OutGrown Blog

Wellies, galoshes, gumboots, rain boots… regardless of what you call them, they tend to be an essential footwear choice for most of us at some point during the year. Even though the rainy season may be ending for some of us, don't throw those wellies in storage just yet! Check out these reasons why you should keep your wellies on hand all year round. 1. Gardening When you’re tending to your garden, you want a shoe that is both comfortable and water/mud-proof for when you are watering the plants and traipsing through the soil. We love this short, slip-on option that provides the comfort of a sneaker and is easy to pull on anytime you want to head out to the garden. And they won’t get ruined if you accidentally leave them outside because they were covered in mud. 2. The in-between seasons Also referred to as “mud season.” The period between winter’s end and spring’s start when snow is melting and rain comes down can make trails, lawns, and unpaved areas a muddy mess. Having waterproof boots on hand can keep your feet dry while also giving them a break from the heavy winter boots you may have been sporting. “Rainboots are perfect for the in-between seasons when it's sloppy out but not cold or snowy enough for full-on snow boots.” - Sara Wesche, HiB Grand Rapids, MI 3. Un-forecasted rain storms We may have come a long way regarding being able to forecast the weather, but just when we think we have it figured out, Mother Nature throws in a random rainstorm to remind us that you can’t always predict the weather. Having easy access to rain boots can ensure that you can handle any wet weather that may pop up. 4. Water Play with the Kids Regardless of whether you’re hiking to a stream, playing in the creek near your house, or running through the sprinklers, a good pair of rainboots can prevent having to cut the fun short due to uncomfortable, wet feet. Choosing a mid-height boot with a water-dispersing outsole, such as these boots from Joules for mom and these for the kids, provides a non-slip grip for any wet adventure your kiddos may find themselves in.  5. Yard Exploration Whether you head out for some early outdoor playtime with the kids when the grass is still covered in dew or you want to run down to the mailbox without having to lace-up your shoes, rain boots are the perfect go-to footwear. They take seconds to slip on and ensure your feet stay comfortable and dry. “I always keep a pair of rain boots by the back door for whenever my boys want to run out first thing in the morning to search for bugs and chase butterflies. They are also great when they catch sight of a cool animal and insist on heading outside as quickly as possible.” - Becca Hosley, HiB Kitsap County 6. Camping After a long day of outdoor adventure, relaxing at your campsite is a must. Slipping on a comfortable pair of wellies gives your feet a break from your hiking boots, and makes going in and out of your tent a cinch. It also ensures that you are ready for any wet conditions that come your way, from an unplanned rainstorm to muddy puddles around the campground water spigot. Plus, your kids might even keep their shoes on if they’re as cute as these!  7. Fishing Whether you’re relaxing on the shore with your fishing pole and a book or tromping in the water while fly-fishing, Wellies are essential to keep your feet dry and comfortable! Check out these cute tall boots that bring a little style to your fishing game. “Wearing rain boots while fishing is a great way to get in the water, keep your feet dry, and bring some fashion to the fishing scene. I love wearing them while fly-fishing in the local rivers too!” - Liz Schultz, HiB Wyoming 8. Running quick errands We’ve all had to quickly run out to pick up a missing dinner ingredient from the grocery store. Or maybe you just want to fuel up the car the night before an outdoor adventure. Either way, slipping on a pair of wellies is fast and easy for those times when you just need to run out for a quick errand. How do you wear your wellies? Share in the comments below! Hike it Baby works to be the most effective hub of tools, information, and community inspiring all families with babies and young children to get outside and connect with nature. Learn more about Hike it Baby's mission and how you can get involved. About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating, and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.   Photos courtesy of Jessica Human.     This post is sponsored by Joules. However, we would not recommend something that we or our children do not love.     Editors Note:   We hope you enjoyed reading this article from Hike it Baby. 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 do not make this ask lightly, but if you are able to afford it, make a donation, and become a Hike it Baby member.  A membership also makes a great gift for that new parent in your life. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. If you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

Hike it Baby 30 During COVID-19 We just wrapped up another  Hike it Baby 30 Challenge – the first one of 2020! Hike it Baby hosts the HiB30 Challenge twice every year. Families from all over the globe come together to challenge themselves and encourage each other to get outside more, forming a supportive and inspiring community. But, this was an unordinary Challenge in a very unusual time. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus of the Challenge quickly shifted to a goal of simply getting into the outdoors more. With the country shutting down, kids home from school, social distancing, and other safety measures in effect, the Challenge could simply not go on as normal. Counting miles and minutes seemed like too much to ask of anyone. The Challenge was also open to anyone, anywhere, including non-Hike it Baby members. Our goal was for the Challenge to be a motivator for people to get the benefits of going outside in any way possible. We hope that just a few minutes on a balcony or in the back yard helped with the stress, anxiety and extra pressures during the pandemic. Thank You to Our Challenge Sponsors! We’d like to thank our Partners and Sponsors for the great prizes they provided for April's Hike it Baby 30 (HiB30) Challenge. With their help we gave away 35 prizes! The winning participants were entered into the prize drawings by registering to participate in the Challenge with their families. Thank you to these sponsors for helping motivate families to get outside! 2020 Challenge Sponsors: Joules L.L.Bean Merrell Joovy 2020 Grand Prize Donors:  Baby Bum, Morrison Outdoors and Veyo Kids.     The April 2020 Prize Winners Share Their Favorite Moments We asked our prize winners to share some of their favorite memories from April's Hike it Baby 30 Challenge. Here is what they said made this challenge special. Shelly Sineath: My favorite memory so far is seeing my son finally hiking on his own two feet! He is also putting in some serious miles on our hikes. He is up to 4 miles on his own. I look back at him hiking, and think, Man, I would have never done anything like this when I was his age. I am so thankful I found hiking, live in a beautiful area of western North Carolina where beautiful nature is all around us and have a son who loves it too. Laura Jones:  When my son did his first 2 mile hike all on his own 2 feet. Colette Clarke:  It’s different without friends. We miss them immensely. However, I am grateful we can still get out to hike. Our mileage and outdoor time is on track to be our highest month yet. What else do we have to do, right?  