Outdoor Activity Ideas for Homeschool Kids

Most recently updated January 20th, 2022

Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

Home school kids need to get outdoors in the sunshine and play – for their physical and mental health and for ours, too.

If you’ve recently  become a remote worker AND a home-schooler all at once,  courtesy of COVID-19, you’re probably already running short on patience.

Getting outdoors, either in your own yard or in a local park or forest, can help boost the entire family’s mood and immune system.

Footpath in Lake Crabtree County Park
Footpath in Lake Crabtree County Park

Sitting still for long periods of time is hard for everyone, but it’s especially difficult for energetic young ones who may have shorter attention spans.

When children have the space and freedom to move around, they can work off their excess energy and be more focused on learning when playtime is over.

Through physical outdoor learning activities children can improve their speed, strength, stamina and motor skills, too.

Here are some ideas for incorporating outdoor time into your new at-home daily schedule, and some tips on places to go for outdoor fun where you can still avoid crowds, for social distancing purposes.

Continue reading Outdoor Activity Ideas for Homeschool Kids

Hike the Route of the Hermitages de Tella in Spain

Most recently updated June 9th, 2022

The trip began in Barcelona and ended in Madrid
The trip began in Barcelona and ended in Madrid

Estimated Reading Time: 12 minutes

Last summer, I took a whirlwind tour across Northern Spain.

We started in Barcelona and made our way across the country to end the tour in Madrid – all in 8 days!

For me, the highlight of the tour was a short day hike in the Aragonese Pyrenees.

Gaudi house museum in Barcelona, Spain
Gaudi house museum in Barcelona, Spain

Don’t get me wrong – the rest of the tour was great, too.

But I’m not usually a fan of  big cities, even cities as beautiful  as Madrid and Barcelona.

I usually like to spend my holiday time away from cities, sweating in a desert canyon, searching for ruins in a rainforest, or hiking up a steep slope to a mountain view.

 

 

To be honest, the hike in the Pyrenees was the main reason I signed up 🙂

I’d been planning another trip that cancelled at the last minute, so I decided to take a chance on a different sort of trip for me.   I’m very glad I did!

Continue reading Hike the Route of the Hermitages de Tella in Spain

First Landing State Park – Hike the Cape Henry Trail

Most recently updated January 16th, 2022

Spring can be the best time to try out some coastal trails, before it gets too hot or or crowded with Summer visitors.   One great place to visit is First Landing State Park.

Situated at the juncture of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, First Landing is the most visited State Park in Virginia and includes one of the most endangered habitat types in the world – the maritime forest.

I first visited First Landing State Park several years ago, on a long Spring weekend with That Man and the puppy.

We hiked several of the park’s trails on that visit, including the Cape Henry Trail – which is the longest trail in the park.

Spanish moss hangs from the trees on the Cape Henry Trail
Spanish moss on the Cape Henry Trail

The 6.1-mile (one way) Cape Henry Trail winds through many diverse habitats, including the rarely-found maritime forest.

This past October, I had some free time and took a day trip to the park from where I was staying in nearby historic Williamsburg, specifically to hike the Cape Henry Trail again.

I wasn’t disappointed –  both the park and the trail were just as beautiful as I remembered!

Continue reading First Landing State Park – Hike the Cape Henry Trail

Bryce Canyon National Park Hikes and Hoodoos

Most recently updated January 16th, 2022

If you’ve never seen the stunning views at Bryce Canyon National Park, get ready for a breathtaking experience!

View from the rim at Sunset Point
View from the rim at Sunset Point

I’d seen the rock formations called “hoodoos” at other parks in the American Southwest, but never so many clustered so close together.

And never with such spectacular views of the vivid red, orange, and white rock towers within such easy access to park visitors.

You don’t have to hike for miles to see the hoodoos – which is great news for families with smaller kids or people short on time.

 

The most spectacular views into the canyon are literally just steps away when you pull into the Visitor’s Center parking lot.

View of the descent via the Queens Garden Trail
View of the descent via the Queens Garden Trail

Bryce Canyon National Park was a good stopping place on our springtime tour of southern Utah, and a place we were excited to visit!

Bryce is just a short, hour-and-a-half drive northeast of Zion National Park, so it would be an easy drive to get to our lodgings there at the end of the day.

In a perfect world we would have had a longer stop, but Bryce is on the smaller side for National Parks, so we were able to hit the highlights.

I literally couldn’t stop taking photos, because it was so beautiful – and I’ve included probably way too many of them here 🙂

Our half-day in Bryce Canyon was enough time for a 3-mile hike and stops at the most popular view points.

Here’s what we did, and info about some other trails and park attractions we’ll see on our next visit – maybe you’ll get some ideas for your visit, too.

Continue reading Bryce Canyon National Park Hikes and Hoodoos

Have a Day Out with the Kids at Pullen Park

Most recently updated January 16th, 2022

Even after the State Fair has packed up for the year, we can still take the kids out to Pullen Park in Raleigh to ride some rides and have some fair food!

The 66-acre park is a fun place for all ages, but with a historic carousel,  kiddie boats and a  miniature train, it’s especially fun for younger kids. 

Pullen Park wasn’t really on my radar when I was in “baby jail”, but I wish it had been!

The East Coast Greenway runs along the perimeter of Pullen Park.
The East Coast Greenway runs along the perimeter of Pullen Park.

Established in 1887, Pullen Park is the oldest public park in North Carolina, and is open all year round.

It’s also the fifth-oldest operating amusement park in the U.S. – and 16th oldest in the world!

