O'Phalen Adventures

Tag: Worldschooling

  • Museums for Kids: Spotlight on our Top Favorites!

    Museums for Kids: Spotlight on our Top Favorites!

    Best Museums for Kids, images of children in various museums | O'Phalen Adventures

    We’ve been to 49 states and love a good museum. We’ve been to dozens of museums as a family! Some of those are museums that are geared towards adults and some that are specifially targeted towards kids and families. Today I’m sharing what I think are the best museums for kids in the United States (plus a few bonus museums abroad!). If you’re planning a family NYC trip, check out my post with the best NYC museums for kids.

    What makes the best museums for kids?

    Okay, so first off — what do I think makes a museum qualify as “the best”? We’ve taken our kids to so many different types of museums: some have been extremely high brow, while some are kitschy or silly. Some are so big you could never finish them in one day, while some you can read every display and only take two hours. Some are very well-known, while some are tiny holes in the wall.

    Here’s what I think all of the best have in common:

    1. If not targeted towards kids and families, at the very least accepting of our presence
    2. Interactive and engaging, not just signs to read
    3. Interesting for the adults as well
    4. Affordable for a family to visit (or a bucket list experience)
    5. Extra points given for experiences that are totally unique and can’t be found anywhere else

    Tips for enjoying museums for kids

    I truly believe that a museum experience can be fun for the whole family at most museums. That said, we’ve got a few tips for making the most of a museum experience with kids:

    1. Choose museums that have something that will appeal to your particular kids
    2. Pre-game any museum subjects that will get your kids more excited by watching documentaries, reading books, listening to podcasts, etc. (check our our kid podcasts post!)
    3. Go at whatever time of day your kids are at their best selves
    4. Bring snacks, water, and appropriate clothing so everyone is set up for success
    5. Hit the highlights first so you’re not disappointed if your visit is cut short by cranky kids
    6. Be prepared to bail if the kids aren’t up for a long day, and consider any time spent at the museum a great success
    7. Check the museum schedule when you arrive for special events
    8. Look for homeschool or reciprocal discounts on museum admission
    9. Avoid visiting during school holidays if your time is flexible
    10. Chat with your kids before entering about museum behavior expectations, especially for adult-centric museums

    I’m of the mind that kids and families deserve to be in public spaces, and that includes museums. It’s okay if your kids aren’t “perfectly” quiet, and it’s okay if it takes practice for everyone to enjoy a museum day together. I think it’s worth it for all of the things you’ll learn and experience together!

    So without further ado, here’s the promised list of our favorite museums for kids!

    Download the FREE list of our favorite museums for kids

    We’ve created a totally FREE PDF list of our favorite museums for kids that you can download right now by signing up for our newsletter.

    O'Phalen Adventures' favorite museums for kids PDF

    If you do take a trip to a new museum or place, consider downloading our travel journal for kids so they can write about it!

    State Worksheet / Travel Journal for Kids

    $2.00

    If you’ve ever wished for an easy way to capture what your kids learn as you travel, this is it! Forget other state worksheets that require boring, irrelevant details like the state flower. Let’s write about what we learned and experienced! This state worksheet digital product includes leveled worksheets for kids: one two page log…

    Category: ,
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    For more of our tips and tricks for traveling with kids, check out these posts:

    Follow our adventures on Instagram:

    Jokes aside, I’m impressed at how shiny and clean you keep your rig, sir. I had never towed anything before we bought our 37 foot long trailer, so you could say there was a learning curve! 📈 Winter camping in Florida can be bananas expensive 💸💸💸 but it doesn’t have to be! Tell me in the comments if this is how YOU make sourdough ⬇️ For those of you planning to RV to #Alaska, I’ve put together an itinerary packed full of our favorite experiences from our 4 months there. You’ll meet sled dogs, hike glaciers, and maybe have the best trip of your life. Everyone’s always talking about the benefits of a bigger home, but have you ever noticed how easy it is to make a tiny home cozy? 🥰

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  • Best Educational Podcasts: 22 Interesting Listens for Kids

    Best Educational Podcasts: 22 Interesting Listens for Kids

    Best educational podcasts, 22 interesting listens for kids | O'Phalen Adventures

    We’ve been a homeschool family for three years now, and kid podcasts are an absolute staple of our educational journey. I’m always asked for our favorite podcasts, so today I’m bringing you a list of what we consider to be the best educational podcasts for kids!

    We find podcasts fit into our daily in so many ways, which makes them such a good low-lift educational option. Here are a few of the ways we find time to listen:

    • Together as a family in the truck on travel days (we travel full-time!)
    • Linked to the kids’ Yoto players (do you have a Yoto player?) so they can listen independently
    • When we sit at the table doing art projects or eating lunch

    All of the podcasts I’ve listed below are specifically kid-oriented. But I’m not afraid to search adult podcasts on a specific subject for us to listen to together either! For instance, we listened to a bunch of adult Black History episodes together during Black History Month last year.

    History, Culture & Current Events Best Educational Podcasts

    Greeking Out

    Greeking Out is one of my kids’ all-time favorite podcasts. It retells Greek myths in dramatic and engaging fashion; it’s definitely punchy and entertaining. That said, Greek mythology wasn’t exactly G rated. Greeking Out does a good job of retelling these stories in a kid-appropriate way. There’s also a content warning at the top of each episode to let you know specifically what you’ll be hearing about.

    Who, When, Wow!

    Who, When, Wow! is another O’Phalen family favorite. Host Carly travels through time to tell historical stories most of us have never heard of. This isn’t dry history, and the grownups always learning something, too!

    The Activators

    The Activators is one of the most inspiring podcasts imaginable. This podcast features stories of kids working to change the world in various ways. Not only is it inspiring to my big-hearted kids, but it gives me hope for the future, too.

    Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls

    Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls is another really inspiring podcast that features real-life women who are out there kicking ass and taking names. Most of these women are women you’ve never heard of, but their stories deserve to be heard. If you’ve read the Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls book, this style will feel familiar.

    Forever Ago

    Forever Ago is a history podcast that focuses on the history of things, rather than people. Each episode delves into the history of something as banal as chewing gum or complex as Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). The episodes are punchy and fascinating, and I like listening to them as much as the kids do.

    A Kids Book About

    A Kids Book About podcast is an excellent conversation starter for the big issues. The popular book series-turned-podcast tackles topics like racism and divorce. This is a great podcast to listen to as a family and have those juicy, important discussions about the state of the world.

    Young & Indigenous

    Young & Indigenous is giving Indigenous youth a platform for exploring their culture and how to share it with the world. The podcast explores issues like Thanksgiving from Indigenous perspectives, art and how it can heal addiction, and preserving Indigenous languages.

    Molly of Denali

    If you’re familiar with the PBS show Molly of Denali, you’ll immediately recognize the beautiful, gentle storytelling of the accompanying podcast. I love how Molly of Denali doesn’t preach, it just shows what life in a small Alaskan town with strong intergenerational bonds is like. My only complaint is that there aren’t more episodes!

    Science Best Educational Podcasts

    Brains On

    Brains On answers science whys and hows in this fascinating and engaging podcast. Topics include things like “why are we afraid of the dark?” and “how do chameleons change color?” My science-loving kids think this is one of the best educational podcasts out there.

    Wow in the World

    Wow in the World is another great science podcast, but this one focuses on new science discoveries and explorations. Recent episodes include topics like cellular tattoos, and I find myself fascinated at the episodes, as well.

    Tumble

    The Tumble podcast is a science podcast that answers those questions kids ask that we don’t always have good answers for. These are questions like, “do dreams have meaning?” and “how do toilets work?”

    Earth Rangers

    Earth Rangers is a podcast for all of animal and nature-obsessed kiddos out there. For traveling kids, there is even a whole series of episodes about national parks! Plus, the show shares kid-friendly details about important legislation like The Endangered Species Act.

    Storytelling Best Educational Podcasts

    Circle Round

    Circle Round is another family favorite, and it makes the top of my storytelling best educational podcasts list because it adapts stories from all around the world into beautifully produced radio plays. The episode quality is gorgeous. There are often famous and semi-famous guest actors, which is a fun bonus for grownups, too.

    The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian

    Finn Caspian is another one of my kids’ all-time favorites; we’ve listened to all 10+ seasons. It’s a science fiction serial based on kids who travel the galaxy and fight bad guys. There’s also a silly robot that cracks my kids up.

    The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel

    Mars Patel is a serial mystery for older kids (8+) that will keep kids asking for more. It’s also performed by actual kids, which is a fun added element. The production value is excellent!

    Adventures of Cairo

    Adventures of Cairo is a podcast that follows the fictional life of 7-year-old Cairo. The podcast teaches good values, and one of my favorite episodes is the one where Cairo’s family visits the National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington D.C.

    The Story Seeds Podcast

    The Story Seeds Podcast is an absolutely brilliant concept where real kids with story ideas are matched with famous children’s authors (like our beloved Katherine Applegate!). They develop the stories together in a beautiful collaboration. I only wish there were more new episodes!

    Story Pirates

    Story Pirates is another storytelling podcast that combines kid story ideas and the silliness, jokes, and songs of a team of creative grownups. This podcast is over-the-top silly and musical, and my kids think it’s hilarious.

    Julie’s Library

    Julie’s Library is a podcast that stars THE Julie — Julie Andrews — and her daughter reading their favorite children’s books aloud. It’s adorable and sweet, and I wish there were more episodes!

    Miscellanous Best Educational Podcasts

    Million Bazillion

    Million Bazillion is a podcast about money where kids and grownups alike can get some financial education. This podcast is an excellent one to listen to as a family and have important money discussions.

    The Music Box

    The Music Box is an absolutely excellent podcast for musical education. It explores music theory concepts like rhythm and pitch, and has wonderful episodes on various music genres like Funk.

    Eat Your Spanish

    Eat Your Spanish is a cute podcast that uses music and stories to introduce basic Spanish vocabulary. The themed episodes for holiday vocabulary are especially fun.

    I hope this list of our best educational podcasts has been helpful for your family! If there’s one you think I’m missing, please feel free to drop it in the comments.

    For more on how we homeschool our kids, check out these posts:

    Follow our adventures on Instagram:

    Jokes aside, I’m impressed at how shiny and clean you keep your rig, sir. I had never towed anything before we bought our 37 foot long trailer, so you could say there was a learning curve! 📈 Winter camping in Florida can be bananas expensive 💸💸💸 but it doesn’t have to be! Tell me in the comments if this is how YOU make sourdough ⬇️ For those of you planning to RV to #Alaska, I’ve put together an itinerary packed full of our favorite experiences from our 4 months there. You’ll meet sled dogs, hike glaciers, and maybe have the best trip of your life. Everyone’s always talking about the benefits of a bigger home, but have you ever noticed how easy it is to make a tiny home cozy? 🥰

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  • Free Library Card: The Ultimate List for Travelers

    Free Library Card: The Ultimate List for Travelers

    Image of hand holding free library card options | O'Phalen Adventures

    It’s no secret that one of the best resources in the world is a free library card. Especially if you’re homeschooling! Our public library branch in Brooklyn was one of the hardest things for me to leave behind when we became a full time travel family. BUT that doesn’t mean we’ve given up on libraries!

    And as I’ve spoken to a lot of traveling families, I’ve discovered that not everyone knows how easy and accessible it can be to get a non resident library card! So I’ve decided to put together a resource to help traveling families with information about where to get a free library card (or cheap library card!) as a non resident.

    Why Get a Free Library Card as You Travel?

