OutGrown Blog

This article was written in partnership with our friends at Burley. Biking is a fun and engaging activity for all ages! Whether you're a child experiencing the thrill of your first bike ride, an adult commuting to work, or a senior enjoying leisurely rides, biking offers many benefits.  Biking and Sensory Engagement for Kids Children are naturally curious and love exploring the world around them and biking offers a unique way to engage their senses and stimulate their minds. As kids ride, they experience the sensation of the wind on their faces, the sights of their surroundings, and the sounds of nature and urban life. This sensory engagement helps in developing their motor skills, balance, and coordination. Biking encourages kids to spend time outdoors, fostering a connection with nature and promoting physical activity. It’s a fun way to burn off energy, which can lead to better sleep and overall health. The joy and sense of achievement that come from mastering biking skills also boost their confidence and independence. Safety First: Local Laws, Helmets, and Hand Signals Biking safety is important for riders of all ages and understanding and adhering to local biking laws is essential. These laws vary by region but generally include rules about where you can ride, such as designated bike lanes or paths, and the requirement to follow traffic signals and signs. Wearing a helmet is crucial for protecting against head injuries. Ensure the helmet fits properly and is securely fastened. For added safety, cyclists should wear bright clothing and use reflectors or lights, especially when riding in low-light conditions. Hand signals are another important aspect of biking safety. They help communicate your intentions to other road users, reducing the risk of accidents. Common hand signals include extending the left arm out to indicate a left turn, raising the left arm up to signal a right turn, and pointing the left arm down to show a stop or slowing down. Teaching these signals to children early on helps instill safe biking habits. Environmental Benefits of Biking One of the most significant advantages of biking is its positive impact on the environment. As more people choose to bike for transportation, the reliance on motor vehicles decreases, leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and less air pollution. Biking is a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to driving, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier planet. Biking also helps reduce traffic congestion, making urban areas more livable and less stressful for everyone. Cities with high biking rates often experience fewer traffic jams and lower levels of noise pollution. Encouraging biking as a primary mode of transportation can also inspire the development of better biking infrastructure, such as dedicated bike lanes and bike-sharing programs, further promoting a green and active lifestyle. “It’s just like riding a bike…” Biking as a family offers numerous benefits for people and the environment. From infancy to adulthood, it provides sensory engagement and physical development. For everyone, it enhances safety awareness and promotes a healthier, more sustainable way of living. By incorporating biking into our daily routines, we can enjoy the ride while contributing to a cleaner, greener future.  Download our free Biking Workbook here! Here's a little more about OutGrown: We're a national, 501c3 nonprofit with over a decade of experience helping families get outside with their babies and young children. We believe it is critical to include and center families from birth because it is a crucial developmental time for both the infant and the parent, where we can create a life-long, multi-generational impact. We know that we protect what we love and we're helping families build a loving connection with the outdoors so they can value and protect it for generations to come. As a community-driven organization, we have been working with indigenous, Latine, BIPOC, immigrant & refugee, and rural families to co-design multilingual and culturally relevant solutions in our programming. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteers. 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.

