OutGrown Blog

In partnership with Natrapel As parents we have a million things going through our minds at any given moment. So, when we are outside exploring, one thing we CAN get out of our mind at least is preventing bugs bites. For that there are some simple instructions that can make a big difference in making sure the buzzing and biting critters stay away from our nature fun. Read through our tips for applying insect repellant, and be sure to watch our video below! When applying insect repellent, hold the spray about 6 inches from skin and clothing, too close and it may saturate a small spot, too far and it may disperse before covering the area.   Use just the amount of spray needed to cover the area. Don't let the little ones apply it themselves to avoid contact with eyes or mouth, because .. (sigh)you know they would otherwise.   Do not spray directly onto their face or neck, instead, spray the repellent onto your hands and then apply to them. And don’t forget behind their ears!   Lastly, If you are using sunscreen, apply the bug repellent after applying sunscreen so as to maintain the repellent properties on the skin’s surface. Now get outside, explore, and enjoy looking for bugs, without the fear of those that will ruin your day! And check out our video created in partnership with Natrapel Here!    ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.  

Originally posted January 2018.   When we start something new, we tend to need extra help. Heck! When my family returns to something we know after an absence, we seem to forget everything we knew. So whether it's your first time hiking with kids, or you're a returning or a seasoned hiker, I bet there's a tip here you can use. We asked our very own Hike it Baby community of hikers, "what do you wish you knew the first time you went hiking with kids?" and here are the replies - a fantastic list of tips to get out on the trail. First of all, remember, not every tip will be right for you, your family or the way and places you hike. Take what you like ... leave the rest. No worries.  Tips on What to Pack A magnifying glass makes for awesome discoveries. Bring a grocery bag or two. Fold them up and tuck them into a pocket of your pack. Dirty Diaper? Bag. Muddy shirt? Bag. Starts to rain on your camera? Bag. You get it. Pack a bug net or spray. Nothing makes changing a diaper harder than a horde of pests. Wipes always come in handy. You may find them useful for older kids, too, or yourself. We tuck a handful in a ziplock bag. It keeps them moist without having to carry a whole bucket of them. Bring an extra outfit for baby in case of a blowout. And also, layers to shear off and tie around your waist as you warm up. A bag in the car can be helpful with a change for each person. I can't recall the number of times I ended up in the creek unexpectedly and was SO thankful for that change of pants to drive home in. Pack extra water. If the kids are old enough, get them to carry their own CamelBaks and still have a bottle in the car for after. You can always drop it in the fridge if you don't use it, but will be sad if you end up needing it.  Have a Pull-Up for potty training littles. It can save your day if they need to be carried and fall asleep while on your back (or, a change of clothes for you if Pull-Ups aren't in your potty training strategy). If you feel like you might need more stuff, pack it in the car and decide when you get there. Sometimes less is more, especially if the car is close by. Don't over pack. We ditched the entire diaper bag for two diapers and a bag of wipes tucked into the CamelBak. We never took the babies on a hike that was long enough for more than the two diapers. Have walking kids? Pack the carrier in the car, even if you don't expect to use it. Better safe than sorry, or rather, tired because you had to carry the toddler who you thought would walk. Learn what your family's essentials are and leave the rest at home (or in the car). In a pinch, there is likely a hiking friend who has what you need. Pack cozy slippers (or flip flops) for post-hike driving. The times I was able to slip off my rain boots and have dry, free toesies on the way home? Priceless. Tips While on the Trail Don't be afraid to hike at nap time. A sleeping baby can leave you free to explore or hike a faster pace if you like. It's okay to go slow. It's not a failed hike if you don't make it to the end. It's the journey, not the destination. Plus, exploring can be just as rewarding. Expect to get dirty. Choosing not to wear the white running pants? Yeah, good choice; you don't need that level of stress on a hike. The kids will get dirty and you will get dirty; however, it'll bond you forever. Be patient. For your slow and exploring kids, yes. But also for you. It's OK to "call it" and give yourself permission to go home early, for any reason. Don't be afraid to let the little down from the carrier for a while. It will slow your progress, yes, but, as a result, you'll likely discover they're SO ready to hike like the big kids. For peeing on the trail, try the Holding Method. With their pants already down and their back to you, squat with them, holding the backs of their knees or under the shoulders. This body position ensures no one gets splashed. When back carrying, use a fanny pack worn on the front. Easy access to what you need and not in baby's way either. Be honest about your limits and when and how you're willing to challenge yourself and your kids. Snacks are your friend - while hiking and for the ride home. We quit packing "lunch" as kids tend to snack anyway. Plus, eating a snack is a great excuse to stop and take a break. Other Helpful Tips Plan ahead and add a baby carrier to your registry. Include an infant AND a toddler carrier, then tuck that toddler carrier away until you need it. Let your kids be (reasonably) uncomfortable. "Tired feet" when you step out of the car, a scratch you know they can walk off and carrying their own pack are all things they can get used to and, therefore, will be part of the adventure. Whining is only temporary - don't let it deter you from getting out! Seek out the right carrier for you. You can contact your local chapter of Baby Wearing International for a quick, concise assist with this. For a hard-framed carrier, go to an outdoor store and try on a few different models to see which fits you and your little one best. Start small. If you only have 10 minutes to hike, use it! Do it regularly, and when you feel ready, increase the time and distance. No one says you have to start with the 10-mile trek, uphill, both ways, in the snow. If hiking on your own (with or without kids), think of safety. Does someone know you're hiking and where? Is your phone charged? Will you even have coverage where you're planning to hike? What would you do if you strained your ankle? Make a quick plan, just in case.   Try doing a little "re-con" first and plan to just wander a little on a new trail, get to know the terrain and get a feel for it. Then "hike" it next time. And finally, just go! Aside from essentials (which can change from hike to hike and from family to family), quit over-thinking and just get out there. Sure, it may not be perfect but you learn each time and the important thing is you're out there doing it. Don't see your best tip listed for hiking the first time with kids? Comment below and help us start another list. Read More: How to Prepare for the Unexpected When Hiking in the Cold Hiking with Young Infants: Tips and Tricks Top Tips for Hiking with Toddlers Photos by Yanna Bennett and Laura Castro. ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

