Growing up in a world of adventure.

Search Results for: scavenger hunt

August 2, 2016

Summer Scavenger Hunt (with printable) for Kids

Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair.

-Susan Polis Schutz

Summer is here, and well underway, so I thought I’d better get cracking with our summer scavenger hunt before this lovely season gets away from us! Here I’ve compiled 12 items that we think are particularly special to or can almost only be found in summer. You won’t necessarily be able to find all 12 in one session unless you did some careful planning, but the idea is appreciate all the season has to offer.

Summer in the Seattle area is the best! We are savoring the warmer temperatures and clear blue skies, and loving that it hasn’t been too terribly hot. I hope you are enjoying yourselves in your neck of the woods, and if not, I hope you are able to travel or adventure somewhere new to get some relief!

Summer Scavenger Hunt for Kids

April 13, 2016

Spring Scavenger Hunt (with Printable) for Kids

“Is the spring coming?” he said. “What is it like?”…
“It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine…”
― Frances Hodgson Burnett

I recently learned that Seattle and Western Washington actually have the longest spring season in the nation. Lucky us! We’ve been celebrating since late February with daffodils blooming, cherry blossoms popping, and warmer temperatures (plus rain of course), and will most likely see spring-like weather into the beginning of July.

With all this time to enjoy what the season has to offer, we’ve been busy compiling a list of things that we feel make it special and unique. Here you’ll find our spring scavenger hunt! We hope it helps you enjoy all the outstanding qualities of spring in your neck of the woods, and if the lovely spring weather hasn’t quite arrived where you live, we hope it gets there soon!

January 20, 2016

Winter Scavenger Hunt (with Printable) for Kids

“In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.”
–William Blake

We’re all about embracing what we’ve got, and looking for the beauty in even the darkest and gloomiest times. Winter can get a bad wrap from some, especially once the holidays have passed, but over the few weeks, we’ve been on the look out for it’s unique and lovely characteristics.

In this winter scavenger hunt (with printable), we’ve compiled 12 of our favorite “items” from our search. We hope you might find it useful in adding a little fun and adventure to your routine this winter season! And remember, since the solstice has passed, the days are only getting longer! Hooray!

October 14, 2015

Fall Scavenger Hunt Printable for Kids

I cannot endure to waste anything as precious as autumn by staying in the house. So I spend almost all the daylight hours in the open air. -Nathaniel Hawthorne

We agree! And what better time for a scavenger hunt than fall! So many changes, so many fallen items to collect, and so much activity to observe from migrating birds to squirrels and other furry creatures busily storing up for winter.

Inspired by this new fall season, we’ve put together some of our favorite autumnal items to search for in a fun printable scavenger hunt!

Fall Scavenger Hunt for Kids

October 6, 2015

Seattle Scavenger Hunt (with printable) for Kids

We love exploring our city and especially love seeing the sights we’ve known and gone to for years through the eyes of our children. Seattle has so much to offer for the entire family. At least from our perspective, there are landmarks, attractions, museums, and parks that we can enjoy just as much as our kids.

For Bergen (now 4 years old), the more we involve him in our everyday adventures around town and in our travels around the country, the richer the experience becomes. When I saw how engaged he was recently as we completed a scavenger hunt together at his school, it got me thinking. Wouldn’t it be fun to hunt for various items that identify our city and make it unique? Why not create our own Seattle Scavenger Hunt?

February 2, 2023

Cold Weather Packing List for Families

We are headed off on a cold weather adventure this weekend! As I went to print off one of our packing lists, I realized that there are a lot of unnecessary items on the list. Since our kids are no longer babies and toddlers, I decided that it would be a good idea to make an updated version!

Items such as sippy cups, cribs, and diapers are very important to have on the list for those stages. However, now that our kids are in grade school, that’s a lot of extra visual clutter. If you are looking for the Cold Weather Packing List for Families right away, then feel free to scroll right to the bottom or click this link. You’ll see a printable list with plenty of space to personalize.

Cold Weather Packing List for Families | WildTalesof.com

January 31, 2023

How to Make Walks More Fun for Kids

Did you set a new years goal or intention to get outside more with your family? Chances are, walking with your kids is part of that new habit you are trying to set! To make what could seem like chore or a drag a little more fun and exciting, my kids and I compiled a list of fun things to do on a walk! These activities and items will keep the adventure moving, add learning elements, and infuse so much joy, that you’ll barely notice those steps ticking away, and the miles adding up.

