Canoe camping with kids

Canoe camping is a remarkable adventure that offers a unique blend of nature, exploration, and quality family time. Stepping away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immersing yourselves in the serene beauty of the great outdoors can create unforgettable memories and strengthen your family bond.

In this ultimate guide to canoe camping, we will delve into the benefits of time outdoors, the essentials of planning, packing, choosing the right destinations, and some lessons learned from almost four decades of canoe country experience. So, grab your paddles, gather your gear, and embark on an unforgettable journey into the world of canoe camping. The rewards and memories await you just beyond the shoreline.

What is canoe camping?

Benefits of canoe camping

Canoe camping allows families to disconnect from screens and distractions, replacing them with the soothing sounds of water, the rustle of leaves, and the chorus of birdsongs. It offers a chance to slow down, breathe fresh air, and appreciate the wonders of nature together.

One of the reasons why I think canoe camping with kids is so rewarding is the opportunity it provides for hands-on learning. As you paddle along calm waters, your children can observe different species of birds, identify various plants, and even spot unique wildlife like moose and deer. It’s a chance to ignite their curiosity, foster a deep appreciation for the environment, and cultivate a sense of stewardship for the natural world.

Beyond the educational aspects, canoe camping encourages quality family time. With limited distractions, you can engage in meaningful conversations, share stories around a crackling campfire, and laugh together while navigating, or getting lost, on your route. It’s an opportunity to create a shared experience that will be cherished for years to come.

Canoe camping also offers a sense of adventure and the thrill of exploration. Discover hidden coves, secluded beaches, and breathtaking landscapes that are only accessible by water. Paddling through serene lakes or gentle rivers allows you to explore nature at your own pace, stopping along the way to swim, fish, or simply bask in the tranquility of your surroundings.

Furthermore, the self-sufficiency required during a canoe camping trip can instill valuable life skills in young children. They can learn to set up camp, cook meals, and adapt to different situations, fostering independence, resilience, and problem-solving abilities.

What to pack for canoe camping

Canoe camping requires careful planning and packing to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Usually, you can take more (and heavier) items than you can take on a backpacking trip (as you won’t be carrying your items), but less than you can pack on a traditional car camping trip (as everything needs to fit into the canoe (along with all the people in your family). 

*Don’t forget to pack a little bit extra patience and flexibility, as unpredictability is part of the charm when embarking on canoe camping adventures with kids.

Here’s a comprehensive list of essential items to pack for your adventure:

Camping gear:

• Tent with rainfly and groundsheet
• Sleeping bags and sleeping pads
• Headlamps
• Knifes and portable camp saw
• Fishing poles and tackle

Clothing:

• Quick drying clothing (shorts, pants, t-shirt, long-sleeve shirt)
• Rain jackets, ponchos, or waterproof gear
• Sturdy hiking shoes or water sandals
• Swimsuits and quick-drying towels
• Extra wool socks and underwear

Food and cooking equipment:

• Plenty of meals and snacks (dehydrated backpacking meals work great)
• Cooking utensils, pot to boil water, and a cooking pan
• Backpacking stove
• Water filter and containers to store filtered water
• Eating utensils, plates, and cups

Safety equipment:

• First aid kit fit for your group size
• Insect repellent (lots) and sunscreen
• Life jackets that are comfortable to wear all day
• Whistle or signal mirror for emergencies
• Maps, compass, and Emergency Locator Beacor or GPS device
• Knife, saw, lighter, and waterproof matches

Personal items:

• Toiletries and biodegradable camp soap
• Prescription medications and basic over-the-counter remedies (i.e. kid and adult Tylenol)
• Personal identification and emergency contact information
• Cash or cards for emergencies
• Entertainment items for kids, such as books, toys, and games

Packing tips

Remember to pack efficiently to keep the weight manageable, especially when portaging between lakes or rivers. Distribute the load evenly between canoes and ensure easy access to frequently used items. We prefer portage packs lined with a plastic bag that are custom-made to fit in a canoe. Traditional backpacking bags also work.

When packing the canoe, you want to make sure everything stays evenly distributed and dry. Wet/dry back can be a lifesaver in the event of a tip or rain. Before setting off at your entry point, make sure your gear is securely packed and waterproof; a soggy sleeping bag at the bottom of the canoe is an experience best avoided. Even with limited gear, prioritize much space for movement and comfort in your canoe, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone on board.

If you are new to canoe camping, call an outfitter to help you with your first time. They can be a great resource even if you are not using their full guided services. 

Want to pack like the pros? Then check out our exact packing list for our Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness trips. 

Where to go canoe camping with kids

Discovering the best places for family canoe camping involves seeking tranquil lakes with calm water, scenic landscapes, and ample opportunities for exploration. Choosing the right destination for your canoe camping adventure is crucial, especially when traveling as a family. When selecting a destination, consider factors such as accessibility, regulations, and the suitability of water conditions.

As a general rule of thumb, small lakes/rivers are much better if you are bringing kids than large ones. Check with local park authorities or experienced canoe camping organizations for updated information and permits. Opt for routes with a short portage if you’re venturing out with younger kids, making the journey more manageable and ensuring everyone arrives at the next waterway with smiles intact. Also, choosing routes with calm water can be helpful, especially when traveling with younger kids or novice paddlers. 

Here are some family-friendly canoe camping destinations that offer breathtaking scenery and exciting activities:

Local waterways (best for beginners):

The options below are large and beautiful destinations (think bucket list worthy), but the best place to canoe camp is the one that’s accessible to you and gets you out on the water! The options listed below are amazing, but they may not be suitable for your first canoe camping trip with the family. 

When you first start canoe camping, we recommend checking out your area’s local rivers and lakes. Here in Minnesota, we have a number of State Parks that offer canoe-in campsites that can give you a flavor of a big canoe camping trip without the commitment! Many rivers also allow for camping on banks and sandbars, which is a perfect way to start for your first trip. 

Embarking on your first canoe trip? Start with short, manageable routes, gradually building confidence and expertise for more extended adventures. Ease into canoe camping with kids. Start small your first time and make each future trip slightly longer, harder, or both!

National(ish) Parks:

Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada: Known for its stunning lakes and wildlife, Algonquin offers numerous canoe routes suitable for families, including shorter trips and designated campsites.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota, USA (our favorite, and technically not a National Park): With its interconnected lakes and pristine wilderness, this area provides a serene environment for canoe camping and offers various entry points for different skill levels.

Lakeside camping:

Lake Powell, Arizona/Utah, USA: This picturesque reservoir offers beautiful sandy beaches and secluded coves for camping. Kids can enjoy swimming, fishing, and exploring the stunning red rock formations.

Lake District, England: With its vast network of lakes and stunning landscapes, the Lake District provides an ideal setting for canoe camping. Families can paddle on Windermere, Ullswater, or Coniston Llkes, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

River adventures:

Allagash Wilderness Waterway, Maine, USA: This 92-mile-long waterway provides a wilderness experience with opportunities for wildlife sightings. It offers calm waters and numerous camping spots along the riverbanks. This offers a similar experience to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. 

Dordogne River, France: The Dordogne River is perfect for family canoe camping, with its gentle currents and scenic countryside. Paddle through medieval towns, explore castles, and enjoy picnics along the riverbanks.

Buffalo National River, Arkansas: For a scenic, family-friendly canoe camping getaway, consider the serenity of Buffalo National River. The gentle currents and lush surroundings create an idyllic setting for outdoor bonding.

Coastal escapes:

Everglades National Park, Florida, USA: Discover the unique ecosystem of the Everglades by canoeing through mangrove tunnels and coastal waterways. Look out for alligators, manatees, and a variety of bird species. Here’s a great post on what to expect when exploring Everglades National Park with kids. 

Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden: Explore the stunning archipelago with its thousands of islands, calm waters, and cozy camping spots. Enjoy the tranquility of the Swedish nature and picturesque fishing villages.

What to do when canoe camping

Canoe camping offers a range of exciting surprises and activities to keep kids engaged and entertained. Bringing along a selection of nature-themed games and activities is always a good idea to keep the little adventurers engaged and entertained in the canoe and during downtime at the campsite. Here are some ideas to make your adventure memorable:

Nature exploration:

Wildlife spotting: Encourage kids to observe and identify birds, animals, and plant species along the shores. Keep binoculars and a field guide handy for identification. We like to study up on key species ahead of time and then try to identify them in the field. 

Nature scavenger hunt: Create a list of items found in the area you are visiting, such as different types of leaves, animal tracks, or specific rocks, and challenge the kids to find them during hikes or paddling breaks. Scavenger hunts are a great way to get little kids actively observing nature around them. 

Fishing:

Teach kids basic fishing skills, such as casting and reeling, and let them experience the excitement of landing a keeper. Here’s some info on how to get started teaching kids to fly fish. 

Campfire cooking:

Involve the kids in preparing meals over your campfire. They can help gather firewood, mix ingredients, and assemble simple recipes like foil packet meals or s’mores. Here’s a great post on getting kids involved in camp cooking. 

Storytelling and stargazing:

Share stories and legends around the campfire can create a sense of awe.  Additionally, stargazing during clear nights offers a chance to identify constellations and share stories about the cosmos. Unfortunately, we rarely do the latter, since it means our young kids would be staying up until 10PM with our late summer sunsets, but it’s a great idea for older kids. Here’s a great post on incorporating storytelling into your stargazing adventures.

