OutGrown Blog

A Life-Saving Skill. A Generous Gift. A Community Win. This August, something special is launching, and it comes from a place of deep care. Our friends at Wild Med are offering a 21-Day CPR + First Aid Challenge that makes essential training feel doable, flexible, and real. Even better? They are doing it in support of OutGrown. When you register, you will gain life-saving skills, and a portion of every registration fee goes directly to fund our Community Seed Program. This is not a sponsorship or ad. It is a true act of partnership. What makes this course different? 10 to 15 minutes a day Do it on your own schedule Two live Zoom labs to reinforce your skills Built for real caregivers in real-life situations And the topics? Everything from CPR and choking relief to outdoor emergencies like frostbite, tick bites, burns, and even Narcan administration. You will walk away with confidence. You will also be giving back. Where the funds go: Every dollar OutGrown receives will support our Community Seed Program, an initiative that offers small, meaningful boosts to local groups through supplies, resources, mini-grants, and responsive support. It is one of the ways we help grassroots leaders build strong, welcoming spaces for families across the country. Why are we so grateful? In a world full of quick asks and paid posts, this is something quieter and more powerful. It is a reminder that generosity still exists, and that partnership can look like true mutual care. We hope you will join the 21-Day Challenge this August. Do it for your peace of mind. Do it for the families around you. And know that your registration helps make our work possible. Register here: Thank you, Wild Med, for choosing to support this movement in such a meaningful way.   ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit building a world where families with babies and young children can grow up connected to nature and to each other. We focus on the earliest years of life, providing families with the support, community, and resources they need to feel welcome, included, and confident outdoors. Through volunteer-led communities, nature-based programs, and family-centered tools, we help remove barriers and expand access to outdoor connection. Since our grassroots start in 2013, OutGrown has reached more than 300,000 families across the country, supported by a vibrant network of over 300 volunteer leaders. Learn more at WeAreOutGrown.org EDITOR’S NOTE Thanks for taking the time to read this piece. At OutGrown, we create content rooted in real life, built to support families, reflect lived experiences, and celebrate the small, meaningful ways we connect with nature. Every article, guide, and reflection is part of our mission to make the outdoors feel possible, welcoming, and worth showing up for. If this resource helped you feel more confident, seen, or inspired, we invite you to support our work. Donate or learn more at WeAreOutGrown.org

The Full Caregiver Guide is your complete companion to OutGrown’s Summer of Mini Adventures. Created for families with children from birth through age five, this printable includes six weeks of outdoor activity ideas grouped by age. You will also find developmental tips, sibling-friendly suggestions, and flexible prompts that meet families where they are. It is perfect for caregivers with multiple children or anyone who wants one easy resource to support outdoor play all summer long.

This guide is made just for caregivers of infants and babies in their first year. It offers gentle, sensory-based outdoor activity ideas, bonding tips, and developmental milestones to support your baby’s growth. From tummy time on a blanket to listening for birds together, these moments help your baby connect to the world around them. The guide also includes sibling suggestions so the whole family can be part of the experience.

Toddlers are movers, mess-makers, and full of curiosity. This printable guide offers six weeks of nature-based activities that encourage outdoor play, creativity, and confidence. Each activity supports movement, language development, and simple problem solving. Whether your toddler is digging in the dirt or pretending to be a raccoon, these ideas are made to meet them right where they are.  

Preschoolers love stories, challenges, and noticing the world around them. This guide includes six weeks of outdoor activities built to support imagination, confidence, and early learning through nature. With prompts for storytelling, scavenger hunts, and reflection, it helps children take the lead in their own adventures. A printable journal section gives them space to draw or describe what they saw and how it made them feel.

