OutGrown Blog

It’s the time of year when we focus and reflect on everything we are grateful for. We all have people, places, and things that bring joy and wonder to our lives and it is these very things we should show our gratitude. As you and your children begin to reflect on all the things you are grateful for this year, don’t forget about nature. Children seem to instinctively know how to appreciate and embrace the wonder of nature. But understanding the concept of gratitude and giving thanks to nature is something that is learned. Share your love of nature and model gratitude with these five simple gratitude nature activities for kids. Gratitude (noun): the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Photo Credit: Ali Chandra 5 Simple Gratitude Nature Activities for Kids 1. Spend Time Outside It really is that easy. Take your children outside and simply enjoy nature together. Go for a hike, meander your neighborhood, play in your backyard, enjoy a playground, or do any number of other outdoor activities together. Nature is there for us to enjoy (and protect), so show your gratitude by being present in and finding joy in the nature surrounding you. You can also use this time to share the meaning of gratitude with your children and ask them to name one thing they are thankful for in nature. 2. Go on a Gratitude Adventure This can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. The whole point is to share what gratitude is and model how to be thankful to your kids. You can walk through your neighborhood while you and your children point out all the things that they love about nature. You can go for a hike, find a resting spot, and together reflect on everything you are thankful for. You can go to your local park and send your kids on an epic gratitude scavenger hunt. The options are endless. Example: I am so thankful for this tree in fall because the leaves turn orange-red and I think it is beautiful. I also am grateful for this log because it is fun to climb on. Photo Credit: Jessica Human 3. Pick Up Trash Giving back to nature is a wonderful way to show you are thankful and it models gratitude perfectly for our children. Spend Thanksgiving morning (before things get too busy) picking up trash in your neighborhood or local park. Better yet, get the whole extended family together and go on a trash cleanup walk. Again, this can be a simple as you want it to be, but a quick explanation as to why you are picking up trash will go a long way toward helping your children understand gratitude. Example: I am so grateful nature is here for me to enjoy, so let’s show how happy nature makes us by helping to it nature clean. 4. Plant a Tree or Pollinator Garden Another way to give back is to literally add to nature. Planting a tree or shrub or wildflower garden gives back to all that nature is. You will give animals homes, help pollinators do their good work, give people shade and beautiful nature to look at, and so much more. If you aren’t able to do this at your own house, join a local environmental group at one of their tree planting events or plant a small wildflower garden in a pot on your porch. Share with your children how adding to nature is spreading kindness and appreciation. 5. Feed the Winter Birds Kids love watching birds and believe it or not, winter birds struggle to find food when it gets cold. Make simple bird feeders and show nature your gratitude by helping some of nature’s critters survive the harsher winter weather. This is easy and is another direct way your kids can learn how to show they are thankful for nature. Photo Credit: Ali Chandra Showing our gratitude for nature is easy and our kids need to see us do it. Sometimes we need to explicitly say why we are doing something in order for them to learn. (example: I am thankful this trail exists, so I help to keep it clean.) Other times, actions speak louder than words. How will you show your gratitude toward nature with your kids this year? 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.  

Last weekend we had the opportunity to help organize and co-host a Fall Adventure event for families in the Rockwood neighborhood of Gresham, OR. The event was held in Nadaka Nature Park, a recently renovated urban park with a nature play area, accessible trails, and a community garden in the heart of one of the most diverse neighborhoods of the Portland metro area. Our friends from the City of Gresham, PGE Project Zero, Access Recreation, NW Family Daycation, and Teton Sports showed up to help us host a variety of fun fall themed family activities in Spanish and English. Wox made an appearance thanks to Turtle Fur and Merrell's sponsored Wander Walks. Families who tried an activity got their choice of Turtle Fur We're Outdoorsy beanies. A variety of baby carriers were available for families to try out. We also handed out our bilingual Footprints workbooks, made possible by our partnership with Joules.         A hunt for Green Beard's treasure with the Daycation app had families exploring nature with the help of their smartphones.           Access Recreation engaged families in a fun and creative packing and preparation challenge that got them thinking about the challenges of accessibility when adventuring as a multi-abled person.       PGE Project Zero shared pelts and nests from local wildlife to engage families in learning about how we can care for local habitat. City of Gresham helped share and promote the event around the neighborhood, provided the space, and sent Spanish speaking staff to help welcome bilingual families.         The Teton Sports team came all the way from Utah with rocks they hand painted (collected before we left to minimize impact) for a special scavenger hunt along the trail. Families who shared one of the rock's messages about what we love about nature received a free backpack or hydration pack of their choice.       As adults, we all did the Wander Walk activities together. We may have been trying to stay warm, but we had a lot of fun too! My favorite was Animal Charades. Many people across a range of organizations worked together to pull this event off in a short amount of time and I am truly proud of the results. We were able to show up in an underserved community that's rich with diversity and offer a welcoming and heartfelt invitation to empower families to Bring it Outside. We were able to show them We Got Your Back in a very real and tangible way. Many of our partners joined us in Raising a Generation to Love the Outdoors. This is the heart of what I hope Hike it Baby is able to accomplish in communities across North America throughout 2022 and beyond. This is the work that helps us remove barriers and create opportunities so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. With time and dedication, this is the work that will ensure all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors, and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. The weather was wet and unpredictable in true Pacific Northwest fashion, yet the sun shone down upon us for most of the event. I like to think Nature was smiling and sharing her love and warmth to this gathering of community in the outdoors        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.