Water activities:

Swimming and snorkeling: If the water conditions permit, let the kids cool off by swimming or snorkeling. Cliff jumping is also a great option if you are certain the landing zone is deep and clear of debris. 

Canoeing and kayaking games: Organize friendly races, relays, or paddling challenges to keep the kids active and engaged while on the water. Here are some great ways to get kids active on the water. 

Nature crafts:

Encourage creativity by collecting natural materials like rocks, shells, or driftwood to create crafts. Kids can make nature-inspired artwork, jewelry, or even build miniature shelters using sticks and leaves.

Our kids love charring a stick in the fire and then using it as a pencil to draw on pieces of birchbark. We bring them home and hang them in their room and they last for years!

In the great outdoors, even the simplest moments—like cooking over a campfire or stargazing from the comfort of your tent—can become the great things that shape cherished family traditions.

Canoe camping gear

The right gear is crucial for a successful and enjoyable canoe camping trip with kids. Here are some essential items to consider:

Canoe and paddles:

Choose a stable and family-friendly canoe with enough space for everyone and their gear. We use a Northstar Northwind 18 kevlar canoe, which has a third bench seat in the middle where both kids sit.

Select paddles suitable for each family member’s height and strength. We use adjustable paddles to accommodate our growing kids.

Life jackets and safety gear:

Ensure each family member has a properly fitting and Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Look for jackets specifically designed for children and make sure they are comfortable enough to be worn all day long. Here’s a full post on the best life jackets for kids. 

Carry essential safety gear, such as a whistle, signal mirror, rope, GPS/Emergency Locator Beacon, etc. in your life jacket pockets or a dry bag.

Camping equipment:

Family-sized tent: Invest in a spacious tent that can comfortably accommodate all family members and has room for sleeping bags and gear. You don’t have to use an ultralight (backpacking) tent, but it will save you space and weight in your canoe. We use an REI Half-dome Trail Hut 4+ backpacking tent and love it. 

Sleeping gear: You need a lightweight (we like hydrophobic down) sleeping bag that is warm enough for any weather you might encounter. We also use inflatable sleeping pads for comfort and warmth. Nemo, Sea 2 Summit, and Big Agnes all make great ultra-light sleeping pads. 

Camp kitchen: Bring cooking utensils, pots, pans, and a portable stove for meal preparation. Less is more. We bring two bowls and often eat out of the freeze-dried meal bags. This means less weight and fewer dishes to clean!

Water containers and purification: In most cases, you will be purifying your own water on your canoe camping trip. We bring a couple of Nalgene water bottles, a gravity filter, and a 10L water bladder to hold excess purified water.

Lighting: Make sure you bring a couple of headlamps, lanterns, and/or flashlights. 

Storage and organization:

Dry bags and waterproof containers: When canoe camping with kids, you want to be sure to keep clothes, food, and important items dry by using dry bags or waterproof containers. We line our canoe packs with heavy-duty garbage bags and bring personal dry bags for use during the day. We like the Sea 2 Summit dry bags that come in a variety of sizes. 

Gear storage: Mesh bags and compression sacks are your friend! They are a great way to help keep your gear organized and help pack down big items (sleeping bags) so they fit better in your packs.

Clothing and personal items:

Choose quick-drying, moisture-wicking clothing suitable for local weather conditions. Include extra layers for cooler evenings and rain gear for wet conditions or bad weather.

Pack personal items like toiletries, medications, insect repellent, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to ensure comfort and protection from the elements.

What we’ve learned from canoe camping with kids

We’ve learned a lot from almost four decades of canoe country experience. Below are some practical tips and advice that we wish we’d known from the start.

Plan for rest days:

Depending on the length of your trip, consider incorporating rest days into your itinerary. This allows everyone to relax, explore the surroundings, and engage in activities at a leisurely pace. On long multi-day trips, we use a one-day on, one-day off schedule. This means we are changing campsites every other day.

Involve kids in trip planning:

Get the kids involved in the trip-planning process by allowing them to choose destinations, activities, or meals. This helps foster a sense of ownership and excitement, making them more engaged throughout the journey. It is harder for them to complain about what they are doing when it is their choice!

Optimize packing:

Evaluate your gear and assess if there are any unnecessary or duplicate items. Streamline your packing list to minimize the weight and maximize space, making portaging and setup easier. Less truly is more. 

Prioritize comfort:

Invest in quality sleeping gear, such as thicker sleeping pads or inflatable mattresses, to promote quality sleep. While we personally do not use them, comfortable camp chairs and portable tables can also make a significant difference during meal times and relaxation.

Incorporate variety into activities:

Switch things up. Mix in different activities on different days. Balance physical exertion, such as paddling or hiking, with more relaxed activities like fishing, swimming, or nature observation. However, in our experience, the kids are never the ones needing more relaxed activities. 

Embrace flexibility:

Allow for flexibility in your itinerary to accommodate unexpected weather changes or spontaneous discoveries. This flexibility can add excitement and reduce stress during the trip. Some of our best trips are the ones that we followed our plan the least.

Teach leave no trace principles:

Educate your kids about the importance of Leave No Trace principles, such as packing out trash, respecting wildlife and vegetation, and minimizing campsite impact. Instilling these values early on promotes responsible and sustainable outdoor practices.

Above all, remember that the most important thing during your canoe camping expedition with kids is to embrace the journey, fostering a sense of wonder and shared family memories. Remember, every trip is a learning experience, so don’t worry if the first one isn’t perfect!

Canoe camping websites and resources

Thankfully, there are a ton of great resources for families looking to try canoe camping and want to learn the ropes. Here are some helpful websites and resources:

From Tent to Takeoff: (www.fromtenttotakeoff.com) This is our family blog where we document our trips and provide advice on how to make the most out of your family adventures

Paddling.com: Paddling.com offers a wealth of information on canoeing and kayaking, including trip reports, gear reviews, and destination guides. Their forums and community provide opportunities to connect with fellow paddlers and share experiences.

National Park Service (nps.gov): Visit the website of the National Park Service to explore canoeing opportunities in various national parks. Check out park-specific information, regulations, and camping options for a safe and enjoyable experience.

American Canoe Association (aca-paddler.org): The American Canoe Association is a valuable resource for paddlers of all skill levels. Their website provides safety guidelines, instructional videos, and a directory of certified instructors for those looking to enhance their canoeing skills.

Canoe Camping Club (canoecamping.club): The Canoe Camping Club is a community of canoe camping enthusiasts. Their website offers trip reports, gear recommendations, and a forum to connect with other families who share a passion for canoe camping.

Local tourism board websites: Check the official websites of local tourism boards for your desired canoe camping destinations. They often provide information on campsites, canoe rental services, maps, and local attractions.

Outdoor retailer websites: Visit outdoor retailer websites like REI (rei.com) or MEC (mec.ca) for gear recommendations, buyer’s guides, and informative articles on outdoor activities, including canoe camping.

Canoe camping with kids

Canoe camping with kids offers a remarkable opportunity to connect with nature, create lasting memories, and foster a love for outdoor adventures. By following the tips and insights shared in this ultimate guide, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable experience for the entire family.

Safe travels and happy canoe camping!

About the author

Anthony Quill is a Minnesota dad and blogger who loves experiencing epic adventures with his wife and two kids. He is Twin Cities-based but globally bound, traveling with his family everywhere from Minnesota’s North Shore to Morocco, Spain, and Italy. No matter the distance, he always returns to his roots on the North Shore, and in particular the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Learn more about his family’s adventures on their blog at From Tent To Takeoff, on Instagram at @fromtenttotakeoff, or on Facebook at @fromtenttotakeoff. 

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

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

The post Hiking Havasupai With Kids appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

*This post is part of a series of sponsored posts by Arkansas Tourism about the total eclipse of April 2024. The views and opinions expressed are the author’s own. 

Why northeast Arkansas? 

There are so many great things to do in Batesville and Jonesboro, Arkansas. Part of what makes these areas so unique is where they are located. Batesville is in the Ozark region, and Jonesboro is within the Crowley’s Ridge part of Arkansas. Crowley’s Ridge is a unique geological formation believed to have been created by water, ice, and wind action over a 50-million-year period. The ridge is actually an island formed by ancient paths of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Batesville is unique in that it is the oldest city in Arkansas. Jonesboro is home to Arkansas State University. The whole area is great to explore with kids and is an excellent destination to enjoy the eclipse. 

Things to do in Batesville and Jonesboro, Arkansas

Both cities have a wide range of activities for families and people of all ages. There are incredible outdoor recreation opportunities in the Ozark Mountains around Batesville, along with small-town vibes and a charming, historic downtown. Jonesboro is one of the larger cities in northeast Arkansas and also has a thriving downtown. Arkansas State University has a wonderful museum and brings lots of great culture to the area as well.

One more reason to visit…during the eclipse in April 2024, both cities will see just over four minutes of totality! 

Places to play in Batesville, Arkansas

Batesville, Arkansas, is a small town that is northeast of Little Rock and along the White River. The historic downtown is currently being revitalized and one of the first places that was updated was a new park. Maxfield Park is an adorable, multilevel park that was built using repurposed and recycled materials. It is a whimsical place to play with a slide, climbing structures, a small stage, and lots of fun art to look at. The park has signage that shares its history and rebuilding process.

Riverside Park is along the north side of the White River and is the largest park. It has two playgrounds and pavilions available to rent. The park boasts a state champion, Chinkapin Oak Tree. Riverside is the perfect place for bird watching, and bald eagles are often spotted swooping along the river banks! 

