ML Interest Tag: outdoors

Outdoor Furniture You’ll Want to Lounge On Forever

by Kate Cartia

We love a good backyard upgrade. But there’s no outdoor glow-up without the best outdoor furniture. Sure, you might be playing games or mingling with friends, too, but one of the best parts of the season is relaxing, cold drink in hand (optional, but encouraged). The thing about yard furniture is that it’s not always practical, durable, cute, and comfortable. Blending those 4 things can be tricky, but we found pieces that absolutely check all the boxes!

From lounge chairs, dining sets, hammocks, and daybeds, this is the furniture that’ll take your backyard from “oh nice” to “oh wow!”. And of course we know that kids consider anything they can climb on a jungle gym, so we kept it all ready-for-anything. Easy to clean, care for, and store if needed, our picks for the best outdoor furniture will be the icing on your warm weather cake (cake icing in warm weather actually sounds terrible, but we know you get it). Grab your favorite beverage and check it all out below.

SUNFLOW The Shore Thing Chair

pink SUNFLOW beach chair
SUNFLOW

If there's anything we know for sure, it's that portable outdoor furniture is never comfortable. SUNFLOW proved us wrong, though. Sure, their thing is ultra-comfortable, lightweight, portable beach chairs. And we love a good beach.

But 'outdoor' doesn't just cover beach days. The backyard, the soccer field, company BBQs...there's nowhere you won't want to hang out in this chair (and it's so easy to take with you!). It reclines to 3 different positions and comes in fun, vibrant colors, so you'll want to grab more than one. So you don't have to share, of course.

SUNFLOW The Shore Thing Chair ($110.00+)—Buy Here!

LED-Lit Curved Chaise Lounge Chair Swing

woman reading in outdoor weightless canopy chair swing
Best Choice Products

The only thing better than a weighless suspended chaise lounge chair you can relax away the day in is one that you can relax in at night, too. It comes with a remote-operated LED light with 3 settings for lounging even after the sun goes down. The canopy is removable and it comes in 4 colors, so you can fully customize your anti-gravity experience all season long!

LED-Lit Curved Chaise Lounge Chair Swing ($259.99)—Buy Here!

5-Piece Wicker Patio Conversation Set at Lowes

set of wicker patio furniture in a backyard
Lowes

Everyone loves a set of good old-fashioned wicker outdoor furniture. It's a classic for a reason, afterall. This set is a fave thanks to the cushy chairs and soft ottomans that can be tucked away under your seat when not in use. Hey, we'll take all the extra space we can get.

5-Piece Wicker Patio Conversation Set ($424.00)—Buy Here!

Sedona Teak Brown Wood Outdoor Loveseat at Home Depot

teakwood outdoor loveseat with white cushions
Home Depot

If you love a boho backyard, teak outdoor furniture is the way to go. This wide-set outdoor loveseat offers a sweet place to unwind that's also solid and ready to stand up to weather and kiddos.

Sedona Teak Brown Wood Outdoor Loveseat ($256.89)—Buy Here!

5-Position Adjustable Outdoor Reclining Chair at Walmart

woman reclining on a lounge chair with a blue chair cushion
Walmart

Outdoor furniture that's multi-functional is always a win, and that's exactly what this adjustable chair is. Recline, lay flat, reverse or remove the mattress. It really is a lounge chair you can use throughout the year. 10 different color and style options are available, too!

5-Position Adjustable Outdoor Reclining Chair ($88.59)—Buy Here!

Wayfair Sling Outdoor Patio Daybed

large two person sling bed with canopy
Wayfair

Um, heeeelllllloooooo, summer bliss! Almost 82" of relaxation with a curved base crafted from weather-resistant teak, and a mesh sling seat and canopy top curve to the shape of your body and protect you from harmful UV rays. Accent pillows included!

Sling Outdoor Patio Daybed ($369.99)—Buy Here!

2pc Wexler Statement Chair with Ottoman by Target

set of two modern wicker outdoor chairs with matching ottomans
Target

The Wexler is an easy way to make a statement in your yard or on your porch! We're big fans of the curves of this chair and matching ottoman, plus it's supportive and comfortable, thanks to the sturdy metal frame.

2pc Wexler Statement Chair with Ottoman ($500.00, 1 chair & 1 ottoman)—Buy Here!

KidKraft Wooden Outdoor Double Chaise Lounge

little girl lounging on double kids size outdoor chaise lounge
KidKraft

Whether they're reading a book or relaxing after running through the sprinklers, your kiddos will love this kid-sized double chaise lounge! It's just their size and includes a canopy for sun protection, cup holders, and your choice of 3 colors. And, just like the grownup version, this chaise is designed for the outdoors.

KidKraft Wooden Outdoor Double Chaise Lounge ($117.14)—Buy Here!

