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 s
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, at six years old, scrunched up her nose whil
Finding Fun in Fog: A Nature Walk Under Cloudy Skies
Foggy days often seem dreary, especially when you’re considering a family outing. We might lean toward staying indoors, clutching warm mugs of cocoa instead. However, I’ve learned
How My Kids Reacted to a Surprise Hailstorm Adventure
Recently, my kids and I had a surprising encounter with a hailstorm during what was supposed to be a family hike through our local nature reserve. I had planned a simple outing, pr
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, looked out the window at the first snow of the season
Exploring the Joys of Windy Weather with Toddlers
Windy days can be a wild invitation to step outside with toddlers. I remember one particularly blustery afternoon when my three-year-old daughter, Lily, stood in our backyard, her
What Happens When We Embrace a Rainy Day in the Woods
When a rainy day rolls around, our instinct is often to seek shelter indoors. But what if we flipped the script? Instead of running from the rain, I decided to charge into it with
Using Seasons to Foster an Ongoing Outdoor Art Project
There’s something captivating about how nature transforms with the seasons. Each shift brings its own palette of colors, textures, and inspirations. I wondered, could we use these
Finding History in Local Trails and the Stories They Tell
When we set out on a hike, I often find myself thinking about the natural world around us. What animals might be hiding among the trees? What plants are blooming? But recently, I s
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 lead during our outdoor explorations? I’ve