Batesville must-see spots

A unique thing about downtown Batesville is the Melba Theater. This historic, one-screen theater shows movies throughout the year and also hosts special events and concerts. It’s worth stopping by just to see the iconic sign outside the theater.

Across the street from the theater is Paper Chase Bookstore, a new and used bookstore with something for everyone. The building it sits in is on the National Register of Historic Places. Another unique place to see is the Batesville Area Arts Council, which has an art gallery and often hosts special events.

Batesville even has its own community theater. The city manages the community center, which has a huge waterpark and gymnasium, and it’s $5 per person for a drop-in rate. For antique shopping, check out the 22,000 square foot Olde Town Mall. 

More things to do in Batesville, Arkansas

Did you know that Batesville is where NASCAR legend Mark Martin is from? There is a museum with some of his history and memorabilia in Batesville. For some history and educational experiences, go visit the Old Independence Regional Museum. The museum shares the history of Independence County and there’s also an educational garden as well.

Outdoor adventure enthusiasts, specifically rock climbers, will love to visit Jamestown Crag. It’s one of the best climbing destinations in the state. There are multiple climbing routes, mountain biking, hiking trails, and primitive camping. The area is on private land and managed by a non-profit. To visit, you must fill out this form to get entry information. 

Dining options in Batesville, Arkansas

A must-see coffee shop in Batesville is Morningside Coffee, located in an old house not too far from downtown. They have a drive-through and a wonderful front porch where you can enjoy a cup of coffee. There is also a Busy Bean Coffee drive-through and a Scooter’s Coffee. Don’t forget to try local chain Nova Joes.

Looking for a super fun pizza place? Check out Stella’s Brick Oven Pizza in historic downtown Batesville. Another option is U.S. Pizza Company, which also has an arcade. Real Goods Market and Eatery is a natural and organic food store with a cafe, along with grab-and-go options.

A unique dining experience awaits you at The River and Sandbar, where you can dine and look over the White River. For a fun dessert option, check out Sweet Tooth Frozen Delights. 

Exploring Jonesboro, Arkansas

There are a huge number of fun things to do in Jonesboro, and downtown Jonesboro has one of the coolest! Huntington Square in downtown Jonesboro is home to a food truck court, event space, and public gathering area. There is also a pickleball court with incredible murals around it. On one end of the square is a wonderful coffee shop that also features deliciously fresh smoothie bowls and cafe items. I recommend getting the acai smoothie bowl from Urban Organics.

A boutique hotel on the square, Intersect311, also has one, two, and three-bedroom condos for short-term rentals. The hotel is close enough to walk downtown to explore. 

Outdoor adventure near Jonesboro, Arkansas

Jonesboro, Arkansas, has plenty of outdoor places to play, and many of them are an ideal place to watch the April 2024 total solar eclipse. Craighead Forest Park is a massive city park on the south side of town. There are three iconic playgrounds. Rotary Park playground is designed like a westward expansion-style fort.

Nearby, the Rotary Centennial playground is an ADA-accessible playground that also has a splash pad and a unique basketball area. The third playground is on the north side of the lake and features a playground designed to look like a castle. Pets are welcome at this park and there’s also a dog park with a dog jumping pier where dogs can swim! Craighead Forest Park has multiple walking paths, hiking and biking trails, disc golf and great fishing. 

State parks near Jonesboro, Arkansas

The state parks of Arkansas have two locations near Jonesboro. Crowley’s Ridge State Park has a stocked fishing pond and a separate swimming area with a slide. There are several hiking trails and one, Dancing Rabbit, features a swinging bridge! Something unique about the park is all of the beautiful stone structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

Nearby Walcott Lake, the hiking trail goes around the lake on the levee, and it’s a great place to fish but also has wide open views of the sky. Lake Frierson State Park is just 10 miles from Jonesboro and has a large lake that’s stocked for fishing. 

Jonesboro nature centers

Nature centers are some of our favorite places to visit. In Arkansas, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has some of the most incredible, free nature centers. The Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center is a must-see in Jonesboro. Outside the nature center are acres of prairie and woodlands, along with a pond.

The Habitats Trail is ADA accessible and takes you through parts of the surrounding forest. Inside, the three-story interpretive exhibit is a must-see, and it’s fun to look at it from every floor. The nature center features a theater and many displays about the flora and fauna you’ll see on Crowley’s Ridge. There’s also great information about how the ridge was formed. The basement of the nature center has a great classroom with wildlife you can view along with opportunities to color or craft. 

 Arkansas National History Museum

Some of the things to do in Batesville and Jonesboro include visiting museums. Jonesboro is home to an incredible natural history museum at Arkansas State University. It’s the largest museum in northeast Arkansas. A great thing about this museum is that admission is free! One of the exhibits features a replica of a Mastodon skeleton and it’s incredible. Another fun exhibit shows the history of the “rockabilly” generation in the 1950s.

For some role-play learning, kids can explore the Arkansas Frontier exhibit. The “Walk Through Time” exhibit allows you to step through more than 600 million years of history. It’s open Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Be sure to check the school calendar for any closures. Thank you to Lindsey from All About Arkansas for the photo of the museum Mastadon. Follow her on Facebook for even more fun things to do in Arkanasas!

Indoor fun in Jonesboro, Arkansas

This area has so many great options for families, and there are a lot of indoor things to do in Batesville and Jonesboro. A great store to check out is Gearhead Outfitters, both the downtown and larger Highland Drive locations. The store has tons of great outdoor gear, clothing, gadgets, and more.

Hijinks Family Fun Center is the destination for indoor entertainment. It has bowling, a huge arcade, a restaurant, a soft play area for children under 12, a ropes course, a climbing wall, and even a pool table. We appreciated that the more scary arcade games were in a corner and not out in the middle. JT’s Grill has lots of food options, but I recommend the Stacey fries for a great gluten-free snack. Hijinks is also adding go-karts and mini golf soon. 

The Social is a great spot for families with older kids. It’s a restaurant that has a great menu of food and drinks, with a full-service bar and lounge. There are two indoor shuffleboards and some other games as well. But, the coolest attraction is the hyper bowling! This new twist on bowling has LED lights in the bumpers and you can play many ways. Some of the challenges involve you intentionally striking the bumpers for bonus points. It’s a great way to level the playing field and leads to many laughs. 

The coffee scene

There is no shortage of great coffee shops in Jonesboro. Four Kings Coffee is one of my favorites, and quite possibly my favorite, of all the coffee shops I’ve been to. They have an incredible menu of great seasonal drinks and the coffee is top-notch. Be sure to also check out Story Coffee House, where they have great coffee and gluten-free food options. Story Coffee House shares a building with an adorable bookstore and gift shop called Verb. Two more coffee shops are Shadrach’s Coffee and Coffee Gallery. 

Family-friendly restaurants in Jonesboro, Arkansas

There are a lot of great places to eat in Jonesboro, with a range of restaurants to suit every craving. Here are a few favorites:

• Omar’s Uptown
• Brickhouse Grill
• JTown’s Grill
• Lazzari Italian Oven
• Skinny J’s
• Pier 88
• Los Arcos
• Mai Pai Thai

Eclipse festival in Dyess, Arkansas

Just less than an hour from Jonesboro is the boyhood home of Johnny Cash in Dyess, Arkansas. It’s a historic site that offers tours of the home and the history of the area and is one more unique thing to do in Batesville and Jonesboro. They’re also hosting a whole festival for the eclipse! There are events the weekend before and the day of the eclipse, including a music festival. A lunch and learn is scheduled for April 7 at noon and it will be hosted by a NASA scientist!

Get your tickets for these events early, and book campsites here

Solar eclipse weekend itineraries

Here are itinerary ideas for how to enjoy two different days around Jonesboro: 

• An indoor day:
  • Breakfast at Story Coffee House and Verb Bookstore
  • Spend the morning at the Arkansas State Natural History Museum if it’s a weekday
  • If it’s a weekend, spend the morning exploring downtown Jonesboro
  • Grab lunch at HiJinks and play the rest of the day
• An outdoor day:
  • Pack a picnic lunch
  • Get coffee and breakfast at IV Kings Coffee
  • Go play at Craighead Forest Park. Enjoy the playgrounds, some hiking, some biking and maybe some fishing
  • Drive over to Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center and explore the grounds and nature center
  • Head back to town and enjoy dinner and bowling at The Social

Best places to watch the eclipse in Batesville and Jonesboro

There will be many places to enjoy watching the eclipse in Batesville and Jonesboro. Any place with public parking and a clear view of the sky will be perfect.

The City Park or anywhere along the River Park area will be perfect in Batesville.

For observing the eclipse in Jonesboro, you can’t go wrong with planning to be at Craighead Forest Park. There is lots of parking, and plenty of clear sky views around the lake.

For more updates on events and places to view the eclipse, be sure to follow the social media pages and websites for the cities of Batesville and Jonesboro. 

Northeast Arkansas is great for families

Northeast Arkansas is a great place to visit with families. There are so many fun and unique things to do in Batesville and Jonesboro; you’re sure to have a great time. Both cities are in the line of totality for the total eclipse in April 2024, and they’re sure to be a popular destination to view it.

This area has a rich and diverse environment with the Ozark Mountains and Crowley’s Ridge formation. Our family had a wonderful time exploring all that these cities had to offer, and I can’t wait to share my home state of Arkansas with you. If you’d like to read more about how to have the best eclipse experience with your kids, check out my post with everything you need to know about planning and preparing.