Pottery Barn Jake Slipcovered 2-Piece Double Chaise Outdoor Sectional

grey outdoor slip covered sectional sofa outside
Pottery Barn

Having an outdoor living room is an absolute dream scenario, right? Meet Jake. This Slipcovered 2-Piece Double Chaise Outdoor Sectional is unbelievably comfortable and you have the option of slipcover performance fabric and colors that  can withstand weather, pets, kids, spills, and dirt. The ultimate backyard upgrade is right here.

Jake Slipcovered 2-Piece Double Chaise Outdoor Sectional ($6.398.00+)—Buy Here!

Coraline Hanging Daybed with Cushions by Frontgate

suspended outdoor daybed swing with cushions on coastal porch
Frontgate

If this doesn't look like paradise, we don't know what does. Not only is it a cushy daybed, it's suspended from the rafters of a covered patio or sturdy pergola, you can swing and sway the day away. It holds up to 1,000lbs and includes the seat and back cushions, plus it comes in so many colors! We'll just be over here staring longingly.

Coraline Hanging Daybed with Cushions ($4,599.00+)—Buy Here!

Yellow Leaf Hammocks Vista Hammock Frame

hammock stand and various images of men relaxing in one
Yellow Leaf Hammocks

On-demand relaxation is our goal at all times, and although it can be a lofty one, this easy-to-assemble hammock frame from Yellow Leaf Hammocks gives us hope. Whether your backyard doesn't have hammock-ready trees, or you just prefer to be able to add to your patio's appeal, the Vista is a dream. Made of jet-grade aluminum and weighing in at only 12lbs, it's perfect for pairing with their Weightless Weave Hammock Chair (made from 2.5 miles—yep, miles—of the softest and most durable performance yarn!). It's available for pre-order now to be delivered by April 26th.

Yellow Leaf Hammocks Vista Hammock Frame ($399.00+)—Buy Here!

Outdoor Recliner

khaki and brown outdoor recliner set up poolside
ART TO REAL

This outdoor recliner is exactly what we've been needing. A resin wicker and metal frame keep you supported while the UV-protected cushions keep you fully in 'ahhhhhhh' mode. Available in several color combinations.

Outdoor Recliner ($399.00)—Buy Here!

Folding Chaise Lounge Chair, Set of 2

set of two turquoise lounge chairs poolside
Soleil Jardin

If the idea of investing in outdoor furniture that you won't use all year isn't for you, these chaise lounges fold up right into themselves for easy storage. With 5 adjustable positions and a comfy cushion, their space-saving design doesn’t skimp on comfort! Available in 4 color options.

Folding Chaise Lounge Chair, Set of 2 ($249.99)—Buy Here!

Steel Outdoor Rocking Chair

grey cushion outdoor rocking chair on patio with blanket and pillow draped over it
Grand Patio

Rocking chairs don't necessarily have to be hard wooden pieces (unless you like them that way!). The contour seat keeps you ultra-relaxed and the plastic sledge covers keep your deck surface safe from damage. And we're definitely not mad at it's generous chair-and-a-half size!

Steel Outdoor Rocking Chair ($139.99)—Buy Here!

Wicker Egg Chair

brown wicker egg chair with navy cushions
Best Choice Products

Maybe you're like us and haven't had the best experience with egg chairs. Admittedly, they're notorious for looking cool while being awkward/awful to actually sit in. This one will change your mind, though. It's oversized, which is a huge plus, but when the reviews include phrases like "luxurious cocoon" and "one of the best Amazon purchases of my entire life", we're sold. Afterall, who knows better than an Amazon reviewer? (It's worth mentioning that this is a large chair that you assemble yourself. One reviewer mentioned assembling it in the space you plan to leave it because it didn't fit through their doorway when it was complete. Noted!) Available in 6 colors.

Wicker Egg Chair ($349.99)—Buy Here!

Ergonomic Outdoor Lounge Chair Rocker

grey outdoor lounge rocker
Mansion Home

Lounge chair + rocking chair = best of both worlds. Available in single and sets of 2 or 4, this lounge chair rocker has a quick-dry mesh fabrication, making it awesome for both your backyard and poolside. Several color options.

Ergonomic Outdoor Lounge Chair Rocker ($89.89+)—Buy Here!

Galpin Lounger by Article

grey plush lounger by the pool
Article

You'll literally sink into the Galpin Lounger by Article. And don't worry; the inside is made of breathable polyester and polystyrene beads, so it's sturdy without being impossible to move. Available in 3 colors.

Galpin Lounger by Article ($799.00)—Buy Here!

Acacia Outdoor Daybed at Wayfair

acacia 4 post outdoor day bed with teal cushions and curtains
Wayfair

This seriously impressive outdoor daybed features two adjustable chaise lounges topped with plush water-resistant cushions and a sturdy box frame. It includes water-resistant curtains, too, along with ties for some extra breeze! Available in 3 colors.

