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.

Most popular outdoor toys for boys & girls

We all want what’s best for our kids, so we made a list of the most popular outdoor toys for boys and girls. These toys have been tried and trusted by kids of all ages and received high praise from parents and kids alike. Any of them would make a great gift for that outdoorsy kid on your list. 

Dome Climber: This jungle gym for kids is dome-shaped and has the option of adding a swing to the center. Another great creative way to utilize this toy is to add a tarp over the top to make a tent! Add some twinkle lights and you’ve got an igloo young kids can play in during cold winter months. While it is a wonderful outdoor toy for kids to climb, be advised that it takes a few adults and some patience to assemble. 

Swurfer: Think surfboard meets skateboard meets swing. The Swurfer is a plank-like board suspended from ropes you attach to a tree limb. There are handles to help you maneuver this swing while standing on the plank. It is fun, and compound movements benefit a child’s physical development. Would make a great gift for any kid into surfing, skateboarding, or snowboarding. 

Kiddie Pool: A kiddie pool, whether you have an inflatable one or a hard plastic one, can be used for more than just backyard splashing and soaking. It’s a fun way to cool off on a hot day. Or, fill it with sand, and use it as a sandbox; take it to the beach and set it up under a pop-up tent for your toddlers. This multi-function outdoor toy is a must-have for any household with kids. 

Slackers NinjaLine: This ninja slackline obstacle course is fantastic if you’re short on outdoor space, but your kids are not short on energy! Kids can test their ninja skills with ten obstacles, providing them with a tremendous athletic challenge. The equipment is easily set up between two healthy trees or posts, and they will be ninja warriors in no time! 

Stomp Rockets: Do you remember these foam rockets from your childhood? They are still popular outdoor toys for boys and girls alike. Children can play with them on their own or create a competition to see who can blast their rocket the highest with a friend or sibling. One thing to mention is that it is best to play with this toy out in the open, not near trees or your house. Losing all your rockets to the treetops won’t be very fun!

Sandboxes: Sandboxes are fantastic outdoor toys for boys and girls of all ages and would make a great outdoor gift. Toddlers are happy to sit in the sand and scoop with their hands or little shovels, and older kids can get creative in what they make with the sand. The key to this toy is to purchase one with a cover. Or I have even seen parents set up a sandbox inside a small tent. This cover will prevent other debris from getting into the sand and deter animals from using it as a litter box.

Tonka Trucks: Your child might already be truck obsessed, but these near-indestructible vehicles are fun for all, even if they aren’t! Fill them with pinecones, dirt, or sticks, or have races with a sibling or friend. The metal construction and rugged design have made these toys last for years. We have a joke in our family that my boy’s Tonka trucks have 300,000 miles on them.

Walkie-Talkies: Walkie-Talkies are the perfect gift for outdoorsy kids and can be used by the entire family. Walkie talkies can be used inside or outside, but my boys have so much fun with them outdoors. They play hide-and-seek with them or pretend they are on “secret missions.” We brought ours on a camping trip last summer, and this outdoor toy became a functional tool for keeping track of each other on the campground. One thing to note about these toys is that you want to store them inside to avoid damage. 

Trampolines: Trampolines come in all sizes nowadays and make a great addition to your backyard. Sizes range from miniature ones with a handle for toddlers to massive ones that even adults can enjoy. One thing they all have in common, they are a great way to burn some energy! The large ones take time and patience to assemble, so keep that in mind if you pull the trigger and purchase one. 

Little Tikes slide: This slide is great for toddlers, but my boys used it well beyond their toddler years. They used it not only for climbing and sliding but for sliding into an inflatable pool and racing matchbox cars down the slope!

Power wheels: Motorized, rechargeable cars that kids can ride are so fun and make really fun outdoor gifts for outdoorsy kids! They are made for most ages, from toddlers to big kids, and have every design you could think of, from Barbie Jeeps to Land Rovers. Kids love being in control of a steering wheel and honking the horns! Be on the lookout for these on swap pages – you can usually get a second-hand car at a fraction of the price and just update the battery. 

Splash pads: If you’ve ever been to a community splash pad, you know how fun they can be! You can buy smaller versions that connect to your garden hose, which are bound to impress your kids! 

Balance bikes: Try a balance bike before your child is ready to take off on a two-wheel bicycle or even a big kid bike with training wheels! These bicycles are such fantastic outdoor toys and provide the child with the basic skills to build on to successfully ride a bike on their own. Also, They are often adjustable, so as your child grows, so does the bike! Remember to instill in your child that they should wear a snug-fitting helmet whenever they get on their bikes. 

Bounce house: If you want to go all-out crazy with action, a bounce house is a HUGE hit for any outdoor play space. It’s a bit of an investment, but it’s guaranteed to be a big hit and keep your little ones jumping and happy for hours at a time. Many bounce houses can be used both indoors and outdoors, so if you have a large enough space inside, it can be used year-round. 

Ride-on Dig Cranes: If you have kids like my two boys, they might be obsessed with big trucks, construction equipment, and having their own “job sites” at our house. These ride-on dig cranes turn your kids into operators and would make great holiday gifts. Your kids will have a blast digging in the dirt or sand for hours of outdoor fun. I’ve even seen parents bringing these mobile toys to the beach; what a fantastic idea! 

Wagon: Don’t underestimate a solid wagon for outdoor play! You can give your kids rides around the yard, and as they grow older and more robust, they can give each other rides. They are also helpful for parades, trick-or-treating, or walks around the neighborhood!

Water Tables: What is more fun than water play on a hot summer day? A water table is easy to contain and an attractive toy for kids to play outside. Just fill it with water from the hose and let your kids loose with their imagination. My boys have even used their water table in the winter once the water freezes!

Yard games for boys and girls

Card and board games are great options for playing in your living room, but what about the outdoors? Here are a few options to get your kids outdoors and excited about playing together! 

Cornhole: Cornhole is a fun outdoor game that people of all ages can enjoy. It’s popular to play on the beach and at barbeques with friends. Children’s versions are collapsible and easy for kids to set up. This outdoor toy is an interactive competitive game that allows your child to participate in healthy competition, all while practicing and improving their coordination and throwing skills. 

Oversized Jenga: Jenga is a relatively easy game to teach young children, and most people enjoy it even as they get older. These giant wooden blocks make the game even more fun, and you don’t have to worry about knocking your furniture around or denting your floors when you play outside!

Lasso golf: This game is played in teams to score 21 points first! It promotes competition and accuracy and is easy to set up and break down to store. 

Ring toss: When I think of ring toss, I imagine playing at a carnival. But there are at-home versions that are perfect for playing outside. The game is easy for any age to play and understand, and your kids can practice eye-hand coordination.

Croquet: Yes! People still play croquet, and not just your grandma’s friends. This game is an excellent addition to your backyard game’s repertoire and is fun to set up for a barbeque with friends. 

Best outdoor toys for boys and girls for the beach

If you’re lucky enough to live near a body of water or even have a backyard or community pool, here are some toys you can use next time you go for a swim.

Kids kayaks: These kids’ kayaks are lightweight, durable, and not easy to tip over! Designed to meet the needs of youth, including front storage and a convenient cup holder so your child can easily switch from paddling near the dock to that all-day adventure. Comes with a padded slip-resistant seat, swim-up deck, paddle rest and stable hull design with great maneuverability and steady tracking. 

Foam squirt guns: We know water guns are a hit with kids, but they are so easy to refill that even toddlers can do it independently. They are also lightweight and pretty inexpensive! Bring them to the beach, or use them in the backyard with a bucket of water for refills.

Diving toys: Kids love a challenge, and practicing with these dive toys are a great way to hone their skills in the water while still having fun!

Boogie boards: These boards can be used to float around and kick through the water, but my boys have used them as floating tables, placing their dive toys or rocks and shells they find on the ocean floor on them.

Collapsable buckets: These are great space-saving options for buckets. They are sturdy and ready to make sandcastles, collect frogs, or be water transporters!

Fishing Poles: If you live in an area that allows for fishing, check out these kids’ fishing poles. Younger kids may need some assistance from an adult, but as they age, this is a great hobby to encourage that independence!

Inexpensive outdoor toys for boys and girls

While there are so many outdoor toys for boys and girls to choose from, some of them have hefty price tags. Check out this list of toys you can find at the dollar store. They are relatively inexpensive, and children of all ages will enjoy them. 

Sidewalk Chalk: Combine your child’s love of creating art with the outdoors! If you have asphalt to draw on, great! But we have also used sidewalk chalk to color rocks or leaves.

Jump ropes: Jump ropes are inexpensive, easy to store, and provide hours of fun! Once your child gets the hang of simple jumps, there are many tricks to learn!

Wooden planes: You may remember wooden plane kits from your childhood. However, they still make these little sets and are just as fun for our kids. Folding your paper planes can make this activity even less expensive!

Bubbles: Who doesn’t love bubbles? There are many ways to play with them, and they come in different forms. Our favorites are the bubble wands. Pro-tip – tape the bubble container to a tree or table leg outside so the kids don’t spill all the bubble solution at once!

Water balloons: Water games are always a good idea in the summer. You can purchase a pack of water balloons for only a couple of dollars, and it’s an excellent activity for a birthday party or even a fun activity on a warm day.

Balls: This may seem like a no-brainer, but those big rubber bouncy balls you can find at the dollar store provide hours of fun. Watch as your child comes up with their games involving the balls, or start a kickball game with the whole family.

Yoga mat: Do you have a tiny yogi on your hands? Bring that yoga mat onto the porch, patio, or grass, and practice “child’s pose” with your kids!

Magnifying glass: Plastic magnifying glasses are perfect for little hands to get a close-up look at the world around them. Look under logs, at bugs, or even a flower bloom. 

Squirt bottles: This multi-purpose item can be filled with water and used outside for open-ended play. While it may not be exciting initially, kids will love spraying down their toys, the garden, or even each other!

FREE outdoor toys for boys & girls

Yes, you read that right! There are hundreds of toys for kids to play with outside, and you can find them all in nature. 

Sticks: A stick can be a magic wand, a baseball bat, or a tool for writing in the sand. It can be something your child collects to make a fort or something to paint on to create a personalized hiking stick. 

Water: Water is simple, but it can be used for many activities. Let the kids use the hose and make mud pies and stone soup with a bucket, dirt, stones, pinecones, and water. Or, with a younger child, fill a shallow pan with water and let them splash. 

Leaves: Use leaves to make a leaf crown, attaching them to a paper strip and placing them on your head. You can also do leaf rubbings by putting a leaf under a piece of paper and rubbing the top of the paper with the long side of a crayon. Make a leaf man after reading the book Leaf Man!

Clouds: Lay on your back on the grass or a sleeping bag and watch the clouds. You can talk about the job clouds have with your older children, or look for animals or objects in the shapes of the clouds with their younger siblings. 

Make a nature shelf: This can be an outdoor activity for the whole family. When you play outside, or go on a nature walk, collect little rocks, shells, feathers, or whatever else catches your eye and sparks your interest. Add them to your nature shelf, which you can hang inside or keep outside. 

I hope this post can help you find the perfect birthday or Christmas gift or broaden your knowledge of outdoor toys. New toys are constantly hitting the market, but many have stood the test of time, as you may remember playing with them as a child! Now, get outside and start playing! 

Which toy do you think your child will love?

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 outdoor toys for kids

We love our big adventures, but sometimes it’s necessary to have kids play close to home. Getting outside every day is a priority for us, and that’s easier for the kids to do when they have friends to play with and things to do. While they don’t always need to be completely entertained (there’s magic in unstructured outdoor free play and make-believe), we have found that the presence of open-ended toys and games can keep them outside longer and having fun.

I love finding fun and creative outdoor toys, games, and activities that keep our kids active and OUTSIDE for hours! We’ve tried a lot (if not all) of these toys and put them through the wringer, so they’re kid-tested (and mom-approved). Most of these toys encourage creativity, and imagination and promote unstructured free play. Here are some of our favorite outdoor toys, games, and activities for kids and families.

Photo credit: @sara_mccarty

Best outdoor toys for active kids

Slackline

A slackline is a two-inch-wide nylon webbing strip with a ratchet tensioning system that kids (and adults) can walk or bounce on. Most slacklines attach easily to trees with no additional tools or rigging needed. Slacklining is a perfect way for kids of all ages to hone balancing skills while building core strength and confidence. Slacklining is one of my kids’ favorite backyard activities and I’m blown away by how much time they spend on it daily, balancing, bouncing and playing games. This is a great beginner slackline kit and we’ve got an awesome post on slacklining with kids.

Ninja course

If you want to take your basic slackline to the next level and turn your kids into ninja warriors, definitely check out this backyard obstacle course. This one has hanging knots, rings and swings that will keep your kids entertained and physically active. Wonderful for balance, coordination, gross motor skills, and building hand and upper body strength. Easy to set up and space out according to your level of difficulty. It can be used by kids 5 and up through adults. Big kids and tweens will particularly love this. 

Zipline

If you’ve got the backyard space, ziplines are fun, safe and easy to set up! Using this backyard zipline kit with thorough installation and safety instructions, you can add a zipline to your backyard in no time. The fully assembled steel trolley comes pre-loaded with an adjustable rope and comfortable seat. The stylish and comfortable rubber grips are screwed into the trolley to ensure a safe and fun ride. This zipline will guarantee fun-filled family time outdoors.

Photo credit: @meghangarriott

Trampoline

A trampoline is the ultimate backyard addition for any active outdoorsy kid. It’s a big-ticket item and requires a lot of space, but it’s guaranteed to entertain your kids for hours (and hopefully wear them out!). We suggest getting a trampoline with a surrounding net enclosure (for safety). Trampolines can be dangerous, so please make sure to have adult supervision and teach your kids about proper trampoline safety. If you have a trampoline and are looking for games for your kids to play to keep them entertained, check out our post on trampoline games for kids. 

Rope climber

This rope climber is a great outdoor activity that’s also an introduction to a challenging, fun, and traditional fitness sport. It includes a circular rubber bottom disc that kids can stand or sit on to swing, hand and toeholds to help them climb, and lots of rope to grab and climb without aids. Hang it from a swing set or a tree branch and watch kids have fun with this simple but wonderfully multifunctional invention. 

Bounce house

If you want to go all-out crazy with action, a bounce house is a HUGE hit for any outdoor play space. Again, it’s a bit of an investment, but it’s guaranteed to be a big hit and keep your little ones jumping and happy for hours at a time. Many bounce houses can be used both indoors and outdoors, so if you have a large enough space inside, it can be used year-round. 

Photo credit: @sara_mccartyPhoto credit: @dimples.and.the.blonde

Best outdoor toys for kids on the go

Bikes, trikes, and scooters

Bikes, scooters and skateboards make great outdoor toys for kids that are on the move! No matter what age your child is, there are options available. The littlest kids ( 2 to 5 year olds) can start with a classic tricycle or a balance bike. We put together a post of our top picks for the best balance bikes for kids. Older kids will probably be more interested in a traditional bike and older kids (teens and tweens) may get a lot of use out of a mountain bike. There are so many great options out there, for whatever age, size, and ability of your child.

Skateboards

Skateboarding is a fun and active way to spend time outside. It’s not only a great full-body workout, but it helps build core strength, balance, and confidence in kids. It’s one of those fast-action sports that are not only fun to watch, but a blast for kids to participate in. If you have a kid that’s interested in skateboarding, our post on how to get started skateboarding with kids gives you all the info you need to know to pick out the right skateboard and get moving! 

Photo credit: @sara_mccarty

Battery-powered vehicles

Battery-powered ride-on vehicles are another pricy toy, but they do a great job of keeping kids outside, active, and entertained for hours. If buying a new one is out of budget, these tend to pop up in online sale/swap pages pretty frequently as their kids outgrow them. My kids are currently on their second Hummer. They drove the first one for years, through multiple batteries, until the wheels disintegrated and it became undrivable. We purchased the first one through an online swag page for a fraction of the retail price ($60) and replaced the old battery. We definitely got our money’s worth there! 

Photo credit: @daphne_audePhoto credit: @_stephaniehowells_Photo credit: @sara_mccarty

Best outdoor toys with water

Water table

If you have little ones, a water table is a really fun and easy outdoor toy. We’ve had the same water table for years and all my kids have loved playing with (and in/on) it. Little ones just pulling up can stand at a water table and splash away! It’s a great sensory activity. And the simple joy of it grows with the kids. My 2-year-old and 8-year-old both play in the water in different ways, so it’s easily adaptable for lots of ages with a little creativity and imagination. Add some measuring cups, balls, toy boats or dolls/characters and turn a simple water table in a water playhouse! When you’re not using it with water, fill it with sand or water beads for a different type of sensory play. There are so many great ways to play with a simple water table.

