Super Cool Art Makes Creating Super Easy (and Fun) For All Ages + Giveaway

Let's face it. Crafting with kids is a crap shoot. Oftentimes it takes mom twice as long to set up the table for an art project than it takes crafty kid to get bored of said project and move on to something entirely different, leaving you to spend another 30 minutes cleaning up. Fun? Yeah, not so much.

I don't necessarily think of our family as a crafty one, but there always seems to be a paint brush or ten laying out to dry on any given day. One of the main challenges our family faces is storage. Between camping gear, backpacking gear, photography gear and our home office, we are constantly on the hunt for space, so as you can imagine, buying art supplies and crafting supplies and glues and glitter and, and, and... just isn't feasible (and boy does all that stuff start to add up)!

Last year we came across a super cool idea and decided to give it a try. Super Cool Art is an all-inclusive, self-contained art studio, bundled up into one pretty flat, easy to store box. Founded in 2012, their passion and their goal is to consistently create exceptional, inspirational, educational products that foster creativity and they've done just that!

What We Dig about Super Cool Art

Non-Toxic

Super Cool Art's products are certified non-toxic. They employ rigorous independent testing of their manufacturers to ensure our littles are safe from harmful ingredients. 

Environmentally Responsible

A large percentage of the materials included in each kit are biodegradable and earth friendly. In addition, Super Cool Art tries to keep their carbon footprint low by sourcing close to home. 90% of the products used are Made in the USA and they are vigorously working towards that becoming 100%.

Fostering Creativity

The number one mission of its founder is to inspire by providing fun and simple creative outlets for kids and their parents to easily express their creative side. The educational components provided in each kit allow parents to begin teaching important concepts such as color theory, scale and composition.

This is not a fly by night company. It blossomed out of a desire to cultivate and nurture little artists-to-be. So, you ask, what's in the kit?

What's Inside the Box?

The "complete kit" includes everything you could possibly need to get your child painting.

• (1) 16" x 20" canvas
• (4) poplar wood stretcher bars
• 5 pack of 4oz non-toxic Primary Color Tempera Paints
• (1) pack of 10 artist quality paint brushes
• (2) foam paint brushes
• (2) paint palettes
• (1) Colorsaurus color wheel 
• (1) bottle of Bristle Magic paintbrush cleaner 
• Instructions
• A set of four sheets of 12″ x 12″ custom designed themed stencils made from non-toxic, recycled, durable, washable polypropylene.

At the time of publishing, you may choose from 12 different stencil packages, ranging from kid favorites like "Frolicking with Fairies" and "Dinosauria" to "A Night in Space", "Peace, Love, Art" and even an abstract art themed stencil kit where parents and kids alike can be coaxed into channeling their inner Pollock.

The Super Cool Art Complete Kit is $35. The best part is all of their stencil kits, supplies and materials are also sold separately making it easy to keep creating. Ala carte stencil kits range from $14.95 to $22.95, but the complete kit with any stencil set you choose still remains $35. Sounds like a deal to us!

What the Kid Thought

Our four year old squealed the first time she laid eyes on her bright yellow fairy stencils. We were both astonished as we kept pulling item after item out of the seemingly bottomless box of goodies. She figured out the stencils immediately, but had a hard time keeping it from sliding. I taped the stencil's corners to the paper she was drawing on, then taped the paper to the small plastic tarp on the floor and she was good to go.

It was a joy watching her learn and create, but of course, as most 4 year olds are want to do...

She was done in 15 minutes flat and on to the next discovery!

So, who wants their very own Super Cool Art Complete Kit?! We are super excited to say that Super Cool Art has given us one to giveaway! So jump on down below to the Rafflecopter widget and enter to WIN today!

Entries are limited to the contiguous US only. Giveaway ends this Friday, June 19th at Midnight, Pacific Time, so what are you waiting for? GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

How to Camp with Kids and Not Lose Your Mind

Picture this, a warm cup of cocoa next to a babbling brook, smore-covered, smiling faces glowing in the light of a campfire, adventure-packed days exploring every type of flora and fauna Mother Nature has to offer. At least that’s how euphoric camping with kids sounds, in your mind.  

Now let’s bring it back to reality. Even for the most seasoned adult campers, throwing kids in to the mix takes camping to an entirely different level. As nature-loving parents, we know how important it is to get our kids out and in to the great outdoors as much as possible, so here are a few camping tips and tricks to keep organized and, most importantly have fun, so no one has to lose their mind.  