Meet First Peak: Everyday Adventurewear for the Littlest Explorers We’re excited to introduce First Peak, one of our newest brand partners and a true standout in sustainable, mess-friendly adventurewear for babies, toddlers, and young kids. Designed by a mom who was tired of fast fashion that couldn’t keep up with her children’s energy, First Peak is built for real life: mud, snacks, tumbles, and all. From the start, First Peak has focused on what matters most to caregivers. Comfort, durability, and values that align with everyday parenting. Their custom fabrics are soft, stretchy, and thoughtfully designed to resist stains and odors. That means more wear, fewer washes, and less stress when the day gets a little messy. Every piece, from their signature no-snap overalls to their snuggly sweatshirts and pants, is built to move with kids from 3 months to 4T. What sets First Peak apart is not just the design. It is the full-circle commitment to sustainability. Every item is made locally in California using eco-certified materials. Cutting, sewing, dyeing, and embroidering all happen in the United States, supporting a slower and more responsible approach to outfitting little explorers. Named one of Babylist’s Best Brands, First Peak is quickly becoming a go-to for families who want high-quality, adventure-ready clothing that reflects their values and real-life needs.   What Sets First Peak Apart Not all fabrics are created equal. First Peak’s custom materials are made for movement, built for play, and thoughtfully engineered to solve the everyday challenges that come with dressing babies and toddlers for real-life adventures. From quick-drying performance to easy changes and built-in sun protection, these pieces are designed with both kids and caregivers in mind. This comparison says it all. Comfort, function, and sustainability are woven into every stitch. A Gift for Our Community We’re excited to offer our community two ways to experience First Peak this summer. 1. Enter to win a $50 gift card to use toward any First Peak gear. To enter, put a family outing on the calendar or share one of your mini-adventures this summer on social media. Tag @weareoutgrown, @firstpeakbaby, and use #summerofminiadventures so we can find and cheer you on. 2. Enjoy 15% off all summer long with the exclusive code OUTGROWN at checkout. Whether you’re planning a park playdate, a backyard bug hunt, or a snack-fueled trail walk, First Peak has you covered with durable, comfy gear made for movement. Explore the collection at firstpeak.co   Why We Love This Partnership At OutGrown, outdoor time with young kids should feel possible, joyful, and real. That means embracing the snack breaks, the spills, the unexpected puddles, and the everyday magic. First Peak shares that vision and makes it easier for caregivers to say yes to nature by designing gear that works with your life, not against it. Their mission to reduce waste, support local manufacturing, and champion everyday adventure is something we’re proud to stand behind. We hope you’ll check them out, follow along, and join us in celebrating this thoughtful, family-first brand. ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit building a world where families with babies and young children can grow up connected to nature and to each other. We focus on the earliest years of life, providing families with the support, community, and resources they need to feel welcome, included, and confident outdoors. Through volunteer-led communities, nature-based programs, and family-centered tools, we help remove barriers and expand access to outdoor connection. Since our grassroots start in 2013, OutGrown has reached more than 300,000 families across the country, supported by a vibrant network of over 300 volunteer leaders. Learn more at weareoutgrown.org EDITOR’S NOTE Thanks for taking the time to read this piece. At OutGrown, we create content rooted in real life, built to support families, reflect lived experiences, and celebrate the small, meaningful ways we connect with nature. Every article, guide, and reflection is part of our mission to make the outdoors feel possible, welcoming, and worth showing up for. If this resource helped you feel more confident, seen, or inspired, we invite you to support our work. Donate or learn more at weareoutgrown.org

