State park adventures with kids

Planning a family trip can be a difficult, yet rewarding, task full of possibilities for fun, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you are planning a day trip, weekend adventure, or full-on family vacation, state parks make perfect destinations. In a world brimming with bustling cities and digital distractions, state parks serve as natural havens and offer an idyllic escape where parents, children, and adventurers of all ages can forge lasting memories amidst the embrace of Mother Nature. Not only are state parks all over every state in the US, and each one completely unique, but they offer so many different activities (many free!) that there is bound to be something for everyone in your family. They are a great place to explore with kids! 

Photo Credit: Kristen Ryan

Why visit state parks?

While the allure of national parks and bustling tourist hotspots is undeniable, there’s an often overlooked gem right in your local vicinity – state parks. These hidden treasures offer a unique and distinct charm that sets them apart from their grander counterparts. Choosing to visit a state park in your area holds a myriad of advantages that promise a more intimate, authentic, and immersive experience

There are over 10,000 state park-operated natural areas and 2,474 official state parks in the United States and every single state has more than one. Wyoming has the least state parks (with 11), while New York has 164 state parks! Every other state falls somewhere in between. This means, there is very likely a state park (or several) near you to explore!

And if you are like many families, you select your adventure destinations carefully because vacation days and weekend hours are in limited supply. You want everyone to enjoy the experience, and you want them to remember the trip fondly. This is a lot of pressure, but visiting state parks with kids pretty much guarantees your trip isn’t wasted!

Why? Because there are so many things to do, and almost all of the experiences are free or inexpensive. There is very likely something at a local state park near you for everyone in your family, making them a great spot for all-family fun.

Plus, while state parks are gaining in popularity, especially after the pandemic, they are still not as busy as National Parks (and usually much easier to access). Say goodbye to crowded attractions and long lines, and instead, embrace the tranquility of lesser-known trails, the warmth of local hospitality, and the joy of discovering a slice of nature that feels like a well-kept secret. By opting for a state park adventure, you’re nurturing a deeper connection to nature near you, supporting local conservation efforts, and savoring the satisfaction of exploring a destination that’s as unique and diverse as the region it (and you) calls home. 

Activities available in state parks

While some state parks are designed to show off the main attractions, state parks usually offer a wide array of activities that cater to various interests and ages, making them perfect destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and solo travelers alike. While every state park is unique and will offer particular activities based on the amenities and features of the park, here are some activities you can enjoy in most/many state parks:

1. Hiking: State parks often feature a network of well-maintained hiking trails that range from easy strolls to challenging hikes, allowing you to explore diverse landscapes, from lush forests to rugged mountains. It is almost guaranteed there will be at least one hiking trail to explore, and there is almost always one or more that are perfect for kids. Some parks have guided nature trails, great overlooks, waterfalls, swimming holes, and more that are great for little hikers.
2. Picnicking: Pack a delicious meal and enjoy a leisurely picnic surrounded by the beauty of nature. Many state parks provide designated picnic areas or pavillions with tables, grills, and scenic views.
3. Camping: Experience the joy of sleeping under the stars by camping in state park campgrounds. Whether you prefer tent camping or RV camping, state parks offer a range of camping options. Some state parks even offer cabins, hotel-type lodging, or homes for rent. 
4. Wildlife viewing: State parks are home to a variety of wildlife species. Bring your binoculars and camera to observe birds, mammals, and other creatures in their natural habitats. Check out the visitor center in the state park to get a list of what wildlife is in the area. 
5. Fishing: Many state parks have lakes, rivers, and ponds where you can cast your line and enjoy fishing. Check local regulations and guidelines before you start fishing. Some states parks even have loaner fishing gear (rods, reels, tackle, etc.) that you can check-out and use for the day. 
6. Swimming: If your state park has a lake, creek, stream, or beach, swimming can be a refreshing way to beat the heat during the summer months. Just make sure to check the state park website to ensure swimming is allowed before you go and if there is a fee.
7. Canoeing, kayaking, SUP: If there’s a water body within the park, you might have the opportunity to rent a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard along serene waters. Some state parks have local outfitters where you can rent kayaks/canoes/SUPs for the day (or by the hour). 
8. Photography: Capture the beauty of nature, scenic vistas, and wildlife through your camera lens. State parks provide an abundance of photo-worthy moments.
9. Geocaching: Embark on a modern-day treasure hunt by participating in geocaching, a GPS-based activity that involves finding hidden containers (caches) using coordinates.
10. Nature walks: Many state parks offer guided nature walks led by park rangers, where you can learn about the local flora, fauna, and ecosystems.
11. Waterfalls: If you have a waterfall-loving child (or any family member), many state parks have waterfalls for you to find. Often these trails, especially when they are easier hikes or when swimming is allowed, are very busy trails. And busy trails often mean busy parking, so try to plan accordingly.
12. Rock climbing: Some state parks have designated rock climbing areas for both beginners and experienced climbers to challenge themselves and enjoy breathtaking views from the top.
13. Biking: Explore trails on two wheels by bringing your bike. Many state parks have biking trails that cater to different skill levels, including mountain biking. 
14. Enjoy the nature around you: No matter which state park you visit, even if it is dedicated to local human history, there will be nature around you. It would be virtually impossible to avoid seeing nature at a state park but take a moment (or several) to sit and really watch the nature around you. See an ant? Watch what it does. Listen to the birds, cicadas, frogs, coyotes, and the wind in the trees. Look for lightning bugs at dusk or stay up and check out the night sky with less light pollution. Nature is all around you, you might as well enjoy it!
15. Interpretive programs: Participate in educational programs, workshops, and guided tours led by park rangers to learn about the park’s history, geology, and cultural significance.
16. Stargazing: State parks often provide a darker, less light-polluted environment, making them ideal spots for stargazing and observing celestial events.
17. Relaxation: Sometimes, the best activity in a state park is simply unwinding and enjoying the serenity of nature. Bring a book, practice yoga, or simply soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

Remember to check the specific offerings and regulations of the state park you plan to visit, as activities may vary depending on location and season.

Photo Credit: Meghan Garriott

Choosing which state park to visit

Finding the perfect state park to explore is easy!

If you are not picky about activity and simply want to explore a state park, simply pick one close to you. You will feel more comfortable and confident if you are new to exploring state parks with kids if you are closer to home. Plus, this option means the excursion is a day trip and makes planning and preparing easier. 

If you have a particular activity you want to do, find a state park that offers some or all of those activities. Most states have websites for their state parks that list outdoor activities that can be done in each park. Some are very straightforward with how you can search by activity, some you have to dig a bit to find the right page, and others offer fun ways to give you the information (like Georgia providing a quiz to find the perfect park for your personality).

For instance, if you want to see a waterfall, you can use the state’s state park website to search for parks that have those options. If you’re into hiking, look for a state park with miles of trails for you to explore. Interested in horseback riding or soaking in hot springs? See if that’s an option! From sandy beaches to rock climbing, state parks have a lot to offer and are the perfect place to try something new with kids!

If you really cannot find what you are looking for on the state park website, you can always google the activity, your state, and the words ‘state park’ and see what the internet has to share.

Deciding when to visit a state park

Picking the best time to visit a state park is also pretty easy. It is all about doing a little research to ensure your trip includes everything you want.

If you have limited time and weekends and holidays are when you are available, obviously go when it is easiest for you. These are often the busiest times for state parks (and outdoor adventures in general), but the experiences are still worth the parks being a bit more crowded.

But even if time is not an issue for you, some parks are simply prettier, more accessible, and more comfortable during certain times of the year. Determining the best time to visit a state park near you involves considering factors such as weather, seasonal activities, crowds, and your personal preferences. 

Start by researching the state park you’re interested in visiting. Look for information on the park’s official website, visitor’s center, or guidebooks. Learn about the park’s unique features, attractions, and activities that are available throughout the year.

Consider the weather and climate of the area. Different seasons offer different experiences and activities. Determine if the park has a peak tourist season, when it’s busiest, and an off-peak season, when there are fewer visitors. Visiting during the off-peak season might mean fewer crowds and a more tranquil experience. Also, check if the park hosts any special events, festivals, or programs throughout the year. These events can enhance your experience and provide unique opportunities to engage with the park’s offerings.

Photo Credit: Kristen Ryan

Planning ahead for your state park visit

If the park offers camping or lodging, check if you need to make advance reservations. Some popular parks fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. You may need to book campsites well in advance of your trip, but not always! Also, be aware of the park’s opening and closing times, as well as any seasonal road closures or restrictions that might affect your visit.

Consider the activities you’re interested in and when they are available. If you like fall leaves, there are quite a few state parks when fall would be an ideal time to visit. Love swimming in the pools or boating? Then summer is likely to be the best time to explore. If you are really into spring flowers, waterfalls, or mushrooms, then you need to look into when those are abundant at the state park you are interested in. If you want to experience snow or avoid snow altogether, then you need to consider these factors when you are planning which state park to visit. And some parks close all or some of their trails during the winter due to snow, so there are small windows of opportunity to hike these areas.

In other words, once you pick the park you want to visit, find the time of year that will suit your family best! It sounds more difficult than it is. There are very few parks that are likely to be closed completely, and even if the park has fewer visitors in the summer due to heat or fewer visitors in the winter because of snow, there will often still be something to do, learn, and explore.

Photo Credit: Jen Barnes

What do state parks offer?

Every state park is different, and each has its own activities to enjoy, but all have at least a couple of the following activities for your family to experience. To know exactly what is available at the state park you are interested in visiting, check out their website.

Stop by the visitor center

This is one of the very first things to do when you get to a state park! The visitor center often has some sort of informational display that is sure to teach your family something new. Plus, this is where you can chat with Park Rangers, grab junior ranger books, and find amenities. 

Get your passport stamped

Many states have passport books available (either for free or for purchase) that you can take to each state park you visit to get a stamp. Some passport books include information on each state park, maps, etc. Include the date you visited and see how many stamps you can get! 

See about a junior ranger program

If your children are interested in earning a badge or small souvenir, see if the state park has a junior ranger program. Many have this program, and they are often similar to the National Park Junior Ranger program, but each state park and state does it differently. This program is perfect for kids to learn all about the local plants, animals, and history, as well as reinforce responsible outdoor etiquette. And even if there isn’t a junior ranger program, many state parks will have something for kids to complete, like a nature bingo board specific to the park.

Learn about local history

Many state parks share local human history, folklore, and local historic sites in some capacity. Often there are displays, self-guided museum tours, interactive exhibits, and more to share this history with visitors. And if a Junior Ranger program is available, local history is often included in the materials, so even if you do not have a ton of time, you may still be able to read about some of the history.

Wildlife encounters

State parks provide a front-row seat to wildlife spectacles. Kids can marvel at the elegance of a soaring hawk, the playfulness of squirrels, or the gentle rustle of a rabbit in the underbrush. Maybe you’ll see deer, bald eagles, or moose. Maybe your kids will catch a crawdad in the creek or a catfish in the lake. These close encounters foster empathy and respect for all living creatures, encouraging children to develop a sense of responsibility toward their fellow inhabitants of the Earth.

Photo Credit: Kristen Ryan

Connect with local nature at a state park

Visiting local state parks is an enriching journey that fosters a profound connection between kids, families, and the natural world that envelops their own communities. These parks serve as immersive classrooms, where children can discover the intricate dance of nature and wildlife, leading to a heightened appreciation for their local environment and a deep-seated love for the planet as a whole.

State parks offer an interactive platform for kids to engage in hands-on learning. As families explore winding trails, vibrant meadows, and serene lakes, children encounter ecosystems teeming with life. They witness the delicate balance of flora and fauna, learning about the role of plants in oxygen production, the significance of pollinators, and the interdependence of different species.

Witnessing the splendor of state parks, families come to understand the significance of conservation efforts in their area. Kids learn about the importance of preserving these havens for future generations, prompting them to become stewards of their local environment. Planting the seeds of ecological awareness early in life can lead to a lifelong commitment to sustainability.

Visiting state parks helps children see themselves as part of a larger ecological tapestry. By observing the delicate balance of ecosystems, families develop a holistic understanding of how their actions can impact the environment. This awareness lays the foundation for responsible decision-making and a sense of accountability for the planet’s well-being.

