OutGrown Blog

September tends to be one of the busiest months for families. Between back-to-school chaos and busy work and activity schedules, it can be difficult to find time to enjoy nature. However, countless studies have shown the benefits of spending time in nature for the whole family, from stress relief to tighter parent-child bonds (check out this article to learn more about the benefits of getting outside). So how can you prioritize outdoor adventures when time seems scarce? The answer may require a change in mindset. The term “outdoor adventure” does not have to mean camping trips or epic hikes. While those activities are awesome, they are not always feasible. Enjoying the nature you find right outside your door can be just as rejuvenating! Check out these 10 ways you can squeeze some nature time into your family’s busy schedule.   Photo Credit: Jennifer Campbell Ways to Squeeze Nature into your Busy Schedule Take a Walk After Dinner: Whether you head out for a quick walk around the block or drive to a local nature trail, post-dinner walks not only allow for quality family time in nature. They also aid in digestion and promote better sleep. Set up an Outdoor “Work Station”: Create an outdoor area where kiddos can work on homework, read, do arts and crafts, or just play outside. You can grab your computer, paperwork, or a book and join them while enjoying some fresh air. Have a Picnic Dinner: This can be as simple as bringing dinner out to your yard or packing it up to enjoy at a local park. Not in the mood for cooking? Grab some food on the way! Growing up, my family had a “pizza at the playground” tradition a few times a month, which was always a hit! Become Weekend Warriors: Anxious to hit the trail or visit a state park for a longer adventure? Plan longer weekend outdoor adventures together as a family to give everyone something to look forward to throughout the week. Walk the “Scenic Route”: If you have kiddos in school, try taking the long way to/from the school or bus stop. If the area allows, you could even park a few blocks away when picking up the kiddos to allow some outdoor time while also avoiding the crazy school pick-up lines. Include Nature Time When Running Errands: Since you are already out-and-about, you can work in a trip to a playground, short trail, or nature space in between or after running errands. Even just letting the kiddos run around a field near the grocery store can help work off some of their energy before entering the stores (and possibly cut down on the meltdowns as a side benefit!). Park Far Out in any Parking Lot: Even these few extra minutes of fresh air can make a difference! To cut down on the whining that may ensue (from significant others along with the children), try playing a quick game of “I-spy” or “spot the rainbow” on the walk into your destination. The goal is to find something of every color of the rainbow before you get to the store. My kiddos will often beg to walk around a bit more just to find any colors they are missing. Decompress Outside After a Long Day: Whether it’s when the kids get home from school, a guardian gets home from work, or you just ran a marathon of errands, spend a few minutes relaxing and talking about your day in your backyard, front stoop, or your balcony. Take the Long Way to the Mailbox: Regardless of if your mailbox is down the street or attached to your house, you can take the long way by going out your back door or walking around the block. I sometimes have my kids count how many bugs they find or neighbors we pass along the way to extend our time outside. Weekend Nighttime Adventures: Grab the flashlights and glowsticks for some after-dark fun or set up the tent for a backyard campout at the end of a busy week. Looking for more ways to get your family outdoors to explore and enjoy nature? Check out this article with 30 easy, free ways to get your family outside this month. How do you squeeze nature into your family’s busy schedule? Let us know in the comments below or share your experience and tag @hikeitbaby on your favorite social media platform!   ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

 A collaboration for Early Environmental Awareness between Hike it Baby and Joules. Together we can raise the next generation to love and care for our planet.  One could say a footprint is simply the impression left by a foot. But this sneaky little word can mean so much more. To a wild animal it could mean food, to a detective, a new lead to pursue. A footprint can also measure the impact we make on the natural world.  Photo: Andrea Leoncavallo For many of us, footprints mark the first physical trace of our little one’s journey through the world.  Our children follow our footprints as we walk with them along the trail, and later we follow theirs as they charge ahead. We stop and look at the footprints of animals, engaging our senses of wonder at the creatures who share natural spaces with us. And we nurture this connection to nature to bring a sense of caring for the world around us.  Footprints mark an intention when choosing a path forward. Footprints can show us where we have been, and how we have chosen to get there.  Our Footprints Initiative gives you, as parents and caregivers, a starting point to learn and share about environmental awareness and conservation with your family. We’ve made it easy and fun with options for kids of different ages, because we believe it's never too early to start having important conversations. 1.Watch our “On the Subject of Footprints” video as a family.  Check it Out Here 2. Follow up by asking these questions to start a conversation: For Little Kids Where do you leave footprints? What is the most interesting footprint you’ve found?  Where is a new place you’d like to leave your footprints?  What kind of footprints do you want to leave behind? For Big Kids What is the most interesting surface you’ve left a footprint on? If a footprint is a way to measure impact made on the natural world, what kind of footprints are you leaving? Are you proud of that? If not, what kinds of changes can you make to your footprint? Whose footprints do you like to follow? What kind of footprints do you want to leave behind?   3. Download the Footprints workbook. Complete the activities together, talking about all of the different types of footprints as you go.  Our newest workbook is available in English and Español and is full of fun activities for the littles and *BONUS!! is also secretly full of things to learn! From leaving no trace, to identifying animal footprints, to learning about your carbon footprint, it’s all inside! Because we believe that fostering a love of nature brings with it a desire to protect the natural world and our planet. And as parents and caregivers we have the chance to build upon our children’s curiosity and to make that initial connection.  Graphic Design: Alex Tebow Designs 4. Interested in learning more with your kids? Check out these books from your local library and read together” Seeds of Change by Jen Cullerton Johnston My Friend Earth by Patricia Machlachlan Spring after Spring by Stephanie Roth Sisson The Story of Climate Change by Catherine Barr and Steve Williams   ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.    