Reima Kidswear: Ready for the Trail, the Splash Pad, and Everything in Between We are thrilled to welcome Reima to the OutGrown community spotlight. As the number one kidswear brand from Finland, Reima creates clothing that supports outdoor play for children from birth to age 12. Their pieces are functional, sustainable, and thoughtfully designed for the active lives kids lead. For families who want to spend more time outside and less time managing outfit changes, Reima offers comfort, coverage, and confidence in every season. Summer Essentials for Outdoor Play Reima’s summer collection is made for long days of play. With sun-safe designs and recycled, non-toxic materials, this line helps families enjoy the season with fewer worries. Every item is PFAS-free and made to support kids who climb, splash, and stretch their way through summer. From swimwear and sandals to quick-dry apparel, the Summer Essentials collection combines function with fun. Whether your child is running through sprinklers or adventuring at the beach, these clothes are designed to keep them protected and comfortable. Hiking Gear Made for Movement Reima’s hiking collection helps kids feel capable and ready for adventure. Featuring UPF 50+ sun protection, weatherproof layers, and innovative cooling fabric, the gear is designed to support comfort on the move. With barefoot shoes, Rolling Steps sneakers, and ReimaTec waterproof options, Reima footwear offers the grip and flexibility kids need for both short walks and longer treks. Their Xylitol Cool fabric also helps regulate body temperature, making outdoor time more enjoyable. The collection is grounded in sustainability and built to last. Like everything Reima makes, the hiking line is PFAS-free and created with durable, eco-conscious materials. A Gift for Our Community This summer, Reima and OutGrown are teaming up to give one lucky family a $200 Reima gift card. We want to celebrate the small, meaningful ways families connect with nature. Whether it is a group walk, a solo trail moment, or a backyard water play day, your adventure counts. You can enter in two ways: Add an outing to the OutGrown calendar for your local community Or share a summer moment on Instagram using #summerofminiadventures and tagging @weareoutgrown @reimanorthamerica Every outing, every story, every step outside matters. We hope this gift encourages more of it. Explore Reima’s collection at us.reima.com Why We Love This Partnership Reima’s mission is to help kids stay active, comfortable, and safe outdoors. They focus on longevity, sustainability, and function without sacrificing softness or style. That kind of intentional design supports what we believe at OutGrown: that nature should feel doable, welcoming, and worth showing up for from the very beginning. This partnership helps remove one more barrier to getting outside and reminds families that the right gear can be an invitation to play. ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit building a world where families with babies and young children can grow up connected to nature and to each other. We focus on the earliest years of life, providing families with the support, community, and resources they need to feel welcome, included, and confident outdoors. Through volunteer-led communities, nature-based programs, and family-centered tools, we help remove barriers and expand access to outdoor connection. Since our grassroots start in 2013, OutGrown has reached more than 300,000 families across the country, supported by a vibrant network of over 300 volunteer leaders. Learn more at weareoutgrown.org EDITOR’S NOTE Thanks for taking the time to read this piece. At OutGrown, we create content rooted in real life, built to support families, reflect lived experiences, and celebrate the small, meaningful ways we connect with nature. Every article, guide, and reflection is part of our mission to make the outdoors feel possible, welcoming, and worth showing up for. If this resource helped you feel more confident, seen, or inspired, we invite you to support our work. Donate or learn more at weareoutgrown.org

