Search Results

Camping season is upon us, and whether you're going out for the first time with kids this year, or you're heading out for another season, we've compiled our top 10 tips for camping with kids. Camping with kids can be intimidating, but we want to ensure our top 10 tips help you find easier and simpler ways to get out camping with kids. Here are our Top 10 Tips for Camping with Kids. This blog post is sponsored by Morrison Outdoors. 10 Tips for Camping with Kids From comfortable sleeping bags to fun camping activities, keep reading to discover our top tips for camping with kids! Pack a Warm & Comfortable Sleeping Bag for Everyone One of the most important things for a successful camping trip is ensuring everyone has a good night's sleep, from Baby to Mom and dad. Good-quality sleeping bags can be incredibly difficult to find, but we have been introduced to Morrison Outdoors and will never be going back! Morrison is making waves in the world of Sleeping Bags with bags that fit children as young as 6 months. Some of our favourite features include: Inverted Zipper - Zips open from the bottom for easy diaper changes. Draft Tube - Keeps warm air from escaping behind the zipper. Enclosed Footbox - Fully-enclosed footbox that keeps the little toes nice and cozy. Machine Washable- The best feature of all! Wash at home for a quick, easy clean-up after a weekend in the dirt. When deciding on your sleeping bag, you can choose between down or synthetic material. They even have added Adult Sleeping Bags to their line-up! Whether you're heading into the backcountry or staying in the front country, Morrison Outdoors is a great option for staying warm at night on adventures. Click here to view Morrison Outdoors Sleeping Bags Practice at Home Before the season starts, set up all of your gear at home and do a practice run. This is a great way to ensure you know how to use all your gear, avoid frustration when it's the real deal, and ensure there are no repairs that need to be done to your gear. When you do your practice run, this is where you can identify tasks that your little ones can help with once you arrive at the campground. Some simple tasks you may practice are setting up their own sleeping area, setting up camp chairs, or helping set up the tent. Michelle, our social media lead, has a pop-up tent that all you need to do is push the poles - so this is an excellent option for a piece of gear that they can help set up. Arrive While it is Still Light Outside The last thing you want to do when camping with kids is set up camp in the dark. Be sure to plan your arrival so it is not dark. Don't forget to pack snacks for your journey to the campground! Bring *Good* Food Just because you are camping, doesn't mean you have to change what you are eating or feeding your children! You can still make so many different delicious meals. It can be difficult to get kids to eat when there is so much going on, so make sure you pack things that you know they enjoy and will pique their interest when being served. Click here to read our blog post "Camping Meal Ideas with Kids" Always Bring the '10 Essentials' According to Mountaineers, the concept of the "Ten Essentials" was formalized in 1974. However, the idea dates back to the 1930s, when it was included in climbing and mountaineering courses! Adventurers from around the world acknowledge that when heading outdoors, at least ten items are deemed necessary for survival. Here are the 10 Essential Items we pack along: Navigation and/or Satellite Communication Illumination - this could be a headlamp First-aid kit - make sure you have enough materials for the number of days you are gone Fire Knife Shelter Sun Protection Extra food Extra water Extra clothes Plan Fun Activities Hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming – there are a lot of fun family camping activities to enjoy. A campground's web page will give you specific ideas for playing time together. They will also provide a calendar of family events, like Junior Ranger programs, if available. Some campgrounds even offer bike trails, a swimming pool, nature trails, or mini golf. Be sure to do your research on available amenities at your campground. Pack Games & Gear in Case of Rain Sometimes, when we go camping, we predict that the weather will be beautiful, but Mother Nature has other plans. Make sure you pack enough entertainment and rain gear in case this happens! Board games, cards, a small table, and chairs can be all you need to enjoy the rain. If the rain isn't coming down too hard, you can even try puddle-jumping. Do a Safety Sweep & Chat When You Arrive There can be many hazards around your campground, and you should be aware of them all. Once you are aware of all the hazards, have a sit-down chat with your children so they are aware of what they are as well. Hazards that should be talked about are Fire Safety - the fire itself, as well as the axe if it is being left near the tent or your propane fuel source. Point out any roots or trip hazards in your campground and offer routes around them. If you are camping near a lake, set firm boundaries about swimming rules. If you are near a road, set firm boundaries about when they are allowed to leave your campground vicinity. Safety is incredibly important when you are out camping. Know that Not Everything Will Go as Planned Not everything will go as planned—and that is OK! Hiccups happen, and we just take them as they come. No matter how much gear you pack or how much planning you do, something always has the possibility of going wrong, but that is OK. If you go in with the expectation that not everything will be perfect, it can lead to a lot less disappointment if mishaps happen. As you get further into camping season, you can learn from the mishaps and change certain areas of camping where you see fit. Camping with kids can be easy, it can be fun, and it is worth it. Have a Positive Attitude From start to finish! Be enthusiastic about camping from the moment you begin planning at home and practicing with your gear. If your little ones see you excited about something, it is likely going to rub off on them. Create excitement about going camping, being outdoors, and embracing dirt. The more positive we are from the start, the smoother the entire camping process of camping with kids will be. Enjoy Camping with Your Kids! Do you feel prepared to go camping with kids, now? These are our top 10 tips for camping with kids, and we are so grateful you took the time to read today's blog post. Camping Season is so close, so feel free to bookmark this blog post to refer back to it as you begin planning your camping season with kids. Please be sure to follow us on Instagram at @kidswhoexplore and use #KidsWhoExplore and #KWE for your chance to be featured on our social channels. Happy Adventuring, friends!

From Slumber Sacks to Diaper Duffels and Merino Wool Layers, we are so excited to introduce you to Mounts Store. Mounts Store is a new company trying to solve all the little issues for parents to get back to their outdoor-selves. They are working at reducing the burden to get outside so you don't have to worry and can get some of your old life back. Here's a little bit about Mounts Store and its products. From the Founder of Mounts "The birth of Mounts started after the founder took his wife and 16-month daughter camping for their first post-pregnancy ‘expedition.’ The site was a tester for some multi-day sites they were due to visit later that month. They bought a family-sized tent and assumed the copious gear the founder had amassed over the years would take care of anything else. When we arrived, a farmer took one look at us and the pile of gear, immediately throwing us into his tractor for a ride to the site. In hindsight it was unlikely the transport of our copious amounts of gear was going to be an achievable effort on foot. A 4cm mattress, fleece PJs, and 3 Tog sleep sacks later, we learned this was not suitable for our daughter's comfort and safety. She was freezing and let us know it! As first-time parents, we have always followed advice on SIDS and safe sleeping. After this experience, we felt we had let our guard down. All the understanding, experience, and gear the founder had did not transfer to keeping his young daughter safe and warm. As soon as we returned home, like any other upcoming expedition, I began researching the suitable tools for an enjoyable and safe family experience, but to my dismay, there were few suitable choices available. I have always been able to optimize my experiences through organization and gear. The outdoor industry caters to the extreme expedition but misses the optimized outdoorsmen looking to take their children on their first experiences in a safe hassle free way. Mounts was created to step in to help bridge this void. Every mountain starts as a mount. Get back on the trail! Bring your family together through experience and create safe memorable moments forever!" - Mounts Store, 'About Us' page On the Mounts Store Blog Mounts Store has an extensive list of educational blog posts. Here are a few you may be interested in reading about: SIDS and Camping Mounts Top 10 Tips for Camping with a Toddler Layering Guidance Tent Guidance Mounts Gear We Love The Diaper Duffle is made for adventure. We bring ours on road trips and cross-country ski trips. It is durable and keeps the diapers dry. I have tried the diaper duffle in the rain, snow, and mud, and it has held up on our adventures. It comes with a durable changing pad that is great for changing babies on the trail. I also love the any-angle grab handles when chasing after kids in the outdoors. There is extra storage room for spare changes of clothes, too. The Papa Pack is ideal for exploring with your littles and is geared toward parents, too. It has a spot to pack your lunch with a little re-freezable ice pack to keep things cool. You can store bottles and lots of snacks there too. It has a rain cover for when the weather gets wild. The main cabin of the pack is divided to have parent clothes separate from the baby's wardrobe. Diaper and wipes zip in the side for easy access and this pack comes with a diaper change pad too. This pack can be taken anywhere from hiking to shopping. Slumber sacks come in two fun colours for camping. I love how the arms can unzip and the bottom too, giving more mobility for my kids. Plus, this is going to be a great way to adjust to changing weather too. The length of the slumber sack is extendable to grow with your child too. I think the extended use with kids is so important for the family camping budget. The zippers are multidirectional, making it easy to get my kids in and out, and you can even check for the baby’s diaper without bringing them out of the slumber sack. I love how you can tell that this is parent-designed and created. Safe sleep is my top priority, and this design fits my comfort zone. We will be camping starting May 2023, and you’ll see us in our slumber sacks. Mounts Merino Pants—We have brought our merino base layers on snowboard weekends and hikes. They are lightweight and comfortable, wash and dry easily, and I love the mountains added to the waist belt, too. Thermal Pants—These are super soft, comfortable, and fitted snugly to my toddler. They have a very similar design to the merino pants and the same mountain waistbelt. He has been wearing his one layer mostly indoors so far. We will be bringing our Mountain layers on many mountain getaways this year. SHOP MOUNTS STORE Thank you for taking the time to read today about our latest collaboration with Mounts Store - and the gear we love! Click here to SHOP THE MOUNTS STORE.

