“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” ~ Albert Einstein.
Exploring nature has so many amazing benefits for adults and children. That’s why at Mommy University, we encourage our readers to get outside and explore! There are so many fun ways to enjoy the great outdoors. We all know about hiking and camping, but what else can kids do to explore nature, even their own backyard. In this post, I have listed over 50 ways families can get outside and learn more about the great outdoors!
Connecting with our children isn’t always easy. Finding the time for special adventure outings can be even more of a challenge. Life is busy and, as we all know, life with children is even busier. But, what if we told you that elaborate adventures aren’t necessary? Getting outside with your kids doesn’t have to be a challenge. You just need some simple ideas and an adventurous mindset! Today, Angie Mahlke, photographer and Minnesota mom of…
Kids and animals go together like peanut butter and jelly. There are so many amazing benefits of raising kids around animals, including teaching them about responsibility, empathy, compassion, patience, and love. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t safety concerns for both the child and the animal. Today, Leslie Alvis, Ohio homesteading mom of four (and daughter of vets) is here to address all your potential concerns regarding animal safety and children. In this post,…
If you’ve ever been to the beach (or even played in a sandbox), you know that building a sandcastle is a fun and easy outdoor activity for kids. Making small structures out of wet sand is easy enough for even the smallest kids. However, building elaborate sandcastles with towers, details, bridges, and moats takes a bit more skill, patience, and expertise! California mom and founder of Wonder Club Explorers, Michelle Garret had the chance to…
Summer is officially here and it’s already a HOT one! We’ve had a heat advisory all weekend and it’s just now July. We’re hoping you and your kids get a chance to spend a lot of time outside this summer, but we also want to make sure you stay safe. Being outside and active in the heat can cause your body’s internal temperature to rise, which can lead to heat rash, heat exhaustion, or even…
Camping with kids is so much fun, but it’s also so much work! If you’re intimidated by venturing out for a camping trip with your kids or just want a fun way to spend a few more hours outside together, why not give backyard camping a try! Today, Creative Team member Meghan Garriott, Illinois mom of 3 is here with us sharing some brilliant and creative tips and tricks to make your backyard camping with…
Over the last few years, I’ve heard so many parents and friends say that they want to get their kids outside more. To which I say, “YES, yes and yes!” A new year is here and it’s the perfect time to set a goal of getting your kids outside more often. That’s exactly what this website is all about! Let’s make this a year of outdoor adventure, together. I’m here to share some tips for…
STEAM is not a new concept. In fact, it is integrated into curricula throughout the US and in many other countries around the world. The internet is also full of many activities that are STEAM inspired and teach kids about the core concepts contained therein. However, the vast majority of these activities are designed to happen in the classroom. But here at Run Wild My Child, we know kids learn best when they’re outside and…
Have you ever wished you had a local community of parents and kids that regularly met up to play together outside? Have you ever considered starting a playgroup, where the kids could socialize together while they run through the woods, hiked, and explored? Are you interested in meeting other like-minded parents that enjoy spending time outdoors? Well, this post is for you! Today, SarahRuth, Georgia mom of three and outdoor educator, shares everything you need…
All that glitters isn’t gold…but it might be! Have you ever been panning for gold? It’s easier than you might imagine to get started with this fun outdoor activity! Gold panning is a great way to get the entire family outside, spend time in nature, learn about history, and maybe even strike it rich! Today, we have Kat Hodgins, Canadian mom, and writer, here to share her experience panning for gold with kids. She’s got…
This year is destined to go down in the history books for a lot of things. Unprecedented high levels of stress and anxiety in parents, being one of them. More than possibly ever before, self-care for parents needs to be a top priority. Moms in particular, tend to take care of everyone but themselves, leading to overwhelm, burnout and exhaustion. Today, we have Chelsea Furlong, Virginia photographer and homeschooling mom of two, sharing 7 ways…
Snow days are the stuff of childhood dreams! A whole day off school to play in the snow sounds great to most kids. But, snow days are not always easy for parents. Many times, parents still have to work or take care of things around the house. While we’re all about getting kids OUTSIDE, we also know that sometimes you also need INDOOR games and activities to do when going outside isn’t possible. Today, we’re…
As parents, we see mud and only see a mess. But to children, mud is an abundant and attractive medium for creation, exploration, and adventure. Mud is fun! Playing with mud engages all the senses, encourages creativity, and creates long-lasting childhood memories. Now more than ever families need ways to keep kids safe at home and entertained in our own backyards. What’s for more to a child than giving them permission to get muddy! Today,…
The winter months can be frigid, but that certainly doesn’t mean that you and your little ones have to stay inside! Now is a great time to find some fun and creative ways to get outside together with your kids. And even better if you can teach them a skill, while you’re at it! If you or your little one is into photography, we’ve got a treat for you. Today, Megan Rigdon, Maryland photographer and…
A great garden starts in the winter! Now is the time to get out those seed catalogs and figure out what you’re going to plant this year and where. Planning out your garden is such a fun activity to do in the winter. It reminds us that warmth and sunshine will be returning soon. Garden planning can also be a great activity for the kids that will teach them valuable skills while they’re having fun….