My favorite memory so far was a family hike at Kelly’s Run here in PA. We always love when Dad (hubs) joins us!! Stephanie Norby:  My favorite memory from this HiB30 challenge was my first live virtual hike! I was hosting a simple bubble themed event, but it happened to coincide with HiB Brockeville Ontario’s “kids dress parents” event. I participated in both, and it was really fun! We love the Hike it Baby community, and it has been a huge help for our emotional well being at this trying time to have the community continue to run virtually! We know that we are all in this together, and it really helps us to carry on and want to be that support for others as well! Katie Lloyd: Talking to neighbors on their porches as we walk by. We’ve never seen so many people out before. Morgan Pfaelzer: Due to COVID19, we've been sticking to neighborhood walks. Our favorite is to walk down to Otis Park, which has a grass field and a track going around. Dad can walk the track while carrying a napping baby, and mom can play with toddler in the field. One day we saw robins, crows, flickers, honeybees, a bumble bee, AND ladybugs -- very exciting! Adrienne Howe: April was challenging working from home full-time and keeping our son entertained, but the challenge gave us an excuse everyday to take a break, get outside, and spend time together as a family. Jamie Rose Kuhar:  This is my first time participating with my 3 month old and the best day so far was getting out to the local park and hiking a route we had never done before. He made it all 4.5 miles peacefully and I got some new views. The HiB30 community has been great motivation, especially seeing people getting out in April snow! Jen Lane:  The support of the FB group was motivating to keep getting out there despite having to be socially distant. Julie Sidharta: Camping out on our rooftop in Tokyo. The Hike it Baby 30 Challenge Hike it Baby 30 is Hike it Baby’s biannual fundraiser and membership-based virtual challenge to encourage families across the globe to get their babies and children outside more for 30 days – 30 miles or 30 minutes 3 times a week. You don’t need to live in a Hike it Baby city to participate! The biannual Hike it Baby 30 challenge is how we raise funds to improve tools, raise money for the scholarship fund to get more families out on the trail, and spread the reach of our growing non-profit. Contributions are tax-deductible. Every donation makes a difference and allows us to support more families. Thank you to all who joined us for the HiB30 Challenge this April! Registration for the September 2020 Hike it Baby 30 Challenge will open in August of 2020. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop on upcoming challenges or consider making a donation to Hike it Baby today and help us with our mission to get more families outside.  About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram. Join our online Hike it Baby Community. Photos courtesy of Laura Castro, Jessica Human, and Joovy. Editors Note: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from Hike it Baby. 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 do not make this ask lightly, but if you are able to afford it, make a donation, and become a Hike it Baby member.  A membership also makes a great gift for that new parent in your life. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. If you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

Kids to Parks Day, always held on the third Saturday of May, is a day of outdoor exploration at our national, state, and local parks and outdoor land areas. Organized by the National Park Trust, the mission of Kids to Parks Day is to foster future outdoor enthusiasts and help with developing the next generation of park stewards by engaging kids in memorable outdoor experiences. Many parks across the country host nature walks, activities, events, and more to get kids and families involved in their parks. We even have a tree growing in our yard from last year’s event here in Grand Rapids, MI - thank you Kent County Parks! Kids to Parks Day is Parks to Kids Day for 2020 Because of the need for social distancing and other health and safety measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 10th anniversary of Kids to Parks Day is coming to you virtually this year on May 16th. Here’s how you can get involved and support our parks and public outdoor spaces.  Virtual Activities Grab one of the at-home activities and distance learning opportunities to help bring the outdoors and parks to you. Play backyard bingo, think like a paleontologist, design a nature collage, learn about the parts of a flower, and more! Share your activities on social media with the hashtags #CompleteOurParks #KidstoParks #BuddyBison and tag @nationalparktrust.  Download the ParkPassport App   National Park Trust and Blue Star Families have created the ParkPassport mobile app with the goal of allowing families and individuals to find parks, get outside, and discover the power the outdoors has on quality of life. Create an account, find local, regional, state, and national parks, earn badges for parks visited and outdoor recreational activities completed, and connect with other park enthusiasts and families across the country. Check out the Virtual Visits Finder to virtually visit federal and state parks and find additional resources. Collect badges for completing your virtual visits.  Download here for Android Download here for Apple Check Local Resources Visit your local parks department to see if they are doing any virtual events for Kids to Parks Day. In lieu of in-person events, some park departments and organizations may be doing curbside pick-up native plant sales, virtual park tours, or have additional online activities. Some areas have rescheduled their events for later in the summer. Donate or Volunteer  If you have the means, you can donate to the National Park Trust which works to protect and preserve the National Parks. Or, donate directly to your park of choice or a land conservancy in your area.  Once it is safe in your area to do so, donate your time to your local parks services. There are many ways volunteers help improve parks and trails, both outdoors and working behind the scenes. Check with your local parks department on how you and your family can get involved. Kids to Parks Day and Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a proud partner of Kids to Parks Day and many of our Branches are hosting virtual events and activities to celebrate Kids to Parks Day.  Find your local Hike it Baby branch to create a connection with like-minded parents and caregivers and stay up-to-date on current virtual events as well as future in-person hikes when we can once again join each other on the trail. About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.     Photos courtesy of Ashley D Scheider and the National Park Trust mobile app.       Editors Note:   We hope you enjoyed reading this article from Hike it Baby. 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 do not make this ask lightly, but if you are able to afford it, make a donation, and become a Hike it Baby member.  A membership also makes a great gift for that new parent in your life. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. If you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

