With BOTH of the kids back to school, and my intentional social media break of over 2 weeks, today feels more like the first day of 2019. So HAPPY NEW YEAR, friends!
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…]
How to Encourage Imaginative Play while on Vacation
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PlayWithPlaymobil #CollectiveBias
You have an amazing vacation planned with your young children. Beautiful beaches and gorgeous scenery await you! What makes travel so magical for us? The chance to experience new places, learn about different cultures, and taste unique foods are all high on the list. However, it’s also about the downtime. The break from the every day.
Down time is super important for parents with young kids or we simply burn out! The early morning hours and evenings can be extra hard when we are away from home and routine. With the right plan in place and some creative ideas (and products) parents can actually relax a little without solely relying on technology/screens!
Tips for Encouraging Imaginative Play on Vacation
Build Background Knowledge
Before you leave for your vacation or travels, learn about and teach your children about the destination. Read books. Watch videos. Visit relevant museums and other local attractions that may allow you and your kids to learn more about the locale you are visiting. Think…zoos and aquariums for animals, gardens and conservatories for flora, and art and history museums for special exhibits that may focus on important cultural aspects.
What does this have to do with play?
The more prior knowledge that children have of a destination, the more engaged with it they’ll be! Children will feel more comfortable, and therefore more imaginative and playful. Here’s a example: Legend has it that the “Menehune” people were a group of small, dwarf-sized creatures that roamed the Hawaiian Islands. They were excellent craftsmen, but also mischievous! After teaching your children about these storied inhabitants, can you imagine the fun that would take place?
Hover over the above image to learn more about these PLAYMOBIL toys and to purchase them at Walmart!
Set Expectations
If routines work well at home, try to follow that plan roughly, and make sure to talk about it ahead of time. Communicate plans and anticipated rhythms so that kids know when there is time built in just to play.
With our children’s ages (7 years & 3.5 years), we often have an activity that gets us out of the hotel/rental in the morning, then come back for nap/rest time, and usually head back out for an afternoon activity. Of course meals are always a part of the plan, and sometimes an activity in and of themselves!
The key for us though is having that conversation so our kids have things to look forward to!
Rules!
Rules on vacation? Yes, of course! Since the kids often are allowed tons of (more than usual) screen time getting to and from our destination, we usually set a rule of no tablets once we’ve arrived. We’ll still utilize the hotel/rental’s television from time to time, but knowing tablets are off limits helps the kids understand that downtime or early morning time is for playing, reading, and connecting. Also, with a firm rule, we don’t need to worry about balancing it all. It’s just not an option.
Thoughtful Toy Choices
Of course we can’t pack their entire room of toys, but we can be strategic about what we bring. Keep in mind: Many rentals and hotels will have games and other toys. If you don’t see any right away, poke around, or just ask! Open-ended toys, sticker and activity books, and portable games, cards, and dice work well.
Inspired by the similarity of Kauai’s wild Na Pali coast, I bought the PLAYMOBIL Hidden Temple with T-Rex for Bergen at our local Walmart. I love how the set evokes the feeling of being in a far off, exotic place.
Since we’re headed to Kauai this week, it’s been the perfect way to build excitement and have some fun conversations about the garden island’s landscape. The set has inspired so much creative play, that I considered bringing the whole thing along, but ultimately decided it was a bit much!
PLAYMOBIL Packing Tips:
- Bring parts of the set to continue play at the destination. There are some large walls, structures, and a T-Rex that we won’t bring, but the other parts are easy to pack (see below).
- PLAYMOBIL also has travel sets! I bought (also at Walmart) the pirate themed set (has a handy travel case) as I thought it blended well with our island/beach destination. Smaller sets are available too. The Explorer Quad with T-Rex would also be a great addition to our collection.
- Print coloring sheets and activity pages! Visit the PLAYMOBIL website, and explore by theme. Within each theme there are downloadable coloring sheets, activity pages, and even comic books. We printed of several, and they’ll be perfect for the airplane as well as downtime in our rental. I have a feeling the pages and comic books will spark some additional creativity and imagination in Bergen’s play!
- And finally, PLAYMOBIL has mystery packs! I’m keeping a couple of these handy for an incentive or surprise to add a little excitement to our trip. Piggy-backing on that idea, you might also consider holding back items from the larger set and bringing them out slowly throughout the trip.
