Monday, June 17, 2013

50 Ideas for Your Summer Outdoor Bucket List

The seasons, they are a changing! In just a few more days, summer will officially be upon us – no matter what the weather report might suggest.

At the start of every season, we create an outdoor fun list. Together, we dream up some things we’d like to do, write those ideas down and then try to make them happen. Of course, we also plan for lots of downtime to allow for enjoying summer’s simple pleasures.

Instead of sharing what’s on our list this year (you can see our 2010 and 2012 lists for a sense of what we’ll be up to), I thought I’d put together some ideas to help inspire you to make your own.

50 Ideas for Your Summer Outdoor Bucket List

10 Nature crafts
10 Things to Do in Your Backyard
10 Ideas for Outdoor Messy Play
10 Ways to Explore in Your Community
10 Fun Science Activities
Need a few more ideas? Check out my summer outdoor fun board on Pinterest. And don’t miss your A-to-Z guide to summer backyard nature fun.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Saturday Snapshot: Cloud

Welcome to “Saturday Snapshot,” a weekly feature that highlights photos we take as part of our seasonal nature photo scavenger hunts.

The List: The 2013 Spring nature photo scavenger hunt (You can see our complete collection of #springnaturehunt photos on Instagram and Pinterest.)

The Find: Cloud

The Backstory: It wasn’t until after we got back from our rock climbing adventures in Vasquez Rocks earlier this week that I realized this shot looked like The Explorers were headed straight for the clouds.

Saturday Snapshot: Cloud

Friday, June 14, 2013

DIY First Aid Kit for Outdoor Adventures With Kids

Do you bring a first aid kit with you when you head out on an outdoor adventure with your kids? Before The Little Explorer’s run in with a rock on the river a couple of years ago, I didn’t give it much thought. Since then, I don’t leave home without one.

We actually have several first aid kits, depending on the adventure. I had no trouble finding pre-made kits for camping and earthquake preparedness. But gathering the first aid essentials for a day hike or other half-day outdoor adventure was another story. Which is why in the end I created my very own first aid kit for outdoor adventures with kids.

DIY First Aid Kit for Outdoor Adventures With Kids

DIY First Aid Kit
First aid kits come in many shapes and sizes. You can buy one from your local drug store or outdoor retailer, or make your own. I opted to start with a pre-made basic first aid kit, then added to it to meet our family’s specific needs.

The trick is to include enough to cover the basics without carrying the kitchen sink. Our outdoor adventures usually don’t take us that far from civilization (and an emergency room), so I pack accordingly.

Here are some items to consider including in a first aid kit for outdoor adventures with kids:
  • Adhesive bandages (in several sizes)
  • A gauze pad or two, tape & bandage scissors
  • Moleskin
  • Elastic bandage
  • Antibacterial ointment
  • Children’s allergy melts
  • Ibuprofen & acetaminophen tablets (as needed for kids & adults)
  • Any personal medications needed in an emergency (such as an EpiPen, insulin or the like)
  • Tweezers (for removing splinters)
  • Nail clippers (for removing hangnails & broken nails)
  • Insect repellant
  • Sunscreen
  • Snacks (more than you think you’ll need!)
  • Extra water
  • Hand wipes
  • Plastic trash bag or zip-top bag (for disposing of barf or poop)
  • Cloth diaper or other soft, absorbent cloth (great for applying pressure to a wound or absorbing blood from a cut)
  • Cell phone (preferably one that’s charged & has reliable reception) 
  • Flashlight (with batteries)
  • Bear spray*
  • Snake bite kit*
* As needed in your area

Whether you buy a first aid kit or put one together, make sure to restock it regularly. Summer is the perfect time to check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date items. Then pack it in your bag and don’t leave home without it! 

Your turn: What do you carry in your first aid kit?

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Where to Stay in Big Bear? The Cabarn!

Earlier this week, I shared a few fun summer activities for kids in Big Bear. Our visit was due in large part to one of you. That’s right – longtime reader, nature-lovin’ mom o’ two Tracy V. contacted me with an offer I couldn’t refuse. To come spend a weekend in her recently renovated rental cabin in Big Bear – nicknamed the Cabarn – and tell you all about it here. (She’s got a special deal for you too, but you’ll have to stick around to the end to find out more!)

Where to Stay in Big Bear: The Cabarn

Meet the Cabarn
Wondering what a “cabarn” is? Tracy’s cabin was originally a barn built in San Pedro in the 1920s. In the 30s, it was disassembled, transported up to Big Bear and rebuilt. The kitchen, front bedroom and bath are the original barn; the rest of the home was added in 1985. Until moving away in June 2012, the grandson of the original owners lived right next door and took great pride in their family plot of land. So during the extensive remodel in 2012/2013, the cabin was painted red as an homage to its origins and fondly named the Cabarn (Cabin-Barn).

The Amenities
You can read all the details about the Cabarn here, but let me tell you what we liked:
  • Lots of space! With 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 1400 sq. ft., there’s plenty of room for a family of four.
  • Open concept between the large kitchen and living room keeps everyone connected.
  • The huge deck has a BBQ and picnic tables and is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal al fresco. It’s also a great spot for star watching!
  • Free Wifi
  • Washer, dryer & detergent. ’Nuff said.
  • Little extras like board games, books, Wii (with games), Blu-ray/DVD Player & DVDs (plenty that are kid-friendly), piano and a telescope!
  • Plenty of kid-friendly amenities, too: Pack ‘n Play with bedding, baby sleep sacks, toddler booster seat (with buckles & tray), preschooler booster seat, configurable 6-panel child gates – even a basket of toys.
I don’t know if your family is like ours when you travel, but these days we prefer to stay in cabins instead of hotels whenever possible. We like having a kitchen, more than one bathroom and enough space for the kids to be kids without disturbing anyone.

The Cabarn certainly fits the bill. We also appreciated that unlike some of the accommodations in town, we weren’t crammed up against tons of neighbors. Which meant our stay was quiet and serene – just like time spent in nature should be.

The Cabarn
A deck with a view!
What’s the cost for all this goodness? During the summer season, the Cabarn rents for $250 per night, with holidays varying slightly.

Special Discount for Go Explore Nature Readers!
OK, here’s the best part: Tracy is offering fellow Go Explore Nature readers a huge deal! You can get 10 percent off your stay just by mentioning you’re a reader!

This is a huge opportunity if you plan on being in the Big Bear area anytime soon. The Cabarn is currently being rented primarily by word of mouth. Tracy is generously offering the Cabarn to all of you hoping you’re a trustworthy group. So don’t prove her wrong!

To take advantage of this exclusive offer, use the code GoExploreNature when you book your stay. There are no limitations or black-out dates. Make your reservations soon before the calendar fills up!

Note: I received a complimentary 2-night stay at the Cabarn in exchange for providing my honest review with you here. Read my full disclosure policy for more information.

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