OutGrown Blog

I don’t know about you, but I am more than ready for a little time away from home and to get outside in nature. The camping season is upon us. But this year it’s going to be different. You all know the restrictions we must follow to keep ourselves, and everyone else, safe because of COVID-19. Social distancing, face masks, overloading hand sanitizer, and all that fun stuff. Camping seems to fit the bill pretty well, being out in the fresh air, with defined space for each tent. And (according to NPR) it truly is a low-risk activity. But that doesn’t mean it’s ok to completely let down our guard when camping. Here are the best safe camping tricks for the post COVID era. Camp During the Week If you can, do your camping on weekdays instead of weekends. There will be fewer crowds around because most people are working. The attractions in and around the campground will also be quieter during the week for the same reason. It will be far less likely to come across an overcrowded nearby attraction. Or have to wear a mask on hiking trails because of too many people. Look for Campgrounds with Big Sites Some campgrounds are already well designed for social distancing because their campsites are large and well-spaced out. Often with rows of trees between them. If you can find campgrounds like this, book there. And some campgrounds have walk-in sites. These are set further away from everything and you must carry all your gear in, instead of parking the car right next to your tent. But these sites are generally bigger and more spaced out than standard campsites. Consider booking one of these if they are available. Book Two Spaces If you can’t find campgrounds with big spaces, or if the place you have your heart set on doesn’t have them, and you can afford to pay a little extra, book two spaces side by side. Then, if possible, put your tent or camper in the middle.  Avoid Drop-In Booking Try not to just head to a campground and book what’s available. You just can’t know what kind of space you will get, how small it is, or how close to the neighbors it will be. It is better to book ahead so you know what you are getting into. Look for Lesser Known or Alternate Campgrounds Don’t go where everyone else goes. This year it will probably be better to avoid the most popular camping places. For example: Instead of booking at a well-known place like Yellowstone (which is so popular you need to book months in advance to have any chance of getting a spot) look for campsites at the National Forests around it. There is far less competition for these camp spots, yet the landscape is just as beautiful. Try Remote (Rustic, Primitive, Backcountry) Camping This is a great way to get a lot of space to yourself without a lot of competition for sites. If you aren’t familiar with the term, it means camping away from everything. Generally deep within a National Park or Forest. You have to carry everything with you and hike to find your campsite. There are (usually) no facilities, no running water, or no electricity… but also, a few other people. This is certainly not something to undertake lightly and without preparation. But if you want to really camp away from it all, this is the best way to do it.   And, of course, continue to practice caution in the places where people gather. Be sure to follow the local area rules and regulations for safety. When entering an enclosed public space, like a bathroom or lodge, wear a mask. Wash or sanitize your hands afterward. Maintain at least 6 feet from other campers around you. And if sharing tools with other campers be sure to wipe them down afterward.  But most importantly, enjoy your summer camping escape! About the Author Laura Raffin is a born and raised Vermonter currently living outside of Chicago with her husband and two daughters. She is a blogger/photographer focused on family offseason and alternate destination travel. She spends every minute possible outside in nature and on the trails. You can follow her family adventures on Instagram @wegalavanttheglobe_ The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and not necessarily the opinions, thoughts, or recommendations of Hike it Baby. About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram. Photos courtesy of Michelle Pearl Gee. Editors Note: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from Hike it Baby. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We do not make this ask lightly, but if you are able to afford it, make a donation, and become a Hike it Baby member.  A membership also makes a great gift for that new parent in your life. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. If you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.  

