socialize while fostering a sense of community among families.

Benefits of outdoor playgroups

Outdoor playgroups serve as nurturing grounds not only for children’s growth but also for the development of strong and interconnected communities. These playgroups provide children with the opportunity to interact with peers from various backgrounds, fostering tolerance and empathy from a young age. The shared experiences of outdoor adventures and playful escapades create a sense of camaraderie and belonging among children, helping them build friendships that often endure throughout their lives. These bonds can be especially meaningful in today’s diverse world, where understanding and acceptance of different cultures and perspectives are crucial.

However, the community-building aspect of outdoor playgroups extends beyond the children themselves. The parents (usually moms), who often organize and participate in these groups, also find themselves forming deep connections with other parents. These relationships can offer a lifeline in the sometimes isolating journey of motherhood. Sharing parenting experiences, advice, and the ups and downs of child-rearing creates a strong support system. Moreover, the time spent together during playgroup meetings often evolves into lasting friendships that extend beyond the playgroup itself. These bonds strengthen the community fabric, creating a network of support and resources that enriches the lives of both children and mothers.

Getting the group started

Inspired by one of my best friends who was involved in starting a Forest School on Orcas Island, I wanted to start something similar (but with more parent involvement and less structure). I put the word out across some community pages on Facebook about a “Forest Playgroup” and organized our first adventure and meet-up. At the time, I wasn’t sure if anyone would be interested or even show up.  

To my amazement, a dozen families showed up that first week, and it was a smashing success. The kids got along, the parents got along, and we all went home exhausted and happy! Week after week, the playgroup kept growing in numbers. Clearly, I wasn’t the only one who craved community and loved spending time outdoors with my kids!

Organized chaos

We were organized, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t still chaotic at times. Our group got together every Friday– rain, snow, or sunshine. We showed up at 9:30 a.m. (toddler time) and often rolled home just as it was time to start making dinner.

On any given playgroup day, there would be upwards of 50 families that would seemingly take over a local beach or trail. We’d be an entangled explosion of kids, moms, gear, and snacks in every direction. Outsiders surely couldn’t decipher who was with whom, as we all took on a collective role of family– caring for each other’s boo-boos, distributing snacks, or tending to needs as if each child were our own.

Community parenting

I’m not exactly sure how it happened, but at outdoor playgroup, there was an unspoken rotation amongst the moms “on watch” as others were finally able to engage in a conversation lasting more than just a few words. The kids, rightfully so, were living their best lives and absolutely thriving. It was a “yes” environment, supporting kids in following their natural curiosity as they played, learned, and explored alongside kids their own age and parents alike.

It was also a culture that supported positive parenting. Instead of commiserating over lost sleep or toddler meltdowns, we were celebrating the joys and hilarity of watching our kids learn to navigate rooty trails and social dynamics.  It was so much easier to focus on the good and the funny when you were outside, in the fresh air, among friends.

The parents spoke with patience and kindness. We showed each other (and the kids) support and gave lots of praise and encouragement. It set a tone for how we related to each other, to our kids, and even to ourselves.

Setting expectations

Outdoor playgroup day (Friday), was the one day of the week where plans were set in stone for us. We may not have known exactly what we could expect on each outing, but we knew we’d be with friends and outside all day. That’s all we needed to know to prepare. We’d fill our backpacks to the brim with snacks of all kinds, water bottles galore, and lots of layers for whatever the weather would be. We’d leave the explosion of our house in our wake and spend the whole day outside, not caring a bit about the mess waiting for us upon our return.

Naps happened under trees or on our backs. Lunch was often layered with dirt and sand. New friends were welcomed, and old friends were cherished. Critters were caught, trees were climbed, and miles were hiked.

Each week, I knew that outdoor playgroup would be the reset and reinforcement I needed to maintain both my intention and sanity as a mother. We were a community, outside, and we all were thriving. 

Becoming a community

When we started our outdoor playgroup, I had no idea what it would become and how it would shape who we are as a family. I had no idea I would spend nearly every day outside with my then toddler and infant daughter, exploring nature around us. I didn’t realize how much I was craving community and connection with others (for them and for myself).

What started off as meeting up for a walk in the woods grew into a network of 5 playgroup branches in Maine, engaging upwards of 100 families in weekly adventure and reaching well over 8,000 families across the state. I was blown away, and still am, by the impact this little “wish for community” had on my family and my community.

Nearly a decade later, our Maine-based Forest Playgroup is still going strong. I’ve transitioned from overseeing toddler tree climbers to supporting new families in taking the reins. After seeing the impact of it on my own family, I’m even more passionate about supporting others in creating it for theirs. In this post, you’ll find what I believe are essential steps in getting a group off the ground. 

Photo by Emily Griffith

How to establish a schedule for your outdoor playgroup

Establishing a schedule for your playgroup will help it grow and thrive. Be realistic with what you can organize and manage so that it can be consistent week after week. Your group will lose momentum if you have to cancel too many times, or if you don’t meet regularly enough to integrate into people’s schedules.

I found that meeting once a week at the same time allows people to plug it into their schedule, and therefore allows your community to be consistent and grow.

Be mindful of changing weather conditions, daylight hours, and seasonal activities. If necessary, you can adjust the schedule to accommodate these factors, so the playgroup remains enjoyable year-round. And while consistency is essential, allow some flexibility for occasional changes due to unforeseen circumstances or special events. Make sure participants are aware of the flexibility in advance.

Plan a mix of structured and unstructured activities to keep children engaged. Consider nature walks, scavenger hunts, games, and free play. Incorporate a designated snack time into your schedule, encouraging social interaction among children and providing a break for parents to chat.

Choosing a location for an outdoor playgroup

One of the best parts of organizing an outdoor playgroup is getting to know the magical outdoor areas in your own backyard. I can bet there are way more trails in your area than you think, and adventuring with your playgroup each week will act as an impetus to get you to them. AllTrails is a fantastic resource for locating local trails, or try contacting your local land trusts for suggestions.

From there, you have to decide whether or not your playgroup will meet at a new location each week, or decide to sink into a place a bit more and host a handful of consecutive adventures at each location– both approaches have their advantages. 

Getting the word out about your outdoor playgroup

Believe it or not, this is one of the easiest parts of organizing a playgroup. The one (and debatably only), benefit of our social-media-crazed culture these days is the fact that there is a quick and simple way to spread the word about initiatives like these.

Join your mom and community groups on Facebook and generate a post that speaks to the intention of your group. Be sure to include a photo and link to either your playgroup’s Facebook group, newsletter, or website, where people can sign up to receive invites. You could also design a flyer with a QR code to hang in your local library or other community hot spots for those who aren’t on social media.

Communication is key

Clearly communicate the start and end times of each playgroup session, as well as the location and any information that people may need to know about the location (such as parking, etc.). In advance of the meet-up, make sure that all participants are aware of any safety guidelines and what they may need or should bring (e.g. sunscreen , lifejackets, water/snacks, first aid, water shoes, snow boots, etc.). Safety should be a top priority during outdoor play.

You can keep the lines of communication open with playgroup members through email, social media, or a group messaging platform. Share the schedule in advance, remind participants of upcoming sessions, and provide any updates or changes promptly.

If you’re going to be hosting an adventure every week, don’t create the need to reinvent the wheel every time. Create a template for your invites (announcements) and any post-adventure recaps. Templates make it easier for the audience to follow along, know what to expect, and for others to jump into facilitator roles. 

Post adventure sharing

Not everyone can or maybe doesn’t yet want to participate in every adventure, but you can still help them feel included by sharing a post-adventure recap. This draws new people in and makes folks who regularly attend feel a part of your community. Share some sweet moments from the outing and photos you want to remember. This will continue to set a positive tone for the culture of your group and show new members what the outing looks like and what they can expect. 