Acacia Outdoor Daybed ($689.99)—Buy Here!

Joss & Main Donnie 39'' Outdoor Acacia Chaise Lounge, Set of 2

set of 2 chaise lounge chairs on a patio
Joss & Main

If you can't make it to the resort, bring the resort to you. This set of outdoor chaise lounges are such a clean and chic design, while the frame gives you space for propping up necessities (like water, of course. You're staying hydrated, right?).

Donnie 39'' Outdoor Acacia Chaise Lounge, Set of 2 ($900.00)—Buy Here!

CB2 Remo Rattan Wingback Outdoor Lounge Chair by Ross Cassidy

set of 2 outdoor wicker wingback chairs on patio
CB2

This gorgeous outdoor rattan wingback chair is dramatic, comfortable, and practical (check out the storage underneath!). It's created from all-weather wicker that gives a little French Riviera feel (even if your kids are also nailing you with a Super Soaker at the same time). 

CB2 Remo Rattan Wingback Outdoor Lounge Chair by Ross Cassidy ($1039.99/ea)—Buy Here!

All Modern Teddi 3-Piece Outdoor Seating Group with Cushions

3 piece metal outdoor seating set
All Modern

A little retro (hello, hairpin legs), a lot comfortable, the Teddi 3-Piece Outdoor Seating Group includes deep-seating chairs and some extra cushioning, so settle in. You'll be here for a bit.

All Modern Teddi 3-Piece Outdoor Seating Group with Cushions ($760.00)—Buy Here!

Birch Lane Classic Folding Adirondack 5-Piece Conversation Group

set of 4 adirondack chairs and matching table in backyard
Birch Lane

We couldn't leave out this summer classic! Available in multiple color combinations, the chairs fold easily for after-season storage so you can bring them back out year after year.

Classic Folding Adirondack 5-Piece Conversation Group ($13.95)—Buy Here!

Musheerah Metal Outdoor Glider 4 Chair Table at Wayfair

brown 4 seat glider table set with conopy
Wayfair

This one checks all the boxes: glider, tabletop, insect net curtains, and sunshade. It's like an adult swingset!

Musheerah Metal Outdoor Glider 4 Chair Table at Wayfair ($679.99)—Buy Here!

Outdoor 8 Seat Swing Dining Table at 1stDibs

white 6 person outdoor swing table
1stDibs

Speaking of swing sets...this is a thing. And if you happen to buy one for your yard, we insist you invite us over (it seats 8, so...).

Outdoor 8 Seat Swing Dining Table at 1stDibs ($16,097.61)—Buy Here!

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

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Here Are All the Free National Park Days in 2024

by Kate Loweth

There’s a new addition to this list of fee-free national parks days

As we navigate a crazy winter season, the thought of a getaway in 2024 sounds pretty magical. Once the dust has settled, heading to a national park is an awesome way to enjoy the great outdoors, especially when it’s free! Get your kids set up with the Junior Ranger booklet in your park of choice and see what the whole family can learn about these amazing areas of the country.

The National Park Service has just announced the list of days when all national park will waive their admission fees. New for 2024, Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19) has been added as a national parks fee-free day. Juneteenth was signed into law as a national holiday on June 17, 2021, commemorating the abolition of slavery in the United States.

“National parks are places that awaken senses, inspire curiosity, encourage reflection, and foster joy,” National Park Service Director Chuck  Sams said. “The entrance fee-free days expand opportunities for people to visit their national parks and experience the beauty and history of our country.”

When can you get into the National Parks without paying?

family in yosemite national park
istock

The 2024 free admission for everyone days include:

  • Mon., Jan. 15: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday
  • Sat., Apr. 20: First day of National Park Week
  • New for 2024: Wed., June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
  • Fri., Aug. 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
  • Sat., Sep. 28: National Public Lands Day
  • Mon., Nov. 11: Veterans Day

With more than 400 parks across the country, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re planning a fall foray, a winter getaway, a spring fling, or a summer trip, you can find a free admission day for every season.

Even though admission is free on these special days, other paid activities are not. You may need to pay amenity or user fees where applicable. These fees include the cost of activities, such as camping, as well as boat launches, transportation, or touring fees.

If the six annual free days don’t fit your schedule, some of the national parks are fee-free every day of the year (or at least every day they’re open). Some of the most notable entrance fee-free parks include:

Got a fourth grader? You can grab a free pass to the national parks for their entire fourth-grade year. This includes visits to places like Alcatraz, Yellowstone, the Great Smoky Mountains, and more. The Every Kids Outdoors program is an excellent way to teach your kids about the national parks and get everyone out in the fresh air at the same time.