Challenges of Opening In-Person Hikes We recognize that public spaces have begun to open and stay-home orders and other restrictions have begun to loosen in certain communities. We are currently evaluating what in-person hikes will look like and what systems we need to have in place to support safe in-person hiking events in the post-Quarantine environment. These are some of the challenges we face in making decisions around allowing group activities as an organization with over 300 branches in North America: Most guidelines are still limiting group size and requiring social distance. Maintaining 6 feet of separation is hard to expect with small children and on narrow trails. Mask wearing guidelines are varied and also not recommended for children under 2 years, which is a large portion of our participants, making it hard to establish safe and effective protocols that allow us to support in person hiking. Our calendar team is entirely volunteer-based and it is too much to ask of them to monitor and stay up-to-date with the various local guidance to approve or deny hike events case by case, so we need to keep our approach as simple and as global as possible. Many communities are seeing a rise in cases as they re-open, which leaves us wondering if allowing/encouraging in-person events is the best way to ensure individual families can stay safe and healthy. We are letting time help inform our larger decision making before re-opening in-person events. The Importance of Getting Outside However, we also recognize that time in nature is important to everyone's personal wellness and we do not want to get in the way of that. Some of our branches are in rural areas with very low risk and in states where larger group gatherings are allowed and we understand it may be frustrating to not have the HiB calendar as a resource. Our goal is not to stop you from hiking or being social. We do have a duty to keep our members and volunteers safe, so we ask that you extend patience and understanding while we navigate this new terrain. Please extend this grace to your hike hosts and ambassadors as well and know that ultimately, we all want everyone to stay safe and healthy. Keep it Local, Keep it Safe If it is safe and in accordance with local guidelines for you to meet in your area, please organize any meet-ups outside of the Hike it Baby platform as private, non-HiB sanctioned activities. This means not posting them on HiB Facebook group pages or on the HiB Calendar on our website.   Once we have guidelines we can apply universally we will look to opening up our calendar for events and hikes once again and we will continue to communicate openly and actively as we make these decisions. We appreciate your continued patience.   About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.   Photo courtesy of Michelle Craig.

Dear Hike it Baby Community, I find myself shaken to the core and vehemently angry about the injustice and loss of life experienced by my fellow humans who are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), and at this moment specifically, Black people. I am ashamed this is not a new issue and it’s one I have had the power to act upon, to a much higher degree, to help change. We live in a world where Black people must live under this oppression every day of their lives. It is a world where they cannot go for a run, sleep in their homes, or experience any aspect of life without the constant threat of violence and lack of tolerance based solely on the color of their skin. At Hike it Baby, we believe in the power of nature, the importance of creating welcoming and inclusive communities, and that no family should be left behind. Yet over and over again, we bear witness to systemic racism and the resulting loss of Black lives. We can tolerate it no longer. We have a duty to act. We have a duty to do the work necessary to create the idyllic ability to enjoy time in the outdoors freely and safely for every person, not just a privileged few. This is meaningful work. It is work that takes A LOT of listening and learning. It is not work that just happens because we want it to. It takes action and accountability, a willingness to fail and try again, and bravery to stand tall and demand change. We’re here to show up for it as an organization. Will you join us? You may have already noticed a shift in our social media posts. Currently, we are focusing on amplifying the voices of the people who need to be heard most right now, the members of our community who are Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC). We are also researching and compiling resources to help us learn and we intend to share the resources we find helpful. We will be centering around some specific action areas and we invite you to join us. Those areas include: Resources and tools to support families who want to have this discussion with their children. We believe that it is never too early to start talking about racism and how it impacts BIPOC. Our children are our future and if we want it to be better, we have to teach them what to strive for. Amplifying the voices of BIPOC. White people have a place in the conversation as listeners and learners. BIPOC voices need to be center stage right now so that their needs, concerns, and experiences can be clearly expressed and heard. Supporting our communities. We were already in the midst of a pandemic with food shortages, severe economic impacts, and other hardships, all of which impacted BIPOC at a disproportionate amount. Now with acts of violence and looting, those communities are facing even more hardships and can use our support even more. Taking actions as individuals and as a community. It is not enough to witness these disparities, to name them unfair, to share them on social media. It is well past the time for action. We want to support you and stand alongside you in taking actions to affect meaningful change. We want this to be an ongoing effort, part of HiB’s core efforts. We believe in the power of community to change our world for the better. Please help us in our efforts to bring an end to systemic