Post-adventure recap example:

“You sure can’t beat a good, old-fashioned day at the beach. FIFTY ( yes, 50!!!!) families packed Kettle Cove Beach yesterday for some fun in the sun on our 24th adventure. From splashing through the tropical-looking water to creating stellar seashell necklaces, and jumping off low bridges into the squishy sand, the kids had a blast. Week after week, we are blown away by the ease of community that joins us for these adventures. We look forward to seeing you all next week for some hiking!”

photo by Emily Griffith

Creating group culture

One of my biggest motivations in starting an outdoor playgroup was to find “my people” and to be a supportive community for others. Parenting young children can be lonely and isolating. We all want, and NEED, community, but finding it can at times feel impossible and overwhelming. 

Organizing an outdoor playgroup was more than just getting a group of people together outside; it was setting a tone for how I wanted to parent, how I wanted to be in my community, and how I wanted my kids to be involved and engaged (with other children, adults, and nature).

As the organizer, I knew that I needed to set a positive and respectful tone by demonstrating kindness, inclusivity, and patience in my interactions with group members. I tried to emphasize the importance of kindness, sharing, and treating others with respect. I made an effort to include everyone and introduce newcomers to the group.  It was also important to me to stress that the playgroup is a safe space where everyone is accepted for who they are. You can encourage parents to share their parenting challenges and successes without fear of judgment.

We all want to be the best for our kids and want to be surrounded by others who inspire us. Naturally, we all have hard days and nights and take comfort in knowing that we aren’t alone in our struggles, BUT mental health also requires us to celebrate our successes, joys, and adventures of parenting. Positivity abets positivity, so being surrounded by thoughtful, heartfelt parents with similar passions and priorities allow us to live with greater love, compassion, and intention. And it all trickles down from there.

Be an all-weather adventurer

Weather builds resiliency, but can also, understandably so, be challenging– for children and adults alike. That said, I think some of the most magical moments outdoors can be when you’re surrounded by so-called “bad weather” (e.g. falling rain, snow, and wind). The natural world comes alive in a different way in different weather conditions, and it’s pretty special for kids to be able to experience that while simultaneously experiencing the effects it has on them. 

If you want your playgroup to meet year-round in all weather conditions, consider having some structure to your adventures. A simple activity and story time can act as an impetus to get kids out of their parents’ arms and out exploring.

Furthermore, activities help engage, both kids and parents alike, when the weather is “dynamic”. Some days can be the perfect trifecta– perfect weather, perfect energy levels, perfect location, and those days you realistically could show up somewhere and, like magic, it’s an out-and-go experience– everyone is engaged, happy, and off exploring.

However, other days it’s pouring down rain and the trail is literally a stream of mud. Without an activity, people are going to wonder what the heck they are doing standing in the woods and their discomfort will completely overwhelm them. Few adults or kids will willfully play when it’s dumping snow or pouring rain, but many will if it feels like there is a bit of purpose.

A little rain painting activity or snowflake investigation can go a long way, for everyone involved. Having a consistent structure, throughout the easy and difficult weather days, will help keep participation consistent.

Photo by Emily Griffith

The importance of being free

There’s something really powerful about running a free program that families don’t have to pay to be a part of. Firstly, it promotes inclusivity and accessibility. By eliminating the financial barrier of entry, you ensure that families from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can participate. This inclusivity fosters a sense of unity among families from all walks of life, breaking down social and economic barriers and providing children with the opportunity to interact with peers they might not otherwise meet. This diversity enriches the playgroup experience, exposing children to a wide range of perspectives, cultures, and experiences, promoting tolerance and empathy from a young age.

Secondly, a free outdoor playgroup reduces stress for parents. Parenthood can be financially demanding, and by offering a cost-free playgroup, you alleviate some of the financial burden on families. Parents can enjoy the benefits of outdoor play and community bonding without worrying about additional expenses. This, in turn, creates a more relaxed and enjoyable environment, allowing parents to focus on building connections and making lasting memories with their children. 

A free playgroup also makes it so people are involved in creating an experience rather than expecting one. This sets the tone for the culture of your group, the participation, and the shared responsibilities. Making the group free means that the participating families are the ones making the decisions and setting the tone. When people feel responsible for something, they are much more likely to feel more positive about it, will actually show up and share it with others, and will be more likely to be involved and invested in keeping it going. 

Photo by Emily Griffith

Share responsibilities

A successful playgroup cannot be a one-person show. Sharing responsibilities is essential, as it lightens the load on the organizer and fosters a sense of community ownership. It takes a village to create a village. When starting a playgroup, try to recruit at least a couple of other friends/parents that you can share the responsibilities with. You can also identify the specific tasks required to run the playgroup smoothly, and split responsibilities up this way. These tasks may include scheduling meet-ups, organizing activities, communicating with members, choosing themes and locations, and ensuring safety measures.

As your playgroup grows, you can loop in the families that attend regularly and ask them to sign up to host or help out with different aspects of the meet-up. From my experience, having at least a couple of “leaders” to oversee involvement is crucial, and having a streamlined system for managing involvement makes it painless. Once you have a clear list of things you could use help with, reach out to group members and encourage them to take on specific roles based on their interests and skills.

Create a shared calendar or schedule to allocate responsibilities, ensuring that everyone has a clear understanding of their role and commitment level. Regularly check in with participants to see if there are questions or if anyone needs help. By dividing the workload and involving others, you create a sense of shared responsibility that strengthens the playgroup’s sustainability and effectiveness.

A simple Google spreadsheet that outlines the adventure date, location, facilitator, and theme works great! Tracking participation in that same spreadsheet also helps you see your growth! 

Photo by Emily Griffith

Consider local partnerships

As your playgroup grows, you may want to consider partnering with local land trusts, businesses, parks, conservation areas, farms, or other organizations that share your mission of getting families outside exploring. We have partnerships with local land trusts, and they sign up to “lead” an adventure. This allows them to showcase their properties and their organization’s programs, often leading to an increase in membership.

You can begin by initiating conversations with these entities to discuss potential collaborations. Local parks and conservation areas, for instance, may allow your playgroup exclusive access to certain areas or provide guided nature walks led by their experts. Farms can offer educational tours, showcasing sustainable agriculture practices and connecting children with their food sources. By working hand in hand with these organizations, your playgroup can offer a wider array of enriching outdoor experiences, inspiring a love for nature and exploration in children.

Additionally, local businesses can become valuable partners. Outdoor gear retailers may be willing to provide discounts or donations of equipment for playgroup activities, making it easier for families to access quality gear. Restaurants or cafes with outdoor seating can become meeting points after playgroup sessions, creating opportunities for socializing and community building among parents. These businesses can benefit from increased patronage from playgroup members, creating a win-win situation where the community and local enterprises support each other in promoting outdoor play and bonding.

You can also look for local experts to come chat with your group about their topic of expertise. Maybe a local birder could help the kids spot and identify birds, or a local gardener can help the kids identify plants. 

Building these partnerships takes proactive outreach and effective communication of your playgroup’s goals and values. Collaborations can not only enhance the outdoor experiences you offer but also create a sense of interconnectedness within your community, promoting the shared mission of getting families outside to explore and connect with the natural world.

Photo by Emily Griffith

That dream community is possible!

So, if you’re ready to reconnect your children with nature, strengthen your community ties, and discover the joys of motherhood in a supportive network, starting an outdoor playgroup might be the solution you’ve been looking for. It’s a journey that promises not only to change the lives of our children but also to shape a brighter, more connected future. The community we all dream of isn’t far out of reach. It starts with something as simple as an invitation to go outside. Take the leap; you may be amazed at what comes from it. 

Have you ever considered starting an outdoor playgroup? 