A History of Celebrating Mom While the celebration of motherhood and mothers can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, the American incarnation of the Mother’s Day holiday did not happen until the early 1900’s.  After the death of her own mom, Anna Jarvis came up with “Mother’s Day” as a way to honor the sacrifices that mothers made for their children. After gaining financial backing from John Wanamaker, a department store owner in Philadelphia, Jarvis organized the first official Mother’s Day celebration in 1908. Following its success, Jarvis petitioned to have the holiday added to the national calendar. She argued that American holidays were biased towards the achievements of men, and urged politicians to adopt a special day to honor motherhood. Her hard work paid off, and in 1914 President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure that officially established the second Sunday of May as Mother's Day. While Jarvis had originally conceived of Mother’s Day as a day of personal celebration between mothers and families, it quickly became highly commercialized. In an odd twist, this led Jarvis to denounce the holiday and spend the rest of her life lobbying to get the day removed from the national calendar. Showing your Appreciation Without the Price Tag While expensive gifts can be wonderful, heartfelt gifts that cost little to no money, which was the original intent of the holiday, can mean even more on Mother’s Day. It can show Mom that she means more to you than a few clicks of your mouse while shopping online or a quick trip into a store to pick out a gift. Handmade gifts and small acts of kindness are a great way to make Mom feel special. It can also show the kiddos that time and effort are priceless, and showing you care doesn’t have to come with a price tag. Check out these ideas for Mother’s Day gifts that don’t involve buying  more than what you already have on hand at home: 1. An interview with questions for kids to fill out about their Mom. Check out our printable Hike it Baby Mother’s Day kiddo interview here! 2. A homemade Card from the kiddos that actually shows effort (meaning the younger littles may need a little assistance from an adult).   “A homemade card that actually shows some effort - both from the kiddos but also requires my partner to sit with them and help”  - Kate, Kingston, Ontario Branch 3. Have a “What Mom Wants” Day where Mom gets to choose the activities, meals, etc. 4. A video of the kids talking about what they love about mom and wishing Mom (or Grandma) a Happy Mother’s Day. 5. Give Mom a break to do what she wants, whether that means a walk in the woods, time alone in her bedroom to read or relax, a virtual coffee date with a friend, etc. 6. Let Mom sleep in or have a “lazy morning” where she can relax, take a long shower or bath, etc. without being disturbed. “To sleep in.  I haven’t done that in years!” - Paige, Cleveland, Ohio Branch 7. Have the kids write and perform a skit or song especially for Mom. 8. Bring Mom her favorite breakfast in bed (after letting her sleep in, of course!) or put together a backyard picnic for Mom to enjoy. 9. Relieve Mom of her “mom duties” for a day by picking up the emotional labor and making all of the decisions that come with having kiddos. This could mean choosing what the kids will eat throughout the day or what chores need to be accomplished by all family members. “To not be in charge of Mom duties. Without having to nag or remind anyone to do them. Have my plate empty of responsibilities for a day or even a couple hours to do whatever I want” - Melissa, Kitsap Peninsula, Washington Branch 10. And last but not least, perform Acts of Kindness for Mom. This could include doing chores (ie. vacuuming or laundry), changing all baby diapers for a day, letting mom eat an entire meal while it’s warm without her having to get up for anything, etc.   Hike it Baby works to be the most effective hub of tools, information, and community inspiring all families with babies and young children to get outside and connect with nature. Learn more about Hike it Baby’s mission and how you can get involved. Click here to download the printable Mother's Day Interview. ABOUT HIKE IT BABY Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating, and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram. Photo courtesy of Arika Bauer. Editors Note: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from Hike it Baby. 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 do not make this ask lightly, but if you are able to afford it, make a donation, and become a Hike it Baby member.  A membership also makes a great gift for that new parent in your life. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. If you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

There is no denying this has been a tough few months for everyone. We are all playing a role in getting through this pandemic. Even by staying at home, you are helping to keep the world that much safer, so thank you. But, there are those who are in occupations where they have greater exposure to COVID-19, and therefore a greater threat to their health and the health of those in their households. We wanted to recognize the members of the Hike it Baby community that are working in healthcare, keeping our food and other essential products stocked and delivered, ensuring public safety, and performing other essential services during this time. If there is someone in your life (or you) that you would like to recognize for their contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic, please fill out the form here. We'll shine a light on their efforts and hold space for them in our community.   Name Hike it Baby Branch Role Christian Herrington HiB Colorado Springs Firefighter/paramedic Kate Youngberg Lehigh Valley, Pa Kate is a Physician's Assistant in the emergency room for Lehigh Valley Health Network. She works at 3 different locations. She has worked with COVID-19 patients and has (and continues) to have video consultations with patients. Rosy Kelley Akron OH My sister, Rosy, is an amazing ER nurse in a rural Ohio county and has been testing patients. Her county just had its first reported cases of Covid-19 this week. Elizabeth Kistler Hike it Baby Pittsburgh I take x-rays at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Michael Tilbury Reno-Tahoe As a UPS driver, Michael is out in our community every day making sure others have the much-needed items they need to be able to stay safe at home. Delivering everything from essentials like toilet paper to medicine to art supplies so parents can entertain their kids— he works tirelessly (many times not getting home until 9 when his own son is already asleep) to help others, while understanding he is at risk being out and about all the time. Ashley Cappelletty York/Harrisburg RN at a critical care hospital. Kristine Chieh San Diego RN taking care of general and COVID-19 inpatients, depending on where I am assigned that day. I also obtained and distributed 900 N95 masks to my nursing coworkers thanks to the generosity of my family and friends. Dr. Maria Pia Castillo Lehigh Valley Family Medicine Specialist Mara Gavit-Doyle Colorado Springs ER nurse in Pueblo Christian Herrington HiB Colorado Springs Firefighter/paramedic Kyla Phillips Vancouver Wa Working at the hospital in Care Management to oversee the day to day operations, manage staffing, and gather community resources to support our patients. Most recently this includes staffing to reduce burnout, keeping our team informed on the daily COVID 19 process changes and community collaboration. Nathan Colglazier Fort Wayne Nathan is my husband and he currently works as a pulmonary physician assistant. Part of his time is spent working in the ICU directly with COVID patients. Sarah Young Charlottesville, VA Sarah is a nurse working in the COVID unit at UVA hospital. Christina Cooper Vancouver, WA She is an NP and has been working from home via video visits. Mitchell Davis San Diego, CA My husband is a cardio perfusionist who is helping keep COVID patients alive through ECMO. During the COVID-19 outbreak, Hike it Baby's mission is to provide resources to help those sheltering at home and social distancing to continue to find ways to make the outdoors a part of everyday life. We've gathered informational blog posts, printable activity sheets, and more into a single webpage to make it easy for you to access the tools you need to get outside safely and responsibly - and to hopefully bring some joy into your life during a stressful time. View more at the At-Home Resources page. About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram. Editors Note: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from Hike it Baby. 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 do not make this ask lightly, but if you are able to afford it, make a donation and become a Hike it Baby member.  A membership also makes a great gift for that new parent in your life. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. If you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach. Photo courtesy of Krystal Weir.