The United States has some incredible protected lands open for exploration. Aside from the 63 National Parks to choose from, there are 360 other national park sites across all 50 states and US territories. That’s a whopping 423 sites (and counting) to learn about ecosystems, wildlife, history, geography, and so much more across our nation! Add in the breathtaking views and fun events and you have a recipe for making family memories that last a lifetime. That being said, visiting these sites can be a little different (and a lot more overwhelming) when you have kiddos in tow. Check out this list of questions and resources to aid with your planning process and help you make the most of your visit to a National Park with kids. Photo Credit: Katie Fox Where will you go? With a variety to choose from, deciding which National Park land you want to visit can be easier said than done. Generally, I ask myself what my main goal of the trip is: Do I want to learn about a historic battle in American History? Maybe we'll visit Saratoga National Historic Park. Do I want to teach my kiddos about and experience various ecosystems? Olympic National Park would be a great option. Do I want to stay close to home? Let’s check to see what's nearby. You can use this link to find parks all across the United States and territories. Check out these articles for more information on visiting some of the popular National Parks with kids. You can even make it a road trip and visit multiple sites along the way! This website has a variety of road trip options to help you plan your National Park adventure.   When will you go? You have likely heard about the current issue with large crowds at National Parks across the nation. Summer tends to be the most popular time to visit most parks, which means crowds can get overwhelming. This is especially true when you have kids along for the ride. If at all possible, I highly recommend planning your trip during less busy months such as April or October (for most areas). You will likely save money on lodging, experience smaller crowds, and enjoy more moderate temperatures. Check out this resource from Lonely Planet for advice on when to visit some of the popular National Parks. Photo Credit: Katie Fox Where will you stay? Depending on when you plan to visit, reservations can fill up fast! Whether you plan to camp, find accommodations near the park, or stay at a lodge in the park, reserving your spot in advance can be crucial. Here are some tips and resources based on the type of accommodations you seek: General Tips: Check reviews from previous customers (especially the ones that have kiddos). Take note of any included (or missing) amenities. Do they have WiFi available? Do they have a shuttle to the park? Are there showers and adequate hookups inside the campground? If possible stay in or close to the park. Some of the National Parks are really large and the time spent driving into and out of the park means less time exploring. Campsite: The majority of campsites will book up fast during the busy season, so planning ahead is essential. Websites such as Campendium and Recreation are excellent resources to find open and nearby campsites and include reviews and the amenities available. If all else fails, visit the National Park website for the park you are visiting. Some parks have third party vendors managing their campgrounds, and these may not show up on other reservation websites. On-site lodging: Many larger parks (like Yellowstone or Olympic National Parks) have onsite lodges that are located right next to the main attractions. While they are pricey, a one-night stay may be worth it if you want to get to the popular features and trails early. Booking your stay during the off-season or the middle of the week can save you quite a bit of money and may help you beat some of the crowds. Hotel: There are numerous websites to choose from to find a hotel nearby, such as Hotels.com and Expedia. Keep in mind the distance from the hotel to the park entrance. You may save money by choosing a hotel that is farther away but being closer to the park will allow for less driving time into and out of the park. Consider the extras. Does the hotel offer a continental breakfast? Do they have a pool? Do they offer a shuttle into the park? Do they have special discounts for nearby attractions? These can all be huge benefits when traveling with kids! Vacation rentals: This is especially convenient if you are looking for larger accommodations (family reunion anyone?) and prefer to have a kitchen during your visit. Websites such as AirBnB and Vacation Rental by Owner are great resources to find what you need. Read the description and reviews thoroughly. Some rentals are not family-friendly (too many steep stairs or breakable objects) while others are ideal for little ones (crib and high-chair included along with toys/children’s books available). Keep an eye on the extra fees. Many rentals charge a large cleaning fee that is not included in the advertised price. Photo Credit: Katie Fox What Will you do? Ah yes, the exciting part!  Each park has its fair share of things to see and do. A great place to start planning is by finding your destination on the National Park website and clicking the “Plan your visit” tab. This will take you to numerous recreational options along with maps and recommendations. Here are a few tips and tricks for making the most of your visit with kids in tow: When you get there: Carry paper or downloaded maps since many parks have areas without cell service. You can find maps on your destination website, and most of the larger parks will have them available at the entrance gate or visitor’s centers. Kids love collectibles! You can purchase a National Park Passport (you can get these at the visitor centers), which you can get stamped at every National Park land you visit. They also have collectible coins, postcards, engraved penny machines, etc. Almost all National Parks participate in the Junior Ranger Program, which is a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn about the area while earning badges and having fun. Ask questions! The Park Rangers are there to help you enjoy your stay, so utilize their expertise. They can give you up-to-date information on events (such as guided tours), trail recommendations (including those that are good for little hikers), weather, wildlife sightings, etc. Hiking and Exploring: Be sure to pack enough water and essentials for the whole family. Check out this article for more information on what to pack for a day hike. Keep in mind, that while most visitor centers and even a few very popular trailheads offer water refill stations, always having additional water in your vehicle is useful. When choosing a hiking trail, keep an eye on elevation along with distance. Even short hikes can be difficult if the elevation changes drastically! Using trail apps and websites such as All Trails and the Hike it Baby Family Trail Guide can be extremely helpful when determining where to hike. The Hike it Baby Family Trail Guide also includes family-friendly information, such as whether the trail is stroller friendly, other kid-approved features along the trail (such as trees to climb or water features), etc. Plan ahead, but be flexible enough to allow for some impromptu exploration. Keep in mind the Leave No Trace principles to help keep our parks beautiful and safe for both people and wildlife. Check out this article for more information on the Leave No Trace Principles. Relaxing and Refueling: I highly recommend bringing a cooler to keep drinks and perishable foods cold along with plenty of snacks. While some visitor centers have food available, you may not always be close to a center, and a hangry child does NOT want to wait for you to drive back, find a parking spot, and stand in line at a café. Don’t forgo the nap if your kiddo still takes one. This could be a good time for a scenic drive through the park while your little one takes a car nap, or you can return to your lodging for a mid-day break. Scout out good places to rest ahead of time. These areas are usually noted on the map, whether it be a picnic area, shelter, or visitor’s center.  Are you planning a National Park adventure? Do you have any tips for visiting National Parks with kids? Let us know in the comments below or share your experience and tag @hikeitbaby on your favorite social media platform!   ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

In partnership with Natrapel We asked some of our community's youngest "experts" the questions we’ve all been dying to have answered about bugs and bug bites. Read on for our highlight of responses, and who knows, you might even learn something too! Then be sure to watch our “Kids Explain: Bugs and Bug Bites” video created in partnership with Natrapel. What do you think bugs are thinking about when they bite us?   “They think you’re like a juicy fruit and they drink the fruit juice out of.” “They think we’re a snack...nom nom nom” “It’s the blood, they need the blood”   Did you know only female mosquitoes bite? You can tell the difference between a male and a female mosquito by their antenna, that and the female mosquitoes are bigger! Female mosquitoes bite us because our blood is full of nutrients that they use to make their eggs.  If you’re hanging out this summer in mosquito-heavy areas, wearing light colors, pants and shirts with long sleeves, and using an insect repellent can all help you get bitten less!   What would YOU put in an insect repellent? “I think you’d put rocks in it” “The scent of dead bugs” “All of the stuff that bugs hate….water, and lots of stuff.”   Did you know insect repellents don’t actually repel? Repellents affect an insect’s senses such as smell and taste to prevent it from finding a human or animal host.     What would be the WORST superpower to get from a bug bite? “Sleeping bug power, that you just fall asleep when you try to rescue people and the villians get away.” “That you get tinier like a bug, and then you get tinier and tinier and tinier, and then you just get stepped on.” “Spiderman’s”   But really, some bug bites are worse than others. Ticks and mosquitoes can spread diseases to humans. Here are a couple of tips to prevent ticks and tick bites: Wear light colored clothes, long pants, and long sleeve shirts Use an insect repellent when hiking in areas known to have ticks Change your clothes and check you and your kiddos for ticks once you’ve returned home   How would you NOT use an insect repellant?   “ Don’t spray it in your face!” “I think you should not spray it into the air with no bugs because that’s just wasteful.” “I would not use it with a spider.” We definitely agree that these are all ways you should NOT use an insect repellent, thanks kids. But you should also never let kids apply insect repellent themselves. And, when you are applying it to your kids faces, spray it into your hands first and then apply, never spray directly onto their face.  We hope that you've enjoyed a bit of silliness with us, even if our "experts" gave some questionable advice. Now get outside and enjoy the summer, hopefully mosquito free! ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.  