Originally posted July 2015. I was raised in the Southern California Mountains. I had a father who instilled a love of nature and hiking into my soul. It is a part of me. It is my therapy for recovering from a tough week. The thought of simply being out in the woods, on a mountain top, by a stream, just any beautiful spot outdoors, is what gets me going each morning. So in April of 2014, when my OBGYN told me I had to remain on bedrest for the remaining 4 months of my pregnancy, it was like someone had taken a part of me and thrown it out the window. 4 months, in a bed, only being able to get up to pee (I even had to sit in the shower), it felt like death warmed up. I realize that many women have hard pregnancies, and some of those pregnancies were worse than mine was. Yet that didn't change the fact that mine was still terrible, for me. As an outdoor enthusiast who found that being outdoors was what rejuvenated my soul, I was lost. Jumping forward a few months to August of 2014, I gave birth via scheduled C-section to a beautiful and healthy baby boy. We were in the hospital for a week before we could go home, but it was OVER. And as cliche as it may sound, all of the pain, the inside hell, was WORTH IT. I had a being I had created and he was perfect. But then what. My body had been ravaged by the pregnancy and the C-section. For another 2 weeks after returning home, it was painful to move, to breastfeed, to try to get to my crying baby without my uterus feeling like it would fall out of my body, and this terrified me. Would I ever be able to hit the trails again? Of course with time, the physical healing eventually came, but I was facing another challenge. All of the turmoil that was going on in my head and heart during the pregnancy, and the shock of how hard being a new mother was took it's toll on me. I felt sad often, when I knew I should be feeling joy that my child was alive and healthy, and that my body was on a great path to recovery. But finding the energy to hike, let alone get out of the house, was a daunting task. I began seeing a therapist who specialized in pregnancy and postpartum depression. It did help, to a point. I was able to say things to her that I was even scared to voice to myself, and oh how relieving that was. But I knew deep down what my true issue was. I was inside, all the time. I felt like the outdoors was drifting away from my heart. I finally realized that the ONLY way to find ME again, was to just do it! So my husband and I went to find the best baby hiking backpack we could find and planned a hike that same weekend. That first hike post-partum changed everything. I remember waking up that morning and telling my husband that no matter how many excuses I came up with to remind me that this was my path back to myself and to not let me quit. We got to the trail head, and that was it. I was home. I was free. And to make everything even better, I had the beautiful human being I created sleeping peacefully on my back as I walked through the woods, my loving and supportive husband at my side. It was hard. My body was nowhere NEAR where it had once been. The muscles that had turned to jelly during those 4 months of bed rest were screaming at me to stop. I didn't listen. I kept going. 10 months later I am still going. I make it a point to hit the trails at LEAST twice a week. It has been the best therapy I could have hoped for. I even joined a group of other like-minded parents called "Hike it Baby." It has been a life-saver, just seeing all of these little beings outside in the wildnerness. With each breath of fresh air, each sweat drop that drips down my face, each babbling brook, and each gorgeous vista, I'm 100% back to my old self. I smile all the time. I laugh. I have energy for myself AND my child. If I could share one word of wisdom with those mothers and fathers who could be feeling the way I did, it is to GET OUTDOORS. Even if you're not a rugged hiking type, just get your sweet little ones in a stroller and go for a walk. Let the sun shine down those magical vitamin D rays onto your face. Let the wind make a mess of your hair. There is something about the outdoors that I just can't explain, but what I can explain is that it works your inner-self, far better than any pill could ever do.   Mary Beth Burgstahler was born and raised in the Southern California Mountains and attended college at Cal State University Monterey Bay where she majored in Human Communications.  Having lived her entire life in Wilderness areas, she gained an affinity for the outdoors and outdoor activities, one of the main reasons Mary Beth agreed to moved to her husband's home-state of Minnesota in June of 2013.  Outdoor adventure abounds in the Land of Ten Thousand Lakes. Shortly after their move, Mary Beth and her husband, Jacob, welcomed their first son, Jackson, in August of 2014.  They now reside in White Bear Lake, MN. ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

Originally posted June 2017. I have gone hiking with my toddler since she was born, and although some aspects of hiking have gotten easier as she's gotten a bit older, some other parts have gotten more difficult. Now that my second and not-so-new baby is also growing into a toddler, I expect double the chaos and twice the joy on our family-of-four hikes this summer! If you're about to head out on the trail with a toddler, I have some tips for you: Adjust your expectations I'll admit that the first few times I hiked with my toddler (and new-ish baby) I had visions of us putting both kids in carriers and hiking for miles and miles, while the toddler blissfully explored nature and our baby slept. I'm sure you know where this is going. Those first few hikes were quite disappointing for everyone involved. I've learned that it's best to start out with almost no expectations for the hike itself. Maybe your goal is just to spend time together as a family. Maybe your goal is to get outside for an hour. Whatever your goal is, make sure that it doesn't necessarily involve long mileage and a peaceful experience. Bring snacks Healthy snacks are a welcome treat on a trail for the whole family! You can use snacks as an excuse to stop on a tree stump and enjoy a break from walking, or as a way to keep a restless toddler entertained in the carrier for just a bit longer. It may not be a bad idea to pack an entire lunch, just in case your hike takes a little more time than you originally anticipated. There's nothing worse than a hungry toddler! Use a great carrier I would love it if my toddler wanted to walk for miles through the woods with me, but alas, usually she gets about a quarter mile into our adventure and doesn't want to go any further. If you bring a comfortable carrier that you both enjoy using, you'll get quite few more miles in than you will otherwise. Pack extra weather appropriate clothing Shortly after we moved to the PNW I learned the hard way that just because it isn't raining at our house doesn't mean it won't be raining on the trail. Always pack a few layers in case of