OutGrown Blog

The Wonder of Winter Hike it Baby and Joules have partnered to create a free, downloadable My Winter Workbook (available in English and Spanish) with activities to make this winter a season to remember. Winter gets a bad rap. Once the holidays are done and we are into the new year, people tend to get over the cold, wet winter weather pretty quickly. But, when you take the time to experience the coldest season of the year you'll find there's a lot to love about the winter season. Free My Winter Workbook Download We want everyone to experience all the wonderful things about winter. And the free My Winter Workbook from Hike it Baby and Joules makes it easy to take your first steps outside this season. The My Winter Workbook includes activities that will help your family get outside more often and make lasting memories. The My Winter Workbook includes: Color by number page Winter sensory walk Build your own birdfeeder Winter scavenger hunt Design your own Joules wellies     Share to Win & Plant a Tree As an added bonus to the activities, Joules is giving away a $500 shopping spree. To enter to win snap a picture of your family doing one of the activities in the My Winter Workbook, share the image on social media between now and January 15, 2021, with the hashtag #HiBExploreandRestore, and tag @JoulesUSA and @HikeitBaby. Be sure to share the workbook with your friends and family to extend the impact. For every social media share, Joules will plant one tree with the non-profit organization American Forests. It's part of Joules commitment to protecting and restoring our wildlife habitats now and for generations to come. Let's Get Outside this Winter! As the old saying goes, if you can't beat it, join it. Getting outside more this winter can help you overcome seasonal depression, feel more refreshed, reduce your stress, and more! You might just find winter is your favorite season after all. Helpful Articles Top Three Things to Pack on Your Next Winter Hike with Your Toddler How to Keep Your Family Warm on Trail this Winter About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby 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, Hike it Baby is a growing community of 270,000 families and over 400 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information, as well as outdoor engagement events, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram. Photo courtesy of Brandi Rondinelli. My Winter Workbook cover design by Alex Wong. This post is sponsored by Joules, however, we would not recommend something that our children do not love. Our opinions are our own. 

Make Spending Time in Nature a Priority this Holiday We have reached that busy, exciting, tiring time of year again, but with an extra twist of stress. Not only are the holidays fast approaching, we also have virtual learning, social distancing, and drastically changing holiday plans on our minds as we weather the storm of this global pandemic. So how do you stay sane and calm with so much uncertainty surrounding you? That’s where the power of the outdoors comes in. Whether your family could use an attitude adjustment, a sense of normalcy, or the therapeutic effects of spending time in nature, stepping out your front door can make all the difference. Our community members share how the power of the outdoors has helped them through the stress of this year. We hope this gives you inspiration to continue to get outside safely in the coming weeks and beyond.  The Therapeutic Effects of Spending Time in Nature “Getting outside is incredibly therapeutic for us. There's no dishes or laundry, there's no distracting tv or tablets. Just us exploring, talking & exercising. We are always calmer and happier on days we get outside! Rain or shine, beach or mountains...we love it all!” -   Anastasia from Boring, Oregon “Outside time for us as a family is like therapy. Everyone's mood is better, irritability is much less, we can all feel less tension and stress; even our kids notice it. Each of us has something we love to do by ourselves; whether it's fishing, digging in the dirt, hiking, or painting the landscape. Then we come together to enjoy those things as a family and it reminds us that we DO get along and we DO still like each other.” -  Alex from Salt Lake City, UT "Simply by being outside for hours and hours and days at a time engages all of my senses – particularly sight. There are so many views to behold and be grateful for." - Mirna Valerio “Being outside is a stabilizing force in our family. It gives us an outlet for excess energy, it brings joy when we are feeling sad or grumpy, and it spurs our imagination and creativity. If we’re in an ugly place by mid-morning or post-nap, it's time to strap on shoes and throw on jackets.” - Megan from Colonie, NY “I notice how much better my 3-year-old (and I!) sleeps if we have spent a few hours outdoors. And although in-person hikes are currently paused, I love having the Hike It Baby community to get ideas of where my family can explore in our local area. Especially as the seasons change!” -   Emily from Tokyo, Japan “Getting outside is like hitting the refresh button. It’s a time to explore, relax, listen, run, and play. It’s fun exploring new places and watching the seasons change.” -  Beth from Pittsburgh, PA   An Instant Attitude Adjustment “Starting our mornings outside changes our entire mindset for the day! We put life and responsibilities on hold to take care of ourselves first. We bond, enjoy what nature has in store for us and usually end up in good moods that last throughout the day.” -  Lynze from Richmond, VA “Instant attitude adjustment—for me! Going outside and moving around gives me a reset to my mood and energy.” -  Jocelyn from Framingham, MA “We definitely notice a difference in mood on outdoor vs indoor days - I think he sleeps better and has a cheerier demeanor the days we get in at least an hour of outdoor play, less meltdowns etc! He hardly notices rain, cold or dark (now that the days are getting shorter) he’ll play until we can barely see each other.” - Mayrita from Capital Region, NY "Ruby comes alive in the outdoors. I can tell she feels free and I watch her take it all in. Rocks, sand, dirt, leaves, trees, you name it she will touch it." Melody Forsyth “When you have toddlers, emotions get big. Going outside seems to help, as if the walls keep their feelings from dispersing. Going outside helps with my high energy kids, too. As they say, ‘kids can’t bounce off the walls if there are no walls’. I feel it too.  Even just going outside to blow a few bubbles or walk to the end of the street and back makes a huge difference. When we don’t do these things, everything just seems like a bigger struggle. To be completely honest, I feel like I yell more when we don’t get enough outdoor time.” - Nicole from Knoxville, TN “My children have better focus and I have more patience when we get outdoors!” -  Karen from Lancaster County, PA A Sense of Normalcy During Chaos “Though we've always enjoyed time spent outside, it has felt even more imperative to our overall well being during this pandemic. Most days feel so mundane and routine, but the possibilities in nature are endless (especially with a toddler with an ever-expanding imagination), and seeing the landscapes and seasons change is a much-needed reminder that this, too, will [hopefully] not be permanent, as much as it may feel that way at times.”  - Kristen from Chicago, IL “Our kids ask to go outside almost every day, so I didn't spend much time thinking about the impact it had on our life - until the wildfires this summer caused the Air Quality Index in Seattle to be the worst I've ever seen and kept us inside for a week. That first walk outside after a week of it not being an option felt almost giddy and I've made more of an effort to emphasize outside time in the evenings now. I think it makes our family of four kinder, more patient, and better sleepers when we get outside time on a regular basis.”  Shannon from Seattle, WA “Hiking has kept our family from going crazy during the pandemic. Seeing the natural landscape reboots our brain, the fresh air makes us feel rejuvenated. We are socially isolated because we want to protect my 83 yo mom (lives with us) and my 89 yo dad (he is still independent!).” -  Emma from San Diego, CA “We love being able to go hiking and forget about our worries of rising COVID cases, schools going back to remote, and other issues. We have found many trails that aren't frequented by others and it feels so safe just being out in the woods by ourselves.” - Valerie from Adirondack Coast, NY “Being outside has given our family a sense of normalcy. When we are out playing, as long as we are far away from others, it’s like nothing in our world has changed.” - Emylee from Mukilteo, WA For more inspiration to take advantage of the amazing, restorative power of spending time in nature head over to L.L. Bean Outside.  You'll find inspiring stories of the power of nature and community along with tips and tricks for fulfilling new outdoor experiences. About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby 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, Hike it Baby is a growing community of 270,000 families and over 400 volunteer branch ambassadors. More information, as well as outdoor engagement events, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.   Photos courtesy of Jessica Shaefer Human, Krystal Weir, and Tais Kulish. This post was sponsored by L.L. Bean. 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 make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

We are heading into the holiday season of what has been one of the most stressful years for many of us. Perhaps that's why so many decorated their homes on November 1st. We could all use a little holiday cheer.  This year, we created a holiday gift guide that we hope simplifies gift giving. Here's our list of useful items for the outdoorsy loved one in your life.  Water Bottle A water bottle is not only a practical gift it is also an environmentally friendly one. Stopping the use of single-use plastics will help clean up our waterways, reduce landfill bulk, and save the lives of countless animals that fall victim to ingesting or otherwise getting harmed by plastics. However, which water bottle  do you choose? A few factors to consider are: Material (hard plastic vs. stainless steel) Size (how many ounces/milliliters) Shape (not all bottles fit into standard cup holders) Lid type (screw-off, straw, or flip-top) You can even get a bottle with a built-in water filter! We recommend stopping into your local sporting-goods store to check out the options available. You could even include stickers to help the giftee decorate their new gift (such as our We're Outdoorsy campaign sticker!). Fleece for the Whole Family You may  have heard the phrase “cotton is rotten” when talking about layering up and insulating for cold weather. Cotton will absorb moisture and keep it close to the body, which causes the wearer to rapidly lose body heat. Materials such as wool and synthetics wick moisture and insulate body heat. While there are other material options available, fleece is generally a cost-effective, lightweight, warm, and super comfy option for the whole family. We love the breathability and softness of L.L. Bean’s new Fitness Fleece, which comes in sizes for infants , toddlers, and kids. For adults, L.L. Bean carries options for trail fleece in both men’s and women’s sizes. Hammock Whether you have a camping guru on your list or a family who would love a special spot to relax in their yard, a hammock makes a wonderful gift. A few features to consider when purchasing a hammock are: Material - Quick-drying nylon is perfect for camping, but you can get away with cotton and other materials for backyard use. Size - Single or double, depending on how many kiddos you have piling in with you. Be sure to look at the weight tolerance as well. Location it will be set- up - You may need a stand if trees aren’t present. There are some hammocks on the market that even double as a large blanket for use on the beach or at the park! Shoes for New Walkers Quality shoes are a must when our kiddos start to walk, especially in colder months. Choosing a shoe that has good traction, a wide toe-box, ultra-flexibility, and alternative closures will help little walkers “gain their footing” while walking in the outdoors and on trails. For more information on choosing the right shoe for beginner walkers, check out this article. We love the  Bare Steps® Line  from Merrell, which was developed with a child’s growing feet in mind. For colder months, the Little Kid's Bare Steps® Boot 2.0 Jr. and the Little Kid's Bare Steps® Cocoa Jr. Boot are great options that are also made with environmentally friendly materials. Multi-use Blanket This is one of those gear items that you wouldn’t think you’d need but end up using ALL of the time, which makes it the perfect gift. There are tons of options to choose from based on the features you are looking for. For example, some fold up into a pocket that easily fits in the palm of your hand and makes for an excellent hiking companion for those times you need to change your baby, have a clean spot for a picnic, or just want to sit on a dry surface when taking a break. Other options are a bit bigger with weighted corners or stakes and attach nicely to a hiking pack or stroller for those times you want to head to the beach or have a picnic in the park without worrying about a fly-away blanket. Baby Carrier This is an especially great gift for a new parent or a family member who wants to get outside more or is unhappy with their current carrier. Carrying your littles not only frees up your arms and gives you a workout, it provides that close connection between child and caregiver (you can read more about babywearing in this article). With so many baby carrier options out there (wrap, sling, soft-structured, framed, etc.), we recommend seeking out a babywearing group or consulting a store that carries multiple varieties to determine which option will work best for the child and the caregiver.  