    Libraries are an amazing resource just to visit, even without a library card. But when we’re in one place for a bit, being able to check out books for all of us is a gift. Libraries also offer some extra perks, depending on the library. California libraries, for example, offer a California State Park Pass to save you some money. Many libraries have discounted or cheap museum passes for their city, as well. And some libraries we’ve been to even loan household items like a leaf blower or Instapot!

    Is Every Library on This List Offering a Free Library Card?

    I included libraries that charge a small fee for non-residents. It’s often worth it to me to pay when we’re staying somewhere for a few weeks or longer!

    Why Would I Bother With an E-Card?

    Libby, Kanopy, and Hoopla offer electronic resources that are an invaluable resource. We check out hundreds of ebooks a year through the Libby app. I read the books on my phone and Kindle, and our oldest has her own Kindle that she can read library books on, too. Kanopy and Hoopla offer movies, music, and more! We love using them to check out a musical album to listen to for awhile or to watch an interesting documentary.

    A few of these libraries even offer electronic cards that you can apply for online, meaning you don’t even have to drop by the branch to receive one.

    Am I a Resident If I’m Staying Somewhere For a Month or Longer?

    Keep in mind that libraries have varying responses to whether a campground address or bill is proof of residency. Libraries not included on this list may give out free library cards to “residents” of RV parks, but I haven’t included them unless someone has personally verified that or it is clearly defined on their website. Some libraries also give full borrowing privileges to people who work in the area, which doesn’t apply to us, but may apply to some traveling families.

    Can I Buy You a Coffee for Putting This Together?

    Yes, please! This list took over 40 hours to compile, and it is my absolute pleasure to share it with you. But if you want to buy me a coffee for my efforts, it would be appreciated!

    Now, on to the library details 🙂

    Free Library Card for Travelers Database:

