Junior Ranger

Last week we visited Rocky Mountain National Park for a fun family weekend. We stopped in at the visitors center and discovered a really fun program for children called Junior Ranger. The kids received a small activity book filled with games and activities about the animals, plants, and history of the park. The book included a Nature Sketchbook, Trail Bingo, a Scavenger Hunt, Riddles, and more.

Then we took a 45 minute walk around the visitor center where an actual Park Ranger taught the children the differences between the types of trees and helpful tips about hiking in the wilderness. The kids enjoyed spending time with the ranger and learned a lot.

After the hike the kids received an official junior ranger badge. The are very proud to be junior rangers. We went for a family hike later and they told everyone on the trail that they were junior rangers. At the end of the weekend we asked the kids what their favorite thing is that we did and of course they said becoming junior rangers.

Check with your local parks to see what programs are available in your area. Or you can become a junior ranger through this online program.

Take Time to Play in the Dirt

I love hiking. I like to get out and log some miles. It is my personal love of hiking and spending time outdoors that has led me to want my children to learn to love the same things. But it is easy to forget that they are kids and they have their own ways of exploring things.

Kids don't want to spend all day walking on a path. They see so many things to discover and play with along the way. Sometimes it is hard for adults to keep taking breaks and not get to their final destination but remember it is the little things along the way that make the trip fun and memorable for your children.

Recently we took a hike in Arches National Park near Moab, UT. Every time we stopped for a little water the kids found themselves playing in the sand. We live in the Rocky Mountains and the hikes we usually do around our home the ground is solid dirt, rocks, and often full of pine needles. The sandy paths of Utah were fun and different from what we were used to and the kids just couldn't keep their hands out of it.

I was tempted to rush them along so I could get to my destination but then I remembered that building the connection with the natural world was the whole reason we were out there and their desire to dig, follow bugs, and draw in the sand was accomplishing the goal even if I didn't cover the miles I had hoped for.

So get them outside but be sure to let them travel at their own pace and smell the roses or whatever they feel the need to do.

Backyard Camp Out

Many parents of young children are scared or reluctant to take their children camping. It seems like a lot of work, the kids might not like it, and there just isn't enough time in today's busy schedule.

Why not try camping in your own backyard? It is easy, safe, and a lot of fun. This past weekend my family was relaxing around the house since we had gone camping the weekend before and had a lot of things to catch up on.

On Friday evening we invited the neighbors over for a little camp fire. We roasted marshmallows and enjoyed each others company. The kids were reminded of recent camping trips and asked me if we could sleep outside. Of course my initial reaction was no way, but really it was just a matter of setting up the tent, so why not.

My daughter and I set up the tent in the backyard and had a nice little camp out all within a few hundred feet of working toilets. We read bedtime stories around the lantern and enjoyed a quick camp out without any of the work or stress of actually taking the family on a trip.

This is a great way to do something fun as a family without leaving home. It is also a good way to test out your family's ability to sleep all night in a tent. If something goes wrong you can just run inside. It is a great test run to make sure everyone is ready for a real camping trip and is a great way to test out all of your old equipment that maybe you haven't used in a few years.

You may just discover that the family loves camping and soon you'll be planning a real trip for more family fun.

Guest Post: Let The Kids Stay Up Late

Today we have a guest post from Suzy of Hip Mountain Mama.

There are so many amazing things that happen in nature after the sun goes down when most kids are sleeping. I am a pretty responsible mom and always make sure the kids get enough sleep, however there are definitely times that call for a little late night fun. Colorado summer nights can be breathtaking with the perfect temperature, bright stars, and fresh air. Letting the kids to stay up after the sun goes down allows them to experience nature in a whole new way, even in your own backyard. Left to their own devices they will undoubtedly come up with their own games, adventures, and explorations. However, you can also guide them or give them a few props to set them on their way to an exciting night. Below are a few ideas of things to do by moon light in your own backyard.

1. Get some blankets out and lie down to look at the stars. This activity is so simple yet so amazing that you can spend hours just gazing at the sky, stars, and moon.

2. Have a fire. If you have a fire pit already this is a great way to spend an evening. If you don’t you can purchase a fire pit from any home improvement store or you can build your own. Roast marshmallows, tell scary or funny stories, and really connect with one other.

3. Play flash light tag. Grab a few flash lights and play tag…the person who is it tries to shine their light on someone else and once they do then that person is it.

4. Play music and sing songs….if you have a few musical instruments grab them and have a jam session. If not you can always sing favorite songs together while sitting in a circle…just be conscious of not being too loud if you have neighbors close by.

5. Go for a late night walk. If the moon is out and bright you can walk by moon light, otherwise you might want to bring a lantern or flash lights.

6. Have a camp out. No need to pack up the car and travel great distances to go camping…simply set up the tent in your back yard and have a backyard camp out. The kids really love this one!

7. Just let the kids play. Don’t give you kids any ideas of what to do, just let them play…you will be amazed at how easily they will play and how excited they will be that they are allowed to stay up late and play in the dark!

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Suzy lives in Northern Colorado where she loves spending time in nature with two daughters. She is owner Hip Mountain Mama and blogs at http://www.hipmountianmamablog.com/.

Camping with Kids: Menu

One thing that many people worry about when they consider taking their kids camping is "What are we going to eat?" It seems daunting to have to feed a child while camping but it is actually pretty easy and can be half the fun of camping.

We bring a basic propane camp stove whenever we head out to the back country. With this simple and easy to use stove we can easily boil water, saute vegetables, or fry things in a pan. Think about your children's favorite foods. The might be grilled cheese, mac-n-cheese, pancakes, scrambled eggs, quesadillas, and pasta. All of these things are easy to make on a camp stove. Your child is sure to find something they will love that is easy to eat outside.

Everyone loves s'mores for a special treat around a campfire but if your child is old enough they might like roasting a hot dog on a stick. If an adult is close by and able to help this can be a lot of fun. It may even be fascinating for a child to watch if they aren't big enough to roast their own.

On our recent trip to the Great Sand Dunes National Park our family ate veggie quesadillas, chicken burritos, peanut butter sandwiches, and just add water pancakes. The kids were as happy as can be. Add in some granola bars, chips and guacamole, and some fruit and you are good to go.

So stop using food as a reason not to take your kids camping. Actually feeding them outside is as easy as feeding them at home.

What are some of your favorite camping meals?