rainy or cold weather, and bring a change of outfit for the carride home. I also recommend bringing an extra pair of shoes in case your little one wants to jump in a few puddles or explore an especially muddy part of the trail. Make everything a game Are there stairs on the hike? Count them! Sticks on the ground? Find the perfect one for a walking stick! A river? Throw rocks into it! Puddles? See who can make the biggest splash! A long stretch of flat ground? Have a race! The more games you can think of, the more your little one will enjoy hiking. Stock up on patience The only thing that is guaranteed when hiking with a toddler is that you're going to need patience and a lot of it! Try to plan ahead so that you aren't stressed out by the time you get to the hike. Pack ahead of time and know which route you'll be taking. Then, drink your coffee and have a good breakfast and get out on the trail! If everyone's moods are high when you start your hike, you're already winning! Then just remember that whatever happens, the day is still a 'win' because you're outdoors with your family, making memories. Hiking with toddlers is unpredictable, but it's also fun to see the trails through their eyes. They notice things we don't and are entertained by the smallest (literally!) of things. If you take your time and let them examine rocks and streams and flowers, you're in for a slow-paced but enjoyable day. Expect the unexpected and enjoy your time with your little one(s)! ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

Originally posted May 2019. May 15 is national Kids to Parks™ Day. Kids to Parks Day encourages children and families to get out and explore their local parks, including county, state and national parks. Two years ago, I hosted a Kids to Park hike. Having never hosted a “hike” in a park, I didn’t really know what to expect. How would I entertain the little hikers? How would we stay together given the range of activities the park had to offer? I had my energetic 3-year-old son and my stroller-bound 6-month-old, so parks could be a challenge to begin with. This hike, however, brought cold weather, a bit of rain and no other hikers. At first I was admittedly disappointed that I planned this hike and arranged my day around it when nobody else showed up. The benefit, however, was that I realized that a park hike could be a fun, social experience despite my original anxieties. During this hike, my son ran along the trail collecting sticks while I pushed his sleeping sister in her stroller. I can still picture him with his socks pulled up over his pants and a blue and white hooded sweatshirt. After exploring the small trail, he played on the swings, climbed a large spider web, looked for dinosaur bone replicas and ran around in plenty of green space. We were able to see dogs, a creek, birds, cloudy skies, worms, squirrels and other kids enjoying the park. I went on to host other hikes at parks. Exploring parks, whether at the local, state or national level, can introduce kids to wildlife, dramatic play and nature in positive ways. FUN PARK ACTIVITIES Looking for activities to do at the park? Check out these suggestions below or print our list of 30 things to find at the park and add some variety to your hike! Sinking vs floating Nature scavenger hunt Animal watch Animal compare and contrast Shell or rock collecting – can expand into bigger vs smaller or more or less and counting Leaf shading Measure and meander – take a ruler or paint stick and measure things as you walk Texture walk Build a fairy house Stone painting Climb a tree Follow the leader Scavenger hunts For free park resources that can be incorporated into a Kids to Park hike or even in your back yard, visit the National Park Trust and check out the featured resources at the bottom! INSPIRED? GREAT! NOW GET OUT AND ENJOY KIDS TO PARKS DAY! The best part about park hikes is that they don’t need to be formal. Kids can be imaginative and have fun on their own, with their families or with friends. Make a point to get outside and check out a park on May 15; or better yet, make it a habit your family can enjoy year-round! Want to join a hike to celebrate Kids to Parks Day? You can check out the Family Trail Guide to find a new trail with the family. If you can’t hit the parks on May 15, it's okay - Kids to Parks Day hikes can happen all month long! Don’t forget to join in on the fun on social media with the hashtags: #KidstoParks #togetherwehike ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

Go Take a Hike: A Three-Generation Tradition of Hiking the Sabino Canyon By Karen Francis-McWhite I distinctly recall a time in my childhood when the most contemptuous thing I could think of saying to another person was, “Go take a hike!” At that time, having never been on an actual hike, I am sure it was just an expression I’d heard someone spit at another person in a Saturday morning cartoon, or after school special. Thankfully, it wasn’t long before that “curse” faded from my lexicon because I learned that a hike - even a grueling one wished upon my “enemies” - can be a gift.  Hiking became something I did with friends, my Girls Scouts troop, and eventually with my Mom. Our hikes bore more in common with sauntering than with peak-bagging. We even flirted with a ranger-led snowshoeing excursion in the Sierras during one of our winter roadtrips. And many of the trails in other times of the year were paved or at least groomed with interpretive signs or historical sites. There was always laughter, and huffing and puffing, and satisfied joy. It was in those outdoor spaces where we came to experience each other in more conversational, playful, and grace-filled ways. When our two generations eventually became three, Mom and I continued our outdoors journey and introduced Zora to it at a young age.  There are places whose presence in my life seem as endemic to my person as my own two feet. I have no memory of when I first encountered them. They have always simply been part of my world and very much a part of me. The Sabino Canyon Recreation Area in Tucson, Arizona is such a place. It feels like I have known that Canyon for much longer than the fifteen years Mom has lived in Tucson; I was born in Arizona, after all. Even Mom does not remember when we first began to explore it. Shortly after my first Covid vaccination shot in March, I found myself looking forward to two things: (1) going to Tucson to see (and hug) Mom for the first time in a year and a half; and (2) hiking Sabino Canyon with Mom and Zora.  Hiking as a family, especially a three-generation family, means the hike is more of a vessel for conversation and creating memories, rather than a set destination to be achieved in order for the hike “to count.” In our Sabino Canyon tradition, we have always mixed riding the tram up the canyon while listening to the history and naturalist narration, and walking most of the way back down.  