It’s no secret that our planet needs help. It needs people who will strive to protect and nurture the earth in ways we have failed to do in the past. That’s why here at Hike it Baby, we are striving to raise a generation to love nature and the outdoors. Our children are our future, and teaching them to respect the environment from an early age is the first step to ensuring the future is a bright one for our planet. That being said, it’s not always easy to help kiddos growing up in a technology-heavy lifestyle to step back from the screens and engage in the natural world. That’s why we have compiled this list of books to add to your collection to help you motivate your family to step out into nature, even if it’s the nature you find in your own backyard. Children’s Books Younger Kiddos Spring Hike by Dineo Dowd - This story helps children understand the change of seasons, the excitement of hiking, and the importance of what it means to “leave no trace." This is the third book from Dowd, all of which were created to inspire children to go outside safely and enjoy all that nature has to offer. Get Dressed Sasquatch by Derek Sullivan and Kyle Sullivan - This silly story follows a sasquatch enjoying his home in the Pacific Northwest when a rule-touting forest ranger comes along to tell him to put on some clothes. Laugh along with your kids as you read this fun, rhyming tale about being free to be yourself.  Check out these other great titles for younger children: Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots by Carmela LaVigna Coyle  Fur, Feather, Fin - All of Us are Kin by Diane Lang Secrets of the Apple Tree (and other Shine-a-light books) by Carron Brown Forest Baby by Laurie Elmquist Adventure to the Top of the Mountain by Nataliya Moon Whoo’s There by Heather Zschock Baby Bear Sees Blue by Ashley Wolff Wild One by Jane Wittingham The Adventures of John Muir by Kate Coombs  A Walk in the Forest by Jaye Garnett  Adventure Day by Dineo Dowd Sunset Hike by Dineo Dowd Older Children Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner - Discover the animals and plants that make up the rich, interconnected mountain pond ecosystem. This book is part of the highly recommended Over and Under Series which also includes “Over and Under the Snow” and  “Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt."  The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest by Lynne Cherry - This story depicts a man who grows tired when trying to chop down a Great Kapok Tree in the Amazon RainForest. As he sleeps, the creatures of the forest whisper to him about the importance of trees and how “all living things depend on one another." This book provides a wonderful starting point for a discussion on conservation with your kids.  Check out these other great titles for older kiddos: When we Go Camping by Margriet Ruus The Lost Book of Adventure by Unknown Adventurer  Tracks, Scats, and Signs by Leslie Dendy  Insect Superpowers by Kate Messner  Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail by Jennifer Thermes Books with Advice on Getting your Kiddos Outside (and why it’s important) There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather by Linda Akeson McGurk - The author sets out to discover if her native Scandinavian philosophy of “there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes” could hold the key to raising healthier, resilient, and confident children in America. This memoir is filled with ideas that will get your kids outside, reaping the many benefits of nature with more confidence and independence.  The Down and Dirty Guide to Camping with Kids by Helen Olsson - Does the idea of camping with kids elicit feelings of dread or anxiety? If so, this book is for you! It is filled with tips and tools to make your next campout enjoyable for the whole family, and it even includes recipes, activity ideas, games, and checklists for your next adventure. Check out these other great options that are filled with advice and tips for getting your kiddos outside: Hike it Baby: 100 Awesome Outdoor Adventures with Babies and Toddlers by Shanti Hodges h Let Them Be Eaten by Bears By Peter Brown Hoffmeister Balanced and Barefoot by Angela J. Hanscom  How to Raise a Wild Child by Scott D. Sampson  Vitamin N - The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life by Richard Louv Books Filled with Activities to Inspire Outdoor Play The Outdoor Toddler Activity Book by Krissy Bonning-Gould - This book includes a diverse collection of activities geared toward getting toddlers outside to explore and grow in nature. The chapters are split into types of outdoor activity (such as messy play and outdoor art) and includes skill-building icons that show what each activity teaches your little one. The Green Hour by Todd Christopher - This book is based on the recommendation from the National Wildlife Federation that every parent should give their kids a “green hour” every day for unstructured play and interaction with the natural world. It is filled with activities designed to encourage discovery, creative play, and a wonder of nature for families with children of all ages.  Check out these other titles for more outdoor activity ideas: Exploring Nature Activity Book for Kids by Kim Andrews The Rainy Day Adventure Book by Steph Scott and Katie Akers I Love Dirt!: 52 Activities to Help You and Your Kids Discover the Wonders of Nature by Jennifer Ward  Click here to download the list of Books to Help Your Kids (And You!) Engage In Nature to keep as a handy reference! Want to dig into more books about nature? Join the Hike it Baby online bookclub!  ABOUT HIKE IT BABY Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Hosley. This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of those links you won’t pay more but Hike it Baby will get a small commission which helps us further our mission. Thanks!  

