Family Backpacking: The Gear You Need

Have you been wanting to try backcountry camping, also known as backpacking, with your family, but are intimidated by the gear you need to get started? That’s completely understandable! Even seasoned car campers often balk at the idea of entering the backcountry with everything carried on their backs. We’ve gathered our list of must-have items … Read more

Car Camping with Kids Checklist

Getting out of the door when camping can seem pretty overwhelming. The to-do list is LONG and you will always, ALWAYS forget that ONE thing that you can’t live without (Toothbrush anyone?). Well, at Tales of a Mountain Mama, we spend a LOT of time packing, unpacking, repacking, sorting, and organizing gear. We can tell … Read more

Balancing Organized Sports and Outdoor Time

My family of seven children loves to spend hours on hiking, camping, backpacking, biking, and other outdoor activities. My five oldest kids also spend about 5-10 hours a week between November and March playing competitive basketball. Balancing organized sports and outdoor time has been a constant challenge for us. As my kids have grown and … Read more

Best Outdoor Toys for Kids 2024

Outdoor play is fun and beneficial for kids! Toys can certainly be a part of the outdoor experience, and below are some of our best outdoor toys for kids. Whether the kids in your life are active or artistic, younger or older, or play solo or in a big group, here are some great choices to peruse!

Family Sleeping Bags

Two sisters laugh together in a family sleeping bag.

Have you ever tried a family sleeping bag, or as they are typically labeled, a double sleeping bag? I’ve been camping with my family for a long time, and family sleeping bags are something that I wish had been on my radar much sooner! In short: THEY ARE AMAZING!! The longer version: There are some … Read more

Grand Canyon with Kids

Grand canyon ooh aah point

I can’t think of any place that has made more of an impression on me than the Grand Canyon. It somehow has the power to make a person feel both incredible grandness and infinite smallness at once, in the best possible ways. My husband and I first visited the Grand Canyon in the summer of … Read more