A Hiking Tradition The first time we hiked this gorgeous desert riparian canyon together, Zora alternated between nodding off in her stroller, and toddling at a sprint downhill (good times 😳). Other times, the Canyon became a backdrop for our family photos. And it’s landscape is ALWAYS the subject of my attempts at photography. Last month, our visit was more leisurely than usual. It was midday, and thus hotter than when we usually have gone to the Canyon. Nevertheless,  Zora tempered her tweendom and channeled the little girl who likes to leap-frog among the rocks by the low-flowing creek, while Mom took care not to twist an ankle or knee, and I closely scrutinized the underbrush to look for birds, and monitor for cougars and snakes. Thankfully, neither Zora nor Mom slipped, and I got to fan-girl a cardinal and a hummingbird. Though we did not see any mountain lions or snakes, there was one lizard sighting that nearly gave Mom a heart attack as it scurried out of the road, into the neighboring bush.  “That wasn’t really a hike. It was more of a walk,” the Tween would later quip. The child I once pushed through the Canyon has now become the pace-setter. “We all walk our own hike,” I reminded her… and myself. My hike was punctuated by photo stops with blooming ocotillo and saguaro cacti. Mom’s hike was the chatter and conversation with her only grandchild. And Zora’s hike … was hot. … But also “kinda fun,” which I claim as a win. As I always do, when we go to the Canyon, I declared that next time, we should come back and make a day of it - if some of the pools are high enough and flowing enough for us to take the occasional dip. But there was no doubt that we would be back. After all, it’s just what we do.  We learn a lot about each other when we take a hike. We witness the awe in each other’s eyes … and sometimes the irritation. There are a lot of photo stops (Zora says “too many”). Always there’s the realization of what our bodies can still or finally do. And there is the grace we grant each other to experience and appreciate those epiphanies. A Chance to Anchor and Clear my Head A few nights later, we went to the other side of town and explored the Tucson Mountain Park, a little before sunset. It was the day after the Chauvin verdict was announced and I felt a powerful yearning to “go take a hike” and clear my head, anchor my heart, and remind myself that “Yes, with determination, we can and WILL do hard things.”  The trail we came across was more rugged than the Sabino Canyon tramway, thus requiring that we take greater care of each other, and of our foot placement. Zora - as sure-footed as ever - skipped up the trail like a mountain goat despite wearing Merrell sandals. Mom did not let her upcoming 70th birthday stop her from carefully and determinedly gaining elevation. And I found myself left nearly speechless by the rugged beauty so that, more than once, I shed a grateful tear. Eighteen months of separation made it necessary to re-anchor ourselves with each other. Go take a hike. Returning to Sabino Canyon was a rekindling of family tradition. Go take a hike. I was anxious and befuddled. Go take a hike. I did and it calmed and centered me - a mother, playing outside with her mother, encountering a new experience with our Mother Earth.  What was once a curse has become a benediction. Go take a hike.   ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.  

The Gift of Shared Experiences In partnership with LL Bean If there’s one thing that holds true for everyone in this incredible group of parents at Hike it Baby, its that we feel our children grow so quickly. The years fly by in a blur of happy/tantrumy/unpredictable chaos while we try to juggle work, school, quality family time, and maybe even a few quiet moments for ourselves. No matter what, it seems we are always pulled forward faster than we’d like, and all of a sudden out sweet little babies have grown up while we just stare in amazement at how quickly it all went.  Your little daughter who used to nap in the carrier while you hiked through the forest now climbs mountains by your side. Your son who used to hold your hand as he learned how to walk on the trail now runs and leaps and bounds from the rocks ahead of you. Photo by Krystal Weir HiB’s 2021 Mother’s Day Gift Guide of Experiences This Mother’s Day, we’re taking a page from the grandmothers, and the great-grandmothers, who know that when it comes down to it, the best gift you can ever give and receive is time-- time spent with your family, making happy memories together, and slowing down enough to appreciate the meaning of a day.  We’ve pulled together all sorts of ideas on how to spend this Mother’s Day. Some are a bit more active and involve the whole family, while others give mama some space and downtime to herself so she can reset and recharge.  All of the ideas are something to do, most of them are outside, and none of them are things to buy.  So get reading, and find the best gift for the mom in your life.   Reading in the Hammock That’s right, believe it or not, most of what our mamas wanted was a bit of rest and some time off task. And we all know that relaxing is always better in a hammock, and that taking some quiet deep breaths outside is good for the soul.  “I’ve requested my iPad (books) in my hammock. With no interruptions .” Kayla, HiB Hampton Roads Photo by Michelle Pearl Gee     A Family Photo Expedition Sure, you could take a family photo in your living room, but what makes this photo special is the where. Head outside, to a nearby city park, to a local trail, or somewhere completely new. Enjoy the moment together outdoors, watch your kiddos run and laugh and play, and play with them! Then, at the end of it all, take a family photo.  “I'm a fan of photos, so planning an adventure outside, propping up a phone or camera to get a family photo, and then someone else printing that for me, (29 cents) is lovely!” -Elicia, Hike it Baby Olympia Photo by Monique Vargas   Mom’s Choice This one has it both ways!  Let mom start the day her way, give her some space and time to relax, and then let her choose a place outside where you can all go and spend the afternoon together.  “Having the chance to sleep in, take a shower, enjoy my favorite cup of coffee with NO interruptions, followed by an afternoon visit to the iris fields where I can wander around taking pictures of and enjoying my family among my favorite flowers.” “Jessica, Hike it Baby Portland Photo by Michelle Craig   Hike & Brunch For those mamas who want a bit of an adventure, choose a destination a bit farther from home, pack a picnic brunch, and get going! After a hike, find a spot to sit and pull out all of mom’s brunch favorites for a lovely outdoor meal.  “I love using special occasions as a means to have an adventure, maybe somewhere farther than I would normally drive, to find an incredibly beautiful spot to make memories and spend the day. Having a delicious lunch that I didn’t have to plan and pack is the best! And I love getting to enjoy the fresh air and giggles from my daughters while we try to eat our treats with the wind blowing through our hair.” -Eva, Hike it Baby Portland Moments For Herself and Family Snuggles And finally, sometimes moms just need a reason to slow down for the day and enjoy the simple moments that make life as sweet as it is.  “I’d like to sleep in and drink my HOT coffee in quiet, maybe sneak in an afternoon nap, and absorb all of the Mothers Day snuggles and gifts in between!” Jen, HiB SE Pennsylvania   We hope all of you mamas enjoy a wonderful day with your little ones. We know this parenting stuff is hard work, but it’s the best work, and you're doing an amazing job!    ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.  