    LocationNon-Resident PolicyCostVirtual Card?Ebooks?
    Alabama
    Gulf Shores Thomas B. Norton Public LibraryVisitors with valid photo ID and home address can get card$0Must visit in personLibby
    Huntsville-Madison County Public LibraryNon-residents can get card for a fee, photo ID required$20 annual fee for individual, $35 for familyMust visit in personHoopla
    Mobile Public LibraryResidents only, but “rent receipt” qualifies, so may accept RV park receiptFree for residents of Mobile CountyTemporary cards for residents available via online applicationHoopla
    Tuscaloosa Public LibraryNon-residents can get card for a fee, photo ID required$10 annual fee per personMust visit in person, must renew annually in personLibby
    Alaska
    Anchorage Public LibraryOut of state visitors can receive 3 month card with 3 item limit$0Must visit in personLibby
    Fairbanks Public LibraryYes, contact a branch for detailsContact a branch for detailsMust visit in personLibby and Hoopla
    Homer Public LibraryTemporary visitors can receive a 6 month card with 10 item limit“A small fee”Must visit in person, share proof of home mailing addressAlaska Digital Library
    Juneau Public LibraryVisitors staying for 28+ days may receive a temporary card with 2 item limit$0Must visit in personLibby
    Mat-Su Library NetworkNon-residents can pay for card$10/4 months and 3 item limit or $35/annual and full privilegesMust visit in person
    Seward Community LibraryTemporary visitors can receive a one year card with 3 item limit with local temporary address$0Must visit in person and share local reference (“landlord”)None for temporary cards
    Arizona
    Apache Junction Public LibraryEasy Access card with 3-item limit for anyone with any photo ID$0Must visit in personLibby, Kanopy, Hoopla
    Camp Verde Community LibraryTemporary cards issued without residency proof, limited access$0Must visit in person
    Flagstaff City – Coconino County Public LibraryNon-residents can receive a 1 year library card$0Must visit in person, temporary cards upgraded after 1 yearLibby and Hoopla
    Lake Havasu City (Mohave County)30 day non-renewable card if address not verified, local business receipt with name and address accepted$0Can register onlineLibby
    Mesa Public LibraryAnyone who lives in Maricopa County for 30 days a year is eligible for a free card, or non-residents can purchase a card$0 or $40/yearCan register for an e-card online here or a full card in personLibby, Kanopy
    Page Public LibraryTemporary visitors can receive a 6 month card, 6 book limit$25Must visit in personLibby
    Phoenix Public LibraryEasy Access card with 3-item limit for anyone with any photo ID, non-residents can pay for full access card$0 or $40/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Quartzsite Public LibraryNon-residents can receive a 1 year card$0Must visit in person
    Scottsdale Public LibraryVisitors can receive a 3 month card, 10 item limit$0Must visit in personHoopla and Kanopy
    Sedona Public LibraryVisitors can receive a 1 year card$25Must visit in person, provide photo IDLibby
    Arkansas
    Bentonville Public LibraryVisitors can receive a 1 year card, digital checkouts only$0Must visit in personLibby
    Fayetteville Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a cardAnnual fee not disclosed, financial aid availableMust visit in personLibby
    Garland County Library (Hot Springs)Non-residents can pay for an annual card$30Must visit in personLibby and Hoopla
    Texarkana Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for an annual card$20E-cards for digital materials hereLibby, Kanopy, Hoopla
    California
    Anaheim Public LibraryAnyone in the world can get a digital card to access digital resources$0Can apply online hereCloudLibrary
    Kern County Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for an annual card (CA residents free)$25Must visit in person with photo IDLibby, Hoopla, CloudLibrary
    Los Angeles Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for an annual card (CA residents free)$50 (pricey, but great ebook selection!)Must visit in personLibby, Kanopy, Hoopla
    Monterey County Free LibrariesOut-of-State residents can apply in personAsk in personMust visit in personLibby
    Palm Springs Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for tiers of cards$12/1 month, $24/3 months, $36/yearMust visit in personLibby
    Riverside County Public LibraryOut-of-State residents can pay for an annual card, will accept RV park receipt for free card$0 or $10 for Out-of-State Resident cardMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, CloudLibrary
    San Francisco Public LibraryVisitors can pay for temp card (CA residents free)$10/3 monthsMust visit in person and provide temp SF addressLibby, Kanopy, Hoopla
    San Diego Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for an annual card (CA residents free)$32.50Must visit in personCloudLibrary
    San Jose Public LibraryNon-residents can receive a 1 item/digital items limited card$0Can apply online for e-card hereLibby and Hoopla
    Santa Barbara County LibraryNon-residents can receive 3 item card$0Must visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Sunnyvale Public LibraryWithout proof of residency, instant e-card for e-books or limited 2 item card$0E-card available here, in person for physical materialsLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Colorado
    Boulder Public Library3 week courtesy card with 5 item limit available$0Must visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Denver Public LibraryVisitors staying for at least 1 month can apply for provisional card$0?Must visit in personLibby and Kanopy
    Mesa County LibrariesTemporary visitors may apply for a limited 3 month card or pay for full access$25/3 months full accessMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Ouray Public LibraryVisitors staying 3+ weeks may receive temporary card with no item limit$0Must visit in persoonLibby
    Pikes Peak Library DistrictLimited cards may be issued when proof of address is unavailable$0Must visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Pitkin County Library (Aspen)Full library cards issued with no proof of residency$0Must visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Summit County LibraryVisitors can pay for a card$10/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Connecticut
    Ferguson Library (Stamford)Visitors can put down a refundable deposit for a temporary card$25/6 months, refundableMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Hartford Public LibraryWithout proof of residency, e-card is available$0Must visit in personLibby and Kanopy
    New Haven Free Public LibraryWithout proof of residency, e-card may be available$0Must visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Delaware
    Dover Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for an annual card$25/yearMust visit in person, e-cards online with a Delaware addressLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Rehoboth Beach Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$10/1 month or $25/yearMust visit in person, e-cards online with a Delaware addressLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Wilmington Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a limited one-month card or full privileges annual card$10/1 month and limited privileges or $40/year for full accessMust visit in person, e-cards online with a Delaware addressLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Florida
    Broward Public LibraryVisitors can receive a free e-card or pay for an annual card$0 or $38/yearIn person for regular card, instant e-card online hereLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative (Tampa)Non-residents can pay for a card for physical items only$35/yearIn person only unless you have a local addressNot available for visitors
    Miami Public LibraryNon-resident cards are expensive, but e-cards for digital items are available with local address$0E-card online hereLibby, Hoopla
    Monroe County Public Library (Key West)Non-residents can pay for a card$30/yearCan register online hereLibby
    Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative (Destin)Non-residents can pay for a card$30/6 monthsMust visit in personLibby
    Sarasota County Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$15/3 months, $25/6 months, $40/yearMust visit in personCloudLibrary and Hoopla
    St. Johns County Public Library System (St. Augustine)Non-residents can pay for a card$7/1 month, $15/3 months, $50/yearMust visit in personLibby and Hoopla
    Georgia
    Athens Regional Library SystemNon-residents can pay for a card$25/yearApply online for an e-card here or get full access card in personLibby
    Cobb County Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$40/yearMust visit in personLibby and Kanopy
    DeKalb County Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card, “rent receipt” counts to prove residency$35/year for non-residentsMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Fulton County Library System (Atlanta)Non-residents can pay for a card, homeschooling parents in the area eligible for free card$40/year or free for homeschoolersApply online, but must pick up card in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Live Oak Public Libraries (Savannah)Non-residents can pay for a card$25/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Hawaii
    Hawaii State Public Library SystemNon-residents can pay for a card$10/3 months or $25 for FIVE years (!!)Must visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Idaho
    Boise Public LibraryTemporary cards are available for 3 months with a 2 item limit$0Must visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Coeur d’Alene Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$30/yearMust visit in personLibby
    Idaho Falls Public LibraryTemporary cards available with a 2 item limit$0Must visit in personLibby
    Lewiston City LibraryTemporary cards are available$0?Must visit in personLibby
    Illinois
    Champaign Public LibraryTemporary resident card available, RV park may qualify, 6 month card/10 item limit$0Apply for an e-card hereLibby and Hoopla
    Chicago Public LibraryVisitors can use a Chicago address for an e-card or get full access by leaving cash deposit for items checked out$0 or ???Apply for an e-card here or visit in person for full accessLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Lincoln Library (Springfield)Temporary resident or non-resident card availableCall or visit for detailsCan apply online here or in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Peoria Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a cardCall or visit for detailsMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Indiana
    Evansville Vanderburgh Public LibraryTemporary and e-cards available$0, Visit a library branch to confirm eligibilityMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Iowa
    Cedar Rapids Public LibraryQuick library card with no address proof, 3 item limit$0Must visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Davenport Public LibraryVisitors can bring their home library card to borrow items$0Must visit in personLibby