Are you looking to fill your 2023 bucket list with amazing adventures for your kids? We asked our Explorer Families what their wishlist of adventures included for 2023, and we have compiled all their answers together into one super exciting blog post. Hopefully, some of their answers will inspire you to build your 2023 adventure bucket list. Here are Bucket List Adventure Ideas with Kids. 2023 Bucket List Adventures for Families Bucket List Adventure Idea #1: Treetop Adventure & Glamping "Treetop adventure at Ijams Nature Center and to finally go glamping are two of our bucket list for 2023!" - @bbwilliams21 Bucket List Adventure Idea #2: Camp at a fire lookout "We’re camping in a fire lookout tower next fall, it’s been on my bucket list for a long time!" - @elizabethstarexplores Bucket List Adventure Idea #3: Explore California "We want to get to most of the national parks in California!" Bucket List Adventure Idea #4: Become a Kiwi Guardian "Here in Aotearoa New Zealand we have something called Kiwi Guardians by the Department of Conservation in lots of beautiful nature spots, and you earn a little wooden medal for finding each Guardian Post. We'd love to do all the ones in the South Island in 2023!" - @livinglifewilder Bucket List Adventure Idea #5: Visit Fury Water Adventures in Key West "So, for a fun filled adventure day- Fury Water Adventures in Key West. It is definitely a fun day out on the beautiful water, parasailing, jet skis, banana boat, floating gymnasium and to end it with snorkeling the reef!For a beautiful low key less explored adventure - Cascade National Park in Washington...y'all..the most beautiful water I have ever seen in my life. The hiking is out of this world and if you have a SUP bring it. That would be an adventure in itself." Bucket List Adventure Idea #6: Travel to Patagonia "Patagonia! We are working out the details for a trip fall 2023. Might take some extra time and snowboard the Andes too!" - @loralbird Bucket List Adventure Idea #7: Explore Tokyo, Japan "My wife grew up in Tokyo, Japan. Now that we have kids we’d like to retrace her footsteps and introduce them to the world in which she grew up!" - @fromtenttotakeoff Bucket List Adventure Idea #8: Snowshoe in Banff "Winter hiking/snowshoeing in Banff. Backcountry camping in Kananaskis in the summer. Would love to make it to Europe in the fall." - @jes.at.her.best Bucket List Adventure Idea #9: Travel to Belize "We have a trip planned to Belize in the summer! Can't wait for my kids to see the ocean for the first time." - @madelynnek Bucket List Adventure Idea #10: Oregon Coast Road Trip "We are hoping to do a road trip down Route 101 to camp along the Oregon coast. I’m hoping it works out and I can get places booked. We are also planning a trip to the UK and I want to do outdoor adventures in wales and Scotland with the children." - @tgmiscellany Bucket List Adventure Idea #11: Start a long hike "We are completing second long hike South Downs Way and we are starting South West Coast Path which is 640 miles (we will be doing it over two years)" - @janielnie Bucket List Adventure Idea #12: Try a multi-day backpacking trip "More multi day backpacking and hunting trips in Yoho, Kananaskis etc. We'd also like to visit a few countries in Africa while kiddos plane seat (aka my lap) is still free I want to take a few days to explore the iceline etc trail in Yoho, bag a few peaks around lake Louise and in Banff, get into the backcountry for wild camping, foraging trips, and some hunting trips all together. I'm looking forward to foraging with kiddo, it's such a great way to connect and learn with nature! We haven't made a specific list yet but we will be doing that soon!" - @syl.dekker Bucket List Adventure Idea #13: Drive the Road to Hana in Hawaii "Both of Hawaii’s National Parks & the Road to Hana!" - @the_little_hollow Bucket List Adventure Idea #14: Explore around Scotland "We are taking our twins to Scotland for their first birthday to tour the highlands! We’re also going to Yosemite in the spring, a national park none of us have hit yet." - @amandax220 Bucket List Adventure Idea #15: Hike to Kilimanjaro basecamp "We are hoping to climb Kilimanjaro with our twins. Hoping to be able to get them even just up to basecamp then hubby and I will alternate summit days." -  @restlesscrusade Bucket List Adventure Idea #16: Drive the Washington to Cali Coast "Camp/surf/beach trip down the coast from Washington to California" - @schoollessinseattle Bucket List Adventure Idea #17: Explore all National Parks local to you, and maybe get your Junior Ranger Badge "In 2023 our current bucket list is to hit all of the national parks where the kids can get there JR Ranger Badges within a days drive from us…Cumberland Island in GAThe Gulf Islands in FLEverglades National Park in FLChickamauga Battlefield in Chattanooga TNKayak with the Manatees in Crystal River" - @growing.grahams Bucket List Adventure Idea #18: Book your first international trip "We are currently in the process of choosing locations for our first local backpacking trip, as well as our first international trip as a family of four. We’ll be exploring with a 2year old and 8 month old." - @stephanie.vdneut Bucket List Adventure Idea #19: Go on a overnight float trip "I’m hoping to take my three kids (5, 5, and 2) on our first overnight float trip." - @everydayoutdoorfamily Bucket List Adventure Idea #20: Give Skiing a go as a family "Skiing and more overnight hikes!" - @hike.lyss Bucket List Adventure Idea #21: Set a goal, instead of a destination or activity "Our goal is to hike 365 miles!" - @melissainthewild Bucket List Adventure Idea #22: Ski the Powder Highway "A ‘Powder Highway’ ski trip in our tiny trailer. We have purchased a mini wood stove to be able to use our trailer year round with no hook up." -@gingesonajourney Thank-you for taking the time to read our first blog post of 2023. Will any of these Bucket List Adventure Ideas end up on your adventure list for this year? Don't forget to tag us @KidsWhoExplore #KWE so we can see your adventures, and a chance to be featured on our social channels! Please be sure to follow us on Instagram at @kidswhoexplore and use #KidsWhoExplore and #KWE for your chance to be featured on our social channels. Happy adventuring, friends!

This Halloween, we went to beautiful Kananaskis in the Canadian Rockies for a family-friendly meet-up, and we had the best time! Below are a few photos, our event sponsors, and a recap of the event. Thank you to everyone who helped out! A huge shoutout to our amazing photographer @throughcarrieslensphotography for coming along and capturing some magical photos for us to look back on and remember this amazing event. Keep reading to see how our KWE Halloween Hike went this year! Thank You to Our Fantastic Event Sponsors RecSafe with Wildlife Baby Gourmet The Great Outdoors YYC: Junior Outfitters ScatBelt - Use code 'KWE' to recieve 15% off Kananaskis Golf Course Kids Who Explore KWE Halloween Hike at Wedge Pond On the crisp morning of Oct 29th, the Kids Who Explore team and 10+ other families made their way to Wedge Pond in Kananaskis for a family-friendly hike. Everyone arrived dressed in their costumes and ready to show them off to their friends, old and new! We made our way down the trail and took advantage of every photo opportunity. As we took in the view and made our way around the lake back to our initial starting point, we were all starting to get ready for the excitement to come! When we arrived back at our picnic table, hot chocolate donated by the Kananaskis Country Golf Course and snacks donated by Baby Gourmet were all ready for the kids to participate in a fun trick-or-treat event. We laid the items about, and parents + their kiddos were able to grab what they wanted! We also had lunch kits donated by The Great Outdoors YYC: Junior Outfitters, delicious organic juice boxes, and we even created Kids Who Explore Swag Bags for this event, which will be available for purchase at most of our YYC events from now on. Bear Safety Talk We want to give a huge thank-you to Sarah from RecSafe with Wildlife for coming out and giving an amazing presentation on Bear Safety in the Canadian Rockies. Here are some tips she shared on how to avoid a bear encounter: Make noise! Let bears know you're there. Call out, clap, sing, or talk loudly, especially near streams, dense vegetation, and berry patches, on windy days, and in areas of low visibility. Bear bells are not enough. Watch for fresh bear signs. Tracks, droppings, diggings, torn-up logs, and turned-over rocks are all signs that a bear has been in the area. Leave the area if the signs are fresh. Keep your dog on a leash at all times or leave it at home. Dogs can provoke defensive behaviour in bears. Larger-size groups are less likely to have a serious bear encounter. We recommend hiking in a tight group of four or more. Never let children wander. Use officially marked paths and trails and travel during daylight hours. If you come across a large dead animal, leave the area immediately and report it to park staff. Dispose of fish offal in fast-moving streams or the deep part of a lake, never along stream sides or lake shores. We also want to give a huge thank-you to our other bear safety sponsor - ScatBelt. ScatBelt is one of our favourite companies because they allow you to carry your bear spray in any easy, accessible place, and we are so excited to be offering a 15% off discount. Use code 'KWE' to receive 15% off your ScatBelt purchase. Here is a bit of information released from bear-hunting.com about a study regarding Bear Spray vs Firearms: "Statistically, bear spray is more effective at deterring a charging bear. In a study done in 2008 (Smith et al. 2008), researchers analyzed 83 bear spray incidents (61 brown bears, 20 black bears, and two polar bears). Red Pepper spray proved over 90% successful on stopping the bear’s “undesirable” activity. 98% of people involved in these incidents were unharmed by the bear. However, fourteen percent of the incidents resulted in negative side effects on the human (they were affected by the spray), and three percent left the user incapacitated. In a similar study on firearms (Smith et al. 2012), they were effective 84% with handguns and 76% with rifles to stop bears from undesirable behavior. The study analyzed 269 bear-human conflicts in Alaska from 1883-2009. The study said, “firearm bearers suffered the same injury rates in close encounters with bears whether they used firearms or not.” Basically, firearms didn’t statistically keep people from getting injured by bears. This means that people shot bears that still attacked them. They concluded by saying, “Our findings suggest that only those proficient in firearms use should rely on them for protection in bear country.” (Copyright The Wildlife Society). I think we would all like to think we are “proficient” but the truth is, even as hunters, we all aren’t. Firearm accuracy in the heat of a fast, stressful, and real-life situation isn’t easily tested. The arguments against bear spray typically revolve around the wind blowing the spray back into your face and not hitting the bear. This is a legitimate concern, but it would be rare that this would happen. It’s like stacking two highly unlikely scenarios on top of each, yes it could happen, but it probably won’t. However, it is possible for bear spray to not affect a bear, such as happened with Montana resident Todd Orr. He sprayed a sow that attacked him, but it didn’t stop her. He sustained some serious but not life-threatening injuries. In his words, “Bear spray doesn’t always work, but it’s better than nothing.”