Tips and tricks for exploring state parks with kids

Visiting state parks, or really adventuring anywhere with kids, often goes more smoothly if you have some tips and tricks to help you and your family along. There is really no wrong way to explore a state park with your kids, but you never know when you may need one or more of the following ideas while out exploring.

Plan ahead

• See what activities are available at the state park and make a list of what you want to do while you are there.
• Check to see if they have a state park junior ranger program and check to see if there are any age restrictions to make sure your kids can participate.
• Look at the available trail maps found on the state park website. Once you find one (or five) you want to check out, use a trial app to see which ones are best for your family. Trail apps show you pictures and offer reviews, which may give you a better sense of what the trail is like.
• Check prices and times for entry, rentals, tours, etc. This way you know when you need to be there.

Be prepared

• Bring extra water, just in case there isn’t any available at the state park (there usually is, but you can’t be too prepared).
• Bring bug spray and sunscreen because you never know what you may encounter.
• Have an alternate plan in place just in case the trail you want is closed, boat rentals are sold out, or tours are full. Nature isn’t predictable and crowded days at the park happen. Having a backup plan ensures your family will still have a good time!
• Grab a trail map at the visitor center and have the trails saved and easily to find in a trail app. You never know when you may need to look at the map. Plus, having the trail map can also come in handy if your child needs a distraction and loves to help.

Make it fun

• Sometimes (all the time?), exploring with kids is hard. They complain, fall down, get bored, etc. and it can make the experience less fun. One way to help make exploring more enjoyable for all is to have a couple of tricks up your sleeve to make the adventure fun again. One favorite is to play Would You Rather. It takes no preparation and distracts kids while they walk or experience the park. For more hiking tips and a longer list of hiking games, check out A Beginner’s Guide to Hiking with Kids.
• Bring a fun snack along to share at some point during your state park adventure. Maybe once you reach the midpoint or end of your hike or once your kids finish their Junior Ranger activities. The point is to share something special with them and enjoy it as a family.

Make a family goal to visit all the state parks in your state

We all make some variation of adventure goals. Whether your goal is to get outside more, hike more miles, try new outdoor adventures with your kids, or get out of your comfort zone a bit, state parks are perfect for helping you achieve your goal. In fact, you can set a goal (like getting outside more) and also begin working toward visiting all the state parks in your state.

Doing your own state park challenge is really a perfect outdoor adventure goal, even if you live in New York and visiting 164 state parks seems daunting. First of all, there is no time limit, so you can do this over the course of years! You can make it as easy or challenging as you want and totally set your own rules. Maybe you want to do one hike in each park you visit. Maybe you want to spend at least one-night camping in all the largest state parks. Chances are you’ve already visited one or two nearby state parks already, or live close to one that it will be easy to visit, so you can get started right away! 

Tips for doing a state park challenge

If you want to participate in a state park challenge (visit all the state parks in your state), here are some tips and ideas to help you get started. Again there is no right or wrong way to visit a state park, and doing all of these ideas is not ideal. Pick one or two (or create your own) and do what works best for your family!

Start with a list of state parks

Make a list of all the state parks in your state, print it out, and have your children help check them off each time you visit one. Some states already have these in printable form, but it is easy enough to grab all the official state parks off your state’s state park website. 

If you want to go the extra mile, check Etsy for printable state park checklists. There are some really beautiful state park checklists/maps. You could print a large map of your state and let the kids check off each park you visit. 

Set your rules

Set criteria for what your family will count as completing a state park. Do you have to hike a trail, complete the junior ranger program, go camping, buy a magnet or postcard, stargaze, learn something, etc. This is just a fun way to get some buy-in from your family.

Sometimes having a consistent activity to complete in order to mark something off helps get everyone excited. Keep in mind, some parks are much smaller than others and may not have your requirement, so make sure there is some flexibility in your plan.

Create a plan

Create a planning list and make sure to include distance, entry fee, and available lodging. Which state parks do you want to visit first? Some may require quite a bit of driving (and a longer amount of time), so plan accordingly. Maybe there are a few close together that you can visit on the same trip? This list will help you know which state parks are day trips and which are further away and will require more planning (and possibly advance reservations). 

Run Wild My Child has two Creative Team Members that have been working toward this goal. Here are some tips and tricks from them.

Photo Credit: Kristen Ryan

Kristen Ryan’s tips for doing a state park challenge

Kristen Ryan has visited 30 out of the 38 State Parks in Oklahoma

“We love to camp and hike but can’t always make it too far from home with little kids, dogs to take care of, and day jobs. Years ago, we started fitting in quick weekend getaways to adventure and explore our home state. As we began exploring different places, it soon became a goal to hit all the state parks in Oklahoma.

Our state has a passport activity book for kids where they can collect stickers at each state park they visit. They loved to be able to fill their books with new stickers at each new place explored. It helps get them excited at the idea of visiting new places.

We started small, looking for close by state parks to go hiking on a free day. On the weekends that we wanted more of an adventure, we would search out the further away parks where we could camp. One spring break, we decided to make a weeklong trip of it and went to the furthest away state park in Oklahoma, Black Mesa State Park. A beautiful area far from any close by town/city. Then, we worked our way back, hitting as many state parks as we could along the way. This was a fun way to turn it into a bigger adventure and camp at a variety of parks, seeing what each one had to offer. My kids still talk about that trip.

I think it is so interesting to see what hidden gems you can find in your own state. We are lucky in the sense that Oklahoma is very vast in its geography. Depending on where you are in the state, we have everything from plateaus, forests, rivers, high plains, grasslands, caves, sand dunes, lakes, and rolling hills. There is so much to see and learn. My family loves to talk about what has been our favorite park so far and our favorite places to hike or camp. Now, we are mostly left with a majority of the lake state parks on the east side of the state. These are great ones to hike at and then end the day with some water fun to cool down.

I highly suggest checking out your local state parks, even if it’s a long drive just to hike for the day. Make it an adventure, come back for a picnic, or stay for a sunset. Let the kids lead the way on your hike. You never know what kinds of great memories you will make along the way. I love those days when we really don’t have an agenda other than to be outside, and what better way than to explore where you live?”

Photo Credit: Meghan Garriott

Meghan Garriott’s tips for doing a state park challenge

Meghan Garriot and her family are not only trying to visit every official state park, but every state park-operated natural area and recreation area as well. They have visited 29 so far in Illinois. 

“In 2021, my kids and I started our Illinois State Park Challenge. I bought a book with all the Illinois state parks and began looking at the map. I was surprised to see how many parks were close by that I had not only never been to, but had also never known were there!

By the end of 2021, we had visited 20 Illinois state parks together. Most of the parks we hiked at and played on the playgrounds, but there were a few we stopped to picnic at or stretch our legs at on our way to another destination.

Our State Park Challenge comes with no rules or end date, just a satisfying check in the box after visiting each one. We want to keep it simple and fun for our whole family. Visiting these parks is a fun way to prioritize local travel and visit places we often overlook. 

As an added bonus, Illinois state parks are free to enter, so it’s a great way to spend some time with family without traveling too far and without spending much money. Throughout our challenge, we have come across so many places we likely would have never visited but now enjoy often. Each park has something new to offer, and it’s been fun learning as we go.

Some parks have great camping, others are better for fishing, and some have awesome bike trails. Through our state park challenge, we stumbled upon a sailing association at Eldon Hazlet state park, which led to my son’s first overnight camp experience, which was a sailing camp!

If you find yourself looking for something to do on a beautiful day, try visiting one of these local parks. They might surprise you with a fun day you didn’t know you were missing!”

The impact of visiting state parks

Visiting local state parks has a ripple effect that extends far beyond the park boundaries, contributing to the support of the local community, boosting tourism, and aiding in conservation efforts in your area. Here’s how:

Economic impact

When families and visitors frequent local state parks, they often spend money on various goods and services within the surrounding communities. This includes purchases such as meals at local restaurants, accommodations at nearby hotels or campgrounds, supplies from local stores, and even fees for guided tours or recreational activities. This infusion of funds helps stimulate the local economy, supports small businesses, and generates jobs.

Tourism promotion

State parks serve as magnets for tourists seeking immersive outdoor experiences. As word spreads about the beauty and attractions of these parks, more visitors are drawn to the area. This heightened tourism not only brings direct revenue but also encourages the development of tourism-related infrastructure, such as improved roads, better signage, and new recreational opportunities. Communities can capitalize on this increased interest by offering additional attractions and events, further enhancing the region’s appeal.

Conservation funding

Many state parks rely on visitor fees and permits to fund their operations and conservation efforts. When families visit these parks, the revenue generated often goes directly towards maintaining trails, protecting habitats, and supporting wildlife conservation initiatives. By contributing to these efforts, visitors play a crucial role in preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of the area for future generations.

Outdoor/nature education

State parks often provide educational programs, guided tours, and workshops for visitors of all ages. These experiences not only enrich the lives of those who participate but also foster a greater understanding of the local ecosystem and the importance of conservation. This knowledge can inspire individuals to become advocates for environmental protection and make more sustainable choices in their daily lives.

Local pride

A vibrant state park can become a source of local pride and identity. As a resident of the state, you may develop a strong attachment to your favorite local state park (we hope you do!), recognizing it as a valuable asset that sets your area apart. This sense of pride can lead to increased civic engagement and a collective commitment to preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region. And living in a place that you are proud of and love can have a significant impact on your mood, attitude, and overall mental health. When you feel connected to your surroundings, it can provide a sense of security, belonging, and fulfillment. Furthermore, when you are happy with your surroundings, it can help to reduce stress levels and alleviate anxiety.

Photo Credit: Meghan Garriott

Exploring state parks with kids

As parents, we have the power to kindle a lifelong passion for nature within our children, to witness their eyes light up as they encounter the wonders of the wild, and to instill in them a profound sense of wonder and appreciation for the world right outside their doorstep. Visiting local state parks is a great way to do this. The journey awaits, and the time to embark on exploring your area is now – for every step taken within the embrace of nature brings your family one step closer to understanding, cherishing, and safeguarding the beauty that resides in your own backyard. State parks are beautiful, offer so much to do, are great for families to explore together, and can not only give you a guide for vacation destinations but are budget friendly too! You never know what you’re going to find or what adventures are to be had at a state park near you. 

Which state park will you explore next with your kids?

About the author

Katie is a full-time teacher and mom of two, located in North Carolina. Katie explores as much as possible, with a particular fondness for the adventures her family enjoys in state and national parks. When not trekking through the outdoors, Katie enjoys baking, consuming mochas from local coffee shops across the continent, practicing her photography skills, and soaking up as much knowledge as she can.

As an advocate for families exploring the great outdoors, Katie co-founded a Hike it Baby branch in her hometown in Northern California and tries to encourage families to get outside whenever possible. Katie has a Master’s degree in human development from the University of Missouri, Columbia, but her passion is really history and humanities (which is coincidentally what her Bachelor’s degrees are in). 

You can find more from Katie online in the following locations:
Instagram: @hiking.motherhood
RWMC posts: Katie Fox 

The post Exploring State Parks with Kids appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Tips for visiting Minnesota’s North Shore with kids

1. Bring a map

This area of Minnesota is fairly remote. Cell service can be spotty. If you stay on the main highway, it’s difficult to get lost. However, downloading an offline map or bringing a paper map is recommended. This is especially true for following hiking trails, as you may lose connection while using an app. 

2. Pack a picnic

As the towns are small and often spread out, bringing along groceries instead of hunting down a kid-friendly restaurant can be a good option. The restaurants in the area also tend to be pricey. The road is lined with beaches and parks that make perfect picnic stops. 

3. Tips to avoid crowds

Many of the popular state parks along Minnesota’s North Shore, such as Gooseberry Falls, can become very crowded. I recommend hitting the popular parks and trails early in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid crowds and having to search for a parking spot. Oftentimes, you can find just as good as a park with lower crowds by traveling further north and away from the city day trippers.

4. Use caution with kids

This area of Minnesota has more waterfalls than you can count. Many of the trails are short and can be hiked by kids. However, there are many trails that do not have railings near waterfalls or sheer drop-offs. Carefully check the details of each hike before adventuring, and keep kids close at all times. 