Fun Things to do on a Walk!

February 23, 2021

Hiking with Kids: How to Build Stamina and Still Have Fun!

How do you get your kids to walk such far distances? This is one of the questions we get asked the most! We mention to friends the hikes we go on, and the places we walk to, and they are often very surprised at the mileage our kids can cover.

It obviously didn’t happen over night, but the answer is easy: Routine and Consistency. The number one reason that our kids can walk far distances is because it’s something that we’ve weaved into the fabric of our family. Walking is the main way we get exercise. It’s how we spend time together as a family. We walk to get to where we need to go, we walk for fun, and we walk to stay healthy. We walk to ensure that we have plenty of time OUTSIDE.

April 18, 2019

Fernie, BC with Kids: Summer Road Trip Itinerary

Our trip to Fernie, British Columbia last summer started off a little rocky. However, we ended our 4-day adventure with a mountain of amazing memories.

I’m not just having fun with puns over here. But you have to admit, that was pretty good, right? Rocky…mountain…

In all seriousness though, we did have quite the mishap! En route to Fernie, from our annual summer visit to Hayden Lake, Idaho, we got a flat tire. We’d decided to take a the scenic route, and by pass the busier highway. The scenic (dirt) road was lovely, but was a bit bumpier than we anticipated. Halfway through the trek, we slowed down to show the kids a rabbit on side of the road.

This turned out to be our lucky rabbit, because just after we continued driving, I looked in the rear view mirror. I immediately noticed that the back tire was getting shredded to pieces! The road was so bumpy to begin with that we barely noticed the blowout. Who knows when we would have realized the tire was flat if it hadn’t been for that cute hopper? Probably would have been a much worse situation.

We were traveling a lot slower as it was on the forest road. With our doughnut installed, we crept along, and all breathed a big sigh of relief when we finally met back up with the main road. Right away, Slaed began to research tire shops, and as soon as we got settled at the resort, he raced off to go about getting the tire replaced.

March 14, 2019

Savoring the Season with Spring Bucketlist: 2019 Edition

I’m hopping in early with our SPRING BUCKLET LIST, because we are ready! We are ready to say goodbye to snow, and ice, and cold. We are ready to welcome a little color back into our landscape, and can’t wait for the temperatures to warm up…just a bit!

I want to challenge you to do the same. However you feel about the upcoming season change, jot down a quick list of special things you want to do with your family to celebrate spring. I love how this exercise helps with intentionality, and allows us to prioritize our most treasured and valued family activities.

If you aren’t familiar with our seasonal bucket lists, here’s the scoop: Each season, we create a list of about 10 fun adventures or projects that are specific to the season.

We dig through our favorite nature books, think about our favorite happenings of that particular season, and look at our calendars to gather the best things that nature has for us. To learn more, check out our spring, summer, fall & winter bucket lists of past years.

Here’s our 2019 Spring Bucket List in no particular order!

February 27, 2019

Keeping Kids Warm, Happy & Outside in Winter +Snow Day Traditions

Hooray for a Seattle Snow Day (or two. or three…or 6 actually)! Yes, this month here in Seattle, we were hit with several inches of snow. Snow is a rare occurrence in the emerald city, and with our hills, it can have a huge impact bringing “business as usual” to halt!

January 10, 2019

How to be Outdoors More in the New Year

Do any of your new years goals or resolutions have to do with getting outside more? I sure hope so! As we have been going about our days, I’ve tried to take note of the ways and reasons we get outdoors. I put together a quick list in case you are looking for some motivation, inspiration, or just need a fresh start.

December 7, 2018

Gifts to Engage Kids and Inspire Outdoor Adventure

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #poweringtheholidays #CollectiveBias

With cold temperatures settling in, and an increase in rainy (or snowy) days, we are in need of extra motivation and inspiration to get outdoors. A full schedule of holiday events can also get in the way of spending time outside. It may feel like there is less time to connect as a family, and breathe in that fresh crisp air.

We build outdoor activities into our daily advent tradition throughout the month of December. Outings such as winter scavenger hunts, walks to see holiday lights, and neighborhood trash pick-up help us to be intentional with our time.

In addition, I’ve compiled a list of fun and educational gifts to engage kids and inspire outdoor adventure. One quick tip before we get to the goodies: Don’t forget the batteries!