racism in our communities so that every child can live a better life and have the freedom to enjoy time in nature. Together, we are raising a generation to love the outdoors and each other. In solidarity, Jessica Carrillo Alatorre Executive Director, Hike it Baby About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Summer is approaching fast for many parts of North America, which means longer days, higher temperatures, and lots of outdoor fun in the sun. One of the easiest ways to keep the kiddos cool when enjoying summer fun is to incorporate water play into your outdoor time. Whether exploring a creek, splashing in a water table, or running through a sprinkler, water play has numerous benefits for our growing kiddos. Read on to discover these benefits along with ways you can incorporate water play into your summer fun and tips for doing so safely. **Please note: With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions are still in place for many parts of the country. Please take note of your local regulations before traveling, and practice safe distancing whenever recreating near others outside your family. Benefits of Water Play Motor Development Jumping in puddles, running through sprinklers, and swimming in a pool are wonderful for gross motor development as children work on strengthening their large muscle groups. Pouring, squirting, and stirring water are all examples of fine motor and hand-eye coordination skills that water play provides. Energy Release Letting kids run around in the sprinklers, climb and explore near a creek, or swim around in a pool are great ways to release some of their boundless energy. Water can also have a therapeutic effect and help children calm down through the repetitive motions of scooping, pouring, or running their hands or feet through the water. We’re all imaging the calm of crashing ocean waves now, right? Creativity and Imagination Add water and a bucket becomes a witch's cauldron, the creek water becomes lava they must avoid by jumping on rocks, or their water table becomes a car wash for all their toy cars. There is truly no limit to the creativity that can be sparked by a little water. Cognitive Development Water play provides numerous opportunities for children to problem solve and learn math and science concepts simply by playing. Children can learn what materials sink or float, how many small cups of water will fill a bucket, or how different types of rocks make different types of splashes in a lake. Language Skills Talk to your kiddos about what they are creating or what they see in the water. They’ll build their vocabulary and communication and collaboration skills by working with you and other children to create stories and pretend play with water. Ways You Can Incorporate Water Play Into Your Summer Fun Pool Time Whether it be a community pool, a backyard pool, or even a small baby pool, swimming and splashing are a wonderful way to cool down and have fun. Water Table or Sensory Bin A water table or a plastic bin or bucket will do and can provide hours of fun right in your back yard or balcony.  Add measuring tools, empty yogurt containers, water beads, bath toys, kitchen utensils, etc. for extra creativity. Creek and River Play Summer hikes that lead to a creek or river for the kiddos to splash in are a favorite among our Hike it Baby community! Whether you look for water critters, investigate the sound a rock makes when dropped in the water, or simply wade in to cool off, a creek/river is a great option on a hot summer day. Just be sure you have comfortable, fast-drying footwear with good traction, such as the Choprock Collection from Merrell, to stay safe on slippery terrain. This collection has options for both kids and adults that work well both on land and in water. Break Out the Sprinklers and Water Toys Some of the best childhood memories involve running around the yard, jumping through sprinklers, sliding on the slip and slide,  and avoiding water shooters and water balloons. Did you know there are now blow up splash pads you can set up in your yard?! Beach Fun Head out for a day of building sandcastles or exploring tide pools at the beach or relax and wade near a lake beach. Tips to Keep in Mind When Water Play is Part of Your Day Wear Quality Shoes While going barefoot may be okay if you are hanging out by the water table, a sturdy pair of comfortable, water-friendly shoes with excellent traction is a must for exploring creeks, playing at the splash pad, or tide-pooling on a rocky beach. We like the Hydro Creek Sandal, which provides both comfort and safety for our kiddos during water play. Bring a Set of Spare Clothes Or maybe two. And, a wet bag is always handy to have around anytime there's a chance of wet clothes. Reapply Sunscreen Often Normally, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours. When water is involved, sunscreen should be reapplied directly after swimming or water play. As the weather warms up we hope you find ways to incorporate water play into your family summer fun. Be sure to share your experience and tag @hikeitbaby on your favorite social media platform. Join a community of like-minded parents and caregivers with a shared mission of connecting families with babies and young children to the outdoors and each other. Learn about Hike it Baby membership options and join the fun today!   About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.     Editors Note:   We hope you enjoyed reading this article from Hike it Baby. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you.   But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We do not make this ask lightly, but if you are able to afford it, make a donation, and become a Hike it Baby member.  A membership also makes a great gift for that new parent in your life. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. If you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach. Photos courtesy of: Krystal Weir, Jessica Campbell, and Amy Diebold. This post is sponsored by Merrell. However, we would not recommend something that our children do not love.     