Finding the perfect backpack can be a tricky task! There are endless options for child carriers, all equipped with different features, pros, and cons. With the help of @adriannaadventures, we've put together the ultimate Gear Review for the Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier. Here is Kids Who Explore's very first Gear Review Blog Post, an Osprey Poco Plus Review written by @adriannaadventures. *Product link below is clickable, and it will direct you to our one of our favourite products, which means this blog contains affiliate links. We make a small commission when you purchase a product using our affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. These funds help Kids Who Explore continue to put out educational content just like this and keep our community running* Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier Gear Review I have been exploring the Canadian Rockies and beyond for over two years (and forever before that) with my baby and now toddler riding in the Poco Plus. I am a huge Osprey fan to begin with because of the quality of their hiking gear. Well before kids, I would hike with my Osprey packs to the summit of many mountains. I am excited to share my take on the Poco Plus. I opted for the black colour as I love how classic it looks and it matches our brand at Kids Who Explore. This carrier will grow with your baby from six months up until they're around 3 years old and even a little older in some cases. Price: $500 CAD Weight: 7lbs. 14 oz. Capacity: 26L What I like: Storage space, built-in sunshade, and the ease of adjusting to a parent and growing child. What I dislike: The tricky hydration space, the small cockpit holes, and the lack of cellphone storage on the hip belt. Click here to visit Osprey's site to see more details on the carrier. My "testing" period on the Osprey Poco Plus has been well over 100 hikes with my baby. The Poco Plus has helped me create lifelong memories with my baby and is now going to be used for my second baby. It has been there with us since our first hike. I actually have both the Poco Plus and the regular Poco. I take the Plus on longer adventures because it has more storage. We've climbed mountains, walked around lakes, shopped in the city, travelled through airports, and explored new places with our Poco Plus. The Poco Plus will help you carry all the necessary baby items, ten essentials, and more! Pros & Cons Let's start with the Cons! With love, as you will see my 5 stars below. Three things frustrate me about the Osprey Poco Plus: First, the spot for the hydration pack. I can never fill my 3L hydration pack full and fit it behind the back. The space is very small and tricky. Second, the foot holes for my toddler are so small, and every time I have to load him in or out of the carrier, I have to take off his hiking or winter boots. It does really annoy me now that I have two on the trail as it's just one more thing that I always have to juggle. My toddler also wants out of his pack many times on our hikes. Third, I do wish there were bigger front pockets on the hip belt to hold my cell phone. I love to capture trail memories with my kids, and it's hard to always have the cell in my coat or pant pockets. To add, this pack is pricey, yes, as most quality gear is. You can find it listed on Facebook Marketplace; just set your search so when one comes up, you can snag it right away. My hiking friends rave about the Thule and the Deuter child carrier, so it is worth comparing and looking those ones up as well. Okay, now the pros! So the pros absolutely win my heart for this pack contrary to my blunt honesty in the cons above. Three things that I love about my Poco Plus are, to start, the storage space! I can pack all the things we need to hike. Click here to see my baby hiking pack list. I really have to pack a lot being in the Rockies. Weather can change in an instant, and I feel so much better being able to bring extra layers, etc. The additional pockets and even those hip belt pockets are actually great for keys and snack space. Next, the built-in sunshade! We use this shade all year round, and the rain cover (you need to buy separately) fits perfectly. I also use it on blizzard days and in the rain. The sunshade keeps my baby tucked in and away from the bright Alberta skies, and it does help to reduce the wind. Lastly, I love how easy it is to adjust the carrier between my husband and me. Whether you need to adjust the height, hip belt, or should straps, it's super quick on the trail. Okay, a few other great things! Other positives are that my baby is super comfortable in the saddle part and can adjust as he grows. I love that the bar can pull in at the back and extend for more space. The side of the pack has netted storage for my son's snacks. It has padding around the waist belt. 5 Stars I am an avid hiker and take my baby out on all kinds of trails in the Canadian Rockies. Overall, the Osprey pack is a great pack choice, and although I have some frustration, I do have to give my Osprey hiking carrier a 5-star rating. Without it, I would never have been able to get my baby up mountains and to the many epic places that we made it to. It has been a staple in my maternity wardrobe and my baby's main accessory. Community Reviews "We bought the Poco Plus along with the Kelty Kids when we had our twins, so were able to really compare and see what we loved. The Poco Plus has a ton of storage room compared to other brands/models, and I was able to use it to carry my LO and most of our backpacking gear when we'd go out into the backcountry (my husband was able to take what of ours didn't fit). Another perk was the zip-off diaper bag/small backpack which was super helpful for traveling. And the ease of the sun shade was really awesome (much more user friendly than the Kelty). We also liked that it came with the rain cover and the rain cover/sun shade fit together really nicely to keep sun/rain/wind/snow off our LO. It's also built like a tank... We've taken a couple slips on our adventures while carrying it and many of those times, my snoozing kiddo didn't even stir. It's lasted us through 7 years of adventuring with two different kiddos--kids always seemed comfortable and happy riding high back there. Lots of naps were had. The only issue we encountered was by 2.5, it became really difficult to get our toddler in and out because of her size. Specifically, her boots would get stuck in the leg holes--may have just be due to her giant feet and we were pretty close to exceeding the weight limit by that point anyway. (I will also say if they need a data point, we actually did well exceed the weight limit on many occasions. I carried up to 75 pounds on the Tour du Mont Blanc last summer, and I'm happy to report everything held up just fine (even my back and knees )). 5 out of 5, love this thing.... recommend it all the time." - Explorer Family "I don't have much to compare it to but i'd give it a 5... we love ours sooo much. we have gotten soooo much freaking use out of it, it's crazy! haha. maybe the only thing i wished is that it was a tinnnyyy bit bigger (the area where the kid sits)! " - Explorer Family "I love ours! We initially got one of these plus another brand that was recommended, and I much prefer the osprey. The sunshade is by far the most nifty part in my opinion! I also think it’s super easy to adjust as the kid ages." - Explorer Family "I love it so much that I still have it even though my son is too big for it now - 5/5 for sure!!" - Explorer Family "Haven't tried any others, and I don't have the plus. I would absolutely have got the Plus, if I could go back. I love my Poco though! It's been backpacking, Backcountry skiing/snowboarding, hiking, biking and probably more. It's comfy for me and comfy for my daughter as she used to nap in it. I love the pull out shade. Easy to get them in and out. Only thing I'd want is a bigger pocket on the waist band or shoulder for my phone (maybe the Poco plus has this though). I'd recommend buying a pocket sized mirror on a lanyard to be able to see babe when wearing it!" - Explorer Family "I give it a 5 for storage and the sun/rain over option. I also appreciate the drool pad that is removable and washable. I’ve used the Osprey Poco Plus with both of my kiddos and highly recommend it!" - Explorer Family "I really enjoy the storage and thoughtful design. My only and biggest complaint is that the metal structure is too long and doesn’t adjust enough resulting in extreme discomfort after wearing it for long durations. I’m a petite mama (5’)" - Explorer Family "5/5 star rating! The Poco Plus is definitely an investment but totally worth it if you’re an avid hiker. I am 5’4” and my husband is 6’1” and we can both comfortably carry our daughter because of the adjustment options. The storage is amazing and allows us to pack everything we need to take her on longer hikes. Lastly, the sun shade is an added bonus—especially when your kiddo refuses to wear a hat! Love this pack!" "4/5. The poco plus was great for us from 6 months to 20 months with our daughter. I love that we could easily re-fit it on the trail so me and my husband could switch who carried her, and the storage plus water bladder holder was amazing. The stirrups are a great feature for her legs, and the inbuilt sun cover which also doubles in use for the rain cover. The harness felt secure and was easy to tighten and loosen in any weather. Naps happened frequently so I think it was a great ride for our daughter too! Where it loses 1 star for us, is that she grew out of it for height before aged 2, getting her in and out with her boots on became impossible so we did switch to another brand that allowed her to step in and out via a side clip. If Osprey could add that feature onto the poco and poco plus then they would be perfect for us!" - Explorer Family "We love ours it’s been perfect for all our adventures. We’ve really put it to the test this year with over 50 days on the trail and trips up to 20km. That being said the clip on the hip belt snapped after one season of heavy use and stores are no longer able to warrenty in Canada you have to self submit, we submitted a claim two weeks ago and haven’t heard back yet. Luckily we have a back up but have not been impressed with that. Bought think Osprey had a solid warranty. 3.5/5 for that reason" - Explorer Family "We absolutely love ours! Our little girl loves to be up high and looking around at the world around her. It’s comfortable for someone who is 5”2 as well as my husband who is 6”2. The quality is unmatched in our opinion" - @sydmagno "We have the basic Poco and LOVE it but that said, I wish we had registered for the Poco plus. When we doing our baby registry we thought that all adventures were going to be the whole family meaning someone else could carry most of our gear. I'm finding that I'm going on solo adventures a lot more and I wish we could go back and get the Poco plus for the additional storage space." - @midwestmamahikes Thank you for reading our Osprey Poco Plus review featured from adriannaadventures.ca, as well as our contributed community reviews. Share with us below what you love about your Osprey Poco Plus!