Our local Walmart has battery centers near the check out and right outside the electronics department, which is where I stocked up on Energizer MAX® and Energizer® Ultimate Lithium™ batteries in preparation of the holiday season. There’s a special promotion too! Click here to receive a $5 Walmart eGift card with your $15 Energizer® battery or lights purchase. [Read more…]

July 11, 2018

4th of July 2018 Celebration: Red, White, and Bothell & Beyond!

We celebrated America’s independence this past week, and had such a fun family day. Looking back on our 4th of Julys as a family, it’s about 50/50 between traveling and staying in town. I can’t say I have a preference. Of course, we are always up for a travel adventure, but staying off the roads and out of airports on a holiday is definitely a positive!

There’s something special about small town festivities on the 4th of July. Slaed’s mom grew in Bothell, Washington (about 30 minutes north of downtown Seattle), so we get that sweet feeling of almost coming home when we visit. This year in addition to attending Bothell’s Grand Parade, we made a day of it, and spent time at McMenamins Anderson School.

4th of July 2018 Celebration: Red, White, and Bothell & Beyond! | WildTalesof.com [Read more…]

April 30, 2018

Walla Walla, Washington with Kids: Family Travel Guide

A popular wine tasting destination may not seem like the best choice for a family getaway. However, we had the pleasure of learning that Walla Walla, Washington is indeed a fantastic place to visit with kids. Slaed and I hadn’t visited since before we were even married, so we were excited to see the small town located in Southeast Washington State (about 4.5 hours from Seattle) through the fresh eyes of our children.

April 2, 2018

Camano Island, Washington with Kids: Travel and Adventure Guide

An annual community treasure hunt brought us on Camano Island last month leaving us with lasting family memories and a fond appreciation.

Appreciation for the space and time to remember what’s most important. Not how many miles hiked or places checked off a list, but the sharing of laughter, lessons in kindness, and opportunity to marvel at mother nature.

Appreciation for people. Each individual in our family matters, and I feel like we got to know each other better. With less distraction, I simply noticed more.

January 29, 2018

Families Get Outside in January: Inspiration and Fresh Ideas to Explore the Outdoors this Month

Even when we have the best of intentions, getting quality time outside with our kids can be a challenge. I figure we all need a little inspiration, and some fresh ideas to carry on when the going gets tough, and you just feel like staying inside.

To help with motivation, each month I’m featuring a collection of families, and the unique activities that they engage in. Weather and circumstances may differ, but my hope is that you’ll gain a new spark of enthusiasm! You also might be able to brainstorm some ideas of your own to go explore the outdoors with your family.

This month, I reached out to families on instagram who were doing notable things, and asked them share where they live, the unique activity that gets them outside, what inspires them to get outdoors with their children, and a photo.

Families Get Outside in Janurary: Inspiration and Fresh Ideas to Explore the Outdoors this Month | WildTalesof.com

Bergen getting into nature photography in Hyde Park on our visit to London last week.

December 19, 2017

Families Get Outside in December: Inspiration and Fresh Ideas to Explore the Outdoors this Month

Even when we have the best of intentions, getting quality time outside with our kids can be a challenge. I figure we all need a little inspiration, and some fresh ideas to carry on when the going gets tough, and you just feel like staying inside.

To help with motivation, each month I’m featuring a collection of families, and the unique activities that they engage in. Weather and circumstances may differ, but my hope is that you’ll gain a new spark of enthusiasm! You also might be able to brainstorm some ideas of your own to go explore the outdoors with your family.

This month, I reached out to families on instagram who were doing notable things, and asked them share where they live, the unique activity that gets them outside, what inspires them to get outdoors with their children, and a photo.

November 27, 2017

Cold Weather Activity Guide Inspired by the Holidays

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #NatureMadeVitaminD #CollectiveBias

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. The to-do lists, the parties and activities, and shopping can have us thinking there isn’t much time for anything else. However, with a little planning and creativity, we can also focus on what’s most important, Our health!

We can have a joyous (and productive) holiday season if we are intentional with our time and choices. Getting outside connects us to the natural world, provides us with fresh air and sunshine, and in turn bolsters our immune system helping us to stay healthy. Then we have the energy and strength to live our lives with exuberance!