Create a Kid’s Toy Bin

This one little tip just might change your life forever. In our family, we are big on bins to organize camping gear. There is one for kitchen supplies, one for pantry items and one smashed full of our kid’s favorite toys. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, given you’re out in the middle nature with so much to explore and discover, but kids still get bored. Consider, also keeping this bin off limits when you’re not sleeping under the stars. It will make it all the more appealing when your little one finally gets to unpack it from the crammed car.

Don’t know what to put in your bin? Here are some ideas:  
Bubbles  

Glow Sticks  

Kite  

Markers, Colors & Paper  

Magnifying Glass  

Bug Catcher Set  

Binoculars 

Cards 

Travel Checkers  

Camp with Awesome Friends  

The best gift you can give your kid (and yourself), on a camping adventure is an adventure buddy their own age, leaving you and YOUR friends a bit more time for rest and relaxation. Camping with friends also offers some pretty great perks like splitting up campsite chores and on the off chance you forgot the wine bottle opener, your awesome camping friends have your back. There’s also something pretty special that occurs when you make camping communal. Together, through a shared experience of Mother Nature, an amazing tribe can form, and in turn a beautiful group of kids emerge, growing up together with shared experiences and discoveries.  

Get the Kids Involved  

Camping trips offer a whole host of ways to engage your kids. Let them pack their camping bag, allow them to help set up the tent, delegate a few campsite chores and you’ll watch your generally uninvolved kid get energized by the adventure. Hand over a bit of the control and you will see them adopt a new-found sense of ownership of their own experience. Letting kids lead the way is an incredible confidence builder and helps to shape their decision-making skills.  

Read the FULL article at Teton Sports!

Discovering the Hidden Trails of Trippet Ranch - Hiking Topanga State Park

Topanga State Park spans 11,000 acres with 36 miles of trails that wind through a wide variety of terrain, from canyons and cliffs to hills and meadows and some of the most spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean Los Angeles hiking has to offer. It also features tons of cool geologic formations meticulously designed by volcanic activity, millions of years in the making. If you're an astutely observant explorer you can find a bevy of marine fossils and, if you're up for the challenge, yes, even those elusive and shifty earthquake faults.

With over 60 different trail entrances, it can be quite overwhelming just to pick a spot to start, but my suggestion would be to enter the park's main entrance at 20825 Entrada Road, Topanga, Ca 90290. There is a $10 fee to park in this lot, which I have no problem paying considering the desperate financial trouble our state parks are in right now, but you can generally find free parking on the numerous side streets, if you want to add a bit more mileage on to your day's hike.

Topanga State Park is plucked right from the front of the most stunning postcard you've ever seen. All you have to do is walk 20 steps from the parking lot and you're standing in the middle of a scene straight out of a Tim Burton film, surrounded by the crooked, twisted, welcoming arms of hundreds of ancient live oaks. 

Under the shade of this live oak grove, there are many picnic tables and clean bathrooms, making it the perfect place to lounge, play hide and seek, read a book, meditate or have lunch. Walk a few more steps past the picnic area, to the head of the Trippet Ranch Trail and it's as if you've walked smack dab in to a living, breathing Monet. We saw four artists masterfully painting this portion of the trail which conjured up memories of traveling through the french countryside. All that was missing was the Jambon-Beurre on a crispy baguette.

As you make your way up the curved incline you will come to a fork in the trail. To continue on to Eagle Rock, bear left.

This portion of the hike guides you along well-maintained trails through rough chaparral, oak forests and sprawling grasslands. Being a mixed-use trail, you'll encounter hikers, bikers and even the occasional meandering horse, so watch out for their little presents along the trail!

One of my favorite things about the Trippet Ranch Trail up to Eagle Rock, other than the fact that it's kid-friendly, are the numerous secondary trails which pop up out of nowhere, allowing extra opportunities for exploration and discovery. None of the informal trails we took actually led anywhere in particular, but when hiking, we're never in a real rush to get to any place specific anyway. On one of the secret little side-trails, we found a perfect spot for lunch, though, then continued on our wandering way.

As is the norm when hiking with kids, we never did make it all the way up to craggy, panoramic views of Eagle Rock, but we surely found our destination as we arrived back to our car, three hours later, with our imaginations well-used, a nature-calmed mind and de-stressed muscles.