Kid-Friendly Fall Hikes in Texas Are you looking for kid-friendly fall hikes in Texas to check out with your family? This week's blog post was written by Explorer Family @strongerthanfire. Christina Sizemore (Chris) resides in her hometown of Houston, Texas, with her husband Bill, daughter Issa, and black lab Layla. Chris grew up camping and paddling and when her daughter turned 2 they started camping and exploring together as a family. In 2017, just before Hurricane Harvey, their lives were devastated by a house fire. They lost their home, belongings, and dog, and her husband almost lost his life. Chris had two options: succumb to PTSD, guilt, and depression, or live. She chose to live life brazenly. Their story inspires us every day, and we are so grateful to have them write another blog post for Kids Who Explore. Here are 5 kid-friendly fall hikes in Texas. Before heading out on any hike in Texas, make sure you’ve packed The 10 Essentials. We’ve put together the ultimate 10 Essentials blog that you can read by clicking here. If you follow us on Instagram, read our previous posts on the Kids Who Explore blog, or even our own blog, you know we love our Texas State Parks and Trails. For our family, Fall is truly the start of our exploration season, as the summer months in Texas are far too hot for camping or hiking. We certainly have our favorite trails across the state, but the following are our top five family-friendly Texas trails to hike in the fall. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Lighthouse Trail 2.8 Miles In, 2.8 Miles Out | 660’ Elevation Gain This is an epic trail and one I would definitely reserve for cooler months. In the summer, canyon temperatures can reach 108-110 F. In fact, 40 people were rescued off the trail in one day in the summer of 2022. The trail also closed for multiple days because of heat warnings and there are several recorded heat related deaths from this trail. On the park trail map this trail is labeled as moderate, and most of it is. The majority of the trail is wide and sandy, taking you through low shrubs with views of the colorful Spanish skirt formations. Easily the most difficult part is the ascent to the Lighthouse, which is the iconic rock formation for which the trail gets its name. This section of the hike comes in two parts. The first is a scrambling bit, with a steadily increasing ascent up rock and sand. The second is shorter but with a bit more scrambling and a decent drop-off to one side. Once on the mesa, it’s a breathtaking 360 degree view of the canyon and the Lighthouse formation itself. Lighthouse Trail Tips: Bring at least 1 gallon of water per person. Bring sun protection; there is little to no shade on this trail. If you hike to the mesa at the top, watch young children, it’s a long fall down. Get an early start, this will ensure it’s cooler (even in the fall) and you will beat most of the hiker traffic (this is the most popular trail). If you do not have a Texas State Park Pass there is an entry fee for day use of $8 per person 13 years and older, 12 and under are free. Click here for passes and more info. Lost Maples State Natural Area, East Trail to Maple Trail to East Trail to East/West Trail 4.8 Miles Circle | 543’ Elevation Gain While most families are cozying up to cooler weather with their pumpkin-spiced lattes in the fall, it’s still hot in most of Texas. Around the Gulf Coast, the leaves don’t really start to change until late December, if we get changing leaves at all. However, there is one small secret area of classic color-changing fall, and that is at Lost Maples State Natural Area and its protected Bigtooth Maples. This specific trail loop will give you views of the Bigtooth Maples, some really interesting geological formations, and highlights worth stopping for. Your first stop will be Monkey Rock, an interesting limestone formation that is clearly a monkey face. Next is the Grotto, a peaceful area perfect for a snack break with cooler temperatures. You can hear trickling water and spot maidenhair ferns here. Lastly, there is the Pond, which is a great place to stop and relax for a bit. The park trail map labels this hike as difficult, which sections during the increased elevation can definitely pose a challenge and, in our case, an 8-year-old meltdown. We recommend planning for breaks at the different highlight areas. East Trail to Maple Trail to East Trail to East/West Trail Tips If you want to see the leaves, check out the Fall Foliage Color Report on their website. Book passes or campsites for fall early; this is a popular park and fills up quickly. Sections of this trail are more difficult because they are steep; plan breaks throughout your hike for little ones. Depending on water levels, you may cross some small streams. If you do not have a Texas State Park Pass there is an entry fee for day use of $6 per person 13 years and older, 12 and under are free. Click here for passes and more info. Caprock Canyon State Park, Eagle Point Trail 2 Miles In, 2 Miles Out (Unless someone picks you up by car at the end) | 290’ Elevation Gain Caprock Canyon is home to over 150 wild Bison which immediately makes it incredibly cool. You can also see the Prairie Dog Town which is just incredibly cute. Caprock is also home to some of my favorite trails in all of Texas. The Eagle Point Trail is one of the park's more kid-friendly trails. On this trail, you can experience the transition from plains to canyons. It is an incredible example of erosion as winds and rains have carved the landscape you see along the trail, including ridges, hoodoos, and ledges. It’s also fun to spot gypsum as it sparkles along the trail. Kids can also become Citizen Scientists by taking a picture in a specific spot (marked by a sign and sharing the photo on Instagram with the hashtag #RestoreCaprock. It helps Texas Parks and Wildlife track their prairie restoration project at the park. Eagle Point Trail Tips Start early to avoid the heat Take time to read the plaques along the trail to learn about the history of the land and the creatures who live there Watch for Bison on the trail, if you spot one, make sure you give it at least 50 yards distance Agitated Bison will raise their tail into a question mark shape, paw at the ground or lower it’s head. If you notice this behavior leave the area. If you do not have a Texas State Park Pass there is an entry fee for day use of $5 per person 13 years and older, 12 and under are free. Click here for passes and more info. Dinosaur Valley State Park, Paluxy River Trail 1.9 Miles In, 1.9 Miles Out | 159’ Elevation Gain One of the most amazing moments of my life was standing with our daughter in dinosaur footprints at Dinosaur Valley State Park. The bed of the Paluxy River is littered with Sauroposeidon proteles (the official state dinosaur of Texas) and Acrocanthosaurus tracks. The Paluxy River Trail will take you along the site of the main track where Roland T. Bird first discovered the tracks in the late 1920s. Since water levels greatly affect visitor's ability to view the tracks, this is where you’re most likely to see tracks, even in higher waters. Next along the trail is the Blue Hole, where you can spot Theropod tracks and take a dip in the swimming hole. Lastly is the Ballroom Track site, where you can see hundreds of tracks in all directions as if the dinosaurs were dancing. Trail Tips Start early, as this is a busy park and trail. Check their website for track visibility; water levels greatly affect track visibility. Watch local weather reports; the area is subject to flash flooding. If you cross the river, rocks are definitely slippery; waterproof shoes/boots and hiking poles are recommended. Don’t forget to take a picture at the dinosaur models from the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair (note, they are not the same kinds of dinosaurs who made the tracks). If you do not have a Texas State Park Pass there is an entry fee for day use of $7 per person 13 years and older, 12 and under are free. Click here for passes and more info. Longhorn Cavern State Park, Walking Cave Tour 1.1 Miles Round Trip | 130’ Elevation Loss It’s time to take our hikes underground! Longhorn Cavern State Park was developed in the 1930s by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps). We’ve toured many of the caves in Texas and this one remains our favorite. There is vast history filled with tall tales and legends surrounding this young cavern. It’s believed the Comanches used the cavern as a hidden meeting room. Early frontiersmen, Confederate soldiers, Wild West outlaws and even roaring Prohibition parties called the cave home at one time or another. Don’t miss out on the CCC buildings like the Observation Tower and additional trails in this part, as they are all worth experiencing. The tower even gives you a decent view of a nearby castle (yes, we have castles in Texas, too). Walking Cave Tour Trail Tips The cave stays at a constant 68 degrees; dress accordingly. Watch your head in areas; trails can be slippery when wet. There is a lights-out section of the tour, which might be scary for some kids. In addition, if this is your child’s first cave experience, make sure you pay attention to how they are feeling. Children may respond differently to a closed-in, underground experience. Free to enter the park grounds, cave walking tours are $16.95 for kids ages 4-11 and $20.95 for ages 12+. You cannot enter the cave without being on the tour. We suggest booking a date and time online. Click here for passes and more info. Thank you for taking the time this week to read about kid-friendly fall hikes in Texas. Will you be checking out any of these hikes this upcoming fall? Don't forget to tag @KidsWhoExplore and use #KidsWhoExplore for your chance to be featured on our Instagram page.

