What a Thunderstorm Taught Us About Respecting Nature
Last summer, I planned a day hike with my two kids, ages 8 and 5. The forecast predicted scattered showers, which usually wouldn’t deter us. I find that a little rain can lead to…
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I am not an expert. I am a note-taker.
Most outdoor-parenting advice arrives sounding very sure of itself. This site is the opposite. I have a hypothesis, two kids who did not agree to be test subjects, and a waterproof notebook. We try one small thing at a time and I write down what actually happened, including the parts where everyone cried.
If a thing worked, I will tell you why I think it worked. If it flopped, you get the flop in full. No sponsored certainty, no perfect golden-hour children who never complain about wet socks.
Fresh from the field
Testing Our Limits: A Family Campout in Drizzling Rain
When I suggested a family campout on a weekend forecasted for steady drizzle, I could see the skepticism in my kids’ eyes. My youngest,…
Finding Fun in Fog: A Nature Walk Under Cloudy Skies
How My Kids Reacted to a Surprise Hailstorm Adventure
Curiosity in the Cold: Learning Through Snow Play
Snow days are a unique opportunity for kids to explore the outdoors in a completely different way. When my kids, ages 6 and 9,…
Exploring the Joys of Windy Weather with Toddlers
What Happens When We Embrace a Rainy Day in the Woods
Using Seasons to Foster an Ongoing Outdoor Art Project
Finding History in Local Trails and the Stories They Tell
Do Kids Remember More When They Lead Nature Explorations?
Recently, I’ve found myself pondering a question that blends curiosity with a touch of nostalgia. What happens if I let my kids take the…
How Spotting Birds Became an Unexpected Writing Prompt
Can We Learn Math in the Garden Instead of a Classroom?
Exploring the Backyard Ecosystem With a Simple Journal
As spring unfolded last year, I found myself wondering what the kids would discover if we encouraged them to observe the world around them…
Last summer, I decided to transform our weekly nature walks into mini science labs.From: What Happens When We Turn Nature Walks Into Science Labs
The latest from every log
Seasons Outside
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How Rain Changes Our Backyard Nature Play
Apr 27, 2026 -
Navigating the Transition from Warmth to Chill
Apr 22, 2026 -
Do Kids Really Enjoy Winter Hikes?
Apr 21, 2026
One field note, roughly twice a month.
A short letter when a new experiment is written up. No perfect parenting, no spam, unsubscribe the second it bores you.