Family Adventure Travel Along California's Central Coast: Monterey Edition

It was seven o'clock on a foggy Thursday morning, the middle of rush hour for most, but as luck would have it for us, "rush hour" in Monterey, California takes on an entirely different meaning. The seagulls leisurely glide past the sun-bathing sea lions who amusingly watch the sea otters play on a soft bed of the finest California kelp.  This sleepy sea town takes its time with everything, allowing its visitors a chance to take a much-needed rest from the hustle and bustle of big city life. 

  

With its iconic rocky shores and crashing waves, the coastline in this part of California's Central Coast is home to supremely magnificent views, on par with even the most far-off exotic lands, only it's a mere five hours north from Los Angeles. The wild and well-preserved landscape is a spectacle to behold, conjuring up mystifying thoughts and reaffirming Mother Nature's awe-inspiring imagination.

For more than seventy five years, Monterey has maintained and built upon its vision of acquiring open space and providing access to the waterfront for all who wish to revel in its majesty.  As a result of the city’s tireless work, it currently boasts thirty six parks, more than 6 beaches and hundreds of acres dedicated to hiking and camping. Within its boundaries, it safeguards and nurtures miles and miles of unique coastal habitat not found anywhere else in the world, with a throng of dedicated volunteers the size of army. It’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dream getaway.

  

We spent the first day of our three day mini-vacation hiking  through an ancient Monterey Cypress Grove, the Pacific Ocean always on our left, affectionately escorting us. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve was the perfect introduction to everything that Monterey stands for, preservation, conservation and steadfast stewardship of the land they call their home. You can quite easily spend the entire day there. The topography changes drastically with every twist and turn of the trail. You can find yourself scrambling over 60 million year old rock out-croppings, drop down into rich tide pools, hike past prairies and coves, then find yourself surrounded by thick forest. We didn't want to leave, but promises of a table full of fresh seafood at The Grotto Fish Market on fisherman's wharf coaxed us back to the city. Let's just say we were amply rewarded.

  

Day two, we found ourselves at the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Walking down cannery row, the aquarium’s building is large and imposing, but once inside it is bright, airy, open and inviting. 

The energy that you feel as you walk through the doors resonates deep within and that’s not any accident. Thoughtfulness and a deep commitment to conservation of the oceans bursts through its seams, floating all the way down from the top. Executive Director Julie Packard, helped to found the Monterey Bay Aquarium back in the late 1970’s and her work over the last thirty years has been rooted in California nature and oceanic conservancy. Their employees are empowered with an infectious excitement, a wealth of knowledge and are more than willing to share the experience with you.

Making our way through the entrance, en route to the Rocky Shore exhibit, I couldn't help but soak in all of the fine industrial touches, an homage to its distinct cannery row location. From brilliant sea lemons and bat star fish to stately anemones and rock-like limpets, the Rocky Shore exhibit is a fully hands-on experience that teaches kids about that delicate in-between world where sea meets land. It allows you to explore tidal rhythms, discover coastal currents and a up-close peek into these special shoreline creatures, seemingly lifeless when exposed to the air, that come alive under the water.

Entering the psychedelic Jellies' maze was mesmerizing. This exhibit reaffirms my belief that Mother Nature is the most visionary of all artists, painting her creations on the canvas of our world, masterpieces our tiny imaginations could never hope to dream up. Jelly fish are some of the most elegant creatures I've ever had the pleasure of witnessing, their ribbons and ruffles, spikes, beads and dots effortlessly gliding, darting, flying through the water. And just for a moment, we forget all about the sting of their graceful tentacles.

The aquarium's five spirited sea otters are at least an hour of pure enjoyment, watching them dart in and out of their various caves and caverns, playing hide and seek and performing three full acts for their audience. Rosa, Abby, Gidget, Ivy and Kit were all rescued from precarious situations along the California coast. They now act as surrogate mothers, companions and mentors to other stranded and rescued California sea otters as part of the aquariums Sea Otter Program, which has been studying and trying to save the threatened southern sea otter since 1984. What we stand to learn from our furry friends goes deeper than biological. Their strong sense of community, family and constant need for fun is something we can all weave into the fabric of our lives.

No aquarium would be complete without its fair share of splash zones, penguins and giant octopus, but nothing could top the eerie and mystifying display of the Open Sea, the aquarium's largest and most impressive exhibit. 

Sitting in front of that ninety foot window, watching our daughter, watching the sparkling schools of sardines dart to and fro, the humongous tuna and the graceful sandbar sharks all living in harmony, reminds me of the vastness of this great, big, bewitching world. It refreshed in me the understanding of diversity. It underlined the importance of acceptance and how it plays a role in our capacity to appreciate and relate to all that is different and beautiful. What a gift.