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Reach New Heights: Portland Climbing Gyms for Kids

by Annette Benedetti

Do your kids need to get some energy out? Bring them to a Portland climbing gym—STAT

Let’s be honest, during the long winter months it can be challenging to get kids outside, especially on the rainiest days. And while we love Portland’s many indoor playgrounds and play spots, and consider ourselves experts in the realm of creative places to play on a rainy day, sometimes it’s fun to mix it up a bit. So the next time your kids are climbing the walls at home, lean in and let them climb—somewhere else. These Portland indoor climbing gyms are waiting to help you and your little ones get your wiggles out this winter.

1. The Circuit

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXKGmoUPMju/?hidecaption=true

If you are nervous about your little ones scaling a wall with only a rope to keep them safe, bouldering, or climbing without ropes, is an activity that even toddlers and pre-schoolers can enjoy. The Circuit is a bouldering gym that boasts being home to the best kids' climbing space in Portland. They have kid-specific boulders that are designed with shorter climbers in mind. Even better, all of the walls were created to accommodate climbers of all ages, sizes, and ability levels.

If your child isn't in the mood to climb The Circuit also offers slacklining. Slacklines are similar to tight ropes but made of stretchy, flexible material. They provide hours of fun for your littles as they practice balancing and carefully placing one foot in front of the other without falling.

410 N.E. 17th Ave.
Portland

6050 S.W. Macadam Ave.
Portland

16255 S.W. Upper Boones Ferry Rd.
Tigard, OR
Online: thecircuitgym.com

2. Portland Rock Gym

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cge74vopK89/?hidecaption=true

Located in NE, the Portland Rock Gym provides hours and hours of thrills and chills as your young climbers scale walls speckled with colorful "rocks" guiding their path. This gym offers Kids Climb which is perfect for 8-to 11-year-olds and includes a staff member who assists your child as they begin climbing roped walls, bouldering, and using the auto-belays. There are also camps and clubs you can sign your kiddo up for if they fall in love with this daring sport. Sign your clan up for the monthly family package and enjoy climbing all winter long.

21 N.E. 12th Ave.
Portland
Online: portlandrockgym.com

3. Stoneworks Climbing Gym

https://www.instagram.com/p/CaGo2JPLA34/?hidecaption=true

Beaverton’s Stoneworks is designed to promote community and exudes "family-friendly." It boasts 34-foot climbing and lead walls, high-ball bouldering to 20 feet, top-out bouldering area, and auto belays. If you or your kids fall in love with climbing there are climbing lessons available, and Stoneworks offers fun kids' rock climbing programs that are guaranteed to keep your little ones engaged and interested. It is also home to one of the best junior climbing teams in the country that welcomes kids 9 to 19. Consider thinking ahead because Stoneworks also offers a variety of summer camps for kids aged 12 and under.

6775 S.W. 111th Ave.
Beaverton, OR
Online: belay.com

4. Movement Gym

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFcd2PSHctl/?hidecaption=true

This rock climbing gym recognizes that kids are natural-born climbers. Their walls are designed to accommodate all sizes and abilities and there are a variety of classes available for youth. From beginners to kids who are ready to compete, there is a program for everyone. 

1405 N.W. 14th Ave.
Portland
Online: movementgyms.com

5. Source Climbing

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck_ttEXyRy-/?hidecaption=true

At Source Climbing, your kiddos can take classes to start off on the right foot with climbing. Ages 6-12 can take the youth intro class before moving up and really honing their skills. Kids ages 9+ can even join a recreational climbing team to explore competitive climbing in a safe environment. Also, don't forget to check out their summer camp options!

1118 Main St.
Vancouver, WA
Online: sourceclimbing.com

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7 Reasons Why More Outdoor Time Will Make Your Kids Better People

by Janelle Connor

In this tech-driven world, it’s no surprise that American kids see more screen than green. As parents, we intuitively recognize the benefits of outdoor time (after all, most of us grew up in the ‘70s and ‘80s), but it might take a little more to convince our kids. So, the next time your child wants to power up the video games, it’s important to remember the benefits of sending your kids outdoors—besides you getting a little quiet time. Follow along as we help make the case for playing outside this summer and beyond!

iStock

1. Movement outside makes everything better, especially creativity. According to experts, free play improves everything from creativity to academic success. In his book, Vitamin N:  The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life, author Richard Louv references the Theory of Loose Parts which suggests that the more things kids can manipulate, see, touch or feel, the more creative they become. Send your kids outside, and provide them with age-appropriate materials such as buckets, ice, pinecones and rope to enhance their imagination and open-ended play.