Family Bike Gear  Who says babies, toddlers, and little kids are too young to go on bike adventures? You just need the right gear for whatever adventure you have in mind. If the giftee on your list enjoys family rides around the neighborhood or trail, a child bike seat that attaches onto the bike is a great option. Burley offers both frame mounted and rack mounted options to ensure a good fit for most bikes. If longer mileage is on the agenda, consider a bike trailer that attaches to the back of an adult bike. Most, Like the Honey Bee™ from Burley, also convert to a double stroller, so you have two great uses out of one comfortable, safe piece of equipment. Is a kiddo on your list ready to get out of the seat and onto their own bike? Balance bikes, such as this style available in December, offer a great beginner option, and make for an easy transition to a pedal bike. A Donation in Someone’s Name If you have a person on your list that is passionate about a particular cause, such as cancer or disease research or a non-profit organization they love, consider making a donation in their name. This is a wonderful way to show that you support them and want to help them bring awareness to a cause you know they care deeply about. We're Outdoorsy Campaign Hat, Mug or Sticker Support Hike it Baby in our mission to change what it means to go outside and who is welcome there with a financial donation. Help make it easy for all families, particularly those with babies and young children, to develop a connection to nature, benefit from time outside, and create a better future for all children for generations to come. As a thank you for your donation, we've designed these exclusive gifts to show your support – and share our new definition of what it means to be "Outdoorsy". The hat is also available in a men's and childrens's style. Hike it Baby SWAG  For the fellow Hike it Baby friend or family member on your list, head over to our Hike it Baby Bonfire SWAG shop for shirts, hats, and other goodies! Both youth and adult sizes are available with multiple styles and designs to choose from. We wish you a safe, happy and healthy holiday season. Take some time to get outside. Even just a step out of your door and a few minutes under the sky can do wonders for the mind and body. Cheers! 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) 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, Hike it Baby is a growing community of 270,000 families and over 400 volunteer branch ambassadors. More information, as well as outdoor engagement events, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram. Photos courtesy of L.L.Bean, Michelle Craig, Burley 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 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.

Celebrate Nature with the Thankful for Nature Journal 2020 has been a year like no other. Between a global pandemic with no end in sight, an extreme wildfire and hurricane season, and various other difficult factors, it can be hard to find the good right now. However, spending time in nature can help us find the silver lining to a tough year. Time in nature helps us find the beautiful, calming, and restorative aspects of life we desperately need right now. Even just venturing into your backyard or patio can relieve stress and provide a sense of calm when you need a break from the chaos inside.   That’s why we are focusing on the things we are thankful for in nature this month. It can be something as small as the sound of autumn leaves crunching under your boots or the smell of marigold flowers outside your doctor's office. We have created a Thankful for Nature Journal for your family to jot down your thoughts and have some fun finding the beauty in nature this month. Download the Thankful for Nature Journal Need some inspiration? We reached out to our wonderful Hike it Baby community to see what they are thankful for in nature: The Calming and Restorative Effects of Nature "I’m thankful for the mental clarity it provides and the beautiful views in my own backyard and beyond." - Michelle, Collingswood, NJ "I'm grateful for how nature just brings a breath of peace." -  Caroline, Berkeley, CA "I’m thankful for the changing seasons, the reminder that things don’t always stay the same, good and bad. It gives me something to look forward to year round!" -   Jessica, York, PA "I'm thankful for a chance to take a deep breath and appreciate all the ways nature shows us beauty, especially the beauty of difference and imperfections in all of the wonders we see." -  Jessica, Beaverton, OR "Our house looks out to a big field, and no matter what chaos is inside the house, that field is always calming and beautiful, and I can always take a minute to breathe and appreciate the colors, wildlife, and light. I am so grateful for that view 100 times a day." -  Elizabeth, Brockville, Ontario, Canada "Getting outside in the midst of the chaos and stress of remote learning just relaxes everyone. It’s amazing to see how my kids relax and just have fun in nature. In the PNW so many of our hiking trails were packed, so we stayed closer to home and explored the green areas around our city that were often empty. We explored creeks and streams and spent hours in nature's playground as all the city playgrounds were closed." -  Paula, Seattle, WA "I'm thankful that even after being destroyed, there's always hope in nature. We've had a rough fire season here. Friends lost their homes. We were stuck inside due to smoke for days on end. On top of everything else that has happened this year, it was a lot. When the smoke cleared and we were able to get outside we went to one of my favorite hiking spots. Years ago, it too had burned but has begun to regrow. It reminded me of how even after trauma and devastation, good things can form. That, for me, has always helped me to feel more at peace." -  Kate, Grants Pass, OR "Personally I’m thankful for the reset button. It completely takes me out of that monotonous routine and gives me a moment to breathe. I’m able to absorb earth’s energy, feel the shifting wind on my face and return home with a different mindset. You realize what’s important, and what matters most to you. Colorado girl here! Trying to soak in all of that nature therapy!" -  Shara, Colorado Springs, CO "I’m thankful for the shift in perspective, we slowed down our pace, our exhausting social calendar and really just spent time together, especially more time outside!" -  Mayrita, Capital Region, NY   Making Family Memories in Nature "I’m grateful for where we live; very close to beautiful outdoor spaces and trails. We are grateful for how Covid forced us to find new outdoor spaces to explore in an effort to get away from over-crowded trails. It forced my kids to actually recognize how relaxed and unwound they feel after spending time outside. I’m grateful for how the outdoors has brought my family closer together." -  Alexandra, Salt Lake City, UT "Grateful we were still able to take