Our adventure shoes take us everywhere -- from hiking down a trail, to riding a bike around the neighbourhood, to playing hide-n-seek at a local park! Picking the perfect kids shoes for outdoor play has sometimes proven to be a difficult task. With endless options and features you want for the shoe -- whether that be laces vs velcro or needing them to be waterproof -- it can be hard to find exactly what you're looking for. With the help of KEEN, and our Explorer Families, we've come up with the perfect tips and tricks for how to pick the perfect kids' shoes for outdoor play! *This is a sponsored blog post & contains affiliate links* Picking the Perfect Kids Shoe for Outdoor Play We asked our Explorer Families what are things they take into consideration when picking the perfect outdoor play shoe, and here is what they had to say: Picking a shoe that is waterproof/resistant Being machine washable or easy to clean Having good traction & flexibility Taking into consideration how well they can take them on/off The heaviness and comfortability of a shoe -- if your kid isn't comfortable, it could lead to an off-set day In addition to being able to take them on and off, how well they actually STAY on All of these factors seem to be pretty important to most of our Explorer Families, and I'm sure for you, too! But now the question stands: Where can I find the perfect outdoor play shoe that fits into these categories? Here are some of our favourite sneakers that fit within these categories from KEEN! Chandler CNX Sneaker This kids’ sneaker has a super light, streamlined, and flexible feel, and it's been a kid fave for years and years. As happy at recess as it is on a trail through the forest. The mesh upper gives ventilation for comfort when those sunny days start to heat up. Pro tip: See “CNX” in the name of a KEEN shoe? That means it has an especially lightweight design and a minimal outsole (great for giving toddlers more balance and dexterity as they find their footing). - KEEN Click here to view the Chandler CNX Sneaker Knotch Hollow Sneaker This is our newest addition to the kids' sneaker line-up, featuring a double hook-and-loop strap design for a secure fit. Rugged yet low-profile for plenty of ground feel across different terrain. Parents, you'll love that this one is machine-washable. - KEEN Click here to view the Knotch Hollow Sneaker Newport Shoe Their favourite play sandal of summer is now a fully enclosed shoe! The Newport shoe can go year-round with the fit and traction they love, without playground bark chips or pebbles getting in. Perfect for toddlers with the all-over protection they need for the slips and stumbles that come with being a toddler. - KEEN Community Reviews: "We love the Newport. Best investment ever. Our son hikes in them and great for getting wet too." "My daughter lives in the Newport shoes, last year she had the same ones as well. They are shaped well to fit a wider toe area without being wide around the ankle. I love that they are great for water, have closed toes so she can scoot and bike ride, the velcro means she can take them off and on herself too." "Love the Newport! I’ve had mine for 14 years and they look new! Our kids have had them at various times over the years. Some pairs have been passed down through 5 kids!" Click here to view the Newport Shoe Targhee Sport Vent Sneaker Whether you’re heading out for a hike or just have a wild backyard zone for kids to roam in, you need a shoe that protects their feet. These sneakers have a versatile, hiking-inspired design that’s cushioned for comfort, just like the adult version of the Targhee. The high-traction outsole is reliable on all kinds of terrain, and the vented upper keeps their feet comfy when it’s warm out. Pro tip: If you live in a cooler, wetter part of the country, consider the Targhee waterproof sneaker. Same Targhee fit everyone loves with a waterproof design. - KEEN Community Review: "We love them so much i wear the kid shoes! Love love love them" Click here to view the Targhee Sport Vent Sneaker Hikeport Waterproof Shoe The Hikeport shoe looks like a sneaker and has a rugged and supportive design. It’s even waterproof (in case the forecast calls for rain). We make the Hikeport in both a shoe and a boot version — both have easy elastic laces they can do themselves. And to make things even easier, there’s also a lace-free version with hook-and-loop straps. If your kids are anything like ours, the whole world is their playground. Whether they’re helping us garden, learning about nature with a day camp, or just working off all that extra energy on a jungle gym, we just love to see them enjoying time outside. Wherever their feet take them, they’ll be comfy and happy in KEEN shoes and sandals."- KEEN Click here to view the Hikeport Waterproof Shoe Here are a few more of our Community Reviews "We love the Seacamp ll CNX for my girls. Newport H2 water sandal for my boys. We wear them all year, add socks when needed. We use waterproof hiking boots for rain/snow, but haven't had a chance to try keen for those." "I’ve personally partnered with Keen Kids on their Newports and their Speed Hounds. Speed hounds have full toe protection for boarding, riding bikes, and more. Keens are all my kids wear. For hiking and everywhere wear. My husband and I both wear Keen Newports as well." What is important to you when picking the perfect outdoor play shoe for your kids? We hope that these suggestions from KEEN help make your decision just a little bit easier! *This is a sponsored blog post & contains affiliate links*

Has your family ever hiked in Yosemite National Park? Today's blog post is all about Yosemite Family-Friendly Hikes and is written by Explorer Family @liv2seetheworld. Alexis has shared with us her favourite hikes to do with her son. Plan your visit with the National Parks Service now to visit Yosemite National Park by clicking here.  Here are the Top Family-Friendly Hikes in Yosemite National Park Before heading out on any hike in Yosemite National Park, make sure you've packed The 10 Essentials. We've put together the ultimate 10 Essentials blog that you can read by clicking here. Yosemite Valley - Cook's Meadow Hike Stroll along the boardwalk while taking in the views of the valley,  this easy 1 mile (1.6 km) hike offers views of half dome, Yosemite falls and Sentential Rock. Accessible from the Visitor's Center or via the free shuttle, this hike will give you all the views and the feels as you wander among the great monoliths. Wheelchair and stroller accessible. White Wolf - Tulmone Grove If you want to know my #1 hike in Yosemite for Kids to Explore, this is it!!! This grove of ancient sequoia trees offers a wonder of learning and play for kids of all ages. You’ll begin your journey following the historic Big Oak Flat Road (paved) for 1 mile until you come across the first of the Sequoias. Upon arriving at the grove, you’ll find picnic tables nestled among the trees, making a perfect spot for a picnic. From the end of the paved road, you will find two loops to explore the magnificent trees. To the left, you will find a downed Sequoia tree, while the trail to the right will take you to the Tunnel Tree. Our favorite is running through the downed tree, which is much easier for kids than adults. It offers an interesting perspective on these giants; you’ll be marveled at the exposed roots. The Tunnel Tree was built around the 1870s as an attraction to encourage people to visit via Old Big Oak Road on their way to Yosemite. At the time, this area was called the Yosemite Land Trust and was not yet part of the National Park. The tunnel tree is most likely still standing because the heartwood and the top of the tree burned, leaving the sturdy outer bark to create the exterior. This hike is wheelchair and stroller accessible up to the picnic area. Only foot traffic can access the fallen and tunnel trees. Note that it is one mile downhill, and what goes down must come up. The paved road is also pet-friendly. Tuolumne Meadow - Pothole Dome If you have a child who likes to climb big rocks, this is the hike for you. Pothole Dome rises from the Tuolumne Meadow and offers stunning views from the top. The granite monolith was formed at the end of the last ice age ( approx 10,000-15,000 years ago) From the parking lot, a short meander on the meadow trail (please stay on designated trails) will take you to the dome. There is no official trail for climbing up the dome, so choose a route that feels best for you and your family. After your short climb, take in the 360-degree views of Tuolumne meadows, Unicorn, and Cathedral peaks. Non Accessible Lyell Fork via the John Muir Trail Ever want to hike the John Muir Trail through Yosemite? This is a great way to experience a token of its beauty without the strenuous work. This easy 1 mile out and back hike will end at the Twin Bridges and stunning views of Lyell Fork. Bring your bathing suit, towels, and a picnic, and find a spot along Lyell Fork to splash and play. Non Accessible Parsons Lodge & Soda Springs Take a leisurely stroll through Tuolumne Meadow as you watch the Pika peek up all around you. There are 2 starting points for this hike. A great place to start is the Visitor’s Center, where you can talk with a knowledgeable ranger. The easy 1.5-mile hike will take you to Parsons Lodge, a stone building built by the Sierra Club for an early guide, Edward Taylor Parson. Check the park schedule for exhibits and hours of operation. From Parsons Lodge a short walk will take you to Soda Springs, a carbonated, cool, bubbling spring that rises up from the ground. Do you know why? We’ll if you do tell us because geologists are still stumped on this one. Please don’t taste it to see if you can solve the mystery, drinking the water is ill advised. Partially accessible; check with the Visitor's Center for the best route.C May Lake This moderately strenuous 2.4 mi (3.9 km) hike will take you to this beautiful alpine lake. The trail offers views of half dome as you wind your way up the 485ft (150m) elevation gain. Parking is available at the trailhead unless the road is closed. A road closure will add 1.7 miles to your hike on a paved road. Arriving at the lake, you’ll find restrooms and tent cabins. This is a favorite for day hikers, beginning and/or young backpackers. Non Accessible Dog Lake There are two trailheads leading up to Dog Lake. One will offer you a chance to pass and/or climb Lembert Dome, while the other will take you through the meadow. The distance is very similar. Check your maps and plan ahead to ensure you park in the correct parking lot. Both trails are moderately strenuous. As you climb in elevation, you can see Tulomone Meadow. Both trails also have fun climbing features. Dog Lake is a lovely lake for a quiet picnic. It is also one place where I have had the opportunity to see wildlife in the park, including Mule Deer and a Black Bear. Non Accessible We hope that you are able to check out these family-friendly hikes in Yosemite National Park soon! Don't forget to use the hashtag #KidsWhoExplore and tag us at @KidsWhoExplore on all your outdoor adventures on Instagram for your chance to be featured on our page.