2. A healthy dose of sun exposure increases Vitamin D and improves mood. Most adults and kids struggle with low levels of Vitamin D, which can cause moodiness, among other ailments. Getting your kids outdoors and into direct sunlight will do wonders for their mental and physical health. Organize a field day with the neighborhood kids and set up these games to play outside.  

iStock

3. Kids who engage in outside free play are more successful in math and reading. School might be out, but that doesn’t mean the routine must end. Advise your children to spend a set amount of time outdoors after lunch, just like recess at school. Leave them to their own devices, and watch (from afar) as they embark on a backyard adventure. The more they roam and play freely the better their test scores will be when school starts again in the fall.  

4. Encouraging kids to get super dirty makes them super healthy. Kids who have the freedom to get downright dirty have a better chance of developing stronger immune systems. According to the National Wildlife Federation, “When we let our kids play in the dirt, we're not only allowing them to explore the wonders around them, we are also exposing them to healthy bacteria, parasites and viruses that will inevitably create a much stronger immune system.” Organize a scavenger hunt on the go for your kids and brace yourself for this—skip the bath that night.

Vitolda Klein via Unsplash

5. Kids who play outside after a downpour develop a greater appreciation for all life. Most children won’t need any coaxing to vacate the house after a rainstorm. But you can further incentivize them by suggesting a walk through your neighborhood or a local park to study worms.  Children will get a kick out of playing superhero and saving the worms who were flooded out of their holes. And if wiggly worms aren’t your kid's thing, try one of these sidewalk science experiments. Be sure to keep your eye on the sky, and you might be lucky enough to spot a rainbow!

6. Kids who encounter more greenery have better focus. Getting any kid's attention in the digital era is a chore.  But it’s especially hard for parents of kids with ADHD. Several studies published by researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that “... children with ADHD who play in outdoor green spaces like a park have milder symptoms than those who play indoors or in an urban setting.” Bring along some water games to the urban jungle and your kids won’t want to leave.  

little girl outdoors
iStock

7.  Children gain confidence and climb the social ladder. 
Summer is the perfect opportunity to reacquaint little ones with fresh air and rekindle their first love, the playground. According to Maria Magher, “Children who are allowed to explore through play can learn new skills and overcome challenges, which can promote self-confidence, resiliency and self-advocacy, all of which can help children learn how to develop healthy relationships and to become leaders.” If you're traveling this summer, find out if one of these amazing playgrounds from around the world is located at your destination. 

 

RELATED STORIES
Kids Should Spend at Least Three Hours Outside Every Day, According to Experts
18 Ways to Give Your Kids a 1980s Summer
Why Outdoor Play Matters

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How to Make It through the Rest of Summer & Keep Your Cool

By Jen Lumanlan

Ahhhh….summer.  It sounds amazing.

Lots of time outside; the kids all splashing happily in whatever water-filled container you have.

Lots of unscheduled time, with no particular places to be or things to do.

Your kids get to just be kids for a while.

But here’s what’s also part of summer:

The crying and whining.

The endless repetitions of “I’m booooooored…” interspersed with refusals to help around the house.

And your triggered feelings.

What Happens When You Have a Big Reaction to Your Kid’s Feelings

When your kids don’t cooperate (which happens a lot when you’re together a lot), you probably go into one of four ‘modes’:

1. Fight Mode: You get combative! Your child might as well be an attacking bear that you’re fighting for your life. You will dominate them…through words (you can probably out-logic them), through your physical presence (towering over them) and/or through swatting or spanking them.

2. Flight Mode: You’ve got to get out of here! Your child might as well be an attacking bear that you’re running away from, and quickly. You check out mentally, or you physically leave the room—and when your child follows you it makes everything ten times worse.

3. Freeze Mode: The bear’s attacking, and you can’t figure out what to do. You’re mentally and physically frozen: should you counterattack? Should you run and hide? It is simply not possible for you to make a decision—about anything—at this moment.

4. Fawn Mode: Most common among people who have experienced abuse, this involves getting the difficult behavior to stop at all costs. You placate the child; reassure them; say they can have the thing they want…anything to make the crying/screaming/whining stop.

It doesn’t seem like any of these things should be part of any parent’s summer plans…and yet, here they are.

Summer isn’t over yet.

Are you gonna make it?

Here are 5 tips to help you not just survive but actually enjoy the time you’re spending with your kids this summer:

1. Don’t Multitask.
Whenever your attention is split, there’s a good chance you’re going to get frustrated. Have designated times to play with your kids—and put the phone away. Focus on nothing but being with them. At other times, tell them you’re not available now but you will be in 30 minutes/after lunch/when the timer goes off.

2. Slow Down & Simplify.
Do you need to go to every birthday party? Must you take something homemade to every gathering, or would a bowl of cherries be just as welcome?  Could you eat take-out one more night a week, or cook twice as much on the nights you do cook, and eat leftovers every other night? Can you plan just a little further ahead so you don’t have to go shopping as often? The more you can slow down and simplify, the less overall stress you’ll feel, which will leave more gas in the tank to deal with the children’s meltdowns.