a short family vacation to the beach. Such a calming retreat & brought us all closer together!" -  Anastasia, Boring, Oregon. "I'm thankful for all the new state parks me and hubby took the kids to while he was forced to take off 2 days each week during quarantine. It was like a little vacation each day we discovered something new while he was losing his vacation days involuntarily." -  Patricia, King of Prussia, PA "I’m grateful for the retreat it has been for my family, even when it’s just our backyard. We may not have been able to do anything we planned or spend time with the people we love most, but our little family of four did a lot of growing and loving just sitting in the yard this summer." -  Paige, Cleveland, OH "When schools (and just about everything else) closed this spring, I began taking my kids on local hikes every weekday after lunch. Even rotating through the few parks near us that remained open repeatedly, these hikes became a bright spot and something to look forward to in an otherwise stressful time." -  Genevieve, Virginia "Our trails were jam-packed when Utah shut down, leaving us to have to find new escapes and adventures. We ended up trying out kayaking at a lesser-known spot at our lake and we fell in love. We became a 2-kayak family over night and this would not have happened had Covid not forced us to explore other adventures!" -  Joey, Utah County, Utah The Endless Beauty of the Outdoors "Thankful that Nature is both a comforting constant yet also an ever-changing source of excitement. Just today, I saw the sun setting over the highway and nearly pulled over (yet again) to take a picture. City, country, or suburbs—nature always has something to offer to those who seek it out. I love seeking it out alongside my family. I also love that you don’t need anything special for a basic hike. You can go on a moment’s notice, and my toddler generally loves being outside once I manage to wrangle her out of the house." -  Erica, Houston, TX "I'm thankful for the sun. Living in a perpetual summer town, I didn't realize how much I took it for granted until we lived inside for months. The sun warms up both my body and soul." -  Vanessa, San Diego, CA "I’m thankful for clouds and their ability to spark your imagination. We have created whole stories based on the pictures we see while lying in the grass and watching the clouds." -  Becca, Bremerton, WA. "I am thankful for the endless discoveries that spark curiosity. Whether it’s watching leaves float down a stream, searching for cicada shells, or noticing the lengthening and now shortening days, the learning never stops!  I’m also thankful for the storms. There have been so many storms in 2020, but it seems like every single one is followed by a rainbow. I feel like nature is reminding us that things will get better." -  Corey, Wilmington, DE "I loved being able to get outdoors and see and smell and hear something other than sites, and scents and sounds of my home (of all boys). It was like hitting a reset button. Also got to enjoy 3 seasons of changing scenery, and enjoy both lake and wooded areas." -  Kim, Erie, PA Download Your Free Thankful for Nature Journal Celebrate the benefits of nature and find inspiration to get outside more this November with Thankful for Nature Journal. The free download includes: A November 2020 and blank monthly calendar page to use however you'd like - track miles or minutes, mark every day you got outside or write down a word of thanks. Gratitude alphabet activity page A Thankful Year activity page Daily pages to jot down something in nature or life that you are thankful for along with an area for your child to draw a picture or attach a photo. A coloring page Special thank you to Joules USA and Natrapel for their support. Be sure to tag @hikeitbaby and @hikeitbaby and share why you're thankful for nature this month on your favorite social media channel! 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 Rebecca Hosley.   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 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.

Voting is one of the most fundamental actions of a democratic system.  In 2016 only 46% of people between the ages of 18 and 29 turned out to vote. It's important that we teach our kids from a young age how voting works and why it's important to their community. Most children learn about voting from watching their parents participate in the process. Here are three easy ways to teach your kids the importance of voting. Hold a Mock Election There are a few ways to you can simply and easily show your kids how the voting process works. Hold your own election and vote on what's for dinner or the family movie for the night and have a conversation around it. Another option, create a stuffy election like Portland Hike it Baby member Kaleigh did with her 6-year-old son. She walks you through the stuffy election they held in the video below. [embed]https://youtu.be/Z4Ak_hkSvnc[/embed] Read a Book About Voting There are a number of books available to teach your children about voting and the election process. Two big favorites in the Hike it Baby community are Grace For President and Grace goes to Washington. Both offer a simple narrative of the election process through a short story and pictures. If you're looking for more in-depth information for young elementary-aged children, What's the Big Deal About Elections, is filled with facts about the history of elections, voting booths, campaigns, national and local elections, and more. (Be sure to shop at Amazon Smile to support Hike it Baby with your purchase.) Check with your local library. With the upcoming national election, they will likely have books on display about voting, democracy, and elections. Involve Your Kids When You Vote In the future, when COVID-19 isn't an issue (hopefully), you can take your child to the polls with you to vote. Especially if you can vote in an off-peak time or live in an area where your polls are less busy, taking your child or children is a great way to show them first hand how voting works. If you are voting absentee ballot, show your child the ballot, what's on the ballot such as those running for elected positions and proposals, and talk about how the process works. You can also talk about the duties and activities of our elected officials and how they directly affect the local community. According to Parents Together Action, the top 5 reasons to vote with your kids are: Kids learn by doing It helps your kids feel powerful You are sharing a sense of history and an understanding of how many have fought for the right to vote To inspire others with your actions And of course, the free "I Voted" stickers! What kid doesn't love a sticker? Check out this article for more resources and tips to make your plan to vote as a busy parent. 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.   Photo courtesy of Monique Vargas. Video courtesy of Kaleigh Boysen. 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 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.