Can you believe Hike it Baby has been at it for eight years? Eight years of empowering families to confidently take their first steps outside Eight years of connecting families with nature and each other Eight years of normalizing the idea that getting outside is for everyone  Eight years working to redefine outdoorsy Photo: Michelle Craig @theroamschoolfamily Hike it Baby means community and support as we instill a love of nature and exploration in the hearts of our little ones. It means coming together to witness the beauty of little eyes, ears, hands (and sometimes mouths) taking everything in, and appreciating the little things we’ve forgotten how to appreciate ourselves. Suddenly, we find ourselves being able to look at the world through fresh eyes and, with the support of our community, we seek out new adventures wherever we can find them. - Anna, HiB Portland To celebrate, we invite you to join us for a weekend of giving back! Photo: Deanna Curry @shinydayadventures   As an organization that thrives on community events, we invite you to help us do good this weekend! We’ve put together a list of 25 ways to give back for you and your little ones to complete together. Finish them in one weekend, take the month - we’re just thrilled to have our community come together to be there for each other.  Pick an errand you can complete by walking or biking instead of driving Take a walk around the block and pick up trash Pick up trash at a local park Write an encouraging card for a neighbor and walk it to them (leave on their porch or near their door, etc) Write happy chalk messages on the sidewalk Choose your own way to give back Make cards for your local children’s hospital or nursing home Choose some gently used toys or books to donate Learn about recycling in your neighborhood and start if you’re not already! Facetime a family member or friend who you haven’t seen in a while, bonus points if they live alone.  Send a friend or family member a card/picture in the mail Bake treats (muffins, cookies, etc) and drop them off to a couple of friends, family members, neighbors (if you don’t feel comfortable baking and it’s in the budget, you could drop off pre-packaged treats) with a fun note!  Hold the door for someone Write a thank you note for your mail carrier  Leave a note of encouragement in a library book  Let someone go ahead of you in line Turn off the water while brushing your teeth Make a thank you sign for your sanitation workers Take reusable bags to the grocery store Make a thank you card for your librarian Help your caregivers with a household task around your home Help your caregivers make a meal Say please and thank you Make or ask for a donation to Hike it Baby! Make or ask for a donation to a local nonprofit organization that helps families   I have so many awesome Hike it Baby memories. Like so many people, this group has changed my life: it changed the way I parent, it helped me meet so many wonderful people, and it saved me at some of the toughest times in my life to just have somewhere to go where I could be with other parents who “got it”. -Elizabeth, HiB Brockville Photo: Laura Castro At the heart of all we do is our desire to give back. Making a difference is why we continue to show up and do what we do. And we’re excited for what’s next as we continue to roll out and introduce you to all our new programs! We 're working hard to lower barriers of all types so families can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside together. Help us do good together and cheers to eight years!  Hike it Baby has been such a great outlet to have. Such a great community of like-minded people. It has strengthened my relationship with my children for sure. I’m sure we would have a great relationship regardless, but now we have a space where we disconnect online and connect with each other. - Willow, HiB Brockville And just for fun, you might enjoy this scavenger hunt we put together with L.L. Bean!   