According to the Oxford dictionary, a volunteer is a person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task. At Hike it Baby, volunteers are people who give their time, heart, passion, initiative, and creativity to better the lives of families in their communities and beyond. They work tirelessly to raise a generation to love the outdoors and each other. In celebration of April’s National Volunteer Month, we want to shine a light on the tremendous team of volunteers that are the heart of Hike it Baby. vol·un·teer /ˌvälənˈtir/ Noun A person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task. National Volunteer Teams Keep Hike it Baby Running Did you know that every hike submitted to the calendar is reviewed for accuracy and thoroughness, to ensure a positive hike experience, by a volunteer? Did you know that when you email tech support with a question or issue, a volunteer is helping you? Did you know that the majority of the content on the Hike it Baby blog is written by volunteer writers? With a small, mostly part-time staff of eight, the majority of the day-to-day work that happens at Hike it Baby is completed by volunteers. At the National level, over 70 volunteers run 10 essential teams within the organization. Each team is operated by a dedicated Team Captain. The teams include Ambassador Support, Calendar, Hike it Baby 30 Challenge, Mentorship, Technical Support, Family Trail Guide, Training and Content. The efforts of our Team Captains and the national volunteers are what keep the day to day of Hike it Baby running. Thank you to our Team Captains that move our mission forward with essential work: Vanessa Wright - ACE Team Captain Paige Forberger - Calendar Team Captain Rebecca Hosley - Lead Blog Volunteer Jennifer Grenter - Branch/Data Team Lacey Stock - Family Trail Guide Team Keira Wickliffe Berger - Family Trail Guide Team Dustin Thorley - Hike it Baby 30 Challenge Team & Social Media Team Michelle Robinson - Mentor Team Sara Marion - Tech Support (Not pictured: Sara Marion)     Branch Ambassadors Build the Hike it Baby Community Over 570 Branch Ambassadors keep Hike it Baby’s 300+ Branches running across North America, helping nearly 280,000 families attend over 16,000 hikes annually. Hike it Baby Branch Ambassadors are role models within their communities, cultivating an inclusive group for families to meet regularly in the outdoors, upholding the values of Hike it Baby, and spreading a love for nature and each other. Branch Ambassadors spend their time hosting hikes, creating engagement in their Branch Facebook group, promoting their Branch to encourage new participants, and working with and guiding hike hosts. Branch Ambassadors are inspiring, creative, positive, and dedicated. They foster local Hike it Baby communities that directly benefit the people in their area by connecting more families with babies and young children to nature and each other. Thank You to our Volunteers In 2019, Hike it Baby volunteers worked over 100,000 hours, driven by their passion for ensuring everyone experiences the many benefits of nature. A very heartfelt thank you to all of the Hike it Baby volunteers, past and present, that have helped to make Hike it Baby the organization it is today.  Whether you are an experienced outdoors person or just getting started, becoming a Hike it Baby Ambassador in your community is an amazing way to build a strong outdoor foundation for your whole family. Learn how you can get involved with Hike it Baby by volunteering today! If you are a current Hike it Baby Ambassador and are interested in volunteering at the National level, please contact ambassadorsupport@hikeitbaby.com. About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating, and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram. Images courtesy of Laura Castro. 

Mother's Day Gift Recommendations from the Hike it Baby Staff For many of us, the word “Mom” conjures images of comfort and trust. Whether it be your own mother, the mother of your children, a grandmother, or a motherly figure who has made a positive impact in your life. Mothers tend to be the backbone of the family. They are the person you turn to when you need advice, the one you call first with both happy and sad news, and the one you know will always love you no matter what happens in life. Let’s celebrate the motherly figures in our life this Mother’s Day (and every day) with a gift that will surely bring a smile to her face! We consulted the Hike it Baby staff to create this list of products they recommend to make mom’s life easier, more adventurous, and more comfortable.   Jessica Carrillo Alatorre - Executive Director Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook - Track your life, journal, take notes about your favorite trails, and reuse the pages over and over again with this eco-friendly, smart, reusable notebook. Snap a picture and automatically sync it to the folder you want. The Rocketbook is great for modern moms on the go! I love it for bullet journaling and taking creative notes with my colorful Frixion pens. Sterling Silver Mountain Pendant - I love getting pretty, simple jewelry that reflects the outdoors. Sterling silver is a favorite because it holds up against the tough stuff life with kids can throw at it (tugging, chewing,  food or other sticky stuff, etc) and it cleans up easily.  Turtle Fur + Hike it Baby Tube - I love my HiB Turtle Fur tube, especially in this time of social distancing and trying to stay virus-free. Cloth face coverings are being recommended by the CDC for our essential errands and times we have to go into public spaces. This particular tube is versatile, super soft inside, and has beautiful HiB themed art. EcoVessel Boulder Insulated Water Bottle - I love drinking out of a metal bottle that doesn't flavor my water. Bonus points if it can maintain the temperature of the drink I put in it for hours on end. As a busy mom, drinking coffee while it's hot is almost impossible, except in a double-walled container. Ice cold beverages ready after a hike in the hot sun are another rare treat. With a strainer in the lid, the EcoVessel is extra awesome because I can keep the ice from hitting my teeth or make infused water right in my daily drink container.    Linzay Davis - Director of Communication and Corporate Relations Merrell Antora Rainbow Shoes - I have had these everyday hiking shoes for about a year and they are the best! My other hiking shoes are collecting dust because I only wear these. And I always get tons of compliments on them. L.L.Bean Mountain Classic Anorak - This is my favorite jacket for morning walks on the beach when it’s chilly and the air is still damp. I’ve been eying this rugby pullover for morning walks when it’s too warm for a jacket but too chilly for a t-shirt.  Herschel Fanny Pack - My daughter is not interested in sitting in the stroller anymore so it basically just holds all our stuff. I’d love this fanny pack to store my phone, snacks, etc so I can leave the stroller behind.  Hatch Baby Rest Night Light - I splurged and bought this multi-functional night light/ sound machine/time-to-rise system a few weeks ago after a few too many 5 am wake ups and it has proved to be the best $60 dollars I have ever spent. The earliest my daughter has woken up since we started using it is 6:45 am! I’ll pay that any day for an extra two hours of sleep!     Kayla Klein - Community Development Manager L.L.Bean Camp Comfort Rocker - I’ve been looking for a comfortable travel chair for soccer, camping, and just hanging out in our driveway. L.L.Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanket - I'm always looking for a place for my kids to eat their snacks and rest on the trail. We also use blankets on the soccer fields. This blanket is large enough to comfortably fit my large family and also easily stored for on the go.     All Around Staff Favorite L.L.Bean Women’s Streamside Tee - Inspired by women who live and breathe the outdoor lifestyle, this everyday tee is designed to go from backyard picnics to outdoor adventures with ease. The lightweight performance fabric wicks moisture and dries fast, for cool comfort even when temperatures soar. Plus, it’s made with Bluesign®-approved fabric to reduce the impact on the environment.     