Photo credit: @sara_mccarty

Inflatable pool

An inflatable kiddie pool is a great backyard activity for warm spring and summer days. We have this large inflatable pool that the kids love to play in! It’s big enough that the whole family can get in and play, but shallow enough for the little ones. 

Inflatable water slide and playset

For absolute maximum outdoor summertime fun, this Little Tikes inflatable water slide is the ultimate portable water park. It’s massive, so make sure you have plenty of space. Kids can climb the center wall to the top of this enormous water slide bounce house and race down the 2 slides into the kids splash pool. Durable,colorful, and well-designed, this is a toy the kids will enjoy summer after summer. It also has a crawl-through to inside dry bouncing area.

Photo credit: @lphotographiePhoto credit: @sara_mccarty

Sprinkler

When it’s warm, a simple sprinkler set up in the yard can keep your little ones entertained, active and laughing for HOURS. All you need to do is set up a basic yard sprinkler in an open area where the kids can run through it and play. At first, they’ll jump and squeal and run away from the water, but eventually, they’ll fully embrace it and go all in! It’s so much fun to watch kids play in the sprinkler. And it’s a great opportunity to get your camera out and practice taking some amazing sprinkler photos. If you have really little kids, maybe this sprinkler splash pad would be fun!

Photo credit: @boomhutboris

Best outdoor playsets for kids

Wooden playset

There are so many amazing wooden playsets in every shape, size, and price range out there. Usually, these playsets need quite a bit of space, but they last for years and can be used year-round. Many also have a good resale value, so you can recoup a bit of your money by selling once your kids outgrow it. The Gorilla Nantucket II wood swingset is a top choice. It has a wooden clubhouse area with a roof, two swings, a slide, a sandbox area, and a rock wall. Is it enormous and expensive? Yes. Will your children go bananas over it? Also YES. 

Here’s a smaller more budget-friendly wooden playset option. 

Swingsets

If you’re looking for something a bit smaller than a huge wooden playset, this double swingset frame hosts one traditional swing and one two-seater net swing. For the tiniest of tots, this toddler climber playset has a slide, swing, basketball net and ring toss. It can be played with both inside and outside. If you have a child that loves to swing (but no trees to hang a swing from or a super small yard), this simple metal frame holds one swing. 

Geometric dome

If you’ve got space in your yard for this awesome geodome dome jungle gym, get one! Our neighbors have one of these incredibly cool outdoor toys and it’s a huge hit with all the kid on the street (prior to social distancing, of course)! It helps with upper body strength, coordination, and balance, plus helps develop that all-important vestibular sense! The kids use it as home base in games, a support for their hammocks, a hangout place to chat and more!

Photo credit: @beautifullittlesoulsblogPhoto credit: @sara_mccarty

Swings

Swings are a great outddor toy for kids of all ages. Setting up a swing in the yard is a guaranteed way to keep the kids outside and entertained. Our neighbors have a net swing in their front yard and every kid on our block has spent countless hours out there playing. From tweens to toddlers, the kids are just fascinated by the swing and love playing on it! It’s such a simple thing, and yet so popular for all ages! This swing supports a few kids together and they have the best time pushing each other and giggling. If you have more dare-devil kids, consider a surfer swing that lets your kids surf in the air up to 10 feet high! Or, check out this really cool multi-person hoop swing. 

Best outdoor sports toys for kids

Pitching machine

If your kids are into sports and missing their little league team and practice, a pitching machine could be a great addition to your backyard activities. Baseball is a big hit (pun intended) at our house and my son loves this pitching machine.  It has 3 speeds: 10mph, 15mph & 20mph and an adjustable 3 position pitch angle. There’s a red light that flashes to indicate pitch release, which occurs every 5 seconds. It holds up to 9 balls and includes 4 foam balls. Requires 4 size C batteries or a power adapter (both sold separately).

Hitting net

And speaking of hitting baseballs, a hitting net is a great toy for any kid that’s into baseball or softball. This net can be set up outside and catches balls hit into it. For little kids, set up a tee-ball stand right in front of the net and let them practice. Older kids can practice hitting through a soft toss from the side. The net means you aren’t chasing balls all over the neighborhood and no broken windows for big hits! 

Frisbee golf

This mini Frisbee golf game lets your kids (or the whole family) play a par 3 round of disc golf. It features six mini Frisbee discs and one Frisbee golf target. It’s designed for ages 5 and up – even adults love it! The metal chains are designed to catch the Frisbee discs so throw your favorite, tossing, hyzers, etc.

Soccer goals

Soccer is another great outdoor activity that burns a lot of energy, encourages teamwork and strengthens coordination. If you’ve got little soccer players, these collapsible soccer goal nets set-up and can be taken down in seconds with no assembly required. They come with 2 goals, 6 cones, and a carrying case so you can take them anywhere. They can be secured with plastic or metal stakes to any grass surface in your backyard or park.

Kickball and bases

Nearly every day after school, there’s a kickball game going on in our neighborhood. This is the perfect kickball set and bases for any kickball fan and comes with an 8.5-inch kickball, three rubber bases, home plate, a pitcher’s rubber, and inflation pump (with a needle). That’s everything you need to play this super fun and simple game. A great outdoor sport for all ages and abilities.

Capture the flag

If you have a group of kids that love to play sports, take your game to the next level (and keep the game going later into the evening) with this glow-in-the-dark capture the flag game. It includes 25 light-up game pieces, 12+ hours of batteries and 12 game variations for hours of play. You can play 4-8 players (or up to 16 with game variations).  All ages can play together – kids, teens & adults love this awesome neighborhood game that develops teamwork, social skills and strategy!

Basketball hoop

If your child is into sports at all, a basketball hoop is a great addition to any outdoor playspace. There are so many fun games that kids and families can play while shooting hoops. Or, shooting hoops is also something that kids can do on their own, promoting independence and working on grit through learning a skill. We like this Spalding portable hoop that can be easily moved to maximize your play area. 

Photo credit: @muddy_buddy_outdoorPhoto credit: @sara_mccarty

Best messy play outdoor toys for kids

Sandbox

A sandbox is a perfect backyard activity for the outdoorsy kid and great for inspiring pretend play. This wooden kids’ sandbox has seats on the edges, a mesh cover (to keep bugs/animals out) and is large enough for multiple kids, but not too big for backyards. If you’re handy and need a project, you can also build a really cool sandbox yourself! My dad made one of these (using these plans) for our kids and it was a huge hit! Just fold out the doors of the sandbox to form 2 benches that allow your child to sit and play (200 lbs. capacity for each bench). Has a capacity of 750 lbs. of sand for the sandbox!

Mud kitchen

Mud kitchens are so much fun for kids! Not only do they love the sensory feel of playing with mud, but they’re really great for promoting creativity and imaginative play. You can buy a premade mud kitchen, or put those DIY skills to good use and make a mud pie outdoor kitchen for your kids out of a shoe bench or old cabinets/wood pallets. Throw in some hand-me-down kitchen utensils, dishes, pots and pans and you’ve got yourself the ultimate mud kitchen. It’s sure to entertain your children for hours and hours. Just be sure to put it somewhere close to a hose for easy clean-up!

Garden

I love the idea of giving kids their own garden to take care of. While I try to get them involved in taking care of our large garden, it’s really fun for them to have a portion or a few planters that are all theirs to nurture and grow. I’ve been toying with the idea of doing a small elevated garden planter for my oldest and letting him do all the work, from picking out the plants, to taking care of them, and harvesting. I think it would teach him a lot and give him a lot of pride in the plants that grow. We have a great post on easy vegetables to grow with kids, if you’re interested in doing this with your kids. 

Photo credit: @thedailyperfections

Best outdoor games for kids

Ladder golf

Perfect for even small yards, ladder golf is an easy outdoor game that the whole family can play. This game is easy to assemble and doesn’t take up much space. It’s a team game and can spark some intense competition and camaraderie between players. Great for hand-eye coordination and perfect for taking on camping trips, picnics or tailgating.

Cornhole

And speaking of great outdoor backyard, camping, and tailgate games, Cornhole is one of our favorites. This cornhole set comes with boards, beanbags and a carrying case. Set up a backyard family cornhole competition and get everyone involved! Losers have to make dinner!

Outdoor Jenga

If your kids like playing Jenga inside, they will love taking it outside and making it GIANT! This is the biggest authentic hardwood Jenga game ever sold! At setup, it starts at 26 inches high, and can stack to over 5 feet high in play! Includes 54 precision-crafted premium hardwood blocks, Each one nearly 15 times the volume of a classic Jenga block! Comes with a case for easy storage. 

Lawn darts

Playing a game of lawn darts is so much fun for kids. This glow-in-the-dark lawn dart set has soft, durable darts that stand up after every toss and adjustable rings for big targets or small ones, making it suitable for all skill levels. You can charge the darts with a headlight or flashlight and play into the night! Glow in the dark darts are extremely fun and perfect for taking the fun into the evening hours. This is also a great game to play on the beach, lawn, park, backyard, or other soft surfaces. 

Feature image credit: @eliza.flaska.mi

Best old school outdoor toys for kids

Stomp rockets

If your kids are into low-tech old school fun, stomp rockets are a (literal) blast! 100% kid-powered: just run, jump and STOMP to launch these rockets up to 20 stories high — that’s 200 feet in the air! Best for outdoor use, no batteries required; easy, fast assembly. 

Pogo stick

Another old-fashioned retro way to bounce and work on your coordination is with a pogo stick. This one is designed for kids age 5 and up, between 40-80 pounds. Pogo sticks are great for developing coordination, balance, muscle tone, and staying active.  It has foam-covered hand grips and sturdy foam-covered metal frame for comfort and safety. 

Jump ropes

Jump ropes are such fun outdoor toys. There are so many benefits of jumping rope! It improves balance and coordination, exercises parts of the brain related to reading, memory, and alertness, inspires creativity, and encourages teamwork, collaboration, and friendship. Plus, it gets kids outside and moving! We like these classic colorful jump ropes in a 6-pack, so each kid has their own (and there’s usually a few extra to share with friends). 

Photo credit: @capturing.herringtonPhoto credit: @meganrigdonphotography

Bubbles and sidewalk chalk

There are not many outdoor activities that are more classic than sidewalk chalk and bubbles. Bubbles are fun and exciting, but they are also an activity that enables science learning, artistic exploration, a lot of movement, and DIY projects. We’re got a great post all about the most fun ways to play with bubbles (including recipes for giant bubbles, glow-in-the-dark bubbles, and colorful bubbles). Throw in some sidewalk chalk, and your kids will be entertained for hours!  

Kites

Children absolutely love flying kites and it’s easier to do than you think. Flying a kite is one of those activities that people often talk about, but never get around to doing. We want to change that and challenge you to take your kids out for a kite flight! We’ve got a great post on kite flying with kids, where we walk you through the steps of how to choose a kite for kids, how to launch, fly and land a kite, plus explain all the benefits of kite flying. Here are some great tips for flying a kite and ways to make your kite flying extra fun!

Cars and trucks

There’s a lot of fun to be had with good old-fashioned cars and trucks outside. My kids love taking their HotWheels cars to the park to race them down the slides, on the sidewalk, and around the playground. When it rains, the Tonka Truck always gets dragged out and filled with mud and rocks and worms! For older kids, consider remote control cars and trucks (and even boats!). There are some really fun off-road remote control vehicles that are so much fun to watch do tricks and stunts. 

Photo credit: @stephanie.b.collinsPhoto credit: @sara_mccarty

Creating an outdoor play area

Outdoor table

An outdoor table is a must for any backyard. A table is a perfect spot to do schoolwork, paint, make crafts, have lunch/dinner, or play games. We use our outdoor backyard table for everything! During this stay home order, outdoor family dinners have been a saving grace for us. We light tiki torches around the yard and pretend we’re dining al fresco on vacation. If our backyard was a bit larger, I would love to have a separate outdoor kids picnic table that is smaller and easier for them to use for their projects and snacks.

Photo credit: @jrcozylifePhoto credit: @sara_mccarty

Clubhouse or treehouse

When my oldest turned 2 (nearly six years ago!), we bought him a wooden outdoor clubhouse. While a bit pricy initially, this thing has taken a beating and is still standing and one of our kids’ favorite places to play in the backyard. They’ve used it as a restaurant, a shop, a hideout, a pirate ship, a library, and everything in between. The possibilities are endless and this is a great way to encourage unlimited creative and imaginative unstructured outdoor play. If you want a less pricy version, this clubhouse might be a good option. (We bought ours at Costco, so check them out there, too.)

Bird feeders

While not necessarily an active activity, birdwatching is one of my favorite things to do in the backyard. We’ve set up a few bird feeders around our yard and the birds and squirrels keep us constantly entertained and watching, whether we’re inside or out. We’ve gotten to know our neighborhood birds and love figuring out their colors and calls. Here’s a great post about setting up bird feeders and creating a “nature window” where you can watch them and learn!

Photo credit: @sara_mccarty

Best outdoor toys for backyard camping fun

Tent

There’s something super fun and exciting about setting up a play tent in the backyard! If you already have one that you use for camping, by all means, break it out and get it set up for the kids to play in. It’ll entertain them for hours! If you need a tent, this 4-person dome tent is relatively inexpensive (only $53!) and can be used on camping trips or set up in the backyard for camping. Let your kids learn how to set up the tent by themselves and practice putting it up and taking it down at home.

Photo credit: @sara_mccarty

Hammock

A hammock is a perfect addition to your backyard this season. Not only can the kids play in it, swing and have fun, but when they’re all tuckered out, a hammock is a great place to read, relax, mediate or take a nap. Hang your hammock in a quiet shady location and use it as a getaway spot for anyone needing some chill-out time. And no worries if you don’t have two properly spaced trees, you can get a hammock with a stand.

Photo credit: @sara_mccarty

Firepit

While not a toy, a firepit is a great addition to any backyard and great for the entire family. Having a fire in the evenings is one of our family’s favorite backyard activities. We love roasting hotdogs and marshmallows over the open flame. We love sitting around the fire telling stories or singing songs. There’s truly something magical about spending time with those you love around a fire. We used to have a very simple outdoor fire pit, but we recently upgraded to one of these amazing smokeless firepits for the backyard and we love it! 

Photo credit: @arevook

What are your kids’ favorite outdoor toys?

The post Best Outdoor Toys for Kids appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Experience gifts for kids

With the holidays upon us, you’ve most likely been searching Amazon for gifts to give your kids this year. Then you look up from your phone and see a pile of toy cars on the floor, a tea set with only 2 cups left at the play kitchen, dolls, trucks, and rocket ships with missing astronauts strewn throughout the living room. Do they really need one more toy?

The problem is, you want them to have the magic that comes with opening a beautifully wrapped present, but you don’t want to live with any more clutter. How do you make both a reality?

Solution- experience gifts. There are so many ways to give gifts that don’t require any more clutter in your house. This list of experience gifts for kids will open your eyes to a variety of gifts that won’t just get thrown in a closet but will allow you to create lasting memories with your children. The truth is, they don’t want things- they want YOU, your time, and your attention. 

Botanical garden/arboretum season pass

Season passes to a local botanical garden or arboretum are great for any outdoorsy kid and family. Many botanic gardens have an area created especially for children. The majority of the gardens also participate in a reciprocal program, which means that if you purchase a season pass to the botanic garden in your area there are many other gardens that you can access with your pass in other areas. It’s the experience gift that keeps on giving! The American Horticulture Society also sells passes that give you access to gardens across the US. Botanic gardens are also located in countries around the world.

Sporting events 

One of our family’s favorite experience gifts to give the kids are tickets to a sporting event. Take them out to the ballgame! Baseball, basketball, football, soccer, gymnastics, diving, lacrosse – the list of sporting events you could take your children to is endless. Choose a sport (or a team) that your child is interested in and gift tickets this holiday. 

It doesn’t have to be a professional game either. Think about supporting a local college or high school. How about tickets to a sporting event hosted at your alma mater and show them around campus. You can sometimes get season tickets to your local minor league baseball team for less than the price of one major league game. There are also usually mini-packs of tickets available around the holidays so you can spread the games out over the season. You could even purchase a ball or jersey from the team and wrap that to put under the tree along with the tickets. 

Amusement parks

Tickets to an amusement park (or the mecca of all amusement parks…Disney) make a great gift for a child. Let’s face it, the magic of Disney is a real thing. Watching your child meet Mickey Mouse or their favorite princess for the first time is a priceless experience. But it doesn’t have to be Disney – there are amusement parks across the country with a variety of options. If you live close to an amusement park consider a season pass so you don’t feel the need to go and stay until closing. If it’s a bit of a drive, a one day pass could be sufficient. For the little ones, amusement parks with water features are fun. For the teenagers, choose an amusement park with lots of big roller coasters. 