3. Be Realistic about What Your Child Can Do. 
We hear a lot about having ‘developmentally appropriate’ expectations, but many parents expect their children to be able to do way more than they really can.  A survey by respected organization Zero to Three found that over half of parents think that children under three can reliably resist the desire to do something forbidden when actually this starts to develop between ages 3.5-4. And 42% of parents think that children should be able to control their emotions—like not having a tantrum when they’re frustrated—by age 2 when again this develops between the ages of 3.4-4. If you’re expecting too much too soon, you’ll get frustrated when they can’t meet your expectations.

4. Embrace the Drop-off (Outdoor) Playdate.
If you have any access to the outdoors, and there are other families in your ‘pod,’ take turns hosting outdoor playdates. If you have a garden, the other child could bring a lunch and then you just turf them outdoors for the day—they can collect rocks, make ‘houses’ for imaginary friends; build things out of cardboard…Even traditionally indoor-based toys like LEGO and Magnatiles that they’re bored with using indoors can be fun again outdoors. Chances are having another child around will actually keep yours occupied for longer…and then your child goes to the friend’s house another time, giving you several hours off. Even if you go to the playground or park instead of your house, you could work for the life of your laptop battery, or hang out with a book. Win-win!

5. Pay Attention to What’s Going on in Your Body.  
In our culture, we have an idea that everything worth paying attention to happens in our brains. But very often our bodies tell us when something’s up—like when we’re getting resentful because our child has been asking us to do things for them all day. We might feel a tightness in our shoulders, heat across our chest, nausea, or a headache long before we yell at our child, walk away from them, freeze, or fawn. We can learn to pay attention to these signals and act on them early in the day rather than letting the frustration build until we explode.

Navigating kids’ big feelings is challenging for every parent. It can be doubly challenging when you can’t stay calm in these moments, perhaps partly because you are remembering difficult events from your childhood. But just because you’ve responded with frustration up to now doesn’t mean it always has to be that way. You might think that your child needs to change their behavior but none of the ideas here involve doing that. When you change the way you show up with them, they most likely won’t do as much of the behavior you find so difficult.

And so you will make it through the summer.

RELATED STORIES
How a Summertime Routine Will Benefit Your Kids
Here’s Why Your Kids Don’t Need an Amazing Summer
Ditching That Summer Reading List Is Actually a Fantastic Idea

Jen Lumanlan fills the gaps in her parenting intuition through research, via a Master’s in Psychology (Child Development) and another in Education.  Her podcast, Your Parenting Mojo, provides rigorous yet accessible information on parenting and child development to help parents tame the overwhelm and raise resilient, thriving children.

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5 Things to Consider When Planning a Summer Vacay

by Kenzie Kramer
Partner Content

Odds are, you’re a little out of practice in planning vacations. You may have even added an extra person to your family since your last getaway! Don’t stress. Planning your dream summer trip is as simple as asking yourself a few questions:

With over 30 unique brands of hotels across the country, Marriott Bonvoy has something for every family getaway. Find your home away from home now!

Who?

The first part of planning is deciding who is coming with on this vacay. If you're planning a family trip you'll be bringing your kids, but are you going to invite grandparents or other extended family members? Depending on the ages of your children, you may even consider planning a trip with another family that has kids the same age. 

What?

Next, you'll want to figure out what type of vacation you're planning. Are you wanting to disconnect from tech and spend time outdoors? Are you hoping you and your kids will learn something on this trip? Is relaxation a must or a maybe? Narrowing down the type of trip you want to take will make it easier to plan out the small details.

Where?

You know the type of vacation you want, now it's time to pick a locale! Do you want to fly or do you need somewhere within driving distance? Are you wanting to hit up a popular destination or go off the beaten path? We've teamed up with Marriott to help you pick your next getaway and fall in love with family travel. Make planning your dream vacay a little easier with our "Where Should You Vacation Next" quiz!

When?

You’ll need to work around your school, work and life schedules, of course, but you’ll also want to take into account if there are certain dates that are best for the location you’re headed to. Is there a peak season the area is known for? Are there festivals you want to be sure to see—or sure to avoid? Before you book, do a quick search for the dates you are planning on to get the lay of the land. 

Why?

Planning a family vacation can be stressful. When you’re on the sixth page of family-friendly restaurant recommendations or just found out the tickets you wanted are sold out, remember why you planned this in the first place: to make lasting memories with your family.

Marriott’s family-friendly amenities make it easy to plan your next family adventure. Find your dream getaway today!

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Embrace the Dirt

By Kate Loweth

Kids are dirty little beings. It’s a fact. I’m pretty sure that my 5-year-old is some sort of magical dirt magnet—as soon as he is dressed in the morning, his shirt is instantly covered with some mysterious stain or goo. I worry that his teachers think that we do not wash his clothes since he often arrives at school with a uniform shirt smudged in slime. Apart from changing his clothes in the minivan upon arrival at school, I’m at a loss for how to avoid this situation.

