At some point on almost every family hike, there’s a moment when the enthusiasm fades, the legs stop working, and your child dramatically collapses onto the trail like they’ve been personally victimized by nature. These 9 hiking games and motivation tactics are the ones we actually use to keep our kids moving, engaged, and having fun on the trail. Plus we've included tips to make the whole experience enjoyable and positive so the whole family while be excited for the next adv

Outdoor adventures feel easier when kids are older, more aware, and better listeners. But you don't need to wait! You just need to start smaller- and smarter. And now. Campfires aren't something to delay - they're something to teach. Here's 6 simple and practical steps to start exposing your toddlers and young children to campfire safety so you can enjoy this fun outdoor activity together as a whole family! The most important step? Don't wait - adjust. Start now and keep prac

To a child, every encounter with nature is an adventure. That’s the heart of everyday adventure: moments that fit into real life. No gear lists. No premade perfect plan. And no excuses. Just stepping outside and letting the outdoors do what it does best - invite curiosity, movement, and wonder. These small, repeatable moments weave winter outdoor play into ordinary days, no matter where you live, with ideas & tips for spontaneously getting outdoors with your kids, no planning

Colorado winters aren’t just about powder days and ski passes. They’re about layering up, adjusting expectations, and finding both big adventures that take planning and small adventures you can step into almost anywhere, anytime. Whether snow is falling or not, here are 10 family-friendly winter adventures in the Colorado mountains that keep kids moving, curious, and connected - no perfect conditions required. Big adventures matter - but so do the small ones you can return to

In our house, the day after Thanksgiving means the annual trek out into the woods to cut the family Christmas tree. See how the Hearth & Wander family makes an outdoor tradition of finding, cutting, and taking home our perfectly imperfect pine, a beautiful start to the holiday season and an opportunity to create wholesome, old-fashioned, intentional joy around Christmas time. Read our story and then start your own family tradition...just don't forget the saw!

Early winter creates a kind of wonder that's hard to describe but easy to feel. Embrace the beauty of the season as you welcome in the holidays by giving the wintering animals and birds a Christmas tree of their own. Decorate your own woodland Giving Tree with these 7 animal-friendly edible ornaments and enjoy watching the wildlife savor their treats as you spend time outdoors as a family, learn about the animals that call your own woods home, and enjoy giving in this beautif

In a world that urges us to hurry, fill our calendars, and chase “more,” the simple act of walking together as a family can become an anchor - something steady, grounding, and beautifully ordinary. One of the sweetest rhythms our family has built is our nightly walk down to the river near our home. It’s simple. It’s free. And it has become one of the most meaningful parts of our day. Here's how we practice the family gratitude walk, a simple outdoor tradition you can start to

Discover my favorite outdoor gear for moms—practical, durable essentials that make adventuring with little ones easier and more enjoyable. From packs to layers to kid-friendly add-ons, these tried-and-true items help you feel prepared and confident on every all-season adventure.

Once the leaves have come off the trees, it can be tempting to turn inside. But don't let colder temperatures and the approach of winter stop you and your kids from playing outside. With these 8 late fall & early winter nature play ideas, you can keep even your babies and tots engaged outdoors in ways that are imaginative and naturally curious. Kids find wonder and beauty in everything - foster that trait in them with continuous outdoor play, no matter the season.

There’s something timeless about a pumpkin patch — wide open fields, crisp air, and laughter echoing through the corn maze. These autumn adventures aren’t just about pumpkins; they’re about presence. About muddy boots, warm cider, and making memories that root deep in our children’s hearts. Slow down, savor the season, and discover the beauty in a simple, joy-filled fall family tradition.

Discover 13 family-friendly Colorado hikes perfect for kids and beginners! These scenic trails prove you don’t need to summit a mountain to make outdoor memories. Learn what to pack, where to go, and how to turn hikes into nature-filled adventures your little ones will love—snacks included!