Family fun centers

On a smaller scale than an amusement park, many cities have family fun centers. This is usually something like mini-golf, go-karts, maybe even bumper cars or bumper boats. Other fun centers do ninja courses, laser tag, indoor rock climbing, arcades, ziplines, high ropes courses, etc. Sometimes they sell yearly passes, but even a night out for mini golf and frozen yogurt afterward is appealing to most kids. 

Road trips

Taking a road trip with your kids is always a fun adventure! You could coordinate the destination to somewhere that interests them or make it a first. What is your child interested in? Find a location, museum, destination, or adventure that promotes that interest. Or take them somewhere that they can experience something in nature for the first time. If your child has never been to the ocean, find a beach house to go to. If they’ve never seen snow before, plan a trip to a ski resort. Include them in the planning and map out the route together. Who knows, you might even find your way to the biggest ball of yarn or something equally impressive!

When I was in elementary school I was obsessed with the Little House on the Prairie Books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. One summer my grandparents took me (just the three of us) on a trip from California to Missouri (the place where Laura wrote all of her books) and back. We stayed in KOA’s along the way, and it was unforgettable!

Camping

Have your kids ever been camping? This could be your chance. I truly believe that there is something incredibly magical about sleeping in the great outdoors. Gift your child the experience of camping – it just might change their life! 

If it will be their first time camping, the excitement will be through the roof! If your kids have been camping before, use this as an opportunity to try a new campsite to change it up. When they’re old enough, you could make this trip special by giving them a specific task. For example, wrap up a flint and steel and tell them they’re in charge of making the campfire this time. Chances are they’ll want to make a fire the minute you drive up to the campsite!

Cabins/yurts/glamping

If tent camping isn’t your thing, there are lots of other fun options! Who doesn’t love staying in a cozy cabin in the woods or by a lake? How about a yurt with an open-top where you can see the stars at night? Maybe it’s the coziness of the wooden beams or the rustic feel, but kids love experiences like this! Yurts and glamping tents are also becoming more and more prevalent at campgrounds across the country. Getting away from home even just for one night will excite your kids more than you might think. Add that excitement to an epic location and it’s an experience gift that puts any remote control car to shame!

Backpacking

For the extra adventurous family, try backpacking as an experience gift. Backpacks and backpacking gear are available to rent at some sporting goods stores like REI, but if you plan on making this a tradition you could buy a backpack as part of the gift. There is a great sense of satisfaction that comes from knowing you were able to carry everything you need to stay alive for a couple days. Backpacking teaches perseverance, mental strength, and so many other important life skills. This is an experience gift that has lasting positive effects for your child’s health as well as the health of your relationship with them. Here’s a great post on how to get started backpacking with kids and everything you need to pack. 

Water activities 

Sure, it’s winter, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look ahead to warmer days and plan our experience gifts accordingly. Now is a good time to plan ahead and book fun water activities like canoeing, rafting, paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, etc. Maybe there’s a reservoir near you that has inflatable trampolines you can purchase tickets for. How about a tubing company that will take you down the local river. Rent a pontoon boat for the day and cruise your local lake. Or gift sailing lessons so that your kids can learn a valuable skill. These gifts will teach patience as your kids wait in anticipation for the time when they can cash in on their gift!

Lessons/clinics 

Has your child been asking you to sign them up for a specific sport such as tennis, basketball, soccer, or dance? Do they have a favorite activity that they can’t get enough of? Now is the perfect time to get them on the roster, or even get one-on-one attention in a specific sport. The skills they learn will mean so much more than any toy. This could be something like horseback riding lessons, a private hitting/pitching lesson, rock climbing lessons, ice skating, or dance lessons. A couple of years ago my son was gifted private swim lessons and it was such a great experience for him.  

Classes/courses

Maybe it isn’t sports that your child is really into, but something like painting, baking, or pottery. Local rec centers often have a variety of classes that offer great exposure to different areas that your child might want to try. In my experience, the cost is reasonable, too. If you aren’t worried about cost, try looking into private companies to see if they have a course for your child’s age group. Sometimes courses can even be done online – there are lots of online courses for kids on photography, art, music, and more. 

Restaurant date

Experience gifts don’t have to cost a lot of money. It could be as simple as a dinner out at their favorite restaurant, but just with mom or just with dad. Make it extra memorable by getting dressed up in your fancy clothes. Especially if you have more than one child, this gift will make all the difference. It’s difficult to find the time in the business of our lives to really sit down and listen to one child for an extended period of time. This provides the perfect setting to do just that. You could even let them choose the restaurant. Don’t be surprised at how long the smile stays on your child’s face after a night out with you and only you!

Dinner/meal at home

This doesn’t sound that exciting at first, but if you have a child that likes to cook or bake like my daughter does this could mean the world to them. Let your child plan the menu, find the perfect recipes, then go shopping for the ingredients together. You could even make a centerpiece for the table and bring out the good china and linen napkins. Or, set a blanket out in the yard and make it a picnic. Kids love getting the opportunity to show off their skills and be helpful. Serving a meal that they made (start to finish) will make them so proud. Chances are, years down the road she’ll say, “Remember that one time when we …” and think back on this experience fondly!

Musical performance/concert

For the musically inclined kid, a concert might be the perfect experience gift. There are indoor and outdoor venues all over the world that play all different kinds of music. Gift tickets to your child’s favorite band or singer. If your child plays an instrument, consider purchasing tickets to a performance where that specific instrument is featured. Local symphonies often put on family-friendly performances (sometimes to movies) that are perfect for kids. 

Drive-in movie

Drive-in movie night is always a really fun experience for a kid. Winter is my favorite time to take the kids to the drive in because it gets dark so much earlier, and they can still get to bed at a reasonable hour. (The mom in me is always concerned about bedtime!) We do live in a fairly temperate climate though, so if you have to plan this one for a warmer season, that works too. Grab some cozy blankets and their favorite snacks and you’ll be set! If you don’t live near a drive-in, check out this post about hosting your own family movie night.

Museums 

Children’s museums are absolutely amazing experiences and passes/tickets to one would make a great gift for a child or a family. I can still remember going to the children’s museum as a kid because I had so much fun! These places are built specifically with kids in mind, so take advantage of them if you have one in your area! In addition to children’s museums, there are science museums, space museums, art museums, and the list goes on. While not all museums are made specifically for little ones, many at least have a children’s area. Teenagers or tweens that have specific interests would appreciate you taking notice of what is important to them.

Ice skating

Make the magic of the holidays last a little bit longer with a trip to the ice rink! Buy a season pass or just go for a couple of hours, but ice skating is an experience that no one should miss out on. Ice skating is something that the whole family can do together. Depending on where you live, you could find outdoor ice skating rinks or even frozen ponds so you get the fresh air while skating. Oftentimes these places also have fire pits for warming up (or making s’mores), as well as hot chocolate and other goodies. 

Rock climbing/bouldering

Have you ever been to a rock climbing gym? My kiddos have been asking to go back for months because they had such a great time! Rock climbing is a great activity because it is adaptive to many different skill levels, and it gives your children the opportunity to try and try again until they reach the top. Many climbing gyms offer open climb time for kids in a “kid-friendly” climbing area. Or, you could sign up for lessons and learn proper climbing and belaying techniques in the big gym. If you want the real deal and have children that are able to, bouldering is also a fun option. 

Laser tag

Laser tag is a super fun and active game for kids (and the whole family). Some arcades or family fun centers have a laser tag option, other places specialize in laser tag. If you’ve never played before, you’re in for such a fun time. One of my sons is asking for a laser tag kit for Christmas this year. Whether you have the kit at home or not, laser tag is so much fun! (Alternative option: paintball.)

Ziplining

Ziplining is a great activity for any little adventurer, but not for the faint of heart. If you have a daredevil child or one that’s really into pushing the limits and trying new things, ziplining could be a fun experience gift. Be sure to check on the height or age limit at your local zipline location. Sometimes, depending on the course, the company will have certain limits in place, but if your children are eligible then I highly recommend trying the ziplines. Last January my family and I did a nighttime zipline course over the river that was lined with Christmas lights and we had so much fun! And if heights bother you, maybe now is your chance to let your children see you face your fears! 

Zoo/animal experience

Zoos also make really fun experience gifts for kids. Where else can you go and see lions, tigers, and bears all in one day? The zoo is a huge hit with the little ones, but if it’s been a while, I bet even your teenagers would have a good time at the zoo. Our local zoo offers the chance for kids to “adopt” an animal – they receive a certificate and a stuffed animal that represents the animal they adopted. The money goes towards feeding and caring for the animal. Sometimes zoos offer classes or camps that teach kids how to care for animals. Some zoos even offer special experiences like behind-the-scenes tours or the opportunity to be a zookeeper for the day. If you have a little one that’s really interested in animals, this would make a great gift! 

Aquarium

Even if you don’t live near the coast, you might have an aquarium near you. Seeing all of the living things that make the water their home is astounding. Tickets or season passes to an aquarium could be an amazing experience gift. Aquariums can be pricy, so a special trip to the aquarium is usually a big treat for our kids. Aquariums are great learning experiences as well, as we all learn something new every time we visit. 

Driving range or Top Golf

I never imagined my kids getting into golfing much, but one of my boys really loves going to the driving range! Gift certificates to your local driving range would make a great experience gift for a kid that’s into golf. Some smaller golf courses charge a small fee to rent a club and a big bucket of golf balls, so it might not be as expensive as you might think. Or, if you have a Top Golf location near you, a gift certificate there might be a fun experience for the whole family. You can rent a bay and challenge each other to any of the fun games! 

Batting cages

Even if your kids have never played baseball or softball, a trip to the batting cages can still be a hit (pun intended). Most batting cages allow you to set the speed of the ball so a beginner can still be successful. Alternatively, you can increase the speed if you have an experienced batter on your hands. Most kids who have played on a baseball team before will tell you their favorite part is hitting the ball, so batting cages give you just the best part. Don’t forget to step up to the plate yourself for a few pitches and show the kids how it’s done (or what not to do). 

Photo session

If you have a child who loves to ham it up for the camera, a professional photo session would be the perfect experience gift. It could be a mommy and me session, daddy and me session, individual session, or even a best friends session. Photographers can also set up fun experiences for your kids based on their interests. For example, a photo session at a professional ballpark or at a dance studio. Maybe the photographer could come take photos of them doing a sport that they love or at one of their games. Can you order prints and hang them on the wall or the fridge. Make a book for them to flip through anytime they like. Studies show that children who have their photos on display in their homes have overall better self-esteem. 

Experiences matter

The list of experience gifts you will want to give your children will change over time as they get older and their interests change. One thing that will remain constant is the fact that when you spend time with your children, those experiences will shape them into the people they grow up to be. There are so many things in the world today that want to influence your children. If you want to be the biggest influence in their lives, that is going to take time, not things. This year, invest in gifts that show them you’re willing to put in the time for them. Plan to do the one-on-one activities as well as the whole family adventures. Next year instead of a bunch of lost or broken toys, you’ll have a photo album full of smiles.

What are your favorite experience gifts?

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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Gifts for outdoorsy moms (and other nature-loving women)

We have been working hard to put together the ultimate gift guide for outdoor moms. Any of these outdoor gifts would make great gifts for that special outdoorsy mom (or stepmom, grandma, aunt, sister, friend, neighbor, etc.) on your list. Moms appreciate thoughtful gifts and useful gifts. The recommendations on this list are both. You can use this list for the best mother’s day gifts ideas, as well as for the holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. 

We know that sometimes moms are hard to shop for. But, we also know that we tend to put the needs of our kids and others before ourselves, so we don’t always have the nicest outdoor gear for ourselves. Having good quality gear for mom is important, though! Moms deserve to be comfortable and have quality items as much as the kids do. 

We’ve broken down our gift recommendations into three categories: (1) gear, (2) clothing, (3) experiences. For the gear and clothing, we’ve included links to online shops where you can find these items. However, for the experience gifts, we’ve just included ideas. You’ll have to do some research in your location to find a place, destination, location, shop, outfitter, guide, etc. that offers the specific experience you’re looking for. We’ve included as many things as we could to give you a variety of options. There should be something on this list for nearly any outdoorsy woman that likes to play and explore outside, no matter what her interests are. 

Some of the recommendations are pricy – we know that. We’re big believers in buying quality gear that will last a very long time. We want you to get lots of use out items so that we keep as much waste out of landfills as possible. Sometimes that means a higher price tag. Please know that many of these items can be found at resale shops or online marketplaces at discount prices.

Gear gifts for outdoor moms and outdoorsy women

Camping Hammock – A hammock makes a great gift – especially if you pair it with a long cozy nap! This double camping hammock is perfect for snuggling up with a kid or loved one. If you don’t want to share, there’s also a single-sized hammock.  Both are easy to pack in a backpack for camping, travel, the beach, or the backyard.

Stanley Classic Growler – There’s not much that tastes better in life than a cold beer by the campfire. But sometimes that’s hard to transport and keep cold. This stainless steel growler is perfect for the job. I love the handle, the color, and the fact that it can hold a serious amount of beer. Keeps beer cold for 24 hours. Fill it up with mom’s favorite microbrew and pack it for your next camping adventure, picnic, or outdoor date night. Bottoms up!

GoPro HERO Session – I don’t know a single mom that wouldn’t love a GoPro. The GoPro Hero Session model is small, waterproof, easy to grab and go, durable, and perfect for exploring the great outdoors. It has a super simple one-button video/photo function, which makes it perfect for first-time GoPro users. Takes video, single shots, burst photos, and time-lapse pictures.

E-bike – This is a bit of a splurge item, but e-bikes are amazing! I’ve made a conscious effort to start biking more around our neighborhood and use my bike when running errands. It’s helped me get more fresh air and exercise and helped cut down on carbon emissions and gas consumption. However, hauling kids (especially as they get older and heavier) is tough with all the hills in our area. This e-bike has been a game-changer. Radio Flyer (yes, the maker of the classic little red wagon) has a new line of e-bikes that are specially designed for families! The Flyer L885 bike is beautiful, high-quality, and lets me easily carry two kids (or a ton of groceries or gear) on the back! The charge holds for 50+ miles and it’s so fun! My kids beg to go for rides every day!

Camping chairs – I’m on the hunt for the perfect camping chair. I want something relatively lightweight (because I have to carry it to baseball games), sturdy, durable, comfortable and not too big and unwieldy. A cup holder and storage pocket for my phone would also be nice. If you want to go top-of-the-line with a camp chair and aren’t concerned with size or weight or price, choose the Yeti Trailhead Collapsible Camping Chair. However, if the sticker price on that one gives you a heart attack, try the GCI Freestyle Rocker or the Kijaro, which comes in a ton of fun colors (I have this one in yellow). If you’re packing your chair, the REI Flexlite camp chair is great. 

Kayak – If the mom in your life loves water, a kayak would be an incredibly special gift. Kayaks come in a variety of sizes, weights, and price points, so you may need to do a little research before purchasing. If storage space and transportability are an issue, consider an inflatable kayak or a collapsible kayak. If she wants to take a kid along on adventures, consider a 2-person kayak. 

SUP – Along the same lines as a kayak, a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) is at the top of many of our Creative Team members lists this year. We recommend the inflatable ones from Badfish. The Flyweight SUP is ultra-light and easily packable. Or, the Bote Breeze is another great option that comes highly recommended. 

Bike rack – A bike rack may not sound like a super exciting gift, but think about all the possibilities and adventures it opens up being to take all your family’s bikes on the road with you! Most bike racks require that you have a hitch installed on your car, so if you don’t have one, that appointment needs to come first. We had one installed at our local U-Haul store. We choose this Yakima full-swing 4-bike mount that swings out so we can still open the back of our minivan without removing the rack and bikes. If you don’t have a hitch, consider a trunk mount bike carrier. 

Satellite phone – Want to give that mom in your life some peace of mind when she’s out adventuring (solo or with the kids)? A satellite communicator is perfect for any mom that likes adventuring off the beaten path, where service is spotty or non-existent. We recommend the Garmin InReach satellite communicator which has 100% global Iridium satellite coverage and two-way text messaging from anywhere (satellite subscription required). It also has the ability to trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center, should you ever need help. 

Mirrorless camera – A mirrorless camera has been on my wishlist for years! This Canon EOS full-frame body is perfect for the mom that wants to take more/better photos of her kids, but not have to drag super heavy gear around with her on adventures. It’s compatible with all Canon lenses and is a nice upgrade from my current DSLR. 

Family tent – We recently upgraded our family tent and I’m so impressed with our new tent, I’m recommending it to all of you. We went with the North Face Wawona 6 camping tent and love it. It has a huge vestibule big enough for all our gear and plenty of space inside for our entire family. Another tent for the whole family with great value is the Kelty Discovery 6 tent. 