    Iowa City Public LibraryTemporary cards for up to 8 weeks available with 2 item limit$0Must visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Sioux City Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$10/1 month, $25/3 monthsMust visit in personLibby and Kanopy
    Kansas
    Kansas City Kansas Public LibraryE-cards available to anyone within the library’s service area, digital items only$0Can apply hereLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Lawrence Public LibraryTemporary one year card available for campground residents, 3 item limit$0Must visit in personLibby and Kanopy
    Salina Public LibraryCards may be granted to temporary out-of-state residents$0Must visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Wichita Public LibraryE-cards available without proof of residency, digital items only$0Must visit in personLibby
    Kentucky
    Boyle County Public LibraryVisitors can receive renewable 30 day card, 10 item limit$0Must visit in personLibby
    Louisville Free Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$25/yearMust visit in personLibby and Hoopla
    Mary Wood Weldon Memorial LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$25/yearMust visit in personLibby and Hoopla
    Nelson County Public LibraryNon-residents receive a card$0Must visit in person
    Louisiana
    Calcasieu Parish Public LibraryTemporary cards available for 3 months, 3 item limit$0Must visit in personLibby and Kanopy
    Lafayette Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card, 10 item limit$20/yearMust visit in personLibby
    New Orleans Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$50/yearMust visit in person or email librarianLibby, Kanopy, Hoopla
    Shreve Memorial LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card, 5 item limit$20/yearMust visit in personLibby and Hoopla
    St. Tammany Parish LibraryVisitors can receive a free 1 month card or pay for a card$0 or $30/yearMust visit in personLibby and Hoopla
    Maine
    Jesup Memorial Library (Bar Harbor)Visitor cards availableAsk a librarianMust visit in person
    Lithgow Public Library (Augusta)Non-residents can pay for a card$15/3 months, $30/6 months, $60/yearMust visit in personCloudLibrary and Hoopla
    Portland Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$20/yearMust visit in personLibby
    Wells Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$10/3 months, $20/yearMust visit in personCloudLibrary
    Maryland
    Baltimore County Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$50/yearMust visit in personLibby, Kanopy
    Montgomery County Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$10/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Prince George’s County Memorial LibraryTemporary residents can receive a free card$0Must visit in person for full access or apply online for 6 month digital accessLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Worcester County LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$10/yearLibby, Hoopla
    Massachusetts
    Boston Public LibraryAges 13-26 can receive free Books Unbanned card for “frequently challenged” digital collection$0Apply online hereLibby
    Springfield City LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$35/yearMust visit in person for full access or apply online for digital accessLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Vineyard Haven Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card with a 10 item limit$10/yearMust visit in person, card works at all Cape Cod libraries and Martha’s Vineyard/NantucketLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Worcester Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$10/yearMust visit in person for full access or apply online for temporary digital accessLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Michigan
    Capital Area District Libraries (Lansing, etc)Non-residents can pay for a card$25/6 months or $50/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Gloria Coles Flint Public LibraryVisitors can apply for a temporary e-card for digital access$0Apply online hereLibby, Kanopy
    Peter White Memorial Library (Marquette)Non-residents can pay for a card$35/3 monthsMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Traverse Area District LibraryVisitors can receive a 3-month card with 3 item limit (no digital)$0Must visit in person with hotel or campground receipt
    Minnesota
    Fergus Falls Public LibraryDoes not require documentation$0Must visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    Red Wing Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$5/1 month, $10/3 months, $20/6 months, $40/yearMust visit in personLibby, Kanopy
    Scott County Public LibraryWelcome cards for visitors, two item limit and digital access$0Must visit in personLibby
    Winona Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$10/3 months, $20/6 months or $40/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    Mississippi
    Hattiesburg LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$25/6 months (may apply for waiver due to need)Must visit in personHoopla
    Jackson Hinds Library SystemNon-residents can pay for a card$25/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    Laurel-Jones County LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$10 one time feeMust visit in personHoopla
    Missouri
    Joplin Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$12.50/3 months, $50/yearVisit in person or apply online hereLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Kansas City Public LibraryNon-residents can receive a limited card for in-person items$0Visit in person or apply online hereLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    St. Louis Public LibraryWithout proof of residency, limited card available with 2 item limit and digital access$0Must visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    Taneyhills Library (Branson)Non-residents can pay for a card$5Must visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    Montana
    Billings Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$20/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    Bozeman Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$10/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Great Falls Public LibraryNon-residents can purchase a temporary card$10/3 monthsMust visit in personLibby
    ImagineIF Library (Flathead County)Visitors can receive a limited card$0Must visit in personnLibby
    Lewis & Clark Library (Helena)Non-residents can pay for a card, temporary residents can receive free 3 month card$45 for non-resident card (free in 2023)Visit in person or apply online hereLibby, Hoopla
    Missoula Public LibraryVisitors may receive a temporary cardAsk a librarianMust visit in personLibby, Kanopy
    Nebraska
    Kearney Public LibraryLibrary cards available to anyone regardless of residency$0Must visit in personLibby, Kanopy
    Lincoln City LibrariesNon-residents can pay for a card$5/summer, $15/3 months, $60/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    Morton-James Public Library (Nebraska City)Non-residents can pay for a card$25/yearMust visit in personLibby
    Omaha Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$6.25/month, $25/3 months, $75/yearMust visit in personLibby, Kanopy
    Scottsbluff Public LibraryTemporary cards available without proof of residence, 3 item limit for 3 months$0Must visit in personLibby
    Nevada
    Las Vegas – Clark County Library DistrictVisitors can receive a free e-card, ask a librarian about full access card$0Visit in person or apply online hereLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Pahrump Community LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card“Small fee,” ask a librarian
    Washoe County Library System (Reno)Non-residents can receive a limited card$0Visit in person or apply online hereLibby
    New Hampshire
    Lane Memorial Library (Hampton)Non-residents can pay for a card$20/4 months, $60/yearMust visit in personLibby
    Manchester City LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$50/yearMust visit in personLibby, Kanopy
    Portsmouth Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$35/3 months, $55/6 months, $100/yearVisit in person or apply online hereLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    New Jersey
    Atlantic City Free Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$30/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    Atlantic County Library SystemNon-residents can pay for a card$25/4 months, $60/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    Long Branch Free Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$20/yearMust visit in personLibby, Kanopy, Hoopla
    Newark Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$50/yearVisit in person or apply online hereLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    New Mexico
    Alamogordo Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$15Libby, Kanopy
    Albuquerque Bernalillo County LibraryNon-residents can receive a limited cardAsk a librarianMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    Las Cruces Public LibraryVisitors can receive a 3 month card$0Must visit in personLibby, Kanopy, Hoopla
    Santa Fe Public LibraryVisitors can receive a 4 item card$0Must visit in personLibby, Kanopy, Hoopla
    Taos Public LibraryVisitors can receive a temporary card$0Must visit in personLibby, Kanopy
    New York
    Albany Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$50/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    Brooklyn Public LibraryAges 13-21 can receive free Books Unbanned card for digital collection, anyone can receive Welcome card without ID for 3 items$0Apply online here for Books Unbanned, here for Welcome cardLibby
    Buffalo & Erie County Public LibraryTemporary residents of one month or more can receive a short term card$0Must visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    Caldwell-Lake George LibraryTemporary residents of one month or more can receive a short term card$0Must visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    New York Public LibraryVisitors can receive a 3 month card$0Must visit in personLibby
    Plattsburgh Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$10/yearMust visit in personLibby
    North Carolina
    Buncombe County Public Library (Asheville)Non-residents can pay for a card$20/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Charlotte Mecklenburg LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$45/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    Fontana Regional LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$15/6 monthsMust visit in personLibby, Kanopy
    Haywood County Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$25/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    New Hanover County Public Library (Wilmington)Non-residents can pay for a card$15/6 months, $30/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    Wake County Public Library System (Raleigh)Temporary cards for 60 days/3 item limit or Non-Resident card with full access$0 for Temporary, $25/year for Non-ResidentMust visit in personLibby