It was dinner time, and frustration was high.  Cooped up inside all day, I was anxious to get my two preschoolers outside before the sun went down.  Deep into the shortest days of the year, that literally felt like a race against time.  My daughter awoke from her nap just before sunset, and both kids seemed completely uninterested in pulling themselves away from the toys in the warm living room.  Feeling the resistance to my suggestions we go outside, I gave up, and turned my thoughts to dinner. A little while later, just before dinner, my daughter announced, “I want to go for a walk!”   My reply that dinner was almost ready put her on the verge of a meltdown (note: that doesn’t take much at 2 ½.)  For a moment an internal argument raged something like this:  Dinner is almost ready.  But Curt is here and could finish it for me.  It seems so late.  But the clock says it’s only 4:45p.m.   It’s dark.  But it is a full moon tonight.  When I told them we would go for a walk today I meant earlier.  But I did tell them we could go for a walk after nap.  I don’t really want to go out in the dark and cold.  But they are asking to go walking after dark…shouldn’t I encourage that?   Before I knew it I heard myself say, “Okay, let’s go.” Dressed in boots, down coats, hats, and mittens, with the snow tube and sled in tow, we took off down the dirt road toward our usual destination, the lake overlook.  Our boots crunched on the icy snow.  The moon made flash lights unnecessary.  It was huge and so bright it made moon shadows of everything: bushes, trees, us.  My daughter excitedly pointed out stars.  My son found Venus and had a million questions about planets.  When my daughter spotted Venus on her own a bit later my 4 year old son knowingly informed her, “That’s not a star, Riley.  That’s a planet.” Then we heard a train whistle in the distance, so clear and loud in crisp air. On and on they walked in the darkness and solitude of our rural neighborhood. No hesitation.  No fear.  Just excitement and wonder.  It turned out to be one of those “magical” outdoor experiences for us. A few days later my kids again wanted to go out just as the sun dropped below the horizon.  This time I didn’t hesitate.  They stayed out until long after dark, playing by the glow of the twinkling Christmas lights hung around the house. I’m glad I listened to them that chilly night, and also glad we discovered something to appreciate about midwinter.  The shortest days of the year allow my early-to-bed kids a chance to see the stars and experience the magic of night, all before dinnertime! 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.  

Last month Hike it Baby invited me to participate in a diversity, equity and inclusion training hosted by DEI advisor Mante Malepo and sponsored by our long-term partner Joules. The goal of the two-part online training was not only to educate HiB staff (we’ve done several DEI trainings as a staff over the last few years), but also invite in our partners at Joules as well as HiB ambassadors to better integrate our learnings into the heart of HiB, our community—you. We want to show up and better support YOU. Photo Credit: Ali Chandra Here are five takeaways from some of the participants that I encourage you to consider next time you head outside.  “Mante’s training was super insightful. The information provided helped me build an understanding around terminology, impact and scale of racism within our culture. She helped me realize that, regardless of personal intent, that the impacts of our actions and culture affect those around us and that the work that we do as an ally is a constant journey of working against the grain.” -Ashley Lo, Joules Marketing Manager   “What stood out to me the most was how we think of inclusivity within our branches. I know our branch members feel we are inclusive and welcoming simply because we truly feel as though anyone is welcome to join our hikes, but we need to take steps beyond that. We need to partner with other local groups that represent families that may not be comfortable in the outdoors, and determine ways we can address barriers to joining our hikes. I’m looking at organizations in our area to determine how best to do that.” -Jen Grenter, HiB Branch/Data Team Captain and Branch Ambassador Southeastern PA   “The most important underlying theme was how this is ongoing work we each need to continue to do each day. We must actively reflect and practice, practice, practice toward making more progress every day. We have plenty of opportunities to improve, but in my opinion, none greater than how we’re raising our children, and what we’re modeling for all the other little explorers around us. We have a huge responsibility to them and I’m excited to keep learning and doing this work.” -Laura Miller, Branch Ambassador La Crosse, WI   “One of my biggest takeaways was learning about how staying silent when someone says or does something racist (even if it wasn’t intentional) is considered covert racism. Mante explained that standing by and letting racism happen without action is actually a racist act. I’m practicing with my family on how we can stand up and say something as an ally instead of staying silent.” -Linzay Davis, HiB San Diego volunteer     “It’s important we partner with other organisations that are different from us so we can be more diverse like schools as well as offer content in different languages, and acknowledge the land we hike on.” -Christine Lamphear, Branch Ambassador Reno-Tahoe, NV Before the HiB team asked me to write this blog post about the training I was already feeling inspired to share what had happened during those meetings and it wasn’t actually part of the presentation (though I do have many of those takeaways that I’ll share below). It was the simple fact that so many HiB supporters showed up to do the work while also taking care of their children. Throughout the four hours of training we all were muting and unmuting the joyful (and also not so joyful) screams of newborns, toddlers and kids in the background. My daughter ran into camera view more than a handful of times. At least three of us breastfed our babies. Yes, kids in the background can be distracting, but showing up is more important. And Hike it Baby being an incredibly inclusive organization, particularly for mothers, doesn’t just tolerate parents needing to parent but also celebrates it. I understand why that might not be the case in a few spaces (bringing your child to work isn’t ideal if you’re a firefighter or nurse) but it was so incredible to experience how HiB was not only digging deeper into DEI learnings, but also embodying a piece of inclusion in this work. A big thank you to our partner Joules for sponsoring this event. To learn more about Hike it Baby’s thoughts on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, click 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.