Keira Wickliffe Berger Branch Ambassador for Westchester County, NY, Co-Team Captain for the Family Trail Guide team, volunteer on tech support and HiB30 teams Hike it Baby Westchester County, NY Keira Wickliffe Berger has two boys (5 and 2.5 years). Prior to being a SAHM, Keira worked as an infectious disease epidemiologist, which also utilized her nursing training (ER/disaster). She loves spending time outdoors for any reason — whether it’s to take her boys on a hike or riding horses when she can. She’s an amateur photographer who would love to go pro one day and dabbles in ceramics and glasswork. Keira was working on her master naturalist program in Kentucky prior to her recent move to New York and looks forward to re-starting the program. How long have you been a Hike it Baby volunteer? Since March 2016 How did you get involved with Hike it Baby? When my son was 6 weeks old, we moved to Lexington, KY. I was having trouble meeting people who wanted to be outside. In another group (Healthy Habits Happy Moms), someone mentioned Hike it Baby and that sounded perfect for me! I went to see if there was a branch near me and there wasn’t, so I started the branch with my Co-Ambassador Laurie. Being part of HiB helped me so much that I wanted to give back and volunteer at the national level. What motivates you to volunteer with Hike it Baby? I truly believe in the mission behind Hike it Baby. It has made such a huge impact on my and my family’s life that I wanted to give back as best as I could. WHAT’S GREAT ABOUT BEING ON A HIKE IT BABY TEAM AND WHY SHOULD OTHERS WANT TO JOIN YOU? The Family Trail Guide has become so important to Hike it Baby and it's future. It has so much potential to not only help get families out hiking but to decrease the workload on hike hosts and better prepare families to join the right hikes for their family and feel prepared for it. We have great members on our team who work well together. It’s also cool to see so many trails and add more to my own travel wish list. Hike it Baby relies on volunteers like Keira to help our growing non-profit meet our goal of connecting families with young children to nature and each other. We currently have over 70 national volunteers and over 370 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. Learn how you can get involved in Hike it Baby by making a donation or connecting with your local branch. 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 Keira Wickliffe Berger.

This is the first part of a two-part series about nature journaling. In this article, we'll cover the benefits of fostering a nature journaling habit in kids. In part two I'll overview how to get started and foster a nature journaling habit with your children. Let me share a little secret with you. Nature journaling can be easy and incredibly beneficial for both you and your children. What is nature journaling? Photo by: Katie Fox The art of nature journaling is really not about the art at all. It is a science-based process. Journaling is a huge part of the science community. It is how data is tracked, how observations are recorded, how information is compared, and how hypotheses and ideas are remembered. I cannot stress this enough. It is not about the beautiful pictures! Though if you are artistically gifted please enjoy making your journals beautiful too. Nature journals are literally a place to record your nature observations. Think about it as a place for you and your kids to record the things you see, smell, touch, feel, and maybe even taste while on your nature adventures. Benefits of nature journaling with kids There are so many benefits that come from spending time nature journaling. Here are a few: Spending time outside is good for us and nature journaling literally gets us outside and connects us to nature in ways we may otherwise miss. Nature journaling forces us to slow down and fosters the ability to focus on things. This is where the Sherlock Holmes quote is particularly spot on. The practice of sitting in nature and recording your observations, literally trains you to better notice what you’ve always seen. Since we are forced to slow down, it enables us to be more present in the moment. Thus, nature journaling also enables us to learn mindfulness practices that can be fostered and used throughout life. Through simple observation, nature journaling can deepen our observation and learning skills. Drawing requires looking at an object many times, which helps boost your memory, and writing helps us learn to better organize our thoughts. And using numbers can reveal patterns and so much more. Nature journaling also engages us with real scientific practices. It makes actual scientific methods accessible to anyone. When children (and lets face it, most of us) can see science happening all around, it makes science focused learning activities more fun. There is a plethora of research on this topic and if you really want to dig deeper, I encourage you to read How to Teach Nature Journaling by John Muir Laws and Emilie Lygren. You can download a free PDF of the 282 page book or purchase a printed copy from their website or Amazon. A lot of the above information was pulled from this book. Although it is geared toward teaching school-aged kids, it provides a foundation to create and foster a nature journaling habit with kids of any age. Additional Resources: Can You Take a "Hike" in the City? Introduction to Nature Journaling - John Muir Laws Nature Rich Resources for Distance Learning and Homeschooling Words, Pictures, and Numbers - John Muir Laws  What are your favorite nature journaling adventures? 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 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 is part two of our nature journaling series. In part one we explore the benefits of fostering a nature journaling habit. In this article, you will learn what you need to know to create and foster a nature journaling habit with your kids. “I see no more than you, but I have trained myself to notice what I see.” —Sherlock Holmes, The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier As the Sherlock Holmes quote above alludes, learning to nature journal takes time. It is a process and you and your kids will be training yourself to really notice all the things you see in nature. Use the tips below to help you create a nature journaling habit with your kids, and in turn a stronger connection to the great outdoors. How to create a nature journaling habit with your kids Step one: Pack a backpack or bag with a notebook (or pieces of paper) pencils, water, and snacks. Step two: Go for a walk anywhere outside (neighborhood, park, playground, hiking trail, etc.) Step three: Find a spot to sit with at least one item in sight to observe. Encourage your children to help you find the perfect spot. Step four: Get out the notebooks, pencils, and snacks. While everyone is enjoying their snack, briefly talk about observing nature and recording your time in nature (ideas on how are listed below). If you are doing a specific activity (more on this below as