Best time to visit Minnesota’s North Shore with kids

This area of Minnesota is about as far north as you can get. Winter brings bitter cold and heavy snowfall. Spring can be a good time to visit, but can still bring snowstorms and muddy trail conditions. Summer offers the best weather for exploring but also heavier crowds and bugs. Fall along the North Shore is spectacular, with fall weekends also bringing large amounts of leaf-peeping travelers. When traveling with kids, summer and early fall are probably your best bet for family-friendly weather to explore hiking trails and beaches. Just don’t expect Lake Superior water to ever be warm!

Where to stay along the North Shore with kids

With the exception of Duluth at the south end, all other towns along the North Shore are very small. Most of the lodging in the area consists of cabins, small motels, and a few resorts. Many of the state parks along the North Shore also have campgrounds offering amenities and stunning water views. 

If possible, it can be helpful to stay in two different areas to explore both the southern end and the northern areas of the North Shore. We based part of our stay out of a hotel in Silver Bay before moving to a mountain resort at Lutsen. This helped avoid a lot of backtracking, which can eat up time. 

Must-see spots along Minnesota’s North Shore with kids

Minnesota’s North Shore offers a chain of beautiful state parks. Most of these parks are located right along the main highway, making it easy to visit multiple parks in a short time. A daily pass to the state parks is $7, but you can get into any of the state parks that same day. Here are several stops that should be on every North Shore itinerary. 

1. Duluth

Duluth is a great spot to start your North Shore Adventure. Head to Canal Park downtown to view the aerial lift bridge, lighthouse, playground, and Lakewalk. You can get a close-up view of the lake on a Vista Fleet cruise or explore by rail on the North Shore Scenic Railroad. Take a drive over the lift bridge for some beach time at the world’s largest freshwater sandbar at Park Point. Enger Park is another great Duluth park with gardens and a stone tower to climb.

If weather interferes with your outdoor plans, Duluth also has an aquarium, railroad museum, and the free Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center. 

2. Gooseberry Falls State Park

Gooseberry Falls is the most popular state park on the North Shore for good reason. Multiple waterfalls can be seen along short hiking trails. The beautiful Visitor Center is a good spot to stop for a restroom visit and to grab a park map. From the Visitor Center, a 1-mile loop trail leads past The Upper, Middle, and Lower falls, with two bridges crossing over the river. A portion of these trails is paved. Use caution near the waterfall overlooks with children as not all have railings. 

Other good hiking trails at Gooseberry Falls include the 2-mile roundtrip hike to Fifth Falls or the 1.25-mile Riverview trail along the river down to the lakeshore. The Gitchi Gami Trail is just over 2 miles and offers Lake Superior views. 

3. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

Split Rock Lighthouse is an iconic landmark of the North Shore. The lighthouse was constructed in 1910. Today the lighthouse is managed by the Minnesota Historical Society as a historic site. An additional admission fee is required to visit the lighthouse grounds and tour the inside of the lighthouse. 

The state park surrounding the lighthouse requires standard state park admission. The park is long and narrow, tucked between the highway and the lakeshore. The Little Two Harbors Trail offers a flat gravel path with views of the lighthouse and pebble beach along its 0.75-mile trail length. The 1.5-mile Corundum Point Overlook Trail is another trail with great views of the lake and lighthouse. If you want to take a scenic bike ride, the paved Gitchi-Gami State Trail travels through the park and continues to Gooseberry Falls 8 miles south. 

4. Black Beach

Located in Silver Bay, Black Beach’s rich color comes from taconite. This low-grade iron ore was dumped in the lake by mining companies. It mixed with rocks and sand to form the only black beach in Minnesota. 

This beach is beautiful, with rugged rocks and shallow water. There are nearby restrooms and picnic tables, making this a great road trip stop. 

5.  Palisade Head

Palisade Head is a stop I recommend with caution. A curvy and narrow road leads to a small parking area at the top with amazing views. This is one of the best views you can get without a long hike. However, there is only one small section of rock railing and very sheer drop-offs. This is a site best explored with older kids or kids small enough to be in a carrier. 

6. Tettegouche State Park

Tettegouche is another Minnesota North Shore state park full of lake views and waterfalls. This park has a great and large visitor center to start your adventure. Right behind the visitor center is the 1.2-mile Shovel Point Trail. This trail offers sweeping lake views from atop the bluffs. There are 300 stairs and boardwalks on this trail. Use caution with children and keep them back from any cliff edges. 

Another popular family hike is the Cascades Falls Trail. This 1.5-mile round-trip hike follows rocky terrain along the river to Cascade Falls. There are quite a few stairs, but no steep drop-offs along this trail. If you are up for a longer waterfall trek, take the 3-mile loop to towering High Falls. 

7. Temperance River State Park

Another gem of a state park, Temperance River is full of deep gorges and waterfalls. On the northwest side of the highway, a short and paved path leads to an overlook of hidden falls. This is a great trail for little ones, as there are no drop-offs. 

On the other side of the highway, stairs, and bridges cross over the river as it rushes through a rocky gorge toward the lake. Continue on the path down to the beautiful beach near the lower campground to explore the rocks and sand. This is a lovely spot for sunrise or sunset views. 

8. Oberg Mountain

The Oberg Mountain hike is one of the best trails we have hiked anywhere. This 2.5-mile loop starts off with a moderate climb as it switchbacks up the mountain. At the top, enjoy panoramic views as the trail circles the top. While most of the trail stays well back from cliff edges, there are a few overlooks with steep drop-offs. Keep kids close by while on the upper portion of the trail. 

9. Lutsen Mountain

Lutsen Mountain is located just off the main highway but is worth the detour. This mountain resort offers traditional winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. During the summer, the resort offers a gondola and alpine slide. Both of these attractions are not cheap, but the views from atop Lutsen mountain are amazing!

10. Cascade River State Park

You can find another short hike with waterfall views at this state park. The 0.5-mile Cascade River Lower Loop passes multiple cascading waterfalls. Keep an eye on kids, as some areas of the trail do not have railings. 

11. Grand Portage National Monument

This free national park site is a must-see attraction. The site preserves the history of the Grand Portage Anishinaabe tribe as well as the North American fur trade. The 8.5-mile portage trail was used by Native Americans and explorers to bypass high waterfalls and gorges. 

Today, the site consists of a museum and a reconstructed fur trading fort. Interpreters do a wonderful job explaining the various buildings and what life was like during the 1700s. The M Be sure to ask for junior ranger booklets so kids can earn their park ranger badges.

12. Grand Portage State Park

The furthest north must-see stop on a North Shore vacation is Grand Portage State Park. This free state park features a paved and boardwalk 1-mile loop to three overlook platforms of High Falls, Minnesota’s highest waterfall. The waterfall is located on the border between Minnesota and Canada. The overlook platforms have railings making them safe for all ages. 

Visiting Minnesota’s North Shore with kids

Hopefully, this travel guide has inspired you to journey north and view the rugged beauty of the North Shore. The endless waterfalls, family-friendly hikes, and Lake Superior views provide a family adventure of memories waiting to be made. 

Have you ever explored Minnesota’s North Shore?

About the author

Sara Lesire has been married to her high school sweetheart for 17 years, and together they have two children. Sara spent many childhood hours outside on her grandparents’ farm and strives for her kids to have similar carefree kid adventures. Based in the St. Louis area, she loves to share on her blog and social media all the scenic and fun places to explore around the St. Louis area and beyond. Hiking is the most popular activity for her whole family, followed by hitting up the best local playgrounds. Photography is also a passion of Sara’s, and she continues to be amazed at the natural beauty and wonder of God’s creation. When she is not hitting the trail, Sara works as a civil engineer.

You can find more from Sara online in the following locations:
Instagram: @midwestnomadfamily
Facebook: Midwest Nomad Family
RWMC posts: Sara Lesire

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Best parks and playgrounds in San Diego

San Diego really is my favorite city. One of the reasons I love San Diego so much is because it has some of the best parks, playgrounds, and outdoor public spaces for kids and families. As a San Diego resident for over 20 years (13 of those as a mom), I can’t even tell you how many hours I have spent at the lovely parks in and around San Diego.

Park time was especially important when my kids were little, and we lived in an apartment. During those early days of motherhood, I had two rambunctious little boys that needed time outside to burn some energy. Now we have 4 older kiddos, but we still frequent many of the best parks in San Diego.

There are two types of public parks in San Diego: city parks and county parks. The city parks typically have less acreage than county parks, are free, and there are many more city parks than county parks. Whether you’re here on vacation, new to the city, or a long-time resident looking for a new place to explore, here is my list of the 10 best parks in San Diego.

Best city parks in San Diego 

1. Maruta Gardner

We call this the “pink park” because, you guessed it, a lot of the structure of this park is pink! Maruta Gardner is a fairly new park and was built in the last few years. Because it’s so new and so much fun, you will likely never have the park all to yourself. There are so many different things to play on here that it can accommodate a lot of people without seeming too crowded. 

The main feature of this San Diego park is a giant pink slide. It’s wide enough to fit several kids (or adults!), side by side, and it has a definite spring to it. You’ll see kids slide, jump, run, and bounce down this amazing piece of equipment. Getting to the top of the slide is quite the adventure, as well. A wave-shaped climbing structure is how you gain access to the summit of the slide.

In addition to the giant pink slide, Maruta Gardner also has built-in hammocks and spinning toys. The smaller playground for younger kids, a saucer swing, and a four-person teeter-totter with seats are also fun. What more could the kids want?

Adults will be happy to know that this park is conveniently located near a variety of shops and restaurants. It’s the closest city park to Belmont Park, a permanent outdoor carnival of sorts featuring the Giant Dipper roller coaster and other carnival-type attractions. Maruta Gardner is right on the bay. It’s across the street from Mission Beach, and has built-in cement seating with umbrellas for shade. 

2. Old Poway Park

About 30 minutes east of downtown San Diego is Old Poway Park, also known as “The City in the Country.” This park makes it to the top 10 best because it’s like going back in time. They really live up to the “Old” in their name. The park has a Heritage Museum, the Nelson House depicting life back in the early 20th century, and our favorite- the Poway Midland Railroad. For a few dollars, you and your kids can take a ride around the park on this full-sized, vintage railroad. Your budding engineers will be over the moon as they circle the park on the train. 

If you happen to be in the area over Christmas, you won’t want to miss Christmas in the Park. Santa will arrive on the train, and the park will be all decked in lights. It’s a magical experience! During the other months, you can find a farmer’s market every Saturday morning. The Hamburger Factory restaurant is also open year-round.

Across the street from the train depot is a small but fun playground, softball fields, and a little pond. You’ll feel like you stepped back in time when you’re at Old Poway Park.

3. Liberty Station

San Diego has a rich military history, which is reflected in various ways at the parks of Liberty Station. The land that Liberty Station sits on used to be the Naval Training Center. Then it was moved to the new location nearby. As you walk around Liberty Station, you will notice a plethora of flags, plaques, and other military items. There is even a 2/3 scale destroyer ship called the Recruit that you can walk around. 

If you have a little one that enjoys airplanes, this park is for you. It’s directly in the flight path of the San Diego International Airport, and every few minutes, you will see and hear, a plane overhead quite close. 

Liberty Station has two playgrounds next to each other, separated by the bathrooms. One playground is for the younger crowd, and the other is for older kids. It’s nice to have the separation if you have kids similar in age. If you have more than one child and think they might want to be at different playgrounds, I would consider bringing along a second set of hands in case you need to split up. This park has an extensive bike path meandering along the water. We taught three of our kids how to ride a bike here because it’s very flat and has a lot of long, straight cement paths. There are also cement picnic tables near the playground.

When you’re done riding bikes and playing on the playground, there are many other options for things to do outside nearby. You could play some basketball at the basketball courts, or fly a kite on the large grassy areas. It’s usually windy at Liberty Station, so you will probably have success with a kite. You’ll want to make sure you have a jacket, though, because the wind can be a bit chilly coming off the water.

Another great advantage of Liberty Station is all of the amazing shopping and dining just a few minutes walk away. The Public Market has a variety of phenomenal food choices, and you’ll want to stop at Moniker General for a cup of coffee and do a little shopping as well.