Originally published August 13, 2018 We live in a busy world. This is even more true for families with children! There are multiple schedules to juggle, chores and errands to accomplish, and meltdowns to conquer. This can make getting out of the house, let alone at a specific time, seem like a monumental task. The same rings true for outdoor activities, both scheduled and unscheduled. That’s why we compiled this handy list of hiking tips and tricks from our awesome Hike it Baby community to help you get out the door quickly with the confidence that you are prepared for anything Mother Nature and your tiny humans throw at you! Keeping the Car Packed and Ready Nicholl, Charleston Branch – I keep seasonal weather supplies in a soft, underbed storage container in my car. So in the winter, it is hats, socks, gloves, extra layer, blanket. In the spring, it is rain coats, puddle boots, towels, change of clothes. In the summer, it is bathing suits, towels and sunscreen, etc. There is also always a baby carrier. So if we want to go somewhere, I always have everything I need already packed. I just need to grab the diaper bag and our lunch. Jessica, Portland Branch – Pack lots of snacks and leave the extra nonperishable ones in the car in case you forget in the future. Lacey, Kanai Peninsula Branch – Go-bags in the car with snacks, extra clothes, emergency stuff, water bottles (used for drinking and washing off, if needed), extra shoes for littles, etc. Photo by Lyndsey. Getting Things Ready Ahead of Time Jessica, Hanover-York Branch – I keep my boys' hiking backpacks packed, ready and hanging by the door! Perfect for last-minute trips and one less thing to worry about in the morning. Also, less impressive but equally convenient, my three boys always take their shoes off in the car so they are always with us when we head out! Becca, Southern Adirondacks Branch – I try to set everything out the night before so that we can grab and go in the morning. This includes clothes for both me and my toddler, my "hiking side bag" filled with snacks, a packable towel since we tend to find puddles regardless of where we go, and a car supply bag with sunscreen, bug spray, extra change of clothes for both of us, extra shoes, hats, rain gear, "adventure toys," etc., depending on the season. Lyndsey, Monadnock Branch – I have three plastic drawers in the back of my SUV with food and extra gear; a basic beach bag with bathing suits, towels and small sand toys; packs ready to go and in my car; and a gallon or two of water. I also keep a small bin with our basic tenting supplies by our door (that I will often bring "just in case"). That way we are always ready to go anywhere and can stay as long as we want! Missy, Gettysburg Branch – I started keeping my stroller in the car for last-minute adventures, a “bin” for all hiking supplies (sunscreen, bug spray, hats, carrier, fanny pack, water and Capri Sun) and a “rainy day” bin with rain boots, extra clothes, rain suit and stroller cover) in case rain is in the forecast so I don’t have to spend time hunting everything down every time we want to go hiking. Photo by Jessica. Be Prepared for Anything Samantha, Portland Branch – Bring a carrier even for a toddler/preschooler. If they get tired, your fun doesn't have to end. Gaila, Ames Branch – I keep a (little-kid-sized) basketball and soccer ball in my truck, so whenever we end up at a park, even if the play equipment isn't good for the 3-year-old, he has something he can play by himself or with other kids that he will enjoy! Alexandra, Salt Lake City Branch – I have a set of inexpensive trekking poles that broke a while back. I duct taped them back together and now they’re exclusively for my kids to use. They’re always in my car. Sometimes getting to use them motivates my boys to hike. I also always carry a packable blanket from Matador in my backpack so we always have a clean-ish place to sit for impromptu picnics. Kate, Hampton Roads Branch – My Onya soft carrier and hats are always in the car. I consider my hiking backpack as a supply kit for any and all hikes. At the beginning of each season, I’ll check to see if stuff is running low (medical kit, tick kit, towel, maps, etc.) and pack a seasonally appropriate change of clothes. Annie, Ann Arbor Branch – Never clean out your car and you'll be prepared for everything. Dealing with Wet Gear Vong, Kansas City Branch – I stuff wet shoes with balled-up newspaper and they dry overnight. (Yes, it really does work!) So if the kids want to jump in puddles or stand in a creek, by all means, "GO FOR IT, SON! Wet shoes? No problem!" Emily, Emerald Coast Branch – My husband is a runner and living on the Gulf Coast makes life super damp. I bought a boot dryer this time around and it dries two sets of shoes fairly quickly and they don't get too stinky. From there, we use a charcoal insert to dry the last parts and it removes the remaining foot smell. Becca, Southern Adirondacks Branch – I have hooks in my garage specifically for wet clothes and a fan nearby if I know I need them to dry more quickly. This works well for winter and rain gear along with swim gear. I also use newspapers in wet shoes, and I will place wet snow boots (which tend to dry more slowly) near a heating vent, just close enough to be effective without being dangerous. Photo by Emily. Change Your Mindset Katie, Ann Arbor Branch – I try to remember to keep spare clothes in the car for me too so that I can join in on the fun. It's fine if the 2-year-old rides home mostly naked not so appropriate for me. I just keep the mindset that we're all washable and having fun is more important than being clean! Melissa, Hampton Roads Branch – Remember that short jaunts are ok too! Kids don’t have a great concept of time, so for them, 30 minutes outside is often just as satisfying as two hours – sometimes more so if it means they avoid getting hungry or tired. Big adventures and long hikes are fun, but backyard time, playground trips and neighborhood walks can be great too! Especially if it gets you outside on a day when otherwise you might not have. What tips and tricks do you have for making outdoor adventures fast and easy? Let us know in the comments below! Read more: Tales from Sky Baby: Road trip tips Hiking with young infants: tips and tricks ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