This article was written in partnership with our friends at Turtle Fur. Caring for a newborn can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging and, at times, overwhelming. Many caregivers experience feelings of depression and isolation, which can affect their overall well-being and the quality of care they provide. One simple yet powerful way to improve mental and physical health during this time is to get outside often.  Any Caregiver Can Experience Depression Postpartum depression affects many new mothers, but it’s important to recognize that any caregiver, including fathers, grandparents, and other family members, can also experience depression. The constant demands of caring for a newborn, lack of sleep, and changes in routine can contribute to feelings of sadness, anxiety, and fatigue. Getting outside can be a natural antidote to these challenges. The Better a Caregiver Feels, the Better Outcomes for Infants When caregivers prioritize their own mental and physical health, they are better equipped to care for their infants. Fresh air and sunlight are natural mood lifters. Exposure to natural light helps regulate sleep patterns by stimulating the production of serotonin, a hormone that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness. This can lead to better sleep for both the caregiver and the baby, creating a positive cycle of improved mood and energy. Tips for Making Outdoor Time with a Newborn a Success Keep it Simple You don’t need to plan elaborate outings to reap the benefits of being outdoors. A simple neighborhood stroll can be incredibly refreshing. Choose a familiar route to reduce stress and make the outing feel more manageable. The goal is to enjoy the experience, not to create additional pressure. Keeping the outing simple also means you won’t need to carry a lot of gear. A stroller, a baby carrier, and a diaper bag with essentials are usually sufficient. Stay Comfortable Comfort is key to making outdoor time enjoyable. Depending on the weather, ensure you and your baby are dressed appropriately. Sun protection, such as hats and sunscreen, is essential to protect sensitive skin. Moisture-wicking fabrics can help keep you cool and comfortable, especially during warmer months. Don’t forget about footwear – supportive and comfortable shoes can make a big difference during walks. Join a Community Connecting with other caregivers can enhance the experience and provide additional support. Look for local parenting groups, like OutGrown's Hike it Baby program, that organize outdoor activities. Consider starting your own group or organizing meet-ups with friends and neighbors who have young children. The shared experience of caring for newborns can create strong bonds and provide valuable emotional support. Caregivers and Newborns Benefit from Time Spent Outdoors Getting outside every day can be a simple yet powerful way for caregivers of newborns to boost their mental and physical health. By keeping outings simple, staying comfortable, and joining a community, caregivers can make outdoor time a beneficial and enjoyable part of their routine. Taking care of well-being not only improves overall health for caregivers but also creates a positive environment for infants, leading to better outcomes for both. Looking for new gear to get outside with your little ones this summer? Check out Turtle Fur’s new summer collection for adults and kids! Here's a little more about OutGrown: We're a national, 501c3 nonprofit with over a decade of experience helping families get outside with their babies and young children. We believe it is critical to include and center families from birth because it is a crucial developmental time for both the infant and the parent, where we can create a life-long, multi-generational impact. We know that we protect what we love and we're helping families build a loving connection with the outdoors so they can value and protect it for generations to come. As a community-driven organization, we have been working with indigenous, Latine, BIPOC, immigrant & refugee, and rural families to co-design multilingual and culturally relevant solutions in our programming. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteers. 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.

This article was originally published in June 2018. As a community of families, it is so inspiring to hear where our love for the outdoors began. Some of us have been exploring since we were babies. Others of us just recently discovered a passion for the outdoors. But one common thread is we all have role models who introduced us to the outdoors, and for many of us, that person is our dad. We asked members of our community to share how their dad – or brother, or husband or grandpa – helped shape their love for the outdoors. You are My Rock My dad has always been so supportive of me and my siblings, regardless of the situation. Any time I was working through something, having a rough day or excited about something, he would ask me to take a walk with him, no matter the weather.  He has always believed that fresh air clears the head and calms the nerves. We would walk for miles and talk things through. He would give me advice when I asked for it, encourage me to follow my heart and be confident when making decisions, and learn from my mistakes (and I have had some mistakes). No matter the situation, he has always been my rock, and we still go on long walks every time we get to visit. 