Have you ever been kayaking with kids? Today's blog post is written by Explorer Family @kaylagoesoutdoos. Kayla has shared her top tips for kayaking with kids. Kayaking is a great outdoor activity for families with kids of all ages. Playing safe in the water is incredibly important, as well as making sure you're organized and running smoothly. Here is what Kayla had to say about Tips for Kayaking with Kids: When I was approached to write a blog post about kayaking with kids, I wasn’t sure where to start. If I had been asked to write about an adult or older teen, I’d have answers ready. I’ve been kayaking for over 12  years now. I became an ACA-certified instructor 8 years ago and only recently decided not to renew my certification because, well, I’ve got two very active boys, and as most of you reading this will know, there is only so much time we have with them. That doesn’t mean I’ve stopped kayaking; now I just have two little water bugs with me when I go. These are my top 6 Tips for kayaking with kids. Tips for Kayaking with Kids It's Their Choice As someone who loves yakin’, I couldn’t wait for my son to be old enough to get into the boat with me. I had wild dreams about us racing down rivers and taking week-long kayak camp trips. However, the first time I had my baby in the boat, he screamed before I could even try to paddle around the dock. Let your kiddo make the first move. You should expose them to it - yes. Have conversations about it, talk about how much fun you have when you do it, show them other people doing it, and engage them without pushing. Accept that they may not want to ever kayak because kayaking is dangerous, and you need to have a confident and prepared kiddo in that boat. We know that danger is a natural part of the world, but our kids can do hard things! We all can! It’s important to teach them how to do dangerous things safely. That’s why this is the Number 1 step in kayaking with your kids. Swimming Check-Up Now that your kiddo wants to be in kayak (with you or alone) it’s time to evaluate their swimming skills. I’m not saying you need to have an Olympic-level swimmer, but they should know how to swim and some basic water safety skills. Some people will tell you that you do not need to know how to swim or kayak; for adults, that can be true with proper preparations and gear. However, I would never put a child’s life on the line and say that it was also true for them. I recommend ensuring your child can swim (kicking, arm strokes, keeping their head above the water), knows how to hold their breath underwater, and is comfortable in the water. If your child does not like swimming or is nervous in the water, I would take a step back and tackle that first. Kayak Safety Course I highly recommend that you as a parent (or you and your child if they are old enough to) take at least one of the following courses (or the offered equivalent in your area): Flatwater Kayaking Safety & Rescue Course  Kayak Rolling Introduction to Kayaking   (This is your most basic catch-all course) Now, my 4-year-old has not taken any of these courses, obviously, and that is okay. I was able to teach him some basic safety skills that I had learned so that if he fell off of his kayak or if I fell out of my kayak and was in trouble, he knew what to do. We also practiced paddling techniques, putting on his PFD by himself and checking water and weather conditions before getting in the water. Safety comes first, and in our house, we like to make safety fun. We created a fun obstacle course for him to test all of his kayaking skills, and he loved it! Kayaking is fun, and there is no reason that every step of learning shouldn't be! Gear Now that you and your water bug are prepared for whatever the water throws at you (hopefully only a splash here and there) it’s time to pick out your kayak, paddle, PFD! Most kids' kayaks are pretty similar. I would advise not to spend a ton of money on a kayak if your child loses interest in it. Most start out with a sit-on-top kayak, but there are recreational kayaks ( closed cockpit but with a large opening, generally under 10 ft) that work great for kids, too. The average size of a kids' kayak is 6-8ft. I would say 6ft is a great size for kiddos under 10 years old. But try a few different sizes out. If they are getting to the preteen phase, it may be best to buy an 8 or 10-foot kayak to avoid buying one in a few years when they hit the next growth spurt. I personally have a 6ft sit-on-top for my 4-year-old (we kayak on rivers and small recreational lakes only), and it is perfect for him. Remember - this is a big choice! Let your kiddo sit in all available kayaks and let them find the one that feels comfortable to them (even if they are all the same kayaks, just different colors!). Normally when you purchase a kids kayak it will come with an adequate paddle, this is fine for starting out. Your child does not need a carbon fiber paddle, but more power to you if you get them one. If you need to purchase a paddle with your kayak, I recommend a light midline paddle. PFDs are the only area I recommend splurging on. This is the device that is going to best help your child from drowning. Any child should have a Type III USCP-approved PFD (or your country’s equivalent). Unlike with adults, a child’s PFD depends on their weight - do not guess their weight. I don’t care if you have to throw them on the scale at the local YMCA locker room, figure it out and purchase one based on it (though a lot of paddle shops will have one on site). I will die on this hill - get a well-fitting PFD. REI has an excellent online resource for purchasing one yourself. Check it out below ↓↓↓↓ "How to Choose PDFs for Kids" - REI Planning Your Trip Whether you are just going out on the lake for a quick 20 minutes or are planning on spending a few hours on the water, it’s always good to have a plan. If you’re spending the day at the lake and you take the yaks out for a quick paddle around, you probably don’t need to plan all that much. In fact, for your first trip out with your kiddo, that’s exactly what I recommend doing. The idea is to get them used to their kayak and being on the water (if you have older kids, this probably won’t be as big of a deal). If you are going to river kayak for a few hours or are on a larger body of water, it’s a good idea to have a plan in place. At the minimum, you should plan your route and tell someone where you are going and when you think you will be back. Anything extra depends on the length of your trip and if you are adding on any other activities like camping. American Trip Planning has a great article on trip planning. Click here to read . SPF, UPF + H2O Last but not least, schmear on some SPF, throw on something with UPF, and fill your water bottles! Get out there and enjoy!! Time on the water with your kiddos is a special experience, so take photos, make memories, and most importantly, HAVE FUN! Are you heading out kayaking any time soon? We hope these tips for kayaking with kids make your family kayaking trip a little bit easier. Use hashtag #KWEWaterSafety when sharing content from your family kayaking adventure!