Packable blankets – We love this fun and colorful packable down blanket from Rumpl. The Rumple blanket is perfect for traveling, camping, picnics, etc. The bright color is fun and it’s so soft! Or this Classic Wool Blanket Rug Throw from the Tartan Blanket Co. is a must-have. It’s the perfect rugged, durable, year-round blanket for everything from picnics to cozying up by the fire. 

Osprey backpack – For hikers and backpackers, having the right backpack is key. We love Osprey backpacks that are specifically designed for women. If the mom in your life is into overnight backpacking trips, the Osprey Women’s Aura AG 65 Backpack is one of the best backpacks out there with an anti-gravity suspension system that gives outstanding ventilation and comfort.  If you’re shopping for a new mom or have a little tiny one in your family, consider the Osprey Poco Child Carrier backpack, so you can take your kid along on hikes. If you need a good hiking backpack, the Osprey Hikelite is a great choice for day hikes and has a ventilated back panel to keep you from getting sweaty. If you’re in need of a hydration pack, we recommend the Osprey Salida, which comes in a variety of sizes, depending on how much water you’ll need to carry with you. 

Lamzac the Original Seat – If you really want to up the comfort and relaxation level while out on adventures, how fun is this unique personal inflatable air lounger from Lamzac? It takes three big “gulps” of air to fill and folds flat so it can be easily taken anywhere. Easier to set up than a hammock, perfect for the beach, parks, festivals, camping, picnics, and backyard lounging. 

TeamFar 12 Ounce Ceramic-Coated Cups – I love this bright, colorful set of 4 ceramic-coated enamel camping cups/travel mugs. Small (easy to pack), with a heat-resistant handle and wide-mouth design. Perfect for coffee, milk, juice, tea, soup, cereal, hot cocoa, beer, or wine!

Backpacking cooking system – If mom is a backpacker (or wants to be), she’s going to need a good cooking system or camp stove. We recommend the JetBoil Flash cooking system, which is lighting quick, small/packable, and durable. It has an easy push-button igniter and is compatible with a ton of fun accessories. 

Dry bags – Moms are usually the ones in charge of packing the gear, snacks, camera, and change of clothes for the kids on outdoor adventures. Set her up for success with these awesome dry bags, so everything on the trip stays high and dry. This dry bag pack comes with 3 in a set of various sizes and is perfect for any adventure. 

Stasher bags – While we’re on the subject of cooking and bags, don’t forget about Stasher bags. These reusable bags are perfect for packing snacks and eliminating food waste. They’re a bit pricy, which sometimes keeps moms from buying them for themselves, but they make for really thoughtful and useful gifts. 

Wagon – And speaking of hauling all the gear for the kids, whether it’s a trip to the beach or down to the ball fields, a portable/collapsible wagon to haul all the gear is a great gift idea. This heavy-duty wagon is great for the garden or camping. Wheelz makes the best carts for the beach and battling the sand. This sports wagon is perfect for baseball or soccer moms. 

Simms waders – Fishing moms are going to love this gift! Give her a pair of high-quality waders so she can get in the water, too. In our opinion, Simms makes the absolute best waders out there for women. And don’t forget to add the wading boots and a fly rod (this set comes with fly rod, reel, and fishing line) to round out the ultimate fishing gift package! 

Waterproof speaker – Bring your tunes with you (or your podcast or your audiobook) when you’re outside enjoying your adventures. We love the JBL Flip 5 portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker. We take ours everywhere with us. It’s recharge and very durable (trust me, it’s been dropped many many times with three kids). 

Yeti cooler – I’m a bit obsessed with my Yeti Hopper cooler. I take it with me everywhere! While smaller and lighter than most Yeti coolers, it’s still a bit big for carrying around, but I keep it stocked in the car and filled with snacks and drinks. We also take it with us to baseball games, picnics, and BBQs. 

Clothing gifts for outdoor moms

Wool base layers – We are all slightly obsessed with merino wool layers. They are warm, super-soft, and naturally odor-resistant, which makes them the perfect base layer for outdoor adventuring in colder weather. We highly recommend merino wool for kids, but mom deserves to be warm, too! We recommend Kari Traa base layers, which are 100% merino wool. 

Vivobarefoot shoes – Vivobarefoot is one of our all-time favorite shoe companies because they understand the importance of connecting with nature. They pride themselves on their sustainability efforts and lead the way in creating shoes that last with as little environmental impact as possible. My all-time favorite shoe is their Ultra Bloom lightweight amphibious summer footwear. I personally own these shoes in multiple colors and wear them almost exclusively from April through October. You can usually find them in the Revivo resale shop (where Vivo reconditions and regenerates footwear to keep them out of landfills). 

Patagonia coat or jacket – The outdoorsy mom in your life deserves an amazing winter coat. Hands-down, Patagonia makes the best, most comfortable, and stylish outdoor gear for women on the market. This is a company I personally and professionally admire and look up to for its ethics and commitment to the environment and sustainability. The Nano Puff is perfect for fall and layering. The Down Sweater Hoody is great for active on-the-go moms. The 3-in-1 parka is the ultimate winter coat. And the Torrentshell rain jacket will make any mom excited about playing in the rain. 

Gloves – The ultimate ideal winter gloves would not only be insulated, waterproof and windproof, but they’d also be tech compatible so you can still use a touchscreen device without having to take off your gloves. We found a few options at different price points that worked for all these requirements – Outdoor Research Melody Sensor Gloves, Koxly 3M Insulated Gloves, The North Face Etip Gloves, and OZERO Thermal Gloves. 

Chaco Women’s Outcross Evo Mary Jane – I own these shoes and they’re a favorite. Classic Chaco sandals are great for summer days on the river/lake or at the farm. This waterproof shoe is perfect for hiking/creeking because it feels like a tennis shoe and will keep sand and small rocks out. 

Hiking pants – A good hiking pant is a must for the active mom that spends a lot of time on the trails. We love Title Nine hiking pants. They come in a variety of styles and colors, for women of all shapes and sizes. Title Nine is a women-owned US-based company that makes amazing clothing for women only. Their clothing is high quality, durable, fashionable, and ethical. 

Wool socks – If you’re adventuring outside and your feet are cold, you’re going to be miserable. Get mom some nice wool socks for all those wintertime outdoor explorations with the kids. Smartwool makes great hiking socks. As does Darn Tough. 

Hiking boots – All outdoor lovers need a good pair of hiking boots. There are so many amazing brands out there and this is a bit of a personal choice. If you already know what style and colors she likes, go with that. If you’re looking for a new pair, our team members recommend the following: Teva, Columbia, Keen, Merrell. 

Vuyori shorts and pants – The Vuyori performance joggers are the most comfortable pants I’ve ever owned. They’re a little pricy, but they’re like wearing butter. They also make a pair of shorts (the Halo performance shorts) that will change your life. Perfect for those of us that usually despise wearing shorts.  

Experience gifts for outdoorsy moms

If the outdoorsy mom in your life has all the clothing/gear she needs, or is more interested in getting experiences than stuff, don’t worry! We’ve got a huge list of outdoor activity ideas, adventures, lessons, and experiences that should help inspire you to find a thoughtful gift that she’s interested in. Experiences make for amazing and unique gifts that can be tailed to any interest, whether that’s adventuring, reading, gardening, photography, or anything else. Because so many of these are based on where you’ll be doing the activity, we’re not including links, just a list of ideas to get you starting thinking about an adventure you could gift. The best part about having the right gear and clothing is being able to put it to good use – these ideas will help you do just that! 

• National parks pass 
• RV rental – check out Outdoorsy.com
• Beach picnic – there are lots of local companies that will set up (and then clean up) a fully catered picnic on the beach for you
• Farm-to-table dinner experience
• Horseback riding adventure
• Overnight biking trip
• Paddling adventure
• Rock climbing lessons/passes
• Ice fishing excursion
• Photography course (HelloStoryteller has some great online courses…and a few with us where we pair lessons with outdoor activities for kids)
• “Mom & Me” photo session with a local photographer
• Garden center gift certificate
• Foraging excursion with a local guide
• Fly fishing casting lessons
• Airbnb gift certificate for a unique stay (treehouse, cabin, tiny home, etc.)
• Ski school lesson
• Pontoon boat rental (or houseboat, ski boat, fishing boat)
• Campground reservations (or plan a camping trip)
• Hang gliding lesson
• Plein air art studio session
• Pottery making class
• Gift card to local outdoor adventure store
• Sailing lessons
• Gardening class (or Master Gardener class if you’ve really got a green thumb)
• Ice skate rink rentals
• Safari
• Surfing lessons
• Organized night hike
• Outdoor cooking class
• Yoga retreat
• Cross country ski rentals

Mix and match gift packages

Want to go above and beyond? Package a piece of gear or clothing together with an outdoor adventure for a winning combination! For example, pair the beach wagon with a weekend getaway to the beach. Combine the hammock, tent, thermos, and backpack with a campground reservation. Pair the kayak and dry bags with a paddling excursion. Or do just about anything and get it all on video with that awesome GoPro! Outdoorsy gifts are amazing, especially when paired with an adventure!

Hey moms, what’s on your holiday wishlist?

The post Best Gifts for Outdoor Moms appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

This ULTIMATE gift guide for outdoorsy kids contains 80+ awesome gifts for kids of all ages. Everything from DIY gift ideas, to gift bundles, kid-friendly services, memberships, products, experience gifts and so much more! No matter what age, size, interest, location, or budget, we’ve got a gift idea for you and the outdoorsy kid in your life!

(Updated October 2021)
(This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.)