well), then go over those details at this time too. Step five: It’s time to nature journal! Get up close and investigate the object of your journal. Use as many senses as possible and record these senses in your journals too. Spend as little or as much time as you'd like. What to do while nature journaling Photo by: Katie Fox There are so many options. John Muir Laws (which is the gold standard of nature journaling for adults) suggests including drawing, words, and numbers in each journal entry. But, it is your journal and you are exploring this activity with your children. It is meant to be enjoyable, so make it fun for your family. Here are some ideas: Draw what you observe. Write about what you observe. Use numbers as descriptors (such as counting or measurements). Collect nature samples and tape them in your journals. Take photos and tape them into the journal. Record the date, time, weather, and/or location of the journaling activity. Write a poem or story inspired by your observations. Use the nature items to make art. Note your first finds in each season or year. How to lead a journaling session with your kids There are many ways to lead a nature journaling session with your children. It will vary depending on the skills your children already have. First, introduce the activity. This can be very brief and broad for young kids and more in depth and focused for older kids. Explain what the activity is and why you are doing it. Also, make sure to remind your children to use pictures, words, and numbers in their journal entry. Joining in and do each entry also. Kids learn best by example, so setting the example of how to nature journal is an important step. If you have easily distracted children (like I do), it is important to gently re-direct them back to observing nature when needed by drawing their attention back to the activity. Using phrases like, “what does the leaf look like on the other side?” or “look at all the colors on that flower,” or “how many objects is that spider web attached too?” can help refocus their attention. Follow the lead of your children when it comes to how much time to spend on the activity. It should take about 10 minutes for children to draw and write out observations. If one of your children feels done very quickly after starting, maybe try redirecting them gently back to the task. Don’t force it though. Fostering this habit can take time. Finish up with a short discussion of the activity. This can be very simple for young children or a bit more in depth for older kids. How to foster a nature journaling habit with your kids Make it fun. This might be the important part in turning journaling into a regular practice. It needs to be enjoyable for everyone. So do what works for your family. Do it often. Pick one day each week to set aside time to nature journal with your kids. Our family journals each Monday morning on our already regularly planned nature hikes. For another family, it may be on Saturdays when their whole family goes to the park. And yet for another family, it may be done at home after they go for a walk around their neighborhood. The key is to do it at least once a week to make it part of the routine, and something the whole family can look forward to. Be flexible. These nature journaling ventures may often not turn out how you pictured. This is okay. If your scheduled journaling time doesn't work out, try again later in the week. If you miss it altogether, that is okay too. Sometimes, your children may see a frog (or any other nature object) and this new discovery may completely derail the whole activity. Be flexible and create space for this discovery in the journaling activity. And keep in mind you will need to be flexible in your nature journaling practice as well. While journaling with your kids sounds lovely, often you may only get a few minutes to jot down observations and will have to come back to it later. But modeling the activity is important, so keep at it. Now get out there! Explore nature and harness your inner Sherlock Holmes and train yourself (and your kiddos) to notice what you’ve always seen! It is time to create and foster a nature journaling habit with your kids. Additional Resources: Can You Take a "Hike" in the City? Introduction to Nature Journaling - John Muir Laws Nature Rich Resources for Distance Learning and Homeschooling Words, Pictures, and Numbers - John Muir Laws  What are your favorite nature journaling adventures? 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 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 Daylight Hours Are Getting Shorter As the days wind down and head toward the settled nature of winter, as daylight itself becomes less and less each day, many families find themselves 'getting outside' less and less. It's as if our subconscious takes over and pulls us into a latent, sometimes cozy winter hibernation mode. Well, Good News! We don't have to go with it. We can make plans and hold ourselves accountable to continue to get out. Because fall and winter hold such wonders! And missing them would just be a shame. So what can we do? How do we ensure that we're still making the most of nature as longer nights encroach on our warm and sunny hours? We've got you. With our quick (and sometimes dirty) list of outdoor excursions that take 30 minutes or less. Outdoor Excursions in 30 Minutes or Less Everything below can be accomplished around your own block... apartment complex, neighborhood, etc. No need to pack up the car and drive anywhere. Remember, a fun-filled five minutes (as opposed to a frustration filled hour) can make the difference between enjoying your outings and dreading them. 1. Count the number of leaf colors you can find. 2. Collect fallen leaves in a variety of shapes and/or colors. 3. Sniff and try to identify smells. A bonfire. A neighbors dinner. A skunk. The coming rain. 4. Turn your walk into a scavenger hunt. This HiB post has several ideas on that. 5. Turn down a new street you haven't explored yet. 6. Eat outside before it gets too cold to do so (a picnic in the back yard can be all you need). 7. Do a family nature bingo walk. Work together to fill the sheet instead of competing against one another. 8. Put those rain boots to good use and stomp puddles for FIVE minutes... yes, even in the rain. 9. Collect a few things for a special activity. This HiB post has a few tips for what to create. 10. Hug every tree you can and thank them for their fallen leaves. Ten ideas to get you outside, no matter how much time you have, and an extra tip! Do a search on our HiB blog for 'hiking activities' or 'trail activities'. The posts you get might inspire your next favorite family tradition. Like this one focused on infants. Looking for a few more quick ideas? Check out this HiB post with 30 Things You Can Do Right Outside Your Door in 30 Minutes. See you on the trail! Or in the neighborhood... ya know. Whatever you find time for ;).     Photo courtesy of Kim Ives. 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 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.