Additional resources

For more information about where to go for the upcoming eclipse and other fun things to do in Arkansas, check out the following posts:

• Family fun around Russelville, Arkansas
• Exploring Mena, Arkansas with kids
• 10 kid-friendly things to do in Northwest Arkansas
• Bentonville, Arkansas – Get Out Guide
• Fly fishing Dry Run Creek – Lake Norfork, Arkansas 
• Eureka Springs, Arkansas with kids
• Arkansas crystal digging with kids

About Nichole

Nichole is a writer, content creator, and family travel and adventure influencer residing in southwest Arkansas. Though she and her husband (Ryan) are originally from the Midwest, they’ve lived in Arkansas for 10 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 named Levi. Nichole is an avid outdoor adventurer and road tripper and has been taking her kids on adventures by herself since they were infants, as 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 Things to do in Batesville and Jonesboro, Arkansas appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Growing a cut flower garden with kids 

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

What is a cut flower garden?

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

Benefits of growing a cut flower garden with kids

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

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

Uses for a cut flower garden

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

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

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

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

How to set up your cut flower garden

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

Where to plant your cut garden

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

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

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

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

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

Creating flower beds

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

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

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

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

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

Annuals (needs planning every year)

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

Perennial plants and flowers (comes back each year)

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

Greens and fillers to grow in your cut garden 

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

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

Tips for choosing cut flower seeds and bulbs 

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

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

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

Where to find flower seeds, plants, and bulbs

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

Planting seeds indoors

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

To start seeds inside, you will need:

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

Tips for starting seeds inside

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

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

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

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

Planting bulbs outdoors

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

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

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

Planting seeds outdoors

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

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

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

Transplanting seedlings outdoors

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

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

Caring for your cut flower garden

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

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

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

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

How to make gardening fun for kids

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

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

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

Harvesting flowers with kids 

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

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

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

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

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

How to make your cut flowers last longer

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

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

Creating cut flower arrangements with kids 

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

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

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

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

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

Sharing the love of flowers

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

Drying and pressing flowers 

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

Saving and collecting seeds 

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

Sustainability and recycling  

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

Learning while you grow

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

Do you grow cut flowers in your garden?

About the author

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

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

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

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.

Where are Russellville, Morrilton, and Clinton?

The cities of Russellville, Morrilton, and Clinton are located in Arkansas’s northwest and central areas. Russellville is the largest of the three cities. The entire area has an abundance of mountains and lakes nearby for outdoor recreation. Arkansas Tech University is also based in Russellville, so it has a fun “college town” vibe. Russellville and Morrilton are fairly close together, as is the city of Dardanelle. Clinton is farther northeast. 

Why explore the Russellville area?

There is so much for family fun around Russellville, Arkansas, including some of the best outdoor recreation in the state! This area has some of the most beautiful state parks, including the iconic Petit Jean State Park.

The Arkansas River flows through this area and fills up Lake Dardanelle for great fishing and birdwatching opportunities. Monument Trails and mountain biking trails in Arkansas State Parks are all around as well, plus many other trails and outdoor recreation opportunities. Local shops and restaurants are plentiful, and a thriving arts community exists. 

NASA in Russellville for the eclipse

Did you know that NASA will be doing part of its live broadcast of the solar eclipse from Russellville? It’s because it’s a premier destination to watch the eclipse this April. The estimated duration of totality for this area is 4 minutes and 11 seconds. There will also be scientific public outreach and presentations during the weeks leading up to the eclipse. You can learn more about the upcoming eclipse on Nasa’s website. 

Eclipse festivals and events

In the days leading up to the eclipse and the day of, there are family-friendly things to do around Russellville and the surrounding cities. The city of Russellville has festivities and activities going on all weekend, with live music, balloon rides, a barbecue festival, and more. There will even be a special elopement ceremony for couples hoping to seal the deal during the eclipse.

Also, nearby Morrilton will also have full days of events for the whole family the weekend before the eclipse and the day of. Food trucks will be around the city, games, live music, movie nights, and educational presentations.

Camp Mitchell on Petit Jean Mountain is offering its own festival and camping. The surrounding state parks will have events as well! Plus, there are all kinds of unique camping experiences and events happening around the area. 

Outdoor things to do in the area

The land in and around Russellville, Arkansas, is full of opportunities to play outdoors. The area has three state parks, a river visitor center, and a wide variety of hiking and biking trails. There are disc golf courses, geocaching, and plenty of outdoor sports courts for soccer, tennis, and basketball. Campgrounds can be found at the nearby state parks and Army Corps of Engineers sites. Plus, each city has wonderful parks, playgrounds, and public spaces. 

Lake Dardanelle State Park (and Trail of Tears)

When it comes to fishing, Lake Dardanelle cannot be beaten. In fact, the fishing is so good that the state park has a permanent weigh-in facility that was built just for tournaments. The park has ample spaces for picnicking and strolling along the lake shore, in addition to a swimming beach. For hiking, the Meadowlark Nature Trail is a great place for kids of all ages. It’s an easy 3⁄4 mile walk that shows you the flora, fauna, and history of the area.

Lake Dardanelle State Park is also a Trail of Tears National Historic Site. The park visitor’s center has lots of great information and hands-on learning opportunities. There is a beautiful room with a panoramic view of the lake, five aquariums, a turtle touch tank, a book nook under a tree, a gift shop, and more. Even if you’re passing through, the visitor’s center is a must-see! 

Arkansas River Visitor Center

Another great place for family fun around Russellville is the Arkansas River Visitor Center and Dam Site Recreation Area. The visitor center has wonderful displays that walk you through the river’s history, indigenous history, and the city’s growth. From the balcony of the visitor center, you can see out over the lock and dam on the river. There are also some wonderful displays of raptors and other birds you may see along the river.

The nearby Dam Site Recreation Area and Old Post campground have a great disc golf course, tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer fields, baseball fields, pavilions, a playground, sand volleyball, and hiking trails. There is lots of wide open space here, and it is a great place to view the eclipse. 

Riverview Recreation Area

On the other side of the river is Riverview Recreation Area. There are 18 Class B camping spots, plus a few places to picnic. A tip: there is an adorable fairy house next to the campsite hosts at the spot closest to the dam. There are ample places to park and walk down to the river to explore. It’s a great place for birdwatching, playing along the sandy shoreline, and a great place to watch the eclipse.

Council Oaks Park is near this area on Dardanelle Road. The park is home to a White Oak Champion Tree and has more picnic tables. Dardanelle Rock Natural Area is one more neat spot to check out. There is a very steep half-mile hike to the top of the rock outcropping. It’s a popular spot for climbing and there are fixed places for climbers to put their ropes. 

Bona Dea Trails and Pine Knob Trails

Bona Dea trails are a must-see while you’re in Russellville. This beautiful sanctuary is just off Highway 7 and features more than 186 acres of protected wetlands and low-lying wooded areas. The park has six miles of trails. There is a fitness program, too, with 18 workout stations spread across the park. The easiest trail, Rabbit Run, is one mile, and the longest is the 3.5-mile Serendipity Trail. 

For the biking enthusiasts, don’t miss Pine Knob Trails. The entrance to the trail system is very close to Old Post Park. The park has something for every level of rider. There is a balance bike course, pump track, and trails rated from very easy to the black diamond trail named “JackaNOPE.” Please read the trail signage, respect park and trail rules, and wear helmets! The park is funded by the River Valley branch of the Ozark Off Road Cyclists. 

Mount Nebo State Park

One of the iconic Arkansas State Parks, Mount Nebo is one of the best things for family fun around Russellville. The adventure starts with the drive up this beautiful mountain. State Hwy. 155 (paved) zigzags up the mountain’s eastern side with a series of tight hairpin turns. The park recommends no trailers or RV’s over 24 ft. long attempt the climb.

The views at the top are worth the climb. Mt. Nebo has campgrounds, hiking, biking, and a wonderful visitors center. When you walk out the back of the visitor center, it looks like you’ll walk right off the mountain’s edge. It’s a great spot for photos.

The Rim Trail takes you around the top of the mountain, but be mindful of steep drop-offs! For an absolutely epic sunset experience, walk or drive down to Sunset Point on the western edge of the mountain. Get there about 30 to 45 minutes ahead of sunset to claim a spot on the mountainside. 

Mount Nebo Monument Trails

Another neat feature of Mount Nebo State Park is the Monument Trail system within the park. Monument Trails are world-class mountain biking trails that are carefully crafted by expert trail designers while maintaining the integrity and natural layout of the land. Many of the trails are shared use, but some are downhill only and some are uphill only. Be sure to get a trail map at the visitor center. There are trails for all skill sets, too! 

Petit Jean State Park

Petit Jean State Park is one of the most iconic state parks in the entire state and the very first Arkansas State Park.  It’s also a park with a fascinating history about how it got its name.  The mountain is very large, with many great places to view the eclipse. It’s the perfect place for family fun around Russellville. There is camping for all RV’s, tent camping, cabins, and a beautiful lodge. Stout’s Point is a wonderful overlook on the park’s east side. It has ruins of some of the original buildings on the mountain. The point is a great spot for photo ops and has many places to explore. Be mindful while climbing around the boulders, there are some steep drop offs! 