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 Hosley, Southern Adirondacks, NY, Branch  Photo: Becca Hosley   You Empowered Me Growing up, we spent our summers sailing, hiking and camping. What stands out most about my dad is he made it fun. We played fun games, told silly stories and he always had a smile on his face. I also remember how he included me in the 'work.' He let me help set up camp, steer the sailboat and cook at campouts. I felt empowered, strong, and incredibly connected during those times. And now, it's these same lessons that I aim to pass along to my two boys! - Christina Merhar, Snohomish, WA, Branch Photo: Christina Merhar You Raised Me to Love All Things Outdoors Here I am with my dad before heading out on a backpacking trip to Oak Creek Canyon, AZ. This was before me entering 7th grade. My dad raised me to love all things outdoors ... hiking, camping, backpacking, you name it. It was a big part of our life growing up. - Colette Clarke, Harrisburg, PA, Branch  Photo: Colette Clark You Taught Me There's Beauty in the Small Things My dad was never into the typical outdoor experiences like hiking, backpacking and camping. I remember we went camping only ONE time as a family when I was a kid. However, one of my dad's favorite activities was to visit the beach. I grew up in Eugene, Oregon, and the beach was only a 45-minute drive away. We would spend hours walking the beach, playing in the surf and searching for treasures to take home (Leave No Trace didn't exist in our vocabulary back then). I owe it to my dad for teaching me that there's beauty in the small things like watching the waves roll in, feeling the sand slip between your fingers, and finding an unbroken sand dollar. - Katy Severe , Des Moines, IA, Branch   Photo: Katy Severe Here's a little more about OutGrown: We're a national, 501c3 nonprofit with over a decade of experience helping families get outside with their babies and young children. We believe it is critical to include and center families from birth because it is a crucial developmental time for both the infant and the parent, where we can create a life-long, multi-generational impact. We know that we protect what we love and we're helping families build a loving connection with the outdoors so they can value and protect it for generations to come. As a community-driven organization, we have been working with indigenous, Latine, BIPOC, immigrant & refugee, and rural families to co-design multilingual and culturally relevant solutions in our programming. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteers. 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.

Whether it's an urban playground, a nearby greenspace or a national, state or other agency-run park, there are plenty of options to enjoy for the whole family. This article was updated on May 31, 2024. What does the word "park" mean to you? City parks are familiar to many of us—from tiny neighborhood playgrounds to larger areas of trees, ponds, wildlife and trails. But there are many other types of parks, like state and national parks.    You Have a Big Backyard No matter where you live, how small your yard at home, or how urban your neighborhood—you have a very big backyard. It’s called “public land” and it belongs to all citizens of the United States. It includes vast wilderness areas, lakes, rivers and forests. Having access to such great places to play is a unique privilege. But All Parks are Not Created Equal In my some places there may be several nearby public lands with similar names but run by different agencies. For example: Ashford County Park | Nisqually Mashel State Park | Gifford Pinchot National Forest | Mount Rainier National Park. These four different agencies manage these four parks (and forests): one at the county level, one at the state level, and two at the federal level. The name is often your first clue to the type of park you’re heading into and what sorts of activities are allowed there.  This varies quite a bit because ... It’s All About the Mission The agency's mission dictates how land can be used by the public. For example, the National Park Service's mission is “to preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources.” The US Fish and Wildlife Service must “protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.” State park missions often emphasize providing recreation opportunities. What's Allowed and What's Not? First, find out the rules and regulations before you go because they can vary greatly! Rules about whether or not dogs, bicycles or strollers are allowed on trails may impact hikers. Camping may be allowed anywhere, or only in designated areas.  Not sure where to look? Start with the park's website, where regulations are almost always posted. Additionally, entrance stations may hand out literature, or signs may be posted at trailheads. You can also stop at visitor centers for information. Playing by the rules protects you and the park you're visiting. Buddy Bison and Kids to Parks Day are part of National Park Trust's mission to get kids outside! Find the Right Park For You Determine if a particular type of park is going to give you the experience you’re looking for before you go. If you’re envisioning a great family hike but can’t dream of leaving the dog behind, then head to a trail in a national forest instead of a national park, since dogs are prohibited on most national park trails. If you’re looking for a purist backpacking experience with no bikes or pets and very few people, then a wilderness area might be a good fit, as they have the strictest rules on types of use. Looking to canoe or kayak with the family? A national recreation area may have the perfect lake for you. Get Outside! Finally, wherever you decide to go, get out there and enjoy your parks! Need more info? Check out these websites: State Parks:  http://www.stateparks.org/find-a-park/ National Parks:  www.nps.gov National Forests:  www.usda/gov/usfs Bureau of Land Management: www.blm.gov US Fish & Wildlife Service:  www.usfs.gov Here's a little more about OutGrown: We're a national, 501c3 nonprofit with over a decade of experience helping families get outside with their babies and young children. We believe it is critical to include and center families from birth because it is a crucial developmental time for both the infant and the parent, where we can create a life-long, multi-generational impact. We know that we protect what we love and we're helping families build a loving connection with the outdoors so they can value and protect it for generations to come. As a community-driven organization, we have been working with indigenous, Latine, BIPOC, immigrant & refugee, and rural families to co-design multilingual and culturally relevant solutions in our programming. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteers. 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.