[Guest Blogger Series] Husband + Wife + 6 Kids x 1 Farm = Grand Outdoor Adventures by Fiona Cambouropoulos

Fiona and I met in the twitterverse about a year ago. It was a mutual admiration of the best kind; two outdoorsy moms, on two separate continents, doing their best to raise their kids wrapped in the loving arms of the great Mother Nature. With SIX kids, a farm to tend to and a business to run, Fiona and her husband are not only instilling in their family a deep respect of the land, they are also teaching them the value of hard work and bestowing upon them an immense understanding of what it means to be a steward of this great wide world. 

Twelve years ago we took the decision to quit corporate life with the long office hours and good pay, move our young family to the depth of Cornwall, take on a holiday business and a farm and change our life style forever.  Within two years we had doubled the family from 3 to 6 having triplets. Life would never be the same again in so many ways. Having 6 children in 6 years is hard, combine that with a new business too and my memories of those early years are sketchy. However I do know that family time was important, and that both Nick and I were always home for the children. If someone was poorly there was no need to take a day off work, or worry who would look after them, we were always here. If we wanted a family day out or to take advantage of a sunny day on the beach then we could do it with working time more flexible.

From the kid's perspective, the eldest was only four when we moved and even he has no memory pre Coombe Mill. For them every day brings the freedom and magic of outdoor play, a safe environment and thirty acres as their own back yard. In between school and the myriad of after school clubs they embrace farm life. There is always a camp to build, a river to play in,  animals to care for and friends to make by way of our visiting guests, many of whom return year after year. 

There are so many wooded sections at Coombe Mill that finding a secret area to build a camp is never hard. The children bounce ideas off each other and their camps can become small communities using all they find around them. One project took a whole weekend to make and became their hideout for games thereafter. They were torn between showing off their handy work and keeping it secret from me!

Our river can be dangerous in the height of a rainy spell in winter, it has even risen and broken its banks before and the children know the current is strong and not to venture near. However in the summer it can fall to just welly height and make an awesome place to take their surf boards and cool off on a sunny day.

When the river is off limits there is always dam building in the streams and tributaries

Our top lake is another favourite for water play

Every morning on our farm begins with a tractor ride where our own children and our guests are invited to join us to feed and care for the animals here. We have quite a selection and it is a real hands on experience. With no fear and years of practice my children can easily pick up a baby animal or flappy duck, much to the delight of our younger visitors who often haven't encountered such animals up close before. Free to return during the day it is a delight to watch children grow in confidence with the animals and countryside just on a week here at the farm.

When the holiday makers remark how lucky our children are to live here they just don't get it, for them this is the only life they know and they can't imagine living anywhere where running outside to play in nature's playground wasn't safe or normal. Their lifestyle is more like my own childhood where playing on the street or wondering off to the woods and parks alone with friends was deemed safe, I fear for many these days that is not the case. Traffic for starters in our cities and towns make crossing any road a challenge.

It's not all play though, Coombe Mill is a family business and that means all the children are expected to pull their weight. No one has pocket money for free and they are all developing a healthy business understanding as they grow up. With their age range now from 10 - 16 they really contribute to life on the farm. However don't feel too sorry for them, driving the tractor and giving train rides are just two of the fun jobs they have. Not a bad way to earn your pocket money!

If you fancy giving your family a taste of the freedom ours have at Coombe Mill, our holidays are designed with children in mind and offer a range of accommodation to suit every pocket. Hop aboard the morning tractor ride to help feed the animals with Farmer Nick and don't forget to finish the day with a train ride from Guy; a truly memorable holiday from a family who understands what matters to parents. www.coombemill.com 

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About the Author

Fiona Cambouropoulos, her husband and their SIX children moved to Coombe Mill in 2002, giving up the South East ‘rat race’ in favour of the ‘good life’ in the country. Coombe Mill is their business, their passion and their hobby and they live there in the heart of the estate. When Fiona has nothing else to do, she also blogs about her incredible adventures.

Hiking the Santa Monica Mountains: The Peter Strauss Ranch

One of my most favorite things to do is to just jump in the car and drive... and keep driving until something in my soul tells me to take a left, then my fingertips tell me to veer right and somehow, we end up somewhere we've never been. Nine times out of ten it's someplace magical and that is exactly how we happened upon the Peter Strauss Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains.

We were heading back down to LA after a weekend visit with my mom up north. We had no plans for the day and so I decided to take the Pacific Coast Highway up instead of jumping on the boring 101 freeway. Driving along, watching the waves crash along the shore, enjoying the brown pelicans zoom down the beach, an itch in my nose whispered, "take Kanan." 