Have you heard of the concept of the 10 essentials for hiking? It’s a basic gear list that attempts to prepare you for all the things that could possibly happen while out hiking. The list is composed of items in ten categories, to cover everything you may need out on a hiking adventure. And hiking with kids is definitely an adventure! Today, Creative Team member and Arkansas mom of 2, Nichole Holze walks us through…
If you’re raising outdoor-loving kids, chances are that you’re also teaching your kids outdoor etiquette (whether you know it or not). Nature manners are a set of rules that help kids understand how to treat outdoor spaces, the environment, and wildlife. They’re practices that help us show respect to our planet and our fellow outdoor adventurers. Today, Creative Team member Michelle Garrett, California mom, and creator of Wonder Club Explorers, is here with some guidance…
Do you feel like you should be doing more to help the environment, but don’t know where to start? Are you overwhelmed by all the “eco-friendly” products out there and how expensive they can be? Do you want someone to help guide you through easy ways to take small steps towards reducing your carbon footprint? We’ve got the answer for you! Introducing our very first ever EARTH DAY CHALLENGE! Introducing our Earth Day mini-challenge The Run Wild…
If you’re anything like me, sometimes you catch yourself wishing the winter months away in anticipation of all the fun outdoor activities you can do in spring and summer. Camping is among our family’s favorite things to do during the warmer months and we miss it during the winter. But, do we have to? Who says that camping is only for summer? Today, Oklahoma dad of two and outdoor enthusiast Jared Ryan shares his tips…
The idea of camping overnight with kids can be overwhelming at first. While it does take planning and preparation, we are here to tell you that taking your kids on an enjoyable camping trip is very doable. All you need is a little preparation, the right gear, and a positive mindset! Today, Creative Team members, Colorado parents, and outdoor enthusiasts, Misha and Tyler, share how to relax, enjoy spending quality time with your family, and…
Summertime means vacations, road trips, and the inevitable chorus of “are we there yet?” Indeed, spending long car rides with kids can be hard and children, especially younger ones, often tend to get bored quickly. This can lead to children spending a lot of time in front of a screen, which is not ideal for anyone on a road trip. Children will not remember the drive day adventures if they are playing tablet games or…
Are you looking for a way to get off the beaten path and reconnect with nature and your family? Do you love camping and want to take your adventures to the next level? Have you ever considered venturing into the woods to get away from it all for a few days with your kids? Well, then today’s post on backpacking with kids is going to inspire you! Creative Team member and Washington mom of 4,…
Are your kids dinosaur-obsessed? Do they love treasure hunts? Do they enjoy using tools? Then this outdoor activity is going to blow you away! Today, teacher and UK mom, Hannah Martin, is sharing all the best tips and advice on how to go fossil hunting with kids. Fossil hunting is a fun, exciting, and educational activity for the entire family! You can do it nearly anywhere and it doesn’t take a lot of fancy gear…
Parks and playgrounds offer endless opportunities for outdoor active and creative play for kids. From swing sets to sporting areas, picnic places, and lakes and streams, exploring new parks with kids can be so much fun! If your local park has lost its appeal and you’re ready to find something new (or you just love new experiences and want to find some fun new places to explore), we’ve got the answer for you…a park tour!…
Worms are fascinating creatures and your child is bound to stumble onto one at some point in their childhood. Chances are they’ve spotted one on the sidewalk after rain or found one while digging in the dirt. Worms are not just exciting to explore and easy to find, but they are also incredibly beneficial to our soil and plant health. Today Katie Fox, full-time RV traveling and hiking mom of two, is here to share…
Summer is a perfect time to get kids outdoors to explore and experience new things! And what better place to enjoy on hot days than someplace with water? Today, the incredible Leslie Alvis (Ohio homeschooling mom of 4) gives us a unique look at a common place your children can explore this summer: the ever-delightful and intriguing pond. Exploring ponds with kids is not only fascinating and fun, but it’s also educational! There’s so much…