For more inspiration, visit the PLAYMOBIL hub, where you’ll find activity ideas, additional set options, and more!
Come join the conversation! You can keep up to date with each and every post by subscribing to the blog via email. We’d also love to have you join us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page, following us on twitter, and joining us on Instagram! If you enjoyed this post, please “like it”, “tweet it” or “pin it”!
Exploring the Outdoors at Night: Think Outside Boxes Video
We are back with another fun Think Outside Boxes unboxing! Though this is a monthly subscription service (geared toward kids 7+), we’ve received several boxes in advance. That way we can share our thoughts to help you decide if this service is a good match for your young explorer! In case you missed last week’s unboxing, head to our YouTube channel to view the first box!
Trade Expectation +News and Inspiration//10
News::
- I’m running in my first half marathon (the Seattle Half Marathon) since Georgia was born, next month! Have you tackled this distance? See who’s helping me with my training here on instagram!
- We have another family friendly Seattle area hike to add to our list! Yesterday, we headed up to Granite Falls, Washington, and hiked along the historic Lime Kiln Trail (pictured above!). Round-trip to the Lime Kiln (built in the 1890s) is just over 5-miles along easy to travel, flat terrain. With big leaf maple leaves piled along the trail, mushrooms a plenty, and a chill in the moist, foggy air, it’s an autumnal wonderland this time of year!
- Are you planning a hike for Take A Hike Day? It’s coming up–Saturday, November 17th. Do you have an adventure picked out?
Inspiration::
- I’m so thankful for this Ski Family Guide from Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies! She breaks down how to get started, how to save money, has tips for stress-free ski days, and more.
- Have you visited Legoland? We haven’t yet, but if/when we do, I know where I want to stay now thanks to Marcie in Mommyland! My kids would go crazy for this place.
- Take an extra 25% off 5 big brands (Merrell, Columbia, prAna, Black Diamond, and DaKine) at REI Online Outlet now until 10/24! Discount applied automatically at check-out.
- Book of the Week: Outside Your Window by Nicola Davies. I adore seasonal books, and picked up this gorgeously illustrated book of poetry from our local library on a recent visit. The content got me so excited for all that fall has to offer, and even gave us some ideas for how to enjoy it best! Maybe I’ll just make a tradition of checking it out at the start of each season.
Here’s to a great week! Be Brave. Take Wild Adventures!
Come join the conversation! You can keep up to date with each and every post by subscribing to the blog via email. We’d also love to have you join us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page, following us on twitter, and joining us on Instagram! If you enjoyed this post, please “like it”, “tweet it” or “pin it”!
Please note: Some affiliate links are used throughout the post. If you purchase through our links, we receive a small commission. Thanks for taking a look, and support our website!
Think Outside Boxes: Unboxing and Overview of our First Box!
Today, less than 20% of children play outside compared to over 70% of their parents.
On average, today’s children spend 4-7 minutes of unrestricted outdoor play and 7.5 hours in front of electronics.
Camping with Kids at Washington’s Scenic Beach State Park
If you’d asked me on the first evening of our 3-night camping trip at Scenic Beach State Park if I’d go camping with my children again, I would have answered with a definitive, NO. A couple of quick (and vulnerable) excerpts from my journal:
“I’m not that enthusiastic about camping. The kids drive me crazy. The absence of routine things makes me realize what I take for granted.”
“Everything makes me anxious—Georgia humming as I wait for her to fall asleep. Slaed breaking apart boxes and throwing pieces into the fire. He’s making noise and I fear it’ll keep the kids up.
How to Add Fun to an Outdoor Adventure with Walkie Talkies
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and it’s advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PoweringAdventure #CollectiveBias
Looking to add a some oomph to your outdoor adventures? Are your kids (or even you!) a little reluctant to venture outdoors? Technology can be a great bridge between the comfort of home, and the unknown or hesitation of getting outside.
Bergen recently received 2 sets of walkie talkies as gifts, and we have found that (when powered amply) they really add a lot of fun and excitement to our hikes and other outdoor adventures. As we’ve brought them along, various games, uses, and benefits, along with a few operating tips, have emerged.
