Once the idea for the Adventure Anywhere series took shape (see chapter one), I couldn’t stop thinking about why they needed to exist and what we really had to get right.
Because I’ve tried everything out there.
The bestsellers, the ‘keep them busy’ packs, the teacher resources, the simple idea cards…. Without fail, they all end up on our shelf gathering dust after just one or two tries.
Why? Because they seriously lack the ‘F’ factor (FUN)!
Too many instructions, too many choices, and too many gaps for adults to fill in.
The result? Kids lose interest before the activity even starts, and adults end up doing all the heavy lifting. That’s not what stress-free family adventures should look like!
So, I started designing something different - something story-led, achievable, real-world and FUN!
Why not create two products in one?
These new Guides needed to be multi-purpose, endlessly replayable, empowering for kids and easy for adults. That’s why I ended up creating two products in one!
- One side: 22 illustrated story cards that draw kids in with scenes, characters, and imagination (and tiny treasures to find).
- On the back: 22 super-cool mini missions and games rooted in real-world stories - designed to spark engagement, imagination and screen-free fun together. (Fun for adults too!)
Note to future self – creating 3 products at once means 3 times the work… (66 story cards, 66 mini missions)…
We're all different - and so are these
Some of us have kids that never stop. Others who love to create. Others who love discovery.
Getting the balance of adventures right was a huge part in the early stages – to cover different skills and interests (aged 3 -12), and situations (individuals, families and groups).
Did I get the balance right? The expert review panel (see below) have told me YES!
The final Guides include active group games, real-world discoveries, craft, imagination, sensory play, science, creative challenges, scavenger hunts, quests and more — all wrapped up in stories and pure fun – because that’s what makes adventures with family and friends memorable.😊
Honest feedback is the best feedback
“I’d rather get honest feedback now, than wait for a bad review.”
That was my opening line to a wide panel of expert reviewers across Australia - a mix of educators, parents, editors, grandparents, conservation experts and kids!
Luckily, the feedback was fantastic. Reviewers loved how usable and fun the missions were, and how well they worked for different families and regions. They highlighted the winners, suggested a few tweaks, and confirmed the Guides delivered on what they set out to do.
Even small adjustments made a difference, and by the end, the Adventures were polished, practical, and ready to spark curiosity, play, and fun wherever you go.
Kitchen lab chaos
Meanwhile, “back in the lab...” We’ve been testing and re-testing the mini missions to make sure they’re distracted parent-proof (you get it in one and no special equipment is needed!) and deliver that fun wow factor for kids.
We've been doing beach days, bushwalks and games, neighbourhood wanderings, beach and backyard science testing....Spoiler alert: the internet lies… eggs do not float in seawater (it’s not salty enough) and gummy bear osmosis takes way too long.
Adventure testing is... Long? Yes.... Fun? Absolutely!
Up next (Chapter 3): A sneak peek
The Adventure Anywhere series has just passed a milestone - I pushed 'print' on 12 months worth of work.
When will it be ready? Details and sneak peeks are coming soon.
Can't wait to share 3 exciting new Guides with you!
xx Christina