Solitude.

Kanan is one of those gorgeous canyon roads that begins at PCH and meanders through the Malibu hills and meadows. I kept my eyes open for a state park sign or a trail head marker, knowing this road had many to choose from and it wasn't long before we spotted exactly what we were looking for: a new discovery! Peter Strauss Ranch!

Where there's a tree, she will climb it!

This 64-acres of ancient live oaks and chaparral was once home to the Chumash Indians, later it was the perfect backdrop for pre-WW II dances under the light of the moon and rumor has it even some of Charles Manson's gang hung out there! Now, as our luck would have it, Mother Nature has reclaimed it as her own and it is the perfect spot for an easy hike, a lazy picnic or a game of hid and seek!

Hide & Seek!

Its parking lot is huge and its trails are on the short side and super easy, making it a perfect starting point for moms just getting back out there with their infants or toddlers clocking in their first tiny-footed trail miles. Nestled in the quiet Malibu hillside, this hidden gem of a park is rich in history and offers plenty to explore and discover!

An Urban Outdoor Adventure Guest Post for Rain or Shine Mamma

I must admit that I am a bit envious of my fellow nature lovers and outdoorsy families who live next to pristine nature preserves on the outskirts of breathtaking national parks, but alas, that is not the geographical landscape we live in here in Los Angeles. We live smack dab in the middle of a sprawling urban city and so, we must be creative and determined in our hunt for outdoor adventure. Here is a guest post I wrote for Linda at Rain or Shine Mamma, which details seven of our  family's most favorite outdoor urban activities, designed to you get you and your kids outside and into nature!

Adventures in Urban Hiking

Hiking in an urban setting can mean something as simple as stepping foot outside your door and making the decision to turn left or right. You'd be surprised how much there is to discover and learn with your children, just by making a trip around the block. Gather items like rocks, seed pods, berries and  leaves to use as tools for teaching how varied leaf textures can be or to open a discussion on the difference between metamorphic and sedentary rock formations. 

Urban hiking is a great way to start if you're a novice because it's easy. Let's face it, you're never too far from a restaurant or a store, so no need to buy a grappling hook or expensive high tech hiking boots. Just pack a light lunch, some water and use it as a way to take in the sights, study the surrounding architecture and reflect on the distinctions of the enveloping sounds. Better yet, on a nice warm evening, adventure out on a nighttime walk and allow your child  to examine how differently the world seems when the sun goes down.

Read the Full Article at Rain or Shine Mamma!

[Wandering Wisdom Wednesday] The World is Mud-Luscious and Puddle-Wonderful...

Let's Give a Kick Start to ZOOM! The Story of a Boy and His Balance Bike

A year ago, my close-knit family of outdoor bloggers got the collective wind knocked out of us. We all sat in front of our computers, in shock as we slowly received news of one of our own, VeloMom Jennifer Charrette, who was quite literally experiencing the most horrific day of her life. In the days and months that followed, we banded together to support her family and the memorial foundation they quickly set up to honor Axel, their little angel who was now proudly watching them from above.

Well, now I'm excited and honored to announce another chapter in the blossoming Axel Project adventure! ZOOM! The Story of a Boy and His Balance Bike, a picture book meant to inspire young adventurers and their families to discover the joy of bicycling.

ZOOM's story of courage, adventure and the power of family goes well beyond the book. The story and its central character are in honor of Axel, an exuberant two year old with a talent and passion for riding his balance bike.

The book is eight pages of bold, colorful art by Kellie Day and simple, fun, rhyming text by Jennifer Charrette and Marcia Kinne (with a forward by professional bike racer George Hincapie).

Please take a minute to read about the Charrette family's journey and this book and if it moves you, please consider supporting their Kickstarter campaign! Seriously, every single dollar counts and there are only 16 more days to chip in!

Our #OutdoorFamilies network has declared this ZOOM! Day! We have all dedicated our blogs and our hearts to the Charrette Family today and to this beautiful boy and his book. Read the other posts:

• Velo Mom
• Rocks and Sun
• Tales of a Mountain Mama
• Mommy Loves Trees
• On The Beaten Path
• Chasqui Mom
• Expect Adventure
• Active Kids Active Family
• Adventurous Moms
• Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
• Colorado Mountain Mom

[Guest Blogger Series] Motivating Little Feet with Letterboxing by John Soltys

I first heard the term Letterboxing a few weeks ago on the popular #HikerChat tweetchat on twitter and I was immediately intrigued. As you can imagine, I am always trying to find new and exciting ways to keep my 3 year old's feet and mind motivated on the trail, so I made a beeline over to John Soltys of moosefish.com with an invitation to explain it to us all! Luckily, he accepted and now we have one more tool in our arsenal!