So—I’ve decided to embrace it. My kids are dirty. Even my 8-year-old girl is dirty. With summer coming, the dirt factor is only going to increase.

Secretly, I love it.

It means that they are getting down, getting dirty and really PLAYING. Like kids should do! Like we used to do before WiFi and OnDemand.

We were recently at a family festival where there was a bin of dirt with worms in it for kids to dig in and explore. My three little dirt-mongers LOVED it. They could not get enough of it. They soon passed up the mini rakes and shovels to dig with their bare hand to find all the slimy friends buried below.

I was saddened to see so many parents trying to steer their kids away from the bin of worms. “Ewwww!” and “gross!” were often uttered. By the adults. Did they not know the magic that the worm contains? The joy that crosses a child’s face when their worm slithers and squirms across their hand? That’s really when kids learn. They learn how the worm moves by squeezing and contracting its muscles. These are things we can’t truly see by reading a book or watching a video on YouTube. You have to feel it with your hands.

I wanted to tell the parents to embrace the worms. To allow their little ones to get a little dirty and just see what happens. The opportunity to be eyeball level with an amazing creature like a worm is very limited. Our kids are learning from us so how about we put aside our notions of what is dirty and “gross” and just let our kids explore for themselves.

This is especially true for our girls. They are held to a higher, cleaner standard. But why? Why must they sit with their ankles crossed while the boys get to have all the fun exploring? Playing in the outdoors is great for both body and mind—it develops creativity and physical skills like balance and coordination, and gives us a glimpse of the world beyond just us. It shows us how small we are on this big planet. Aren’t these good lessons for our girls to learn too?

Take this summer to embrace the dirt, or better yet, revel in it! See what fun can come when you let the kids get a little dirty. Go on a hike. Spend the night camping in your backyard. Splash in a stream. See what bugs are buried under your garden stones.

You may be surprised by what fun you have!

Kate is a a Bay Area native with three kids. She loves the outdoors, Bloody Marys and reality TV. Her life goal is to see more of the world! 

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7 Stylish Indoor Swings That Inspire Us

by Gabby Cullen

Swings don’t have to just be for the outdoors. Bring one into your home, and it’ll change the way you and your family look at downtime. Whether it’s a modern take on an indoor baby swing or a rattan hanging chair, there are all sorts of ways to incorporate this feature into your home. In our quest to find unique indoor swings for the home, we found seven looks that we can’t stop obsessing over. See them all below.

Hanging Chair Swing

This hanging rattan chair is like a swing with an upgrade. A perfect place to read or relax, you can put it in almost any room in the house. 

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Swing with Vines

Amy Braswell

Designer Jen Talbot brought the magic of the outdoors inside for one lucky Brooklyn tot. This playroom features a woodsy theme with a vine-covered swing hanging from a life-size tree branch. The tree itself is a 100% felt tree and includes velcro-able lemons.

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https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca622wEs6Gq/?hidecaption=true

Baby/Toddler Swing

Say goodbye to uncomfortable plastic swings and say hello to a design-forward cozy version instead. 

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Playroom Swing

Nat Rea Photo / Kate Jackson Design

In this room created by Kate Jackson Design, a kid-sized swing takes center stage surrounded by the colorful Ikea rug, table and chairs.

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Luxury Swing

Let playtime span generations with a luxury swing just for mom and dad. With dozens of designs and colors, you're sure to find the handmade swing that fits your style.

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Bedroom Swing

Boost the fun factor in your kids' bedroom with a swing. Since it'll need to be secure, make sure you get a pro to install it. 

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Hammock Chair

If you close your eyes and swing, you'll (almost) be able to hear the waves. Or, let your kiddo have their quiet time tucked away with a blanket and a love. Either way, a hammock chair is something the whole family can enjoy.  

Shop the look. 

— Gabby Cullen with Erin Lem

Featured image: iStock 

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11 Reasons a Family Vacation Can Change Your Child’s Life

by Wendy Altschuler

Going on a family vacation is an event children look forward to, one that will light up their brains up with new discoveries and help them uncoil and enjoy life. If you’re still not sure it’s worth the cost of a plane ticket to take your family on a trip, consider these 11 reasons for why you should take a family vacation below. 

photo: Muhammad Rahmat via Pexels 

1. Your kids will learn to be flexible.
Sometimes, you just have to muscle through the whining at restaurants, the schlepping of diaper bags, time changes and everything else that goes along with wayfaring with young kids in tow. Why? Because, eventually, you’ll have well-traveled, flexible children who can behave at a nice restaurant, make eye contact with adults and enjoy pleasant conversations. The more you expose your children to the outside world, full of different cultures, foods and ways of life, the more your children will become adaptable and amenable.