4. Fanuel Street Park

If you’re looking for a quiet, tucked-away park, Fanuel Street is the best spot for you. Located in the Pacific Beach area of San Diego, Fanuel Street is the perfect stop along a long bike/jogging path. You’re sure to see bikers, walkers, rollerbladers, runners, and even roller skaters. If you brought bikes or scooters, this is a great place to use them. 

In the summertime, Fanuel Street Park is a great alternative to the beach. There are no waves because the park is on the bay side, and there are significantly fewer people here than at the beach. It’s a good spot to let the kids cool off in the water. Fanuel Street is also an easy spot to launch a paddle board or kayak from. The water is calm, and the views are spectacular. 

Another draw of Fanuel Street Park is the large grassy area near the bathrooms. We like to bring a soccer ball or the RC car here because there is a lot of space to kick a ball and drive the car.

One unique aspect of this park is the small pod of cement dolphins set in the sand near the playground. I can’t even count the hours my kids have played on these dolphins! They’re a nice little San Diego touch that you don’t find at a lot of playgrounds. The one drawback to this park is that the parking is limited. Other than that you’re going to love it!

5. Moonlight State Beach Park

There are various beaches around San Diego that also have parks and playgrounds, but Moonlight State Beach in Encinitas pretty much has it all. From a snack bar to boogie board rentals, you won’t find yourself wanting for anything. 

The playground at Moonlight is fun, but there is so much more to do here than just slide on the slides. There are volleyball courts, fire pits, outdoor showers, large bathrooms, palm cabana umbrellas, beach access, a shop with beach rentals, a snack bar, and lifeguards on duty. 

This beach park has a large dedicated parking lot and street parking. The lot is situated above the beach, so the view while you look for a parking spot will be priceless. You’ll notice as you walk to the beach that you’re admiring the grand Pacific Ocean. The waves here are not small and there can be currents/rip tides. Make your beach day a success with these tips.

6. Tecolote Shores

Quite possibly the newest park in San Diego is Tecolote Shores. Any San Diegan with kids was anticipating the opening of this park, and it finally happened late last year. 

Tecolote Shores is a great place to be if you have kids that span the ages. Half of the park is more like an outdoor gym, with stationary bikes and machines for resistance training. The other half of the park is a large playground with slides, swings, and these cute spinning egg chairs. Dividing the two parts of the park is a covered area with picnic tables. 

The ground here is that squishy playground material, which makes it great for when someone takes a spill because it isn’t as abrasive as cement. There is also a good-sized sand pit, so don’t leave the bag of sand toys in the car!

Our favorite part of Tecolote Shores park is the climbing rope. There is actually a bell you can ring at the top of the rope, and the kids get so much satisfaction from being able to ring the bell! It also affords an opportunity for some teamwork.

The playground at Tecolote Shores is surrounded by large fields of grass, and is located right along Mission Bay. The jogging path here is about 3 miles one way, so if you’re training for a race, this is a great spot. The only downside is that the bathrooms are not that close. It will take you several minutes to walk to the nearest bathroom, or maybe even more if your toddlers are as distracted as mine were!

7. Coronado Tidelands Park

If you’re looking for a park with great views of the city, go no further than Tidelands Park in Coronado. It’s located on Coronado Island, a man-made island accessible by the iconic Coronado Bridge. 

My favorite part of this park is its accessibility. The newer part of the playground has an ADA-accessible ramp. The ramp leads to a “boat” that can also accommodate a wheelchair. My boys loved playing on that boat!

The playground and great views aren’t the only great things about this park. It also has bathrooms near the playground and a large grassy area. The grassy area is perfect for a game of tag! There are also baseball fields and a bike path. Head north on the bike path and you’ll end up at Ferry Landing. Here there are shops, restaurants, and a ferry that can take you downtown.

Best county parks in San Diego

8. Felicita County Park

This 346-acre park is located in the eastern part of San Diego County. Because of its distance from downtown, Felicita Park has a completely different feel than the busier city parks. The trails here are dirt, and Felicita Creek runs year-round through the park. Apart from the ocean, you don’t see much water flowing in San Diego. This creek is a novelty to us San Diegans! 

The fee to park here is $3. Gates to the park open at 9:30 am and close at sunset. Park rangers enforce these times, so you’ll need to make sure you’re wrapping up and heading out at the appropriate time. 

The oak trees growing here are very mature and provide ample shade. Even though it gets warmer in East County, you can find a lot of places in Felicita Park that are shaded. 

While the over 1.5 miles of hiking trails here are dirt paths, there are two playground areas with paved sidewalks perfect for scooters or other wheeled adventures. The playgrounds have shade sails up too, so if you’re visiting in the hotter months the slide shouldn’t burn your legs on the way down! 

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Felicita Park was once a large Kumeyaay Indian village. Today there is a small museum relating the history of the park, as well as a TRACK trail scavenger hunt. The TRACK trail website has a variety of activities to do along the trail, and when you log the information onto the website, your kids can win prizes for the time they spent at the park. 

9. San Dieguito County Park

Heading up the coast from downtown San Diego and a little bit inland, you will find the beautiful, 100-acre San Dieguito County Park. There are two main parts of this park, an upper and a lower section, connected by a series of trails and an area known as Activity Hill. Activity Hill has viewing platforms where you can see the ocean, rope bridges, and audio panels that teach you about the wildlife and history of the park, and two TRACK trails.

If you enter at the upper park entrance, there is some free off-street parking, or you can pay $3 to park anywhere inside the park. The upper park has five different playgrounds, each a little different from the other. The two closest to the entrance are fairly small, so if you’re looking for a peaceful experience, you might want to start here. The two newer playgrounds just up the hill are typically busier, but all of these playground areas have bathrooms close by. 

The lower park doesn’t have playgrounds, but it does have large expanses of grassy areas that are wonderful for picnicking. It also has a butterfly garden and lots of great climbing trees!

10. Santee Lakes

It’s hard to categorize Santee Lakes as a park because it is so much more, but I couldn’t leave it off the list. Santee Lakes has a campground, a small splash pad, multiple playgrounds, 5 lakes, fishing, ducks to feed, and our favorite- paddle boats! 

I also love that there are so many picnic areas surrounded by mature trees to enjoy. Many of the picnic areas also have a built-in barbeque so you can enjoy a warm meal outside.

The entrance fee here is $7 per vehicle, so it’s somewhere that you would want to plan to spend the day. With so many activities, it’s not difficult to find a variety of things to do while you’re here. And if you’re into fishing or your kiddos want to try fishing for the first time, this is a great place to start. The lakes are stocked with fish year-round.

Santee Lakes is a series of 7 man-made lakes that were built with the purpose of highlighting what can be done with recycled water. Every day 2 million gallons are water are recycled to create what you see in the lakes. About 230 species of birds either reside at the lakes or make a short stop here during the colder months, making this an excellent place for birdwatching!

Best San Diego parks and playgrounds

All of these parks are within about 30 minutes of each other. That’s one of the things I love so much about San Diego. There is so much variety within just a few miles, and never a lack of somewhere new to explore. I’ve lived here for over twenty years and am still discovering new parks, hiking trails, gardens, tidepools, beaches, etc.

These ten parks are just a tiny percentage of the many outdoor spaces in San Diego that are fun and family-friendly. San Diego can be an expensive place to be in, so if you’re on a budget, any one of these parks will suit your wallet just fine.

Next time you’re in San Diego and find yourself needing some outside time with wide open spaces, I hope you end up at one of these ten best parks. 

About the author

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

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

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Free outdoor scavenger hunts for kids

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

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

FREE SCAVENGER HUNT BUNDLE

Great activity for all ages

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

Alphabet scavenger hunt for kids

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

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

Color wheel scavenger hunt for kids

“Colors are the smiles of nature” – Leigh Hunt

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

Beach scavenger hunt for kids

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

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

Forest/hiking scavenger hunt for kids

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

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

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

Holiday scavenger hunt for kids 

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

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

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

Five senses scavenger hunt for kids

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

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

Texture scavenger hunt for kids

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

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

Playground or park scavenger hunt for kids

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

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

Seasonal scavenger hunt for kids 

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

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

Backyard scavenger hunt for kids

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

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

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

Neighborhood scavenger hunt for kids

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

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

Creature/critter scavenger hunt for kids

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

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

City scavenger hunt for kids

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

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

Indoor scavenger hunt

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

20+ free printable outdoor scavenger hunts for kids

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

Which scavenger hunt will you choose first?

About the author

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

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

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Best Chicago parks for kids

Chicago is packed with parks! They range in size from tiny pocket parks to acres of grass and trails filled with fun outdoor activities. No matter what part of Chicago you’re in, there’s sure to be a park nearby where you can enjoy some fresh air and green space. Here are just a few of our top picks for our family’s favorite outdoor Chicago parks for kids. 

Grant Park: Millennium Park/Maggie Daley Park

Located in downtown Chicago, in the heart of it all, sits Grant Park. Proudly referred to as “Chicago’s Front Yard,” Grant Park totals 312.98 acres and is a public park located in Chicago’s central business district in the Loop Community area. Grant Park’s most notable features include Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park, Buckingham Fountain, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Museum Campus. 

Millennium Park offers a variety of activities for all ages. The park is comprised of 5 main areas and is packed with fun things to do for everyone in your family. The Pritzker Pavilion offers a wide range of concerts, movies, and shows, with a large lawn for picnicking.  The Bean (also known as Cloud Gate) is a sightseeing hotspot. The Crown Fountain is a popular splash zone, with two large screens featuring diverse faces showering excited children with water. Lurie Garden is a wonderful 5-acre urban botanic garden with beautiful maze-like landscaping.

Connected to Millennium Park via a pedestrian bridge is the 20-acre Maggie Daley Park. The facility features a children’s play area with interactive sculptures and a climbing wall, a mini golf course for those who want some fun without leaving downtown street level, picnic groves with perfect spots for families to sit down together, and an enchanted forest.  The skating ribbon is set for ice skating in the winter, but in the other seasons, it is open to roller skates and scooters as well. If you are visiting Chicago and didn’t bring your scooters…no worries.  MicroKickboard Scooters and helmets are available for rental for adults and kids of all ages. 

Northerly Island Chicago

Northerly Island Chicago is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the city and a wonderful outdoor park for kids and families. It is a 91-acre peninsula located in Lake Michigan, and it’s filled with lush green grasses, breathtaking views of the skyline, and plenty of wildlife. The Island is just beyond the museum campus. So, it is perfect as a stand-alone visit or combined with a stop at the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, or Adler Planetarium. 

Promontory Point

Just south of the Loop, Promontory Point can be accessed by foot via the Lakefront Trail or by car via the Museum Campus Drive. The Point offers plenty of activities for parents and children alike, including a picnic area, firepits, and tons of open space.  The view from the point over the lake covers both the tallest buildings downtown and south of the point. It’s also just north or the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. 

Ping Tom Park

Ping Tom Park is a great place for parents to spend time with their kids in Chicago. This beautiful park overlooks the river with a perfect look towards the skyline down a beautiful red bridge.  Just steps from Chinatown, a visit to this park can pair with some Dim Sum and shopping.  Ping Tom Park is also a stop on the Chicago Water Taxi Route, so you can hop on the river and ride downtown to explore other parts of Chicago. 

Best Chicago outdoor attractions for kids

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is a great place for families to visit to get some fresh air, spend time outside, and see wildlife. Located near the lake, this zoo has a lot to offer, including over 1,000 animals from around the world. Plus, there’s free admission year-round! Kids will love seeing the gorillas, lions, tigers, and more up close. There are also plenty of interactives like the Nature Boardwalk and Education Center. Parents can enjoy the beautiful gardens, ponds, and even a cafe. 

If you want to combine your visit with education, the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo blends expert animal care, interactive learning elements, and tactile experiences to teach kids about the interdependency of living things. This kid-friendly home for North American animals lets visitors get nose-to-nose with red wolves, black bears, river otters, and beavers.

