Nature with Kids

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 6: There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather: Exploring Nature in All Seasons with Linda Akeson McGurk Dec 01, 2020

Show notes

Does the weather ever stop you from spending time in nature with your family? In this episode, Linda Åkeson McGurk joins me from Sweden to share her wisdom about having a lifestyle of exploring nature, no matter the weather. You'll be encouraged by her mentality toward spending time outdoors and equipped with her practical tips, like what to wear in cold weather, how to handle hot temperatures, and how to help older children and teenagers continue to get outside.
For more detailed show notes, including links, photos, and a complete transcript of this episode, head to naturewithkidspodcast.com/no-bad-weather.
Mentioned in this episode:

There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather: A Scandinavian Mom's Secrets for Raising Healthy, Resilient, and Confident Kids (From Friluftsliv to Hygge).
For more from Linda, you can find her on Instagram @rainorshinemamma, check out her blog Rain or Shine Mamma, or visit her Facebook page.

Scandinavian outdoor weather brands:

Polarn o Pyret (they even have clothes in sections by layers 1, 2, 3)
Scandinavian Outdoor
Didriksons
Out North - sells Scandinavian outdoor brands
North American brands: Columbia or Patagonia (but Linda notes that she hasn't found any North American brands that have the same high quality as Scandinavian brands when it comes to kids clothes)

"friluftsliv" - "roughly translates to 'open-air life' and is used to describe a culture and a way of life that heavily revolve around exploring and enjoying nature in a noncompetitive fashion" (that's a quote from There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather.)

Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. I recommend these companies because I believe they will add value to your life... not because of the small commission I may earn. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ep 5: Gift Ideas Galore for Nature Kids and Teens Nov 10, 2020

Show notes

Are you looking for fun, meaningful, functional, and mostly clutter-free gifts for your children or teenagers? You're in the right place! On episode 5 of the Nature with Kids Podcast, my husband and I talk about TONS of nature-themed gift ideas for holidays and birthdays. I hope you'll be inspired to consider some creative ideas and that our conversation inspires you to think about what gifts might show love and encourage your family as you enjoy nature.
I listed as many items as possible below (as space allowed). For links, a complete list, further details, pictures, and the printable "Nature Date" certificate, visit naturewithkidspodcast.com/gifts.
You can also go to Instagram @naturewithkidspodcast to see an IG Stories highlight with visuals and IG accounts for many of the items shared in the podcast.
Mentioned in the episode:
EXPERIENCE GIFTS
- nature dates with a parent (a free, meaningful gift!)
- tickets or membership to botanical garden, zoo, animal sanctuary
- national parks pass
- REI experiences
- lessons: horseback riding, skiing, snowboarding
GEAR:
- winter gear: jackets, boots, hats, mittens
- summer gear: swimsuit, Coolibar sun-protective clothes, wet suit, beach towels
- Camelbak backpacks
- family gear for camping or day trips
- bikes, scooters, EZ Roller, fishing gear
- survival items: the bandaids we like are Welly brand
GIFTS FOR YOUR HOME
- cozy winter area: fire pit, twinkly lights
- window bird feeders (these ARE safe for birds!)
- hammock, slack-line
- indoor plants
- outdoor gardening tools
- mud kitchen, sensory table, water table
- round swing
- dome climber
- compost bin
BOOKS AND MAGAZINES
- novels: Trumpet of the Swan, Hatchet, Charlotte's Web, Island of the Blue Dolphins, Mr. Popper's Penguins, James Herriot's Treasury for Children
- Sophie Mouse series
- illustrated nature picture books
- field guides for your area
- magazines: National Geographic Kids, Cricket/Ladybug, Owl Kids, Ranger Rick, Nature Friend, All Creatures, Wildflower Girls, Crikey, Anorak, BBC Wildlife, All About Space, Wild Explorers Club, Wild and Free
FREE OR UNDER $5 GIFT IDEAS:
- nature date
- printable scavenger hunt or coloring pages + crayons
- hot cocoa / s'more kit
- bubbles, sidewalk chalk
- seed packets
- succulent or plant
- Let's Read and Find Out
- video slideshow
- nature artwork
- bird feeder or fairy garden kit
- wrap up library books
- rainbow prisms
OTHER GIFTS
- camera + SnapShop Online
- animal figurines - Schleich, TOOB
- navigation kit
- investigation tools
- nature craft supplies
- National Parks: Andersen Design Group, Parks Project, SubPar Parks
- tee shirts: Grins and Grace (moms)
- donate to animal sanctuary
SUBSCRIPTION BOXES
- My Garden Box
- Chickadees Wooden Toys
- Little Naturalist Club
- Think Outside
- Wonderkin
- Mud and Bloom
- Wildchild
- Matter
- Freestone Fly Fishing Co
- Cairn
- The Camp Life
- Nomadik
- Green Up
- Earth Love
BOARD GAMES
- Junior Ranger Land
- Sneaky Snacky Squirrel
- Hoot Owl Hoot
- Eeboo + Peaceable Kingdom games
- Taiga
- Hit the Habitat Trail
- Cardline Animals
- Wildcraft: Herbal Adventure Game
- Bird Bingo
- Nature + Ocean Anatomy Puzzles
For links and more, visit: naturewithkidspodcast.com/gifts

Ep 4: Nature at All Ages - From Babies and Toddlers to Tweens and Teens Oct 27, 2020

Show notes

This week you'll hear from several moms who will be sharing some joys, challenges and tips about exploring nature with children at different ages, from babies, toddlers, and preschoolers all the way to tweens and teenagers.
Thank you so much to the moms who shared! (You can follow up with some of them on Instagram by clicking on their names.)