Little kids love Pullen Park, but it’s also a beautiful scenic place for grownups to stretch their legs:

    • For hikers and bikers, the East Coast Greenway, a 3,000 mile long system of trails  connecting Maine to Florida, runs through Pullen Park, too.
    • The Rocky Branch Trail, another fantastic trail that connects Meredith College and NC State University to the Capital Area Greenway, also makes it’s way through Pullen Park.

As a seasonal treat, for a few magical days in December, Pullen Park  becomes a wonderland lit by thousands of lights, where kids can visit with Santa and ride the “Holiday Express” train!

The Pullen Aquatic Center, Pullen Arts Center and Theatre in the Park are also located on the park grounds. Continue reading Have a Day Out with the Kids at Pullen Park

General Hiking Info

Most recently updated January 16th, 2022

Posts below include hiking info for families, beginning hikers and more advanced trekkers.

The list also includes hiking trails and training, hiking destinations such as National and State Parks as well as International destinations and more local trails.

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Find hiking trails and gear for hikers and families with kids of all ages, including outdoor adventure vacations for the whole family! We also have posts in our Library to help beginning and advanced hikers find the best gear and trails for your specific needs!

 

Get Outdoors with Kids

Most recently updated June 17th, 2021

Below are all of our posts with helpful tips and info for outdoor activities for kids, plus outdoor kid-friendly destinations for families with children of all ages.

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Find outdoor activities for kids of all ages, including hiking and other outdoor adventures for the whole family! We also have posts to help you plan the best family vacations for your specific needs in our Library!

Shenandoah National Park – Visit Guide and 5 Days of Hikes

Most recently updated October 15th, 2024

The Shenandoah National Park is right on the edge of  the areas of North Carolina and Virginia that were hardest hit by Hurricane Helene.

That said, the Park is open and many of the surrounding communities are open for business and could really use your Fall vacation dollars to help rebuild!

Go to my Hurricane Helene page to get the latest updates on the latest Park, Trail and road repairs.

Mists rise from the mountains after a summer rain.
Smoky Mountains get their name from the mist that settles in the valleys.

Shenandoah National Park first opened to the public in December of 1936.  It’s located in Virginia’s Blue Ridge mountains, less than a half days’ drive from home for me.

Though I’ve lived in the area for more than 20 years, I’ve never had the chance to spend much time in Shenandoah – until this past summer.

Bridge over the trout stream at Rapidan Camp
Bridge over the trout stream at Rapidan Camp

With 200,000 acres of protected land, Shenandoah National Park has some of the best hiking in Virginia –  and the entire mid-Atlantic region of the US – so you can imagine how excited I was to visit!

I had a great time exploring on my own,  but the park hosts a variety of  trails and attractions for everyone from expert hikers to families with small children.

Where is Shenandoah National Park?

Shenandoah National Park is only  115 miles from Washington, D.C., 95 miles from Richmond VA, and 250 miles from Raleigh NC.

That’s close enough for a great long weekend or longer family vacation, without getting on an airplane! 

I allowed a week for my trip – 2 days for travel, and 5 whole days to explore 🙂

Continue reading Shenandoah National Park – Visit Guide and 5 Days of Hikes

Hike, Bike or Just Relax at the North Carolina Museum of Art Park

Most recently updated September 17th, 2024

Signpost on the Green trail at the edge of the NCMA park.
Signpost on the Green trail at the edge of the NCMA park.

The North Carolina Museum of Art Park has been a tremendous gift to the whole Raleigh community.

The park’s trails and open lawns, ponds and pools, larger than life outdoor art, plus the amphitheater and outdoor movie screen provide a beautiful open air gathering place for everyone.

NOTE: We were just named a local NCMA expert on ApartmentGuide.   

Read the full article here: Unique Things To Do in Raleigh, NC 

I’ve gotten a lot of good use from the safe – and inexpensive – outdoor activities for kids the Museum Park has made available over the years.

From the time my daughter was in kindergarten through her college years  – and even now as a young adult in the community –  the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) and the Museum Park events and grounds have been a big part of both of our lives.

Continue reading Hike, Bike or Just Relax at the North Carolina Museum of Art Park

Adventures For You!

Most recently updated June 8th, 2023

I’ve built an expanded section just for G Adventures  active trips because I’ve had so many wonderful experiences with them!

Author with G Adventures group at the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in New Zealand.
Author with G Adventures group at the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in New Zealand.

There are plenty of trips to choose from – one of them could be just perfect for you  🙂

Click here to see Current Promotions and Specials 

 

The trips are remarkable not just because of the destinations or the activities, but because of the underlying vision of the company for sustainable, ecologically friendly travel.

Helicopter rescue on a G Adventures hike in the Mont Blanc area.
Helicopter rescue on a G Adventures hike in the Mont Blanc area. 

G Adventures Beginnings

It all began in 1990 when a very inspired young man named Bruce Poon Tip returned from a backpacking tour of Asia, determined to share his vision of how to experience travel adventures in an authentic and sustainable manner.

G Adventures has custom-made travel adventures for everyone!
G Adventures has custom-made travel adventures for everyone! (Click logo to go to the G Adventure website.

By offering adventure-craving travelers an affordable small-group alternative to crowded resorts and cruises,  Bruce (G Adventures CEO) changed the way people looked at their holiday time.

What started off as a one-man show in 1990 has since grown to become the world’s largest adventure travel company with more than 2,200 employees in 28 offices worldwide. Continue reading Adventures For You!