It’s that time of year. The air is cooler, the leaves are changing colors and brightening up the trees and the world around, and everywhere you look pumpkins, skeletons, apples, spiderwebs, and more adorn homes and shops. It’s autumn and Halloween is coming. Cue, the Spooky Autumn Scavenger Hunt. Getting outside and exploring nature with your kids doesn’t always mean hiking a trail. Sometimes it looks like wandering through your neighborhood, biking to your favorite playground, or parking a couple of blocks away from a restaurant or shop, just so you can explore the urban nature around you. And this time of year there is no shortage of neat sights to see. In fact, with all the Halloween and fall-themed decorations, those urban outdoor adventures are even more exciting. Spooky Autumn Scavenger Hunt If you are looking for a fun and easy activity to do with your kids this Halloween season, download this Spooky Autumn Scavenger Hunt. You’ll not only be searching for autumn colors and leaves, but the spookier sides of nature (like spiders, spiderwebs, bats, and ravens) and a few common Halloween and Day of the Dead decorations too. 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.

THIS BLOG IS PART OF OUR ELEVATING VOICES SERIES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH      My name is Adrienne St Clair. I work as a botanist with a local government in Portland, Oregon. Working in natural lands management means that I work toward equitable access to nature, and all the benefits of a clean environment, while considering how to maintain and restore healthy plant populations in that space.  I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, and grew up between the ocean and the rainforests of the Cascades. When I travel to either of these places and open the car door for the first time, the smell of the salty ocean air or the humus rich soil of the forest seem to fill in all the cracks and I feel my body relax.    Parenthood, Nature, and a Pandemic I became a parent in June of 2020. The beginning of the pandemic was a difficult time for any big life changes, and becoming a parent was no exception. Through the last months of my pregnancy, my plans around my birth and the fourth trimester had to shift quickly. I am a queer single parent by choice, so getting pregnant took two years of working with a fertility clinic. I had a whole of horde of people just waiting to hold a baby and help cook and generally just be around. Covid swept in and I had to choose just a few close people to see regularly.  Many people met my daughter for the first time when there was a lull in the transmission levels and we all felt comfortable enough to meet out at a park together. It was my daughter's first birthday. One year.  One, very long (and short) year. Something that held my sanity through that year (and the year and a half since) has been going for walks in my neighborhood.  I think many of us found refuge in the outdoors during the pandemic. We found a new relationship to the out of doors—a respite from the four walls around us that was safe and welcoming in a way it never had been before. Quite literally a breath of fresh air.  In my last months of pregnancy, walking was the only exercise I could afford myself. I quickly realized that when I am walking is when I have my best thoughts. Problem solving comes easier, otherwise endless loops of anxiety are shortened. Everything seems easier when I’m walking.   In the months after having my daughter I came to realize how important they were for her, too. At three months when her eyesight started getting better, the patterns of dark leaves against a light sky background could keep her attention for minutes…what seemed like hours.  As she got older, we kept up our walks. Seeing her enjoyment of it was what got me outside on days when I didn’t feel up for it. As it turns out, she loves the time so much her first sentence was “let’s take a walk”, said with the insistent tone of a toddler and repeated until I acquiesced. “Okay. You’re right. We should take a walk.”   Our walks don’t have to be long. They can be 15 minutes after dinner and she is learning the route, the cats to visit, and the flowers to smell. She knows where the apple tree is, where  the apples she finds moved from “not ready yet” (stated a hundred times in a toddler voice), to “perfectly ripe,” to “now they’re for the raccoons to finish”.  Benefits of Time in Nature The evidence around the benefits of nature for the  health and well-being of both children and adults are numerous. While I have heard all of the stats and sound bites, I still have to remind myself to get outside. For years I’ve been telling myself that I will probably feel better if I go outside, go for a walk (but it’s raining), go for a hike (but i don’t have anyone to go with).  Honestly, I think it was seeing how my daughter reacted to going outside that finally flipped a switch Wow, look how much better we all feel when we’ve gone for a walk.  Most of my time spent outside has been through my work. Teaching outdoor education, working outside, year round for the nursery, and in my current field work. I think something I love most about working with plants is that my work changes with the seasons. I find a rhythm to my days and months. I find comfort in the coming of the rains after a warm summer and breathing the air in those first few days of cold autumn mornings connects me to my timeline in memories of years before.    