By Karen Francis-McWhite   It looked like a whim. But when I decided to backpack the Wonderland Trail, a 93-mile trek around the highest mountain in Washington state, it was actually a goal years in the making. I started training in 2005 when I moved to Washington, but only a couple months in I learned I was expecting my first child. I put a pin in my plan, and set a new goal: backpack the Wonderland Trail by the time I turned 50 in 2023.    A few weeks ago, while massaging my latest unexplained (though probably age-related) ache in my hip, it hit me—50 is only three years away. I needed to start working on that goal that had been lingering. The real kick in the pants that made me start planning the trek was when I joined  the growing BIPOC Brave Space community of women and was invited to participate in the writing and filming of Expedition Reclamation, a documentary seeking to redefine “outdoorsy” and reclaim belonging in the outdoors for Black, Indigenous and Women of Color.    The invitation came at a time in my pandemic introspection when I was becoming aware of how much the outdoors anchored me. But I was also lonely for connecting with women of color, since there were so few in my local community. The opportunity to combine my love for the outdoors with my need to connect with those with similar experiences as mine, was too good to pass up. Hearing their stories and sharing both our experiences and our goals, I began to think, “Well, what about the Wonderland Trail? Can I do it?”   By this point though, I had a few more responsibilities than when I was a childless 30-something with a big backpacking dream. I had too many family and work commitments to spend two weeks in the woods—the amount of time I would need to complete the trail in one trip. So I reasoned with myself. I’d segment hike the trail over the next three years.   Though there are two important things you should know about me and my backpacking journey: 1: When I made the commitment in 2009 to complete the 93 mile trek around the highest mountain in Washington state I had never been backpacking.  2: The first time I went backpacking was July of last year.  I had a long road ahead of me. But even though backpacking wasn’t part of my past, I had a long and varied history of recreating in the outdoors...pre-baby. I was a certified SCUBA diver at 14, had camped in the mountains and deserts of California with friends since high school, learned to sail in Australia in graduate school, and took my first solo camping trip in Mount Rainier National Park the year before I met my future co-parent. I wasn’t a “badass” outdoor adventurer in my mind. I was just a quirky Black woman who really liked exploring, playing and relaxing in the outdoors.     My daughter, Z, was 16 months old before I went camping again, after a nearly three year hiatus. Our first family camping trip was with friends at Cougar Rock in Mount Rainier. It was clear parenting, especially single parenting, had changed my relationship with the outdoors. Watching my toddler savor the trails of Paradise lit something inside of me. Not only would I someday backpack the Wonderland Trail, but also hopefully with my wonderfully free-spirited nature child.   By the summer of 2020, my daughter was 10 years old and eager to go backpacking. Living in the Upper Wenatchee Valley, she was becoming accustomed to learning, playing, and exploring the mountains, trails and rivers near our home. She was ready, but I on the other hand wasn’t so sure if I was “fit enough” for a near-100-mile trek. Though I am a seasoned hiker, with decades of grueling day hikes ingrained in my treads, my body had come to reflect my current reality as a middle-aged, office-based, single parent, who had eaten all of her pandemic feelings by the time the summer backpacking season kicked off. I may not have contracted COVID-19 but I sure as rain had put on my covid 19. So I was nervous about taking up backpacking at all, much less resuscitating my 12-year-old goal to backpack the Wonderland Trail.   But three factors came together compelling me to dust off my unused four-year old Osprey backpack and start training:  watching my daughter develop her confidence in outdoor recreation, and wanting to be able to keep up with her.  being invited to be part of the Expedition Reclamation community the patient encouragement of another dear friend, who joined Z and I on our first backpacking trip to Spider Meadows.   Despite a silly misstep (thankfully without my backpack) that rolled my ankle and had me hobbling the nearly six miles back to the trailhead (Sidebar: trekking poles make great crutches), I was hooked. No matter how long it took my ankle to fully heal, I knew I was going to eventually segment hike the Wonderland Trail.  The Brave Space women I knew before the film, and have come to know thanks to it, have been gracious wayfinders, helping me find my path to that goal … and stay on it. As the oldest woman in the project, I was concerned I wouldn’t be fully welcomed. But the Expedition Reclamation film community has been a pleasant surprise, and the stories, examples, and friendship of the other women have been inspiring, welcoming, and lasting. Though filming wrapped in late 2020, we have continued to create ways for us to recreate together in the wilderness we all love and honor, like snowshoeing, a sport I have enjoyed since the 90s.    Looking ahead to the rest of this year, I cannot adequately express my gratitude to and for this community, for the ways they have welcomed, encouraged, and truly included both Z and me. They have helped me find the confidence to reclaim my sense of place in the outdoors.   It’s not too late and I’m not too old. I may not be as physically fit as I was twelve years ago when I put a diaper pin in my goal to backpack the Wonderland Trail. But I am absolutely fit enough to set my own pace, rediscover my own joys in Nature, and reboot my expedition pursuits. AND since I successfully secured a spot in the Mount Rainier Early Access Wilderness Permit Lottery, I look forward to doing the first of 3 segment hikes this summer, with a goal of completing the Wonderland Trail by my 50th birthday in 2023. And I suspect at least one of our fellow Brave Space Women, will join me and Z on the journey. Follow Karen’s journey as she segment hikes the Wonderland Trail on Instagram at @hidefkaren.     ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.    