Emma Carsey - Membership & Events Manager Magnolia Table, Volume 2 - Cooking and baking bring me such delight. It’s a total joy for me to nourish my people and gather with them around the table. The original Magnolia cookbook is a favorite of mine and I am eager to get my hands on this second edition. Apple Airpods - I love listening to books on audio and podcasts but I don’t have a pair of wireless earbuds yet. These are high on my list because they’re great to help when mama needs a few moments of zen!  L.L.Bean Wicked Good Slippers - We may be getting ready to head into warmer months but I want to be ready when the cold months circle back around! These slippers from L.L. Bean are the creme de la creme!    Elicia Giffin - Office Manager Hanmack Double Hammock - During our Stay at Home orders we have been able to spend a lot of time in our backyard and, while it’s normally brought along on hikes or while camping, I’ve been extra grateful for this hammock to relax in.  It’s easy to set up, (on trees, or weight-bearing post/decks) and can provide a cuddly nap with your tiny person, a fun swing time or a place to unwind at the end of the day. L.L.Bean Adventure Duffle - I’ve been rocking mine since 1999.  It’s been a go-to for 20+ years and has traveled to 3 continents with me, not to mention 15 or more states.  Thanks to Grandma, it has my initials embroidered in so the odds of someone else grabbing it at the airport if I decide to check it are low. Untamed by Glennon Doyle - Who were you before the world told you who to be?  And how do you get back to her? Glennon Doyle is an author I’ve been following closely for the last 5 years and this book (released March 2020) is her best yet. Her desire to know and love herself, then help other women do the same through witty heartfelt storytelling will keep readers coming back for more.   All Around Staff Favorite Merrell Women's Jungle Moc -This iconic shoe from Merrell is the epitome of low-maintenance, comfortable footwear. It features a smooth suede upper and Merrell air cushion underfoot for extra support. The best part is that it comes in a kid version as well so you can outfit the whole family in these cozy, slip-on shoes!       Sara Wesche - Content Coordinator Merrell Altalight Hikers - I’m loving these hikers from Merrell this spring. On top of being purple, they are so light and fit like a glove. They were comfortable right out of the box and they have been my go-to for both hiking and playing in the yard. Matador Mini Pocket Blanket, Ultralight Hiking Picnic Blanket/Beach Blanket - This is a staple in my bag and goes with us everywhere. I’ve used it for diaper changes to sitting on damp grass or laying out snacks. And, it is super easy to fold back up and stuff into the attached carry bag thanks to the stitched folding guidelines (seriously, this is from someone that can’t fold a map to save their life). The Mommy Hook - I received the Mommy Hook as a random gift at my shower and beyond using it to hang things from the stroller, including a Strider bike, it comes in handy pulling a sled in the winter or hooking extra things (like hats, water bottles, mittens) to the outside of my hiking pack. LittleHippo Mella Ready to Rise Children's Trainer, Alarm Clock, Night Light Sleep Sounds Machine - I love getting up before everyone else and having time to drink my coffee alone in peace. This mighty little machine has saved my mornings. I used to have a little bedroom escapee roaming the house in the wee hours, and now he stays in his room until I’m ready for him. I appreciate that it's teaching him to tell time and to set boundaries.   Liz Schultz - Social Media Coordinator Sunday Afternoons Sunset Hat - Love this hat on those super sunny days in Wyoming, plus I enjoy the cowboy-ish look. I love that I can wear it while hiking, fishing, or just running errands around town! Merrell Women's Ever Move Tight - I live in tights and love this pair from Merrell, plus it’s from their line of clothing that partners with She Explores, one of my favorite podcasts too!  Too Far in the North by Margaret Murie -  This book is authored by the grande dame of the wilderness movement, a BAMF who took her babies on expeditions when they were still nursing. Her conservation efforts led to passing the Wilderness Act, and she’s known as the Grandmother of Conservation. To be honest, this book has been on my list to read for a while, so I’m excited to dive into it! If you’ve already read it, let me know how you liked it!    All Around Staff Favorite Hike it Baby Membership - This Mothers' Day, give the gift of an outdoor community to a post-partum mom, a mom with young children, or a mom-to-be with an annual Hike it Baby membership. Or, make a donation to help moms with babies and young children and their families connect to the outdoors and each other.     Hike it Baby works to be the most effective hub of tools, information, and community inspiring all families with babies and young children to get outside and connect with nature. Learn more about Hike it Baby's mission and how you can get involved. About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram. Photos courtesy of Turtle Fur, L.L.Bean, Merrell, Magnolia Table, Sunday Afternoons, and Deanna Curry. This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of those links you won't pay more but Hike it Baby will get a small commission which helps us further our mission. Thanks!

Hello, fellow Hike it Baby families. I am writing to you today with very mixed emotions. Our state just made the call not to let our kids go back to the classroom for the rest of the year. This greatly affects my family, especially my kindergartner. As her mom, I am frustrated, sad, and overwhelmed. How am I supposed to make sure she gets her education for the rest of the year while juggling full-time work, a three-year-old, and a cooped up family stuck at home? I know my struggles in the big picture are pretty trivial, but I also know there are many families experiencing this or other immediate challenges that feel very big right now.  In fact, we are all experiencing new and unexpected hardships. Being under quarantine, practicing social distancing, and following executive orders to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 is really hard. It brings so much uncertainty. Many are losing jobs, some are losing loved ones, and we’re all losing access to our usual coping strategies. Not knowing when it will end can be debilitating.  In this time of extreme struggle, I would like to ask you all to consider your judgment of others. An HiB advisor, James Edward Mills, recently shared this post on his Facebook page: “It's no secret that I haven't been sheltering exclusively at home. I've been going outside by myself to get a bit of exercise, fresh air and sunshine between long sessions in front of my computer. I've kept my distance from others at all times and I hope that folks understand that time outside is a way to maintain our physical and mental health during this national crisis. As long as we don't congregate in groups or make direct contact with the people we meet out there we can avoid unintended exposure to the virus. A friend shared on Facebook this morning something that I hope we can all bear in mind when we consider how those around us are doing their best to cope: "I've tried to formulate into words how I feel about all the harsh comments and judgments on FB which honestly have just made my heart hurt but have always come up short. These are not my words but I agree 100% so am lovingly sharing: 'I've seen a lot of nasty posts in regards to people making "non-essential" trips .. Do you ever think maybe that guy buying a gallon of paint knows he must keep busy because idle hands in the past have caused him to relapse and pick up that case of beer? So he's using this time to do home improvements, something that keeps his mind busy while feeling a sense of accomplishment, trying to avoid painful triggers while possibly alone? Or maybe that lady buying bags of soil and seeds, hasn't struggled with depression and suicide? How do you know that planting and watching something beautiful grow during this time of darkness, isn't essential to her and holding on to what little hope she might still have .. We need to remember that it is impossible to know just by looking at a situation from "our" small lens what someone is truly going through or where their mental health is at. Everyone handles chaos and healing through different means, and I know we are all on edge but please stop being so judgmental of others." #mentalhealthisnumberone” It really spoke to me because I think it is so easy to judge others for what they are doing, without actually understanding them or their reasons. All we know is what we see. We have to take it upon ourselves to look past that and seek understanding, or at the very least, accept that we don’t have all the information and let go of our assumptions to give others some grace and the benefit of the doubt.  