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1. Walkie-talkies – Walkie-talkies are a fun way for the kids to play together (inside or outside), but they can also be a great way for parents to stay in touch with kids when they’re out exploring close to home (but may not be visible). Plus, they’ll be useful on hikes and camping trips.
2. Toolbox & tools – I’m talking real “grown-up” tools, none of that cheap plastic pretend stuff. Kids love helping out around the house. So if they’re old enough, why not give them a set of real tools that they can use to work on their own handy skills. You can buy a beginner set or DIY your own. Any small toolbox will do with an assortment of tools (either new or hand-me-downs). For example, screwdrivers, tape measure, hammer, wrench, level, pliers, nails, drill, etc.
3. Sleeping Bag – If you know a kid that loves to camp or is about the age to start attending sleep-overs, a quality sleeping bag is a must-have item. We love these Kelty sleeping bags because they’re lightweight, super warm, easy to stuff and will last for years.
4. Tent – This 4-person dome tent would make a great gift for kids. It’s relatively inexpensive (only $53!) and can be used on camping trips or set up in the backyard for camping. Let your kids learn how to set up the tent by themselves and practice putting it up and taking it down at home.
5. Wonder Club Explorers – Get ready to explore!  The Wonder Club Explorer Kit is a self-guided scouting program with no meetings or fund-raising obligations. The kit comes with 1 Adventure Vest, 18 Patches, 18 Pennants and string to hang the pennants once your child completes each merit patch. Perfect for the busy parent that doesn’t need the commitment of another meeting but wants fun and easy outdoor activities pre-planned with a fun prize for completion! Use the code BELOYAL for 10% off! 
6. Gardening gear – Put together a beginner’s gardening package which includes kid-sized gardening gloves, watering can, shovel, seed packets, gardening books, hose and plant markers. For extra cute packaging, put it all in a kid-sized wheelbarrow or a giant colorful flower pot!
7. Slackline – Slacklining (the act of walking/balancing on a suspended webbing between 2 anchors) is a great outdoor activity for kids. My two kids (ages 5 and 3) love our slackline and can spend hours in the backyard playing on it, year-round. We’ve got a great post on beginner Slacklining for Kids to get you started.
8. Hammock – I don’t know a single kid that’s ever seen a hammock and didn’t want to play in it. Hammocks are a blast! They make the perfect gift for kids of all ages and can be used in a number of locations, such as your backyard, on camping trips or even at the park!
9. Horseback riding lessons – Horseback riding is not only a great way for kids to connect with nature and animals, but it strengthens muscles, improves posture, balance and coordination and has been shown to lower stress levels. Riding and caring for a horse also promotes responsibility, patience, and self-discipline. Give a child a gift certificate for lessons and teach them a skill for life.
10. Fishing pole – Fishing poles make great gifts for outdoorsy kids. We spend a LOT of time fishing and have tested out quite a few poles. The best kid’s fishing poles we’ve found are made by Zebco. The Zebco Dock Demon spin-cast rod and reel are the perfect entry-level fishing pole for little kids (under 6). They’re durable (virtually unbreakable), pre-spooled with a short rod and small reel for little hands. Both my kids learned how to fish on this pole. For older/bigger kids, Zebco has a number of rod and reel combos, including the 33, the 202 (it’s pink!), and the 404.
11. Pocket knife – If your kids are old enough (and mature enough) to handle a pocket knife for their outdoor adventures, this model is high-quality and specially designed for children. It features a rounded edge for added safety. But remember, the blade still has a sharp edge. So be sure to talk about safety and practice safe knife skills.
12. National park passes – If you know a kid that’s into national parks and exploring, a national park pass would be an incredible gift that lasts all year long. Each pass costs $80/year and covers entrance fees and standard amenity fees at more than 2,000 national parks and national wildlife refuges.  A full list of federal recreational areas by state can be found HERE.
13. Head lamp – I don’t know a single kid that hasn’t been obsessed with flashlights at some point. Every year we give our kids flashlights as stocking stuffers. Headlamps are even better! Both my kids are getting one this year. I’m sure we’ll get lots of use out of them while camping, fishing, hiking, and chasing lightning bugs.
14. Painted rock tic tac toe game – We’ve got a great tutorial on how to make this fun DIY tic-tac-toe game for kids of all ages. Fun, portable and perfect for playing outdoors – this gift can be used for years for kids and adults alike.
15. Fruit picking gift cards – Experience gifts are high on my list of favorite things to gift kids. Why not make the experience something the entire family can do together outdoors, like picking fruit? Gift a gift card to your local nursery/orchard for a fruit-picking adventure. I guarantee the kids will love the experience and enjoy bringing home boxes of freshly picked strawberries, peaches, blackberries, blueberries, or apples!
16. Camera – A small digital camera is a great gift for any kid and perfect for an outdoor explorer wanting to document their adventures. I love giving our kids a camera and seeing the world through their eyes. Not only do we get some great shots from a whole new perspective, but they’re super proud of their photos and it keeps them interested when out and about. However, I will say that we end up with an extraordinary amount of butt shots, so consider yourself warned. (For a fun twist, try this underwater camera which would be a blast to play with in the pool, ocean, or creek. Or try this fun instant camera that prints your photos out on the spot for instant satisfaction!)
17. S’mores kit – If your kids are anything like mine (or me), s’mores are just about the best treat/dessert in the entire world. Perhaps it’s the perfectly toasted marshmallow contrasted with the cold chocolate bar on the sweet crunch of the graham cracker. Or perhaps it’s the fact that s’mores require being outside, around a beautiful campfire, usually surrounded by loved ones. Either way, a s’mores-making gift bundle of ingredients would make a perfect present for any kid. Make sure to include these fun mallow roasting skewers for the perfect campfire cookout.
18. Bike – Every kid needs a bike. We’re big fans of the entire Schwinn SmartStart lineup, which is specially designed for children and will grow with your kid. If your little one is too little for a pedal bike, try a Strider balance bike. And if you want to start biking together as a family, how about a bike trailer? The Burley Encore is one of our family’s favorite pieces of gear ever! It can be used as a bike trailer or a stroller. It’s a perfect gift for the entire family.
19. Yeti tumbler – If you’re tired of cheap plastic sippy cups and water bottles, the Yeti stainless steel insulated tumbler is the answer. Stay hydrated in style without all the cheap plastic. The Yeti Rambler tumbler is a good size for small hands. It comes in a variety of colors and has a magnetic locking lid to prevent spills. They’re also BPA free and dishwasher safe.
20. Teepee – A teepee (or play tent) is a great addition to any room or play space for kids. Not only does it fuel kids’ imaginations, but it provides a comfortable place for reading or playing. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, usually with wooden poles. Throw in some fairy lights, pillows, and a few books and gift a child their own private reading nook.
21. Rock polisher – I’m going to let my inner-nerd shine and tell you that the rock polisher I received as a kid was one of my favorite gifts of all time. Yes, I’m serious. A rock polisher is a great gift for any kid interested in nature, science, rock collecting or even jewelry-making.  Promotes an interest in geology and science and helps kids with patience (because it takes time to polish a rock – it’s not an overnight process)
22. Winter coat – While getting clothes might not be super exciting for kids, a good quality winter coat is definitely something every outdoorsy kid needs. And active outdoor kids are hard on their winter gear, so you’ll need something well made. We love and highly recommend Patagonia outerwear for kids. Their clothes are incredibly well-made, durable, adorable, and sustainable.
23. Rain suit – Give your child the gift of freedom to get as wet or muddy as they want with this amazing full-body rain suit from Polarn O. Pyret, makers of some of the very best outdoor kids clothing. Fleece-lined, PFC-free, waterproof and windproof to keep your little one dry and warm. Super durable, machine washable and easily wipes clean after muddy play. Sizing runs on the very generous side – no need to size up! 
24. Scooter – A scooter is another great way to provide exercise, fresh air, and quality outdoor time to a kid. Scooters are great for kids as young as 2 years old (the 3-wheelers) and come in a variety of sizes, colors, and speeds. We’ve got a great review on the new Mongoose Force 3.0 scooter for kids (age 7+).
25. Mud kitchen – If you’re handy, put those DIY skills to good use and make a mud pie outdoor kitchen for your kids. There are a million different ways to make a small kitchen countertop, complete with a sink and storage out of old furniture, cabinet or wood pallets. Throw in some hand-me-down kitchen utensils, dishes, pots and pans and you’ve got yourself the ultimate mud kitchen. It’s sure to entertain your children for hours and hours. Or if you’re not handy and just want to purchase a quality mud kitchen, The Monarch Studio makes the best mud kitchens right here in the US! Just be sure to put it somewhere close to a hose for easy clean-up! 
26. Magnifying glass – A magnifying glass is a great gift for any kid interested in bugs, worms or other small details found in the natural world. This magnifying glass is lightweight with an oversized scratch-resistant lens and magnifies items 3x. This one is the perfect size for kids and durable enough to throw in an explorer’s backpack for carrying on outdoor adventures. Pair it with a bug book and a critter carrier for the perfect intro to entomology gift package.
27. Fish tank – This awesome little 5-gallon fish tank with curved glass is the perfect beginner fish tank for any kid. The kit includes a hidden filtration system and an adjustable flow filter pump. The white and blue energy-efficient LED light is bright and features a 3-way switch to toggle between white and blue, off. Also included is a base and a unique glass canopy that slides to the back of the aquarium for easy feeding and water care dosing. It’s easy-to-assemble, beautifully designed and easy for kids to maintain.
28. Binoculars – A decent pair of binoculars is a must-have item for any outdoor adventure backpack. These binoculars are suitable for both adults and kids. They offer 12x magnification and are water-resistant. They’re perfect for taking along while hunting, hiking, exploring, sailing, bird watching, concerts, outdoor sporting events, etc.  Bonus accessories include a hand strap, carrying pouch, and cleaning cloth.
29. Fruit tree – I love the idea of gifting a child a small fruit tree that they can plant and care for. Not only does this teach kids about natural cycles, seasons, and responsibility, but can provide fruit to harvest, bake with or gift to others. Ideas include peach, cherry, apple, lemon, or persimmon.
30. Adopt an animal from a local zoo or wildlife sanctuary – A good friend adopted an animal from our local zoo for each of my kids last year and it was one of their all-time favorite gifts. Each animal came with a personalized certificate for the kids, which they loved. Having their “own personal animal” at the zoo made each trip there even more special. They loved checking in on their animals, naming them, and learning about them. You can pair the gift with a print-out of fun facts about that animal, a photo, a book or even a small stuffed animal.
31. Flower press – A flower press is a perfect gift for a kid interested in plants/flowers, making their own gifts or arts and crafts. This kit includes a flower press, glue, brush and double-sided tape. The 4-inch press can make cards, bookmarks, trinket boxes, and more. Pair with some watercolor paints, wildflowers seed packets, or a blank scrapbook for a package gift.
32. Butterfly hatching kit – This is another one of my kids’ favorite gifts, both to give and receive. For the last 3 years, we’ve grown our own caterpillars and hatched our own butterflies for release. The kids absolutely love checking on their progress daily and letting them go in our garden. Even mom and dad had fun with this project and became attached to our caterpillar friends. The kit comes with a netted habitat, feeding tools, instruction manual and voucher to receive 5 live caterpillar (for growing and releasing during the proper season), which will ship to you at a later date.
33. Compass & survival bracelet – These bracelets are the ultimate 5-in-1 survival tool and the perfect accessory for the ultra-adventurous kid. Each bracelet contains: (1) high-quality compass, (2) flint fire starter, (3) fire scrapper, (4) emergency knife, and (5) emergency whistle. It comes in a wide range of colors and sizes (including kid’s sizes) and is made of ultra-strong, military-grade 550 parachute cord.  The bracelet itself can be deployed for 12 feet of paracord, perfect for any situation where an extremely strong rope or cordage is needed. Use it as a trap, make a shelter, or use one of the finer 7 inner strands as fire tender, fishing line o sewing string. It also comes with a useful leaflet with instructions, survival tips & ideas.
34. Nature journal with colored pencils – There are so many fun ways to incorporate art and nature into a journal. Gifting a child a blank journal and some beautiful quality colored pencils can open up all kinds of inspiration for journaling. From writing to sketching to including pressed flowers and leaves, a nature journal is a great way for kids to observe and learn about nature.
35. Bird calls – If you know a budding ornithologist or a kid that’s into hunting, bird calls can make fun gifts. You can find a variety of different species, depending on what type of bird you’d like to imitate. This classic bird call chirps and tweets and is perfect for communicating with backyard birds. On the other hand, if you know a small hunter, they may be more interested in an owl, turkey, or duck call.
36. Story stones – Store stones help build imagination and storytelling skills. By using the stone, children can create a story or retell an adventure by using the pictures on the stone. Story stones are a great educational tool and make a great gift for both kids and teachers. There are a variety of story-telling games you can play in a group – hold the bag and let each child pick a stone, then go around the circle and have each child build on the story by adding something about the stone they picked. 
37. Giant cardboard box – No, this is not a joke. A giant empty cardboard box is a blank canvas of possibilities to a kid. Pair this box with a box of markers, some stickers and endless imagination. Help a kid turn it into a pirate ship or a princess castle or a dragon’s lair. A box can be a restaurant, a treehouse, or a post office. It’s whatever you want to make it and can be more fun (especially with the help of a fun grown-up) than any toy on the market. If you want a giant box that’s ready for assembly and easy to decorate, check out this one.
38. Gym1 Indoor Playground Set – While this one isn’t technically “outdoorsy” at all, it’s perfect for those days/times when kids are stuck/trapped/forced indoors and need to burn some energy. If your kids are like mine, they literally start climbing the walls after a while. This thing lets them swing and climb indoors with style! It works for kids ages 3 and older and is strong and safe enough to hold 300 pounds (yet weighs less than 10 pounds). The whole thing can be assembled in minutes and installed in seconds without any drilling or holes. It fits regular 25″ to 36″ wide doorways that have trim at least on the top. Includes patented core doorway unit plus swing, ladder, and rings. Fun for all ages!
39. Bait net – Whether you’re at the beach, in a creek/stream or next to a pond, kids love playing in the water and catching things. This is the very best bait net on the market – trust me, we’ve been through a million. Most nets have the netting on the outside of the basket, which means after a while of scraping on sand and rocks, the net wears thin and rips. This one has a metal framing (net guard) and a super durable handle, ensuring it lasts years longer than the others. A bit more expensive, but totally worth it. Perfect for scooping rocks/shells and catching minnows, crabs, crawdads, etc. (slightly smaller version)
40. Geometric Dome Climber Jungle Gym – If you’ve got space in your yard for this awesome geodome jungle gym, get one! Our neighbors have one of these incredibly outdoor toys and it’s a huge hit with all the kid on the street! It helps with upper body strength, coordination and balance, plus helps develop that all-important vestibular sense!
41. Mixed tape/CD – This one might give you a bit of pause, but hear me out. How fun would it be to gift a kid a mixed tape/CD of some songs, sounds and stories that are special to you. Whether this is coming from a parent, a family member or friend, a mixed tape is a really fun way for kids to experience something new that’s personalized and made just for them. Use a microphone and record your own voice on the tape – tell a story about an adventure you had, when you first met them or a funny thing they did when they were little. Add a few of your favorite songs. Make it personal and special for the child receiving it and I promise it’ll be a big hit!
42. Barefoot shoes – Kids are born with perfect feet. Don’t mess them up with tight shoes that restrict their movement and keep them from connecting with the earth below them. Vivobarefoot Kids shoes are my family’s favorites. They have ultra-thin, puncture-resistant soles to let the 200,000+ neurotransmitters in kids’ feet feel the ground while keeping them protected. The more feet can feel, the more the foot-brain connection stays sparking and active.
43. Microscope – For your budding scientist, this beginner compound microscope set provides high magnification for educational applications. The set includes a monocular viewing head with LED lights and mirror illumination and a built-in color filter wheel. The forward-facing rotating turret provides up to 1200x magnifications. Rack-and-pinion focus mechanism on a durable stain-resistant metal frame. It comes with a 52-piece accessory kit and a hard-sided plastic case. Pair it with this awesome book all about exploring nature with a microscope.
44. Gabb Wireless Watch – The Gabb Watch triples as a cell phone, GPS device, and interactive watch. It is a stand-alone device with monthly service (does not go on your cell phone bill) that will give you peace of mind as your kids explore and adventure more outdoors. Fosters a sense of security and encourages independence. Pre-program all contacts, no social media or internet access. Lets your kids send and receive calls and texts from their contacts, without worrying about spam calls or junk mail from strangers.
45. Subscription to a magazine – Kids (and adults!) love getting their own fun mail, so give a gift that gives all year round with a magazine subscription. Offering kids access to magazines at home is not only a novel way to get them to read, but it also hones their skills at reading non-fiction as well. Magazines offer short articles with lots of visual support from pictures and aren’t as intimidating as books for struggling readers. A few of our favorites that encourage outdoor fun and creativity are (1) National Geographic Kids; (2) Ranger Rick; (3) Zoobooks; (4) Sports Illustrated Kids; (5) Click; (6) Ask; (7) Boys Life; (8) Brainspace; (9) Owl/Chickadee/Chirp; and (10) Jack and Jill.
46. Nature books – And while we’re on the subject of getting kids to read, books make great gifts! If you missed it, we’ve got a wonderful list of 30+ of the most beautiful children’s books about nature (storybooks) and this list of 80+ educational nature books for kids (mostly non-fiction). Add a couple to a child’s library and give a gift they can enjoy for years and years.
47. Globe – Speaking of little smarties, how about a globe to encourage a kid’s curiosity about the Earth and the sky! This globe does double duty and teaches kids geography and astronomy.  This unique, modern design shows the traditional political map, PLUS 88 modern constellations. The globe is perfect for kids, measuring about 10” (the size of an NBA basketball), without the stand. It is large enough to clearly show countries and major cities, but small enough so your kid can read and spin it. Plus, you don’t need any batteries to make this globe light up – it plugs in!
48. Sunglasses – Protect your children’s eyes while they’re outside playing with these Babiator sunglasses. They come in 2 styles (the Navigator UV and the Aviator) and a variety of colors. They’re designed to withstand the strains of children in everyday life. Frames are made from rubber, making them strong and flexible, shock and impact resistant. Whether your child twists, bends or treads on these sunglasses, they will not break! In addition, these UV400 lenses stop all UVA and UVB rays and protect the eyes of your child against the bright sunlight. Available in baby and toddler sizes and polarization.
49. Membership to local attraction – Another worthwhile experience gift that gives all year-round. A membership to a local zoo, wildlife sanctuary, science center, nature center or botanical garden is a great gift for a kid (or an entire family). Lots of places offer special discounts and perks with your membership, including event tickets, early-access hours, discounts on food/snacks, and free parking.
50. Bow & arrows – This high-quality bow & arrow set from Squire’s Armory (Etsy) in Pennsylvania will entertain your kids for hours while providing a safe introduction into the world of archery. Made in one solid piece design from PVC pipe for long-lasting durability. This bow is both left and right hand compatible, with foam tip safety arrows, and shoots approximately 90 feet.
51. Insulated snow boots – If your kids are in need of new snow boots this year (and aren’t they always?), we highly recommend the See Kai Run Gilman or Atlas waterproof and insulated snow boots. They feature 3M Thinsulate thermal lining and insole good to -35 degrees. Make sure you size up 1 full size to get a perfect fit, due to the gusseted tongue construction that protects the boot from water, snow, and debris!
    Hook and loop closure with faux elastic laces allows for secure fit and custom adjustability
52. Stick-lets fort building kit – Have you heard about Stick-lets? Kids can build a mega fort with just sticks and a set of Stick-let connectors. This set of 18 flexible, safe, silicone connectors can be twisted, stretched, and otherwise manipulated to accommodate almost any kind of construction—forts, toys, animal habitats, geometric shapes, and much more (depending on the size of the sticks). Great for 1–2 builders and includes a carrying bag and informational pamphlet.
53. Sandbox – A sandbox is a perfect gift for the outdoorsy kid. This one, crafted from cedar wood, has a sand screen bottom that helps drain moisture into the ground and a small square design perfect for backyards. Just fold out the doors of the sandbox to form 2 benches that allow your child to sit and play (200 lbs. capacity for each bench). Has a capacity of 750 lbs. of sand for the sandbox. If you’re handy, you can also build this yourself! My dad made one of these (using these plans) for our kids and it was a huge hit!
54. Fitness tracker – Encourage your kids to get outside and active with this waterproof fitness tracker. It syncs via Bluetooth with your phone or tablet and tracks steps, sleep, calories burned, and more. Promotes a healthy lifestyle and sleep habits in your kids. Set goals and challenges for the family, work on math skills, track improvement over time. So many fun ways to use these little devices.
55. Rope climber – This rope climber is a great introduction to a challenging, fun, and traditional fitness sport. It includes a circular rubber bottom disc that kids can stand or sit on to swing, hand, and toeholds to help them climb, and lots of rope to grab and climb without aids. Hang it from a swing set or a tree branch and watch kids have fun with this simple but wonderfully multifunctional invention.
56. Animal masks – Every kid loves to play pretend and now you can let your kids’ imagination run wild with a set of fun animal masks. I love this 18 pack of felt masks that come in a variety of animals and are perfect for younger kids. These animal masks are made of high-quality soft felt, durable and safe. They’d be perfect for playing games with a group of kids at a birthday party or for putting on shows and plays.
57. Hiking backpack – Getting your kid their own hiking backpack is a great way to encourage them to start carrying their own gear and supplies on hikes. Make it comfortable for them with a nice backpack, specifically designed and sized for kids. The Deuter Junior is a great backpack for kids ages 5 and up, with adjustable S-shaped soft-edge shoulder straps that are ergonomically designed to relieve neck strain and a chest strap to helps kids manage load. For smaller kids, try the Mountaintop toddler backpack in pink or green.
58. Slingshot – We love these hand-made slingshots from HellaSlingshot (Etsy). They’re just like the wooden slingshots you made as a kid, but with an added touch of grown-up craftsmanship. Each one-of-a-kind slingshot is handmade in San Francisco from forked tree branches. The bark is left on for an authentic, rustic feel and outfitted it with a leather projectile pouch made from natural latex tubing and imitation sinew. Perfect for hiking and camping, yet powerful enough for slingshot hunting. Choose your own ammo, too! (wooden or felt balls are great starters for kids)
59. Wild Explorers Club membership – The Wild Explorers Club is a monthly, online adventure program designed to ignite a heart for exploration and wonder in kids. The assignments are intended for kids ages 6-12, but younger children can participate with the help of their parents. The membership is $14/mo and includes weekly adventure assignments for each animal level, a monthly “Wild Explorers” print magazine in the mail, a free logo patch for signing up and a patch and certificate for each level completed. One membership covers your entire family, and multiple kids can participate in the program together.
60. Ski pass/lift tickets – If you’re lucky enough to live in an area where you can ski, give a kid lift ticket and a season, weekend or day pass to ski or snowboard. Add a gift certificate for equipment rental if you want to sweeten the deal. Triple bonus points if you throw in ski lessons!
61. Geocaching kit – Geocaching is one of our family’s favorite outdoor activities! It’s basically outdoor treasure hunting with your smartphone and can be done practically anywhere. While you don’t technically need anything but your phone and a free account to start geocaching, this beginner’s kit is perfect for anyone wanting to hide their own geocache. It comes with a weatherproof logbook long outdoor use and an unactivated trackable to release into the wild. If you want more info on geocaching with kids, we’ve got a great Beginner’s Guide to Geocaching with Kids that will tell you everything you need to know to get started.
62. Waders – Have kids that love to fly fish? These Oaki wader for kids are our favorites. They’re made of 90D nylon, which are completely waterproof, but still breathable. The nylon is soft to the touch and the waders are very lightweight, which makes them easier for kids to walk around in and easier for us to pack. They have a full rubber boot, completely neoprene-lined, with great tread, so no need to buy separate boots. The straps are adjustable and they come in sizes starting as small as 2T, all the way up to 14/15. Plus, their customer service is great. If you ever have an issue, they take good care of you.
63. Kayak – A kayak would make an amazing gift for the most adventurous kids. This Evrwild kayak is specifically designed for kids ages 4-12. The wide stance provides a stable paddling platform to keep your child safely in the kayak. Designed to meet the needs of youth, including front storage and a convenient cup holder so your child can easily switch from paddling near the dock to that all-day adventure. Has a padded slip-resistant seat, swim-up deck, paddle rest and stable hull design with great maneuverability and steady tracking. 
64. Bubbles & sidewalk chalk – While it may be considered a classic summer combination, bubbles and sidewalk chalk are fun for kids year-round. You can use sidewalk chalk to draw holiday scenes in the winter, color puddles for jumping in the spring, and tracing leaves in the fall. And have you ever tried blowing frozen ice bubbles in the winter?
65. Knot tying kit – Teach your scout (or explorer) the basics of knot tying with this fun kit. This kit includes two 6 foot lengths of 3/16 inch double braided polyester rope and a 6-foot piece of tubular nylon (for water knots). The reference cards are water-proof, durable and credit card-sized. They clearly demonstrate 17 essential knots for anyone who enjoys camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, boating, kayaking, etc.
66. Swim lessons – Teaching a child a life-long critical skill is a great gift! Learning to swim is imperative and important for all children, but swimming lessons can be expensive. Giving the gift of swimming lessons to a local pool or swimming facility not only teaches them a valuable skill, but also makes it fun for the kids.
67. Zipline kit – Ziplines are fun, safe, and easy to set up. Using this kit with thorough installation and safety instructions, you can add a zipline to your backyard in no time. The fully assembled steel trolley comes pre-loaded with an adjustable rope and comfortable seat. The stylish and comfortable rubber grips are screwed into the trolley to ensure a safe and fun ride. This zipline would make  great gift and guarantee fun-filled family time outdoors.
68. Trampoline – And speaking of backyard adventures, a trampoline is the ultimate backyard addition for any active outdoorsy kid. It’s a big-ticket item and requires a lot of space, but it’s guaranteed to entertain your kids for hours (and hopefully wear them out!). We suggest getting one with a surrounding net enclosure (for safety) and a basketball hoop (just for fun).
69. Root viewer garden – I love the idea of using this root viewer garden to spark kids interest in growing vegetables indoors, so eventually they’ll want to grow them outside! This root viewer lets you see how vegetables grow underground and serves as a great year-round indoor experiment for all ages. The kit includes a 9-inch x 11.5-inch clear plastic planter with removable top and handle, premium soil, radish, carrot, green onion seeds, and instructions on how to construct and plant.
70. Pitching machine – There are so many great sports for kids that encourage them to get outside and play. Baseball is a big hit (pun intended) at our house and my son loves this pitching machine.  It has 3 speeds: 10mph, 15mph & 20mph and an adjustable 3 position pitch angle. There’s a red light that flashes to indicate pitch release, which occurs every 5 seconds. It holds up to 9 balls and includes 4 foam balls. Requires 4 size C batteries or a power adapter (both sold separately).
71. Skateboard or roller blades – Encourage your kids to get outside and active with a beginner skateboard or roller blades. Not only will these help your child with balance and coordination, but they’ll get lots of fresh air and exercise while they’re perfecting their skills. Don’t forget the helmet and knee pads!
72. Sled – There’s no better way to get your kids outside in the snow than to give them a sled! We love this 2-person classic rider toboggan sled with a rope lanyard for pulling. The bottom is slick for speed and it has handle cut-outs on the sides for holding tight!
73. Kids Moon Club Membership – Nicholette Sowder of the Wilder Child and the Wildschooling movement runs a year-long program all about the moon for kids and families. The Kids Moon Club The Kids Moon Club invites you to connect, celebrate, play and walk together through all 13 full moons of the year with families across the world! It includes monthly activities, videos, information on each moon and access to a private Facebook group for building community and sharing ideas. Membership’s only open through the end of the year, so sign up now.
74. Surfer swing – The Swurfer Kick Stand Up Tree Swing lets your kids surf in the air up to 10 feet high! Made of durable plastic strong enough to hold someone up to 150 pounds, this swing is engineered to provide more power, stability & range of motion as kids soar through the air. Hold onto the handles and calmly sway side to side, or use your legs to power higher & carve through the air. Hang it in your backyard or branch out and take it with you on your next hiking, camping, picnic or road trip.
75. RadioFlyer Wagon – A little red wagon is a brilliant and classic kid-friendly gift. This wagon has been a staple in my kids’ childhoods and we use it more than we ever could have imagined. Use it for taking the kids for a walk around the block (they’ll not only love riding in it, but pulling it as well) or use for transporting gear and equipment. The uses are endless and it’s a ton of open-ended fun.
76. Telescope – We love this travel/portable telescope with a tripod and carry bag. It’s a perfect beginner telescope for kids with a 360mm(f/5.1) focal length and 70mm aperture. The fully coated optical glass has high transmission coatings to create stunning images with increased brightness and clarity. Interchangeable eyepieces make locating objects easy. It allows for many different viewing positions and the tripod adjusts for the smaller star-gazers. It’s easy to set up and take outside on a clear night or use during the day to watch wildlife.  Perfect for encouraging any kid that’s interested in space, science or astronomy.
77. Metal detector – Get your kids outside and exploring for buried treasure with a metal detector. This metal detector can be used anywhere (park, beach, fields, backyard) to search for all kinds of valuable metal from gold coins to iron relics. It identifies all metal coin-size objects up to 6 inches deep underground and senses larger items up to 2 feet deep. Includes headphones for private searches in crowded places.
78. Kitchen helper bundle – If you have a little one that loves to help out, consider putting together a fun kitchen bundle. Include items like a kid-sized apron, kid-friendly cookbook, child-safe kitchen knives, all packaged together and popped into a mixing bowl. And if your little one is…well, little, then how about a kitchen helper so she/he can be counter-level with you and help.
79. Tinkergarten classes – Experience gifts are so much fun and can create memories that last much longer than any cheap toy. Consider gifting a little one in your life the chance to experience a season of Tinkergarten classes. Each week your child will have the opportunity to spend time outside with other families, learning, playing and exploring. It’s not only a great gift for kids, but wonderful for parents as well.
80. Wild Life Outdoor Adventure Kits – A fun subscription kit for outdoorsy kids that inspire outdoor adventures and learning. Each month a fresh kit of essential outdoor gear, activities, games, crafts, and a merit pin arrives at your door. Your child will earn about the great outdoors, get outside and have fun!
81. Big Life Journal – The Big Life Journal helps children develop strong Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and growth mindset skills through inspiring stories, colorful illustrations, and engaging guided activities. In this illustrated journal, children discover: how to believe in themselves, how to face challenges with confidence, mistakes are opportunities to grow and they can achieve anything when they’re persistent!
82. Hoverboard – Hoverboards were all the rage with the kids in our neighborhood last year. I expect them to be even more popular this year! Hoverboards are great for getting kids outside and building core strength and stability, as well as coordination and balance. There are self-balancing hoverboards for little kids. Hoverboards with built-in lights and connect to Bluetooth to play music. There are even all-terrain hoverboards that go off-road, so you can take them through yards and on smooth trails. 
83. Nugget – Part toy and part furniture, the Nugget is one big hit at our house (we have 2 of them). Kids love the Nugget for its infinite possibilities – it can be a fort, a treehouse, a tent, a rocketship, and so much more! Parents love it because it’ll save your couch from certain destruction and provide hours upon hours (I’m not even kidding) or endless entertainment. 

