How Spotting Birds Became an Unexpected Writing Prompt
One of the most rewarding aspects of spending time outdoors with my kids is how it sparks their curiosity. Recently, I noticed that our birdwatching outings, which started as a sim
Can We Learn Math in the Garden Instead of a Classroom?
This past summer, I found myself wondering if we could weave math lessons into our time spent in the garden. My kids, ages 8 and 6, were always more engaged when playing in the dir
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 more closely. I decided to introduce a si
What Happens When We Turn Nature Walks Into Science Labs
Last summer, I decided to transform our weekly nature walks into mini science labs. My kids, ages six and eight, were curious but could quickly lose interest if the activity felt t
Exploring Bug Catchers: Which One Held Up to Backyard Adventures
Bug catching has a kind of magic to it, especially for kids. The excitement of finding a beetle under a rock or watching a butterfly flit by seems to ignite their curiosity. With m
Trying Out Kids’ Binoculars: Do They Really Help Spot Wildlife
I’ve always been curious about whether binoculars actually enhance our kids’ ability to spot wildlife. When we go on hikes, I’m often amazed at how they can see deer or birds befor
A Weekend with Kids’ Sleeping Bags: Comfort vs. Warmth
When camping with kids, deciding on the right sleeping bags can make a big difference between peaceful nights under the stars and restless ones spent tossing and turning. Recently,
How Waterproof Are Kids’ Rain Jackets in a Downpour
We’ve all been stuck in an unexpected downpour, right? My kids and I had that experience recently while hiking in the Smoky Mountains. The weather forecast promised only a slight c
Testing Toddler Backpacks on Our Nature Walks
Recently, I wanted to see how toddler backpacks affect our family nature walks. With my two kids, ages 3 and 5, I wondered if giving them their own bags would encourage them to eng
Kite Flying with Kids: Which Design Soars Best
Last spring, I decided to take advantage of a steady breeze and a bright, sunny day by introducing my kids to kite flying. We’ve always enjoyed outdoor activities, but I was curiou