Cultivating a Connection to Nature Some cultures have a connection to the natural world as inherent in their identity. The culture I was raised in has long ago lost this understanding and it has meant generations of decisions made to the detriment of ourselves and our environment. I feel this loss for myself, my daughter, and my culture. Through my work, I have gained a bit of that connection back and am committed to do the personal work needed to continue it. I am not sure where my daughter’s interests or skill sets will take her.  With her, I hope to instill that connection to the natural world so she can make the tough decisions that are to come.  For  the people around me, I hope to build a common culture that recognizes this connection. I think that only with this understanding we will be able to tackle our own survival with the challenges of climate change.  My Path to Conservation My path into conservation wasn’t direct. I had always had an interest in science, and I always found restoration interesting because it felt like a meaningful application of science. I didn’t go straight to college after high school, but instead taught outdoor education for many years. While I had begun my time teaching wildlife science, I found myself teaching botany and was hooked. I had found the perfect way to engage students in the natural world and the medium with which to do it. Plants were perfect for it, they never ran away from you as you walked up!  After attending graduate school in Chicago for Plant Biology and Conservation, I am now able to apply that knowledge on a regional scale. How can we help plant populations to be healthy and sustainable with all this fragmentation of their habitat? How can we help our ecosystem thrive  within a changing climate?  The questions are large and endless and I am grateful to have such a beautiful canvas on which to ask them.    My Advice for Other Parents My biggest piece of advice for parents engaging in the natural world with their kids is to take a step back, use a few less words, and watch what it is that’s catching their attention. As with most things, my daughter seems most engaged when she’s emulating my engagement. When I lean down to quietly look at a flower, she is likely going to bend down and look at it herself. When I stop to listen for a bird, she gets quiet and looks up to the sky.    Watch Adrienne's Story in English or en Espanol 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.  

This summer we launched our first Bring it Outside family hiking workshop series.  In the series, families from underrepresented and low income communities were provided the gear, resources, and a supportive environment to take their first steps out hiking with their families. We ran our hiking series in two locations in Oregon - Curry County and Clackamas County, thanks to a Oregon Community Foundation Grant. We were able to help 60 participants and their families connect to nearby natural spaces and their communities across Oregon, by working with local partners Northwest Family Services and Familias en Accion.  The six week series provided the opportunity to participate in three different tracks - Turn the Blues Green (babies under 12 months old), Toddle Waddle (12-36 month old children) and Wander Walks (3-5 year old children).    The Turn the Blues Green track focused on postpartum mamas taking their first steps outside with their newborn babies. Participants learned about all of the benefits of bringing baby outside - not only for baby, but for parents too! Parents were provided with soft sided baby carriers, and learned some tips and tricks about hiking with baby - from how to pack light (but effectively!) to how to deal with meltdowns and feeding on the trail. Even better, they had the opportunity to bond with other parents going through the same joys and struggles.   Toddle Waddle programming focused on those little ones from ages 1-3, and included short (ok, very short!) hikes, developmentally appropriate activities like sensory play and reading books to go along with the theme of the week, as well as age appropriate ways to get outside as a family.  (Pro tip - snack time is key to keeping toddlers and preschoolers going on the trail!)   Our Wander Walks crew included participants ages 3-5, and their curriculum centered around our Wander Walks activity based signage, incorporating facts and activities based on these signs into their weekly programming. They were provided with trail books to incorporate weekly “nature journaling” (aka drawing some awesome pictures!) into their events, while parents learned how to engage their children on the trail and make getting outside fun for the whole family. Families received over $250 in gear to support their journey outside including things like backpacks, baby carriers, hats, flashlights, shovels, books, and raincoats. Handouts and various resources were available to participants in English and Spanish to ensure families were able to access material in their native language.  By providing bilingual materials and partnering with community groups, we were able to provide resources to these families in a way that helped them feel comfortable and supported.  We were so honored to spend 6 weeks with these families and cannot wait to run our next workshop series!       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.  

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!