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

Basic Navigation Skills for Kids

Boy standing over a map with a compass.

If you’re looking for a new skill to add to your outdoor toolbox or working on being safer and more self-sufficient in the backcountry, using a map and a compass is a great place to start! You can spend hours learning about orienteering (and it’s actually pretty fascinating) but this post is a good place … Read more

Playing in the Rain and Mud

Rainy days are often seen as a reason to stay indoors. But, for those of us who live where there are entire seasons of the year that have daily downpours, keeping active kids indoors all the time isn’t practical. When wet weather persists, sometimes you just have to get outside, despite the rain and mud. … Read more

How to Adventure Without the Kids

A couple standing together on a mountaintop adventuring without kids

At Tales of a Mountain Mama we are all about helping more families get outside together. We love providing you with information and inspiration for family adventuring, and we want to make sure the adults are covered too. When adults get outside for some kid-free adventuring on any level, we are taking a break from … Read more

Best Sleeping Bags for Kids 2026

Kids in REI and Marmot Sleeping Bags

When people think about taking kids camping, their biggest concern is almost always how are people going to sleep (and WILL sleep actually happen???). And with good reason – it’s hard for kids to do change sometimes…and even more so when they’re suddenly in a sleeping bag instead of a bed. Because of this we … Read more

Best Hiking Pants for Kids 2024

Outfitting kids with hiking pants isn’t just about convenience; it’s about ensuring their comfort and safety during outdoor adventures. We advocate for dedicated hiking pants for kids to shield them from moisture and potential hazards while they roam the trails. Our philosophy revolves around equipping youngsters with a few high-quality pairs designed for frequent wear. … Read more