About the author

Courtney’s the homeschooling mother of two wild and kind kids, the founder of 2 non-profit organizations, an avid traveler, and a passionate experiential educator. She has spent the better part of the last two decades traveling around the US and Central America – first as a part of her traveling high school, where she lived out of a converted school bus and slept in tents every night for 4 years, and, more recently, traveling with her family – from following animal migration routes to Mexico to fishing in Southeast Alaska. Rooted in Maine, she is passionate about immersive education.

When not on the road with her family, she is busy organizing educational immersives, from tapping maple trees to tagging Monarchs and facilitating outdoor adventure programs, from hiking to ice fishing. Whether hauling lobster traps or monitoring salamanders, she works to make learning fun, engaging, and interactive. She’s excited to share her love for nature, travel, and outdoor adventures with the Run Wild My Child community.

You can find more from Courtney online in the following locations:
Instagram: @wildmigrationfamily
Website: Wild Migration
RWMC posts: Courtney Cronin

The post How to Organize an Outdoor Playgroup appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.” ~ Loren Eiseley 

Our attraction to water

Humans have an innate and profound attraction to water, and this connection is deeply rooted in our evolutionary history and our basic biological needs. Water comprises about 70% of the human body. Water covers more than 70% of Earth. Humans spend the first 9 months of our existence in a watery womb. We require water for various physiological functions, including digestion, circulation, temperature regulation, and waste elimination.

Our attraction to water may be instinctual, as our ancestors needed to locate and consume freshwater sources to survive. But water also provides a natural playground for humans. From swimming in oceans and lakes to kayaking down rivers or simply relaxing on a beach, water offers a wide range of recreational activities, as well as natural therapy for stress relief. 

Many of us have heard that green space, or time in nature, benefits the body and mind, especially to combat all our time behind screens and inside under fluorescent lights. Less attention has, though, been paid to blue spaces —  areas around rivers, lakes, oceans, and ponds. Recognizing the importance of water and “blue spaces” in our lives can lead to a deeper appreciation of its value and the need to protect and preserve this precious resource for future generations.

Photograph of Bethany Augliere by Nicodemo Ientile

Ocean memories

Childhood is a time of wonder and exploration, a period when the world’s mysteries are unveiled through the lens of innocence and curiosity. For many of us, some of the most cherished and enduring memories of our early years are those spent in those blue spaces near water. These experiences aren’t just fleeting moments in our past; they lay the foundation for a lifelong connection with nature. The time we spend as children near water not only forms indelible memories but also fosters a profound bond with these environments that can shape our relationship with the natural world throughout our lives. 

Some of my best memories involve water, from my childhood to just this past summer. When I was growing up, the water was like a second home. My dad’s parents lived on a lake in northern Virginia, and my mom’s parents lived five minutes from the beach in Long Island, New York. I spent my childhood learning how to bodysurf and boogie board with my grandma, cousins, and friends. We often got tossed in waves, emerging from the water with sand burns on our legs. In the winter, we took family trips down to the Florida Keys. I loved snorkeling in the tranquil waters, scuba diving on coral reefs, and kayaking in mangroves. I have fond memories of searching for hermit crabs with my little brother at the shore’s edge.

Blue space and mental health 

Today, Western countries are experiencing a rise in mental health issues, including social anxiety, especially among young people, which is linked to increasing social media use and academic and social pressures. Among all disease groups worldwide, mental disorders are the leading cause of years lived with a disability. We all have stress, but how can we better cope with that stress?

Get outside and see some blue!

Blue Mind Theory

The Blue Mind theory, popularized by marine biologist and neuroscientist Wallace J. Nichols, Ph.D., is the mildly meditative state people fall into when they are near, in, under, or on water. This theory posits that spending time near or around water (be it oceans, lakes, or rivers), triggers a neurological and psychological response that promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being. By immersing ourselves in the sights and sounds of blue spaces, we tap into a deep-seated connection with water that calms our mental state, encourages creativity, inspires reflection, and fosters a sense of interconnectedness with the natural world. 

Blue spaces vs. green spaces

Spending time in both green spaces (parks, forests, meadows), and blue spaces (near water) can offer a range of benefits to physical and mental well-being, yet they provide distinct experiences due to their unique characteristics. The key difference between green and blue spaces lies in their sensory experiences. Green spaces provide a predominantly visual and olfactory experience, with lush landscapes and the smell of vegetation. In contrast, blue spaces engage multiple senses, including visual, auditory, and tactile sensations. The sound of water and the feeling of coolness in the air or on the skin contribute to a more holistic sensory experience.

Benefits of blue spaces (and spending time near water)

The presence of water has an inherently calming effect on the human mind. The benefits of spending time in blue spaces come from 4 main ways: physical activity, stress reduction, providing a space for socialization, and the environmental factors that impact health. Experts have found that spending time in blue space lowers the risk of stress, anxiety, obesity, heart disease, and even premature death.

Some scientists claim that bodies of water can unlock problem-solving and creativity and that water’s color, sound, and feel can lower pulse rates. Water’s ever-changing patterns and reflections often inspire creativity and introspection, making it a source of artistic inspiration and personal insight.

The rhythmic sounds of waves, the reflection of the sky on the water’s surface, and the cool breeze all contribute to a sense of serenity. Blue spaces are associated with improved mood and increased feelings of happiness and relaxation. Being near water can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Like green spaces, blue spaces also offer opportunities for physical activity, such as swimming, kayaking, or boating. These activities promote physical fitness and mental well-being. Swimming, hiking, exploring, enjoying the company of friends, soaking up vitamin D, it all happens when exploring blue spaces. Many people report feeling a profound connection with nature when near water, which can foster a sense of interconnectedness and environmental stewardship.

Benefits of blue spaces for kids

A recent study reveals that recreational exposure to blue space as a child can have a major impact on a person’s adult mental health and can encourage them to maintain a healthy relationship with nature into adulthood. In the study, respondents shared their experiences with blue space during childhood, including how frequently they visited it and how comfortable their parents were allowing them to be in and near water. In a nutshell, more blue space exposure as a child results in better adult mental health and a greater propensity to spend recreational time in nature as an adult.

And not only that, but adults who had familiarity and confidence around coasts, rivers, and lakes, were more likely to spend recreational time in nature during adulthood, leading to continued benefits. 

Spending time recreating in blue spaces can also help with your child’s social skills and behavior. Another study found that higher beach attendance each year during childhood was associated with decreased total difficulties and peer relationship problems and increased pro-social behavior.

Ways to start exploring blue spaces

Blue space, which encompasses the sea and coastline, rivers, lakes, canals, waterfalls, and even fountains, has been used therapeutically for years. Whether you are already an outdoorsy family looking for new adventures or simply want to find yourself in more blue space, here are some ways you can incorporate water into your life.  

Keep it simple

If spending time in lakes or oceans is outside your comfort zone, then start small. Take a walk along a lake or stream, or sit on your patio and watch the rain. Take your little ones to jump in a puddle and watch the water splash or search for salamanders in a small creek. The point is to be intentional with your mind and time. Searching for places to explore water can often lead to finding cool new areas in general that you might not have otherwise found. 

Try something new

If you are feeling adventurous, try a new (to you) activity on the water, like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, or tubing down a river. We started bringing a boogie board and skim board to the beach for my 4-year-old just so he could start getting comfortable with them. (We get most of our sports equipment second-hand from thrift shops or friends, especially when we are just starting to try stuff out). 

Snorkeling

Most people think you can only snorkel on tropical vacations to Hawaii or the Caribbean, but I often bring my mask and snorkel to lakes and rivers to see what I can find. This summer, I found a newt while snorkeling in a lake in Oregon. In prior years I’ve found giant snapping turtles, American eels, and landlocked salmon in the lakes of Maine or river otters and snakes in the freshwater springs of Florida, in addition to manatees. So, put on a mask and dip your head beneath the surface; you’ll never know what you are going to find. 

