Find A Trail - Share A Trail
If any of you are like me, when I find a place I like to explore I tend to go there over and over again. It’s fool proof. You know what to expect, what to bring and it rarely disappoints.
But every once in a while I get the itch to find a new place…that next perfect hike or camping spot that I’ll take my kids to over and over again, where their childhood memories will be made.
I recently joined the Sierra Club Trails website. It has helped me find several new great hikes I want to take my kids on. Hikes that are right in my area. It is rapidly turning into a killer comprehensive hiking and paddling trail database.
The part I like best about it is that all the trails are put on there by the readers. And you can add pictures and give updates to previously posted trails like…”this trail had recent fire damage” or “this trail has seen lots of bear activity lately”. That way you can be up to date on every hike.
You can also join groups that talk about anything from bird watching to hiking with kids (me gusta).
Anyway, I encourage you to check it out. Look for some hikes in your area. I have added some of my own already. *Landscape Arch in Arches National Park (That’s where these pictures I’ve posted were taken.) But don’t forget Nature For Kids has its own Forum as well, where we’d love to hear about your favorite spots and what you like to do there.
nature for kids, Sierra Club Trails, hike, hiking, Landscape Arch, Arches National Park,
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Filed under Hiking, Water | Comment (1)Framing Nature
Here’s another outdoor activity for you to try with the kiddos! It’s called Framing Nature. We did this at our last Nature For Kids outdoor playgroup.
I started by asking: Have you ever taken a picture with a camera?
If you have a camera let each child take a turn looking through the lens.
Tell the kids: When you look through the lens there is a square around the item you are taking a picture of. This square is called a frame.
Make frames out of popsicle sticks or tongue depressors by gluing the ends of four in a square…like this.
With your frames go for a hike and have the kids pretend to be taking pictures of the things they see with their frames.
Discuss with the kids that when we go hiking outdoors we should, “Take only pictures and leave only footprints”.
For the next part of the activity take a large rope (about 6 ft. long) and tie the ends together. Stretch it out over the trail in which you are hiking on so that it looks like a frame. Have the kids look inside the frame and tell you if they see anything living or moving inside of it. If it’s a well established trail there should just be rocks and dirt.
Next move the rope frame off to the side of the trail where there is lots of vegetation. Again ask the kids to look for anything living or moving inside the frame. YES! …Inside our circle there were ants scrambling about and different kinds of plants growing.
After this activity I pointed out that we should always stay on trails when hiking. If we find ourselves hiking on living things we should return to the trail so we won’t hurt them.
Nature For Kids thinks this Framing Nature activity is a fun, simple and interactive way to teach Leave No Trace principles.
If you’d like some more activities to try out click on our Education or Crafts For Kids categories.
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Filed under Crafts For Kids, Education, Hiking, Uncategorized | Comments (3)Dog Gear
It’s hiking season. Do you have the kids’ gear ready? How about your dog’s gear?
Nature For Kids wanted to highlight some great gear out there that’s made specifically for dogs, gear that will make the outdoor experience for your dog and you much more enjoyable. Because no family outing is complete without the dog!
Collapsible Dog Bowls
These are a great alternative to bringing along your large hard-shell feeding bowls. They take up much less room and can be carried by you or you dog (if your dog has a backpack). Look for one that has a cinch-top so food can be held inside easily without spilling. Also look for a waterproof liner allowing you to pour water inside without having it leak out everywhere. I would recommend getting two bowls, one for water and one for food.
The Ruff Wear Cinch-Top Bowl
is a great product that has all these features. The Medium is $14.95 and the large is $19.95. Small bowls are also available.
When looking for a dog backpack you want to be sure it has enough adjustment areas to make the pack fit your dog perfectly so chafing or discomfort won’t occur. A three-point harness system is usually used. Ventilation material on top is also a necessity. Some type of reflective material is also a plus for seeing and finding your dog at night. A handle at the top of the pack is also helpful for dog owners to help lift the dog over slippery rocks, thick brush or other obstacles. You also want a leash attachment on the pack.
Be sure before buying your dog backpack that you review the sizing chart thoroughly to make sure you get a pack that fits your dog well. There are a variety of packs out there. Some are made specifically for long trips in the backcountry with hydration systems built in and others are made for your average day trip.
This Ruff Wear Approach Dog Backpack
is on sale for $29.97, originally $69.95. Medium and Large sizes are still available. To learn more about this item click on the link above and then click on ”video” which is located at the upper left corner.
Other items available for those dogs belonging to active outdoor families are:
- Dog Coats (helps them stay warm in snow, rain and wind)
- Booties (to protect feet from cuts and burns)
- Lifejackets (for extra protection on the water)
Other Nature For Kids posts you may enjoy:
dogs, nature for kids, hiking, outdoor gear, dog backpack, dog bowl, Ruff Wear
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Filed under Hiking | Comments (5)Family Outing - The Renfroe Family
Today Nature For Kids brings you the Renfroe Family from Idaho! They are our 5th family to be featured in our Family Outing series. This family throws out some great pointers and is full of enthusiasm for the outdoors, a great example for all.