    North Dakota
    Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public LibraryFree temporary cards or paid Non-Resident cards$0 or $30/yearVisit in person or apply online hereLibby, Hoopla
    Fargo Public LibraryCard can be mailed to you as proof of residence or Non-Resident cards available$20/year for Non-ResidentsMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Minot Public LibraryTemporary and Non-Resident cards available$10 for Temporary card, $25 for Non-Resident cardMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    Ohio
    Cincinnati Public LibraryTemporary cards for physical items only$0Must visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Cuyahoga County Public LibraryOpportunity cards for those in transition, 3 item limit$0Must visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Dayton Metro LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$25/yearVisit in person or apply online hereLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Toledo Lucas County Public LibraryNon-resident cards available, ask a librarian for detailsAsk a librarianMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Oklahoma
    Pioneer Library SystemNon-residents can pay for a cardAsk a librarianMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Tulsa City-County Library30 day / 2 item limit cards available for visitors$0, ask about non-resident card feesMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    Oregon
    Astoria Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$18/3 months, $35/6 monthsMust visit in personLibby
    Cannon Beach LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$10/yearVisit in person or apply online hereLibby
    Coos Bay Public LibraryProvisional cards for temporary residents$0Visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    Eugene Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$11/monthVisit in person or callLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Hood River County Library DistrictNon-residents can pay for a card$20/3 monthsMust visit in personLibby, Kanopy
    Klamath County Library Service DistrictTemporary cards available with 2 item limitAsk a librarianMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Multnomah County Library (Portland)Homeschoolers may be eligible for a free educator cardAsk a librarianMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Tillamook County LibraryTemporary and Non-Resident cards available$20/3 months, $50/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Pennsylvania
    Carnegie Library of PittsburghNon-residents can pay for a card$30/2 yearsMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    Erie County Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card for physical items only$10/yearMust visit in person
    Lancaster Public LibraryNon-resident card options available, see the librarianAsk a librarianMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Union County Library SystemNon-residents can pay for a card$20/yearMust visit in personLibby
    Rhode Island
    Pawtucket Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$40/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Providence Public LibraryVisitors can receive 2 month temporary card with hotel or other receipt$0Must visit in personLibby, Kanopy
    Woonsocket Harris Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$25/yearMust visit in personLibby
    South Carolina
    Chapin Memorial Library (Myrtle Beach)Non-residents can pay for a card$8/3 months, $20/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Dorcester County LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$35/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    Florence County Library SystemNon-residents can pay for a card$25/yearMust visit in personLibby
    Greenville County Library SystemNon-residents can pay for a card$45/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    Spartanburg County Public LibrariesNon-residents can pay for a card, free 2 month Courtesy Card with 2 item limit$0 or $35/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    South Dakota
    Grace Balloch Memorial Library (Spearfish)Non-residents can pay for a card, no digital access$30/yearMust visit in person
    Rapid City Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$9.25/monthMust visit in personLibby, Kanopy
    Siouxland LibrariesNon-residents can pay for a card, RV address not residency$17/3 monthsVisit in person or apply online hereLibby, Hoopla
    Tennessee
    Clarksville-Montgomery CountyNon-residents can pay for a card$20/yearMust visit in personLibby
    Chattanooga Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card or volunteer to waive fee$50/year or 20 hours volunteeringVisit in person or apply online hereLibby, Hoopla
    Collierville Burch LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$50/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Texas
    Brazoria County Library SystemTexas resident with local address$0Visit in person or apply online here and card can be mailed to youLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Corpus Christi Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$12.50/6 months, $25/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    Denton Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$25/6 months, $50/yearMust visit in personLibby
    El Paso Public LibrariesNon-residents can pay for a card$25/6 months, $50/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    Harris County Public Library (Houston)Several options for temporary visitor cards and full access e-card with local address$0Full access visitor card in person or apply for e-card hereLibby, Kanopy
    Pflugerville Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$25/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    Waco-McLennan Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$30/3 monthsMust visit in personLibby
    Utah
    Grand County Public Library (Moab)Free Introductory card with local address for 1 year / 5 items, or paid Non-Resident card with full acess$0 for Introductory card, or $15/3 months, $60/yearMust visit in personLibby
    Park City LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card, homeschoolers may be eligible for a free 2 year card$20/6 months, $40/yearVisit in person or apply online hereLibby
    Salt Lake City Public Library SystemNon-residents can pay for a card$10/1 month, $20/3 months, $80/yearVisit in person or apply online hereLibby, Kanopy
    Washington County Library System (St. George)Non-residents can pay for a card$20/6 months, $33/yearMust visit in personLibby
    Vermont
    Ilsley Public Library (Middlebury)Non-residents can pay for a card$15/3 months, $25/6 months, $45/yearVisit in person or apply online hereLibby, Kanopy
    Norman Willis Public Library (Woodstock)Non-residents can pay for a card$70/year, but can request reduction or exemption due to limited incomeMust visit in personLibby, Kanopy
    Rutland Free LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$45/yearMust visit in personLibby, Kanopy
    Waterbury Public LibraryNon-residents can pay a fee to receive an annual card$25/yearMust visit in personLibby, Kanopy
    Virginia
    Fairfax County Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$27/yearMust visit in personLibby, Kanopy
    Lynchburg Public LibraryAnyone can receive a free card$0Visit in person for full access or apply online here for e-card onlyLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Mary Riley Styles Public Library (Falls Church)Opportunity Card for temporary visitors, 1 year card with 3 item limit$0Must visit in personLibby
    Newport News Public LibraryAnyone with local address can receive a free card$0Visit in person for full access or apply online here for e-card onlyLibby, Kanopy
    Roanoke Area Public LibraryTemporary residents can receive card with 2 item limit$0Must visit in personAsk a librarian
    Virginia Beach Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$10/3 months, $35/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Washington
    Bellingham Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a cardAsk a librarianMust visit in personLibby, Kanopy
    King County Library SystemTemporary residents of 1-6 months can get a 5 item card$0Must visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    North Olympic Library SystemLimted card available without residency proof, RV park may qualify for residency$0Must visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    Seattle Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card, Ages 13-26 can receive free Books Unbanned card for digital collection$25/3 months for non-residentsMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Spokane Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$3.50/month, $42/yearVisit in person or apply online hereLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Timberland Regional LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$8/1 month, $25/3 monthsMust visit in personLibby, Kanopy
    Yakima Valley LibrariesProvisional card for those without proof of address, 2 item limit$0Must visit in personLibby, Kanopy
    West Virginia
    Morgantown Public LibraryNon-residents can pay for a card$20/yearMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Ohio County Public Library (Panhandle)Temporary residents can receive 5 item card with hotel or campground receipt$0Must visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Raleigh County Public Library (Beckley)Non-residents can pay a deposit to check out 2 items at a timeAsk a librarianMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    Wisconsin
    Kilbourn Public Library (Wisconsin Dells)Temporary residents can pay a deposit to check out 2 items at a time$20 refundable depositMust visit in personLibby
    L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library (Eau Claire)Temporary residents can receive a 3 month / 2 item card$0Must visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    Madison Public LibraryEasy Access card doesn’t require proof of address, limit 3 items$0Visit in person or apply online hereLibby
    Wyoming
    Natrona County Library (Casper)Temporary residents can pay a deposit to check out 3 items at a time$25 refundable depositMust visit in personLibby, Kanopy
    Sheridan County Public Library SystemTemporary residents can receive a 3 month / 2 item card$0Must visit in personLibby, Kanopy
    Star Valley Library SystemVisitors can receive a one month card$0Must visit in personLibby
    Teton County Library (Jackson)Seasonal card available for 6 months / 10 items$0Must visit in personLibby, Hoopla
    Canada
    Calgary Public LibraryLocal address accepted online, must apply from within Calgary$0Visit in person or apply online hereLibby, Kanopy
    Halifax Public LibrariesVisitors can pay for a temporary card, may accept campground address for free resident card$40/6 monthsMust visit in personLibby, Hoopla, Kanopy
    Mexico
    La Paz Public LibrariesVisitors can check out books with a local address$0Must visit in person