The joke among my friends for many years was that a depressing day for me was the same as most people’s emotional state on a good day. Then I turned 38, and I won’t go into details, but I reached a point where I couldn’t even talk to my life coach without crying, so she eventually suggestion medication. For the first time, I was depressed with a capital “D”. Things turned around eventually, and in 2013 I got married, became pregnant with my first child, and moved to Portland… an excellent change of scenery after years in Los Angeles. As my due date neared, I started to feel the old dark cloud edging back in. Everywhere I looked I saw stories on postpartum depression. People talked about it in my mama preparation classes and in prenatal yoga. I talked to my doctor about whether I could breastfeed and medicate once I had a child. I was convinced I was doomed to postpartum depression because the memories of my dark place were in the not-so-distant past. It’s estimated close to a million women a year suffer from postpartum depression. The news loves to latch on to stories about women who really go off the deep end. Publications like the Huffington Post and the New York Times often have stories about “lonely mama syndrome” where women wax on about how isolating it is to be a new parent. Believe me when I say that I read every one of those articles word-for-word. When my son arrived I was high with the euphoria of newborn love. But I was also weepy, overwhelmed, bleary eyed and hormone-whacked. One minute I was laughing at my baby pooping 12 times a day, and the next minute I was sobbing about my sore nipples and how exhausted I was. It didn’t help that my husband would just stand there looking at me like I was a stranger and say thing like, “Seriously what’s your problem? You are just sitting here nursing all day. It can’t be THAT tiring?” This, of course, was my mama-brained interpretation and would make me sob harder. The fear of depression was overwhelming. On about week three after Mason was born, I found myself sitting in a new mama group inside in the middle of summer. I heard myself complaining about my husband and how he just didn’t understand how tired I was and how scared I was of getting depressed. Everything was scary. I was scared of people on the street, cars getting to close to us on the freeway, lead poisoning in our windows, pretty much everything in the world was out to get my beautiful new baby. And as I thought and talked more about all of this, I could feel the symptoms of depression lingering darkly around the edges of my newborn bliss. As I looked out the window at the sunny July day I remember thinking, “What would happen if I got so depressed I couldn’t take care of Mason?” That’s when it dawned on me that the one thing that always made me feel a little better in the past when falling down the dark rabbit hole was sitting outside. Even if I did nothing, just sitting outside breathing fresh air made a difference. Then I thought, “what if we could be having this same experience of talking to each other about nursing and dealing with our new lives and our fears outside, instead of in this cozy, safe little room?” While it was lovely, it was also too sheltered and was not helping all of my depression anxiety. I asked the group if anyone wanted to go on a little hike with me. Nothing hard, just a half-mile trail down the street from my house. There was just one thing, I didn’t really know how to use my carrier, so I was scared to go alone. And it wasn’t really a very good stroller trail. The next week, armed with a ridiculous amount of stuff in my BOB stroller I went to a park near my house that had a mellow trail. For this “major” outing I brought a carrier, a days worth of diapers, diaper cream, water, food and who knows what else. Three women were waiting there at the trailhead and two more texted to say they were on the way. I was a bit shocked that they came. I was still nervous about carrying Mason, so I started out with the stroller on the hiking trail. Eventually we came to a place where it was obvious I needed to ditch the stroller and carry my son. These veteran mamas helped me slide Mason into the carrier, and off we went. I only made it about another 15 minutes before I got tired and turned around, but it was exhilarating to feel the dirt under my feet for that half of a mile. I felt my spirits rising, and I knew I wanted to do it the next week. The next day I woke up feeling overwhelmed about my husband working out of town for 3 weeks. That dark cloud was hovering in the back of my mind. Mark had gone out for the day, so I decided to go for a walk. I started with the neighborhood, pushing the stroller, but then as I neared the park, I decided to try stepping on to the trail. I locked up the stroller and asked a stranger passing by if she could help me buckle the back of my carrier. I tried to act nonchalant like I totally did this all the time. There were so many things going through my mind. What if Mason had a blow out? Did I bring enough stuff? I couldn’t carry anything but a baby in the carrier. What if I needed to nurse. I had only nursed in the privacy of my home at that point and was still struggling with it. What if he slipped down in the carrier or I just dropped him? What if a scary homeless dude was on the path? What would I do? As I got on trail, I felt the pressure still there in my chest, but with every step the fears and tears started melting away. It was so silent in the forest. The birds got louder, as did the bubbling water in the stream on the side of the trail. Everything was so green and lush in spite of the sweltering July heat. I felt Mason’s sweaty little nearly naked body snuggled up against me. I leaned down and kissed his head and breathed in the new baby smell. I moved so slowly, but with every step I felt a little lighter, a little calmer. That day I walked all the way up the trail to the stone house, doubling the distance I had done with the group the previous day. Along the way Mason got hungry, and I stopped and asked a random couple to unbuckle the carrier. I took my wailing baby to a quiet place off the trail and sat down to nurse. I was nervous and not as graceful as I would have liked, but I did get enough milk in Mason to appease him and get back home. And when my husband came home and I announced that I went hiking alone, I felt so proud of myself. The next week, ten women showed up to join me. It seemed I wasn’t alone in feeling the need to commune with nature and “hike it out”. As the weeks progressed my circle of friends widened and new faces showed up to hike with us. I also noticed something shifting in me. With every hike, I felt physically stronger and the dark clouds moved further and further away from me. In June, we celebrated our son’s second birthday on a hike with 30 or so friends whom we had met through hiking with our children. It was a sweltering day, much like those first days I ventured into the woods with Mason. As we approached a shady forested stretch and I watched Mason running and laughing and looked around at all of the smiling families around me, all I could think was how happy I was. The simple act of putting one foot in front of the other in an effort to evade depression got me here. It’s may be a cliché, but the first step truly is the hardest. Once you take it, you’ll notice how quickly the path will open up in front of you and the clouds will lift. Tips for Successfully Getting on the Trail Create a regular hike/walk day. Try to plan at least two hikes a week. (If you plan two, you’ll likely make it to at least one.) Pack the night before so you don’t use the next morning’s chaos as an excuse to stay inside and skip it. Choose a mantra for the trail. As heavier thoughts or stressful things enter your mind, go back to that word and look at the trail. Try to leave the cell phone out of reach so you can enjoy the hike. Find a hike buddy who will help keep you accountable and get you out there. Don’t let your gear hold you back. Think used, think simple, think repurpose. I put my old cashmere socks on my baby’s legs over his clothes and booties to keep him warm on cold days! Keep it close to home. No need to go on an epic journey to find adventure. Some of my best days hiking were no more than a few miles from my house. Don’t get hung up with weather. Rainy day? Carry an umbrella on trail. Too hot? Look for shady trails and water features. Find groups like Hike it Baby (or start one in your area) to help get you out on days you just don’t feel like it. Shanti Hodges hikes between 3-10 miles a week on average and tries to get outside with Mason at least 3 days a week year round. In spite of being viewed as a hike addict, she is not afraid to admit that she needs the Hike it Baby 30 Challenge to motivate herself out on the bad days! Her secret to getting out on days she's not feeling it and there isn't a challenge going on is to text a handful of her hike buddies and get them to guilt or motivate her out the door.  This article first appeared in Green Child Magazine. Check them out for awesome stories about healthy parenting. ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