Let them lead

It can be tempting to want to push your kid into trying something new or something that you love. But pushing them is rarely an effective method and can often backfire. Let them lead and take it slow. When I was teaching my then three-year-old to snorkel, I’d take him to a calm lagoon area, let him stay where he could stand, and just dip his head under with goggles to look for critters. Finding calm, clear water is one of the best ways to start building confidence when swimming in lakes or the ocean.

In Florida, if it’s windy and choppy at the beach, we often take the kids to little spots on the Intracoastal, an inland waterway system made up of natural inlets, saltwater rivers, bays, sounds, and man-made canals. It’s more protected than the beach, which means the water is much calmer and without waves. 

Bring friends

Nature is a great place to reconnect with friends and socialize. Adventure friends, shared joy, and positive peer influence can help us and our kids expand our horizons and potentially try new things we might not otherwise try. And parents might also feel more comfortable trying new things with more experienced parents nearby. I love being that positive influence, helping other families feel a bit more comfortable in the ocean if they are with us.

100 Blue Hours movement

My passion is to help others enjoy the water for their own mental and physical well-being. Ultimately, I also hope this inspires people to care about these vital ecosystems and take positive action toward the environment, whether it’s recycling more, shopping second-hand, minimizing single-use plastics, participating in beach cleanups or learning about a local endangered species.

For this reason, I co-founded the 100 Blue Hours movement along with Brittini Arlene, a fellow marine biologist and water-loving mom.

The mission: spend 100 hours in or around the water in one year. This averages to about 2 hours a week.

The movement underscores the importance of reconnecting kids with the natural world. Spending quality time in blue spaces fosters a deep and lasting connection between children and the environment. These experiences instill a sense of wonder, respect, and appreciation for the natural world, encouraging future generations to become stewards of the environment. After all, “in the end, we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand,” said Baba Dioum.

Why 100 blue hours in a year?

The goal of spending 100 hours in blue spaces over the course of a year is significant for several reasons, but it is also achievable, striking a balance between setting a meaningful target and ensuring it’s realistic for most families:

100 hours represent a substantial amount of time spent in nature, which can lead to tangible physical and mental health benefits for children and adults alike. Regular exposure to blue spaces can reduce stress, boost mood, and promote overall well-being.  Setting a specific goal of 100 hours encourages families to consciously prioritize outdoor activities in blue spaces. This intentionality can lead to positive behavioral changes, such as reducing screen time and increasing physical activity.

One hundred hours spread across 365 days provides flexibility for families to plan outings at their own pace. It allows for a variety of short and long visits, accommodating busy schedules and different seasons. 100 hours over a year adds up to meaningful and cumulative experiences. Over time, these experiences can shape a child’s perspective, fostering a deep and lasting connection with the natural world.

We also think the goal of 100 hours over a year is attainable for families of varying backgrounds and access to blue spaces. It doesn’t require expensive vacations or extensive travel. It doesn’t require you to homeschool or forgo other meaningful activities. Many communities have accessible local water bodies, parks, or green spaces where families can spend quality time. While it encourages regular outdoor time, the 100-hour target is not overly demanding. It allows families to enjoy the process without feeling pressured to meet strict quotas, making the experience enjoyable and sustainable.

About the author

Bethany Augliere is a marine biologist, conservationist, and storyteller. She has always been inspired to encourage people to fall in love with nature and explore their own backyard, in hopes of instilling a desire to help protect the Earth and its creatures — especially the ocean. Her work has brought her eye-to-eye with giant tiger sharks, playful dolphins, curious manta rays, and gentle manatees. Now, as a mom, she aspires to share those adventures with her family, whether it’s kayaking in the Everglades or searching for shark teeth on the beach.

You can find more from Bethany online in the following locations:
Instagram: @wilder_seas
Facebook: @bethanyaugliere
Website: www.bethanyaugliere.com
RWMC posts: Bethany Augliere

The post Benefits of Blue Hours: The Wonder of Water Awaits appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

WILD Mag

Welcome to the world of exploration and adventure with WILD Mag, the ultimate digital monthly subscription magazine designed to ignite the curiosity of young minds and families about the wonders of nature and the great outdoors. Bursting with vibrant colors and brimming with educational materials and engaging activities, WILD Mag is a gateway to a world of discovery, where children can embark on thrilling journeys through the wilderness, while simultaneously learning about the fascinating ecosystems that surround us. Get ready to dive into an immersive experience that will inspire a lifelong love for nature and foster a deeper connection to the natural world – all from the comfort of your own home!

What’s WILD Mag all about? 

The mission of the WILD Mag is to inspire a love for the natural world by helping educate families about different nature topics and encouraging them to go outdoors to explore together. With a new topic each month, you’re sure to learn lots and have fun doing it. 

An inexpensive digital resource, the WILD Mag is available by monthly subscription at Chickie and Roo Homeschool. If you aren’t ready to commit to a subscription, individual issues can easily be purchased HERE. Lauren Giordano from Chickie and Roo Homeschool, Stephanie Hathaway from Stephanie Hathaway Designs, and Laura Stroup from Firefly Nature School comprise the WILD Mag’s creative team.

Each month, you receive a 60(ish)-page digital magazine sent directly to your inbox. You can opt to print the magazine at home or have it printed by a print shop. Another economical option is to use the magazine’s digital resources from your phone, computer, or tablet and only print out the consumable pages for activities.

How to use the WILD Mag

The beauty of the WILD Mag rests in its simplicity. Open it up, and begin. Or preview and plan out a section to complete each week during your morning time, nature study, or science class.

The WILD Mag’s target audience includes kindergarten through sixth grade. Students in the older range of this age spectrum might enjoy reading through the articles and completing activities more independently, while younger kids can work with older siblings or with a parent, caregiver, or teacher. Families also enjoy perusing the magazine together as small sections of text deliver lots of information, and activities can be easily adapted for different age levels. 

If your kids are part of the early learner crowd, a WILD Mag Jr. might be more your speed. Geared toward preschool-aged kids, it shares a theme with the regular WILD Mag. But instead of exploring multiple facets of a nature topic, it focuses on just one aspect and includes something to read, ask, learn, solve, draw, find, make, and show. 

What’s in each issue?

Each issue of the WILD Mag contains more than enough information to have an entire unit study right at your fingertips. Every issue also includes a book list, along with links to related documentaries, helpful videos, and interesting websites (all with kids in mind) makes putting outside additional resources (beyond the magazine) together a snap. 

The digital magazine is filled with beautiful illustrations, including posters and diagrams, accompanying short bursts of informative text, followed by hands-on activities that may include crafts, games, experiments, recipes, projects, and nature journaling prompts, among others. These “your turn” sections encourage observation, nature walks, outdoor time, play, and family connections. 

Drawing tutorials, picture studies, vocabulary words, crossword puzzles, poetry, coloring pages, and word searches round out the WILD Mag experience. Plus, there are opportunities for your child to be featured in the monthly issues when you tag or share with the creative team the different projects and activities they enjoyed working on. 

Who is the WILD Mag for?

One of the most common questions about the WILD Mag is whether it focuses solely on North America since that’s where its creators reside. The short answer is no. The WILD Mag’s design features amazing aspects of science and nature from around the globe. The multi-country subscriber base can attest to that.

Including a variety of topics that highlight Earth’s different regions helps families see the ways in which nature connects us all. You only need to glance through past WILD Mag topics to see the biodiversity included. The magazine has previously covered topics such as mountains, coral reefs, horses, marsupials, and the solar system, plus many others. Be sure to check out the archives for a full list of topics if there’s something, in particular, you’re studying! 

WILD Mag highlights

1. Bright, colorful illustrations welcome young naturalists to turn the pages.
2. Short sections make information easily digestible for elementary and middle school readers.
3. Interactive projects encourage the application of knowledge. 
4. Fun, practical activities foster learning. 
5. Nature walks inspire a connection to the natural world. 