1. What is your favorite family outing activity? Why?
We love to see new places in our state! Especially places where we can hike and explore. Whether it’s close or far, we enjoy spending time as a family in our car and in the outdoors.
2. How has recreating in the outdoors benefited you and your children?
The time we spend camping, hiking, and sightseeing are our kids’ favorite memories. They always talk about our trips and love to plan new trips as much as we do!
3. What outdoor destination would you recommend other families to visit?
If you’re ever in Idaho, check out City of Rocks national monument. There’s something for every skill level, whether you want to hike, bike, or do some rock-climbing. (just bring your own water—there’s none in the park) We took our two boys (7 and 4) and our baby girl (one year) last October, and the boys keep asking when we’re gonna go back. Craters of the Moon is pretty awesome, too!
4. What advice would you give others when it comes to recreating outdoors as a family?
Three things:
1. Plan around your kids! Do what they like, encourage their interests, then stand back and watch them have the time of their life.
2. Don’t spend money! Teaching your kids while they’re young that you don’t need money to have fun is a life lesson that will save future generations. Instead of snagging fast food on your way to a waterfall, let your kids help pack sandwiches and fruit. It’s cheaper, it’s healthier, and these lessons of thrift will help them so much in the future.
3. Get to know your state! When we lived in Arkansas, we bought a waterfall guide and had a blast hiking to a new waterfall every weekend. And when we moved to Idaho, we went to visitidaho.org and ordered free highway maps and a humongous (free) guide to the state. These kinds of activities are the best way to fall in love with your surroundings.
5. What is something new you’d like to try as a family in the outdoors?
We’d like to do more backpacking with our kids—take them on 2-3 mile hikes and spend the night.
Nature For Kids would like to thank the Renfroe family for sharing their outdoor experiences with us and good luck to them on their backpacking adventures to come! The next Family Outing post is coming soon so stay tuned.
*If you missed our first couple family outing spotlights simply follow the links below…
Family Outing - Tyler, Vanessa, Abby and Cameron
Family Outing - The Lynn Family
Family Outing - The Marcoccia Family
Family Outing - The Miller Family
nature for kids, family outing, outdoors, kids, nature, outdoor recreation, Idaho, City Of Rocks, backpacking
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Filed under Hiking, Uncategorized | Comments (2)Take It Outside In 2009
Nature For Kids would like to share our outdoor adventures of 2008 with you. Take a look at the video we created below…
As you prepare for the New Year, we here at Nature For Kids hope you have a new found desire to take it outside in 2009. Resolve to take a family outing each week. As always, Nature For Kids will be here throughout 2009 to give you encouragement and ideas for wholesome outdoor recreation with your family! Enjoy!
nature for kids, family outing, outside, 2009, outdoor recreation, kids, family, new year, outdoor adventure
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Filed under Biking, Camping, Hiking, Rock climbing, Snow, Water | Comments (4)Pinecone Birdfeeder
This winter let’s give the birds something to chirp about. Nature For Kids wants you to make a pinecone birdfeeder! Here’s how…
What you need:
Pinecone
Peanut butter
Birdseed
String or ribbon
The idea here is to have a fun excuse to get outside and observe nature.
- First things first…get bundled up and head outside. Go for a hike and hunt for pinecones. It will be a fun family outing!
- Fill a bowl with a couple scoops of peanut butter and another with birdseed. Once you have your pinecone roll it in the peanut butter. Your hands will get messy no matter what so just have fun with it.
- Now roll the peanut butter pinecone in birdseed.
- Once that’s completed tie a long piece of string or ribbon around the pinecone, leaving enough string to tie to a tree near your house. Put it in a place where birds can access it and you can observe it easily.
If you’re a visual learner check out this “how to” video we made just for you here at Nature For Kids.
These pinecone birdfeeders would also be an inexpensive and unique holiday gift idea for neighbors during this Christmas season. Just place it in a cute baggy and write a clever poem to go along with it.
If you liked this nature craft for kids you’ll probably like the Nature Box Activity. It’s another great reason to go on a family outing.
Free Shipping over $45.00 at Altrec Outlet
nature for kids, family outing, birdfeeder, winter, hike, gift idea
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Filed under Crafts For Kids, Hiking | Comments (2)Christmas Tree Hunt
Are you ready for the family outing of the year? It’s time for the great Christmas tree hunt of 2008! There are two ways you can go about it…
Option #1: Go to the garage and search through the mounds of stuff until you find the heavy dusty box. Open it to find a once $200 squished and mangled fake tree…along with other things (cob webs and petrified mouse turds) Mount it on a stand inside and spread out all the branches and limbs. Plug it in to find out the pre-strung lights no longer work. What a joyous and memorable occasion!
Option #2: Go to your local forest service office and give them five bucks for a permit. Pick up some free hiking guides and informative outdoor literature while you’re at it. Enjoy a scenic ride through the forest. Exit the vehicle to the overwhelming aroma of pine and fresh cool air. Hike amongst the tall swaying trees and soft pine needle floor. Search for the perfect tree that will grace your living room throughout this Christmas holiday. Smell the sawdust as you glide back and forth with saw in hand. Wait! You need a family picture before you tie it to the top rack. Bring the tree along with its reminiscence of the days events into your living room. Enjoy the outdoors in your home for weeks to come!