Knowing how to read a map is an essential skill for kids and adults. Not only do you need to know how to find out where you are, but you need to be able to navigate safely to your destination. Now more than ever we’ve become heavily reliant on technology. Our phones and GPS devices are great (when they work), but you shouldn’t be fully dependent on devices when you’re out adventuring. Knowing how to…
Do you have full moon fever? Are your kids howling at the moon? Do they love staying up late and catching fireflies? Do you ever want to find new and exciting activities to do together as a family in the long summer evenings? Look no further! This post filled with fun full moon frolics for families will give you lots of ideas for creating the perfect evening full of moon-related activities for your kids. Today,…
Nature is all around us. No matter where you live, you can find nature in your area. Exploring nature doesn’t have to be on a grand scale. It doesn’t need to be overwhelming or intimidating. Nature is accessible to all and there to help teach your kids about the natural world around them. Today, Creative Team member and Texas homeschooling mom of three, Lauren Cain shares tips for parents on how to find and appreciate…
Gardening with kids is such a wonderful and educational way to get kids outside and in touch with nature. There are so many amazing benefits of gardening with kids. Gardening has brought our family so much joy (and so many tomatoes), but it can also bring unwanted guests. Enter the dreaded aphid. To keep our plants healthy and aphid-free, we recently released 1,500 ladybugs into our garden and it was such a fun experience. My…
Worms are fascinating creatures and your child is bound to stumble onto one at some point in their childhood. Chances are they’ve spotted one on the sidewalk after rain or found one while digging in the dirt. Worms are not just exciting to explore and easy to find, but they are also incredibly beneficial to our soil and plant health. Today Katie Fox, full-time RV traveling and hiking mom of two, is here to share…
Having outdoor skills like knowing how to build a fire are important when you spend a lot of time outside. Teaching kids how to build fires isn’t very difficult, but it does take some thought, planning, and time. Plus, teaching your children basic fire safety tips and advice is something that may be invaluable and could possibly save lives. Today, Georgia homeschooling mom of three, SarahRuth Owens walks us through the basic fire safety skills…
The more time you spend outside with your kids, the more likely we all are to encounter some sticky situations. Cuts, scrapes, burns, and bruises can happen. Even when we’re being careful. And as kids get older and more independent, they’re more likely to need some basic first aid knowledge and skills. Today, we have Creative Team member, mom of two and nurse, Ashley Greenhalgh here to give you a primer on teaching basic first…
When many people go hiking, they might be walking very quickly, with a large group of friends they are chatting with or even carrying a speaker playing music. In those circumstances, it is very..
Now that you’ve spent most of the year having outdoor adventures with us, you’ve probably found one or more special places to enjoy. Want to make them even more special? Try building a fort in..
Last year, my young cousin visited me on his way driving from New York to Los Angeles. He explained that they would be driving to Salt Lake City after leaving my house. “Why Salt Lake City?” I..
Have you ever felt the excitement of a treasure hunt? A true mysterious treasure hunt, where you unravel clues and decipher codes to find an unknown bounty? Many of us haven’t searched for..
The snow is finally melting out of the higher elevations, and the backcountry is beginning to fill up with families and individuals ready to explore new and favorite haunts once again. That’s..
For our next Great Adventure, I invite you to break out a pencil and a pad of paper. If you want to get real wild, I welcome you to add some colored pencils or crayons to the mix. Have you..
Spending time outside as a family is an incredible way to learn more about the natural world. We are lucky to live in a Valley surrounded by countless wild places. At times it often feels like we..
Want a science adventure that sticks? Let your child be the scientist. I had such an experience in fifth grade, when I demonstrated to my class the volcanoes we’d built in science class at my..
If you have ever wanted to uncover the hidden mysteries of nature, then adopting a sit spot may be the perfect adventure for you. As humans we often spend time in nature moving. Be it walking,..
There’s an entire world of small (macro to be precise) creatures (of the invertebrate variety) living between, beneath and attached to rocks, pebbles, sticks in a creek nearby. Take your family on..