Navy Pier-Chicago

Navy Pier is a must-see when you’re in Chicago! This lakefront is an iconic staple of Chicago and a playground that has something for everyone with its Ferris wheel, parks, shops, live music, and restaurants. The best part is that it’s all free! Kids can take a boat ride, go on a carousel, or explore the pier’s many attractions, including the Chicago Children’s Museum. 

See a baseball game

Take in some classic Chicago baseball at one of the city’s two beloved teams – The Cubs or White Sox. Whether you catch a game at Wrigley Field or Guaranteed Rate Field, your family will have a blast cheering on either team. And don’t forget to grab some classic Chicago-style baseball food like hot dogs, popcorn, or even a famous deep-dish pizza. 

Chicago Riverwalk

The Chicago Riverwalk is another fun place and hot spot for families. Whether you take a river tour, rent bikes to ride along the trails, or take the kids on a nature walk, there’s something for everyone at this fun location. Plus, the views of the city are stunning! 

Fulton Market

Fulton Market is an up-and-coming neighborhood with plenty to explore. Check out some of the area’s coolest restaurants, galleries, and shops. You may even find some street art or a fun activity for the kids. Plus, you’ll get to experience one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is a natural history museum located in Lincoln Park and operated by the Chicago Academy of Sciences. The museum focuses on the natural history of the Chicago region, and connects children of all ages to nature and science through immersive exhibits, fun family events, important conservation research, and in-depth education programs,. It is also known for its live butterfly house, which is attached to a laboratory and program to study and enhance Chicago area butterfly populations.

Best splash parks and beaches

One of the best outdoor activities for kids in Chicago is water play! If you’re visiting Chicago in the summer, it can get hot! But no worries, the city is filled with fun ways to cool off and get wet! 

Neighborhood splash pads

One of the best things about the Chicago neighborhood playgrounds is that many of them have splash pads or other water features. If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly way to beat the heat this summer on land, then look no further than the splash pads at your local neighborhood park. Not only are they a great way to keep cool and have hours of outdoor time between splashing around and having fun on the playground. If you’re looking for something a little more, check out any of the fun water adventures below.

Skokie Water Playground

Just outside of Chicago, Skokie Water Playground includes five water slides of varying heights, making it an ideal destination for kids of any age. There are also interactive multi-level play areas with a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained. The large splashing water bucket is sure to be a hit among visitors, as well as the lanes for lap swim and the turf and suntan area. The facility also features a fully-accessible locker room with showers, lifeguard facilities, and a convenient concession stand. 

Whealan Pool Aquatic Center

Visit Whealan Pool Aquatic Center for a day of sun, sand, and fun in the pool. Kids can splash around in the shallow waters and explore the interactive water features. The diving boards provide plenty of thrills for adventurous swimmers, while parents can take a break from the heat in the cabanas or sit back and relax on the sandy beach. 

Chicago Beaches

Chicago’s beaches are legendary, and with good reason. The city is parked right on the shores of gorgeous Lake Michigan, so there is plenty of beach space to explore. Summer in Chicago is a perfect way to feel a bit beach town/ocean vibe in the midwest.  Some of the most popular beaches are listed below:

• Montrose Beach- 4400 N. Lake Shore Dr
• Loyola Beach-  1230 W. Greenleaf Ave. (@ Lake Michigan) 
• Oak Street Beach- 1000 North Lake Shore Drive
• 31st Street Beach- 3100 S. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive
• North Ave Beach- 1601 N. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive

On the move and outside in Chicago

Bikes, boats, buses, and more! There are so many great ways to explore Chicago with kids, while outside having fun! Chicago is filled with fun and unique ways to get around, making just moving around from place to place an adventure for kids! Here are a few of our favorite outdoor ways to get around town! 

Bike Lakefront Trail

Chicago is known for its incredible public green spaces, and the Lakefront Trail provides a perfect opportunity to get outside and explore with your children. Just stretching from Hollywood Beach along the lake’s edge to Michigan Avenue’s Museum Campus, Bike Lakefront Trail offers beautiful views of the city skyline. The trail is 28 miles long, making it the ideal route for a leisurely family ride. From the different beaches, parks, and nature reserves dotted along it’s length, there is plenty to explore on your journey together. Along the way, you can stop off at one of the many playgrounds and green spaces where your kids will be sure to have fun. 

Chicago Architectural Boat Tour

Get a unique view of the city from the comfort of one of Chicago’s distinctive riverboats. These tours offer an expertly guided tour along the rivers, giving you and your family insight into the fascinating history and culture that makes Chicago so special. With stunning views of some of its most iconic buildings, this is a great way to engage your kids in the city’s rich architectural heritage. Make sure to bring your camera, as you are bound to have plenty of time to snap some great family photos! Older kids will get a lot out of these tours and learn quite a bit. But even little kids will enjoy being out on the water.

Chicago Walking Tours

Exploring the city on foot is a great way to bond with your family. Chicago Walking Tours offers many different themed tours, from cultural excursions through Chinatown and Little Italy to more offbeat tours like the Spooky Chicago Ghost Tour. Whether you’re looking for something educational or just want an entertaining adventure, there is sure to be a tour that fits your family’s needs. All of the tours are led by knowledgeable and friendly guides, who will make sure that you get the most out of your experience. With so much to offer, Chicago is a great destination for families looking to enjoy some quality time together while discovering something new.

Chicago Water Taxi 

This ferry service offers rides along the main branches of the Chicago River. The boat rides are perfect for taking in some of Chicago’s most famous landmarks, as well as enjoying the unique ecosystem of the river. The Water Taxi rides are just $6.00 for a one-way ticket, making it a great deal for a river view of the city. 

Get a day pass for CTA and hop on and off the Red Line

A day pass on the Redline is the best way to see all of the sights Chicago has to offer. With a day pass, you can hop on and off any train line or bus, going anywhere in the city, all day long! You could take the Red Line multiple times throughout the day and make your way across town with ease, never having to worry about parking or navigating through traffic. Whether it’s visiting iconic attractions like Wrigley Field, shopping along the Magnificent Mile, Chinatown, Hyde Park, or checking out any one of the many neighborhood restaurants and shops, the Red Line will get you there! 

Best gardens and arboretums in Chicago

No trip to Chicago for a nature-lover would be complete without visiting one of the many amazing botanical gardens or arboretums that the city has to offer. Here are a few of the best gardens and arboretums in Chicago for kids: 

Morton Arboretum

Morton Arboretum, located in Lisle, Illinois, offers 1,700 acres of nature trails, gardens, and natural areas filled with over 4,000 varieties of trees and plants. The arboretum also hosts a variety of family activities throughout the year, including campfires, scavenger hunts, and children’s programs.  Around the winter holidays, they decorate the entire arboretum in lights and offer performances and hot cocoa for families. 

Chicago Botanic Garden

The Chicago Botanic boasts 27 different gardens spread over 385 acres of land and hosts all kinds of outdoor activities and special events such as summer concerts in the park, nature walks, and story times. Kids can also enjoy hands-on activities like learning about plant life or crafting their own creations at the Discovery Center. 

Japanese Garden

The Japanese Garden is located in Jackson Park. This tranquil oasis features traditional Japanese gardens, a tea house, pagodas, and koi fish ponds.  It’s an absolutely beautiful park and a lovely picturesque place for an outdoor stroll. 

Cantigny Park

Cantigny Park in Wheaton, Illinois, offers an array of activities for families, including hiking trails, gardens, and playgrounds. There’s also a museum on site that houses artifacts from the First World War, as well as interactive exhibits and special events throughout the year.  It is a bit of a drive from Chicago but well worth the trip 

Garfield Park Conservatory

Garfield Park Conservatory is a true oasis in the city. It is filled with lush tropical plants and flowers that give a taste of the exotic without ever leaving Chicago. There are plenty of interactive programs where kids can learn about different types of insects or the biology of flowers and plants. With both indoor and outdoor spaces, this Conservatory makes a perfect weather-proof outing.

Urban outdoor adventures in Chicago

There is no better way to explore Chicago than outside, with the whole family. With sprawling parks, amazing museums, lush gardens, cultural experiences, incredible food, unique architecture, and so much more! There are plenty of amazing outdoor activities for everyone in the family in Chicago. Get out and explore all that Chicago has to offer—you won’t be disappointed! 

About the author

A city girl through and through, Tiana wasn’t always thrilled with outdoor adventures. However, learning the importance of nature + play through her journey to a Master’s in Early Childhood Education changed her heart. She still prefers the hustle and bustle of city life, and alternates between Chicago and Austin. She also has learned to love all that nature is and gives. Tiana has discovered unbelievably amazing North American destinations by traveling in a DIY converted Sprinter Van with her husband and two kids. She looks forward to new adventures and discoveries every day. 

You can find more from Tiana in the following online locations:
Instagram: @usalongtheway
RWMC Posts: Tiana Kubik

The post 20+ Best Outdoor Kids Activities in Chicago appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Popularity of swings

Undoubtedly, a swing is one of the most common pieces of play equipment at the park and in backyards, and for good reason. The benefits of swinging and having a swing aren’t just physical. Swinging can help regulate emotions and help the brain! There are many types of swings out there for every person and every situation. This post not only covers why swings are great (and super beneficial for kids), but also contains a round-up of the best (and most fun) outdoor swings for kids that you need to try. 

Photo credit @sara_mccarty

Benefits of swings for kids

Physical benefits of swinging:

Swinging is a full-body activity and can benefit every part of the body, from the brain down to the toes. Your arms and legs are used to help propel you, and your core is constantly engaged to keep you in place. Not only are your muscles activating, but your heart gets a great workout while pumping your arms and legs.  

Swinging on a swing addresses both fine motor and large motor. Holding onto the chains or ropes of the swing can improve fine motor and dexterity, while the pumping of the legs and arms benefits gross motor and coordination. 

Mental benefits of swinging:

Because swinging is a full-body activity, it takes a lot of brain power and coordination. Many different parts of the brain are used to facilitate rhythmic and fluid movements like swinging. The inner ear helps tell our brain where our body is in space. The motion of swinging help develops and improve children’s body awareness. This leads to improved coordination and balance.

Swinging also increases blood flow to the brain, which can improve focus and attention for hours after. If you ever have difficulty focusing on a project, or if your child has difficulty focusing on homework, try going outside to swing for a bit and then coming back in. You will likely do better and be more productive after swinging!

Photo credit @sara_mccarty

Emotional benefits of swinging:

The rhythmic movement of swinging is calming and relaxing. Being outside and swinging can bring added relaxation and peace. Swinging is usually a simple activity that kids can learn very easily and at an early age. Being able to do this activity independently can be a source of pride for kids.

Because swinging can be done alongside others or with the help of others, it can also be a great bonding experience between adults and kids, or kids and their peers. Taking turns on the swings encourages generosity and thankfulness, leading to feelings of happiness and contentment. The rhythmic movement of swings can be very calming for children of all ages but can be especially useful for those with sensory processing disorders.

Swings help get kids outside 

Outdoor play is known to have benefits for the mind AND body. Just like wanting to be outside, swinging comes naturally to most children, when given the opportunity. A swing is an easy way to spend quite a bit much-needed time outside in any condition or location.

Check out these other Items that Promote Outdoor Play.

Choosing the right location for your swing

The good news is that you don’t have to have a huge space to have a swing. There is a swing for every location.  Whether you’re by the water, in the woods, in the backyard, or on the porch, there is a swing that fits your needs.

A rope swing can fit in a small area on a small branch, while a large climber swing will need a lot more room and more sturdy support. Some swings go forward and back, while others swing from side to side, so you’ll want to check to ensure you have enough room in each direction. The area around the swing should Be designated just for the swing, with no walkways or other play equipment too close by.

Some swings are great at holding up to the outdoor elements, but others may need to be taken down during rain and wind. This is important to keep in mind as chose your swing spot.

Where (and how) to attach your swing

If you don’t already have a swing set to attach a swing to, this metal swing frame is a great place to start. For a nice sturdy tree branch, this tree swing strap is easy to install and holds up to 2,000 lbs. A slackline is another great place to add different swings if a tree limb or traditional swing set isn’t accessible. 

Swing safety for kids

There are a few precautions that you’ll need to take when enjoying a swing, but also some safety concerns to think about before buying one. All swings come with weight limits, it’s important to follow these to prevent injuries. 