Hiking Petit Jean

There are some stunning hiking trails in Petit Jean State Park, along with many scenic overlooks and places for photos. The trail to the Cedar Falls overlook is an easy hike on a broad, ADA-accessible boardwalk.

The hike down to the falls is two miles round trip but rated strenuous for the steep ascent on the way out. Rock House Cave Trail is a must-see hike for families. It’s less than a mile but takes you through some incredible geology including the “turtle rocks,” aptly named because they look like turtle shells There are pictographs in the Rock House Cave as well. Seven Hollows trail is an incredible, longer hike that takes you through a canyon on a 4.5-mile loop. 

Museum of Automobiles

Check out the Museum of Automobiles on Petit Jean Mountain for some unexpected fun. The building itself is a unique site to see, but it’s also filled with a huge collection of antique and collector cars! The museum boasts a car that was once owned by Elvis Presley, a 1920’s open-sided school bus, and a fully restored 1913 Cretors Popcorn Wagon. A personal favorite, they also have a DeLorean.

Pro tip: be sure to check out the working player piano and slide a few quarters in to hear it play! 

Places to eat near Petit Jean

On the mountain, there are a few places to grab a snack or food. Mather Lodge at the state park has a restaurant that’s open daily. Petit Jean Coffeehouse is an adorable cafe in a charming white A-frame house.

Nearby in Morrilton, the award-winning Elia’s Mexican Grill is a must-stop and leave room for their famous chocolate nachos dessert. Downtown Morrilton also has some cute restaurants and another coffee shop called Big Cuppa. 

Places to play in Morrilton

Morrilton is a neat place to spend the day, and there are some fun things to do in the historic downtown. The Morrilton Train Depot is a restored 1915-era train station with a museum and many educational displays. There is a caboose that you can walk around and onto. It’s a great photo op!

Nearby, the Rialto Theater is home to the Community Arts Center, and there are theater performances, movies, and shows throughout the year. Morrilton City Park is a great place to get out and play, or the skate park and nature trail. 

Where to play in Russellville

There are many family-friendly things to do around Russellville and many great parks to explore. City Park is one of the largest, and it has tennis courts, basketball courts, a walking trail, and multiple playgrounds.

Crawford Park has a great playground with something for older kids, too, and lots of wide open space to run and a clear view of the sky for the total eclipse. Harmon Park has a skate park and it’s right next to a new food truck development called the Corner Food Truck Hub. Check out Strikers Bowling Alley, Russellville Skate Station, or the Hour Glass Escape Room for indoor fun. 

Family fun around downtown Russellville

There’s nothing better than a fun, historic downtown, and there is so much family fun around Russellville. One of our favorites is Retro Roasts and Dog Eared Books. This charming bookstore and coffee shop is a great place to relax for a little while. The children’s section is wonderful. The coffee shop has lots of room to sit down and there are board games to enjoy.

For a cute gift shop check out Garden Sassy. Jackalope Cycling is a full-service bike shop downtown. The Plant Parlor is a must-see for the plant lovers. The Campfire Butterfly is a beautiful mural by David Freeman located outside of First Security Bank. One more must-see: the incredible wooden owl sculpture in a pocket park behind the Nicholson building on North Commerce Avenue. 

Family-friendly restaurants in Russellville 

There are so many great restaurants in Russellville that have something for everyone! Here are a few of our favorites: 

• Fat Daddy’s Barbecue
• Ridgewood Brothers Barbecue
• The Old Bank
• Wildflower Cafe – Not open on the weekends but a great option for allergy-friendly food.  
• Midtown Coffee – Main Location  – A super cute coffee shop with light food fare. 
• B Street Bakery and Deli
• Stoby’s Restaurant – This restaurant is built around a train car. 

Explore Clinton, Arkansas

Clinton, Arkansas, is about an hour’s drive northeast of Russellville. It’s home to the Natural Bridge of Arkansas, a unique natural rock formation that’s a fun stop. It has a little gift shop and museum, with an Ozark still! It’s open seasonally from mid-March to mid-November.

Clinton is also home to lots of great antique shops, like Once Upon a Time Antique Shop. Not too far from Clinton is the Antique Warehouse of Arkansas, a massive and must-see shop if you’re into antiques! It’s also a great place for photos and social media-worthy shots. 

 The Pottery Shop is a must-see while you’re there. It’s a charming gift shop with all kinds of yard art all over the outside. There are some fun photo ops outside the shop as well. Biggs Brews is a coffee truck that’s in the parking lot there. 

More things to see and do in Clinton

For breakfast, check out Joe N Hash Coffee Cafe. Nearby Archey Fork Park is a wonderful place to play, with a playground, ball fields, a volleyball court, walking trails, a fishing lake, and a creek. It’s the perfect place to watch the eclipse in Clinton, Arkansas. Across the highway is the Clinton Children’s Park and skate park. The park is connected via a walking trail to Archey Fork Park. Other places to eat include Crabby Jack’s Seafood and L’attiude Bistro.

Total solar eclipse in the Russellville area

The total solar eclipse of April 2024 will be an incredible thing to see! There are so many great places to view the eclipse around the Russellville area. While the state parks will always be our top recommendation for viewing, don’t forget about city parks and any place with a clear view of the sky.

There are festivals, concerts, and so many great events planned all over this part of the state, so be sure to check the websites and social media pages for each city in the Russellville area for updates.

Here are my top recommendations for viewing locations:

• Around Russellville:
  • Old Post Park and the Arkansas River Visitors Center
  • Riverview Park and Dardanelle Rock Area
  • Lake Dardanelle State Park
  • Mount Nebo State Park – Sunset Point
  • Crawford Park
• Around Morrilton:
  • Historic downtown 
  • Petit Jean State Park – Stout’s Point
  • Petit Jean Mountain – Public spaces with open parking lots
  • Petit Jean Mountain – Automobile Museum parking lot
• Around Clinton:
  • Archey Fork Park
  • Clinton Children’s Park

Here are a few tips for viewing a solar eclipse

Viewing a total solar eclipse is an incredible experience, especially in Arkansas. There are so many ways to enjoy family fun around Russellville, Arkansas. Wherever you plan to watch the eclipse, be sure to plan ahead. If you’re traveling to your viewing spot on the day of the eclipse, be sure to arrive as early as possible. Be respectful of private property and parking guidelines. And most importantly, wear proper eclipse glasses. Regular sunglasses will not protect your eyes from the sun. Eclipse glasses are available at all of the state parks and many businesses in each town.

Here are more tips on how to have your best eclipse experience with your kids. 

Where will you be watching the solar eclipse?

About the author 

Nichole is a writer, content creator, and family travel and adventure influencer residing in southwest Arkansas. Though she and her husband (Ryan) are originally from the Midwest, they’ve lived in Arkansas for 10 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 named Levi. 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 Fun Around Russellville, Arkansas appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Getting kids outside in the winter

Getting kids outside in the winter isn’t always (or ever) easy.  The cold, the snow, the lost mitten, all the layers, and the pull of the cozy warmth of the indoors can all prevent us from going outside.

But, getting outside in spite of these challenges is important for several reasons. First, it can help children stay active and healthy. And, of course, it helps kids get enough Vitamin D, which we know helps with your immune system. Spending time outdoors can also help kids reduce stress and anxiety. It can also help mamas too, for all the same reasons. It’s not always easy, but it is definitely worth it.

As a lover of the outdoors in every season, I am hoping to help inspire you today to get outside during the cold winter months. I’m here to share some of our favorite activities (and tips and tricks) that help get our family outside in the winter, in the hope that they help you, too!

Mindset shift

Depending on your location, there will be certain seasons that are more conducive to getting outside than others. Winter is probably not too many parents’ favorite season for outdoor play. Winter can be hard. It brings its own set of challenges, but it also brings special magical outdoor activities you can’t do any other time of year. Kids need outdoor time year-round, and so do you! We’d hate for you to miss out on months of adventures just because this is a hard season. 

But, as moms, we can do hard things! And getting outside may just take a bit of a mindset shift so that you can embrace (and maybe even enjoy!) the season. Instead of looking at winter as a season of inconvenience and uncooperative weather, it’s time to shift our perspectives. Infusing gratitude into this season can make a huge difference in our attitude and feelings about going outside, transforming our perspective from dread and reluctance to excitement and appreciation. 

Winter also provides opportunities for unique and memorable experiences that can only be found in the chill of the season. If you’re lucky enough to live in a place that gets snow, there are all kinds of new possibilities for creative play, imagination, and construction.

Simple and practical tips for getting kids outside in the winter

Keep it simple

Make it easy on yourself, and keep the outing simple. I get wanting to make every outing as epic as possible, but it can burn you out. It’s good to have the big adventures, but the small can also be memorable and check all the needed boxes. Sometimes, just getting out and taking a walk around the neighborhood or heading to your local playground/park can be enough to really help your mood and attitude. If a big outing feels overwhelming, keep it simple and close to home. Short and sweet is the way to go. Set reasonable limits on the amount of time spent playing outside to prevent hypothermia and frostbite, and, of course, just keep it fun. It’ll still be worth it. 

Plan ahead

Plan ahead with your clothing, gear, and layers. Gather all of your hats, mittens, boots, and other necessary clothing before you start to dress your kids. You want to make sure it’s as quick and painless as possible for everyone! Put it all by the door and have it ready for everyone when they’re ready to go out. Not having to stop and look for a missing boot or glove for 20 minutes will help get you outside quicker and cut down on stress.