    My plan is to continue adding and updating as I have time. Feel free to email me information to add or update at kateophalen@gmail.com.

    And please link and share this resource widely!

    If you’re interested in more full time travel tips, check out these posts:

    Follow our adventures on Instagram:

    Jokes aside, I’m impressed at how shiny and clean you keep your rig, sir. I had never towed anything before we bought our 37 foot long trailer, so you could say there was a learning curve! 📈 Winter camping in Florida can be bananas expensive 💸💸💸 but it doesn’t have to be! Tell me in the comments if this is how YOU make sourdough ⬇️ For those of you planning to RV to #Alaska, I’ve put together an itinerary packed full of our favorite experiences from our 4 months there. You’ll meet sled dogs, hike glaciers, and maybe have the best trip of your life. Everyone’s always talking about the benefits of a bigger home, but have you ever noticed how easy it is to make a tiny home cozy? 🥰

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  • How I’m Talking to My Kids about Thanksgiving

    How I’m Talking to My Kids about Thanksgiving

    How I'm talking to my kids about Thanksgiving, Wampanoag dwelling | O'Phalen Adventures

    If you’re wondering how I’m talking to my kids about Thanksgiving? The honest answer is that I’m not talking about it all that much. Here’s why:

    If you didn’t know already, Thanksgiving is a holiday based on the story of friendship between the colonists and the indigenous people that…isn’t grounded in a whole lot of historical fact. Historical records suggest the feast that this event is supposedly based on wasn’t a big deal and probably looked more like a political negotiation than a friendly shared meal. Here’s a great video intro to this idea.

    So what do we do instead?

    One option that many indigenous folks are asking of us is to simply not celebrate “Thanksgiving.” Does this mean we can’t gather with our families and have beautiful meals together? Of course not. None of us get enough time together with our extended communities in this modern world, and we should seize hold of long weekends together whenever we can. But make it a harvest feast! Or a gratitude gathering, and consider how gratitude is built into the every day lives of Indigenous cultures.

    Perhaps read the Haudenosaunee Kariwatekwen together, which is a giving thanks that takes place before every Haudenosaunee event. It’s gorgeous.

    “We give thanks to the stars who are spread across the sky like jewelry. We see them in the night, helping the moon to light the darkness and bringing dew to the gardens and growing things. When we travel at night they guide us home. With our minds gathered together as one we send greetings and thanks to the stars. Now our minds are one.”