What’s on your kids’ wishlist this year?

{PIN IT}

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Making a change

Each year I try to make a few changes in our lives that allow us to leave a smaller footprint on Earth. As I was thinking about what to do for this year’s valentines for my kids’ classmates, I realized this was another area we could make improvements. It seems like every year my kids bring home more and more stuff from their class holiday parties. Little plastic trinkets, individually wrapped candies, plastic baggies stuffed to the brim with junk that eventually ends up in the trash.

And let me be honest, my kids absolutely LOVE IT. They love receiving all those fun treats and they love giving them out as well. But this year I can’t do it. I can’t add to the growing problem. So, I decided to find an alternative that would more closely match our values.

DIY plantable seed paper Valentines

Instead of buying something that would be thrown away, we decided to make something. These DIY plantable seed paper valentines made from recycled paper are a perfect alternative to the usual store-bought valentine items! They check all of the boxes when it comes to a Valentine that aligns with our values. They’re handmade, which allows for me to spend extra time with the kids. They’re made from recycled materials, giving a new life to things that would otherwise be thrown away. And they’re plantable, which means our little Valentines will keep on giving long after we’ve gifted them!

Not only will these homemade Valentines provide beauty when they’re grown, but they’re extra good for the environment. We deliberately chose a wildflower pack that’s specifically made for birds and butterflies! Win-win for everyone! We had so much fun creating these eco-friendly seed paper valentines and hope you will too. They’re super simple to make and absolutely adorable!

Plantable seed paper materials

The great thing about these Valentines is that you don’t really need anything special to make them! Other than the wildflower seeds, you probably already have all the materials necessary to make your own plantable seed paper at home right now. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

• Paper scraps
• Food dye (optional)
• Wildflower seeds
• Water
• Large bowl
• Blender or food processor
• Grease splatter screen (or screen material)
• Towels
• Cookie sheet
• Pencil
• Scissors

How to make plantable seed paper

I was pleasantly surprised just how fun and easy it is to make your own DIY plantable wildflower seed paper. It didn’t take us long at all and we were so happy with the way it turned out. The paper is also so versatile and can be used for any variety of holidays, gifts or projects. Tuning the plantable paper into Valentines was so much fun and we truly loved the way they turned out.

Step 1: Gather paper and rip

The first step is to gather scrap paper and let the children rip up the paper into small pieces. I highly recommend using paper that has been used and that you’d normally recycle, as opposed to new clean paper. You can really use any kind of paper, from printer paper to construction paper. You can use junk mail, papers from the kids’ schoolwork that you aren’t keeping, flyers, old coloring book pages or even newspapers.

We used a stack of papers that would be normally tossed into the recycling bin. We also used one piece of red construction paper, just for some added color. You can use any colored paper depending on the color you want your seed paper to be, or just leave it out altogether.

Step 2: Soak the paper

Next, place the ripped pieces of paper into a bowl of water. Let the paper bits sit in the water for 10-15 minutes to allow the paper to fully soak and saturate.

Step 3: Puree to a pulp

Once the recycled paper is soaked, place the pulpy mixture into a blender or food processor. If you want create colored paper, now is the time to add a few drops of food coloring to the mix. We used two drops of red dye for ours. Put it all in the blender and liquefy it! This step should definitely be supervised by an adult!

*Please note: the blending can be hard on appliances so you’ll want to use a high-quality appliance. This may also dull your blades. Blend at your own risk*

Step 4: Add seeds and spread

Place a towel on a cookie sheet. Then place a splatter screen over towel. Once the paper mixture has been blended into a pulp, pour it back into the bowl. Then mix the wildflower seeds into the recycled paper pulp.

Have the children use a spoon or their hands to spread the pulp onto the screen. Using your hands or a spoon, spread the pulp as thinly and evenly as possible over the entire screen, pressing lightly to squeeze out any extra water. The towel beneath the screen will also help absorb the extra water that comes out of the paper.

Step 5: Let dry

Once the pulp has been evenly spread on the screens, leave it to dry. Drying time will vary depending on the thickness of the pulp and humidity. Our paper took several days to dry completely. Give it time! During the drying process, you’ll need to remove the wet towels under the paper and replace them with dry towels. Once the seed paper was stiff enough to handle without falling apart, I flipped it once to help with the drying time.

Step 6: Cut into shapes

When the plantable seed paper is completely dry and stiff, it’s ready to be made into Valentines! Use a cookie cutter as your template or even just a cutout shape of your choosing. We chose a heart (naturally!). Trace your shape onto the seed paper using a marker and then carefully cut them out. You may want to have the children do the tracing and have an adult do the cutting because the paper is quite fragile!

Step 7: Share the love!

Once you have your plantable seed paper cutout into the shape of your choice, that’s it!  Your frugal, earth-friendly valentines are complete and ready to give to friends, neighbors and family members. Let them know that they just need to plant the paper in a sunny spot to grow a beautiful little patch of wildflowers that will brighten their days and help the birds and bees. You could even print off some cute cards with fun phrases on them to attach to the Valentines. Pinterest has some great free printables to use!

Plantable seed paper makes a great gift! 

Plantable seed paper doesn’t only have to be for Valentine’s Day. You can make wildflower seed paper for so many occasions, using any kind of cutout shape, size or color. So it would be great for Earth Day, Mother’s Day, or any special occasion or holiday. These little cutouts make a great take-home favor for birthday parties and bridal/baby showers as well.

Do you make your own Valentines?
How do you make holidays more eco-friendly?

About the author

Hi there, I’m Chelsea! I’m a photographer, mother of two busy boys, and sunshine and fresh air addict. We live in Virginia Beach, Virginia and spend as much time outdoors as we possibly can! We spend most of our time exploring the beach, inlets, and nature trails nearby. Our family loves biking, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, building forts, and playing in the sand! During the warm months, you can find us enjoying the Chesapeake Bay almost every night until long after the sun goes down. We’re doing our best to reduce our carbon footprint and always try to leave every trail cleaner than it was when we arrived.

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

The post DIY Eco-friendly Plantable Seed Paper Valentines appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Eco-friendly holidays

It can be really hard to not get caught up in the consumerism which often goes hand-in-hand with the holiday season. Once those sales start, we tend to get ourselves all worked up and forget that there is ultimately a cost with every single purchase we make. This holiday season, I encourage you to slow down, step back, and really think through your actions and purchases. The decisions we make today will have an impact on our planet for years (decades). If we all make small choices that are better for the environment, the combined impact can be huge! Together, we can make a difference.

Sustainability tips for the holidays

If you’re interested in making some eco-friendly holiday choices this year, stay tuned! In this post, I’m sharing some general tips to be more sustainable and help minimize your environmental impact. These are small actions and eco-friendly swaps that make a big impact. I’m also sharing some of my favorite Earth-conscious and eco-friendly gift ideas. These gifts are not only good for the planet, but most of them will support a small business.

Swap out your wrapping paper

When it comes to wrapping paper, we all know how much waste ends up in our recycling bins on Christmas morning. It’s always upsetting to me to see all that paper pile up! This year, instead of buying regular wrapping paper, make a better decision. Purchase reusable wrapping gift bags or buy them from a small business on Etsy.com.

Want to make your own recycled wrapping paper? If you forget your reusable bags (on one of those countless trips to the grocery store for last-minute ingredients for holiday meals), opt for paper bags. When you need wrapping paper, simply open them up and have your kids decorate the bags. Their art makes beautiful (and very special) wrapping paper! We do this every year and the grandparents love seeing their grandchildren’s artwork all over their gifts. You can also use recycled kraft paper for this.

You can also skip the wrapping paper altogether! Instead, just DIY a little decoration made from materials you find in nature. Attach a branch of pine or a twig of holly to the unwrapped gift instead!

Finally, if wrapping paper is your thing and you do choose to purchase those large rolls of wrapping paper, try to opt for a brand made with recycled paper. Every little action matters.

Eco-friendly tips for holiday meals

Speaking of those last-minute trips to the grocery store, we all know this is the season for lots of parties, baking, and eating. Whether you’re bringing a potluck dish to a family member’s house or hosting your own big shindig, there are lots of ways you can make your meals more eco-friendly and better for the environment. Here are a few ideas. Keep these in mind for all your party planning. 

Avoid single-use tableware

While it may be easy to grab some single-use paper or plastic plates, napkins, and utensils, it’s truly unnecessary if you already own these items. These materials are used for maybe 15-20 minutes, and then they’re generally tossed right into a landfill. In addition, think about the significant resources used to create those items in the first place. From the trees or oil from which they’re made, to the energy that runs the factory which produces them. The entire process uses up valuable resources. While it may save you some time doing dishes, it’s really not worth the trade-off when you look at the big picture.

The same goes for paper towels and napkins! Although they may be easier to use, it’s so much better for Mother Earth to skip them altogether. You can purchase reusable napkins for almost nothing at your local thrift store. Keep a basket of folded-up cloth towels and napkins right on the table for your family and guests to use instead. If you’re not comfortable offering mismatched towels and napkins during gatherings, you can go a little higher end with unpaper towels made by one of my favorite companies, Marley’s Monsters. And while you’re over there, feel free to grab a couple of their reusable sponges to use instead of throw-away ones you have sitting on your sink!

Avoid single-use food storage

Most of us will have leftover meals and baked goods from our holiday gathering or have baked goods to give to others during the holiday season. Instead of using a plastic sandwich bag to store the items, pick reusable sandwich bags or use washed-out food jars.

