top of page
LET'S
wander
Welcome to the Hearth & Wander Blog


Embracing the Messy Magic: 12 Muddy Outdoor Activities for Kids During the Winter-to-Spring Transition
In Colorado, the transition from winter to spring is messy. A little ugly, even. But it might be one of the most wonderful seasons to spend outside with your kids. Because while the landscape may look dull to adults, to children it’s an entire world of discovery waiting to be explored. Here are 12 delightfully muddy and messy outdoor activities for kids during this transitional season. The days are getting longer, so soak up the sunshine and get outdoors with your kids in all


Give Your Kids the Gift of Boredom (And Watch What Happens)
We rush to fix boredom. We offer ideas. We suggest activities. We fill the silence. And there's a time and place for that level of input. But what if boredom isn’t actually a problem? Boredom strengthens both the body and the mind. It builds internal motivation instead of dependence on constant stimulation. And outdoors? It multiplies. Here's how to create space for autonomy (without chaos) and give your kids the gift of boredom and a childhood that's wild, wonder-filled, and


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!


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
bottom of page
.png)