I have three kids. That means there are nine possible answers to the question, "Who wants to go outside?" Regardless of the destination, it always seemed there was some dissent when I tried to rally the kids for an adventure.

Kids aren't as motivated by views or nature as adults. They don't feel the need to disconnect from their screens or push pause on their responsibilities. I want to reestablish my place in the natural world. They want to do something.

So now we letterbox and everyone wants to go almost all the time.

Letterboxing is akin to geocaching in that you're looking for a hidden container. However, unlike geocaching it doesn't require a GPS or an understanding of coordinates. Instead, you find letterboxes by following clues like this:

Continue for a few switchbacks and there will be a large group of boulders on the left. Go to the top side of the topmost boulder. In the middle, there is an opening under the rock, reach deep and you will find it!

(More devious letterbox planters will encode the clues requiring some work to figure them out. Plan for an extra few minutes deciphering 19-07-04 18-04-02-17-04-19 12-04-18-18-00-06-04. (Hint: It's a substitution cipher where A=00, B=01, etc. If you have trouble, try the rumkin.com tool: http://rumkin.com/tools/cipher/substitution.php))

Each letterbox holds at least a stamp and a log book. (90% of the stamps you'll find are hand carved and some are true works of art.) When you search for a letterbox you should bring your own log book, your own stamp, and an ink pad. When you find the letterbox you use the box's stamp to mark your log book and your stamp to mark the box's log book. Then you rehide the letterbox for the next person to find.

But wait! Some letterboxes will have a mini letterbox inside the main letterbox. These are hitchhikers. The stamps and log books are tiny and they're meant to be moved from one letterbox to another. We've moved hitchhikers between Oregon, Washington, and Arizona and it's always nice to think we helped them on their way.

You can find letterboxes near you by using AtlasQuest.com. AQ is the best of the letterboxing sites with over 163,000 active letterboxes listed. There are over 80,000 in the United States alone and even letterboxes in places like Antarctica! (Pro tip for iPhone users: Get the app called Clue Tracker. You can ask it for any letterboxes within a few miles of your current location.)

We have a small bag that holds all our letterboxing gear. In addition to a family log book, each of the kids has their own log book and ink pad. (You wouldn't expect the kids to all like the same color, would you?) We also carry a pair of gardening gloves, a small flashlight, baby wipes (almost as useful as duct tape), and a backscratcher for reaching letterboxes where there might be creepy crawlies.

In the summer of 2013 we took our first family road trip. It took six hours to drive from our home to Bend, Oregon. I'm not sure we'd have made it without letterboxing. We found boxes at rest stops, in parks, and even at Ikea. We found 13 letterboxes over the course of 10 days. Getting out of the car even for just a few minutes to stretch their legs and minds kept the kids sane and that kept my wife and me mostly sane, too.

In addition to finding letterboxes you can plant them, too. Get a waterproof package, carve a stamp, write the clues, and register it on AQ. Don't forget to make sure you have the permission of the land owner even if it's a National Forest or wilderness. (Bonus: When you plant a letterbox you get access to "Restricted" boxes.)

Most importantly, letterboxing allows us to have fun outside together. My kids never move down a trail faster than when they're looking for a rock that looks like a face or a tree with a beard. I don't know how long they'll enjoy letterboxing, but while it lasts you can be sure we'll be carrying our gear whenever we leave home.

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About the Author

I'm a father, a husband, an adventurer, and a hacker. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and I never consider leaving, even when it rains for 100 days straight. I dream of days when I can turn off my computer and explore our amazing world with my family.

You can find us where the road heads up into the mountains, tucked against the river, at the end of a dirt road. I write at moosefish.com, tubbssnowshoes.com, and wta.org. I'm on twitter as @moosefish and instagram as mrmoosefish.

Join Mommy Hiker & #OutdoorFamilies Wed. 2/12 @ 1:30PM PST For The Inaugural #OutFam Weekly TweetChat

Greetings from Mommy Hiker HQ! Apparently I don't have enough irons in the fire so I've taken on another project and I couldn't be more excited!

