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Hiking Games to Keep Kids Moving (When They’d Rather Lay Down on the Trail)
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


Wander Everyday Project Review: How We’re Creating a Winter Outdoor Rhythm With Littles
Winter with littles is no joke. Cabin fever is real. Motivation dips. Tiny gear is hard to manage. Most days I want real adventure - long hikes, road trips, big moments - but instead, most of our days look like bundling kids up and opening the door. And that's exactly why the Wander Every Project matters. In real life, this looks like backyard play, outdoor exploration, nature walks, and daily touches with nature that build character, confidence, and a love for nature. How ar


How to Introduce Littles to Campfires (Without Waiting Until They’re “Older”)
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


A Playful, Nature-Rich Winter Learning Theme Unit for Curious Kids (At-Home Learning for Tots Through Elementary Ages)
This winter learning unit is designed for toddlers through elementary-age kids, with plenty of room to scale activities up or down depending on attention span, weather, and interest level. Think of this as your menu, not your to-do list. Here you'll find a full list of winter activities for young children including experiences, books, winter sensory bins, winter outdoor activities, nature-inspire crafts, and more. Winter is already here. You might as well learn inside of it!


Nature-Inspired Valentines Gift Ideas for Kids Who Love the Outdoors
Nature offers a different pattern for celebrating Valentine’s Day: one rooted in connection, curiosity, and shared experience. For kids who thrive outdoors, the most meaningful gifts are the ones that invite them back into nature again and again. And the greatest reflection of love is time spent with them in it. These nature-inspired Valentine gift ideas are designed to encourage outdoor play, whole family engagement, and real childhood wonder - long after February 14th has p


7 Days of Nature-Inspired Winter Crafts Paired With Books to Inspire A Love for the Snowy Outdoors
Today, we’re starting something new: 7 Days of Winter Nature Crafts. Each day this week, we’ll make one simple, nature-inspired craft using what we found - paired with a beautiful winter picture book (or three) to read together. I’ll update this post with photos as we complete each craft, but for now, consider this your invitation to do the same in your own home. Crafting is perfect rhythm to add to your winter routine and these 7 nature-inspired crafts are the perfect place


Winter Adventures Close to Home: Everyday Adventures for the Family
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 Mountain Family Adventures to Try This Winter With Kids of All Ages (With or Without Snow)
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


Why I’m Skipping New Year’s Resolutions & Starting the Wander Everyday Project
Every January, we’re told to reflect. It was a full and beautiful 365 days, but I almost feel sad letting it go, wishing that there was more. More time. More presence. And as I reflect on the last year, one thing is painfully clear: I want more intentional, quality time with my family. Not just togetherness in the same space, but intentional, unrushed time. That's why I'm creating the Wander Everyday Project. Join me and keep this year's resolution with my Monthly Nature Jour

Alexa Stoia | Hearth & Wander
Dec 30, 2025


The Candy Cane Hunt: A Simple Outdoor Game for Winter Wonder
Some days, outdoor play needs to be simple. No set up. No elaborate plans. Just a reason to open the door and head outside. That’s why the Candy Cane Hunt is a perfect outdoor game to add to your Advent activity calendar, Christmas traditions, or even those quiet days after the holidays when everyone needs fresh air but no one wants a big plan. And the best part? This works far beyond Christmas — swapping candy canes for seasonal treasures makes it an outdoor game for any sea

Alexa Stoia | Hearth & Wander
Dec 23, 2025


Nature-Inspired Gifts for Babies and Toddlers (0–3)
Do you walk through the stores in search of the perfect gift for the littles in your life and cringe because of the loud, flashy toys and piles of plastic that fill the children's section? Then this nature-inspired gift guide for outdoor loving babies and tots is for you! They need simple, beautiful things that invite curiosity, movement, and connection to the world around them. These nature-inspired gifts encourage imagination and create space for meaningful play. Check out

Alexa Stoia | Hearth & Wander
Dec 19, 2025


How to Get Outdoors With Littles In Cold Weather
When the crisp fall air finally slips into that unmistakable “yep, there’s winter” chill, it’s easy to assume that outdoor adventures with little ones are about to hibernate until spring…cause I’m ready to hibernate until spring. But hear me, mama: cold weather doesn’t mean the adventures stop. Here’s how to keep adventuring as a family all winter long - even with a baby and a toddler - in ways that feel simple, fun, and doable for everyone. Plus the gear you need for each ki

Alexa Stoia | Hearth & Wander
Dec 2, 2025


My Favorite Outdoor Gear for Moms: What I Actually Use on the Trail, In the Snow, and Everywhere In Between
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.

Alexa Stoia | Hearth & Wander
Nov 18, 2025


8 Late Fall & Early Winter Nature Play Ideas for Babies & Tots
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.

Alexa Stoia | Hearth & Wander
Nov 4, 2025


Gentle Screen-Free Sick Day Activities for Busy Kids
When little ones are under the weather, rest doesn’t have to mean boredom or a full-day of screens. These gentle screen-free, sick day activities keep kids cozy, comforted, and quietly engaged while they rest. From low-energy sensory play to soothing storytime ideas and connection-filled moments, discover 8 easy ways to nurture your child through sick days with peace and presence - no screens or stress required. (Plus room for rest for you too, mama!)

Alexa Stoia
Oct 2, 2025


Colorado Hikes Perfect for Families with Littles
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!

Alexa Stoia | Hearth & Wander
Sep 26, 2025


How I Create Themed Learning Units for My Toddler to Learn Through Play
When I first started “school” with my toddler, I wanted learning to feel natural, playful, and full of wonder - not worksheets. That’s when I discovered the magic of themed learning units: hands-on, sensory-rich experiences that weave books, songs, Bible stories, crafts, and play into everyday life. Learn how to create flexible, fun, and meaningful units to help your little ones learn through play and curiosity.

Alexa Stoia | Hearth & Wander
Sep 18, 2025
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