Outdoor Fun and Games

All topics related to outdoor activities, sports and games with kids while camping

Camping with Kids: an Inspiration

Fri, 04/17/2009 - 23:03 — Beata Antoszek

Nature: Your Inspiration and Healer

Do you feel sad and lonely sometimes? Did you lose the spark in your eyes? It happens to the best of us. What you need is some nature therapy.

Get away, go camping for the weekend. Reconnect with yourself and your inner child. Stop the racing thoughts in your mind. Relax and breathe deeply. Let nature inspire you and calm you down. Remember, as an adult you need some freedom. Freedom from everyday routine, work and chores.

Perhaps rekindle your art interests that were long forgotten. While in the great outdoors you can feel it again in your soul. Is it music, is it painting or photography? Make a mental note. Notice the sounds, notice the pictures. What did you like doing when you were a kid?

Let your kids run wild for a few minutes. It is not the end of the world, they need some freedom, too. The best yet, go running with them. Play tag, go swimming, go hiking. There is nobody watching you...and if they are, it is OK. Let your hair down for a day or two. Your kids will appreciate it, too. Perhaps they also forgot the playful side of you.

Some call it escape from reality, I call it going back to your roots. What is important in your life, what will you remember when you get old: playing with your kids or your job?

Watch the video and get inspired...

Snowshoe Geocaching

Mon, 01/31/2011 - 02:42 — Beata Antoszek

It is cold and snowy oustside- perfect for getting out for some snowshoeing, geocaching or both.

So get out and have fun with your whole family.

Newbie Geocaching 101

Wed, 12/08/2010 - 22:48 — Beata Antoszek

In this video see how newbies are starting to get outside and enjoy geocaching.

Geocaching requires use of a portable, hand-held GPS to pinpoint coordinates of a "cache". Cache is usually a little box filled with "treasures" such as dollar store trinkets. They do not present a big value, but it is the fun of the search that counts. You take a prize from the cache and leave a little something behind for others to find. Nowadays caches can be found almost anywhere. You can go to a remote mountain or a local park.

So get going with your kids, they will love it.

Bruce Peninsual National Park

Fri, 10/08/2010 - 19:27 — Beata Antoszek

The water was cold and clear, the weather hot hot hot and the scenery breathtaking. Perfect combination. Watch as kids and parents frolic in the aquamarine waters of Indian Head Cove at the Bruce Peninsula National Park. My son Mark had a ball with his friend Sabina, and despite freezing and deep water could not be pulled out to shore.

This was a lot of fun!
 

Favorite Kids Activities

Fri, 10/01/2010 - 01:45 — Beata Antoszek

It is the beginning of fall and so it is time to sum up our summer camping adventures.

These were and are our all time favourite activities for kids in the summer:

 

Geocaching with your Family

Thu, 09/30/2010 - 20:45 — Beata Antoszek

This nice video from REI shows you how much fun geocaching can be and  how easy it is.

Hiking on the Bruce Trail

Sat, 08/14/2010 - 20:23 — Beata Antoszek

Family Canoe Camping

Sun, 07/25/2010 - 22:27 — Beata Antoszek

Many parents would like to know how old a child should be before getting into a canoe. The truth is that it has more to do with parents’ canoe skills than the age of the child. If the parents are experienced canoeists then canoeing with one-year old would be safe and had been successfully done before.

Kids Hiking Boots

Sat, 07/03/2010 - 09:14 — Beata Antoszek

Hiking is a very popular activity while camping. Whether going for a simple walk or doing some serious backpacking, it is a great way to explore and children love it.

Canadian National Fishing Week

Sat, 07/03/2010 - 02:07 — Beata Antoszek

This year July 3-11 is the National Fishing Week in Canada.

Read the tips on fishing with kids.

Let's Go Outside-Stone Crafts-The Little Humbugs

Tue, 06/08/2010 - 03:55 — Beata Antoszek

In this lovely video you can learn how to make stone art with your kids. This craft can be as easily made at home as at your campsite. All you need is hot stones (you can get them warmed up over the campfire- parental help is required) and wax crayons. Viola! Hot stone art is ready.

Stargazing for Campers

Thu, 06/03/2010 - 23:28 — Beata Antoszek

Beata's picture 

Stargazing and camping go hand in hand. Where else can you see the stars so clearly? City lights make seeing stars very difficult if not impossible. I must say that I have never managed to see the Milky Way before going out to the countryside. But what can be more beautiful than the summer sky filled with twinkling stars? August brings us meteor showers with shooting stars to wish upon. How romantic. But it is also an opportunity for some education.

Join the Great American Backyard Campout

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 23:16 — Beata Antoszek

This year again National Wildlife Federation is promoting Great American Backyard Campout on June 26-27, 2010. You can register online to participate and you will get tips and recipes in return.

Of course you do not HAVE to register to be a part of it. Just gather your kids, neighbours and take out your tent and you are ready. Actually, this can be a great preparation for the camping season, just before the summer vacation starts. So air out your tent or buy a new one if you need it and learn how to set it up for the fist time.

See my "7 Rules of Selecting Great Family Camping Tent".

What is Geocaching

Thu, 04/22/2010 - 03:04 — Beata Antoszek

Did you ever wonder what is geocaching? Now you know!

Would you like to know what you need to start? How about a GPS device solely dedicated to geocaching?

Geocaching for Families

Thu, 04/22/2010 - 02:52 — Beata Antoszek

Beata's picture 

Geocaching becomes more and more popular with campers, but what is it? You might think of it as hi-tech treasure hunt combined with orienteering. In geo caching a GPS device is used to hide and find hidden objects or clues for the next location. The geo caching may take a form of a game or an adventure for the whole family.

P.S.

When you subscribe to my Newsletter I will include a FREE copy of my special Mini-Course: "5 Biggest Mistakes That Camping Parents Make" with the Bonus "Ultimate Family Camping Checklist."