Backwoods MamaRaising Outdoor Kids

February 2025 Nature-Connection Calendar for Families

February 2025 Nature-Connection Calendar for Families

It’s already February 2025, and if you’re anything like me, those grand “new year, new me” ambitions might be feeling a little less grand (and a bit more guilt-inducing). If you’ve been trying to keep up with a nature challenge—like 1000 Hours Outside—maybe you...

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January 2025 Nature-Connection Calendar for Families

January 2025 Nature-Connection Calendar for Families

It’s officially 2025—a fresh start for everyone! The new year traditionally brings resolutions and lofty goals, but if you’re anything like me, those well-intended plans often slip away by February. I’ve especially struggled with the 1000 Hours Outside Challenge....

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How to Dress Kids for Fall Weather + Must-Have Items for Autumn Adventures

How to Dress Kids for Fall Weather + Must-Have Items for Autumn Adventures

In this post I go over essential tips for dressing your child for staying cozy outside this fall and cover items to bring along on outdoor autumn adventures. In general, you’ll be covered for comfortable, safe fall outdoor adventures that are memorable (in a good way) if you consider clothing, food, and have a few other accessories stashed in your pack.

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Earth Day Nature Scavenger Hunt Printables

Earth Day Nature Scavenger Hunt Printables

Earth Day is celebrated on April 22nd each year. It’s a day to discover the beauty of our blue and green planet and take steps towards caring for our universal home. Earth Day is a great opportunity to help children reflect, reset and reconnect with nature, whether...

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Mud Picture Books for Kids

Mud Picture Books for Kids

Mud. Ooey gooey squishy goop that forms when dirt and water mix together. Mud has a magnetic force on children. It beckons them to scoop and slide their way into a magical and messy world of play. Books about mud are fun too, and that's what this post is all about!...

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Why Boredom is Good for Your Child

Why Boredom is Good for Your Child

When my kids complain that they're "sooooo boooored", it's like hearing someone scrape their nails across a chalkboard. I want to curl up and hold my hands over my ears and beg - please stop! I'm tempted to reach for an electronic device or recite a litany of ideas to...

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How to Go Bird Watching with Children

How to Go Bird Watching with Children

I am no birding expert, but I do love watching birds, especially with my children. Growing up I knew a handful of birds by name: robin, crow, raven, pigeon, seagull, eagle and hawk. It wasn't until I moved to a small town in the southern interior of British Columbia,...

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How to Dress a Baby for Cold Winter Weather

How to Dress a Baby for Cold Winter Weather

How should I dress my baby when it's cold outside? This is a question I get asked a lot. So often, in fact, that I figured the answer needed its very own post. I figure after raising five babies in the Great White North of Canada, I've learned a thing or two along the...

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Atlas Helium Trail Snowshoes Review

Atlas Helium Trail Snowshoes Review

The Atlas Helium Trail snowshoes are a great beginner snowshoe for teens and adults looking to explore snowy trails. My teen went through a massive growth spurt, quickly outgrowing his MSR Shift Youth snowshoes and propelling himself into the world of adult snowshoes....

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MSR Shift Youth Snowshoes Review

MSR Shift Youth Snowshoes Review

The MSR Shift Youth snowshoes are great for kids between the ages 5 to 12 that want to explore snowy trails. If I had to pick a winter activity that is unique, fun, and great for entire family, it would be snowshoeing. Snowshoeing has been underrated by families for a...

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