Hot Springs Winter Therapy

We had a hot tub about four years ago when we lived in Idaho. It was used daily I tell ya! We loved it! The kids liked to play a game where we put a bouncy ball on the bottom, turned on the jets and then let it go. The first one to find and catch it won. We especially spent lots of time gazing up at the stars on those cold winter nights.

We just got an advertisement in the mail talking about this big sale on spas. I’m weeping…I want one so bad, but of course life happens and there’s more important things we need right now. So to keep ourselves from spontaneously buying a new spa we took the kids to Lava Hot Springs!

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It was exactly what we all needed. The only downer of the whole thing was that we had to eventually get out.
I did some searching on the Internet and found this great site that provides links to hot springs in the U.S. and even some international spots. It’s a great resource called Hot Springs Enthusiast. Go check it out and get some winter therapy of your own!

My only advise with taking the kiddos is watch the temperatures and make sure they don’t overheat. And also make sure they get some fluids back in their body once you get out. We took Hiccup with us and he’s only 18 months. We took regular breaks  sitting out and then getting back in. Everyone was pretty parched by the time we got out too, a  little dehydrated, so we downed some water and Gatorade on the way home.

Just a few pointers for you pregnant outdoor mammas too. A lot of people say you absolutely can’t go in a hot tub when you’re pregnant, but our hot tub got me through my third pregnancy and even the first part of my labor. It’s just a matter of temperature. I would advise you just to know the temperature before you get in. Anything over 99 is probably too hot. And most public hot springs sit right around 102. Basically keep assessing how you feel. If you’re feeling hotter than a normal bath than you should get out. Our spa had an adjustable temperature and I would just turn it down to 99 degrees.

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Miracle Hot Springs

Recharge Your Batteries

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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.
landscape arch hike
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.
hiking girl
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.
hiking with dad
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).

nature for kids - landscape arch

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.
sierra club trails
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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!
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Recharge Your Batteries

Does this sound familiar to any of you? …

“Turn that game off and go outside to play”

“Come inside I don’t want you playing in the front yard by yourself”

I think our youth of today are confused.  “Out or in Mom?”

The dangers are on both sides of our front door these days. Violent crimes on our streets and on game consoles is just one example. We as parents have to go to greater lengths to provide safe well rounded recreation time for our kids. That means sometimes preparing an activity, accompanying them on the activity and doing the clean up afterwards. It takes a lot of effort.

The process can become a struggle at times. That’s why it’s important to remind yourselves as a parent why you do it. Why go to the effort of taking your young kids on outdoor trips?

To remind yourself I encourage you to go on an outdoor adventure without your kids. It’s sure to rekindle your love for exploration. Leaving behind the car seats, child carriers and fruit snacks for a short time will allow you to recharge your batteries and rededicate yourself to immersing your kids in the outdoors.

Nature for parents is just as important as Nature For Kids.

My husband and I recently took an outdoor trip, just the two of us. Thanks to loving and supportive family members we were able to leave our three kids in good hands. It was my goal to wander our beautiful state of Utah with every piece of recreation equipment we had. By the end of three days I felt full, content and was bubbling with excitement. Once again I was ready to expose my children to the things we saw and experienced outside.

We rode a single track in the rain, looked over a canyon from the top of a climb, camped near a bubbling brook, relaxed in a hot pot, and stood under a freezing waterfall. Every sense was stimulated and recharged. Who wouldn’t want their kids to experience this?

What have you done as a parent to recharge your batteries? Share your experience by leaving a comment here at Nature For Kids.

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Kayaking With Kids

During the summer months Yvonne and her daughter Sage are hard to find. More than likely they’re snaking their way through the Idaho landscape on a river. Yvonne found her passion for kayaking when she moved to Idaho and has since become the source for kayaking knowledge in her area. What’s even better is she’s sharing her love of kayaking with her young daughter. Yvonne decided to share her “Kayaking With Kids” secrets here at Nature For Kids. So if you see a white Subaru parked on the side of the river give a good honk and a wave to tell her thanks!

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The main reason I take my daughter kayaking is because I hate finding a babysitter and it is an opportunity for me to do what I love while giving her my undivided attention on the water. We enjoy pointing out animals, rocks and sticks in the water and other items that pass by. I take her on floats that range from 30 minutes to 2.5 hours.

Make sure you are a competent paddler before you set off kayaking with kids. Try every run alone before taking a child with you. And do not take your child somewhere you have tipped out in the past on your own.

It always takes a while to get a child use to a new activity.  The more often you take them however, the easier it should become.  Your child may not like waves at first. I suggest saying “Wee” to emphasize how much fun they are as you go through them. This will teach your child to enjoy them more. Try to avoid going around naptime unless your child can fall asleep on the kayak. My daughter just needs her blanket to fall asleep and she is fine. 

It is mandatory to bring snacks, drinks and some kind of toy that they can play with in the water. If you don’t bring those things they will be whining and complaining in no time. The most common request of the child is to use YOUR paddle. If you can find something that works as a paddle for them you will solve half the battle. I use a plastic shovel, which works best as a kind of paddle. It floats if it is dropped so it can be easily retrieved. If your toy doesn’t float, you WILL lose it. Other items that have entertained include a doll, a measuring cup, giant spoon, and if you are in a crunch a long stick from the riverbank. 

 

If you have a new baby under a year old, going in a tandem kayak with another adult is a great option. Going with another adult gives you someone else to paddle while you hold or feed the baby. You may be able to lay them in your lap at your feet, but I prefer a snuggli so they are attached to me.  If you go after 2 PM make sure you have sunglasses for your child so they aren’t looking into the sunlight. And keeping a jacket on hand for the child incase a windstorm kicks up is a good idea too.

Things To Always Keep In A Dry Bag:

  • Wet wipes in a plastic baggie
  • Diaper
  • Blanket
  • Jacket, in case of bad weather
  • Travel sunscreen
  • Sunglasses

Things To Grab When Running Out The Door:

  • Plastic shovel or pretend paddle
  • Baby lifejacket
  • Drink and snack

Having a dry bag packed and ready makes for a fast getaway. Try to have most items tied down on your kayak when not in use, just in case an accidental spill does occur.

Photos provided by Yvonne

Now it’s your turn to get out there on the water and give kayaking a go with your little one. Send in some pictures of your kayaking with kids fun!


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