Benefits of learning with the WILD Mag

Introducing children to the wonders of nature through a digital magazine like WILD Mag offers numerous benefits that go beyond just educational value. Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Interactive learning experience: With a digital magazine, children can enjoy an interactive learning experience that goes beyond static text. Engaging elements like diagrams, images, and multimedia help in better understanding complex concepts related to ecosystems, biodiversity, wildlife, and more. The magazine’s hands-on activities, lessons, crafts, and games ignite curiosity and a sense of wonder about the natural world. This encourages children to ask questions, explore further, and seek answers, fostering a lifelong love for learning and nature.

2. Visual stimulation: Visuals have a powerful impact on learning, especially for young minds. High-quality illustrations and graphics in the magazine bring the natural world to life, making it easier for kids to connect with and retain information.

3. Promotes environmental awareness: Learning about nature and its intricate ecosystems instills a sense of environmental consciousness in children. They become aware of the delicate balance of ecosystems, the importance of biodiversity, and the need for conservation efforts. As children learn about ecosystems and their interconnectedness, they develop a sense of empowerment, knowing that they can make a positive impact on the environment through their actions and choices.
4. Encourages outdoor exploration: While a digital magazine is accessible from anywhere, it often inspires outdoor exploration. Children may want to venture into nature to observe wildlife, identify plants, and experience the lessons they’ve learned firsthand.
5. Inclusivity and accessibility: A digital format ensures that educational materials are accessible to a wider audience, regardless of their location or circumstances, promoting inclusivity in learning. Digital magazines offer the convenience of access on various devices, making it easy for kids and families to explore nature’s wonders anytime and anywhere that suits their schedule.
6. Holistic development: Learning about nature encompasses various subjects, such as biology, geography, geology, and climate science. This multidisciplinary approach promotes well-rounded development and critical thinking skills.

The WILD Mag provides a captivating platform for kids to delve into the enchanting world of nature. Its immersive and interactive content nurtures a passion for the greatoors, encourages a sense of environmental responsibility, and equips the next generation with knowledge and appreciation for the natural world that surrounds them.

WILD Mag themes for 2023-24

Each year, the WILD Mag team shares a list of future topics to help subscribers plan their school year and summer holidays. This year’s topics have recently been revealed. 

• August – Tropical rainforest
• September – Apples
• October – Bears
• November – Winter dormancy
• December – Math in nature
• January – Puffins
• February – Trees
• March – Whales
• April – Naked mole rats
• May – Colors in nature
• June – Monotremes
• July – Urban nature

Learn about nature with WILD Mag

It’s no secret that nature study lends itself to multiple learning styles and an interdisciplinary approach. The WILD Mag focuses on ecological relationships, zoology, and other sciences in addition to sprinkling in math, reading, writing, geography, history, art, and physical education. Basically, there’s something for everyone and everything for someone.

If you would like to try out the WILD Mag, you can grab a free sample by clicking HERE and scrolling to the sample section.

Happy exploring!

Be sure to check out WILD Mag and learn something new with your kids today! 

About the author

Laura is an ecology writer and the founder of Firefly Nature School, a nature study curriculum designed for homeschooling families, co-ops, and classrooms. Laura has a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Ecology from Iowa State University with an emphasis in natural resource education. A former wildlife conservation educator and upper school science teacher, she now directs School of the Wild, a local nature school serving her community. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family, hiking, running, writing, reading, and cooking. Laura lives with her husband and their three children in the beautiful Ozarks countryside.

Find more from Laura in the following locations:
Website: Firefly Nature School
Instagram: @fireflynatureschool
Facebook: Firefly Nature School
RWMC posts: Laura

The post Exploring Nature with the WILD Mag appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Research your beach

Before your beach day, start by doing a little detective work to find the perfect spot for your family adventure. Consider beaches that offer a kid-friendly environment with amenities that cater to families.  Check if the beach has lifeguards on duty. Having trained professionals watching over the water can provide peace of mind. Seek out beaches that offer convenient amenities for families with children: restrooms, showers, changing facilities, picnic areas, playgrounds, parks, etc. 

Also, consider the beach’s popularity and its typical crowd size.  Is the beach usually crowded or more secluded? Will there be other kids there for your kids to play with? Or would you rather have more space to spread out? 

Look for amenities that enhance your family’s comfort and convenience, such as rental chairs or beach umbrellas. Is there easy access to parking? How far is the parking lot from the beach? Are there nearby shops or restaurants for grabbing snacks, ice cream, or refreshing drinks?

Don’t forget to check out reviews and recommendations from other families who have visited the beach. Online travel forums, family-oriented websites, or social media groups can provide valuable insights and firsthand experiences. Pay attention to positive feedback about cleanliness, safety, and the overall family-friendliness of the beach.

Arrive at the beach early

I’ve spent 13 summers at the beaches of Southern California, and to say beaches can get crowded is an understatement. It seems like the whole world is at the beach in the summer. Where we go, the parking situation is crazy, so I always attempt to get to the beach by 9 in the morning from June through August. It’s much easier to find a close parking spot during those morning hours. Because my husband is usually at work, I take all four of my kids by myself. That close parking spot makes all the difference when you have an arm (or wagon) full of towels, chairs, snacks, boogie boards, skim boards, sunscreen, umbrellas, sand toys, and the list could go on. 

Another reason I like to get to the beach early is so that you can stake a claim on your space. There are fewer people at the beach in the morning, so you will have enough room to lay out all of your towels and toys and not feel like you’re crowding someone else. I like to be fairly close to the shore so I can still see my kids in the water without leaving my chair. I call that thinking smarter, not harder.

Water, water, water!

Chances are, if you’re spending a day at the beach, it’s a warm, sunny day. And spending all day building sandcastles can be thirsty and hungry work. It might mean a few extra pounds to carry or pull in the wagon, but you’ll want to bring lots of water! Your kids are going to get thirsty, and you’ll get thirsty. Pack a cooler filled with refreshing water and yummy, healthy snacks like juicy fruits (extra hydration) and energy bars. Remind the kiddos to take sips, even if they don’t feel parched.

I also bring extra water in case we need to rinse anything off without it getting salty. I’ve been guilty of not bringing enough water, and we’ve had to cut some beach days short because we ran out of water. The fussiness that ensued was more than I could bear, so we left. Don’t let that happen to you!

Take a photo and make a plan if you get separated

You surely have thousands of pictures of your kids on your phone, but when you get to the beach, snap a quick photo of your kids in their swimsuits so you know what they’re wearing. This is a safety precaution that will be extremely helpful if you have a child that wanders off or gets lost. You will have something to easily refer back to the photo, just in case.

It’s also a good idea to talk to your kids about how they can find you. Maybe you have a rainbow-colored umbrella, or a blue shade tent, or a yellow beach chair. Talk about these items so your kids know what to look for if they go refill a bucket with ocean water and need to make their way back.

And speaking of having a photo on your phone, I also recommend bringing a bag or sleeve to carry your phone in. Even a simple plastic sandwich bag works great to keep the sand out of your phone when it’s in a bag or the cup holder of your beach chair.

Stay near a lifeguard

I recently spoke with two local lifeguards and asked them for their best beach safety tips. Both lifeguards said that parents should stay near a lifeguard tower. This is especially true if you aren’t familiar with the beach or if your kids aren’t used to the ocean. It will be easier to get a spot near the lifeguard tower if you arrive at the beach early.

Lifeguards are highly trained professionals who are experienced in identifying and responding to water-related emergencies. They are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to handle various situations swiftly and effectively. By setting up near a lifeguard tower, parents can rest assured that help will be readily available in case of an emergency.

