Author Archives: outdoorparent

About outdoorparent

Duct Tape Then Beer

Tips for Climbing with Kids

I read a lot.  Maybe too much. That is in part some of the reason why I wonder a lot about my parenting skills. My wife, Cyn, and I believe in having fun with our kids. We take them everywhere, … Continue reading

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Friday Stoke

5-year olds and bikes~what a perfect combination.

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Music Motivator?

We’ve been there.  Gauging your children’s endurance levels can be one of the most difficult tasks as a parent. Push them too hard and it can leave a permanent black mark on the outdoors. After all, nobody likes bonking. Yet, … Continue reading

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Trip Report: Sawtooth Wild Part II

We spent our second night at the most perfect backcountry campsite I’ve ever had. About 30 yards away, the creek rushed over more water-slide slabs and soaking pools. While Abby got dinner started, I pitched the tent on a sheltered … Continue reading

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Trip Report: Sawtooth Wild Part I

Serrated granite ridges, punctuated by impossibly thin spires. Snowmelt cascading over polished slabs toward sapphire lakes. The Sawtooth mountains in central Idaho define alpine beauty. My most precious memory from our recent backpacking trip has nothing to do with any … Continue reading

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Friday Stoke

I think folks are starting to feel the winter bug. And it’s no wonder when inches of snow are starting to fall. Inspired by last week’s photo, Joel Waltner sent us a photo taken last winter with his son Elias, … Continue reading

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Where the Other You Lives

Discover the Forest is a new website launched by the Ad Council and USDA Forest Service encouraging kids to get outdoors and enjoy their nearby parks and national forests. The site is designed so tweens (ages 8-12) can navigate it … Continue reading

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International Walk to School Day

Wednesday, October 7 is International Walk to School Day.  Started in 1997 in Chicago, iWalk has participants in all 50 states joining 3 million international walkers. The day highlights the need for walkable routes within communities. Whether you’re motivated for … Continue reading

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Friday Stoke

Kevin Riddell recently sent us this photo, saying “Starting ‘em young and keeping it fun!” A good motto to live by.  Seeing the snow gets me excited for winter. The Outdoor Parent is always looking for photos or videos from … Continue reading

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“Fishy Kid” Coloring Contest

What do you get when you combine crayons, fish and gear?  The Fishy Kid coloring contest. Co-creators Cameron Mortenson and Kevin Powell are two fly-fishing dads who live in the southeastern US.  What started as a coloring book from celebrated … Continue reading

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