Photo by: Kim Ives   What Is the Community Seed Program? At OutGrown, we believe small steps have a big impact. We created the Community Seed Program, a simple but powerful way to support the local groups that make this movement possible. Why We Built It We’ve seen how much care and effort it takes to keep community-led groups running, especially when budgets are tight, supplies are limited, and volunteers are stretched thin. The Community Seed Program was created around one core question: “What would happen if we gave local groups a little more support and trusted them to use it well?” How It Works The Community Seed Program provides tangible boosts to OutGrown’s local communities through: Mini-grants to cover small but meaningful expenses Supplies and seasonal kits to reduce personal costs for outing hosts Responsive support for groups facing unique or urgent needs This is not a top-down funding model. It is responsive, built on relationships, real needs, and trust in local wisdom. Who It Serves Any of OutGrown’s local groups can benefit from the Community Seed Program, whether brand new or long-running. Whether a group needs extra materials, faces barriers to activity, or wants to launch something new, this program says: You’re not on your own. We’ve got you. How You Can Help It Grow Every 21-Day CPR and First Aid Challenge registration directly funds the Community Seed Program. By learning skills that help you show up confidently in your community, you also help others do the same. We also welcome direct donations, corporate sponsors, and community partners who want to plant seeds of support that will continue to grow long after the first outing. The Bigger Picture This program may be small, but it is the start of something bigger. It offers a model for uplifting communities without compromising our core mission. It helps families feel more supported, outing hosts feel more prepared, and new groups feel more possible. It is our commitment to equity, access, and mutual care in action. We’re proud to start here and excited to see how it grows. Photo by: Brandi Rondinelli Contact or FAQ Section Answers to common questions: Who qualifies for support? Any active OutGrown Community Group can request support through the Community Seed Program. This includes both new and established groups, as well as those in relaunch or rebuilding phases. How do I apply? (Get Notified When Applications are open: Click Here) Applications for the Community Seed Program will open soon. Based on the funds we're raising, we expect to award a limited number of grants this fall. This program is sustained entirely by community donations and strategic partnerships, and your support helps us grow what’s possible. To qualify for grant awards, all applicants must meet specific requirements, which will be clearly outlined in the application materials to ensure transparency and fairness. If you’re part of an OutGrown Community Group and want to be considered, stay tuned for updates through our volunteer newsletter. We can’t wait to support you in your next step. How are funds distributed? Funds are distributed based on application qualifications being met, timing, and available resources. Most requests can be fulfilled through reimbursements, supply shipments, or direct mini-grants coordinated with our program team. Can sponsors support a specific region? Yes. We welcome regional sponsorships and are happy to work with partners who want to support a specific city, state, or community. Contact us to explore aligned opportunities. We consider this an evergreen resource. It may grow and evolve as we learn from our communities and update for clarity, accuracy, and heart. ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit building a world where families with babies and young children can grow up connected to nature and to each other. We focus on the earliest years of life, providing families with the support, community, and resources they need to feel welcome, included, and confident outdoors. Through volunteer-led communities, nature-based programs, and family-centered tools, we help remove barriers and expand access to outdoor connection. Since our grassroots start in 2013, OutGrown has reached more than 300,000 families across the country, supported by a vibrant network of over 300 volunteer leaders. Learn more at WeAreOutGrown.org EDITOR’S NOTE Thanks for taking the time to read this piece. At OutGrown, we create content rooted in real life, built to support families, reflect lived experiences, and celebrate the small, meaningful ways we connect with nature. Every article, guide, and reflection is part of our mission to make the outdoors feel possible, welcoming, and worth showing up for. If this resource helped you feel more confident, seen, or inspired, we invite you to support our work. Donate or learn more at WeAreOutGrown.org This piece is part of OutGrown’s evergreen content. We regularly revisit and refresh these resources to ensure they remain helpful, relevant, and rooted in care.  

You searched for your city, hoping to find other families getting outside, and came up empty. That can feel disappointing, especially when you're ready to connect or just want a reason to get out of the house with your child. Here’s what we want you to know. Hike it Baby is built by parents, not programs. Every community starts when a caregiver says, “We need this here.” If your area isn’t listed, it’s not because it doesn’t matter. It simply hasn’t been reactivated yet. Sometimes, a local group may have been started by a past volunteer but has gone quiet over time. If it’s inactive, we do not list it on our website to avoid confusion and ensure accessibility. But that doesn’t mean the foundation is gone. You may be picking up where another family once began. So what now? Here are your next steps Start where you are and grow from there You do not need a group of 20 families or a perfect trail. You just need the desire to get outside and make space for others to do the same. A stroller-friendly loop A shady park walk A “see who shows up” kind of outing It does not have to be big. It just has to be real. If you are looking for connection, that is enough to begin. Take the free Volunteer Outside Guide Training This step turns “I wish this existed” into “I can help make this happen.” The Volunteer Outside Guide Training is how you become a host, not just a participant. Once you complete it, you can add your outings to the event calendar, anything from a casual stroller walk to a nature play morning at the park. Without the training, you can join events, but you cannot create them. It’s also the very first step to establishing a local community. Most active branches began when one caregiver signed up, hosted something simple, and invited others to join. You do not have to have it all figured outyou just have to start. The training is quick, clear, and designed for real life. We cover everything from how to list your outing to what happens if no one shows up. You do not need outdoor leadership experience. You do not need to know every trail. You just need to care about helping other families feel welcome outside. This is how you begin if you want to create a connection where you live. Learn more and take the training Know that you will be supported Once you are trained, we will provide the tools and guidance to help you get started. You will also be connected to a national network of caregivers, building something local, simple, and meaningful. You are not alone in this.  If your city is not listed, maybe it is waiting for you We believe in growing where you are, at your own pace, with the support you need. Whether you are reawakening something that has gone quiet or starting fresh, you are welcome here. Let's build something that lasts.