While one game (see below) naturally came out during our “research”, you’ll see that generally we just found a lot of practical and even educational uses for the walkie talkies.
[Read more…]
Travel with Toddlers and Preschoolers: Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed
We are in a funky transition now that Georgia has graduated from a crib to a toddler bed. Our kids are used to sleeping in their own rooms at home, which works out very well for us. However, when we travel, we are often not blessed with tons of space. With Georgia in the travel crib, we could stick her in a spare bathroom, a walk-in closet, or even create a private space with a sheet and clothes line or bungee cord.
Example of us utilizing the bathroom as a sleeping space with the travel crib.
Gift Guide for Adventurous Dogs: 2017 Edition
Gift Guide for the Travel AND Outdoor-Loving Dad: 2017 Edition
Gift Guide for the Travel and Outdoor-Loving Mom: 2017 Edition
Play for the Young Traveler and Outdoor Adventurer: 2017 Gift Guide
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!
Seattle’s Bike Playground: Practice Bike Safety in White Center Traffic Garden
Have you ever heard of a bike playground? A pump track, yes, but I hadn’t heard of a bike playground until last summer when we visited Seattle’s Cascade Bicycle Club headquarters. Cascade has a small learning course used for classes and camps, but recommended we visit the larger version located in White Center/Southwest Seattle at Dick Thurnau Memorial Park.
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.
Rainy Weather Halloween Costume Idea: Yellow Duckling
We’re all for simple and intentional around here when it comes to holidays. In an effort to spend more time connecting and having fun, preferably outside and/or adventuring, we opt for easy, not fussy.
For Halloween, with ideas in mind, we often hit up our local consignment stores and thrift shops, and browse our neighborhood parenting network for costumes. Last year for Georgia’s costume, we did things a little differently though.
We live in Seattle. Chances are, we’re going to be presented with some precipitation on Halloween. At the very least, even if it doesn’t rain, there will be some left over puddles from when it did a day or two before. So rather than have to put rain gear over her costume for trick or treating, we turned her rain gear into a costume!
#AdventureWithThemOnya: Enter to Win an Onya Baby Pure Child Carrier!
I recently posted about the Pure Carrier from Onya Baby, and I’m thrilled to share that in partnership with Onya Baby, one lucky reader will WIN a carrier of their own! As I mentioned in my review, we are so impressed with the Pure carrier, and in just a short couple of months have taken it on countless adventures. Of course, I’ve carried Georgia in the Pure on hikes, but we’ve also explored gardens, visited the state fair, gone grocery shopping, and attended sporting events.
Adventuring with a Toddler: Onya Baby Pure Child Carrier Review (#AdventureWithThemOnya)
“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.” Rachel Carson
Challenge and Toddlers. Like most young tots, our daughter Georgia asserts her opinion and pushes the boundaries. Of course packed in with all that frustrating behavior are moments of pure joy, great accomplishment, and immense pride. However, when we’re in the thick of it, it can be hard to remember that, “this too shall pass”.
Especially in the last couple of months, I’ve lovingly and intentionally tried to challenge Georgia right back. Not by throwing tantrums, whining or making demands, though sometimes I feel like doing that, but by posing small achievable goals. As we adventure about, making sure I’ve built in ways to set-up success, I push her to be more independent, brave, and engaged in our environment.
Presently, Georgia has just two speeds on the hiking trail:
- Run. Usually with abandon and no regard to instructions.
- Whine, lollygag, and ask to be picked up.
Unfortunately, I never know which speed she’ll choose from day to day! For example, on one of our recent hikes, she took off at the trail head, and her big brother and I had to corral her back in the right direction. Just a couple of days after that incident, as soon as her feet hit the trail at the start of our forest outing, she was upset and refused to move.
Along with patience, frequent practice, and incentives, one of the things that’s helping us on our adventures is a soft-structured carrier, specifically the Pure carrier from Onya Baby.
Outdoor Mom Academy: 3 Reasons to Join this Impactful 6-week Course
The Outdoor Mom Academy experts, made up of Amelia from Tales of a Mountain Mama, Rebecca from Hike Like a Woman, and Susan from Mountain Mom and Tots are back at it! These inspiring ladies are offering their 6-week course for a second time this fall.