Kid complaining that they are bored? Have you tried everything to help get your children out of the house and active? Make something fun for them! This article will provide you with a few ideas to get your children outside and active. It is a great activity to do with your kids, siblings, or friends, and is fun for all ages! So head outside and have some fun at the park. Avoid boredom by getting creative and making an outdoor scavenger hunt!  CAR HUNT Hide and seek but in the car. A child has to find someone's keys, which are placed in random areas around their car. The first one to find them gets a prize. It can also be done by placing toy cars inside or outside their backpacks or bags before heading out, so they are familiar with where they need to look next time. TREASURE HUNT It is another game where the person must look around for hidden objects. It could be anywhere from an adult's purse, to a toy in the backyard, on a bench somewhere, etc. ROCK HUNT Make a list of different types of rocks found in the park. Have the child find the different types of rocks and see how many they can get. Then, they have to match all of the types with the correct names on their card. ANIMAL SOUNDS Have a sheet together with animal pictures and corresponding animal sounds for each one. Have your kids see what animal sounds they hear in the park. Or have them listen to a specific sound and then find the matching animal picture. BALLOON SCAVENGER HUNT Blow up some balloons and hide them in different areas of the park. Have your child find them all and then pop them. THINGS I LOVE SCAVENGER HUNT In this activity, you may need to print a list of things your child is grateful for. For instance, you can include phrases in the list like "something I like to wear" or "Something I like To Share." You can add as many phrases as you like. It is an ideal activity to boost your child's self-esteem. NEIGHBORHOOD SCAVENGER HUNT It is another scavenger hunt game you can play at any neighborhood park. Show children all there is to explore in their nearby streets with this entertaining scavenger hunt — and spot everything from bikes to birdhouses. You may need to print figures of different items that can be seen in the neighborhood, like pots and animals. EASY OUTDOOR SCAVENGER HUNT Children will love this entertaining open-ended scavenger hunt, but first, you must come up with a list of descriptions of items you want your child to hunt. For instance, in the list, there would be phrases like "find something thin," "something brittle," or "something rough." Allow your kids to explore their surroundings and learn. The clues will teach your kids about textures, colors, and scientific concepts. PHOTO SCAVENGERS HUNTS In order to enjoy this game, you may need to provide your kids with cameras. Instead of instructing them to collect objects, ask them to take pictures of the items they find. For them to deliver you interesting pictures, give your kids ideas of what pictures to capture, for instance, items that are a particular shape or color, Items that begin with a specific letter, or local landmarks. ALPHABET SCAVENGER HUNT It is a great game for introducing letters and numbers to your kids. The object is to find everything in the park that begins with a specific letter or includes a certain number of items. For instance, if the items that begin with the letter A are soda bottles, apple trees, and anthills, the child will need to find these items that begin with B. Count how many objects your child finds so that now they will have a better chance of finding the item correctly. Author Bio Andrea is currently the head of content management at SpringHive Web Design Company, a digital agency that provides creative web design, social media marketing, email marketing, and search engine optimization services to small businesses and entrepreneurs. She is also a blog contributor at Baby Steps Preschool where she writes storytime themes, parenting tips, and seasonal activities to entertain children. ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.  