An amazing group of outdoor family bloggers has come together to share their expertise in a new Twitter Chat focusing on outdoor family adventures. We've been sharing our stories and insight through the #OuttdoorFamilies‬ hashtag for awhile but now we're taking the next step and opening up the conversation through the chat-friendly hashtag, #OutFam. Not only am I thrilled to be a part of this group, but to be able to connect with these inspiring adventurers from all over North America is a true testament to the power of social media. 

I hope you'll join us on Twitter this Wednesday, February 12th, at 1:30pm PST, to share your ideas and experience as well as learn from this collection of adventuring families who really know their stuff. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, there will be something for everyone, hoping to inspire each other to get out there more to discover the beauty and wonder Mother Nature has to offer.

And guess who gets to play co-host right out of the gate? Veteran Granola Mom herself Val from ValInRealLife, teaming up with Melissa of Chasqui Mom to talk about Love of the Outdoors! Then, NEXT Wednesday, February 19th is yours truly, so of course we'll be talking all things hiking! 

Check us out on Twitter: @ValinRealLife, @Melissabravery, @Jen_Fontaine and #OutFam. 

Come join the conversation! Wednesdays at 4:30 pm EST/1:30 PST (30 minutes) starting February 12th.

Hiking the Charlie Turner Trail to Mt. Hollywood - 360 Views of the City of Angels

Griffith Park is a treasure to behold. Smack dab in the middle of Los Angeles and spanning over 4000 acres, it's one of the largest urban parks in North America. It's been called the Central Park of Los Angeles, but luckily for those of us who love hiking and the outdoors, it offers 53 miles of trails that are more rugged and untamed than its East Coast Counterpart. A true wilderness oasis where kids and parents can quickly escape the noise and chaos of the busy city to decompress and re-energize!

Getting to the Charlie Turner Trail is really easy. Drive up to the Griffith Park Observatory and as soon as you enter its parking lot take a left and park. The trailhead starts at the north end of the lot. This hike is 100% stroller friendly, well maintained and if you make it all the way, you'll be rewarded with the most spectacular 360 degree views of Los Angeles.

It's about 3 miles round trip, so that means a full day's hike, if you're with a toddler! Just kidding! I've done this hike with a gaggle of kids and it took us about 3 hours to complete, including many water breaks and lunch at the top of Mt. Hollywood.

I've also done this hike with kids where it took us 45 minutes just to make it a quarter mile up the trail, but that's what hiking with kids is all about; going at their pace, encouraging endurance, engaging them in exploration, exercising listening skills and, most definitely practicing patience. Last time we did this hike, V sat in a newly discovered cave for (what seemed like) half an hour, hunting bears, bats and spiders! Oh My!

Please keep in mind that this hike offers little to no shade, so make sure to lather on the sunscreen, wear your hat and bring lots of water! Picnic tables at the summit provide a comfortable and spectacular place to relax, eat and soak in the views. If you don't want to go back down the way you came, there are plenty of interconnecting trails and summits to explore, just make sure to use a map!

I would say the second best thing about this hike is that if you're still up for more discovery once you've done the trail, the Griffith Observatory is right there with an entire universe of (free) exhibits to spark the imagination and inspire!

What a perfect way to spend the day!

Exploring a Rainbow of Sea Creature Colors at Leo Carrillo State Beach

Just an hour's drive north of Los Angeles, on the famous Pacific Coast Highway, sits Leo Carrillo State Park, boasting almost 2 miles of beach, perfect for ocean sports of every kind, sun bathing and hidden in its tide pools, we discovered the most incredible array of sea creatures Mother Nature has ever thought to create. 

Living in Harmony

We have had the pleasure of visiting this state park many times. We've camped at their campground which is walking distance to the beach, we have explored its many coastal caves, climbed its crags and lounged on its shores. Depending on the time of year, it can be quite crowded, but we've been lucky to have avoided hoards of beach-combers on our visits.

Sweeping Vistas

V was almost overwhelmed by all there was to explore. Barefoot, she darted in and out of the pools, navigating the jagged rocks like a pro. Picking up every single piece of seaweed she spotted, she tried her best to associate it to the seaweed mommy puts in her salad, then tried to eat it, then became fascinated by its many different textures; so many things to discover and feel and smell and see (and taste!).

Rock Hopper

When she wasn't bouncing from rock to rock, she was standing as still as a statue reveling in the ebb and flow of the sea anemone's tentacles as it drifted lazily in the ocean currents. We spotted what we thought was a sea hare and were bestowed the honor of watching it release its deep purple ink. We were both completely enthralled as we watched the vibrant ink mix and swirl and spread in the little pool of water it called its home.