Originally posted October 2018. In honor of International Babywearing Week (October 1-7), I wanted to share my own babywearing experience along with some evidence-based facts and community input regarding the many benefits of babywearing. My son, now an average, rambunctious 3-year-old, was born two months premature via emergency C-section, weighing just under 4 lbs. We were lucky in the sense that he was generally healthy, but he still stayed in the NICU for a little over a month until he was able to regulate his own body temperature and gain some weight. One of the best pieces of advice that the nurses stressed constantly was kangaroo care (also called skin-to-skin). They relayed evidence that keeping a newborn baby close (especially a preemie) would aid in bonding, breastfeeding success and overall mother and baby health – all of which we were struggling with. Keeping him close as much as possible made a world of difference for us! Breastfeeding became easier, I healed remarkably fast from the C-section, and he was steadily improving each day. Once he was released from the NICU, the nurses recommended that I wear him in a wrap or sling so that I could have by arms free to get things done while still keeping him close. Boy, did that make my life as a new mother easier! To this day, I still wear him several times a week on hikes and it provides wonderful mother-son bonding time, putting us both in a great mood. Show Me the Science! Anyone who has experience with babywearing will tell you that it definitely has its benefits. However, there are actual studies out there that provide scientific evidence for these benefits, and it turns out there are many! You can find out more by visiting this blog post by We the Parents where these benefits are discussed further. And check out the detailed infographic that covers 23 evidence-based benefits of babywearing along with the scientific studies that back these findings. Babywearing in our Community As a Hike it Baby community, babywearing has changed the way we experience the outdoors with our families. From great workouts to incredible family experiences, our community has certainly reaped the benefits of babywearing! Here are just a few of the responses from Hike it Baby members on what they love about wearing their babies and toddlers on the trails. The Bonding Time Olga, Ringwood-Bergen Branch – I just feel soooo connected to my baby!! The snuggles ... the love!! Nicole, Mountain Home Branch – My 2-year-old and I can chatter back and forth about what we see or hear. He’s getting really good at spotting birds! If he’s on my back, we can go places that aren’t necessarily super safe for kids — we’ve explored canyon rims, geothermal basins, and biologically sensitive areas without worry. Christie, Richmond Branch – The back snuggles! Connie, Grays Harbor County Branch – Being able to hold conversations and be "together." I rarely use strollers even in town. Vanessa, San Diego Branch – My baby loves to be carried. You can just tell that it is her happy place and she takes long naps while on me. I love seeing her so happy and peaceful. My 3-year-old tolerates being carried, but I love the chats we are able to have while we are walking and pointing out what we see and hear. Tanya, Adelaide Branch – How happy he is. My 15-month-old does these little jumps as soon as I put him in the carrier. The Workout Nicole, Orange County Branch – We go faster! Anais, Winnemucca Branch – We can go at my pace and it's more of a workout ... which is more rewarding for me. Alexandra, Salt Lake City Branch – Since my youngest is now 4.5 and just about 40 lbs., I enjoy the workout. The conversations we have are always fun and the peace is lovely when he falls asleep. Also, I love that he’s still even willing to be worn! The Sense of Safety and Security Erin, Omaha Branch – I don't have to worry about my 3-year-old running too far ahead on the trail. Jen, Conway-Myrtle Beach Branch – Nursing when [my daughter] was little; she's now 3 and loves to be worn for comfort. She gets overwhelmed when others are around at times, so she feels safe when I wear her. Plus, she gets to see things from up at my level and it's a whole different view. Tracey, Anchorage Branch – The peace. Both my sons, who are insanely active when NOT on me, turn into relaxed, quiet kids when I wear them. My 3-year-old could be throwing a fit about being worn, but the second he is strapped on his entire demeanor changes. More Family Adventures Colette, Harrisburg Branch – My husband and I have been able to explore so many places because of baby wearing! We just hiked the Narrows in Zion NP with our 3-year-old. That wouldn't have been possible without a carrier. I love that it enables us to experience more of our world together as a family. Laura, La Crosse Branch – I never found a good carrier match for my firstborn. Mastering carrying my youngest has been so empowering since day one! It meant we could still go anywhere and do all the things, even though I’m outnumbered. Now my “baby” is 22 months and this week she conquered the most difficult bluff trail in our area all by herself!!! But of course I still wore the carrier (full of apples – haha) because it’s excellent peace of mind for ALL of us, especially at this age where they can go from bounding with energy to NAP in 10 seconds. Vong, Kansas City Branch – We went to Yellowstone last year and it was so nice not to worry about the toddler falling into the pools. Melissa, Hampton Roads Branch – When my youngest was little: nursing on the go! He nursed coooooonstantly so it would have been really hard to go anywhere if I had to sit down every time he wanted to eat. What do you love about babywearing? Let us know in the comments below! Read more: 9 tips for soothing a cranky baby on the trail Hiking with young infants: Tips and Tricks Hiking with a newborn Featured photos by Amy Diebold and Laura Castro. Profile photos courtesy of Shanti, Rebecca, Vong, Vanessa, Adrienne, Mindy, Nicole, Jen and Tracey. ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