What Is the Family Trail Guide The Family Trail Guide, also called Find Nature, is a national caregiver-powered map featuring over 1,500 parks, trails, and green spaces. It is designed for families, by families. Each spot is submitted by caregivers who have walked those trails, played in those parks, and want to help others feel confident getting outside with little ones. This map grows with every new trail and exists to make nature feel a little more possible, wherever you are. Built Around What Families Need Most trail apps are built for solo hikers or outdoor pros. This one is different. It is filtered through a family lens. Caregivers share what matters most: Is it stroller-friendly Are there bathrooms Can toddlers safely explore Is there shade, water, and space to rest These are the questions that shape the Family Trail Guide. Caregiver-Tested. Family-Approved. Every entry in the guide is a personal recommendation from someone who has been there. This is not curated by an algorithm or sponsored by brands. It is an authentic collection of nature spots loved by real families. When you use Find Nature, you are joining a collective movement to make the outdoors more accessible, welcoming, and real for families at every stage of life. Want to Add Your Favorite Trail We want to hear from you. Whether it is a neighborhood path, a hidden gem in the city, or the one park you return to over and over, your favorite place could become someone else’s go-to adventure. Click here to contribute to the Family Trail Guide. (Click the "Add a Place" in the top right-hand side) It only takes a few minutes. Your voice matters. Why It Matters Caregivers already juggle so much. Finding a safe, welcoming outdoor space should not be a barrier. The Family Trail Guide is one small way we make sure every family, no matter where they live or how much gear they have, can access the outdoors in a way that feels doable and joyful. ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit building a world where families with babies and young children can grow up connected to nature and to each other. We focus on the earliest years of life, providing families with the support, community, and resources they need to feel welcome, included, and confident outdoors. Through volunteer-led communities, nature-based programs, and family-centered tools, we help remove barriers and expand access to outdoor connection. Since our grassroots start in 2013, OutGrown has reached more than 300,000 families across the country, supported by a vibrant network of over 300 volunteer leaders. Learn more at WeAreOutGrown.org EDITOR’S NOTE Thanks for taking the time to read this piece. At OutGrown, we create content rooted in real life, built to support families, reflect lived experiences, and celebrate the small, meaningful ways we connect with nature. Every article, guide, and reflection is part of our mission to make the outdoors feel possible, welcoming, and worth showing up for. If this resource helped you feel more confident, seen, or inspired, we invite you to support our work. Donate or learn more at WeAreOutGrown.org This piece is part of OutGrown’s evergreen content. We revisit and refresh these resources regularly to ensure they remain helpful, relevant, and rooted in care.

(Photographer: Michelle Craig)  This piece is part of OutGrown’s evergreen content. We revisit and refresh these resources regularly to ensure they remain helpful, relevant, and rooted in care. Walking Together Builds Something Different When we think about building community, we often imagine big gatherings, shared meals, or structured group conversations. But connection doesn’t always start around a table or inside a circle. Sometimes, it begins on the move. Side-by-side movement creates space for natural conversation. Without the pressure of direct eye contact or formal introductions, people tend to open up slowly, casually, and in ways that feel grounded. There is science behind this. Research shows that walking together can reduce social anxiety, improve communication, and increase a sense of belonging. Movement supports regulation and comfort, especially for caregivers and young children. Walking and talking activate brain parts associated with creativity, connection, and trust. Small Talk, Big Impact You may find yourself chatting about the age of your babies or how long someone has lived in the area. These small exchanges are often the beginning of something deeper. Movement allows silence and conversation to flow naturally. If a child needs to pause or someone wants to linger at a trail sign, the rhythm adjusts. This flexibility fosters a sense of ease, allowing people to connect without pressure. There is no need for a polished introduction or group icebreaker every time. A simple “Glad you’re here” or “We’re heading this way if you’d like to join” can create a feeling of inclusion. Moments That Matter More Than Metrics Some outings will be lively, and others will feel quiet. What stays consistent is the opportunity for connection in motion. Families may share a story they have never told before or simply walk together in comfortable silence. Children feel this too. They mirror the tone of the adults around them. When caregivers feel welcome and relaxed, little ones settle more easily into the experience. That is how community happens. Not all at once. Not because of perfect planning. But through shared experience and time spent in the same space. Let the Walk Do the Work You do not have to carry the energy of the whole group or lead with loudness. Being there, walking together, and being open to connection is enough. Community happens in motion. It builds over time. So next time you wonder if it is just a walk, remember it is never just a walk. It is a pathway to belonging. ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit building a world where families with babies and young children can grow up connected to nature and to each other. We focus on the earliest years of life, providing families with the support, community, and resources they need to feel welcome, included, and confident outdoors. Through volunteer-led communities, nature-based programs, and family-centered tools, we help remove barriers and expand access to outdoor connection. Since our grassroots start in 2013, OutGrown has reached more than 300,000 families across the country, supported by a vibrant network of over 300 volunteer leaders. Learn more at WeAreOutGrown.org EDITOR’S NOTE Thanks for taking the time to read this piece. At OutGrown, we create content rooted in real life, built to support families, reflect lived experiences, and celebrate the small, meaningful ways we connect with nature. Every article, guide, and reflection is part of our mission to make the outdoors feel possible, welcoming, and worth showing up for. If this resource helped you feel more confident, seen, or inspired, we invite you to support our work. We are a small team building something lasting. Your contribution helps us reach more families and keep this work going strong. Donate or learn more at WeAreOutGrown.org

