Tips on Ice Fishing

Snow pants were never a part of my wardrobe until I met my husband. Sure, I’ve owned them, but it was when I was a kid and I was much more excited that the mittens I was wearing changed colors depending on the weather. (Remember Freezy Freakies in the 80’s??) My only knowledge of ice fishing was in Chilly Willy cartoons on Saturday mornings. Now that I have a home on a lake and a husband and kids that can’t get enough outdoor time in winter, I’ve learned to enjoy many fun outdoor activities. Ice fishing is one of them. Here are some tips on ice fishing that I’ve learned:

What gear do you need for ice fishing?

It’s all about the gear! Not all of these are necessary, but some of them certainly make life a lot easier…and more comfortable.

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January 8, 2024 mytravelingkids.com

Tips on Snowshoeing

As winter blankets the landscape with a pristine layer of snow, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the serenity of the season than by strapping on a pair of snowshoes and venturing into the great outdoors. Snowshoeing offers a unique and tranquil experience, allowing you to explore untouched landscapes and revel in the crisp, fresh air. Here are some tips on snowshoeing that can help you find a new winter hobby!

Why you should try it

There is nothing more peaceful than hearing the sound of soft fluffy snow under your feet, breathing in fresh air, and seeing the snow-covered canopy of trees above you. Snowshoeing is an easy activity that you can do together as a family. It is also a great multigenerational sport. It is a great way to get in some cardio on those long winter days. Did you know that the average adult can burn over 500 calories in one hour of snowshoeing? And the views you’ll see will be much better than running on a treadmill indoors. Here are some tips on snowshoeing:

What gear do you need?

Selecting the appropriate gear is crucial for an enjoyable snowshoeing experience. Invest in quality snowshoes that match your weight and the type of terrain you’ll be traversing. Additionally, opt for waterproof and insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry. Don’t forget to layer up with moisture-wicking clothing, ensuring you stay comfortable throughout your journey.

Let’s start with a good pair of snowshoes. Here are the ones I have. I love them!

Tubbs Wilderness W Snowshoes

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December 4, 2023 mytravelingkids.com

The 50 Best Experiences to Give for Gifts

I don’t know about you, but my kids don’t need more toys or knickknacks. I feel like an experience is a much better gift because it lets us make memories together. I swear, the closer the girls get to heading off to college, the ~~crazier~~ more sentimental I get about the importance of family time. If you’re thinking of giving an experience for a gift this year, here are some great ideas. Here are Best Experiences to Give as Gifts:

Give lessons:

Art classes

Canvas painting

Pottery painting

Voice lessons or acting classes

Cooking classes- Many places offer weekly classes or workshops.

Music lessons- You could also rent them the equipment they’ll need.

Dance classes- Take them to an introductory class, buy them some tutus, or help pay for their classes.

Woodworking- you could also give them tools to use, supplies, and DIY books

Help pay for them to go to summer camp. Or give things they’ll need, like trunks,

Give animal experiences:

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September 25, 2023 mytravelingkids.com

A Drive on the Kancamagus Highway

New England is all about nature and simple pleasures. The Kancamagus Highway (known to locals as ‘The Kanc’) is a gorgeous scenic drive along Rt 112 in New Hampshire. People flock to this road, especially in summer and fall. The 35-mile drive will take you from Conway to Lincoln through beautiful spots that will draw you out of your car to take pictures. The word “highway” is misleading since it is more of a 2-lane road that winds back and forth next to a river bed, with mountains surrounding it and trees creating a canopy above you.

Here are some highlights of the Kancamagus Highway:

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August 15, 2022 mytravelingkids.com

10 Tips for a Fun Day at an Amusement Park

Amusement parks can be a great way to spend the day as a family. With a little planning, you can have a stress-free day that everyone can enjoy. Here are 10 tips for a fun day at an amusement park:

CHECK OUT THE MAP

Before you go, look at the park map online. Decide if there are areas you all really want to do and if there are areas you can skip. Give the kids a say in the day.

NO PRESSURE

Kids will do scary rides when they are ready. Let them know there is no pressure for them to go on any rides they don’t feel comfortable with.

MINIMUM HEIGHT REQUIREMENT

Nothing is worse than having your kid wait in line only to find out they are an inch too short to ride. Save the tears and have them check the height requirement and measure them before they go.