Your Fool-Proof Guide To Getting Your Family Out the Door This Winter (without all the hassle and sweat!) It’s beautiful out- the sun is finally shining for once and, with the gleam of the sunshine reflected off the freshly fallen snow, you’re just aching to get out and have some fun with the kids.  You envision the joy on their faces as they slide down the snow-covered hills or stick their sweet little tongues out to catch snowflakes.  You look forward to the sound of their full belly laughs as they chase one another around with snowballs and the calm that comes with returning home to wind down after an amazing day of wintery fun.  You know that it is an outing filled with untapped potential because, well you’ve experienced it at its best.  But there’s only one problem... getting your family out the door. Get ready moms and dads for the full-body workout that is getting the kids together, prepared, bundled up, and, at long last, finally being able to step foot out the door! It is not an exercise for the faint of heart.  There is often fighting, complaining and various levels of toddling/ running off involved before you can really experience the bliss and comfort that comes with knowing that you are finally ready to go! Here is our fool-proof guide to getting out the door in one piece with minimal sweat and hassle: Plan ahead. Check the weather at the beginning of the week and plan your outings based on the forecast that works best for your family.  Any time you have a big outing planned it’s a great idea to get everything together in a central location in advance, maybe the night before or early in the morning before the kids wake up- that way everything is together and ready to go when the bundling up fun begins.  If possible, make separate piles for each child in order to avoid getting everyone’s gear mixed up and confused.  If you are planning an outing that involves driving, it’s also a great idea to pack the car up well beforehand. Bathroom before you go. Make sure you get fresh diapers and bathroom trips out of the way before you start layering up.  The last thing you need to worry about during the arduous process of layering everyone up is having to undo it and do it all over again.  Plus, there’s nothing worse than hearing, “I have to go potty,” as soon as everyone is ready to go and you have finally made it through the threshold and out the door. Practice makes perfect. Work on teaching older children skills such as getting on snowsuits, boots, gloves, and jackets so that the task isn’t so daunting when the time comes to get everyone ready to go outside.  If your children are old enough- it would be great to teach and task them with helping younger children to get ready as well, this will instill a sense of purpose and responsibility in them as well as increase productivity. Layering is key.  It’s a great time-saver to stack inside and outside layers before pulling everything on.  Also, mapping out an order in your head (or on paper even) before you begin is a great idea in order to avoid having to undo and redo the process all over again.  This may vary depending on the child and the gear.  For instance, I find that my older daughter hates having her gloves on before her coat because they get bunched and pushed up too high, so I intentionally leave her gloves for last.  Knowing these kinds of things and being prepared ahead of time will lessen the hassle substantially. Stagger bundle.  If you work to get everyone ready a little bit at a time then you will be less likely to have one person waiting around sweating indoors while everyone else is still getting ready to go.  Depending on the length of the process, it might also be a good idea to have toys, books, or snacks around that are of interest in order to keep the attention of anyone waiting their turn.  I know that, for my toddler, any moment she’s not being kept busy is likely a moment she spends running away from me while I’m trying to get us all ready.  For new walkers, it’s also a good idea to get boots on as soon as possible to avoid having them running around in socks and possibly slipping (particularly if you have hard floors). Don’t let the process ruin the fun! Make conversation about what everyone might like to do once you get outside while you are getting ready.  Keeping conversation light and fun will help keep spirits high and avoid stressful fighting and arguing.  It’s also good practice to build up older children who are working hard to get themselves ready to go so that they feel encouraged and appreciated.  If your family enjoys music- perhaps there are some calming songs that you could play to help the process be more enjoyable all around (calm instrumental music, for instance). Don’t Get Discouraged. Remember that getting out of the house all together is a win no matter how long the process seems to take.  It can be really hard to get everyone ready and out the door but I bet that once you’ve done it you’ll be really glad that you did!  Happy winter adventures everyone! 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.     Photos courtesy of Michelle Pearl Gee.     ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

"You never know how or when you'll have an impact, or how important your example can be to someone else." - Denzel Washington As Black History Month comes to a close, it is important to remember to continue to recognize all the amazing and powerful Black individuals and organizations that are continuously working to better their communities and the world. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it is full of really amazing and empowering Black organizations doing wonderful work in the great outdoors! Here are 7 Black outdoor organizations making a difference that everyone should know! Black Girls Trekkin’ Website     Instagram  This LA based organization was created to increase representation of black women in nature (but is open to anyone from any underrepresented group). They also are working to build a community of people who get outside and strive to preserve and protect our planet. Black Kids Adventure Website     Instagram  Zenovia and George Stephens founded this Alabama based non-profit to help introduce and expose Black and Brown families to outdoor adventures. They know the key to changing the outdoor narrative is to expose children to outdoor activities as early as possible. One aspect of their organization is a twice annual family sleep away camp. This camps aims to help bridge the gap that exists in the outdoors and provide a foundation for a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable outdoor future. Black Outside Inc. Website     Instagram After noticing that only 1% of Texas State Park goers were Black, Black Outside Inc. was founded to reconnect Black youth to the great outdoors. The volunteer developed and run programs include an overnight camp for girls, a communal space of healing for youth impacted by incarceration, and a pilot high school program focused on building social-emotional skills. Each of these programs center on exploration of self, culture, and the outdoors. Melanin Base Camp Website     Instagram  Founded in 2016 by Danielle Williams, Melanin Base Camp aims to increase ethnic minority and LGBTQ+ participation in outdoor recreation. They are also striving to expand visibility and representation in the media of outdoorsy black, indigenous, and people of color. Outdoor Afro Website     Instagram  The organization’s goal is to connect Black individuals to outdoor adventures, while also promoting Black leadership in nature. This national not for profit organization is operating in 42 cities and has over 80 leaders across the United States. Soul Trak Website     Instagram With a goal of connecting people of color to the great outdoors while also building a group of diverse leaders, this D.C. nonprofit provides several hands-on and experiential programs. Their vision is “to act as a bridge to wild spaces by uplifting outdoor leaders of diverse backgrounds and create an outdoors that more accurately reflects the diversity of our nation.” TheBlackOutdoors Instagram  When Tramond Baisden and Ezedube Eze noticed a lack of representation and participation of black people and other underrepresented groups in outdoor recreation, they decided to do something about it. They founded this organization to “highlight folks who look like you doing dope, new things.”   Black History Month may only be one 28 day month, but Black history is not separate from American history. In fact, it is deeply interconnected to it. So even though the month is coming to a close, it is important to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black individuals all year. Whether you are looking for inspiration or a wonderful organization to donate to, these 7 Black outdoor organizations are an amazing place to start. If you are looking for other Black or BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Hike it Baby content, we've got you covered. 9 Diverse Children’s Nature Books to Add to Your Collection How One Mom is Breaking Racial Barriers to Find Her Place on Trail Addressing Racial Disparity and Taking Action for Change at Hike it Baby Hike it Baby's Mission to Change what it Means to be Outdoorsy   "We all have dreams. In order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort." - Jesse Owens ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.