It’s also a good idea to have specialized seats with straps, support, and a seat belt, to ensure safety for children under three years old. Little kids and children under 5 should have close supervision while playing on swings.

Make sure your swing or swing set is regularly maintained. Check for weak spots in the wood, broken or open links in the chains (so little fingers don’t get pinched), and ensure all straps are secure at each use. Ensure that any adjustable ropes or chains are correctly positioned for the size of your children. 

Best simple outdoor swing for small spaces 

Disc swing– A disk swing is great for small spaces and easy storage. You can stand on the disc or sit on the disc, making it feel like a classic rope swing (with a bit more support). It’s a hit with both big kids and toddlers. This disc swing even has platforms for climbing up the rope. It has a 220lb weight capacity. 

2-in-1 bounce swing with hanging rings – If you don’t have enough space for multiple swings, this swing is perfect. You can hang From the rings, bounce on the swing or sit and swing. The bar allows you to switch from one to the other easily. 

The classic belt swing seat– A belt swing seat is small, durable for outdoor conditions, and uncomplicated. Belt swings are classic swings that can be used in so many ways, depending on the age (and creativity) of your kids. Its weight capacity is 250 lbs. 

Photo credit @sara_mccarty

Best large area swings for kids

Climber swing– If you have a lot of room and some little monkeys who love to climb and swing, this would be a hit! This climber swing comes with its own frame! It’s a great choice for a fun backyard swing for kids. 

Tent swing– A tent swing is a hideout and a swing all in one. Some are even waterproof with lights (although, be aware that they should not be left up when not in use). My kids love playing in their tent swing at night with flashlights. 

Hoopla Ring Swing – Just like a circus swing! This swing is round with a seat and handles to hold onto. It can spin and swing in all directions.

Best set of swings 

Swingsets are a great option for your family, if you’ve got the budget and the space for them. There are so many different options and types of outdoor swing sets out there, from wooden swing sets to classic metal swing sets, to obstacle course-type swing sets. Here are a few of the best swing sets for kids. 

Steel swing set – This heavy-duty swing set allows for multiple different types of swings, is durable for all weather conditions, and has foam-covered poles for safety!

Ninja course swing set– With this set up, you can mix and match different types of hanging swings, sit swings, and standing swings! Basically, it’s a new and improved monkey bars in your own backyard. Some available options to add are trapeze bar swing, monkey wheel swing, rope ladder, and a twister swing. These handle swings are great for developing and improving upper extremity strength, range of motion, and dexterity! This set is great for older kids because it is more engaging!

Best outdoor swings for babies 

Safety and comfort are key when looking for an outdoor baby swing. Having a high back for neck and trunk support is important. Straps or a harness are a must to keep babies secure. 

1st Little Tikes Snug and Secure– This classic is one of the most popular and best outdoor baby swings. It has safety features such as adjustable straps and a high supportive back. Fits children from 9 months to 4 years. 50lb weight limit. 

Baby bucket swing– A bucket-type swing is the best toddler swing for younger children. This type of swing is usually seen at parks and playgrounds and is a popular choice for young children. It is very durable and can withstand sun and rain. Easily add this to an existing swing set. Not as adjustable as other baby swings 

Character baby swings– Baby swings shaped like cars, trucks or tractors let your child drive and swing at the same time. It has adjustable straps and a high back for good neck and trunk support. This swing has thin plastic and can crack, so be sure to take it down when not in use. 

Best tire swings 

Tire swings are so nostalgic and classic. I grew up swinging on a tire swing at my grandparents’ house. Tire swings are great because you can sit on them, stand on them, or sit inside them. Tires can also be positioned up and down, or crossways. You may be able to find an old tire from your local farmer or mechanic, but here are some more fun options That might not be as greasy and dirty.

Pony horse tire swing– This pony/horse swing is a fun and creative take on the tire swing. Customizable! 

Classic tire swing– This tire swing is durable for outdoor conditions. The tire is positioned in a sideways position. It’s great for multiple children. Comes in different colors. 

Best swing for multiple children 

Saucer swing– These large round swings are great for multiple kids and for adults to sit on as well. Older kids will love this swing as much as the little ones. This swing has a high weight limit and is moderately durable in outdoor conditions. 

Web swing– This circular webs swing is shaped like a giant spider web and is a great option if you have multiple kids. It lets multiple kids sit, lay down or stand with lots of places to hold onto!

Vortex Spinning Ring Swing– This large multi-level swing spins while it swings. Think teacup spinning ride at the state fair. Can hold 4 kids and up to 300lbs but needs lots of room to move!

Best tandem swings 

Expression Swing– This swing allows children and adults of all ages and abilities to enjoy swinging along with a caregiver or friend. 

Glider swing– With this glider swing, kids sit back to back, and using both arms and legs, they have to work together to swing. This swing is durable for all weather conditions. Great for siblings! Weight capacity of 150lbs total 

Boat swing– This fun swing is shaped like a boat, making it great for two riders to face each other and feel the wind in the sails. Weight capacity is 200 lbs. Due to the thin material, take this swing down when not in use. 

Hoop swing – This awesome hoop swing fits 2 riders and can hold up to 300 lbs. The stainless steel frame is durable and should last for years of fun and outdoor play. 

Expression swing

Best standing swings 

Standing swings are not only fun but are the best for encouraging high-level strength and coordination! Unlike a regular swing, stand-up swings give your kids a new way to swing and usually move all over the place! 

Surf swing– Surf the wind! This Swurfer Swing allows children to stand and shift weight from side to side. This swing required a lot of open space laterally and may not fit well on traditional swing sets. Weight capacity is 150 lbs. It’s great for older children that want to swing high and fast and love a challenge.  

Standing swing– This standing platform swing is a great option for big kids. It’s square-shaped with indents for your feet. This swing allows forward and backwards movement while standing. 

Surf swing

Best hammock swings for kids 

Signature Yellow leaf Hammock– This hammock is durable for all weather conditions but light and easy to pack up and take camping. It is designed not to flip, making it safer for children to get in and out of. It can be hung from many different spots and has a 400lb weight capacity.

Hammock Chair Swing– A swing with pockets! For books or rocks, it has pockets to store things in while kids relax. It offers a little more cushion and support than a traditional hammock but has all the laid-back relaxation. 

Photo credit @sara_mcarty

Inclusive swings for kids 

A swing is a great tool for all abilities. Swinging gives vestibular and proprioceptive stimulation. The movement can help soothe and calm a child whether they are overstimulated or seeking more input to feel regulated.   Using the full body to swing activates muscles on each side of the body equally, which can help improve strength balance and coordination. Swinging can be a fun and engaging tool to address things like weakness, tone, sensory processing disorders. And kids love it. 

Little Tikes Inclusive Swing– this swing has a high back/neck support, sturdy 3 point harness and high grade plastic. Weight limit of 250lbs. The downside is it is more expensive.

Deluxe swing seat– This highback swing seat has leg support and secure straps. It has a weight capacity of 200lbs but can come in smaller sizes as well. 

Portable Swing Chair– sitting still is hard, when kids need sensory input in the go this portable swing chair is perfect! It is great for camping or sporting events 

Photo credit @sara_mccarty

Best porch swings 

Family Wooden Porch swing– Take some time to sit back and enjoy the sunrise or sunset while sitting on a porch with your family. It’s such a great way to start it end the day. This porch swing is durable and customizable!

Porch swing with stand– If you don’t have a sturdy porch or don’t have a porch at all, you can still enjoy the outdoors with this swing that includes a stand. This large and sturdy swing is perfect for sitting and relaxing in the yard, as well. 

Photo credit @sara_mccarty

Get to swinging!

Having a swing at home has endless benefits. Swinging is enjoyed by many ages and many abilities. This activity can provide hours of endless fun for the whole family while encouraging physical activity and emotional bonding. You can never have too many types of swings.

What kind of swing is your kids’ favorite?

About the author

Meghan is a country-living mom of 3 kids in rural central Illinois. She is a Physical Therapist Assistant by trade but spends most of her time outside with her family. At home, she has large flower, herb, and vegetable gardens to tend to and 3 large dogs to play with. As a family, they enjoy hiking, camping, boating, fishing, and helping her in-laws show and raise livestock. Photography became a hobby while in isolation after her oldest son’s bone marrow transplant. It has since become a passion for capturing her family’s daily life. Throughout her family’s journey with rare disease and transplant, the outdoors has been a safe space for the whole family to grow, learn, and thrive.

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

The post Best Outdoor Swings For Kids appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Spice up your hikes with geocaching

Have you ever found your kids getting tired of something they love doing, but do so often it seems stale? If you’re a parent, chances are you answered yes. My family loves hiking, but kids can easily get bored with hiking. I have a lot of ideas for keeping hiking interesting for littles. One of our favorite ways is choosing a hike with exciting sights. This involves researching trails and making sure the payoff for kids is enough to keep them excited about putting one foot in front of the other.

While fun sights along your hike can yield great results, how can we combat trail boredom or hiking fatigue when you might not have exciting destinations? How do you keep a hike through your local park exciting? Or even just a walk through town? I have one more trick up my sleeve, and it’s call geocaching! Read on to learn what geocaching is and how it can save your family hiking trips.

What is geocaching

Before I understood what geocaching was, I automatically assumed it was lame. I never imagined my family or I would be interested in something involving GPS coordinates or caches. Was I being closed-minded? Absolutely. I just didn’t know what we were missing! Luckily, people kept asking if we’d tried geocaching, so I decided it was time to see what all the hype was about (mainly so we could tell people we tried it and it wasn’t our thing). Much to my surprise, we LOVED it!

Geocaching.com defines geocaching as a real-world, outdoor adventure that is happening all the time, all around the world. Now, if you’ve never heard of or been geocaching, it could be because it’s still relatively new. This adventure activity has only existed since 2000 and has grown from a few geocaches to millions of geocaches and geocachers worldwide. I can now agree that it deserves all the hype it’s built up and urge everyone to give it a try.

How does geocaching work?

Geocaching is pretty straightforward and is easier than it sounds. It works by using GPS tracking through apps on your smartphone, such as the free geocaching app. This app shows users the various caches (we like to call them treasures) available nearby and helps you navigate to them. Think of it as a real-life treasure hunt where you’re searching for items hidden by other users. 

You’d be surprised how many caches are out there (everywhere!) and where caches are located. We once found one in a junkyard near a restaurant we were visiting. While we couldn’t get to it due to not having anyone to permit us to enter, searching for the treasure kept us entertained while waiting to be seated. Caches are at your local park, hidden along your favorite trails, all over in the city and suburbs. 

Create your account and start geocaching

Once you download the app, you’ll be prompted to create an account. You can use the free version, which gives access to a limited number of caches, or the paid option to see premium caches. I recommend starting with the basic account and upgrading if need be. The free version lets your find “traditional” caches (which are a bit larger and easier to find than the small or micro caches), which are perfect for little kids and families. 

Finding the cache

The map on the geocaching app will direct you close to the cache (within 30 feet). Then, it’s up to you to find the treasure! Caches are usually small containers filled with little trinkets and goodies for trading. The cache may also have a log book for you to write down your name and the date you found the cache. Once you find it, you can swap out a trinket with another and sign the log book. Make sure to put the cache back exactly where you found it. And then mark it as “found” on the app, which will turn it into a smiley face icon. 

Geocaching etiquette

If geocaching sounds like something your family would enjoy, there are a few things you should know before heading out to find treasure. Geocaching etiquette says: 

• Don’t take anything from the cache if you don’t have anything to leave (and leave something of equal or greater value). I happen to love this because it helps keep it fair for everyone and ensures you’ll get something when you find the treasure. Imagine the disappointment after spending time excitedly searching for a cache only to find it empty. To avoid being the culprit, keep a small stash of items in your car or pack specifically to replenish your finds. 
• Use the log system to share with the owner and others whether you found the cache or not. It helps keep the spirit of adventure alive! If the cache is damaged or doesn’t contain any treasure, you can report that through the app for maintenance.
• Be sure to return the cache to the exact spot you found it. If you don’t, others won’t experience the joy of finding it. This is true even if you think you found a better hiding place for the cache.
• Respect private property. Some caches are hidden on or near private property; it’s a good idea to either refrain or ask permission before entering. 
• Bring a pen to sign in with your username and date found for the owner. Not all caches have a pen or pencil to use. 