We try to buy items packaged in glass jars over plastic anytime possible. Once the olives, pickles, salsa, etc. have been consumed, we give them a second life before they end up in a landfill.  (Did you know: only about 9% of your recycling actually gets recycled? So even if you usually put your glass/plastic jars in the recycling rather than the trash, there’s still a good chance it ends up in a landfill.) You can store all sorts of products and leftovers in glass jars! And if you’re sending guests home with leftovers, you won’t have to worry about getting the food containers back!

If you usually store your food on plates or bowls covered in plastic wrap, you could opt for a reusable beeswax wrap instead. And most of us know that it’s always better to purchase stainless steel or glass food storage containers in place of plastic ones. But, since they’re significantly more expensive than plastic ones, I still recommend using the free glass food jars most of you already have sitting in your fridge instead!

Buy your food locally

When planning your holiday meals, try sourcing your food locally! Look for a local CSA for your produce or your neighborhood farmer’s market. See if there’s a local farm nearby where you can buy your meat. Go to a local bakery for your bread. You may be surprised at all the amazing options you have nearby once you start looking into it! Not only will the food be fresher and locally-grown, but you’ll also be supporting small businesses in your area.

Christmas tree dilemma

One of the biggest eco-friendly holiday swaps relates to trees. When it comes to Christmas trees and the environment, there are arguments for both real and fake trees. On the one hand, an artificial tree can be reused many times and keeps a real tree from being cut down and then decomposing. But, on the other hand, cutting down a live tree can be both environmentally beneficial and economically conscious. Let’s take a deeper dive into both options.

The environmental impact of a real tree

I’ve read many articles on the environmental impact of both real and artificial trees and I’m still “Team Real Tree.” We know that decomposition does put carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. And we know that fossil fuels are used to deliver them. However, the benefits of purchasing (or cutting down your own) real tree outweigh the few environmental costs.

For example, when you purchase a live tree you’re supporting a farm that depends on the income from those trees to continue to run. While the trees are growing, they’re helping to clean the air. Once the trees are cut down, they’re replaced with new ones. Once you’re finished with the live Christmas tree, it can often be repurposed. Here at the beach, we bring our trees over to the water to help prevent beach erosion. Many cities also collect the live trees and turn them into mulch or other products that are used throughout the year. In those cases, the tree gets another life before it decomposes.

The environmental impact of artificial trees

While artificial trees can be reused for several years, they’re made from products that will sit in a landfill for generations after we’re gone. They’re often produced in factories overseas and use lots of resources to reach the United States. Instead of supporting a small farmer, you’re likely supporting a large corporation. Unless you do a significant amount of research, you’ll also not know how that factory operates. How does it treat its workers? What are the carbon emissions produced by that factory? There are lots of details we don’t immediately know about the production of those artificial trees. But, if you have any local Christmas tree farms, you can talk directly to the farmer!

If you do have an artificial tree, don’t beat yourself up or immediately throw it out. Data shows that you should reuse it for at least 7 years to balance out the environmental impact. And when you’re done with it, try donating it to a school, hospital, nursing home or somewhere that might be able to squeeze a few more years out of it! The longer we can keep them out of landfills and in use, the better.

Another option (which I think is the best option), is to get a live tree that hasn’t been cut! Some places even rent them out! However, buying a full tree that can be planted after Christmas is the most expensive option. A small potted tabletop tree (not a full-sized Christmas tree), runs around $70. And as the size goes up, the price goes up. Not everyone can afford it, but if it’s in your budget and you don’t mind the much smaller size, it’s a great super eco-friendly Christmas tree choice!

Eco-friendly holiday cards

Like everyone else, I truly love receiving holiday cards. I used to excitedly send them out, but in the last few years, I’ve opted out. Considering that those cards will most likely just be thrown away in two weeks, it’s sadly not worth it to me. The wasted paper, the cost of the cards, the fossil fuels necessary for delivery all add up. Plus, the overwhelming stress of choosing the perfect card and all the time necessary to address, stamp and stuff the envelopes. It’s one thing I’ve taken off my to do list and has the added bonus of being good for the planet. Feel free to give yourself this same break!

But if holiday cards are your jam, instead of traditional paper cards, consider sending eco-friendly holiday cards made from plantable paper. These have seeds incorporated into them and can be planted in your garden. Another alternative is to send digital cards. I know this doesn’t have nearly the excitement as a real card and may not seem as personal, but it also won’t have the environmental impact. If you truly love sending traditional holiday cards and can’t give it up, look for a brand that uses recycled materials or is compostable.

Eco-friendly holiday gift-giving

When it comes to gift-giving, I’ve become much more conscious as a consumer over the last few years. When I’m looking for items for our family or to give as gifts, I often spend a lot of time researching. It’s important to me to spend my money on brands and companies that support my values and beliefs. I like to choose products that are made with the environment’s best interest in mind.  These little changes can make a big difference, especially if we all start shopping with our hearts and our heads.

Choose slow fashion

As a society, we are very hung up on “fast fashion,” for example. Fast fashion is the result of clothing companies making the consumers believe that your wardrobe needs to be replaced at least every quarter. Because of this, many people are purchasing cheaper fashion items to be used only for weeks and then tossed out. Instead of falling into this fast fashion trap, I recommend taking the time to really research where your clothing is being made and how long that item will last. It is definitely more expensive to buy higher quality items, but those items will last years (often decades, depending on the brand.)

Patagonia is one of the best examples of slow fashion that I know. This company intentionally makes products meant to last a long time to reduce the number of clothing items tossed in a landfill. They also have a repair service they encourage you to use if your gear gets damaged. They prefer that you fix a product you’ve purchased from them before purchasing a new one! Not many organizations put the planet before their bottom line. Obviously, you will pay significantly more than you would at your local Target, but you’ll have the items a long time or you’ll be able to pass them down to other people several times.

Buy second hand

There are also many options for purchasing pre-loved fashion items now, too. Thrift stores and online used boutiques allow you to avoid falling into that fast fashion trap! If you’ve never purchased second-hand clothing, just give it a chance. Years ago, the thought of second-hand fashion products freaked me out. I get it. But trust me, it’s actually pretty awesome! I get so excited when I have a good thrifting day and get lots of name brand gear without the guilt. You may find that you love it, too!

Purchase high-quality brands

If you are going to buy new items, look for ones that have a track record of lasting a loooong time. You don’t want to purchase something that’s going to fall apart after a few washes. When we purchase items, we also consider things like:

• Are the items sustainably made?
• Is the company certified fair trade?
• Is there a product guarantee or warranty?
• Does the company participate in/donate to any organizations that positively impact the environment?

I’ve often found that the brands we’re interested in purchasing from are part of 1% for the Planet or One Tree Planted. If I’m considering similar products from a couple of different companies, I will always pick the one that gives back in some way. As an added bonus, usually, when a company participates in one of these organizations, they’re more likely to be careful about their carbon footprint throughout the entire process.

Buy products locally

I used to be someone who ordered almost everything online. It was so easy! However, as I saw the boxes piling up on my doorstep (and all my neighbors’) the more it started to bother me. Not only did it make me aware of how much Americans are consuming on a DAILY basis, but it also made me start thinking about how many resources we’re using up for every single item we get delivered. I realize that many of us will still need to purchase some items online because we may not have direct access to stores that sell the items we’re looking to buy. But I highly recommend putting in that extra effort to check your local stores first. Instead, you’ll put your hard-earned money right back into your local community and avoid the use of resources it takes to deliver every individually boxed item to your door.

Best eco-friendly holiday gift ideas

Phew! That is a lot of information! Now that we’ve gone over the general best practices, let’s get to the fun stuff! Here is a list of some of my favorite eco-friendly holiday gift ideas. I hope this will help as you work on your holiday shopping! This list has everything you need for everyone on your list to have a truly magical and eco-friendly holiday! Hopefully, some of these items will even inspire the recipient to make more earth-conscious decisions and take more eco-friendly actions in the future. Our planet needs more conscientious consumers. 

Eco-friendly stocking stuffers

• Metal or paper straws
• Bamboo toothbrush
• Soap or shampoo bars by Chagrin Valley Soaps
• Bite toothpaste bits
• Reusable utensils
• Compostable phone case by Pela
• Safety razor
• Eco-Dough
• Deodorant paste or eco-friendly Deodorant Sticks
• Silk floss
• Kooshoo hair ties
• Bath bombs or bath salts (you can even DIY)

Eco-friendly holiday gifts

• Ansel + Ivy plants
• Stainless steel travel mugs or water bottles
• Children’s clothing from Sawyer
• Hamilton Perkins Collection bags
• Plan Toys
• Lil Bellies products for outdoor kids
• Paperless towels from Marley’s Monsters
• KeepCup
• Fazl socks or hat
• Clothing from Christy Dawn
• House of Marley speakers or headphones
• Bamboo bowls or cutting board
• Greenpan cookware
• Yoga mat by Manduka
• Plant Therapy essential oils
• Tea strainer with loose leaf tea
• Compost bucket or tumbler
• Food storage containers
• Eco crayons
• Cosmetics by Elate or Aether Beauty
• Rothy’s shoes
• Lux Woods watches
• Proof sunglasses

DIY a gift

There are also tons of eco-friendly holiday gifts you can make yourself. Pinterest has an endless supply of ideas. This year I’m making vanilla extract using some vanilla my husband brought back from a work trip to Madagascar! I plan to reuse some glass jars and dress them up a bit to use as gifts for friends.

Another great DIY gift for kids is to make an art cart! We have a cart like this in our home and we have all sorts of art supplies and “trash” items. Our kids love making art from trash. I have a constant collection of plastic, cardboard, and paper products that I add to our cart throughout the year for the kids to use to create whatever they want. Whenever we have other kids over at our house, they always head right to the art cart to see what fun items are stored in there. You can even use a storage unit you already have in your house or find one at the thrift store instead of purchasing one new. Grab some items from your recycling bin, get some art supplies at the thrift store, and let your kids create! They’ll love it!

Give experience gifts

I’m sure many of you already do this, but gifting someone an experience rather than a possession is always a great eco-friendly holiday gift idea! You could gift a membership to a local museum, rec center, zoo, aquarium, nature center, science center, children’s museum, or botanical garden for families with children. You could even gift memberships to AAA, a local gym, yoga studio, spa, etc. for adults. Gifts like these keep on giving and you can avoid the guilt of getting someone “stuff” that they may or may not even use.

Gift cards and activities

Similarly, gift certificates and gift cards are another great eco-friendly holiday gift option! You could gift an experience using a gift card to the movie theater, an indoor golfing facility, climbing gym, local pool, digital music or movie service. Local spas, painting or art classes, or restaurants are also great options. If you have a traveler in your life, you can even get AirBnb and airline gift cards now!

For families with children, how about offering to pay a month’s worth of tuition to things like dance lessons, music lessons, sports, swim lessons, or other activities? As a parent, I LOVE when family members offer to help with these kinds of activities. They get really expensive, and since the kids are already doing the activities, it’s very practical. Another great idea is to offer babysitting services so the parents can have a night out! Most parents I know would welcome any of these in place of toys that will clutter up their house.

Make a donation

Finally, making a donation to an organization in your friend or family member’s name is a wonderful eco-friendly holiday gift alternative to giving material items. You can find an organization you know the person is passionate about and donate directly to that cause. It’s a great way to show someone you truly listen to their heart while contributing to a cause in need of funding!

Eco-friendly holiday changes

There are so many ways to keep your holidays eco-friendly. I hope you’ve come up with some small, but impactful changes to make this year! If we all choose to make even a few eco-friendly decisions, we can make a big difference. Hopefully, we’ve convinced you it’s worth trying! I’m always looking for new ideas to reduce my carbon footprint, so I’d love for you to share some of your small changes with me.

What small changes have you made to reduce your carbon footprint?
What are your favorite eco-friendly gifts to give? 

Hi there, I’m Chelsea! I’m a photographer, mother of two busy boys, and sunshine and fresh air addict. We live in Virginia Beach, Virginia and spend as much time outdoors as we possibly can! We spend most of our time exploring the beach, inlets, and nature trails nearby. Our family loves biking, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, building forts, and playing in the sand! During the warm months, you can find us enjoying the Chesapeake Bay almost every night until long after the sun goes down. We’re doing our best to reduce our carbon footprint and always try to leave every trail cleaner than it was when we arrived.

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

The post Eco-Friendly Holiday Tips, Swaps & Gift Ideas appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

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Best educational children’s books about nature & our planet

This list of the best educational nature books for kids has been in the works for a long time! It’s taken me months to put together a list of mostly non-fiction nature-inspired books that will teach your child about the beautiful world around them in a fun way that doesn’t feel like learning. From learning about the tiny microbes in your home to the giant whales in the ocean, we’ve included books about all kinds of aspects of our planet and nature. We’ve included animal fact books, nature poetry, children’s atlases and encyclopedias. From bees to birds, bugs to bark, we’ve got something for everyone! Exploring a book with a child is one of the best ways to spend time together, inside or out! We hope you’ll use this list to encourage your child to love and appreciate our planet and its animals in a whole new way.

Save this list!

Don’t forget that books make GREAT gifts! If you’re looking for a way to cut down on the amount of cheap plastic and toys you give/get this upcoming holiday season, consider investing in some of these amazing books instead. They’ll serve your children well for years and can be passed down to the next generation or donated to a library/charity. Consider gifting a few of these to the special kids in your life to add to their shelves. Feel free to pass this list of educational nature books to grandparents and family members when they ask you what your children want for the next holiday or birthday.

We’ve even made it easy for you to save and share – here’s a free printable PDF of the books for you to pass on to friends and family members, save for future reference, or print out and take it to your local library or bookstore.

1. Atlas of Ocean Adventures: A Collection of Natural Wonders, Marine Marvels and Undersea Antics from Across the Globe by Emily Hawkins
2. What Do They Do with All That Poo? by Jane Kurtz
3. Everything & Everywhere: A Fact-Filled Adventure for Curious Globe-Trotters by Marc Martin
4. Wild World by Angela McAllister
5. Nature’s Day: Discover the world of wonder on your doorstep by Kay Maguire
6. How to Be a Good Creature: A Memoir in Thirteen Animals by Sy Montgomery
7. Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner
8. Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes by Nicola Davies

9. Children’s Illustrated Animal Atlas by DK
10. A Nest Is Noisy by Dianna Hutts Aston
11. Bees: A Honeyed History by Piotr Socha
12. Follow the Moon Home: A Tale of One Idea, Twenty Kids, and a Hundred Sea Turtles by Philippe Cousteau
13. Trees, Leaves & Bark (Take Along Guides) by Diane Burns
14. National Parks of the USA by Kate Siber
15. How to Survive as a Shark by Kristen Foote
16. The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs: Use Outdoor Clues to Find Your Way, Predict the Weather, Locate Water, Track Animals―and Other Forgotten Skills by Tristan Gooley

17. The Animal Book: A Collection of the Fastest, Fiercest, Toughest, Cleverest, Shyest―and Most Surprising―Animals on Earth by Steve Jenkins
18. Octopus Escapes Again! by Laurie Ellen Angus
19. When the Whales Walked: And Other Incredible Evolutionary Journeys by Dougal Dixon
20. A Rock Is Lively by Dianna Hutts Aston
21. The Big Book of Beasts by Yuval Zommer
22. Water Is Water: A Book About the Water Cycle by Miranda Paul
23. Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner
24. Cuddly Critters for Little Geniuses (Big Words for Little Geniuses) by Susan Patterson

25. Farm Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of Country Life by Julia Rothman
26. Owls: Our Most Charming Bird by Matt Sewell
27. The Big Book of Birds by Yuval Zommer
28. Redwoods by Jason Chin
29. The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter’s Wonder by Mark Cassino
30. Trees: A Rooted History by Piotr Socha
31. The Honeybee by Kirsten Hall
32. This Phenomenal Life: The Amazing Ways We Are Connected with Our Universe by Misha Blaise

33. The Big Book of Bugs by Yuval Zommer
34. A Tree for All Seasons (Rise and Shine) by Robin Bernard
35. Animals of a Bygone Era by Maja Säfström
36. Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner
37. D’Aulaires’ Book of Animals by Ingri d’Aulaire
38. Atlas of Adventures: A collection of natural wonders, exciting experiences and fun festivities from the four corners of the globe by Rachel Williams
39. A Year of Nature Poems by by Joseph Coelho
40. Who Eats What?: Food Chains and Food Webs by Patricia Lauber

41. The Magic and Mystery of Trees by Jen Green
42. A Seed Is Sleepy by Dianna Aston
43. How Mountains Are Made by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld
44. Botanicum: Welcome to the Museum by Kathy Willis
45. Song of the Wild: A First Book of Animals by Nicola Davies
46. Bird Builds a Nest: A First Science Storybook by Martin Jenkins
47. The Wonders of Nature by Ben Hoare
48. The Illustrated Compendium of Amazing Animal Facts by Maja Säfström

