This is a terrific time to find some cool backyard water toys for the kids, because they're all on sale, and let's be honest, we're all feeling the heat this summer. Back in 2020 we first shared our favorite backyard water toys when we w…
You've got to admit, it helps motivate the kids to get outside and active when you have cool backyard swings for them to play with. My own kids have all enjoyed hanging out on some new swings we've installed to update the old swing set. …
It's spring! Or as this homeschool mom thinks of it, spring book season! So many of us are relieved to have made it through this winter and reap the rewards of longer days, warmer weather, outdoor grilling , maybe some backyard camping ,…
While 4th of July is a time to celebrate freedom and the best of America, lately I know so many of us are having a hard time feeling celebratory. It’s hard to feel like waving a flag when many of our rights are under attack right now, in…
Looking for a fabulous gift for an athletic kid this year? I've got you! Whether your teen can hit a three-point shot from half court, or your grade schooler is still trying to fling the ball high enough to touch the net, the next Lebron…
With the final unofficial days of summer so close (wah!), we've got one more long weekend to milk the most out of the late sunsets with the family. So we're bringing back this post from a few years back, when our editor Liz offered up 10…
I'm all about outdoor entertaining in the summertime -- especially this year -- except the one thing that hasn't gone away are the mosquitos. Nothing kills a mood quite like your guests all slapping at themselves while trying to talk one…
We've reached peak bike-riding season , but if you've been trying to buy a quality kids' bicycle, they aren't as easy to find in stock right now as you might thing. (Maybe because it's peak bike-riding season?) That's why a new line of b…
The best kids' bike helmet in the world won't do any good if your kid doesn't want to put it on, which is why yes, it matters if they think they have a "cool" bike helmet. We're here to help! I've spent hours searching the inventory from…
When I saw the FUNBOY pool floats my pool envy grew three sizes, because, a flamingo? Flaming lips? A rainbow unicorn? I need to have these in my life right now. And not just because they're freaking cool. They actually give back in an a…
After such a long winter, it's finally bike-riding season: Hooray! And, whoa are you all getting on those bikes! I've seen so many kids riding bikes in our neighborhood, that my son's mountain bike team has doubled in size since last yea…
With winter around the corner, I know so many of us are in full prep mode. Or at least as close to full prep mode as we can be while also managing work, online school, and preventing a household COVID outbreak. Oof. So I've tried to take…
We've still got a lot of summer left for camping out with the kids! If you love the idea, but you're not sure you're ready to head out into the wilderness with the family just yet, a backyard campout is a great place to start. If it goes…
The trend of crazy inflatable lawn sprinklers and cool pool floats shows little sign of slowing down. But if rainbow and unicorn sprinklers aren't quite up your kid's alley, I wouldn't be surprised if a predatory, inter-dimension humanoi…
This Father's Day, if you're shopping for a dad who loves the outdoors -- and struggling a little -- I feel you! My husband would rather take my kids hiking and camping than pretty much anything else, and I love that so much. And yet it …
With tomorrow, September 22 being the 25th anniversary National Public Lands Day , that means it's one of 4 days of the year that you can get free admission to more than 400 National Parks that ordinarily charge admission. And it's not j…
We'll be honest, we are completely flipping out over this new pregnancy pool float. HOW HAS NO ONE THOUGHT OF THIS BEFORE? When you're pregnant, nothing is comfortable. It's like all the regular things in the world start actively conspir…
We hope some of these will inspire a little fairy garden magic for you!
Hey you! Yes you, hanging out in the backyard in the dark. Let's talk cool backyard lighting. Because isn’t it hard to see what you’re eating when the only light you have is the moon and the flickering light of your iPhone? (By the way, …
If you're considering becoming a first-time camper (and more power to you!) you're probably wondering exactly where to start. I'm here to help! You're probably not going to find me back-country camping off the Appalachian Trail any time …
While we eagerly await the third season of Stranger Things , there are a few things we can do to ease our separation anxiety from the show. We can dress like Dustin . We can bake Christmas lights cupcakes . And now, we can even buy our v…
During the summer, my kids have a love affair with water balloons — and why not? They're fun, they cool you down, and your whole purpose is to throw and break them. Bingo! The only problem? Post-water balloons, the yard looks like the re…
This week is National Screen-Free week, our kids' favorite week of the year. Ha! We love hearing from our readers about the different ways you manage screen time at home, including some of the tricks you've picked up from Cool Mom Tech .…
Wanna talk Crocs alternatives for kids? I am here for you! As someone who wore Crocs once upon a time, I know that despite some of the benefits, they're not the most durable or supportive kids' shoes, let alone safe -- plenty of camps an…