In partnership with the awesome team over at Burley Photo: Michelle Pearl Gee @michellepearl It’s as simple as riding a bike, right? Said the person who never had to coordinate three kids at three different ages and three completely different skill sets ALL wanting to bike. But, that’s where we come in. Here’s a handy little guide and some parent-sourced tips for biking with kids, so you can take what you need for now and save some tips for later (these kids grow up fast!). And BONUS*** You’ll also find our brand new “Bike it Baby Workbook” at the end of this blog. That’s right, we teamed up with our friends at Burley to put together a brand new workbook full of all things biking: sensory bike rides, a bicycle safety dance (you choose the tune!), coloring pages, a “Bike-it” List, and more. So head outside with your family and find a place to ride, because we’re pretty sure bicycles and summer go hand-in-hand. :) Biking with Kids: GEAR  Photo: Michelle Pearl Gee @michellepearl Bike Seats There are front and back varieties of bike seats, but either way, it’s really nice to have your little one right there with you, to talk to you, sing to you, yell at you, you get the idea. ;) We really like bike seats because you’re closer to your little one and it feels like you are adventuring together. Keep in mind, bike seats aren’t for little babies. Your kiddo should be able to sit upright unassisted and hold their head up while wearing a helmet, usually this is around a year old. We know it might seem like a long time to wait if biking’s your thing, but trust us, you’ll have so many years of biking fun, don’t risk your little ones safety.  Baby fall asleep in their bike seat? Not to worry! One of our Hike it Baby mama's has this solution: " “I usually bring my soft structured carrier with me as well for when we were off the bike, and discovered it makes an impromptu head rest as well! I just roll up the carrier and clip it around the baby with hip belt clipping behind the bike seat. Works like a charm!” Thanks mama! Bike Trailers Ahh yes, the bike trailer, you tow it, your kids enjoy the ride, you move faster, explore more, and can even take on some gravel paths.  Plus, some bike trailers have conversion kits and can be turned into jogging strollers, win!! Photo: Michelle Pearl Gee @michellepearl Bike trailers are great if you want to get out and it’s a little rainy, and they can provide some extra shade on sunny days. Keep in mind that in the cold your kids are less active so bundle them up, and on warm, sunny days, keep an eye on them overheating, despite mesh screening and ventilation pockets, sometimes bike trailers can get warm!  If a child has not quite "grown in" to the trailer seat try folding up a towel and place it underneath or behind them. A pillow is another option that will provide a little more comfort and height. Also, remember that kids always need to be wearing helmets when riding in bike trailers!    Balance Bikes Photo: Ashley Schneider In our family (and pretty much any family I’ve ever talked to) balance bikes are the BEST! Why? Your kid can only go so fast. Hands down, best feature. So, barring you taking them to a steep downhill, you can keep pace with them on foot! Which is awesome when you just want a quick walk around the block, or are pushing a stroller, or Sibling 2 wants to ride their scooter. Your little ones learn the hardest part of riding a two-wheel big kid bike when they are short and close to the ground, and watching them go from unsteady wobbly new balance bikers to graceful, striding almost-speedesters is sure to be one of those proud parent moments. Balance bikes increase coordination and control, and also act as a nice middle point when your little one isn’t quite ready/attentive enough to pedal off into the sunset...alone...at top speed. Plus, some balance bikes have hand brakes! (for when you do come across that steep downhill part of the path)     All Together Now: Tips for Biking as a Family Photo: Michelle Pearl Gee @michellepearl   Bringing it back to where we started, with three kids, different ages, and different skills, here are some tips on biking together: Keep it contained: “I have twin incredibly confident 3 year olds and a recently two-wheeling 7 year old, I found the place it was most enjoyable to go was a big, fenced in, paved school yard. Everyone can ride around at whatever speed and direction they want, they can explore and be silly, and they can’t get out. It’s nice for them to be able to bike around without having to listen to me telling them to get over so the faster bikes can get by them. We’ll get there, but for now, this is a really fun way for everyone to bike at once.”   Go big, and wide, and preferably flat and drop-off free: In case your children haven’t yet demonstrated, sometimes following a path as a new biker can be much more difficult than you could have ever realized. With all of the swerving and veering, its much more fun to go out on paths that are wider, so look for multi-use paths in your area.   Ride your bike, tow your toddlers, and have your older kids ride beside you. You can go at whatever speed works for your kids, but sometimes it’s nice to give your bigger kids new challenges while bringing the little ones along for the adventure.   And finally, if you have the room: "Keep the bikes, helmets, and safety pads in the back of the car so you can just jump in and go, especially when biking is new. This helped us go out more often, which is a great way to advance learning and getting comfortable with new things. Also, keep outings short and sweet at the beginning! Everyone will be more willing and have more fun if it's 15 minutes of positive, playful practice versus 30 minutes of grueling fights, arguments, and stress. You can build longer outings as confidence and endurance grow." Above all, be safe, have fun, follow all safety instructions for the gear you are using, and make sure EVERYONE has a properly fitting bicycle helmet.  Bike it Baby Workbook! We know that sometimes keeping kids motivated and engaged while out can be challenging, which is why we are really excited for this biking workbook! Throw it in your pack, put it in your bike trailer, pull it out at snacktime along the bike path, you get the idea! Happy biking! -Love, Hike it Baby and Burley Download the workbook here! ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.      

We all know that it’s great to get kids outside and that nature play has a multitude of benefits, but sometimes getting out the door is difficult even if it’s just into your own backyard. If we at least have some idea of what we are going to do once we are outside, then we are one step closer. For infants, the actual activity really isn't as important as just giving your baby new experiences. These activities for infants are all simple, quick and easy and should be able to easily incorporated into your routine. Here are some activities for infants to 1-year-olds in the great outdoors: Hiking or Walking Outside From just about birth, you can start getting your baby outside to hike or walk with you. Whether they are in the stroller, baby carrier or just in your arms, and whether you are hiking a trail or just walking back and forth in the driveway, getting outside and moving is a beneficial experience for you and your little one. Tummy time, Reading or Playing Outside Bring your normal inside activities outside to the fresh air. Grab a blanket and some books or toys and take playtime outside instead of inside.  Even just napping or nursing your infant outside can feel like a new experience. Picnics What a better place to start your baby on new foods then outside? Sit them on a blanket and picnic together while they try out new foods and new ways of feeding themselves. Added bonus: cleanup for you doesn’t involve scrubbing floors, walls, windows or high chairs. If they still need support when sitting, try a “bumbo” type seat with a tray or just bring their high chair out with you. Sensory Play One of the key elements for development in babies is sensory play and the outdoors is filled with new things to explore and stimulate their senses. Let them crawl around in new terrains – grass, dirt, sand, leaves, etc. Let them pick up new materials – rocks, sticks, sand or mud. Just keep a careful eye to make sure their new finds don’t turn into their next picnic. Get dirty Don’t be afraid to let them get dirty! Let them squish the mud or scoot through the dirt or roll around in the grass.  If you don’t want to rush to the bath tub afterwards, then move right on to one of the next activities below… Water Play You can take them to a pool or body of water and take them in the water with you, or fill a few bowls with water and let them splash around with their hands. Don’t overthink it – babies thrive on simplicity. Playgrounds During off hours, when there are not many bigger kids around, playgrounds can be perfect places for babies to work on new large motor skills, such as crawling on new surfaces, pulling up and climbing. Bubbles Babies love bubbles. They are easy and cheap (if you are ambitious, you can make your own following this recipe) and you are sure to get some giggles! Balls  One of the best toys for little ones are different sized balls for them to push around and watch bounce.  Outside is the perfect place because there is nothing to hit and plenty of space. Feel free to experiment with different size balls. This will help with both gross and fine motor control. Walking Practice Once your little one starts trying to walk, bring them outside where there are less sharp edges and lots of softer surfaces for the inevitable spills. The only downside is that they may become more interested in a new discovery on the ground and may not get very far!   Photos Courtesy of Kirby Crawford, Ashley Scheider and Kim Ives What are your favorite outdoor activities for infants? Share in the comments below!     ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

