A great way to spend some quality time with the kids is by enjoying the great outdoors together. Introducing the little ones to the wonders of Mother Nature can be a fun and memorable time for the whole family if you take the time to prepare.

First and foremost, make sure you gear up the kids with the right clothing and shoes. Luckily, most outdoor brands now create outdoor gear for kids. When treading more watery terrain along creeks and rivers, make sure they have water-friendly sandals like the Teva Psyclone for boys, or Teva Kids Toachi for girls. They’re designed for both wet and dry conditions, and are perfect for summer hikes.

Here are a couple more tips for enjoying the great outdoors with your little ones:

1. Take it slow: The first time out, stick to somewhere closer to home. Ease your kids into hiking by taking short hikes on the weekends. Make sure to remember that you have to slow down to their pace.

2. Remember snack time: Bring plenty of snacks and drinks! Stop often to nibble on snacks and take in the scenery. This is a great time to take pictures as well.

3. Fun and Games: Keep things light and fun by playing games or singing your kids’ favorite songs along the way.

4. Sun safety: Don’t forget the sunscreen! Apply it all over, and make sure to reapply throughout the day. A hike with no sunburns is much more enjoyable for everyone.

Take time to let your kids enjoy and appreciate the great outdoors this summer by going on fun family hikes. Who knows, they just might end up sharing the same love for the outdoors as mom and dad!

Give your little one some classic style with the playground-friendly KangaROOS Kids Combat sneaker.  Created back in the late 1970s with its patented pocket design, KangaROOS sneakers have a timeless retro design that’s truly unmistakable.

The KangaROOS Combat sneaker is a lightweight and durable sneaker for active kids of all ages. It’s the signature shoe you remember from when you were a kid, and it’s still as stylish today as it was back then. The signature flap pocket is still great for storing lunch money or other little knick knacks! 

There are adult sizes of the KangROOS Combat as well, so you and your little guy or gal can even match.

*Zappos.com is an exclusive U.S. online retailer for KangaROOS.

The fun and colorful world of Yo Gabba Gabba has captivated both kids and parents alike with its educational and entertaining segments and out-of-this world characters, not to mention the cool musical guests that perform on the show. From the infectious energy of DJ Lance Rock and the adorably larger-than-life characters of Brobee, Foofa, Plex, Toodee and Muno, Yo Gabba Gabba channels the wild imagination of kids and kids-at-hearts everywhere.

The collaboration between Vans Kids and Yo Gabba Gabba is really a match made in kid heaven. With outrageous prints on tried-and-tested classic Vans sneaker styles, your little creatures will be a hit in the playground with these fun shoes.

So, get set and start your own living room dance party! Get those little bodies moving to Yo Gabba Gabba and Vans!  

Tying your shoes seems like a simple process---until you try to teach it to a child. Not only does it require well-developed fine motor skills to loop those laces and pull them tight, it is one of those things that many well-meaning adults simply do not know how to teach. You have probably already tried to teach your child by example and by asking him to watch what you do. He has watched you over and over but just does not get it because he is viewing it backward. Before you throw your hands in the air in utter frustration, try a different technique to teach your child to tie his shoes.

Step 1
Get an old boot with sturdy shoelaces on which he can practice. Spiff them up a bit to hold his interest. A coat of brightly colored paint, a few child-friendly decals or stickers and some fancy laces will do the trick.

Step 2
Lace the boot and leave the ends free at the mouth of the boot. Laces should be long enough to tie easily but short enough to prevent frustration from dangling ends that get in the way.

Step 3
Place the boot on the table in front of the child so that the toe points away from him (just like his own shoes do when he is wearing them).

Step 4
Demonstrate how to make the first loop by standing behind the child and reaching over his shoulders. Loop the left shoelace over the right and pull it through the loop. This is an important step, as looping the right over the left will ultimately result in vertical bow instead of the desired horizontal bow.

Step 5
Show the child how to gather and form two loops. Go ahead and call them bunny ears. Allow the child to practice forming the loops and holding them tight before you progress to tying the bow.

Step 6
Loop the right bow over the left and pull through the center loop to demonstrate how to make the final tie. Tug the ends of the "bunny ears" to secure the bow. Guide your child through the process by holding his hands and assisting him until he is able to make the bow on his own.

Step 7
Be patient and allow your child many opportunities to practice this new skill on the old boot. Be ready to demonstrate the steps, as your child may have difficulty remembering the sequence.

Step 8
Encourage your child to tie his own shoes once he has shown mastery of the skill using the boot.

ingredients
Old boot
Paint (bright colors)
Decals/stickers
Bright shoelaces