Lifeguards have a panoramic view of the beach and water from their elevated tower positions. They maintain constant surveillance over the area, actively scanning the water for any signs of distress or potential hazards. It’s easy for parents to get caught up in the excitement of beach activities and momentarily lose sight of their children. Lifeguards act as an additional set of vigilant eyes, keeping a watchful eye on all beachgoers, including children. They can help locate lost or wandering children and reunite them with their families quickly.

Lifeguards are not only there for emergencies but also to provide important water safety education. Lifeguards are ready and willing to help you. When you get to the beach, feel free to walk up to a lifeguard and ask a few questions. You might want to ask them their best beach safety tips, or anything that might be helpful for that specific beach on that day. Tides, currents, wave height, and break are all important facts that the lifeguard will know. Sometimes they will also have a whiteboard listing the water temperature, tide times, and the sunrise/sunset. 

Ultimately, setting up near a lifeguard tower provides parents with peace of mind. Knowing that trained professionals are nearby, ready to respond in case of an emergency, alleviates anxiety and allows parents to relax and enjoy their time at the beach with their children. It adds an extra layer of safety and reassurance, making the beach experience more enjoyable for everyone.

Water safety for non-swimmers

If you are at the beach with little kids who can’t yet swim or aren’t strong swimmers, ensuring their safety becomes a top priority. Always keep a close eye on children who can’t swim or are weak swimmers. Stay close to them at all times, especially when they are in or near the water. This way, you can quickly provide assistance if needed. Opt for beaches with shallow water and gentle waves, as these areas are more suitable.

And have your child wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) when near or in the water. Ensure the device is appropriate for your child’s size and weight. Remember, inflatable toys or water wings are not substitutes for a life jacket and should not be relied upon for safety.

Watch the waves

The entirety of my childhood existed within an hour of the Pacific Ocean. One of the phrases I heard so many times was, “Never turn your back on the ocean.” My mom told me this to emphasize the importance of watching and paying attention to the waves. By encouraging children to watch the waves, parents instill a sense of respect for the ocean’s power and unpredictable nature. Understanding the force of waves fosters a healthy appreciation for the water and reinforces the importance of caution and responsible behavior while enjoying beach activities.

As an adult, the waves might not seem scary. But, to a child who is just a few feet off the ground, the waves can seem dangerous (and very large). Waves are a dynamic force of nature that can be powerful and unpredictable. By reminding children to watch the waves, parents help them develop a sense of wave awareness and understand their behavior. This awareness allows children to anticipate and react to waves appropriately, reducing the risk of being caught off guard or knocked over. By teaching your child to always pay attention to the waves, they will begin to feel more comfortable. 

Waves have a pattern. Their rhythmic crashing can be soothing, but they are also very powerful and unpredictable. Waves can sometimes catch beachgoers, especially children, by surprise. Encouraging children to keep an eye on the waves helps them stay mindful of their surroundings and potential wave activity. This awareness enables them to adjust their position on the beach accordingly, moving to safer areas or stepping back when necessary.

With younger children, start in the water with them. Jump over the waves together. Being in the water with them will show them how fun it can be and will help them feel how the water can push and pull them. Having your hand to hold will be a reassurance, and if they get knocked down, you’ll be right there to pick them up. 

If you have a daring child that likes to push their limits, I recommend giving them a guideline of how far to go. You might want to start with staying at or below the knees. As their abilities increase, you can let them go in up to their waist and then beyond.

Pay attention to the flags

You might notice some flags on the beach – these are very important signals and should be paid attention to closely to ensure safety and understand the current conditions. These flags serve as visual indicators that communicate important information to beachgoers. Flags provide a standardized system for conveying information about the conditions and potential hazards/risks at the beach. They serve as a clear and easily recognizable visual language that beach visitors can understand and follow.

Now, let’s explore some commonly used beach flags and their meanings (please note that flag systems may vary between beaches and countries):

Green flag:

• A green flag typically signifies calm conditions, indicating that it’s safe to swim and enjoy the water.
• It suggests that there are no significant hazards, such as strong currents or rough surf, present at that time.

Yellow flag:

• A yellow flag indicates moderate surf conditions and potential hazards.
• It advises caution to swimmers, as there may be mild to moderate currents or waves that require increased awareness and swimming ability.

Red flag:

• A red flag represents hazardous conditions, such as strong currents, large waves, or rough surf.
• It serves as a warning that swimming in the water is not recommended. Non-swimmers and inexperienced swimmers should avoid entering the water altogether.

Purple Flag:

• A purple flag is used to warn beachgoers of the presence of potentially dangerous marine life.
• It suggests that there may be jellyfish, sharks, or other marine creatures in the area, requiring increased vigilance and caution.

Checkered flag:

• A checkered flag usually indicates that the area is designated for water sports, such as surfing or kayaking, and is not intended for swimming.
• It signals that there may be specific activities (surfing only) or hazards in that particular section of the beach. When your kids are comfortable enough in the water to boogie board, skim board, swim, or surf, they will need to pay attention to the checkered flag. They will definitely not want to get in the way of the surfers! The checkered flags will show you how to stay safe by keeping you in the right area. 

Familiarize yourself with the specific flag system used at the beach you’re visiting and pay attention to any accompanying signage or instructions provided by lifeguards. By being attentive to the flags at the beach, you can stay informed about the current conditions and potential hazards, allowing you to make informed decisions about entering the water and ensuring the safety of yourself and your family.

Learn the stingray shuffle

Part of what I love about the ocean is that it’s full of life. There are sand crabs to dig for, fish swimming around, floating kelp forests, and seaweed washing onto the shore. I’ve even seen pods of dolphins jumping out of the water at some of our San Diego beaches and seals and sea lions sunbathing on the sand. Most of the time, the sea life is harmless, but one you’ll want to beware of is the stingray. 

Stingrays are commonly found in coastal areas with sandy bottoms. They typically bury themselves in the sand, making them difficult to spot. Accidentally stepping on a stingray can result in a painful sting from their barbed tail. Stingrays are usually docile creatures and sting as a defense mechanism when they feel threatened. 

I’ve spent a lot of time in the ocean and have never encountered a stingray, but I do know people who have been stung. The treatment is to submerge the sting in hot water, which lifeguards can provide. The “stingray shuffle” is a technique used to prevent accidental encounters with stingrays, particularly in shallow coastal waters. It involves shuffling your feet along the sandy bottom instead of taking regular steps. The vibrations and movement created by the shuffle alert the stingrays to your presence, allowing them to swim away before contact is made.

That’s all there is to the stingray shuffle! This one beach safety tip can save you a lot of unnecessary pain. 

Raise your hand

When you’re out in the ocean past where the waves are breaking, maybe waiting for the perfect wave to catch with your boogie board, know that you’re still visible to the lifeguards. If you notice yourself starting to get pulled by a rip current, or you just feel like you aren’t able to get back to shore, simply raise your hand. Raising your hand is a universal distress signal that alerts people on the beach, including lifeguards and other beachgoers, that you are in trouble and need assistance. By raising your hand, you attract attention and increase the likelihood of someone noticing your predicament.

Get your hand as high above your head as you can get it, and wave until you see the lifeguard coming to help. Staying calm is key. By raising your hand, you conserve energy and avoid unnecessary swimming against the current, which can lead to fatigue and potentially worsen the situation. Instead, focus on staying afloat and signaling for help.

Here is a video about how to avoid a rip current and how to successfully exit a rip current.

Respect the ocean, but have fun!

The ocean is my happy place. Swimming in the ocean makes me feel so incredibly free. While there are precautions that must be taken, spending time at the beach is extremely enjoyable. If you’re at the beach with other adults, I encourage you to ask them to take over, keeping an eye on the kids for a while, and alternate so you can take some time to get in the water yourself. Get your hair wet! Submerge yourself in the ocean, and just enjoy it! Feel the water ebb and flow. Bring a boogie board (more on boogie boarding with kids here) and catch a few waves. Riding on the power of the ocean is an unforgettable experience.