How can geocaching save your family hikes?

Easy! We’ve talked a lot about the fact that geocaching can be done anywhere, that includes while hiking. Many caches are hidden along popular trails. Caches are prevalent in parks and even in neighborhoods. You might be surprised just how many caches are out there on trails and in places you visit all the time! Or, look at the app to see where caches are hidden along trails to discover new (to you) trails and hikes to explore. 

When you find your kids moaning and groaning about another hike, appeal to their mysterious side and present them with the opportunity to hunt for treasure in the woods instead. They’ll forget they’re hiking, you get the pleasure of having happy kids while secretly hiking, and the family has another new memory added to the bank. It’s a win for everyone! 

Even more reasons to try geocaching

Besides the fun of being part of a real-life treasure hunt, geocaching can serve as a tool to encourage kids in a few ways, teach new (and valuable) skills, and get them outside! Here are a few of my favorite benefits that we’ve discovered from geocaching as a family. 

• Map reading and navigation skills are crucial components of thriving in the outdoors. Geocaching is a fun way to get kids learning more and gaining confidence in their navigation skills. I’ve personally seen my oldest son grow by leaps and bounds in his map reading skills, to the point that he can lead me!
• The idea of leaving an item for taking an object can help instill a giver’s heart in kids. It also encourages them to be thoughtful and considerate of others who left items or might find the treasure in the future. 
• Joy and happiness are my favorite benefits of geocaching. As parents, we know that time outdoors is healthy for our kids, but keeping them engaged and excited can become challenging. Treasure hunting is a sure way to encourage joy and happiness in kids and the entire family. The joy on a child’s face when he finds treasure is palpable! 

Boredom busted

Since diving into geocaching, we’ve found ourselves looking for caches in places we’d never thought would provide an ounce of adventure. From forests, playgrounds, city streets, undiscovered neighborhoods, and even the depths of the ocean…geocaches are everywhere! Searching for them should be a top tool in the boredom-busting box. After all, you never know what you may find!

Geocaching resources

• Beginner’s Guide to Geocaching with Kids
• Official Geocaching Website
• Geocaching Manners Quiz

Have you tried geocaching before?
If so, what’s your most exciting find?

About the author

Zenovia is an outdoor enthusiast, freelance travel and adventure blogger, wife, and mom to three young boys (ages 8, 5  & 2). Originally from Chicago, Zenovia and her family live in Huntsville, Alabama, and spend many of their days exploring and learning about the area. She is the Founder and CEO of Black Kids Adventures, Inc, a non-profit organization that focuses on getting Black and Brown families to spend time together exploring and enjoying nature. Zenovia is a Visit North Alabama Ambassador, 2021 Land Trust of North Alabama Board Member, YMCA Board Member, WildKind Ambassador and a monthly contributor for We are Huntsville and Huntsville’s CVB. You can follow along with her mom and family adventures and find inspiration for your own family adventures at Black Adventure Crew.

You can find Zenovia online in the following locations:
Instagram: @blackadventurecrew
Facebook: @blackadventurecrew
Website: Black Kids Adventures
RWMC posts: Backyard Movie Night, Outdoor Exercising with Kids

The post Spice Up Your Family Hikes with Geocaching appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Fall is frost flower season

Fall is finally here and the temperatures are starting to drop. This season is a great time to get kids outdoors and hiking due to milder temperatures, beautiful fall colors, and fewer nuisance insects.  Another great advantage to fall hiking is the surprise discovery of frost flowers!

These elusive cool weather gems provide a wonderful outdoor treasure hunt opportunity for the whole family. Frost flowers are rare and fleeting, but quite the experience to discover. Not only does searching for frost flowers provide a fun way to explore nature, but it also is an opportunity for a science lesson to learn about how they form.

While you may never have even heard of frost flowers, I will explain the formation process and tips for how to find frost flowers while hiking. 

What are frost flowers?

Despite the name, frost flowers aren’t actual flowers at all! Did you see that plot twist coming? These delicate creations are actually composed of thin ribbons of ice that curl into intricate petal shapes.

They may also be called ice flowers, ribbon ice, or rabbit ice. Stunning and short-lived, frost flowers emerge from the stems of specific plants as the temperatures begin to dip below freezing. Once the sun rises and warms the ice, these fragile ice crystals vanish away quickly. You can’t plant them or grow them, but when the weather is right they appear almost like magic. 

How frost flowers form

While it may look like fairies spin these lovely creations overnight, in reality, frost flowers require very specific conditions in order to form. Frost flowers develop when the air temperature drops below freezing, but the ground is still warm. This usually occurs around the first frost of the season when the thermometer drops sharply at night, but the days are still warmer.

The higher ground temperatures are enough to keep the plants’ root systems active. As water or sap is drawn up into the stems, the cooler night air causes the moisture to freeze. The frozen moisture expands and forces pressure against the stems. This causes small cracks or fissures through the stem surface.

The moist and warm roots continue to send liquid up through the stem which then pushes out through the cracks in the stem. When this water reaches the colder air, it quickly freezes. As more water continues up the stem, the liquid continues to be forced out through the cracks and freezes upon contact with the air. (You can explain it to kids as similar to pushing toothpaste out of a tube.) This continued liquid to ice cycle creates fragile ribbons of ice that can curl and morph into unusual nature sculptures. 

Size and shape of frost flowers

The size of the cracks in the stem and the type of plant determine the shape of the frost flowers. Wider stem cracks will lead to thicker flower petals. Thinner cracks create even more delicate ice crystals that twist and curl. Some stems split completely in a vertical line.

Just like snowflakes, no two frost flowers will look alike. As the ice ribbons form, they can join into each other to create petals, flowers, and even heart shapes. 

Which plants create frost flowers?

Not all plants form frost flowers. According to American Scientist, about 40 different species worldwide are known to develop frost flowers. Scientists are sure exactly why only certain plants form frost flowers, but it may be due to a more active root system or stems that more easily rupture.

The more common species that lead to frost flowers include dittany, stinkwood, ironweed, crownbeard, frostweek, tickweed, Indian tobacco, and wingstem. You may even see frost flowers in wood, where water vapor is forced through the wood pores. I have also witnessed frost flowers emerging from rocky surfaces under the right conditions. 

Where to look for frost flowers

The discovery of frost flowers can be exciting but you have to look in the right place. Frost flowers will only occur in areas where the temperature dips below freezing and the correct plant species grow. In the U.S., they can be found in the Midwest, Northeast, and portions of the South. An internet search may be able to help discover if or where in your area these plants grow.

Natural areas that are not mowed are a good place to search in these regions.  Many of the plants that produce them grow in more moist or woody areas. I often find them in areas that are mossy, forested, or near a creek. Hilly and shades areas where the temperature is cooler are also good hunting spots. Another common location is a field near the edge of a wooded area. You may have to look closely or peek under fallen leaves to find them. 

You could try looking while hiking at a local state park or nature preserve to find undisturbed areas. In Missouri for example, I have found them at parks with heavy woods, mossy hills, and streams such as Meramec State Park and Rockwoods Reservation. 

How to spot frost flowers

When you first happen to witness frost flowers, they may appear as trash or tissues littering a field or forest floor. Upon closer inspection, they appear as delicate as cotton candy or a spider’s web. Once you are fortunate to find one, keep an eye out and see how many more you can discover. My kids find this process a fun scavenger hunt. 

When to look for frost flowers

The timing of frost flowers is very difficult to predict as proper conditions are very specific such as when catching a rainbow. Typically, frost flowers emerge after the first good frost in fall or early winter. The first hard temperature drop of the season can cause the moist plant stems to rupture and initiate the process of the moisture being forced through the previously cracked stems. This process can continue for days or weeks depending on how the weather cooperates. 

If the weather continues in an up and down pattern of warm days and cold nights, you can witness frost flowers emerging for a much longer period. While most common in fall, the process can also occur in winter and spring. Once the ground freezes, the process will cease as moisture can no longer move up the stems.

Early morning frost flowers

In order to witness the frost flower phenomenon, you need to get an early start to explore. The ice crystals form in freezing overnight hours just like typical ground frost. However, they melt away quickly when the sun begins to shine and warm the ground.

For the best chance of finding frost flowers, try to time a morning hike for soon after sunrise if you can drag the kids out of bed in time to go searching. If the day stays cool or cloudy, you may even be able to spot frost flowers into the late morning hours. 

Preparing to look for frost flowers

Since frost flowers emerge after a hard drop in temperatures, be prepared with the proper gear and attire for exploring outdoors. A warm hat, gloves, and coat are key for keeping little ears and fingers warm.

Since the ground will often be frosty and damp, a good pair of water-resistant hiking shoes and wool blend socks can keep toes dry. While the nights and mornings may be cool, the daytime weather can warm quickly as the sun rises. Layers are always a good choice to allow shedding warmer outerwear.  

Explore responsibly

Frost flowers are both rare and short-lived. In order to allow others to enjoy the spectacle, please teach children to observe gently. I allow my kids to carefully touch a few in order to understand what they are made of and how they are created. However, we try to avoid damaging them in case other hikers are in the area to view these special ice creations.

Always respect all rules as far as whether venturing off-trail to explore is allowed. Even with cooler temperatures, please keep an eye out to avoid disturbing nature and wildlife. Make sure you follow (and teach) all Leave No Trace principles. 

Have you ever seen a frost flower?

About the author

Sara has been married to her high school sweetheart for 17 years and together they have two children. Sara spent many childhood hours outside on her grandparents’ farm and strives for her kids to have similar carefree kid adventures. Based in the St. Louis area, she loves to share on her blog and social media all the scenic and fun places to explore around the St. Louis area and beyond. Hiking is the most popular activity for her whole family followed by hitting up the best local playgrounds. Photography is also a passion of Sara’s and she continues to be amazed at the natural beauty and wonder of God’s creation. When she is not hitting the trail, Sara works as a civil engineer.

You can find more from Sara online in the following locations:
Instagram: @midwestnomadfamily
Facebook: Midwest Nomad Family
RWMC posts: Sara Lesire

The post How to Find Frost Flowers While Hiking appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Why parks and playgrounds?

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

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

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

Benefits of playgrounds 

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

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

A park tour adventure

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

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

It’s time to be an official park critic!

DIY park tour guidebooks

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

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

To be fancy or not to be fancy

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

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

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

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

Paper bag DIY park tour guidebook supplies

• Brown paper shopping bag (one for each person)
• Filler paper with a rating system (print my PDF if you’d like) 
• Hole punch
• String, yarn, or ribbon
• Scissors
• Markers, crayons, paints, or other art supplies

How to make a park guidebook

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

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

Step 1: Cut the paper bag

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

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

Step 2: Punch the holes

If you have a three-hole punch, lucky you. You are set for this next step. But if you’re like me and only have a regular ol’ single-hole punch, you may want to follow the steps below.

1. Find a scrap piece of paper the same size as your filler paper and punch three holes (as evenly spaced as possible) along the left side. Use this scrap piece of paper as your hole punching template.
2. Put your front and back panel from the paper bag on top of each other, the handles touching.
3. Then place your hole punching template on the top and punch the same three holes.
4. Do step 2 for the filler paper as well.

Voila! You just took thrice as long to do the same job as the three-hole punch, but you still got the job done!

Step 3: Decorate the cover page

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

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

Step 4: Assemble the pages

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

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

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

Creating your park ranking system

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

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

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

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

How to create the park tour guidebook ranking pages

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

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

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

Other fun additions to your park tour guidebook

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

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

Take your park tour guide books out and play

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

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

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

About the author

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

You can find Chelsea online in the following locations:
Instagram: @angie_mahlke
RWMC posts: Angie Mahlke

The post How to Make a DIY Park Tour Guidebook appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Skateboarding obsession begins

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

Becoming a skateboarding mom

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

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

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

Benefits of skateboarding for kids

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

Best age for getting started skateboarding

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

What do we need to get started?

