Photograph Courtesy of family+footprints. Summer again is flying. It’s almost the end of August, and with that many children will soon be back in school, if not already. While each season brings new elements to explore and new aspects of life to help our little ones grow and develop, the…
We talk a lot about what unstructured outdoor play looks like for young children, the benefits for their growing minds and bodies. Those benefits do not stop after a certain age, though. They change, much like our children, as we age into youth – and onward to adults. But yet,…
Photograph Courtesy of family+footprints. When it’s time to go outside adventuring with young children, even as an outdoor playgroup, there are so many gear options to consider bringing with you. In an effort to be minimalists and still have on hand what you need let’s show you what’s in…
Photograph Courtesy of family+footprints. I have been inspired by a mom on our Forest Friday Facebook post, where readers can share their recent family outdoor adventures. This mom talked about how fun it was that her son walked across a river, given that the first time they visited the spot…
Muddy Feet has moved for the summer! We are now meeting at Lake Skannatati in Southfields, NY. This summer spot is an excellent place for the kids to enjoy a thriving lake ecosystem, as well as the forest. Check the main page for directions and some guidelines for having fun…
Photograph Courtesy of family+footprints. Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood. – Fred Rogers In a world with generally less time for free play, fewer opportunities for risky play…
Photograph Courtesy of family+footprints. Hand-in-hand with heading outdoors, is often the consideration of what gear to bring along for the ride. I have a backpack full of what comes with us almost every time. Weather checks help inform if we should bring rain gear, sunscreen, woolen layers, and so forth.…
Photograph Courtesy of family+footprints Being out in nature is beautiful. It is also filled with potential risks. How we approach those risks, though, determine what children get out of the experience. There’s been much talk lately about some of these risks as not just elements to be managed, but actually…
Photograph Courtesy of family+footprints. There is something beautiful and powerful about watching a child explore a natural setting. Forget about expectation, about having a plan. Kids rarely go outdoors seeking to discover or create or even come away with any feelings those actions impart. But sure enough, those things…
Photograph Courtesy of family+footprints. No big secret. We love outdoor play groups – in the woods, free-play, exploration kind of play groups. The one we joined this year has been a most enriching, ongoing experience for our young family. It’s a fun, adventurous, creative and empowering time, filled with…