49. Many: The Diversity of Life on Earth by Nicola Davies
50. Earth Verse: Haiku from the Ground Up by Sally M. Walker
51. Island: A Story of the Galápagos by Jason Chin
52. The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth: Understanding Our World and Its Ecosystems by Rachel Ignotofsky
53. A Butterfly Is Patient by Dianna Aston
54. Food Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of Our Edible World by Julia Rothman
55. The Bee Book by Charlotte Milner
56. The Animal Book: A Visual Encyclopedia of Life on Earth by DK

57. Animalium: Welcome to the Museum by Jenny Broom
58. An Anthology of Intriguing Animals by DK
59. In the Past: From Trilobites to Dinosaurs to Mammoths in More Than 500 Million Years by David Elliott
60. Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies
61. A World Full of Animal Stories US: 50 favorite animal folk tales, myths and legends by Angela McAllister
62. The Big Book of the Blue by Yuval Zommer
63. Nature All Around: Bugs by Pamela Hickman
64. Curious Kids Nature Guide: Explore the Amazing Outdoors of the Pacific Northwest by Fiona Cohen

65. Caterpillars, Bugs and Butterflies (Take Along Guides) by Mel Boring
66. Flying Frogs and Walking Fish: Leaping Lemurs, Tumbling Toads, Jet-Propelled Jellyfish, and More Surprising Ways That Animals Move by Steve Jenkins
67. Animals by the Numbers: A Book of Infographics by Steve Jenkins
68. Nature All Around: Trees by Pamela Hickman
69. A Beetle Is Shy by Dianna Hutts Aston
70. Atlas of Animal Adventures: A collection of nature’s most unmissable events, epic migrations and extraordinary behaviours by Rachel Williams
71. The Tree Book for Kids and Their Grown-Ups by Gina Ingoglia
72. Does It Fart?: The Definitive Field Guide to Animal Flatulence by Nick Caruso

73. Lots by Marc Martin
74. Amazing Facts About Baby Animals by Maja Säfström
75. The Variety of Life by Nicola Davies
76. Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World by Julia Rothman
77. Fish Tricks: The Wild and Wacky World of Fish by Haude Levesque
78. An Egg Is Quiet by Dianna Hutts Aston
79. Strange Trees: And the Stories Behind Them by Bernadette Pourquie
80. The Life and Times of the Honeybee by Charles Micucci

81. Birds, Nests & Eggs (Take Along Guides) by Mel Boring
82. Caterpillar and Bean: A First Science Storybook by Martin Jenkins
83. The Butterfly House by Katy Flint
84. Sing a Song of Seasons: A Nature Poem for Each Day of the Year by Nosy Crow
85.  Feathers: Not Just for Flying by Melissa Stewart
86. The Wonder Garden by Jenny Broom
87. A Drop Around the World by Barbara McKinney
88. A Log’s Life by Wendy Pfeffer

What’s your favorite educational nature books for kids?

For more children’s nature book recommendations, check out all our Nature Books posts.

The post Best Educational Nature Books for Kids appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Or, if you’re more into giving gear, activities and experience gifts, last year we published the Ultimate Guide to Non-Toy Gifts for Outdoorsy Kids, which will give you even more (50+) ideas to add to your list!

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Remote control car – A remote control car (or airplane or boat) would make a great gift for a kid that likes to race and compete. Choose a vehicle made for outdoor play that will stand up to rough terrain and perform well off-road to encourage your kid to explore. This car has a 30+ minute battery life, easy pistol grip transmitter and spring wheels made to support accidental falls and unstable ground.

Telescope – We love this travel/portable telescope with a tripod and carry bag. It’s a perfect beginner telescope for kids with a 360mm(f/5.1) focal length and 70mm aperture. The fully coated optical glass has high transmission coatings to create stunning images with increased brightness and clarity. Interchangeable eyepieces make locating objects easy. It allows for many different viewing positions and the tripod adjusts for the smaller star-gazers. It’s easy to set up and take outside on a clear night or use during the day to watch wildlife.  Perfect for encouraging any kid that’s interested in space, science or astronomy.

Walkie-talkies – My kids received walkie-talkies for Christmas last year and use them all the time! Not only are they great for play in, out and around the house, but we also take them on camping and hiking trips, to the grandparent’s farm and every time we go fishing. Great for those places you might not have strong cell service, as well. This set of walkie-talkies is perfect for kids because they’re extra easy to use. Voice-activated means your child doesn’t even have to push/hold a button to send their voice (great for preschoolers). The long-distance range spans over 3 miles and the scan function searches 22 channels and 99 subchannels. Durable and rechargeable.

Bicycle wheel lights – If you’ve got a biker in the family, consider getting her some fun accessories for her bike. How cool are these amazing Monkey Light wheel lights that attach to bicycle wheels and light up your tires in 2 themes and 16 colors with hundreds of combinations! They’re 200 Lumens with 32 Full Color LED lights. Rugged, waterproof construction designed for daily use in all weather conditions and lasts up to 20 hours on 3 x AA batteries.

Wildcraft! board game – Wildcraft! is a nature-based educational board game that teaches kids about 27 important healing herbs and edible plants. The game also teaches teamwork and features beautifully illustrated cards and game board. This cooperative game was created in the tradition of the classic board games with waterfalls to slide down, logs to cross and deer trails to wander. It’s icon-driven, so can even be played by little ones that can’t read. No prior knowledge of plants is needed. Wildcraft! purchases go toward a good cause A portion of the proceeds from sales of the game benefits United Plant Savers, a nonprofit with the mission to protect native medicinal plants of the United States and Canada and their native habitats.

Model rocket launch set – For older kids, this model rocket launch set will reach new heights! This huge rocket stands 30in tall and can reach heights over 650 feet! For recovery, it has a colorful 18-inch preassembled parachute. This set includes two rockets: (1) the Crossfire ISX is a Skill Level 1 rocket that streaks over 1,200 feet into the sky; and (2) the E2X Amazon is just short of 3 foot long and flies over 600 feet. Recommended for ages 10 and up with adult supervision. Be advised that the tools, construction and finishing supplies are sold separately. In order to launch, model rocket engines, starters and recovery wadding are required – also sold separately.

Stomp rocket – For younger kids not ready for a “real” rocket, try a stomp rocket! My kids LOVE these. Run, jump and stomp to launch these fun stunt planes which are 100% kid-powered with no batteries required. This set includes three different planes (looper, glider and wildcat) designed by aeronautical engineers to perform a variety of amazing stunts. Adjust the angle of flight with the adjustable launch stand, fly into the wind or with the wind and change how these planes fly.

Lawnmower – If you have a little one that wants to be just like mom/dad and mow the lawn, this adorable mower is perfect for little ones. We’ve had this exact mower for years and it’s withstood the abuse of two kids and countless hours of mowing up and down our yard, street and sidewalk. It has popping beads, a pull cord and a little gas can for refueling. If you want one that also blows bubbles, check out this bubble mower.

Mini Frisbee golf game – This mini Frisbee golf game lets your kids (or the whole family) play a par 3 round of disc golf. It features six mini Frisbee discs and one Frisbee golf target. It’s designed for ages 5 and up – even adults love it! The metal chains are designed to catch the Frisbee discs so throw your favorite, tossing, hyzers, etc.

Bubble machine – My kids are obsessed with bubbles – blowing them, chasing them and popping them! They love their bubble machine. This one generates more than 800 bubbles per minute by powerful motor and spinning wands. It’s portable, lightweight and small sized. Comes with an 18-month warranty and a lifetime customer service. 

Nest swing – If you have a tree to hang a swing in, I highly recommend this nest swing for kids. Our neighbor has one and every kid in the entire neighborhood is drawn to this swing. Hours and hours of playtime! Its large frame (40 inches) is made of steel with tight weave rope platform seat and two 4” monster spring clips for easy install. It’s super sturdy with a weight rated to 600 lbs for swing and spin motion. Fun for kids, teens and adults!

Root viewer garden – I love the idea of using this root viewer garden to spark kids interest in growing vegetables indoors, so eventually they’ll want to grow them outside! This root viewer lets you see how vegetables grow underground and serves as a great year-round indoor experiment for all ages. The kit includes a 9-inch x 11.5-inch clear plastic planter with removable top and handle, premium soil, radish, carrot, green onion seeds, and instructions on how to construct and plant.

Metal detector – Get your kids outside and exploring for buried treasure with a metal detector. This metal detector can be used anywhere (park, beach, fields, backyard) to search for all kinds of valuable metal from gold coins to iron relics. It identifies all metal coin-size objects up to 6 inches deep underground and senses larger items up to 2 feet deep. Includes headphones for private searches in crowded places.

Weather lab – There’s no such thing as bad weather, right? Teach your child about all kinds of weather with this fun weather lab. Kids can build a mini weather station to record everyday weather changes and conduct experiments to discover the science and facts about climate change, the water cycle and other weather phenomena. With a variety of weather measuring equipment, record and measure wind, rainfall, and the temperature outside. In addition to the weather, learn about topics like acid rain, the greenhouse effect, and the water cycle with these experiments. Recommended for ages 8-15.

Pitching machine – There are so many great sports for kids that encourage them to get outside and play. Baseball is a big hit (pun intended) at our house and my son loves this pitching machine.  It has 3 speeds: 10mph, 15mph & 20mph and an adjustable 3 position pitch angle. There’s a red light that flashes to indicate pitch release, which occurs every 5 seconds. It holds up to 9 balls and includes 4 foam balls. Requires 4 size C batteries or a power adapter (both sold separately).

Golf clubs – Another great sport to get your kids outdoors is golf. This set of beginner golf clubs is designed for ages 4-7 or 8-12. The set comes with a driver/fairway wood, 7 iron, 9 iron and putter, all with graphite shafts and flexible soft grips. Carry your clubs in the deluxe junior stand bag with double shoulder strap, 4-way divider, 4 exterior pockets, umbrella holder, Velcro glove tab & rain hood.

Soccer goals – Soccer is another great outdoor activity that burns a lot of energy, encourages teamwork and strengthens coordination. These collapsible soccer goal nets set-up and can be taken down in seconds with no assembly required. They come with 2 goals, 6 cones, and a carrying case so you can take them anywhere. They can be secured with plastic or metal stakes to any grass surface in your backyard or park.

Kickball and bases – Nearly every day after school, there’s a kickball game going on in our neighborhood. This is the perfect set for any kickball fan and comes with an 8.5-inch kickball, three rubber bases, home plate, a pitcher’s rubber and inflation pump (with a needle). That’s everything you need to play this super fun and simple game. A great outdoor sport for all ages and abilities.

Underwater camera – Every little fishy will love taking pictures with this underwater camera. It’s built tough for active kids, submersible up to 10 feet, dustproof and shockproof. Rugged, compact, and lightweight, it goes anywhere and can handle every challenging journey, from the bumpiest, dustiest desert road tour to underwater selfies amid the coral reefs. Photo shooting and video recording underwater. Built-in LED flash with a 10-second self-timer. Two dual-action screens: a rear-facing, 2.7-inch full-color LCD display and a secondary, front-facing 1.8-inch full-color LCD display – the perfect viewfinder for taking selfies.

Stepping stones – Making your own stepping stones is a great way to promote creativity and give your child something to be proud to put in the yard or garden. This stepping stone kit gives your child hands-on fun by creating a 7-inch stepping stone from scratch. Mix and mold simple ingredients and then design your finished project in a variety of colors, patterns and designs using ceramic paint and gemstones. Your child can add a personal touch such as handprints or writing their name. The kit includes 4 bags of mix (1 lb. each), a 3-D molding tray, assorted plastic gems, 10 ceramic tiles, stickers, gloves, mixing stick, protective mask, paintbrush, ceramic paint strip, and directions.

Sidewalk chalk – There’s something so simple and perfect about gifting sidewalk chalk to a kid. It’s the perfect gift for kids of any age and encourages creative outdoor play. It can be used for all kinds of games, drawings, activities and adventures. This pack of 72 chalk sticks comes in 48 unique and different colors! Comes in a squarish anti-roll shape to keep kids safe. It washes out of clothing and cleans up outside with water or rainfall.

Bow & arrow set – This set from Marky Sparky is unique with over-sized arrows that are ultra lightweight providing safety, without compromising distance power and fun! The sports fiberglass bow shoots arrows over 200 feet! Arrows have foam tips that are designed to bounce off and ground any target you create. Aim and try shooting a pyramid of cans 200 feet away! Recommended for ages 10 and up. (not a toy)

Croquet set – A croquet set is a perfect way to get your kids outside and playing games. This set comes with 6 deluxe mallets, 6 multi-colored balls, 9 steel wickets and 2 scoring posts. It comes with an official rulebook and a nylon carrying bag for easy transport and storage.

Outdoor playhouse – We have this fun cedar playhouse in our backyard and can barely get our kids to come inside! It takes time and effort to get assembled (make sure you start WAY before Christmas if you want it assembled beforehand), but it’s truly worth it. Our playhouse has a sink, working doorbell, windows, flower boxes, side benches and chalkboards. Just add a few kid kitchen supplies and you’ve got an outdoor restaurant perfect for entertaining the kids for hours!

Jump rope – This adjustable jump rope from Green Toys is perfect for teaching littles the lost art of skipping rope! It’s suitable for age 5 and up and adjusts with your child as they grow. The handles are made with 100% recycled plastic and rope with US-100% cotton. Made from non-toxic, BPA-free, PVC or Phthalates-free materials — safe for the earth as well as your child. Jumping rope is a fun outdoor activity that improves health and coordination.

Fairy garden kit – This fairy garden kit from Wild Pixy contains a set of 13 miniature fairy garden accessories and is beautifully crafted to attract fairies, gnomes and magic to your garden. It comes with a cute dollhouse, fairy figurine, bridge, bench, chair, toadstools, stepping stones, glow pebbles and fairy house featuring a working door. Mystical LED lights charge by day and bring your solar powered fairy garden house and stones to life at night. It’s high quality, safety tested and designed to last. The set is packaged in a stunning designer box. This is a fun tool for families to learn together about soils, plants, and water use. Plus, it encourages creativity through planting and caring for your fairy garden.

Bug Bingo – This beautifully illustrated bingo game features 64 species of bugs from around the world and brings a fun and educational twist to the traditional game. Players learn the names and colorings of both favorite species like the Honey Bee and Kissing Bug and more exotic bugs like the Vampire Moth and Giant Hawker Dragonfly. Contains 64 superbly illustrated bug tokens, one board, 12 bingo cards and brightly colored counters for you to mark up your card, as well as a leaflet containing basic information and a few quirky traits for all of the bugs featured. (Not into bugs? There’s also Bird, Dog, Ocean, Cat and Monkey versions of the bingo game!)

Sticklets – Encourage your child’s creativity and engineering skills with this set of 18 connectors for fort building with sticks! Outdoor kids will love using these Sticklets to build forts, torys, animal habitats, shapes and more. Comes in a variety of bright fun colors or camo.

Tent – This 4-person dome tent would make a great gift for kids. It’s relatively inexpensive (only $53!) and can be used on camping trips or set up in the backyard for camping. Let your kids learn how to set up the tent by themselves and practice putting it up and taking it down at home.

Sled – There’s no better way to get your kids outside in the snow than to give them a sled! We love this 2-person classic rider toboggan sled with a rope lanyard for pulling. The bottom is slick for speed and it has handle cut-outs on the sides for holding tight!

Bodyboard – If you’re anywhere near an ocean, I highly encourage you to try body boarding with your kids. We tested this out over the summer and our kids were hooked after catching their first wave! This bundle comes with 2 body boards, each with an innovative crescent tail and slick bottom, designed for all wave conditions. The boards have excellent control, more maneuverability, and increased speed and strength. They’re lightweight, durable and buoyant – ready for action! Each comes with a leash and perfect for kids up to 110 pounds (2-5 feet tall).

Sunglasses – Protect your children’s eyes while they’re outside playing with these Babiator sunglasses. They come in 2 styles (the Navigator UV and the Aviator) and a variety of colors. They’re designed to withstand the strains of children in everyday life. Frames are made from rubber, making them strong and flexible, shock and impact resistant. Whether your child twists, bends or treads on these sunglasses, they will not break! In addition, these UV400 lenses stop all UVA and UVB rays and protect the eyes of your child against the bright sunlight. Available in baby and toddler sizes and polarization.

Fitness tracker – Encourage your kids to get outside and active with this waterproof fitness tracker. It syncs via Bluetooth with your phone or tablet and tracks steps, sleep, calories burned and more. Promotes a healthy lifestyle and sleep habits in your kids. Set goals and challenges for the family, work on math skills, track improvement over time. So many fun ways to use these little devices.

What’s your favorite gift to encourage outdoor play?

And don’t forget to check out our “Ultimate Non-Toy Gift Guide for Outdoorsy Kids” from last year:  

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