Riding roller coasters at Storyland, NH

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August 8, 2022 mytravelingkids.com

Santa’s Village

There’s nothing as magical as the spirit of Christmas and at Santa’s Village your family can experience this feeling even in the middle of summer. So many amusement parks seem the same, but Santa’s Village offer a unique concept. As soon as you walk through the front gate you will be transported into a winter wonderland and you’ll soon forget it’s August! My family has been going to this park for years and it’s become a tradition for us to go on my youngest daughter’s birthday. We loved bringing our friends there this year! Here are 10 things my family loves doing at Santa’s Village:

ELFABET GAME

Ever since my girls were little, this was a nice way to do a scavenger hunt while going about our day. After entering the park, head over to Elf University to pick up your elfabet card. As you walk around the park, you’ll see elves with various letters on them. Simply punch out the letters on your card and bring it back to the university at the end of the day to claim your prize. (Hint…bring it back even if you don’t find them all.)

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July 25, 2022 mytravelingkids.com

Tips for Going to Farmers Markets During COVID-19

My weekly trip to the farmers market is one of my favorite things about summer. There’s nothing like it…musicians playing in the background, farmers telling you when the vegetables you’re holding were picked, and hearing the young sons of the fisherman saying they helped catch the tuna we’ll be eating that night. A farmers market is a great place to bring kids/teens. Here are 10 Tips For Going to Farmers Markets:

HELP PLAN MENUS

Kids will be more likely to eat a meal if they had help planning it. Each week, give them a new item off the menu to plan. For example, each week they can plan the main dish, a side, and a dessert. Give them full rein on it and although you can offer suggestions, let them do most of the work. Whatever they plan, they will be responsible for helping cook.

TRY SOMETHING NEW

Give each person in the family the task of choosing something your family has never tasted. Is there a type of cheese that looks interesting? Is there a veggie that looks odd? Have them ask the farmer for suggestions on how to cook it.

PRACTICE RESPONSIBILITY

Give your kids a job while at the market. Give everyone reusable bags and have them hold your purchases. Teach them how to choose ripe produce. Give them the task of paying.

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July 18, 2022 mytravelingkids.com

10 Things Kids Gain from Sleepaway Camp

A few years ago, my friend Julie and I were miserable because our girls went to sleepaway camp for two weeks. We were missing our kiddos, obsessing about whether they were OK, and we started asking ourselves why we even send them. Is it really worth being away from them for such a long time? After feeling sorry for myself (and making a really big mojito) things started to come into perspective. The girls LOVE camp and they are lucky to be able to have this experience. So Julie, as we head into another summer of our girls being gone, let’s think about all the things they gain from sleepaway camp.

INDEPENDENCE

I can be a bit controlling at times (OK…my girls sometimes call me their ‘smother’) so camp gives them a chance to make some decisions on their own. They get to choose what activities they do during free time, when to write home (only once last year for my youngest…big sigh), and when to brush their teeth (I’m embarrassed to tell you how many times that actually happened!). Camp gives them the chance to make unexpected choices like when my older daughter chose to go on a long bike ride with a group of girls she didn’t know and ended up having a great time.

SOCIAL SKILLS

When you are placed in a cabin with 11 other girls, it is a crash course in social skills. You learn to be cooperative, respectful, and empathetic. This is a great chance to learn problem solving since there are bound to be disagreements.

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June 27, 2022 mytravelingkids.com

Stone Zoo

The Stone Zoo is on 26 acres, so it is a small zoo that can easily be enjoyed in a few hours. Since the zoo is only about a half hour from Boston, it is the perfect day trip.

Our favorite animals at the Stone Zoo

There are so many incredible animals to see at the Stone Zoo in their many exhibits. Let me introduce you to some of our favorites:

My all-time favorites are the flamingos!!

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July 8, 2021 mojo_services_admin_5176

Vermont Institute of Natural Science

Vermont Institute of Natural Science

Quechee, Vermont

While I was in Vermont, I wanted to get outside as much as possible, and the 47 acres of VINS (Vermont Institute of Natural Science) was the perfect place to breathe in some fresh air.

First stop…Forest Canopy Walk

I love great views but I hate heights, so I sometimes miss out. Not at VINS…their Forest Canopy Walk let me experience being eye level to the treetops without the fear. At some points I was over 50 feet in the air, and I loved every minute of it! Ok…so I was a little nervous at first because sections of the walk are on metal grates that you can see through…but I got used to it. What I like best about the canopy walk is all generations can do it together.