2. Kids can express themselves.
When traveling with their children, parents are dialed into the child’s experience. They are asking questions, listening to answers and teaching their kids how to think deeper about what they are experiencing. Getting out of the ordinary routine allows parents to interact with their kids in a way that they can’t do as readily at home. 

photo: Josh Willink via Pexels

3. Learning is more fun on vacation.
Can you learn about architecture, art, geography, culture and history from a book? Of course. But, wouldn’t the information stick better if you actually saw it, could feel it drip through your fingers, smell it, walk up the stone steps, taste the spicy seasoning, press your nose to the glass and see the thick brush strokes on the canvas? When kids use all five senses, they’re more engaged and present. Travel affords us the opportunity to see, think and feel deeper.

4. Everyone will have a different takeaway to share. 
Traveling with your family is like investing in different stories—everyone will come away with their own perspective from the same experience. Your son might say the best part of the trip was the Mallard ducks in the pond that he got to feed, while you might recall the surrey bike that got stuck in the mud, forcing you to get your white sneakers dirty (there were ducks in that pond?). Retelling these stories year after year will bring your family great joy, especially if you can laugh at any unfortunate happenings.

photo: vitaliy-m via Pixabay

5. They’ll learn how to be more social.
Kids learn how to interact with people of all ages while traveling. They’ll talk to servers at restaurants, hotel staff, hikers on the trail, new kids at the pool, elderly folks at the airport—traveling creates wonderful opportunities to interact with the world around us. Your children will learn that they are not invisible, that people can actually hear and see them, and that they have to respect other people’s space and property. Talking too loudly in a museum, stepping on someone’s beach towel with dirty feet or taking up too much space in the elevator all become lessons on how to be mindful and kind to others.

6. Travel teaches patience.
When out and about, the hurry-up-and-wait game is often the M.O. Kids will have to wait in lines, be strapped into a stroller, sit on a curb to wait for a cab, run with gear to make a flight or train connection, walk longer than expected, and be patient while parents are talking to other adults. These experiences help teach kids how to be tolerant, resilient and easy-going.

photo: Biova Nakou via Pexels

7. It also kindles the power of passion.
Traveling can spark passion in your child, and it encourages them to want to learn. A trip to the Kennedy Space Center might ignite a love of space; visiting the sponge docks in Tarpon Springs, Florida, might create an interest in sea life and diving; and exploring the Natural Bridge Caverns and Missions in San Antonio might generate a craving for adventure. No matter where you go or what you do, traveling somewhere together will give your family opportunities to delve into different enriched environments, full of various sights, sounds and smells.

8. They’ll learn that experiences are more valuable than stuff.
Many parents feel like their homes are overrun with toys scattered everywhere, and according to this study, an excess of toys may obstruct a child’s growth, behavior and ability to use their imagination during creative play. Perhaps a better option is to donate some of the toys to encourage giving and focus on finding ways to provide your kids more meaningful experiences. Children will value the time spent with their family while on a vacation long after the trip is over, which means it’s money well spent.

photo: Pixabay via Pexels

9. Vacations usually include the great outdoors.
Whether you’re sticking your toes in warm sand, swimming in a choppy lake, hiking through a forest of oak trees, or skiing down the slopes, getting outside will provide enriching experiences for your kids. Kids have no problem keeping themselves busy exploring the outdoors. A stick becomes a sword, the sand becomes a castle, water becomes an antagonist to punch and jump over—creative play is instant and intrinsic.

10. Everyone will be faced with challenges…which is a good thing.
There’s always a risk that travel will not go smoothly: Planes get delayed, flights get canceled, drivers get lost. You may have forgotten to pack an essential lovey or pair of socks. All of these challenges provide opportunities to teach your kids about problem-solving and working together toward a common goal. You might find that your older child steps up and comforts your younger child or that your middle kid is flexible beyond what you thought was possible.

photo: Markus Spiske via Pexels

11. You’ll be able to fill up the family happiness bank.
The emotional, social, and psychological perks of family vacations extend long after the trip is over. If you were to ask the adults in your life what their happiest childhood memories were, they’d likely recount a family trip. Your uncle might say it was the time his parents rented an RV and drove to a national park; your mom might say she loved swimming in the hotel pool with her siblings. Thinking back to their own happiest vacation memories can be a powerful tool for your children when they are going through a tough time—reflecting on magical excursions experienced as a family may bring them a sense of comfort.

 

— Wendy Altschuler & Eva Ingvarson Cerise

 

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Family Vacations Can Impact Kids’ Life-Long Happiness, Experts Agree

7 Reasons to Travel with Kids No Matter How Young They Are

6 Creative Ways to Budget for Family Travel You Haven’t Thought Of

10 Money-Saving Tips from the Web’s Savviest Travel Bloggers

 

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