Originally posted August 2016. When I decided to leave my job as a mental health professional to become a full time dad, I was scared. I was going to be responsible for the care of my 1 year old twin girls. I didn't know what to expect, but one of the biggest of my concerns was just how to spend the time productively with them. I wanted to be able to promote learning and social development, so I knew I needed to get involved with something. That's where Hike it Baby came in. I met a branch ambassador at the library and she invited me to come out. At my first event, I felt the warmth and welcoming environment that I have come to know through my Hike it Baby experience. Instantly, I felt included as part of the group. My girls and I went on a few trail hikes and many urban strolls. The "no hiker left behind" philosophy was simple, but important. I enjoyed knowing that everyone would remain a part of the group, regardless of individual ability or fitness level. As an avid indoorsman, I was not in world class shape. I received an awesome amount of support and encouragement from others in the group. I was encouraged to push my boundaries and during HiB 30 in April, the girls and I covered more than 100 miles! I felt great to have reached a goal I wasn't sure I could. When some encouraged me to take the girls on a toddler led hike, I was nervous. But, when the Hike it Baby founder came to join one of our toddler led hikes, I figured the time might be right to give the girls a chance to lead. It was, as I expected, difficult to try to follow two girls who rarely seem to be headed in the same direction. Still, with a group, there were other eyes to help me keep track of them. That's what made the toddler led hike possible. Recently, I went on a hike in Glacier National Park with my family. My wife and I each carried one of the girls. We were accompanied by my mother in law and my brother in law and his wife. She carried their 4 month old and he carried their two year old. We did not establish any rules, such as " no hiker left behind." I started the hike with confidence high and we decided to take a 2 mile hike up to a mountain lake. I did not foresee an issue and we started along the trail. My brother in law and his wife are relatively fit and active people, whereas my wife and I are not so much. It wasn't long until I watched their backs disappear from my view. My mother in law and my wife hung back closer to me, but it became clear, rather quickly, that they were capable of keeping a much better pace than I was. The difficulty involved was that the trail was steep and there were large rocks to step over. It felt like a 2 mile staircase to me. As we continued, my wife and her mother got further ahead of me on the trail. I was slow, feeling pain, and struggling. Absent the encouragement of my fellow hikers, self doubt started to enter my mind. Those who know me, are aware of my issues with self doubt. When my wife stopped to let me catch up, I told her I wasn't going to make it. Perhaps I was blowing my pain out of proportion, but I'd had a while to convince myself I couldn't do this and I didn't. My wife and I turned around while the rest forged on. Heading back down the trail, I felt weak and embarrassed. We decided to stop carrying the twins and let them walk. That was when something inspiring happened. The girls led us the entire way back down the trail. It was the furthest they had ever walked in their entire lives. I was so proud of them. So, my positive takeaways from a seemingly unsuccessful hike were that I rely on the encouragement from my group. Hike it Baby has given me that and I value it highly. Also, I've raised little hikers! Hiking with my daughters became the best part of the afternoon. I'm glad to be a part of this organization and I'm ready to get my daughters involved with more toddler led hikes. Oh, and I promise not to be so hard on myself. See you on the trails! Dave is a full time father of twin girls. He lives with his wife of 8 years, Jamie, in Boise, ID. He's a novice but enthusiastic cook, writer, and hiker.   ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

Originally posted June 2020. As a community of families who love the outdoors (or who are learning to love it), it is always inspiring to hear how that love originated. Some of us grew up camping and hiking almost since birth. For others, outdoor exploration didn’t start until much later in life. Either way, most of us can credit the role models in our lives for instilling that love of the outdoors in us, and for many of us, that role model is our dad. In honor of Father’s Day, we asked our Hike it Baby community to share how their dad—or other father figures—influenced their love of nature and the outdoors. How the Father Figures in Our Lives Have Influenced Our Love of the Outdoors "He influenced our love for outdoors by just BEING outdoors himself... tinkering, gardening, eating, relaxing, playing. He also EXPLAINED the outdoors to us, so we learned about the world around us...stars, plants, bugs, weather, water, history. There was always a science lesson to be taught.” Christine, HiB Calgary, AB, Canada “Growing up, camping was the only kind of vacation my family could afford, and thankfully my parents loved to [go camping] with our pop-up tent trailer. My dad was the one who took my siblings and me on hikes, to beaches and lakes, and on adventures while our mom stayed at the campsite and cooked. Just taking us to beautiful places and encouraging us to climb trees and boulders, wade in lakes and streams, heavily influenced my love for the outdoors.” Alex, HiB Salt Lake City, UT “My dad, a city boy from NY, dreamed of the mountains. He found his way to Alaska and climbed Denali, found my mom, had a family and raised us outside hiking and camping. We made so many memories on our adventures.” Juliana, HiB Fairbanks, AK “My dad 100% inspired my love of the outdoors. He took my sister and me hiking and camping many times each summer as kids!” Colleen, HiB New Brunswick, NJ “From birth, my dad would scoop us up and take us outside for a walk anytime we were fussy. Sibling argument?... Let's take a walk and talk it through. One of my clearest memories early on is sitting on the porch, churning ice cream, and watching a thunderstorm grow in the distance. It was the way that the outdoors were a part of every day and every activity that made it more than love, it made it life.” Jennifer, HiB Charlottesville, VA “My husband has helped encourage my love of the outdoors and he is a father. He gets our kids outside every chance he can and is always showing them new things. He also helped my love for the outdoors grow.” Beth Ann, HiB Pittsburgh, PA “I’m not even sure my dad consciously knew he was instilling his love of the outdoors in us! In the winter we would sit with our bird book identifying birds at the bird feeder. Long walks together down our country roads were a regular occurrence. He was and is still always puttering in the yard, gardening, observing everything around him. He would even take us hunting with him, and when we didn’t get anything, he would always