November 14, 2017

Fall Nature Walks: Tips for Fun and Enjoyment with Dr. Scholls®

#advertisement I received compensation from Dr. Scholl’s® to write this post. All opinions are entirely my own. #CustomFitRelief #DrScholls

Every time of year is appropriate for a nature walk, but our family particularly loves fall as a chance to get outside, and enjoy the fresh, crisp air. Here in Seattle, we’re experiencing the perfect scenario. Bright, vibrant autumn leaves remain on the trees, but those leaves of yellow, red, and orange are also falling to the ground. There’s something so satisfying and magical about walking through a trail or sidewalk filled with leaves listening to them crunch with each step.

October 2, 2017

Fall Inspired Treats: Peanut Butter Acorns

On one of our neighborhood walks this past week, we stopped at one of our many local Little Free Libraries. While Bergen and Georgia poured over the children’s book selection, I found an October issue of Country Living. Even though it dated back to 2014, I figured that it may still have some fun fall-inspired ideas.

Soon Bergen had taken an interest, and scooted up next to me as I flipped through the magazine. Sure enough, the adorable peanut butter acorn cookies caught our eye, and we began to make plans for a Friday after-school baking session. We are big fans of acorns, and find so much joy in finding them perfectly intact before the squirrels, crows, and other critters get to them!

February 28, 2017

Cold Weather Packing List for Families with Babies and Young Children

We still have another month of so left until spring begins, so instead of retreating indoors waiting for better weather, we are embracing it. We’ve actually had some snow days here in Seattle, which is pretty rare for us, allowing us to pile on our cold weather gear and head outside to play.

In addition to enjoying the cold and snowy weather “in our own backyard”, we also recently headed to Mount Rainier National Park for a snowshoe and sledding adventure. A lot goes into planning and packing for a trip like this, so I thought I’d share our Cold Weather Packing List geared toward families with babies and young children. Georgia, our 2-year old, is particularly sensitive to cold temperatures, so we have to be extremely careful and intentional when dressing her to head outside.

August 17, 2016

Summer Hiking Gear for Kids

One of the many reasons I love hiking as an outdoor activity is because of it’s simplicity. If you can put one foot in front of the other, relatively speaking, you can hike! Passing along this love to our kids has come naturally, and it seems to work particularly well because there really isn’t a lot of stuff involved. We can figure out where we want to go, toss a few things into a daypack, and we’re set for a fun adventure in nature.

Each season brings it’s own unique characteristics, and thus changes what we might need to brave the elements, though summer is probably the simplest of all. And since there are still plenty of summer days left this year, here’s our round-up of some of the best, and most useful items for kids to explore the outdoors on these hot, sunny days.

August 5, 2016

Zoo Tunes with Kids: Seattle Area Adventure with Steel Pulse and Ziggy Marley

Outdoor concerts are a huge part of summer in Seattle, so we were happy to return to one of our favorite outdoor venues at the Woodland Park Zoo for their Zoo Tunes Summer Concert series. We’ve enjoyed many concerts, it’s a bit of a family tradition, here on the north meadow, and all the effort to prepare a picnic, fight traffic (we have a few tricks), wait in line, and madly search for the best possible spot when the gates finally open is always worth it!

This year we were able to arrive earlier than usual in order to view two of the zoo’s latest additions: Yola, the baby gorilla, and the Butterfly Garden. Members of the zoo are allowed to “line-up” early inside the zoo & are admitted first, so thanks to our cooler and chairs, we saved ourselves a spot in line, and went on to explore the new exhibits.

July 24, 2015

If You’re at a Dead End +News and Inspiration//2

News::

This weekend, we’re beginning our big road trip through Idaho and Montana. First up: Hayden Lake, Idaho! Hayden Lake is north of the more well known Coeur d’Alene, and is absolutely a magical place.
We recently contributed to a huge National Park round up with the blog, “Roadtrips for Families”. 30 out of the 58 National Parks are covered making it an amazing reference for families interested in checking out national parks this summer (and beyond)!

Inspiration::

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to do a thru-hike like the Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail? This eye opening video shows an interesting glimpse. He filmed 1 second of each day on the PCT.
Beach goers in the Carolinas are getting more and more creative.
I’d love to get into geo-caching as the kids get older. Play Outside Guide shares how its more than just a scavenger hunt.
How would you answer the question: “When you were a kid, what did you do for fun?” 3 Generations share their answers.

Happy Weekend!

What adventures do you have planned?