Hike it Baby is not about hitting big trails or chasing milestones. It is about the simple, meaningful act of showing up, outside, together. We create space for families with young children to connect in nature, but it does not have to look like a hike. Sometimes it is a slow walk to a neighborhood bench. Sometimes it is a toddler-led wander where we barely leave the parking lot. And sometimes, it is just sitting in the grass and sharing a moment with someone else who gets it. This is our specialty. Low pressure. Come as you are, connection. We are not here to impress. We are here to include. To welcome. To witness the chaos and the calm side by side. (photographer: Michelle Pearl Gee-Nguyen) For many caregivers, getting out the door is the hardest part. We know what it is like to pack everything only to turn around five minutes later, and we know what it is like to feel isolated in those early years of parenting. Hike it Baby does not promise that everything will go smoothly, but we promise that you do not have to go it alone. Our outings are led by caregivers who live this life, too, volunteers who know what it is like to hold a fussy baby while navigating nap windows and weather forecasts. There is no pressure to keep pace. No one is judging if your child melts down. And no one expects you to know what you are doing. We are all figuring it out together. When we say Hike it Baby is more than hiking, we mean it. We mean shared snacks on the trail and strollers rolling through city parks. We mean nature connection that starts in a cul-de-sac. We mean the text from a fellow parent that says, “Same time next week?” This is not about the distance we cover. It is about the space we hold. For ourselves. For our kids. For each other. So if you are wondering whether you belong, the answer is yes. If you are waiting until you feel ready, we will meet you where you are. Hike it Baby is more than hiking. It is showing up. It is being seen. It is finding people with dirt under their feet and a little one in tow. Takeaway You do not have to hike to be part of Hike it Baby. You are doing it right if you are outdoors with your child and building community.     This piece is part of OutGrown’s evergreen content. We revisit and refresh these resources regularly to ensure they remain helpful, relevant, and rooted in care.   ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit building a world where families with babies and young children can grow up connected to nature and to each other. We focus on the earliest years of life, providing families with the support, community, and resources they need to feel welcome, included, and confident outdoors. Through volunteer-led communities, nature-based programs, and family-centered tools, we help remove barriers and expand access to outdoor connection. Since our grassroots start in 2013, OutGrown has reached more than 300,000 families across the country, supported by a vibrant network of over 300 volunteer leaders. Learn more at WeAreOutGrown.org EDITOR’S NOTE Thanks for taking the time to read this piece. At OutGrown, we create content rooted in real life, built to support families, reflect lived experiences, and celebrate the small, meaningful ways we connect with nature. Every article, guide, and reflection is part of our mission to make the outdoors feel possible, welcoming, and worth showing up for. If this resource helped you feel more confident, seen, or inspired, we invite you to support our work. We are a small team building something lasting. Your contribution helps us reach more families and keep this work going strong. Donate or learn more at WeAreOutGrown.org