I have been hearing from our Ambassadors that many of them are worried about posting in their Branch Facebook groups right now because they don’t know how it will be perceived if they share how they are getting outside. They are especially concerned about families who don’t have safe access or means to get outside right now feeling sadder because of their posts. I applaud their big hearts. I also want to encourage all of our members, ambassadors, and families who follow us to reach past the fear and check in with each other. Have open conversations wherever you can to find out how others are doing and to find out what you might do to support each other.  Protecting our mental health and being kind to each other are some of our best weapons against the current chaos. Remember that our children are watching us and learning from how we handle this. We need to show them it’s OK to be stressed and it’s OK to be worried, but that we can still be positive and supportive, too. We are finding new coping strategies and new ways to be a part of society right now. We don’t have all the answers, but we can help each other find solutions. Our own kindness is one of the few things we still have control over. Find a way to get a breath of fresh air, even if it’s just by opening a window and setting a chair underneath so you can bask in the spring sunshine. Don’t begrudge others when they find their moment. If you find yourself thinking critically of others, try to give them grace by considering the reasons they might need to be doing the thing you are judging. If you were in their shoes, why would you make the choice they are making at that moment? Is there a way you can be positive instead of making a negative or critical comment? Is there something you can do to avoid or ignore what you’re seeing? I know it’s hard, but do your best to look for the good as much as you can. Compassion is so important in times of struggle. Be creative in finding your own outlets so you have space to offer positivity to others. Stay safe and protect your own health, especially your mental health. Most importantly, stay kind and keep your judgement at home, safely socially distanced from others. -Jessica Carrillo Alatorre, Hike it Baby Executive Director About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram. Photo courtesy of Andrea Leoncavallo.

National Park Week is April 18 - 22, 2020. While most National Park facilities and events are closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the National Park Service and the National Park Trust are offering a variety of online activities including virtual tours, scavenger hunts, trivia contests, and junior ranger programs to help you celebrate from home. To kick off the week, the National Park Service (@NatlParkService) and National Park Foundation will host a Twitter chat on April 16 at 1:00 PM EDT. Join the conversation and share your favorite memories, tips and stories about national parks using the hashtags #FindYourPark, #EncuentraTuParque, and #NationalParkWeek. “Although much has changed in recent weeks, an assortment of fun and engaging digital National Park Week events can help people connect to our shared heritage and natural landscapes,” said David Vela, National Park Service Deputy Director, exercising the authority of the Director.  Here are the ways you can join the fun!  Digital Tours Join Elmo and Murray from Sesame Street as they explore Grand Canyon National Park. Tour Channel Islands National Park with Jordan Fisher and Crater Lake National Park with Dierks Bentley in these virtual visits. Watch the videos on a mobile device to get the full experience by moving around to see the full span of these remarkable landscapes.  Meet the baby animals that call our National Parks home in this adorable video.  Get lost from the comfort of your couch in the many real-time National Park webcams.  Take a peek into once restricted places that served as part of America's Cold War nuclear defense with a virtual 3-D tour of the Minuteman Missile.  Check out the virtual 3-D model of Devil’s Tower.  Follow the social media accounts for specific National Parks, such as Yellowstone or Glacier National Park, for live virtual tours, daily images, and interactive educational programs! Hit this link for the full list of National Park Service Find Your “Virtual” Park activities!  Digital Junior Ranger Activities Become an Aztec Ruins Online Junior Ranger by learning about the Aztec Ruins National Monument in New Mexico and the ancestral Pueblo people who lived there. Once you successfully complete a series of online activities you can submit your information to receive a Junior Ranger patch in the mail! Earn your printable Homestead Virtual Ranger badge by learning about the Homestead National Monument through the pages of the National Park Service website and taking an online quiz.  Preschool-aged kids will enjoy the printable Fort Scott Junior Ranger activity booklet.  Find other Junior Ranger activities and ways to earn patches from home for various Parks here. Printable Activities Did you know the tall tree in the National Park Arrowhead logo represents the different natural resources the Parks protect? Learn what the various images on the National Park logo represent, then print and color your own National Park logo. The National Park website has several downloadable coloring pages including the Birds of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, Glen Canyon, Golden Gate Recreational Area and, Susan B. Anthony’s house.  Explore all of the online activities for kids (or the kid in you!) that you can do at home on the National Park website. Get Social Follow the National Park Service on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.  Post about your National Park experience on social media using the hashtags #FindYourPark, #EncuentraTuParque, and #NationalParkWeek. Join the conversation on these special social media theme days using these hashtags: April 18th - Junior Ranger Day - #JuniorRangerDay April 19th - Volunteer Day - #NPSVolunteer April 20th - Military Monday - #MilitaryMonday April 21st - Transportation Tuesday - #TransportationTuesday, #NPSOnTheMove April 22nd - Earth Day - #EarthDay April 23rd - Throwback Thursday - #ThrowbackThursday April 24th - Friendship Friday - #FriendshipFriday #NPSFriends April 25th - Park Rx Day - #ParkRx, #HealthyParksHealthyPeople April 26th - Bark Ranger Day - #BarkRanger Share your National Park story for a chance to have it featured on the National Park Trust social media sites and in the #ShareYourPark gallery. Donate Donate directly to the National Park Foundation or start a Facebook fundraiser for the National Parks.  Plan Your Trip Make plans to visit a National Park in the future. Take the quiz and find out which Park is the perfect fit for you and your family. Then read up on tips and activities for families in the National Parks with the Hike it Baby blog series.  There are many ways to support our National Parks. Visit the National Park Service and National Park Trust for more information on the innovative digital experience launching this year to celebrate National Park Week! Stay up-to-date on outdoor resources, trail tips and tactics for families with young children, and community news with the Hike it Baby community newsletter. Subscribe today! About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram. Thank you to the National Park Service, National Park Trust and National Park Foundation for the links and resources mentioned in this article. Photos courtesy of the National Park Service and Deanna Curry.