Tide Pools

It was hard to keep her from trying to pry off every starfish she saw, but it was also a great conservation conversation starter. As we walked along the soft sand, we discussed the importance of tide pools and the role they play in our environment. She understood, as much as an almost 3 year old can, then she was off and running again towards the coastal caves for a game of hide and seek.

Cave Dweller

So fun, so much to explore and so many opportunities to learn! I feel so lucky and blessed to live in such close proximity to such wonders that I can share with my toddler!

After Dark Adventures - Encouraging Nocturnal Exploration with Kids

It is officially winter and just because the sun goes down earlier, doesn't mean you have to head inside. For two years, I have been looking forward to the day that my toddler was old enough to start doing a little nighttime exploration, so as soon as the fall time change was in full effect, we threw on our jackets, grabbed our flashlights and headed outside!

Night exploration unlocks a whole new outdoor world to a curious toddler. Even the most seemingly mundane things become fascinating and I'm telling you, from our very first night walk, our 2 year old was begging to go out every single evening!

A few things to keep in mind before heading outside at night with your kiddos:

• Dress for the weather! After the sun goes down, the temperature can drop several degrees in a very short amount of time, so be prepared! Grab a sweater and a snugly hat and that will ensure your walk won't be cut short by a cold, uncomfortable kid.
• Check the batteries! Make sure your flashlight isn't going to run out of juice halfway through your walk because that's one toddler meltdown which is totally avoidable.
• Be safe! Make sure to wear light colored clothes and reflectors of some sort. Glow sticks are a huge hit in our family, as you can imagine. Just make sure the whole family is visible to passing cars, bikes and pedestrians.

The benefits of a nighttime family tryst are far-reaching and the activities are limitless. Here are 8 that our family thoroughly enjoys! 

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise!

I found that one of the greatest benefits of taking our toddler outside after dinner, is to expel all of that early evening energy, making her more relaxed and ready to move in to our bedtime rituals more smoothly. We actually created a routine during our nighttime walks that almost always ensure at least 10 to 15 minutes of full tilt running. This was obviously done in a well lit area!

Explore the Stars

For me, there is pretty much nothing better than lying down in the grass, cheek to cheek with my little peanut, looking up at the night sky. 

This activity is all about gazing up into the wide open sky, whispering secrets, telling stories, finding constellations and sometimes saying nothing at all. It's moments like these that I live for, listening to the soft sound of my child's breath while we eavesdrop on the hoot of a far off owl. Priceless.

Search for Creepy Crawlers

We are lucky to live in a place where crickets and roley poleys and worms abound. It's probably the part of our nighttime walk that V looks forward to most. 

Although, trying to catch crickets might seem like a pretty futile endeavor to most adults, it's an activity that has the potential to capture a child's attention for much longer a time than any cartoon or mobile app I've ever seen! And the fervent hunt for the elusive roley poley is one that could tire even the most active kids.

Track Nocturnal Animals

While out on our walk, we are always on the lookout for our nighttime friends. We've only been lucky enough to spot one raccoon so far but, just being on the lookout for them can spark a valuable and fun conversation about what it means to be a nocturnal creature, how they use their senses differently from other animals and how they live in harmony with diurnal animals.

Do Some Rock Climbing

Ok, well maybe it was more like pebble hopping, but this is a must-do activity on our nighttime walks! V loves navigating these rocks, pretending that she's a monster, over and over and over and over again. 

It really is remarkable how things, which in the daytime are old hat to a toddler, can take on a fantastical transformation in the twilight hours.

Engage Your Senses

This is something that we also love to do when we are hiking. Keep your eyes and your ears, your nose and your hands open. The night sky opens itself up to all sorts of sounds that you aren't privy to in the daylight hours. One of my and V's favorite is passing by our neighbor's house and listening to the trickle of their garden fountain. Talk about serenity.

Track the Moon

This is a new discovery for our family and I can't begin to describe how fascinated V has been with this new found activity. Watching and understanding the different phases of the moon has allowed V to begin to recognize the bigger picture of the earth and how we fit in to the solar system. We printed out a simple moon tracking sheet and take it with us on our night walk to sketch that night's moon.

Revel in the Lights

Being that it's the holiday season, I would be remiss not to mention the abundance of lights and festive decorations that adorn houses and buildings in neighborhoods all over the world. Go out, celebrate life's beauty. There is much to see, even when it's dark out! Happy Holidays!

Now it's your turn! Does your family have a nighttime walk ritual? What are some of your favorite activities?