Hike it Baby Executive Director Jessica Carrillo Alatorre shares her story of discovering that a local nature refuge offered just as much comfort and wellbeing to her family as it does the animals, plants, and other outdoor life it protects.  One afternoon, I packed up my girls and took them to Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. I had heard good things about the refuge from other families, and we had just moved into our new house that was about 15 minutes away. They were hosting a guided hike for families and I knew my girls loved interacting with and learning about nature. We all needed some fresh air after a week of unpacking. Arriving at the Wildlife Refuge When we arrived, I appreciated the large parking lot, away from the busy highway, that offered a safe place to get out and get ready. We walked into the large and beautiful welcome center to use the restroom. Everything was bright and welcoming, including the volunteer at the desk. There were interactive displays about the refuge and the bathroom was clean. This was definitely a place we would visit again. Guided Hike We walked over to where the hike was meeting and met the staff person leading us. She was also very welcoming. Once the group was complete, we headed out. We stopped often to get a little tidbit of information about the local wildlife, ecosystems, and to see nature in action. My girls loved hearing the indigenous story about how the Douglas Fir offered its pinecones as a shelter for the mice of the forest during a fire. You could still see the mice’s back feet and tail sticking out all over the cone. The hike was the perfect length and really felt like a gentle walk along the wide, well-maintained trail. When we got back to the start, we had a snack at one of the benches overlooking the pond and got to see a Bald Eagle sitting in a tree. Both girls made sure we used the boot brush before leaving, to brush seeds off of our shoes, and avoid taking home foreign species. It was fun and they felt like they were doing something useful. "Can We Make the Whole World a Refuge?" On the way home, my 4-year-old daughter got very sad when we drove past a spot where they were cutting down trees and clearing land for more houses. “Why are they killing Nature?” she cried. We talked about how they were making room for more homes and people and that we also needed to take care of the nature we still have. We also talked about how the refuge is a safe place for nature, where people can’t destroy it or build there. She asked if we could make the whole world a refuge.  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. Get involved and join the fun for free today!   Images courtesy of Jessica Carrillo Alatorre. Images were taken pre-COVID-19. 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 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 again when we start seeking out winter footwear for our kiddos. While many of us dread this task (why must their feet grow so much every year?!), it doesn’t have to be daunting if you come prepared! Here is a list of features to consider when buying winter boots for your kiddos this year. Keep in mind that some of these will be more important than others depending on your location, the age of your kiddos, and their intended winter activities. Waterproofing Regardless of where you live or what you do, a waterproof boot is important in the winter. “Water-resistant” just doesn’t cut it with active kiddos that like to seek out piles of snow to explore and massive puddles to stomp in. Warmth Quality boots will have a temperature rating that signifies the approximate lowest air temperature at which the boot insulation will keep feet comfortable. Your ideal temperature rating will depend on the climate in your area, the level of activity you can expect from your child, etc. A wet, snowy northeast winter will require a much different temperature rating compared to a mild, southern climate. Keep in mind, temperature ratings are only a guide, and can be affected by many conditions, including weather, wearer’s activity level, metabolism, perspiration, circulation, exposure time, type of sock worn and cold sensitivity. Traction Winter weather often brings slippery conditions. When these conditions are paired with active kiddos, it can spell disaster in the form of falls and injuries. Be sure to choose a boot with superior traction without being too heavy and clunky. After all, the level of traction won't matter if your kiddo can’t easily move around without tripping over heavy footwear! We recommend boots with Merrell M Select® grip, which provides excellent traction on wet and icy surfaces. Easy to Put on If you have ever tried to get shoes on a toddler, you know that it can be like trying to wrangle an angry octopus. Now imagine attempting to get boots on that octopus who is already frustrated that they are clad in cold-weather gear yet still stuck inside. Any caregiver will tell you that it’s the stuff of nightmares! Shoe companies such as Merrell have heard our cries for help and offer alternative closures that still offer a great fit without the fight. We especially like the medial zipper of the Alpine Puffer from Merrell (and we can’t get enough of the retro, colorful, puffer-jacket vibe of this boot!). Lightweight It’s important for little feet to stay warm, but they also need to be able to move around and have fun! Thanks to new innovations in boot design, the bulky, stiff boots of the past can stay a thing of the past. Choosing a boot that is lighter and also more flexible without losing the insulation and waterproof properties will ensure that kiddos can have fun in the colder temperatures. Breathability While keeping moisture out of the boot is super important, it is also important to let moisture escape. Active kids can make for sweaty feet, and if that moisture can’t escape, that sweat can turn cold quickly, making for some icy toes. This can also lead to a build-up of the bacteria that cause odors in the boot, which can cause boots to smell awful after only a few wears. Seek out a boot that is both breathable and contains anti-bacterial properties in the lining to keep kiddos comfortable and boots smelling fresh. Versatility This one will depend greatly on your intended use for the boots. Will your kiddos be wearing them all day between school, errands, and an evening stroll on a trail? If so, you want to choose a comfortable, sneaker-like boot that can be worn all day in differing conditions. If you are looking for a boot just for outdoor activities in very chilly weather, a specialized boot with extra traction and a lower temperature rating is essential. By selecting a boot based on these key features you’ll set yourself up for winter outings that involve less stress and more comfort and fun, whether your kiddos are hiking the snowy trails or running errands with the family.   Helpful articles: How to Choose a Winter Boot for Your Little Explorer Five Tips to Prepare Your Kids for Snow & Cold Temperatures Top Three Things to Pack on Your Next Winter Hike with Your Toddler   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 Michelle Craig. This post was sponsored by Merrell, however, we would never recommend products that we don't love.