Earth Day is right around the corner (April 22nd) and why not celebrate it in style with one or more of these easy and fun activities! The best part? Almost all of these can be done right at home! Plant a pollinator garden You don’t need a yard to plant bee and butterfly friendly flowers! A balcony is perfect for growing a sunflower or maybe some lavender. Need some ideas on which flowers to plant? The US Forest Service has you covered. Their website has information on ways to attract pollinators and you will even find links to regional and native plants to consider. Do a neighborhood trash cleanup Unfortunately, trash always seems to find its way onto the ground. Grab some gloves and a bucket and meander through your neighborhood picking up trash. Kids love it and it is so good for the environment. Here are some tips for trail clean-up safety  and a video about how to keep trails litter free that you can apply to your neighborhood efforts. Create a nature weaving Another way to store and display the many wonderful nature treasures children find is to create a nature weaving.  Use food scraps to plant veggie starts Looking for a way to reduce your food waste? What better time to explore a new way of starting a vegetable garden than to celebrate Earth Day! This blog post offers some vegetables to try and how to go about it. Make wildflower seed bombs There are a variety of recipes, but the basics are wildflower seeds, compost/dirt, and clay. Such a fun activity and they make great Earth Day gifts. Play outside What better way to celebrate Earth Day than to soak up some time outside with family. Here is a list of 30 things you can do right outside your door in 30 minutes. Learn something new about nature Don’t know much about snails? Or maybe you want your kids to know more about the plants native to your area? What better time to dive in and learn more about the nature around us than Earth Day!? Read nature-related books Take some time on Earth Day to read some books focused on nature. Bonus points for reading them outside! Check out this blog post for Earth Day theme book ideas. Create a nature playscape in your yard  Spend some time outside creating a more nature-focused play area for your children. Include your children in the process. This Hike it Baby blog post offers some easy ideas to incorporate nature in any play area. Go on a nature scavenger hunt Create a simple scavenger hunt with items you know are in your local park or neighborhood. Find some ideas here or view this Pinterest board for more inspiration.   Sort recycling Teach your kids the difference between bottles, cans, paper, and more. Let them help you sort through your recycling. If you go on a neighborhood trash pickup, you could also sort the trash and pick out the recycling. Make it a game. Kids learn best when playing. Eat dandelions Nourish your bodies with a healthy edible flower. The dandelion greens are great in salads and the petals are delicious in cookies. There are a lot of recipes out there to incorporate these healthy edible flowers. Learn more! Cook an environmentally conscious meal Celebrate Earth Day by eating environmentally friendly food. Shop local, eat vegetarian or vegan, or eat foods you grew or that are ethically sourced. There are a lot of options. Learn About Leave No Trace Practices Check out these Hike it Baby blog posts that will help you teach your littles the important points of practicing Leave No Trace on the trail and set the foundation from an early age. Make a bird feeder Celebrate Earth Day by feeding the birds. Egg cartons or the cardboard centers of toilet paper, with some peanut butter and bird seed make for an excellent, Leave No Trace friendly, (and easy) craft. Go for a walk in your neighborhood Get outside and walk your neighborhood. Just being outside and soaking up some mother nature is an excellent way to honor the day. Explore worms and composting What better time to dive in and explore the world of composting? No need to start a compost pile (unless you want to), you could spend the time learning about how compost works and what process worms play. Make leaf rubbings Even though it is Spring, finding leaves on the ground to make leaf rubbings with can still happen. This is a project that is always a hit and is so much fun for children and adults alike. Construction paper sun prints  Grab some construction paper, some household or nature finds, and explore this fun outdoor activity! This blog post lays out how the process works.  Start a nature journal Increase awareness or better document time spent in nature with your children by nature journaling. And what better time to decide to learn this process than Earth Day!? Make a bug hotel Bugs need homes too and spending Earth Day building them a home is a wonderful and engaging activity. Plus, for all those budding entomologists, this makes for a neat place to stop and observe bugs in action. Here is one example of making a simple bug hotel. Create art with recycled materials Instead of throwing away the egg carton or tossing the junk mail, use it to create works of art! Any other ideas out there for fun and simple Earth Day activities to do with children? Let us know in the comments!  Join a community of like-minded parents and caregivers with a shared mission of connecting families with babies and young children to the outdoors and each other. Learn about Hike it Baby membership options and join the fun today! About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram. Photos courtesy of Jessica Human and Laura Castro.

Education and Adventure in Every Download Find adventure right in your local outside space! Hike it Baby and Super Nature Adventures have partnered to create two downloadable PDF series to help you and your children bring more fun to your backyard, neighborhood, or local park. Each issue includes activities, crafts, games and other ways to actively engage in nature.  Each illustrated issue includes six pages of outside activities, crafts, games, and other ideas to engage in nature.  The publication arrives in your email inbox as a downloadable PDF you can print or use right from your tablet. New issues in each series will be released every other week. Proceeds Help Support COVID-19 Relief The interactive booklets are a great way to encourage safe and responsible outside time for families that are sheltering at home and practicing social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. One dollar from the sale of each download will be donated to Global Giving's Coronavirus Relief Fund, which supports a range of projects serving urgent medical needs.   Explore Your Own World This series features fun activities and crafts to help your kids get outside, get inspired, and get creative. For kids ages 3 - 11. View Available Issues and Order Today! Create Your Own World This series is an ode to all the dreamers and kiddos with imaginary friends...and also just for any kid who needs some tools to imagine an outside place where they can feel free, powerful, and safe. For kids ages 4 -13. View Available Issues and Order Today! The cost is $5 per issue, and Hike it Baby members receive a $2 discount. Visit the Community Discounts page to grab the code. Make sure you are logged into the website to access the code. [embed]https://youtu.be/YwNyQ8OxvZ8[/embed] We believe kids and families need nature now more than ever, and getting outside is as easy as taking a step out of your front door. Subscribe to our Community Newsletter to stay in the loop on when new issues in each series are released. About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.