When your children see you enjoying the ocean, it will make them more likely to do the same. Teach them to respect the ocean and its powerful waves and tides by respecting it and enjoying it yourself. 

I wish I had the right words to describe how much I love the ocean. I can’t even pin down the exact reason why I feel so strongly about it. Maybe it’s the consistency of the tides, the strength of the waves, or the vastness of the waters. I’m not really sure, but I do know how I feel when I walk out of the ocean after a swim. I would describe it as walking on the clouds. I believe that the ocean is not to be feared but respected. 

As you follow these beach safety tips, you will find what a beautiful experience going to the beach can be. I hope you make some wonderful memories with your children at the beach this summer and throughout your lives. 

About the author

Wendy is a married momma living in central San Diego, CA, raising 4 human kids, 2 goat kids, 4 chickens, and one grumpy cat. She enjoys gardening, hiking, camping, backpacking, going to the beach, and generally getting out-of-doors. Wendy is a family photographer and also works at several local elementary schools as the garden educator. She dreams of traveling to all 50 states and beyond, and believes that there is great beauty to be found in all parts of the earth, we just have to open our eyes to see it.

You can find more from Wendy online in the following locations:
Instagram: @wendycoxphotography
RWMC posts: Wendy Cox

The post Beach Safety Tips for Parents appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Now is the time to create your summer bucket list

As the weather begins to transition from the coolness of winter to the warmth of summer, there is a sense of renewal and anticipation in the air. Spring brings a renewed energy and a feeling of excitement, making it the perfect time to brainstorm and plan for the upcoming summer adventures. Summer will be here before you know it, so it’s time to get started on your summer bucket list.

As a kid, summer felt everlasting. As an adult, it feels like we blink three times, and it’s over.  By starting to make your summer bucket list now, you can maximize your summer fun as you plan! You have ample time to research, gather information, and make necessary arrangements for the activities on your bucket list. Whether it’s booking campsites, researching hiking trails, or planning day trips to local attractions, having a head start allows you to secure reservations and ensure smooth logistics.

In this post, you’ll find tips and tricks for creating a summer bucket list to help set your summer up for success– supporting memorable adventures and family growth. Whether you seek thrilling escapades, tranquil explorations, or moments of pure relaxation, the options are endless for a summer filled with outdoor adventure.

What’s a summer bucket list?

A summer bucket list is a collection of activities, experiences, and goals you and your family want to accomplish during the summer. It’s a way to create a roadmap of adventures, both big and small, that will make the most of the season. By involving your kids in the process of creating a summer bucket list, you not only empower them to have a say in the family’s activities but also foster their creativity, curiosity, and sense of exploration.

Creating a bucket list together allows your kids to dream big and think outside the box while actively participating in the planning process. Making a summer bucket list together as a family not only builds anticipation and excitement but also strengthens the bond between family members as you embark on shared experiences and create lifelong memories. It encourages quality time spent together, away from screens and distractions, and enables you to discover new places, try new activities, and explore the beauty of nature together. It’s a chance to break away from routines, step out of your comfort zone, and make the most of the fleeting summer months.

We are a bucket list family

I am a BIG bucketlist person. We, collectively as a family, make one every season to ensure we are intentional about setting goals and carving out time for the things we value most. Bucket lists can help increase buy-in (from everyone), keep us on the same page, and help ensure we’re living our lives with intention. 

If you’re new to bucket lists, summer is the perfect season to start. The long days and forgiving schedule of summer make bucket lists both exciting (for dreaming) and invaluable (for structure and planning). For me, it’s crucial that my bucket lists are diverse in both intensity and scope. I include goals that are big and challenging, and also the small, easy-to-accomplish glue-like pieces that keep us moving and happy. We need it all!

How to make a summer bucket list together as a family

We always make our seasonal bucket lists together as a family. In many ways, treat it as a code we’re committing to because in order for any of the stuff to happen, we all have to be on board, invested, and involved in the pieces. Everyone also naturally has their own ideas, interests, and priorities; sharing these can be really grounding as a family. 

When planning your summer bucket list with your kids, it’s essential to foster open and engaging conversations that allow everyone’s ideas to be heard and considered. There are so many ways to frame this process, but essentially we just sit down and talk about what sorts of things we want to do and dig into this coming season.

The planning process is an opportunity to bond, communicate, and create a shared vision for the summer. Encourage your kids to express themselves freely and embrace their imaginative ideas. By involving them in the decision-making, you empower them to take ownership of the summer bucket list and ensure a memorable and fulfilling summer for the entire family.

How to plan and research your summer bucket list activities

Researching and selecting activities for your family’s summer bucket list can be an exciting and enriching process. Here are some tips to help you research and choose activities that will make your summer truly memorable:

Gather inspiration

Start by gathering inspiration from various sources. Look for travel blogs, websites, magazines, and social media platforms that feature family-friendly activities and destinations. Follow outdoor adventure pages and explore hashtags (including #runwildmychild) related to family adventures and summer activities. Pinterest can also be a great resource for visual inspiration and ideas.

Utilize online resources such as travel websites, outdoor recreation websites, and review platforms. These resources often provide detailed information about popular attractions, hiking trails, water parks, campsites, and other outdoor activities. Read reviews and look for activities that have positive feedback and align with your family’s interests.

Seek local recommendations

Reach out to friends, family, and local community groups for recommendations of things to do nearby. Ask for their favorite outdoor activities, hidden gems, unique attractions, or family-friendly events happening in your area during the summer. Local tourism websites or visitor centers can also provide valuable information on attractions and activities suitable for families.

Consider age, interests, and skill levels

Take into account the age, interests, and skill levels of your family members when selecting activities. Ensure that the activities you choose are suitable and enjoyable for everyone involved. Look for options that offer varying difficulty levels or have options for beginners and more experienced participants. Discuss your family’s shared interests in outdoor activities. Talk about the activities you enjoy as a family, such as hiking, biking, swimming, camping, or picnicking. Explore any new activities they might want to try, such as stand-up paddleboarding, rock climbing, or fly fishing.

Weather and seasonal considerations

Consider the weather and seasonal factors when planning your activities. Some activities, like swimming, boating, or water sports, are perfect for hot summer days, while others, like hiking or nature walks, may be more enjoyable during cooler parts of the day. Make sure to plan accordingly to optimize your experiences. 

Mix thrills and tranquility

Be sure to include a mix of thrilling and relaxing activities in your summer bucket list to cater to different interests and preferences within your family. This can range from adventurous activities like ziplining or kayaking to tranquil experiences like picnicking in a beautiful park, reading outside in a hammock, or stargazing on a clear night.

Look for learning opportunities

Look for activities that provide opportunities for learning and personal growth, for both adults and kids. This could involve visiting museums, historical sites, or nature reserves where your family can discover and appreciate new knowledge and perspectives.

Our bucket list planning process

There’s no right or wrong way to choose the activities on your summer bucket list. Some folks love websites and books for ideas and inspiration. We’re big map people, so inevitably, a map always gets pulled out somewhere in our planning process. 

In planning our summer bucket list, we usually try to include the following activities:

• 1-2 big summer adventures
• 6-10 “can’t do summer without” type activities
• 1-2 ongoing home-based activities
• 4-8 challenges

These numbers are obviously fluid and can be changed according to your family’s needs and desires. Every family has a different capacity and schedule. My husband is a teacher, so we have full-on open family summers. This means our summer bucket list goals are quite ambitious, to maximize our time together as a complete family unit.

Consider what would work best for your family, both for your time and your budget. You want your bucket list to feel inspiring, not overwhelming, so while you can certainly get ambitious, don’t stress out about having to do it all. Make it manageable and set yourself up for success, so don’t layer on more than you can handle.