This week's blog post about family-friendly paddling locations in Texas is written by Explorer Family @strongerthanfire. Christina Sizemore (Chris) resides in her hometown of Houston, Texas with her husband Bill, daughter Issa and black lab Layla. Chris grew up camping and paddling and when her daughter turned 2 they started camping and exploring together as a family. In 2017, just before Hurricane Harvey, their lives were devastated by a house fire. They lost their home, belongings, dog and her husband almost lost his life. Chris had two options, succumb to PTSD, guilt and depression, or live. She chose to live life brazenly. Today she is a writer, artist, marketing consultant, and adventurer; working from home or from the woods with her family in their self-renovated camper. Together they have a goal of visiting every state park in Texas, stand up paddle board in tow. She also admins Houston Women’s Hiking, a group of nearly 12,000 Houston area women with a passion for the outdoors. Chris is currently writing a book about their home fire journey. She has a passion for mental health, exploration and encouraging others to see the world, follow their dreams, and live life brazenly. You can find more of her writing and art at strongerthanfire.com , or follow her on Instagram @strongerthanfire , where she shares her family’s adventures, garden, encouragement and weird humor like the backyard telenovela and reviews of made-for-TV Christmas movies. Keep reading to learn about Family-Friendly Paddling Locations in Texas. Exciting Family-Friendly Paddling Locations in Texas We are a paddling family. I started at 12 years old with 8 hour canoe trips with my family. After a magical moment in Jamaica, I found my love for stand up paddle boarding. We taught our dog to paddle board with me. This year our daughter got her own kayak for her birthday. We may own a small fleet of paddling craft. We’ve taken them all over the state of Texas, attempting to paddle in as many locations as possible. This is by no means a comprehensive list of places to paddle in Texas, but more of a list of our favorite places we’ve paddled so far, kid tested and mother approved. Texas is huge. I recently read that El Paso, Texas is closer to LA than it is to Houston, Texas. Even though our family has visited 25 of the 83 state parks, I feel we have yet to even scratch the surface of everything our state has to offer. There are easily hundreds of places to paddle around the state, if not thousands. Still, these are a few of our favourites. Family-Friendly Paddling Locations in Texas Galveston Island State Park, Bay Side Galveston Island is a short one hour drive from where we live in Houston, Texas. I have spent many summers on Galveston’s beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, but only recently tested out paddling on the bay side of the island. The bay is protected by breakwater. This means it stays rather calm and makes for an excellent leisure paddle. It’s also shallow, so you can hop off your craft for a quick swim. Feel free to paddle Galveston Island State Park Paddling Trail, or put in and paddle around and explore. Paddling Trail Link Galveston Island State Park is separated by FM 3005 into two sides: the gulf side and the bay side. Both sides offer campsites and day use areas. Entrance is free for day use with a Texas State Park Pass, otherwise cost is $5 per person ages 13 and up. Camping fees vary based on the kind of site you book. Inks Lake State Park Just north of Austin, TX is Inks Lake State Park, easily one of my favorite parks we’ve ever visited and one of my favorite places to paddle. Sunrises on the water are nothing short of incredible. Our daughter is usually the only one willing to join me on my board that early in the morning. Bonus: you can jump off your board or kayak for a swim at Devil’s Waterhole and jump off the boulders there into the water (at your own risk of course). The hiking at Inks Lake State Park is also just wonderful. Choose from one of two trails to lead you up to the Valley Spring Creek Waterfall. Another bonus to this park, Longhorn Cavern State Park is just up the road and makes for a great day trip to check out the cavern. Paddling rentals are available at this park. Entrance is free for day use with a Texas State Park Pass, otherwise cost is $7 per person ages 13 and up. Camping fees vary based on the kind of site you book. Possum Kingdom State Park Possum Kingdom Lake is west of Fort Worth and is quite large with over 300 miles of shoreline. The state park is just a small fraction of that shoreline and every bit as beautiful. The sunsets on Possum Kingdom Lake are just exceptional and there are many little coves and areas to explore. Since this is such a big lake, it’s important to watch for motor boats while paddling. If you do motor boat, make sure you drive over to Hell’s Gate where two 90 foot tall cliffs come out of the water. Paddling and motor boat rentals are available at this park. Entrance is free for day use with a Texas State Park Pass, otherwise cost is $4 per person ages 13 and up. Camping fees vary based on the kind of site you book. Mustang Island State Park Bay Side I have the same affection for Mustang Island State Park as I do for Inks Lake. The Gulf of Mexico side has clear waters and powder soft sand. The bay is crystal clear and, while we didn’t see any, home to several dolphin species. Save for a few fishermen, we were the only crafts out on the bay. Paddling Trail Link Mustang Island State Park is separated by TX 361 into gulf and bay sides. The road to the put in on the gulf side is pretty rural and rough. I highly recommend driving out in a truck or larger vehicle if you can. Entrance is free for day use with a Texas State Park Pass, otherwise cost is $5 per person ages 13 and up. Camping fees vary based on the kind of site you book. Tips for Paddling with Kids Paddling with kids can seem daunting but, you can do this! Kid paddling skills follow the same theory of kid swimming skills, it’s all about building confidence in the water and being safe. Our daughter definitely did not start out on her own kayak! You survive Texas summer heat by being in the water. Water safety and swimming skills are a must here. Our daughter started swim lessons at our neighborhood pool at two years old. At age three she sat on the front of my paddle board, with her life vest on, and learned balance and paddling safety. From there we worked on paddling skills in both the canoe and a two person inflatable kayak. By age seven she was doing short trips in very calm waters on a hard single person kayak with us paddling right by her side. For her 9th birthday she got her own hard kayak and we now allow her to paddle a bit ahead of us if it’s a trail we’ve already done. Tips for Paddling in Texas Clean, Drain, Dry We take invasive species very seriously here in Texas and prevention is key to elimination so remember Clean, Drain, Dry. Clean your boat of any plant material, mud or foreign objects. Drain all water from your boat. Allow your boat to dry for at least a week before entering another body of water. If you can’t wait a week, wash with hot soapy water. Not following these steps could result in a $500 fine for a first offense. So remember, Clean, Drain, Dry! Don’t Feed the Alligators Yes, we have alligators. Alligators typically only become a problem because people have fed them and they now associate food with people. Feeding alligators is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. Gators naturally don’t attack or seek out people. The exception to this is if you approach an alligator nest. A female will definitely try to defend her young, but I’m pretty sure any mother can understand this. Because they nest near the shore, it’s important to keep small children and pets away from the shore line. When paddling in alligator areas of Texas, we like to stick to state or county parks because these parks enforce gator laws more strictly. If a gator is reportedly aggressive towards humans, it's reported and the alligator is usually put down. Check for Water Warnings If you’re headed to the coast check for riptide and wind warnings. If you are headed to any other body of water make sure you check for any algae blooms or high bacteria concentrations. Blue-green algae blooms can be harmful to dogs. High bacteria levels can be expected in times of drought and high heat where water is low, warm and stagnant. We love how many opportunities there are to paddle in Texas. This state offers 10 different ecoregion, 367 miles of ocean coast, 7 major bays, over 150 significant sized lakes (it’s estimated over 7,000 if you count the smaller lakes), and 15 major rivers. We’ve barely scratched the surface, but I hope as you visit these places, you will find as much joy as we did there. Thank-you for reading this week's blog post on family-friendly paddling locations in Texas!

This week's blog post is written by Kayla Harrington @kaylagoesoutdoors . Kayla is a Mom of 2, living in Wisconsin. Adventuring with her two boys, Kayla inspires families to embrace the outdoors through all types of outdoor play. From hiking, to paddling, the outdoor fun is endless! Kayla has written a blog post today showcasing state parks that are perfect for camping in Wisconsin with kids! Here is what Kayla has to share with us about Camping in Wisconsin with Kids! Camping in Wisconsin with Kids I know many people may not associate Wisconsin with pristine pine forests or dazzling waterways. In fact, I bet if you know anything about Wisconsin, it has to do with the big three (Cheese, the Green Bay Packers, and beer). But take from this outdoor mama when I say Wisconsin is a vast outdoor playground for all ages. I’m Kayla, a mom of two conservationists in training, and I’m here to talk about the wonders of front-country camping in Wisconsin. Since my boys were born, our family has taken numerous camping trips, intending to visit all 66 Wisconsin state parks before our oldest turns 18. We have done 9 so far, and these are my top 3 kid-friendly state parks (along with some helpful tricks we’ve picked up along the way) to pitch a tent at! Rock Island State Park Starting off strong, this is by far my favorite campground in all of Wisconsin. Rock Island State Park is located on, you guessed it, Rock Island! It is a 906-acre island located at the very tip of Wisconsin’s Door County Peninsula. It takes two ferry rides just to arrive at the park (ferries run from May - October, and the hours can vary). It has 10 miles of trails, a swimming beach, 40 “primitive” walk-in campsites, a lighthouse (more on that later), and the Rock Island Boathouse (one of the most historically significant structures in the state). The coolest feature (if I had to choose one) would have to be the Pottawatomie Lighthouse. It is one of the few lighthouses in the country that allows you to go up and into the lantern room. It’s run by Friends of Rock Island, and docents actually live on-site in the historic lighthouse and offer free tours during the summer months. I recommend planning to arrive as soon as the lighthouse opens, as this tends to be the most popular attraction on the island. It’s about a 1.5-mile hike from the campground. If you are just visiting for the day, I highly recommend walking around the Boathouse before catching the ferry back home. Chester Thordarson built the boathouse with help from a noted Chicago