Make it fun

Make the process of gearing up for the cold a fun family affair. Involve your kids in picking out winter gear, from colorful snowsuits to cozy hats and gloves. When they have a say in their attire, they’ll be more eager to venture outside. If the process of getting dressed and gearing up makes you want to scream, you’re not alone. Find a way to make it fun or turn it into a game. Turn on fun music and have a getting-ready-dance party, or make it a race to see who can get dressed the fastest. 

Change things up

Sometimes, the winter can feel like it lasts FOREVER. In that case, I start getting antsy and tired of visiting the same places again and again. I like to take winter mini vacations and change the scenery. These can be big and small adventures. Sometimes, getting out of town or into a new environment gets my kids more excited for outdoor adventures. 

Be a winter role model

Kids often take cues from their parents. If they see you embracing and enjoying the winter season, they’re more likely to follow suit. Demonstrate a positive attitude towards the colder weather and make outdoor time a family priority. Get out there with them and try to enjoy the season! Observe and point out things that are unique about your location during the winter months. Show them you enjoy being outside and they’ll enjoy it, too! 

Don’t forget the snacks

Add special treats to keep it exciting! Anything you do with kids is better with snacks. In the winter, I often pack a thermos with hot chocolate or the kids’ favorite warm soup. Or, if we are planning to make a fire in the snow, then I bring fixings to make good ole s’mores. Having something warm and delicious to break things up always adds to the overall mood. 

How to dress for outdoor winter activities

Warm kids are happy kids who are likely to stay outside longer. If you want to spend time outside during the winter in comfort, you may need to invest in quality winter boots, insulated gloves, and thermal layers. When kids (and moms!) are comfortable, they’re more likely to enjoy the outdoor experience.

Before heading out, check the weather forecast and keep an eye on changing conditions throughout the day. Layers are the best because you can modify them depending on the activity level and find the just right body temperature.

Start with a base layer of moisture-wicking fabric, then add a layer of fleece or wool, and finally, a weatherproof outer layer. Try to steer clear of cotton. Don’t forget to cover your kiddo’s head, neck, hands, and feet. Warm hats, gloves, and boots are essential!

If you need help finding the perfect winter gear, check out the following articles by fellow RWMC mamas:

• Best Kids’ Winter Boots
• Best Winter Gloves for Kids
• Merino Wool for Kids

Fun outdoor winter activities for kids

There are so many ways to get outside with kids in the winter! We have a great, super comprehensive post with 100+ Outdoor Winter Activities for Kids, but honestly, the list could go on and on beyond that!

Of course, my family has our favorite outdoor winter activities and traditions that we love to do every year. Here’s a list of our family’s favorites. These are the activities that we keep going back to for more!

Sledding

Sledding is a classic and a quintessential outdoor winter activity for kids of all ages! All you need is a sled and a hill with snow on it.  This one is probably the most obvious because, let’s face it, what kid doesn’t LOVE sledding? Hours of downhill fun and lots of walking the sled back up to get in all that needed exercise. It’s a win-win for a great night’s sleep and a heavy dose of fresh air. Check out your state’s recreational website for sno-park locations and pass information. Here is an additional article about visiting Sno-Parks. 

Sledding safety tips

However, as with every fun activity, especially when children are involved, it’s important to be safe as well as have fun. Here are some sledding safety tips for your little ones.

• Young kids (5 and under) should sled with an adult and wear a helmet when sledding.
• Everyone should sit face-forward on their sleds with their feet downhill. Never godown the hill face-first because this can lead to a serious head injury.
• Go down the hill one at a time and with only one person per sled (except for adults with young kids).
• Keep arms and legs within the sled at all times.
• If you’re on a sled that won’t stop, roll off it.
• Walk up the side of the hill and leave the middle open for other sledders.
• Don’t ever pull a sled with a moving vehicle (like a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle).

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is an amazing way to get outside and enjoy the beauty of the winter months. This is probably my favorite activity because it is really just winter hiking. It’s a great way to get out into the woods and walk through a winter wonderland.

It’s a relatively easy sport to pick up, even for kids, and requires no prior experience or training. Everyone who is able and willing to snowshoe can and should, no matter their age! It is a great way to get the kids outside and hike through pristine powder snow.

Basically, snowshoeing is a type of hiking that involves walking over or on top of the snow with the assistance of footwear that displaces your weight over a larger area (so you don’t sink). No snowshoes? Don’t worry! If the trail is popular enough, you might not even need the snow shoes. But, wearing them is sometimes half the fun for kids,  so check to see if you can rent some at your local outdoor sports shop or even check them out at your local library or nature center. 

For more information on getting started snowshoeing with kids, be sure to check out our full post on Beginner Snowshoeing Tips for Kids. 

Ice skating

Ice skating is a fun and fabulous activity for kids that offers SO many benefits. Skating helps kids develop better balance, coordination, and flexibility, strengthens muscles, and improves their endurance. Skating can also be a social activity that allows kids to make new friends. Finally, ice skating is just so awesome and fun! The feeling of sailing across the ice is delightful and can provide hours of entertainment for kids.

Our family loves skating so much that we make a vacation around it to help us with getting outside during the winter. We have found an incredible free outdoor skating rink in Stanley, Idaho, that is surrounded by the Sawtooth Mountains. We rent a cabin nearby and skate till our hearts are content. Another awesome trip would be to ice skate through the forest outside of Quebec City. I’ve heard it’s a magical experience!

Building a snow fort

My kids LOVE building snow forts! Building a snow fort has to be up there at the very top of awesome winter outdoor activities. Last year, my kids built an amazing snow fort that they played in for hours and hours over the course of a few weeks (until it melted). They were so incredibly proud of their fort and had so much fun building it! Always be extra careful not to make it too heavy on top and make sure kids have proper adult supervision.

If you want to take it up a notch, throw in a fire and some hot chocolate, and you have a memory that lasts a lifetime. Seriously, a snow fort with kids is a fun and creative activity that can provide hours of entertainment. All you really need is a shovel and some creativity. It’s a great way to get a workout, enjoy the outdoors, and teach kids about physics. Snow forts are fun snow construction projects!

Book a getaway cabin

Does winter give you cabin fever? I’m talking about the kind of cabin fever that makes you want to rent a cabin in the woods and get immersed in nature!

Renting a cabin in the woods in the winter with your kids can be a great way to spend quality time together and create lasting memories. Cabins in the woods offer a unique opportunity to get away from the daily hum-drum and experience nature up close. You can explore the surrounding forests, go on hikes, and spot wildlife. There is something invigorating about being in a new environment. 

Visit the beach

Beaches in the wintertime are magical places. While the cooler temperature makes the water a bit too cold for swimming, there are still many activities the whole family can enjoy doing at the beach during the cooler winter months. Take advantage of the lack of crowds and spend some time shelling. For the best shelling, arrive at the beach at the earliest low tide, when the water recedes, uncovering thousands of shells. Shells are especially abundant after winter storms stir up the ocean water.

Bring along some binoculars to spot all sorts of birds and marine life, from crabs and live sand dollars to dolphins. Look for a place where the sand is dotted with rocks and branches so that the water gets trapped when the tide is low, and you will find many critters in these small tidepools. 

A place like the PNW coast in the winter is a definite playground. We hit the Oregon Coast a few years ago in November, and it was incredible. It rained the entire week, but it didn’t stop us. My kids chased the tides, made sand angels, and looked for anemones and starfish. If you dress right, the weather just adds to the fun. Misty and foggy beaches are like another world!

Visit your favorite park in the snow

Playgrounds can be a ton of fun in the snow. If it’s snowy and/or muddy outside and you’re not in the mood to track through the muck and get filthy, consider a playground. Most local parks have some sort of outdoor playground equipment that can be enjoyed no matter what the season or weather. You’ll likely have it all to yourselves, which makes it the perfect place to play games. There is usually enough space to spread out, things to climb on and the possibility to meet new friends. 

My kids love playing Follow the Leader on playgrounds. They take turns being the leader and lead each other through a maze of playground equipment, doing silly and challenging things. For example, they love walking across the swings without touching the ground, climbing up the slides, and leaping from thing to thing. Check out our post for even more ideas of park playground games for kids. 

Cheers to an active and wonderful winter

Just because it’s cold and snowy outside doesn’t mean you can get out there and have fun! Kids need time outside in the winter just as much as they do in the summer. Time spent outdoors during the winter helps their immune system, gets their blood flowing, and helps them get essential nutrients. I hope this post gave you some ideas for fun new things to do to keep your kids active, outdoors, and having fun! So bundle up and get ready for a fun winter of outdoor fun. Adventure awaits even when it’s cold outside!

About the author

Teri is the mama of 2 adventurous kiddos (ages 7 and 9), living in Washington State. She loves to explore the outdoors, and her kids often tell her she has a “crush” on the mountains (she agrees). Teri is an avid hiker and backpacker, who enjoys getting out on solo trips as well as trips with her kids. She has been taking her kids camping, hiking, and backpacking since before they could walk. Teri loves to unplug with them, be fully present, and immerse themselves in the outdoors. She has traveled a lot of the world with her kids, they lived in China for a while, but she keeps finding herself most excited about her own backyard. Teri is passionate about inspiring other families and moms to get outside and explore the outdoors with and without their kids.