Photo: Brandi Rondinelli Fall hiking gets complicated. Going outside in the summer seems easy by comparison. Shorts, a t-shirt, throw on some shoes, grab water and a snack, and head out the door. But when the cold weather sets in we have to spend a little more time planning our outdoor gear. The temperature swing can mimic your toddler’s mood swings. Weather can go from 35 degree rain in the morning to 75 degree and sun by the afternoon. Conditions can also rapidly change. Dry trails to mud. Rain to ice. You have to be ready for anything, but you also don’t want to haul enough gear for a 7-day trek on the North Country Trail. We asked the Hike it Baby community to share their number-one, must-have, won’t-leave-home-without-it fall hiking gear. Hopefully, this will help you prepare well without weighing you down. An Extra Bag for Treasures or Trash I’ve been that mom on the trail with rocks and pinecones in one pocket, leaves in the other, and trying to hold three large sticks. And, don’t set those sticks down while you’re getting out a snack and forget about them! Bringing a packable basket or bag is a great way to pick up treasures, the trail, and save your sanity. “A basket or bag to store all the fallen nature treasures my kiddos pick up! Also, another bag to use as we pick up trash. -- Katie, HiB Butte County, California “Ziplock bags for collecting leaves and treasures!” -- Lacey, HiB Kenai Peninsula Alaska “We pack a couple of bags: A canvas-type bag for leaves & found treasures and a trash bag (an old grocery bag, chip bag, or a bread bag, etc.) to do a bit of beautification.” -- Jessica  Socks First of all, fall is the time to start wearing them on your feet. And wool socks are a particular favorite. But socks have a lot of other uses beyond keeping feet warm. As Lacey in Kenai Peninsula, Alaska mentioned that they "use socks for everything.” In a pinch, socks can become mittens, a bag for those aforementioned treasures, or a wipe to clean dirty hands.  Camera This is a totally biased opinion, but I believe fall is the best time to grab pictures of both your family and the scenery. Those fall colors can’t be beat! “Cameras! We love going on “fall colors” hikes to take photos of the changes. My older son (5) uses one of my old digital cameras and I bring the “fancy camera” and we have a fun nature photoshoot.” -- Becca, HiB Kitsap Peninsula Winter Hat Depending on the day, we usually have both our winter hats and ballcaps close at hand. Sunday Afternoons hats are a favorite of the Hike it Baby community, including the Artist Series Trucker hats for sunny, fall days and this cozy beanie that keep your kiddos head warm and protected with UPF50+.  “Winter hat! Autumn requires layering, but sometimes snacks take priority in the backpack. A hat can make a HUGE difference in feeling warm enough to continue exploring! And then if everyone decides they’re over them, they take up far less room to carry back! Added bonus: No one can tell that my hair is 99% dry shampoo and maybe the little explorers chose to skip brushing theirs altogether today!” -- Laura, La Crosse, Wisconsin “Even if it's a warm sunny day, I always pack his L.L. Bean hat as the cold and wind can pick up quickly - especially when we hike near the water. It really helps regulate his temperature.” -- Kaitlin, Hike It Baby Hartford A Change of Clothes …Or two. An extra set of clothes will keep kiddos warm and dry and help you stay outside longer. “Extra shoes/clothes. It's a wet time of year and some days are still very warm. Gotta play in those puddles!” -- Christine, HiB RVA “Rain suits and extra clothes. We live near the coast and often go to beaches in the rain.” -- Constance Photo: Kim Ives Layers Layering your clothing and outerwear is the key to successful fall hiking. Especially packable, breathable options that don’t take up much space. You can easily adjust based on the weather and your level of exertion. This reversible, water-resistant jacket from L.L.Bean is a universal choice for wind, rain, and chilly air. “Rain jacket. They pretty much stay in the car so that we are never caught without. Chilly rain is way less fun to hike in without appropriate gear than summer rain.” -- Courtney, HiB Charleston/Lowcountry “Lightweight rain jackets are a must here in the PNW - Columbia, L.L.Bean, and Joules make our favorites. Packable options that fit in their own pocket are extra handy.” Jessica, HiB Portland, OR/HiB Executive Director “A windbreaker jacket in case temperatures drop suddenly. Most effective, easily carried layer to keep us warm in fall. -- Valerie, HiB Adirondack Coast “We pack puffer vests. Easy to stow in packs & so great to keep the core temp regulated on those fall days where the wind is chilly but the sun is still hot.” -- Stefanea, HiB Twin Cities “A packable waterproof/water-resistant puffy jacket to cover nearly all weather.” -- Liz, HiB Holland, Michigan Snacks It doesn’t matter the time of year. If you are outside with kids, make room in that pack for snacks. If you’ve been on the trail before with a hungry kiddo you’ll know nothing else really matters. “Snacks. First thing to pack for every hike.” -- Michelle, HiB Brockville, ON “Snacks! My kids would probably hike naked... but not without snacks.” -- Jodi, HiB Grand Rapids, MI Utility Gear Sometimes it's the little things that make all of the difference. And they're often things you don’t think about until you need them. Depending on where you live and how much room is in your pack after you fill it with snacks, check out these other ideas from Hike it Baby members for your next outdoor adventure. “A woven wrap. It can accommodate just about any sized child, from NB to school-aged, and permits you to change the kiddo’s weight distribution for the comfort of caregiver and child-can be used for back carry, hip carry or on the front and while nursing too; plus it can double as a scarf, blanket, towel, hammock/swing, or stuff sack!” -- Trisha, HiB Fairbanks Alaska “Bandana for running noses.” -- Ali “We never hike without our hammocks!” -- Joey, Hike it Baby Utah County “Traction device (microspikes/ice cleats/Yak Trax) for our hiking boots. Fall hikes in the Canadian Rockies can become winter hikes within minutes, and trails can become muddy or icy quickly.” -- Christine, HiB Calgary, AB Headed out for a fall outside adventure? What's the one thing you won’t leave home without? 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. Get involved and join the fun for free 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.   Editors Note:   We hope you enjoyed reading this article from Hike it Baby. 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