architect named Frederick Dinkelberg (my husband and son laughed so much too long at the name during our self-guided tour) in 1929. The boathouse was to serve as temporary living quarters while a larger mansion was being built on the Island. Unfortunately, Thordarson passed away before his dream could be realized. Now, the boathouse serves as part museum and part community room for campers. The park staff keep it well stocked with board games, puzzles, and comfy seating for rainy days. I recommend watching the sunset and rising from the deck that surrounds the structure. The views are truly breathtaking. Wyalusing State Park Coming in at number 2, Wyalusing State Park is my oldest son Ollie’s favorite place to be. It is located on the banks of the Mississippi River in the lower southwest portion of the state. With a stargazing area, caves galore, and views of the Mississippi River, it’s best to plan for at least two nights here to take it all in. We normally dedicate an entire day to hiking and exploring a few of the 5 caves (open to the public in total). Most caves are easy to to access, but our favorite is Treasure Cave, which requires going down a few flights of stairs and up two ladders into the cave opening. If we luck out and the sky is clear, we head to the Observatory area for some late-night star gazing. My kiddos love putting on their headlamps for the night hike over, but for those who want to drive, there is plenty of parking nearby. I consider Wyalusing to be one of the more under loved parks in the state, I can normally snag a good camping site a month or so in advance, however I do suggest booking as early as possible. The campsites are also pretty close together, but to make the most of the sites I suggest booking on the Mississippi Ridge, you will have amazing sunset views over the river (I do not recommend these sites however for kiddos under 3. There is a large drop-off bordering these sites). High Cliff State Park Last but not least is High Cliff State Park. Our family was lucky enough to live a short drive away from this iconic Wisconsin State Park, located on the tip of Lake Winnebago in the Central Eastern part of the state. High Cliff offers plenty of hiking, biking, and horse trails, an observation tower, a marina, paved paths that are handicap accessible, the remains of an abandoned lime-kiln town, and Pre-American Effigy Mounds (they date back between 1000 A.D. - 1500 A.D). A mouthful - I know! There really is something for everyone, camping or in town on a day trip. While High Cliff is located just outside the Fox Valley (near Green Bay), it is relatively quiet most days. Hot summer Saturdays are, of course, the busiest, but the park normally calms down after 5 pm on the weekends. I recommend hiking out from the campground on the Indian Mound Trail in the mornings to view the Mounds and then taking the trail connector to the Red Bird Trail towards the Observation Tower to avoid the crowds. A great playground and picnic area near the tower makes for the perfect lunch stop before hiking back to camp. The lower portion of the park will take you along the lake and through the old lime kiln area. My kids love imagining what it was like to live in a mining town - but they love creating stories as to why they left even more. After hiking the Lime Kiln Trail I suggest stopping by the beach or checking out the paved trail around the butterfly pond. If you do decide to take the butterfly pond, be on the lookout for Osprey! High Cliff State Park has created nesting grounds for them, and they have been fairly successful. Most years, one or two Ospreys will nest in the area. I want to give a huge shout-out to the Wisconsin DNR for creating and maintaining all of our beautiful parks! If you want to visit or camp at one of our 66 parks, please visit the website here ! Happy Camping, and remember to keep exploring! Kayla Harrington

Summer is here, and that means camping! Are you looking for camping meal ideas with kids? It can be difficult to get kids to eat when there is so much going on! With the help of our Explorer Families, we've shared a few camping meal ideas with kids for you to try on your next family camping trip. Products below are clickable, and they will direct you to our favourite products, which means this blog contains affiliate links. We have made sure to add links to both US and Canadian retailers, if applicable. We make a small commission when you purchase a product using our affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. These funds help Kids Who Explore continue to put out educational content just like this and keep our community running. Thank you for your support. Breakfast Camping Meal Ideas with Kids Cereal and milk—this one always wins! You can bring fresh or powdered milk and mix it with water. Pre-made breakfast sandwiches or burritos -- you can make these at home beforehand, and even include your children in the process. This way they will be more motivated to eat something they put the effort into making! Wrap them in tinfoil and heat them over the fire. Scrambled eggs -- another winner! Fruit platter -- fresh fruit in the summer doesn't get any better! Pancakes are such an easy and fast option. Pack along an instant pancake mix and any added ingredients, and you're good to go! Breakfast Pizza - Spread yogurt over a piece of naan or pita bread, then slice it like a pizza. Let each person “decorate” their own piece of breakfast pizza with a variety of pre-cut fruit (cut the fruit up at home!). Tip: Much easier to slice BEFORE the fruit is added. Apple McMuffins: Toast an English muffin over your fire, spread some butter, sprinkle cinnamon, and top with green apples! Banana Pops: Peel the banana and cut it in half. Coat the end of the banana in the nut butter of your choice before rolling/sprinkling it in whatever toppings your kiddo likes—granola, oats, dried fruit, chocolate chips, raisins, shredded coconut. Add a popsicle stick as a handle. Snack Ideas Trail mix—You can head to your nearest bulk store and make your own trail mix! The kids can pick exactly what they want, so you know they won't be picking anything out. Muffins -- pre-make muffins at home. They are super easy around the campsite and on adventures. Ants on a log: Wash and cut the celery into 2-3 inch pieces at home. Then, at camp, fill each piece with peanut butter and top with raisins. Sliced veggies & dip -- sliced coloured peppers, carrot sticks, cucumber sticks, celery sticks, sugar snap peas. Ranch, hummus, whatever specific sauce your children cover everything with. Wash and slice ahead of time at home, this camping snack for kids will be so colourful and full of choice that there’ll be something for everyone. More fruit! -- strawberries, kiwi, banana, cantaloupe, apple, watermelon, grapes, clementine, mango - wash and cut before leaving for camp if you have fruit that’ll keep after being cut (dip cut apple pieces in pineapple or orange juice to prevent browning). Then, at camp, rather than a typical fruit bowl or plate, spruce it up by giving each kiddo a waffle cone to fill or a wooden skewer to create a colorful fruit kabob. Lunch Camping Meal Ideas with Kids Sandwiches -- you can never go wrong with an easy PB & J sandwich, or whatever flavour your little one is feeling! Pre-make these at home so you can eat them on demand at the campsite. Quesadillas -- pre-cut your veggies, pre-shred your cheese, and pre-cook your meat. All you will need to do is assemble these when you are ready to eat! Hot Dogs -- these are an easy one to whip up over the fire!  Don't forget the favourite condiments. Crackers and cheese—you can also add pickles, ham, hummus, and other types of dip! Macaroni & Cheese -- whether you are the boxed kind or the homemade kind, this is an easy meal to pack for! Apples! We take a bag of apples, and it’s gone before the trip is over! - @hannahalwaysmac PB sandwiches are so easy, and everyone in our family loves them! - @becca_outdoors Dinner Camping Meal Ideas with Kids Campfire Pizza -- prepare all the toppings at home, and bring what you know your kids will enjoy! Don't forget the cast iron pan. Campfire Nachos are such an easy and fun meal to have while camping. Pack along your favourite nacho toppings and cook them over the fire. Foil Packet Meals -- Potatoes, onions, a veggie, and meat of some sort with spices, all wrapped in foil and cooked over the fire! - @tam_neidich Hamburgers -- Nothing beats hamburgers cooked over the fire! Make sure to pre-cut the toppings at home and don't forget the condiments! Chicken Strip Wraps -- cook and season chicken strips at home. Some kiddos might just like chicken strips reheated with a choice of dipping sauces, while others might like them wrapped in tortillas with added sauce, cheese, chopped tomato, lettuce, and whatever else each individual prefers! Tacos In A Bag: Chop all the veggies and cook/season the meat at home. Then, at camp, let each person start with their bag of fun-sized chips and top with all their favorite ingredients. For your younger kiddos, you might want to dump their concoction into an actual bowl for ease of eating. Freshly cooked pasta out of the gas backcountry stove - @jeremybaridon Charcuterie is our favorite first-night meal. It's easy to put together, and the kids and grown-ups get to eat whatever they like best! - @StrongerThanFire Dehydrated/Freeze Dried Backpacker Meals -- Because no matter how hectic the backcountry trips gets, you know you'll get fed. Dessert Ideas Banana Boats -- Make a slit in the center of the banana, making sure to not cut all the way through. Pack the slit with mini marshmallows, chocolate pieces, and broken-up graham crackers. Wrap the banana with tin foil and place it on the fire grates or in the warm ashes. Wait until the marshmallow and chocolate become melted and gooey, about 10 minutes! Be careful -- they'll be hot. Dig in and enjoy. S'mores are a classic, but try switching it up by adding white or mint chocolate, using Oreo cookies for the sandwich, or spreading Nutella instead of chocolate. If you forget your roasting sticks, just wrap the sandwiches in tin foil and place them on the fire! Baked Apples -- Slice some apples, sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon, wrap in foil, and heat in the fire for 10 minutes or so. S'mores Nachos -- Use either a cast iron pan or, for easy clean up, a disposable aluminum pan. First, layer broken-up pieces of graham cracker, then top with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. Make it snazzy by adding other favorite candy, too! Heat the pan over your campfire or camping stove for about 10 minutes or until everything has turned into melty goodness. Tip: You can initially heat this in an oven at home, cool it in the fridge, and pack it in your cooler as a chilled dessert - so yummy! Dessert Cones—Grab some ice cream sugar cones and fill them with whatever sweet toppings you want: mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, nuts, sprinkles. These are fun for kids to assemble themselves, buffet style. Wrap tightly with foil and heat upright over the campfire for 5 or 10 minutes, allowing everything to become a melty mess before enjoying. Have Fun Camping with Your Kids! We hope you have fun trying some of these camping meal ideas with kids! Make sure to tag us using @KidsWhoExplore and #KWEGoesCamping so we can see your camping meal ideas and summer adventures!