Big summer adventures

We usually add 1-2 “big summer adventures” to our summer bucket list. These are the adventures that push your edge and require more planning and prep. Usually, this means travel, reservations, potential gear investments, and vacation time taken from work.

In order to hone in on what these should be, think about what you currently do that your whole family enjoys and is within your comfort zones, and then push into this. It’s incredible how habitual we can become, and how much we miss out on as a result. Use this summer to lean into what you love, and plan an adventure that will push you a bit further.

• Do you always go to the same beach or trail? This summer, make a goal to check out some new places. Find trails using the Alltrails app or look up local Land Trusts.
• Want to adventure with friends? Find a local playgroup or family meet-up, such as a Forest Playgroup or Hike it Baby branch, or set a day each week that you’re going to adventure with friends. Don’t have a group in your area? Start one! Be an adventure friend to others. 
• Feel comfortable on day trips? Level up and plan an overnight camping trip! Check out a local campground. Don’t wait to make reservations as many campgrounds, particularly these days, book up and book up fast. If it’s your first time camping, chose a campground in an area you’re familiar with. We’ve got a great resource for parents camping with kids for the first time. 
• Car camping pro? Why not try backpacking! Pick a hike-in site next time you make a reservation, or plan an overnight backpacking or canoe camping trip. Regardless of how many packing lists you check out, prepping for these trips will be a learning curve. Surrender to that reality and trust that once you can figure out how to go light in a way that makes sense for your family, the world becomes your oyster.

Plan easily doable adventures

It’s clutch to have easily doable adventures on your bucket list. These are the small activities or gatherings that don’t take a ton of planning or prep, but you want to make sure you don’t go the whole summer without missing! These can be the tried-and-true summer traditions that you do every year, or new small things you’ve been wanting to try. Write them down to make sure you don’t breeze past them.

• Ice cream party (either at that favorite ice cream shop, or buy the supplies and have an ice cream party picnic somewhere)
• Sunset picnic
• Sunrise hike
• Fish a nearby river
• Explore a “new to you” park or hiking trail
• Scenic bike ride
• Baseball game 
• Family movie night (in the backyard or at a drive-in)
• Friend/cousin sleepover
• Swimming at your nearby beach or pool
• Pick-your-own fruit at an orchard
• Fort slumber party
• Beach BBQ with friends
• Kids’ “yes” day (Pro tip: Set guidelines in advance to set them up for success)

Map out some all-weather challenges

Sure, sunshine and summer feel kind of synonymous, but there inevitably will be some not-beach-perfect days. With our changing climate, we never know just how many perfect summer days we’ll have each year. Therefore, we always plan for this by including some “all-weather” activities and challenges on our bucket list.

• Go for a hike in the rain. (One further: After, have kids create a packing list for all the things they need when hiking in the rain.)
• Search for amphibians in the woods on a wet day (One further: Do research on the species you found and create a bio card about it)
• Fly a kite on a windy day (One further: Go to multiple fields on a windy day, track the windspeed at each site, and compare how the kite flew differently.)
• Create a watercolor painting on a stormy day (One further: Track the clouds with timed watercolor paintings throughout the day.)
• Build a leakproof fort outside when it’s raining (One further: Have them sketch their structure like an engineer.)
• Track the sounds of nature when it’s storming (One further: Research how weather affects birds, and what clues you can tune into to know when a storm is approaching.)

Engage in ongoing home-based activities

While much of summer adventuring happens outside of the home, make sure to include some home-based activities on your summer bucket list. Having some creative and engaging projects can help make home time feel both slow and meaningful. 

• Raise a monarch (One further: document its development with a monarch journal)
• Plant a garden (One further: Make a garden map. Track growth and harvest on a calendar. Kids create a responsibility chart for garden maintenance.)
• Make a recipe book (One further: Have kids illustrate step-by-step recipe instructions.)
• Make art (One further: Visit an art museum and map out key features– artist bios, art piece descriptions, etc. Have kids chart out their own art show. Kids create invites, with bios, to invite family/friends. They write descriptions for their pieces. Design their art displays. Prepare hors d’oeuvres, etc)
• Reading Challenge (Many local libraries have excellent summer reading programs. If yours doesn’t, make your own up. A simple board game blueprint with reading time goals and incentives along the way can be magic.)
• Put on a talent show (One further: Let each kid choose their talent to perform for an audience. Let them create tickets and a program. Invite friends, neighbors, and family. Maybe they want to sell refreshments and set up seating arrangements.) 

Curate some kid challenges

Summer is a great time to build kid life skills and let your kids take on greater responsibility. What better way to do this than through fun challenges? We always love to think about what are some of the “next level” things our kids are ready for, and how we can get some practice through fun challenges.

Integrate these into your bucket list by including a few “kid challenges.” Don’t name the actual task on the bucket list, but instead, write “kid challenge,” pick a day, and give them a card that maps out their challenge. They check off a kid challenge on the bucket list when they complete it. Some kids may need more help if these are new skills. There’s no cheating here; make a checklist of things they need to remember in order to succeed. 

Here are some fun ideas for kid challenges that not only challenge them, but teach them skills in the process: 

• Kids pack for the beach/a hike/an overnight sleepover
• Let the kids plan and cook dinner (from making a grocery list to serving)
• Kids bake a dessert for a friend or neighbor
• Have them make and deliver breakfast in bed for the parents
• Kids do their own laundry– from hamper to drawer
• Build map reading skills by letting them plan a route for a family bike ride

Support the spontaneous

Part of the beauty of summer is having greater time and space for spontaneity. Allow your bucket lists to hold space for the magic of in-the-moment adventures and plan-making. If you have a hard time with spontaneous plan-making, include that in your bucket list as one of your challenges! Add “Say yes to a spontaneous adventure with friends” as one of your bucket list items. Just having that intention out there may make it easier to prioritize and make happen.

Final notes on summers with kids

At best, we have 18 summers with our kids. Sure, there are lots of variables there and different definitions, but I think about this A LOT. Particularly, as my oldest is just about to turn 10, which means we’re over the halfway mark. This keeps a lot in perspective and pushes me to really make the most of each day we have together. I think about all the ways that I want him and his sister to remember the seasons of their childhood, which are all too fleeting. And arguably, there is no season more memorable than summer. 

This is the first summer in 5 years we’ll be in our home State of Maine. After traveling around North America and Central America over the last few years, I have decided that nowhere beats a summer in New England. (There’s something magical about loving where you live.) The weather is glorious, there are clean rivers and lakes, the ocean water is warm(ish), and there is a plethora of epic outdoor adventuring– from lobstering to hiking, and everything in between.

Most importantly, Maine is home, so I know exactly when my favorite wildflowers are in bloom, what beaches have the sweetest tide pools, and the best spots to watch the sunset. The summer countdown is officially on, so we’re soon to be charting out our summer bucket list– tapping into the joys of home and making sure to discover new places and push ourselves to try different things. 

What will you include in your summer bucket list?

About the author

Courtney’s the homeschooling mother of two wild and kind kids, the founder of 2 non-profit organizations, an avid traveler, and a passionate experiential educator. She has spent the better part of the last two decades traveling around the US and Central America – first as a part of her traveling high school, where she lived out of a converted school bus and slept in tents every night for 4 years, and, more recently, traveling with her family – from following animal migration routes to Mexico to fishing in Southeast Alaska. Rooted in Maine, she is passionate about immersive education. When not on the road with her family, she is busy organizing educational immersives, from tapping maple trees to tagging Monarchs and facilitating outdoor adventure programs, from hiking to ice fishing. Whether hauling lobster traps or monitoring salamanders, she works to make learning fun, engaging and interactive. She’s excited to share her love for nature, travel, and outdoor adventures with the Run Wild My Child community.

You can find more from Courtney online in the following locations:
Instagram: @wildmigrationfamily
Website: Wild Migration
RWMC posts: Courtney Cronin

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