Christa
Kellie
Rebecca
Skye
Jennifer
Erika
Crystal

Mentioned in this episode:

@NatureWithKidsPodcast on Instagram
Seek Wholly Living - Christa's podcast with hope and joy for moms
Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Texas
Discovering Mommyhood - Rebecca's blog with fun, free preschool ideas
Huntington Gardens in Pasadena
Frederick Meijer Sculpture Gardens in Michigan

Ep 3: Enjoying Autumn Nature with Kids Oct 20, 2020

Show notes

In the Nature with Kids Fall episode, we're talking all about exploring nature with kids in the autumn season. We'll talk about what parts of the world are even experiencing fall right now, how we can observe nature in the season, and you'll hear from some other parents about how their families enjoy autumn nature together. Plus my favorite drink to bring with me on our nature adventures, and we'll be hearing from a few more Nature Kids.
Mentioned in this episode:

On the Same Day in March: A Tour of the World's Weather
my Instagram post about teaching children about wildfires
Nature Anatomy by Julia Rothman
printable fall nature scavenger hunt
another printable fall nature scavenger hunt
SimpleBites Harvest Meal idea
beeswax candle rolling kit
the Seasons of Arnold's Apple Tree by Gail Gibbons
The Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall
Mousekins Thanksgiving by Edna Miller
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman
Flora's Very Windy Day by Jeanine Birdsall
Red Leaf Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert
Brambly Hedge collection
Anne of Green Gables
Sophie Mouse: The Maple Festival by Poppy Green
Autumn across America by Edwin Teale
The Fall of the Year by Dallas Lore Sharp
A Field Guide to the Familiar: Learning to Observe the Natural World
more fall books
super healthy, delicious chocolate protein smoothie that doesn't taste like grass from Mel's Kitchen Cafe
To record your child's nature experience, go to speakpipe.com/naturewithkids

For photos, more detailed show notes, and a complete transcript of this episode, visit naturewithkidspodcast.com/3
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. I recommend these products/companies because I have used them, liked them, and think others may too... not because of the small commissions I might make. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ep 2: Why We Explore Nature with Kids Oct 20, 2020

Show notes

This episode talks about the reasons we might get out in nature with our families, including both the logical "head" reasons and emotional "heart" ones. I share how my cancer diagnosis as a mom of young children that affected how much time I spend in nature with them. I recommend a new TV show I've been enjoying with my daughters, and we get to hear from our younger listeners in our first NatureKids segment.
Mentioned in this episode:

Send me your questions and show topic ideas through the Nature with Kids website.
Follow on Instagram: @naturewithkidspodcast
Harvard Health article on benefits of nature for our health
Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv
Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident and Capable Children by Angela Hanscom
The Magic of Disney's Animal Kingdom

For photos, more detailed show notes, and a complete transcript of this episode, visit: https://naturewithkidspodcast.com/why-explore-nature-kids
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. I recommend these products/companies because I have used them, liked them, and think others may too... not because of the small commissions I might make. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ep 1: Three Ways I Transformed into a Nature Loving Mom Oct 20, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, I'm sharing about my own journey from a child who hated being outside to a mom who loves spending time in nature with her children. I share some tips along the way, including how to find friends to adventure with and how to help your child (or yourself!) dealing with fears about something in nature. I'm also recommending our family's favorite beautifully-illustrated nature books. You'll hear an introduction to the podcast, what you can expect in upcoming episodes, and how your child can be featured in a future episode.
Mentioned in this episode:

sign up to receive an email each week about the latest episode of the Nature with Kids Podcast
homeschool moms can find nature groups at BeWildandFree.org
Nature Anatomy series by Julia Rothman
Atlas of Animal Adventures
The Variety of Life by Nicola Davies
The Big Book series by Yuvall Zommer
Diane Hutts Aston's books: A Seed is Sleepy, A Butterfly is Patient

Photos, more detailed show notes, and a complete transcript of this episode are available at: naturewithkidspodcast.com/three-ways-i-transformed-into-a-nature-loving-mom
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. I recommend these products/companies because I have used them, liked them, and think others may too... not because of the small commissions I might make. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ep 0: Welcome to Nature with Kids Sep 19, 2020

Show notes

In this two-minute preview, you’ll hear what you can expect from the Nature with Kids podcast.

“As parents, we know time in nature is important. In a world full of to-do lists, busy schedules, and the allure of screen time, exploring nature offers our families something better. We get to be active, reduce stress, and spend quality time together. In nature, our children can play, explore, build confidence, and experience adventures. We know how good time in nature is for all of us. But, sometimes it can be hard to make it happen.”

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