You can find more from Teri online in the following locations:
Instagram: @the.trekking.mama
Website: www.thetrekkingmama.com
RWMC posts: Teri Walzenbach

The post Practical Tips for Getting Kids Outside in the Winter appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Everglades National Park with kids

As someone who lives in South Florida with two adventurous young kids, I know that the Sunshine State offers so much more to families than trips to theme parks, including 11 national parks. These public lands range from the gator-filled swamps of Big Cypress National Preserve to the well-intact remains of Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas National Park. But, perhaps the most famous is the 1.5 million-acre subtropical wilderness (equivalent to the size of Delaware) of the Everglades National Park in South Florida — a personal favorite.

The Everglades National Park is also an international treasure, a World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance, and a specially protected area under the Cartagena Treaty. The Everglades is a massive park — the third largest in the lower 48 — and has so much to offer families. You can easily tailor your trip to meet the specific needs of your family, whether that includes a trek through a cypress swamp in a slough slog, kayaking the seagrass meadows of Florida Bay or an exhilarating airboat ride. 

The Everglades is one of our favorite places for wildlife viewing and is home to iconic species like American alligators and roseate spoonbills to threatened animals, including the West Indian manatee and even American crocodiles. Yes, Florida even has crocodiles! The Everglades is the only place in the world to see both crocodiles and alligators co-existing. 

History of the Everglades

The Everglades once covered 11,000 square miles of South Florida. 100 years ago, water flowed down the Kissimmee River into Lake Okeechobee, then south through the Everglades, and finally, into Florida Bay. The shallow. slow-moving water created the many habitats known in the Everglades, like ponds, sloughs, sawgrass marshes, and hardwood hammocks. While water in the Everglades is often referred to as swampy, the truth is, it’s more like a slow-flowing river. In fact, the Everglades were dubbed the River of Grass by Marjory Stoneman Douglas in 1947.

Everything changed when early colonial settlers in the 1800s began to develop the region into farmland and communities. Developers dug canals to drain the wetlands. This alteration of the natural water flow in South Florida continued. In 1948, Congress authorized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to construct a system of roads, canals, levees, and water-control structures stretching throughout South Florida to continue draining the wetlands. As a result, the Everglades are now 50% of what they once were. 

The alteration of the wetlands—combined with increasing population—damaged the natural system. According to the National Park Service, with the support of many early conservationists, scientists, and other advocates, Everglades National Park was established in 1947 to conserve the natural landscape and prevent further degradation of its land, plants, and animals.

Crocodile or alligator?

As I mentioned above, the Everglades is the only place in the world to see both crocodiles and alligators. How do you tell the difference between crocodiles and alligators?

Crocodiles have a pointer, v-shaped snout, while alligators have a rounder, u-shaped snout. Alligators are more numerous in Florida and typically found in freshwater, while the more rare and elusive crocodile prefers salty or brackish water, as well as freshwater.

When an alligator has its mouth shut, only their upper teeth are visible. When a crocodile has its mouth shut, it shows off a toothy grin with both upper and lower teeth visible.

Lastly, alligators have a darker, almost black color, while crocodiles tend to be a lighter tan color. 

Things to know before you go – Everglades National Park

Three main entry points exist for the park: the Gulf Coast Visitor Center, which is closest to Naples and south of Everglades City, the Shark Valley area that can be accessed by US 41 (also known as the Tamiami Trail) and the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center in Homestead — the park’s main headquarters. Personally, I’ve spent the most time exploring the Homestead entrance.

The three entrances are not connected due to the swampy terrain of the park. Therefore, you won’t be able to enter the park in one region and drive through it to the others. They are also in different parts of the state. You’ll want to pick one region to explore in a day. As of right now, there is no advance reservation system needed to enter the park. 

The Gulf Coast visitor access area serves as the gateway for exploring the Ten Thousand Islands, a maze of mangrove islands and waterways that extends to Flamingo and Florida Bay accessible only by boat in this region. I’ve never explored this region of the park from this entrance, but it is on my list. The original Gulf Coast Visitor Center was destroyed by Hurricane Irma in September of 2017. The temporary Visitor Contact Station was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Visitor services are limited. 

All park visitors are required to pay an entrance fee, which is $35 per vehicle. You can also use an interagency annual pass to enter. Visitor centers and entrance stations have set operating hours, but the park remains open 24/7.

When to visit Everglades National Park with kids

South Florida has two main seasons: wet season (which runs from June through October), and dry season (which runs from November through May). The dry season is more popular due to lower and more comfortable temperatures, lessening of mosquitoes, and an abundance of wildlife.

In the dry season, temperatures reach average highs of 77°F and lows of 53°F. Sometimes, strong cold fronts bring even chillier weather! 

I have to warn you, in the summer, the bugs are bad — really bad. During cooler months, the insects such as mosquitoes and biting flies may still occur in some areas and at dusk and dawn. Come prepared with mosquito repellent, and maybe even head nets or bug jackets. 

One thing about the dry season that makes for better wildlife viewing is lower water levels due to less rain. This means that the animals gather around water holes. There have been times when I’ve seen dozens of large alligators all in one small section of a trail. And during winter, the birdwatching is exceptional as many species fly south for warmer temperatures and breeding. In fact, the Everglades National Park is the most significant breeding ground for wading birds in North America, and it is a critical stopover habitat for birds migrating along the Atlantic Flyway, such as the Yellow-throated Warbler. 

Everglades National Park nature trails for kids

Hiking in the Everglades means you can explore a variety of habitats, from tree islands to swamps, sawgrass marsh, and wet prairie. Most hikes are short, interpretive, flat trails that are perfect for young kids, especially because you can often see a lot of wildlife. 

At the start of the Royal Palm Information Station and Bookstore, in the Homestead entrance, you can find two must-see trails, the Anhinga Trail and Gumbo Limbo Trail. Additionally, Ranger-led walks and talks are conducted here, and the visitor station includes a small bookstore, restrooms, and vending machines.

Kid-friendly hiking trails

Anhinga Trail: This trail is one of my favorites and if you do nothing else in the Everglades, you should do this! It’s a short 0.8-mile loop on a paved path with a boardwalk over the water. It always has good wildlife viewing, like gators, turtles, osprey, anhinga, cormorants, purple gallinules, black vultures, snakes and more. On this trail (and all trails really) I recommend taking your time and observing the wildlife. You’ll see anhingas swimming in the water and popping up with their bill piercing a fish they then juggle to toss down their throats. After a dive, they’ll often jump up to a branch and spread out their wings to dry their feathers, since they lack the oil glands other birds have to stay dry. 

Gumbo Limbo Trail:  This 0.4-mile trail winds through through dense forest. It includes views of the famous Gumbo Limbo, affectionally known as the tourist tree. Why? Because its peeling red bark looks like the skin of a sunburnt tourist! 

Pinelands Trail: An easy 0.4-mile paved trail through a pine forest, one of the many habitats found in Everglades National Park.

Mahogany Hammock Trail: This 0.5-mile boardwalk trail meanders through a dense, jungle-like hardwood hammock. Plants include gumbo-limbo trees, air plants, and the largest living mahogany tree (Swietenia mahogani) in the United States. Because the park is so remote, this trail’s parking lot is one of the best to view the International Space Station if you take an evening star walk or drive,

Pa-hay-okee Trail: This is a very easy .2-mile boardwalk loop where you can view the iconic sawgrass prairie. 

Eco Pond Trail: This half-mile loop around a pond is great for bird watching. 

Bobcat boardwalk: A short, easy 1-mile out and back trail through a sawgrass slough and hardwood forest. This trail is accessed at the Shark Valley entrance. 

Otter Cave Hammock Trail: A 0.5-mile out-and-back rough limestone trail through a tropical hardwood forest with small footbridges over a small stream. Check at the Shark Valley Visitor Center for the current conditions of the trail; it sometimes can be flooded during the summer.

Exploring Everglades via boat

If you know anything about me, you know I love the water. In the Everglades, you can explore the water — both fresh and salt — in a variety of ways. One thing to note is that water levels vary drastically by season, and some trails can become dry and require carrying the canoe or kayak. The trails also vary from beginner to advanced, and can be as long or short as you want, depending on where you go. So, always check conditions before you head out, stay within your limits of paddling, and have a plan.

Remember too, this is the home of crocodiles and alligators, which you will undoubtedly see. Keep a safe distance when observing the large reptiles— especially during breeding season when males are more active and territorial, and give lots of space to nesting mothers. 

Kayaks and canoes

You can bring your own kayak or canoe, and there are also two places to rent canoes and kayaks within the park, one in Flamingo at the Homestead entrance and the west side of the park at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center. 

Boat tours and airboats

Flamingo also offers two 90-minute boat tour rides, one into the Everglades freshwater backcountry and another into Florida Bay. When it comes to taking boat tours with kids, I recommend bringing a lot of snacks and water to keep them occupied, especially if they are younger. Flamingo is one of the best places to see crocodiles and manatees, so be sure to spend some time walking around the marina. 

Boat tour tickets may be purchased in the Marina Store. Visit www.flamingoeverglades.com or call (352) 701-6581 for more information. Boat tours of Whitewater Bay and Florida Bay depart from the Flamingo Marina located next to the Flamingo Visitor Center (38 miles into the park, 50 miles from Homestead, Fla). 

Camping in Everglades National Park

If you’re interested in camping, there are just campgrounds in the park: Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground. Both are accessible from the Homestead entrance and accommodate tents and RV’s with a limited number of group sites. You can make reservations with Everglades Guest Services or by calling 1-855-708-2207.