If you weren’t able to join the course when it was offered the first time earlier this summer, this is your chance to get in on all the action, and take advantage of this amazing learning opportunity! I provide a lot the details of the course (though it’s been revamped and updated a bit) in my first Outdoor Mom Academy announcement, but here is the course outline in a nutshell.
Sun Protective Clothing: Little Leaves Clothing Company Review
Would you believe me if I told you that I once got a sunburn indoors? I wish sun protective clothing like Little Leaves shirts and pants were available during my lifeguarding days! Yes, back in college when I was working at the indoor pool during summer break, I had the sliding door behind my lifeguard stand slightly cracked, and that small amount of sun light streaming in burned my arm.
Needless to say, my skin is extremely sensitive to the sun, so protection of vital importance for me and my family. When I was young, before rash guards and swim shirts were a common thing, much to my dismay, I always had to sport a t-shirt over my swim suit at the beach and pool. So heavy and uncomfortable! I had to don streaks of zinc oxide under my eyes to shield that vulnerable area from sunburn.
Technology has come a long way with waterproof sunscreen now available, and more advanced ways of protecting our skin. Little Leaves Sun Protective Clothing is leading the way in developing apparel that helps to prevent the damaging effects of the sun, such as skin cancer and premature aging. Knowing that kids and adults need protection from beyond just water activities, Drs. Carlos and Carley Gomez-Meade created shirts, pants, and hats that have natural UPF protection from the sun.
Travel in the Caribbean: Packing Tips for Families
When we returned from our week stay on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, aside from falling in love with this beautiful island, we learned one valuable lesson for beach travel. That lesson? Don’t over pack!
St. John, along with the rest of the Caribbean is laid back. And especially since we were staying at house with a washer and dryer, there was no need to pack outfits for everyday. When you have amazing (and world renowned) beaches to visit every day, the basics are all that’s necessary.
After traveling to Maui as a family of 4, we shared our beach vacation packing list for families. That packing list will get you started, but the Caribbean as we learned is a whole different animal. That being said, we wanted to highlight some essentials. We found the items on the following list to be extremely helpful in keeping us comfortable and protected from the elements (mostly sun, bugs, & humidity) while on the island.
Seattle Area Hiking Resource: 75 Great Hikes Seattle +Giveaway
Looking for a Seattle area hiking guide to lead you through the outdoors this summer (and beyond)? I’m excited to share a brand new book from Moon Travel Guides called 75 Great Hikes Seattle. Full disclosure: The book is written by my cousin, avid hiker and Kirkland, Washington resident, Melissa Ozbek. I also contributed a short piece on hiking with kids including tips and ideas for heading out on the trail with young kids.
In the following video, I give a quick overview of the hiking guide, and also share what I love most about the book. Continue reading for a chance to win your own copy. I’m giving away two autographed copies of 75 Great Hikes Seattle, so be sure to enter!
Summer Sandals for Active Kids: M.A.P. Sandals Review
It’s finally sandal season here in Seattle, and we are celebrating! Our travels to the Caribbean this spring allowed us to get a jump start in testing the fun kids sandals from M.A.P. shoes, so I’m looking forward to sharing our thoughts. We also hope it might help you make your decisions as you prepare for an adventurous summer season!
You may have read our review of the M.A.P. Footwear sneakers last fall. We also appreciated their cozy boots to keep Georgia’s toes warm this past winter. We are big fans of the brand! In addition to trying out the Emmons Fisherman Sandals (for Bergen) and the Niagara T Fisherman Sandals (for Georgia) during our vacation on St. John, we’ve also put them to the test this spring. Activities have included biking, hiking, scootering, beach play, and of course just typical day to day life of errand running and family hustle and bustle.
Biking with Kids: 6 Tips for Helping Kids Learn to Change Gears
Did you know that May is National Bike Month? We couldn’t think of a better time of year to get back into bicycling regularly. We recently partnered with a new kids bike company called Prevelo Bikes. The owner, Jacob is passionate about getting kids on two wheels and the freedom, confidence, and FUN that comes with this healthy activity. I love how he summarized watching his two sons riding their bikes:
Like watching a sunrise in the high Sierras while eating a fish taco with fresh guacamole and getting a foot massage awesome.