What does the word “park” mean to you? It’s different for everyone—but parks, no matter their definition, make a huge impact in our communities. You can help individuals and families everywhere discover and advocate for greenspaces by promoting our annual “10 Park Challenge” virtual event.

We are so excited to be participating in the Brushwood Center’s kickoff event for military families on June 8, 2024! “Brushwood Center works collaboratively with community partners, artists, health care providers, and scientists to improve health equity and access to nature in Lake County, Illinois, and the Chicago region.” While there are many programs that encourage kids to get outside in nature, very few focus on families with babies and young children. OutGrown specializes in bridging the baby nature gap, connecting families to nature from birth. We are excited to help extend the Brushwood Center's reach to serve a wider audience of military families. If you are a military family and in the Greater Chicago area, be sure to check out the Military Kids Fest from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. to enjoy the beautiful trails of Ryerson Woods, art activities, games and food with us. We will bring our Footprints activity (sponsored by our partners at L.L. Bean), handouts, a Wander Walk adventure, and a baby carrier library to try on different types and sizes. Photo credit: Jenn Canjar We know how important it is to find support and other families—your village—as you adapt to new surroundings and raise your kids while in the military. Events like this provide a great opportunity to try new things and find community in your new backyard. Here’s what some of our military families have had to say about finding community with us over the years: “I found Hike it Baby (now OutGrown) when I needed it most at our previous duty station. My husband was working super long hours, we had no family nearby, and I was desperately trying to get my son (who was 8 months old at the time) and myself out of the house. I struggled to find a community that felt like the right “fit” until I stumbled upon OutGrown. Everyone was so welcoming and non-judgmental! When we PCS’ed a few years later, I was happy to find a nearby branch at our new duty station, and it has provided an instant community full of wonderful people with similar interests for both my son and me. I’m not sure what we would have done without it!” ~Becca, Kitsap Peninsula, Washington Branch (Navy) “It made it so easy to find friends with similar interests and lifestyles. My entire community here is built from OutGrown!” ~Heather, Colorado Springs, Colorado Branch (Air Force) “In a duty station that wasn’t connected to a base... OutGrown gave me my first few friends and thus insight into a new location. It also got us out and about... no wallowing in despair here!” ~Jenyfer, Eugene, Oregon Branch (Navy) Find a community near you at: https://weareoutgrown.org/find-your-community ABOUT OUTGROWN Here's a little more about OutGrown: We're a national, 501c3 nonprofit with over a decade of experience helping families get outside with their babies and young children. We believe it is critical to include and center families from birth because it is a crucial developmental time for both the infant and the parent, where we can create a life-long, multi-generational impact. We know that we protect what we love and we're helping families build a loving connection with the outdoors so they can value and protect it for generations to come. As a community-driven organization, we have been working with indigenous, Latine, BIPOC, immigrant & refugee, and rural families to co-design multilingual and culturally relevant solutions in our programming. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteers. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org. ABOUT THE BRUSHWOOD CENTER Our Vision We work toward a future of resilient and connected communities, both human and ecological, where all lead healthy and thriving lives. Our Mission Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods works collaboratively with community partners, artists, health care providers, and scientists to improve health equity and access to nature in Lake County, Illinois, and the Chicago region. We engage people with the outdoors through the arts, environmental education, and community action. Brushwood Center’s programs focus on youth, families, Military Veterans, and those facing racial and economic injustices. More information can be found at: https://www.brushwoodcenter.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.