    Excerpt from Haudenosaunee Kariwatekwen

    Poet Laureate and Muskogee Creek Nation member Joy Harjo also has beautiful poem about gathering around a table together that she reads here:

    “At this table we sing with joy, with sorrow. We pray of suffering and remorse. We give thanks.

    Perhaps the world will end at the kitchen table, while we are laughing and crying, eating of the last sweet bite.”

    Excerpt from Perhaps the World Ends Here

    My homeschooled kids aren’t being taught about the Thanksgiving myth, and so we have the luxury of (mostly) just ignoring it. We strive to center Indigenous culture, history, and activism all year round in our roadschooling.

    But for kids who are in school and learning about Thanksgiving from other sources, I would be actively sharing information that debunks that traditional story. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the real indigenous people involved in this story and to talk about the modern day struggle for indigenous rights.

    So which Indigenous people were at the feast?

    First things first, it’s important to understand that Indigenous people are not all the same. There are currently 574 federally recognized tribes in the United States, and there are many more that have not yet received federal recognition. The nation involved in the Thanksgiving story is the Wamponoag of what is now Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The tribe’s website has a suggested self-guided tour itinerary if you’re in the area. Regardless, you may enjoy learning about Cranberry Day. Cranberry Day is held in October and celebrates the cranberry (or sasumuneash) harvest. Perhaps try a cranberry recipe out?

    For some Indigenous people, Thanksgiving is a National Day of Mourning:

    Thanksgiving day isn’t just a neutral day for some Indigenous people. Many Indigenous people consider it to be a day of mourning. The United American Indians of New England has met on Thanksgiving day every year since 1970 to mourn the genocide of Indigenous peoples and organize to improve modern day Indigenous life. You can watch a livestream of the events on Youtube at noon Eastern Time on Thanksgiving. I highly recommend taking some time to do so. They feature some really wonderful speakers at the event.

    What are some resources I can use to learn more as an adult?

    As homeschool teachers or any parent who feels responsible for how accurate their kids’ education is, the best thing we can do (in my opinion) is start with educating ourselves. My two absolute favorite books for totally blowing your mind are An Indigenous People’s History of the United States and Braiding Sweetgrass. Both of these have young people’s versions that can be found here and here. I plan on using these heavily in our homeschooling as my kids get slightly older.

    This Land is a podcast that gave me so much to think about, too. Tara Houska has some incredible TED Talks that are a digestible listen. I also highly recommend learning about whose land you’re on here and looking up nearby cultural centers to visit. And my last suggestion is to find some Indigenous folks on Instagram to follow and amplify. Here are a few of my favorites: @shinanova, @notoriouscree, @indigenouswomenhike, @indigenizingartsed, @crushingcolonialism, @indigenousmotherhood, @athabascan.adventures.

    For parents with kids in public or private school, this post is a great resource for talking to your kid’s school about how Thanksgiving is being taught. There are sample letters to send to the school and everything.

    Can you recommend some kid-friendly Thanksgiving resources?

    We love the Brains On podcast. They’ve put out an episode debunking the Thanksgiving myth that can be found here: Brains On Podcast Thanksgiving episode.

    Consider cooking one of these recipes from Native chefs for your holiday meal this year. The Sioux Chef’s cookbook would make a great holiday gift, too! Spend time with your kiddos learning about the nation the chef is from and how the recipe ingredients are traditional foods for those people.

    For further study, we LOVED Kelly Tudor’s (Apache) Outschool class on Indigenous stereotypes. The National Museum of the American Indian also has a unit study resource here.

    How I’m talking to my kids about Thanksgiving all year long:

    Truthfully, the rest of my resources are applicable all year long. As Zenovia of @BlackAdventureCrew commented on my Indigenous People’s Day reel, every day is Indigenous People’s Day in our house.

    Here are some favorite kid books we love:

    We’re also big fans of watching:

    There are many modern issues facing Indigenous people that you can search more about and find kid-appropriate videos on. Some examples are: Native water and land usage rights, the expulsion of Indigenous peoples to create National Parks, residential schools, food sovereignty, reclaiming Native culture, underfunded Indian Bureau healthcare, violence against Native women, lack of economic opportunity on reservations, Native adoption rights, the Land Back movement and more. Simply understanding that Indigenous people are still here and still organizing for what is right for their communities is powerful.

    Another really simple thing we do is to be sure we always know whose land we’re on as we travel.

    If you weave discussions of Indigenous people into your everyday home life, then you don’t have to stress about how to talk about Thanksgiving. When the librarian hands your kids Thanksgiving coloring pages, they’ll feel confident in their knowledge that the true story of this country can’t be sanitized by a friendly harvest meal.

    Disclaimer: Product links in this blog post may be Affiliate links, and I will earn a small commission for each purchase made through these links at no extra cost to you. Affiliate income helps fund our family travel and allows me to keep creating inspiring family travel content for you. I so appreciate when you use my links to make purchases you would have made anyway.

    For more posts about homeschooling, check out these posts:

    Follow our adventures on Instagram:

    Jokes aside, I’m impressed at how shiny and clean you keep your rig, sir. I had never towed anything before we bought our 37 foot long trailer, so you could say there was a learning curve! 📈 Winter camping in Florida can be bananas expensive 💸💸💸 but it doesn’t have to be! Tell me in the comments if this is how YOU make sourdough ⬇️ For those of you planning to RV to #Alaska, I’ve put together an itinerary packed full of our favorite experiences from our 4 months there. You’ll meet sled dogs, hike glaciers, and maybe have the best trip of your life. Everyone’s always talking about the benefits of a bigger home, but have you ever noticed how easy it is to make a tiny home cozy? 🥰

    Get an email when we post and never miss an adventure:

    * indicates required

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