You may have noticed that I’m a bit biased when it comes to a Christmas tree hunt. For the past 8 years my family and I have cut our Christmas tree down ourselves. It’s a family outing that encourages nature for kids and one that I could never do without!
Important things to remember:
- Be dressed in appropriate winter gear
- Don’t forget a saw and tie downs
- Objects in forest are larger than they appear (it may not fit in your living room)
- Have an emergency kit in your vehicle
- Four-wheel drive is always nice
- Follow Forest Service guidelines (some trees are not to be cut down and others are encouraged)
- Be sure no critters hitch a ride to your house on the tree
- Rather than take your tree to the dump consider composting or mulching your Christmas tree at home or use it as firewood for those summer camping trips to come. Maybe plant a tree in its place as well.
Have a great Christmas everyone and I hope we’ve encouraged you here at Nature For Kids to go on your own fun family outing. I leave you now with a tribute to “National Lampoons Christmas Vacation”. Oh the things we can all learn from Clark W. Griswold.
family outing, nature for kids, outdoor adventure, christmas tree, forest service
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Filed under Education, Hiking, Snow, Uncategorized | Comments (2)Leaf Rub
Nature For Kids says…get outside today and go for a hike to collect some fall leaves! Then get ready to do a leaf rub.
What you need to make your leaf rub:
- Paper
- Color Crayons (orange, red, yellow, brown)
- Leaves
#1 Take the leaves and place them under the paper, vein side up.
#2 Removing the crayons paper and laying it on it’s side rub the crayon over the top of the paper where the leaves are.
You can also do this with foil rather than paper and make a leaf indention rather than a colored picture.
There you have it! A beautiful leaf rub to display during the changing season. While doing this activity talk with your kids about why leaves change color in the fall . It’s a great way to encourage Nature For Kids.
nature for kids, fall, fall leaves, hiking, leaves, activities for children, activities for kids, kids activity, outside
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Filed under Crafts For Kids, Education, Hiking | Comments (3)Make Tracks
Nature For Kids encourages you to trade your screen time for green time this Columbus Day Weekend!
Take part in “Make Tracks”, a family trail weekend, Oct 11-13, 2008. It’s Part of the National Wildlife Foundation’s Green Hour campaign, which urges parents to give their kids a daily dose of nature, something Nature For Kids is all about!
Just go to Nature Find and enter your zip code to find outdoor activities near you. And if you’re new to the whole outdoor scene, no problem, maketracks.org provides a list of supplies, tips for family friendly activities and a link to Nature Find. Here at Nature For Kids in our hiking and biking categories we also have a wealth of information.
Have an enjoyable weekend making tracks!
hiking, biking, make tracks, nature, nature for kids, outdoors, family
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Filed under Biking, Hiking | Comments (2)Back To School - kids backpacks
Holy smokes I feel like I just did the School Is Out post. Now we’re back to school in a matter of days. I’m sure if your kids are like mine they’ve already grown out of their clothes and shoes from last year. And they may be “too big” for the spider-man/strawberry shortcake backpack you got them last year… “That’s for babies mom”.
Well, I’d like to throw out a suggestion concerning kids backpacks. Rather than buying a new cheap backpack each and every school year, consider buying a quality pack that’s going to last a long time, and that can be used for more than just school.
This is the REI Super Nova Kids Day Pack. It was made to fit kids 5 to 10 years old. It has all the features needed to be used for a hard day at school, but it also has features that make it a great day hiking pack. It has an adjustable waist and sternum strap with an integrated whistle. It also has a hydration compatible design. It has tube ports for placing a hydration reservoir in the pack, allowing the tube to come off either shoulder. The back panel is cushy, comfy and made of a wicking material. The waist and sternum straps, along with the cushioned back panel will help with all those heavy books and your child’s posture. Its capacity is 650 Cubic Inches, plenty of room for books, sweatshirts and etc. It sales for $29.50
At Target you can get this spider-man backpack for $15.99. It’s probably the type of backpack any kid would pick out. Sure it’s cool but not the best quality. It has adjustable shoulder straps and plenty of pockets but I’ve seen similar backpacks piled on top of each other at thrift stores with broken zippers and detached shoulder straps.
COMPROMISE
When it comes to kids backpacks there is usually a difference in opionion between parent and kids. Any problem can be worked out with a little compromise though. If your child wants the cartoon character backpack and you want a high quality, good posture friendly pack than there’s an easy solution. By the high quality pack and have your child pick out some patches for it.
I found these on eBay ranging from .99 to $4.00. Another idea is to pick up a new patch whenever your kids visit a new place.
We just purchased the REI Super Nova kids pack for our 1st grader. I will let all of you here at Nature For Kids know how he likes it for school and on the trail. Happy back to school shopping!
backpack, kids backpacks, back to school, nature, kids
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Filed under Equipment, Hiking | Comments (4)
