What is mittenkidz?
mittenkidz is all about the joy of growing up and exploring all there is to explore, especially outdoors, in Michigan — aka, the Mitten State. Two peninsulas. One big playground.
Why kids need foul weather
I love this quote from Katie Arnold, writer for Outside Online’s “Raising Rippers.” It applies to everyday life, too. “While it’s our jobs to shelter our children from the storms, … Continue reading
Slow down your world — five tips for slow family living
Even with young mittenkidz (2.5 and 5), I find our lives packed to the gills at times. It seems as if every weekend we have something going on. We’re always … Continue reading
Preparing your ACLs for ski season
I tore my ACL in December of 1995. My first winter living in Big Sky, Montana was plagued early-on by a bad knee because my body was not yet prepared … Continue reading
Take to the trails during Michigan Trails Week
Take to the trails during Michigan Trails Week, Sept. 21-28 Free park admission Sept. 28 September 21-28 is Michigan Trails Week – a week created to encourage Michiganders to get … Continue reading
How do you like your s’mores?
August 10 is National S’More Day. That campfire treat that we’ve been enjoying since we were kids actually has its own day. It’d be futile for me to count how … Continue reading
mittenkidz trail mix
I love to whip this up and pack it for my little mittenkidz when we head out adventuring . Of course they dig out all of the M&Ms first, but … Continue reading
How to survive the weekend camping with a toddler
We did it. We survived tent camping with our one-and-a-half year old last summer, and we’re ready for round two: camping with a two-and-a-half-year-old this year. Truth be told, it … Continue reading
Rainy day fun.
Stuck at the cabin, campsite, or even at home due to a little rain? Bring out a roll of blue painters tape and let the fun begin. The imaginations will … Continue reading
Fish on. A few simple rules for little fisherpeople.
We bought some kid-size fishing rod/reel combos yesterday and the boys have been practicing their casting non-stop ever since. Have a budding fisher? Here are some simple and easy-to-explain fishing … Continue reading
Sand be gone.
I’m guessing that every other mom probably already knows this trick for getting beach sand off a child — I somehow was not in line the day this little piece … Continue reading