The Flamingo campground, which is at the very end of the park — about 45-minutes from the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center — offers solar-heated showers, two dump stations, picnic tables, grills, and an amphitheater for seasonal Ranger programs. And newly available are safari-style Eco tents, complete with fans and electricity (I haven’t tried these out yet, but they look nice)! 

Long Pine Key campground is open seasonally November-May, and is just a few miles from the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. This campground has cold showers, restrooms, a dump station, and a fill station.  

Shark Valley tram and bike rentals

If you’re headed to the Shark Valley entrance, the 15-mile path is best viewed via a 2-hour tram ride or bike ride (I don’t recommend walking it).  Halfway through the trail, there is a 45-foot high observation tower, a water fountain with a water bottle refill station, and restrooms. 

The two short hikes great for walking and kids (mentioned above) can be started close to the visitor center, where you can also purchase tickets for the tram or rent bikes. If you have young kids, you can also request bikes with seat attachment for children up to 40 pounds. 

If you decide to bike, note that there is virtually no shade on the path. Also, Florida is the lightning capital of the U.S. Check the weather so you don’t get caught in a storm. Most of the thunderstorms occur during the mid to late afternoon hours, so the best riding times are in the morning when it’s still a little cooler.

If you opt for the tram, the tour operator gives you lots of info about the Everglades, the animals, the history of the observation tower, and more. 

Prices for the tram ride:

• Adults (13-61) $31.00
• Seniors (62+) $24.00
• Children (3-12) $16.00

Slough slog

Most people wouldn’t dream of stepping foot off-trail and into the gator-infested waters of the Everglades. But that’s exactly what happens if you decide to take a slough slog. Unless you are going with someone who has gone before and knows what they are doing, I suggest doing this with the NPS ranger-led program,

You’ll trek through a a sawgrass prairie before making your way into the shallow, swamp-like body of water of a cypress dome — a freshwater forested wetland that appears like a tree island. The name comes from the dome-like shape of treetops, formed by smaller trees growing on the edge where the water is shallow, while taller trees grow at the center in deeper water.

During a slough slog, the water could get up to your waist at some points.  It’s quiet, peaceful (or maybe a bit nerve-wracking), and as you journey into the cypress trees covered in air plants, it feels like entering an entirely different world — like something out of a fantasy film. You might pass an alligator hole, hear the prehistoric call of a great blue heron, glimpse owls, snakes, tree frogs and more. Seriously, watch where you put your hand because mine has come a bit too-close-for-comfort to a resting cottonmouth. It’s honestly one of my favorite things to do in the Everglades and share with any willing friend who will join me! If you have younger kids, just check with rangers about water levels. 

Ranger-led programs and Junior Ranger program

Like many US national parks, the Everglades has tons of ranger-led programs and walks, from guided hikes and bird-watching to slough slogs and guided paddles. 

We love the Junior Ranger program at the National Parks and state parks when they have them, and have done them at several across the country. We recently even did a Junior Refuge Manager Program at the Arthur M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in South Florida, which was new to us. I highly recommend doing this as an activity during your trip.

The Everglades provides an online digital copy of the booklet you can request as well, and free coloring pages are provided on the website. 

Robert is Here fruit stand

As a side note, if you’re going to the Homestead entrance, a stop at the Robert is Here Fruit Stand is a must. The fruit stand is family-owned and operated and specializes in rare and exotic fruits and vegetables, like canistel, guava, dragon fruit, sapodilla, and mamey, mostly grown right on the farm. Every day, the staff hand-cuts the fruit for their smoothies and milkshakes. I personally love the key lime milkshake or any smoothies with guava and passionfruit. 

Have you ever been to Everglades National Park? 

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 Exploring the Everglades National Park with 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.

“To him, all good things – trout as well as eternal salvation – came by grace; and grace comes by art; and art does not come easy” Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It.

A fisherman’s journey

Learning to fly fish is a continuous process, but embarking on this new adventure for me was a rollercoaster of challenges and emotions. Despite past setbacks, fly fishing continues to open new doors in my life, allowing me to travel to different places, experience new things, and bond with friends and family. Fly fishing has taught me to overcome challenges and appreciate nature in a greater way.

How my fly fishing adventures began

It was the early summer of last year when I dragged my dad into our car and convinced him to drive from the suburbs of Maryland, through the mountains of Pennsylvania, to the cool waters of a small limestone stream. Our targets, which had been on my mind since we were introduced to the idea, were brown and rainbow trout.

Earlier that month, we bought two rods, two reels, lines, leaders, and an assortment of flies to help us catch these elusive species. With high expectations and our cameras ready, we arrived at the spot, stepped into our waders, tied a “buggy” fly onto our line, and entered the flowing water. My dad and I proceeded to catch absolutely nothing, tripping over rocks and falling into the water several times. With our hopes low and our feet soggy, we loaded everything into the car and drove home.

Back to the drawing board

Over the next few days, I did some research and discovered how truly difficult it is to catch a trout on a fly. I learned that a fisherman has to take into consideration the depth, speed, and temperature of the water, the type of insect that is hatching, along with the time and weather. I discovered the vast array of fly patterns and casting techniques used while fishing. I also discovered how much work was cut out for me if I was ever going to catch a trout on a fly.

After a week or so of continued learning and research, we mustered up the courage to return to the same stream, now a little more informed. It was a sunny bluebird day, and the drive through the green forests and mountains was breathtaking. We arrived at the spot and noticed an old orange pickup truck parked by the stream. During the earlier trip, we had seen no one fishing, so this came as a slight surprise to us. My dad parked the car, and we began what we thought was going to be another grueling day.

Learning from the locals

After about an hour or two on the water, we headed back to the car, without any luck, for some water and snacks. At the car, my dad and I were greeted by an older man sitting on one of the picnic benches scattered around the parking area. He was enjoying the beautiful day, peacefully sitting and appreciating the environment around him. We started talking and found out that he had a successful morning, catching several nice-sized trout.

Curious and desperate for success, I asked what he had used, and the man showed us a strange fly we had never seen before. He made it himself by simply taking a few of his dog’s shed hairs and tying them onto a small barbless hook. I told him that I had been frustrated by the whole fly-fishing experience from this morning and last week.

He explained to me that fly fishing was more than just catching fish. It was an experience, not just an action. He told me to slow down on the water and to appreciate my surroundings. My new friend gave us a few of his dog hair flies, then got in his truck and drove off. After that odd interaction and with the new flies in my arsenal, we ate some trail mix and got back in the stream.

Back in the water

After half an hour, I came across a new patch of water that curved gently with the help of high-cut banks. There were a few large boulders toward the start of the run before the water gradually got deeper until it leveled off under an overhanging branch. After studying the different types of water at home, I knew this area would be fishy.

I cast the dog hair fly just above the large boulders and watched as my indicator drifted down a rifle. As my indicator passed under the overhanging branch, it jumped down, and I immediately set the hook. My rod bent as I stumbled backward, surprised that something was on the other end of my line.

Landing the prize and finding the beauty

I reeled in and walked closer to the shore so I could have a safer place to net the fish. As it swam closer, I could see that he was a decent-sized rainbow trout. When the fish was within arm’s reach, I fumbled for my net and scooped him up. After all that excitement, I was ecstatic that I had just landed a trout.

I picked him up and watched as he glistened in the sunlight. The trout was slightly green and pink, with intricate black dots running from head to tail. I took the old man’s fly out of his mouth and wished that I could thank him for his help. I submerged the fish back into the water and watched as he swam off.

And at that moment, something dawned upon me as I thought back to what the old man had told me. All around me, there was beauty. I looked up and saw bright green leaves glistening in the sunlight. I looked down and saw the cool stream warping and bubbling its way around large boulders. I looked into the distance and saw great, mighty mountains overlooking the valley I stood in. I began to acknowledge and appreciate all of it.

What fly fishing has taught me

Over the next few months, as I progressed as a fly fisherman, I experienced all kinds of great opportunities that fly fishing gifted me. I experienced new and unique things outdoors in nature, like the sudden exhilarating feeling of a fish hitting your fly. I traveled to new places around the northeast, opening my eyes to the regional area. While fishing or looking in local fly shops, I met many mentors who helped me not only grow my fishing skills but also my character. I connected to my dad’s past in the Florida Keys last summer, fishing the same flats he fished as a kid.

Most importantly, fly fishing connected me to nature. There is no other feeling like standing on a cool limestone stream, surrounded by mountains and trees, while the sun rises. It’s the type of feeling that gets your hairs standing and sends chills through your chest. All technologies and modern-day stresses vanish as you bask in the awe-inspiring outdoors.

Fly fishing has allowed me to appreciate the environment and opened my eyes towards conservation. As I grow older, I want to take steps to protect the earth so my kids and grandkids can enjoy it. Learning to fly fish continues to provide new experiences and possibilities, allowing me to truly grow and discover myself.

What’s an outdoor activity that’s connected you to nature?

About the author

Jonathan is a 16-year-old outdoor adventurer and world traveler. He is an honors student and Varsity athlete at his beloved high school. Besides his love of fly fishing, he is an avid scuba diver and underwater photographer, having experienced Tiger sharks and Sperm whales and lived to tell about it! He loves mountain biking and hiking in the wilderness with his friends. He loves to write about his adventures to share with others his love and passion for nature and for our world.

The post Hooked on Nature: A 16 Year Old’s Fly Fishing Journey appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.