say “It’s ok, I just like an excuse to walk in the woods.” Sarah, HiB Brockville, Ontario “My dad has always believed that fresh air clears the head and calms the nerves, so anytime my siblings or I were working through something, he would say “take a walk with me.” We would walk or hike for miles (and still do when I go back for a visit), and he would listen to us vent and give advice when it was needed. And now anytime I need to clear my head, I step outside and let the fresh air calm me, just like he taught me.” Becca, HiB Kitsap Peninsula, WA “My dad was my rock. He was calm, patient, and understanding. When he passed in 2018, I realized that the traits that draw me to the woods, to the top of a mountain, to the warm shallows of a lake were rooted in the love and support that I had felt from my father my entire life. And when I’m missing my dad, I find him again in nature.” Sara, HiB Grand Rapids, MI “My dad took me camping in Yosemite for the first time when I was 7 and then again every summer until I was a too-cool teenager. Without knowing it he introduced me to my favorite place in the world and to the beauty and wonder of spending time outside.” Linzay, HiB San Diego, CA   How has your own dad, or the father figure in your life, inspired your love of the outdoors? Share in the comments!   ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

Summer has always been my favorite time of year, with its longer days, higher temperatures, and lots of outdoor fun in the sun. One of the easiest ways to keep the kiddos cool when enjoying some hot summer fun is to incorporate water play into your outdoor time. Whether splashing in a water table, exploring a nearby creek, or relaxing by the pool, water play has numerous benefits for our growing kiddos. Read on to discover these benefits along with ways you can incorporate water play into your summer fun and tips for doing so safely. **Please note: With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions are still in place for many parts of the country. Please take note of your local regulations before traveling, and practice safe distancing whenever recreating near others outside your family. Photo: Jessica Human 5 Sneaky Benefits of Water Play for Child Development Gross and Fine Motor Development Lifting buckets, swimming in a pool, jumping in puddles, and running through sprinklers are wonderful activities for gross motor development as children work on strengthening their large muscle groups. Pouring, squirting, and stirring water are all examples of fine motor and hand-eye coordination skills that water play provides. Cognitive Development Looking to include some stealthy learning experiences this summer? Water play provides numerous opportunities for children to problem solve and learn math and science concepts simply by playing. Children can learn what materials sink or float, how many small cups of water will fill a bucket, or how different types of rocks splash in different ways in a lake. Creativity and Imagination Add water to various containers and you get potions, a witch’s cauldron, or flower petal soup. Add a dose of imagination and a shallow creek becomes lava they must avoid by jumping on rocks, or their water table becomes a car wash for all their toy cars. There is truly no limit to the creativity that can be sparked by adding a little water! Language Skills While their imagination is at work, talk to your kiddos about what they are creating or what they see in the water. They’ll build their vocabulary, communication, and collaboration skills by working with you and other children to create stories and pretend play with water. Energy Release Encouraging kids to swim around in a pool, run around in the sprinklers, or climb and explore near a creek are fantastic, fun ways to release some of their boundless energy. Water can also help children calm themselves down through the repetitive motions of scooping, pouring, or running their hands or feet through the water. These therapeutic effects can lead to improved mood and better sleep for kids and adults alike. Photo: Jessica Human 5 Easy Ways to Include Water Play in your Summer Fun Water Table (or large bucket) All you need is a water table (or a plastic bin or bucket will do) and some plastic containers from your recycle bin, and you have hours of fun right in your backyard or balcony!  Add measuring tools, water beads, bath toys, kitchen utensils, etc. for extra creativity. Sprinklers and Water Toys Some of the best childhood memories involve running around the yard, jumping through sprinklers, sliding on the slip and slide, and avoiding water squirters and water balloons. Did you know there are now blow-up splash pads you can set up in your yard?! Pool Time Whether it be a community pool, a backyard pool, or even a small baby pool, swimming and splashing are a wonderful way to cool down and have fun. Creek and River Play Summertime adventures that lead to a creek or river for the kiddos to splash in are a favorite among our Hike it Baby community! Whether you look for water critters, investigate the sound a rock makes when dropped in the water, or simply wade in to cool off, a creek/river is a great option on a hot summer day. Head to the Beach Enjoy a family outing complete with sandcastles, tide pool exploration, and splashing in waves. Don’t live near the coast? No problem! Lake and river beaches can provide a fun adventure without the drastic changes in tide. Photo: Monique Vargas 5 Tips for Safe and Comfortable Water Play Discuss water safety with your kiddos This is especially important around pools (no matter how small) and bodies of water (rivers, lakes, and the ocean). The Red Cross has put together various short videos that cover water safety topics for kids.  For younger kiddos, check out these engaging water safety picture books to help teach the importance of water safety. Keep an Eye on the UV Index Ever wonder what the UV index reading on your weather app means? The UV (ultraviolet) index was created as a way to inform people of the risk of ultraviolet radiation exposure when planning outdoor activities The levels are generally strongest during midday (between 11 a.m.-4 p.m.). At these times, especially in late spring and summer, the damaging effects of the sun are strongest and hardest to avoid. Wearing extra sun protection at these times or planning outings during non-peak UV levels is safest (especially for little ones!).  Check out this article for more information. Apply (and Reapply) Sunscreen The American Academy of Dermatology recommends looking for a sunscreen that has three main components: Broad-Spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB rays), water-resistance, and an SPF rating of 30 or higher. For infants and children, mineral-based sunscreens (containing titanium oxide or zinc dioxide) are generally more appropriate since they are less likely to irritate the skin. Just remember to reapply every two hours or right after swimming or excessive sweating! Wear Sun Protective Clothing Is sunscreen not really your thing? Or maybe your kiddos are like mine: whirlwinds of activity and nearly impossible to wrangle when they’re having fun in the sun. You can purchase breathable clothing that completely covers the body and utilizes fabrics that block the majority of the sun’s radiation (usually with a rating of around UPF 50). Top it off with a UPF Sunhat and you’re all set! Just remember that you still need to apply sunscreen on any exposed skin. Bring a Spare Set of Clothes Or maybe two! Small children cool down far faster than adults, especially when wet. Having dry clothes available when finished with water play can keep everyone comfortable and happy, especially when away from home. For more information on sun safety, check out this article on sun protection. We hope you find ways to incorporate water play into your family summer fun. Be sure to share your experience and tag @hikeitbaby on your favorite social media platform. ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. 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