You don’t need very much to get started skateboarding, but the gear is important. Here are the few basic pieces of skateboarding equipment you’ll need to get your kids off and rolling:

• skateboard
• helmet
• protective pads
• closed-toe sneakers or skate shoes

I get lots of requests for brand and equipment recommendations for families just jumping into skating. This has been a trial and error process for us, and what works best for my kids may not be what your kids prefer. However, I’m happy to share what works for us!

Kinds of skateboards

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

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

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

How to choose a skateboard for kids

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

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

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

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

Protective gear – skateboarding helmets and pads

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

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

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

Skateboarding shoes for kids

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

Additional skateboarding gear suggestions

After a year and a half of serious (and I mean serious) hours put in at our local skateparks, I’ve learned to have a few other items on hand! You may not need these items early on in the process, but if you find yourself spending more and more time skating, it’s a good idea (actually, it’s a great idea) to keep these items handy and closeby: 

• Medical kit – You’ll want to have bandages available from the very beginning. As your little skater progresses and attempts more difficult tricks, you’ll want to have a more substantial kit on hand. We use ours almost every trip to the skatepark, whether for our own kids or to share with other skaters getting injuries. 
• Skate tool – This is a tool used to tighten or loosen the trucks (the metal part that the wheels are on)
• Extra shoe laces – Once your skater starts to attempt different tricks, they’ll also start to snap their laces! There were some skatepark days where we went through several sets of laces in a single day!
• Shoe Goo – This is great for fixing shoes that are getting torn up for skating! It’s a great trick for extending the life of your shoes.
• Camera (with video capability) – My kids are constantly asking me to take photos and videos of their runs and tricks. They like to see how they look (and how they can improve). They analyze the videos later and adjust accordingly. It’s an amazing process of self-awareness. 

We keep all of these items in our skate bag so we have everything we may need all in one place!

Getting started as a skateboarding parent

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

Get mentally prepared

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

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

Find a safe place to start

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

Balance and push

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

Hit the skatepark

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

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

Practice, practice, practice!

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

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

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

Are your kids interested in learning how to skateboard?

About the author

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

You can find Chelsea online in the following locations:
Instagram: @dimples.and.the.blonde
Website: dimplesandtheblonde.com
RWMC posts: Chelsea Furlong

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An idea is borne

As a father who is constantly seeking ways to inspire my kids to be adventurous, and wild, and borderline primal, I usually find our journeys heading down a trail. We LOVE hiking, and mountain biking, and even just finding a place to picnic where our conversations and thoughts are not interrupted by other people… Ironically, people like us. 

We wanted to get away from it all. And so, an idea was borne. 

The idea started on a particular hike when my son (7) and I were looking for rocks to add to his collection. We had let my wife and daughter hike ahead while we searched and chatted. He made a comment on how “cool” the trail had been. This sparked an amazing conversation about what he’d do if he could build his own trail. I kept note of this conversation and naturally as any sane and loving father would do, I started cutting a private trail on family land. With my kids…

Planning our trails

Using a little Field Notes book, we began collecting data on all of the trails we hiked. We noted what we liked, what we disliked, what we would do differently, what worked well, etc. We even started taking pictures of how features were built and laid out. This really helped my kids recall previous conversations we had as we could pull up the photos and discuss. 

Then, when we were ready to start creating our own trails on our family land, I allowed my kids to pick the routes we wanted to take and even choose what features they wanted to incorporate. Luckily they kept it mild, aside from a few bridges. 

Survey the land

We started by completing a hasty survey of the land to determine what we were working with. Then, we flagged and staked the trail. Initially, we did this with orange flagging ribbon so that it stands out in the timber. Once each section of trail is completed we will go pack and remove the flagging, replacing it with wooden DIY arrows and trail ducks (stacked rocks).  Our arrows are simply burned into 1-inch thick slices from a wooden fence post. 

Blazing trails and teaching moments

Currently, we have hand-cut 1 mile (one way) of singletrack hiking trails on our land. This has allowed me to teach my kiddos the parts of a trail and how they function. Through our trail building experience, they’ve learned about adding berms to allow mountain bikers to carry speed through a turn. They know how to benchcut an off-camber section to keep the trail from eroding downhill. They’ve even learned how to out-slope the trail to keep water from pooling on it.  These are all attributes of any good trail that no longer go unrecognized by our kids. Trail building is much more than just a path through the woods (although, sometimes that is exactly what it is). 

Trail building has given us so many opportunities to get them to think outside the box and exercise those engineering and problem-solving skills. I like to ask them how they think we should fix or mitigate a problem with the trail, which allows them the opportunity to have input and use what they’ve learned so far. They’re quite the problem-solvers and often bring up ideas I hadn’t thought of. And then sometimes their ideas are along the lines of “just build a ramp, Dad, so we can jump the creek!” 

Helping build trails on public land*

Our favorite public trail systems can almost always use our help. If you’re interested in helping build or maintain trails on public land, reach out to your local trail bosses or state parks. Volunteer yourself (and your family!) to help them cut and maintain those magnificent trails that you use and love. Most organizations even have designated trail workdays that you can jump in on. This is a great way to use the knowledge you already have and gain even more experience working with professionals. 

*I should probably add that you should never do any work that is not authorized or planned by the maintainers of the trail. Even something simple like removing rocks or detouring around a mud puddle can completely alter the layout of a trail. 

Trail building tools

Whether you are joining a trail crew for the occasional workday or starting your own network of trails on your land, there are need a few basic tools you need for building trails. 

Rakes

After flagging your trails, you’ll want to rake away all the loose grass and leaves down to the dirt. I like to use a leaf rake where the grass is already sparse and a garden rake when trying to pull out any shallow roots or small rocks. (A garden hoe works well for this also). Raking the path is an easy, simple, and safe task for any age kid and gives them immediate gratification. 

Hatchet

A good hatchet might become your most used tool on the trail. You’ll want to use the hatchet for most smaller diameter limbs and little shrubs. I also find myself using it for ripping out briar bushes and busting up softer sandstone rocks with the blunt side.  Make sure to closely supervise kids when using tools like a hatchet. Older kids can probably handle them, but little ones will need assistance. 

Handsaws

Carrying a compact handsaw will make quick work of any small trees or medium-sized limbs. Where a hatchet may take several minutes to chop a small tree, a handsaw can fell it half the time. Again, supervise kids and make sure to teach them proper tool safety lessons. 

Quality work gloves

It only takes forgetting your work gloves once and a nice big blister to realize your mistake. I prefer to use leather gloves over synthetic ones, but it’s really a personal choice. For my kids, I was able to find full leather gloves at our local Tractor Supply store. I’m sure you can find them at most big box stores, or online if you know your kid’s glove size. 

Other trail building supplies

Probably goes without saying, but pack in plenty of water and snacks when you’re out building trails with kids. It’s really easy to lose track of time when you’re all working hard. Time has escaped us enough times now that set alarms on my phone to remind us when to eat and when to call it a day. 

I prefer to bring a backpack to carry anything that will fit. After working all day, the last thing you and the kiddos will want to do is hike out while fumbling around with your hands full of your tools.  

I also like to bring along a map so that I can map my trails and see the progress we’re making as we work. While I use a combination of my Garmin watch along with the Motion-X GPS app on my phone (any GPS device will work). The app is free and allows you to record your tracks and even set waypoints with notes. There are plenty of GPS apps out there and most will work just fine as they all use your phone’s built-in GPS receiver.

Some necessary trail building rules

After building trails for a while, we’ve figured a few things out. We’ve had to set a few ground rules for the kids (and adults) that we’ve laid out for our trail building workdays:

The hatchet is BY FAR my son’s favorite tool, naturally. So we have a little saying of “One swing, one strike”. Simply meaning that he swings once, and then resets before swinging again. This was just my way of keeping him from swinging too fast or uncontrollably. The other hatchet rule is to never swing the hatchet over their heads. This is really a sound rule for kids and adults alike.

We all wear our gloves anytime we are working. Aside from avoiding blisters, I require them to prevent cuts from the handsaw and to protect our hands from scorpions and “trick sticks” (what my son calls snakes) that often hide under the rocks and brush. 

We also stop when it is time to stop. My kids have really impressed me with how dedicated they are to their task-at-hand. And how hard they will work to complete it. But, the last thing I want is for them to have overworked muscles the next day and to be tired at school. So we set a sort of ‘quitting time’ and when it’s time to stop, we stop. This also allows us time to admire our day’s work and not be rushed to leave it. 

Maintaining trails with kids

Building trails and maintaining them is a never-ending project. Nature continuously repairs itself, so maintenance and upkeep will be necessary for the life of any trail or nature will take back over. That’s both a wonderful thing and an exhausting one. Once you’ve got a well-packed centerline along your path, most of the maintenance will consist of seasonal upkeep.

In the spring and summer months, weed-eating along the edges and trimming limbs will be the bulk of your work. But, be prepared to fix any low spots that are holding water or eroding away as a result of the spring rains. 

Winter and fall maintenance is a little easier, in my opinion. We walk our trail with a rake and leaf blower and this is usually all that needs to be done. For us, this needs to be done 2-3 times per season. The cooler months are also when we prefer to add any new features or big projects to our trail. While my kids prefer the warmer work days, working in the cooler temps provides more safety for the kiddos from any slithery snakes or even scorpions. 

Trail building through all weather

My kiddos have never shied away from the tough work, so I never shied away from letting them do it, even in tough weather. As I mentioned above, trails are a never-ending project and always need work. That’s why I don’t cancel a trail day due to “bad” weather. I’m not talking about thunderstorms or sauna temperatures, but if the weather forecast calls for showers or hot weather, I simply plan accordingly.

Pack up the rain jackets for storms or the frozen water bottles for the heat. Dress accordingly (always layers). It’s much cooler in the woods than you might imagine on a hot day. And, working in the rain can be an easy way to see where your trail might be holding water requiring more adequate drainage points. 

Kids are resilient. I am continuously impressed with how often my kids want to work on our trails regardless of the weather. We have had plenty of HOT workdays and days where a warm fire and some hot chocolate were the perfect end. They seem to forget about the conditions when they’re focused on their task at hand.

Why we love the work

We love being in the woods, getting dirty, and how we always feel better after exerting our energy through a productive outlet. There is so much about trail building that we love and too few ways of explaining it. Everything from the pride you get in your labor to the sense of ownership you get to have over the trails you love.

For me, the benefits of trail building seem to come in unexpected ways. Like when we’re hiking in a state park or on any public trail and my son points out the attributes of a trail that he wants to incorporate into ours. Or even parts he’d fix differently. This has been a wildly unexpected and prideful result of this entire process. I knew my kids would learn and grow from the physical and mental work, but I could not have imagined the joy they would have from working so hard and how proud I would be of them. 

Get into the wild

At Run Wild My Child we are adventurists and explorers of the wild. We all have a connection to trails, so let’s not be scared to reach out to a local trail boss and offer up our weekend to help maintain them. The trail crews and patrons alike will GREATLY appreciate you and your littles’ hard work. And we can all continue to reap the benefits of like-minded trail-lovers everywhere. Because we are all part of nature and it belongs to us all. It’s our responsibility to take care of it. 

National Trail Day is June 5

Did you know that National Trail Day is coming up? This Saturday, June 5th is National Trail Day. How are you going to celebrate? By hiking your favorite trail or blazing a new one? If you want to help, visit the American Hiking Society, International Mountain Bicycling Association, or your State Parks Department to find out how you can become involved. 

About the author

Jared Ryan is a husband to a talented and beautiful wife, Kristen also a father of two fun-loving and adventurous kiddos. He enjoys leading family adventures to both near and far destinations. Whether it is hiking, camping, climbing, bike riding, or playing in the backyard, he loves it all. He instills in his family the importance of nature and all the benefits it can bring to one’s life. Jared is a GIS analyst by trade, so he is naturally drawn to creating maps and all things trail-related, whether it is creating new trails, recording family hikes, or teaching his kids land navigation, he loves to tie in his own work with family adventures.

You can find Jared online in the following locations:
Instagram: @bikeshikesbiners
RWMC posts: Beginner’s Guide to Mountain Biking with Kids, Winter Car Camping, Roosevelt Walks

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