When I started my research on outdoor moms, I honestly only knew of a handful of women that made a significant impact on the outdoor space. But, after a quick Google search, I was blown away by how many women have contributed to the environmental movement and have made advancements for women in outdoor recreation in the last century. This list is just a fraction of the remarkable female conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts, however, it includes women that were also mothers at the time of their most significant work. For many listed here, it is being a woman and a mom that fueled their passion to leave the world a better place than they found it. The list also includes some of our contemporary outdoor mamas who are paving the way for the current generation. Arlene Blum at an event for the 1978 American Women's Himalayan Expedition to climb Annapurna. (Image: Cullen328) Arlene Blum “[motherhood is] life’s best and most challenging adventure.” Arlene Blum fell in love with climbing as a college student at Reed College in Portland, Oregon in the 1960s. In addition to earning a PhD in biochemistry and embarking on a successful career as a biophysical chemist she also has a storied climbing career. Arlene was part of the first all-woman team to ascend Alaska's Mount Denali in 1970. In 1978, she led a team of eleven women to climb the tenth highest mountain in the world, Annapurna (I) in Nepal which, until then, had been climbed by only eight people, all men. She led the first expedition to climb Bhrigupanth in the Indian Himalayas, leading a team of Indian and American women. In July of 1981, over the course of three months, she walked 900 miles across the Alps, from Yugoslavia to France, with her 4-month-old daughter on her back. She has said motherhood is “life’s best and most challenging adventure.” Arlene has written two books, Annapurna: A Woman's Place and Breaking Trail: A Climbing Life.     Patricia “Trish” Ellis-Herr Patricia Ellis-Herr documented hiking all 48 of New Hampshire’s highest mountains with her 5-year-old daughter, Alex in her memoir Up: A Mother and Daughter’s Peakbagging Adventure. In 2013, her two daughters joined her on a 500-mile hike along El Camino de Santiago to raise money for the Global Fund for Women and GirlVentures. In 2014, the trio hiked the John Muir trail raising money for Feeding America. You can read about their hiking adventures in their blog. Trish hopes to inspire other parents who want to facilitate their children's love of the outdoors and show young girls and women that hiking is a woman’s sport, too. Shanti Hodges and her son Mason. (Image: Michelle Craig) Shanti Hodges Shanti Hodges is the founder of Hike it Baby and Hiking My Way Retreats and author of the book, Hike It Baby: 100 Awesome Outdoor Adventures with Babies and Toddlers. Hike it Baby started in 2013 in Portland, Oregon when Shanti noticed everyone in her new mom group sitting inside on a beautiful sunny day. She casually invited a couple of families to join her for a hike with her new baby and so began a new community of families exploring the outdoors together with very young children. Hike it Baby is now a national non-profit organization with over 400 branches that get almost 280,000 families on trail each year.     Aurora Castillo In 1984, Aurora Castillo, a fourth-generation Mexican-American in her seventies, formed the Mothers of East Los Angeles (MELA). MELA has been nationally recognized as an environmental organization that has been given credit for the defeat of several environmentally threatening projects. Among these projects were a state prison, a toxic waste incinerator, a hazardous waste treatment plant, and an oil pipeline. Aurora was awarded the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize in 1995 for her work. She was the oldest person and first Latina to receive the Goldman Environmental Prize. Although she never birthed children of her own, her work was rooted in the health and safety of the children in her community and was affectionately known as “Nina,” short for madrina, or godmother. She passed away in 1988 at the age of 84. Teddi Boston In 1976 at the age of 49, mother of four Teddi was the first female thru-hiker to complete the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) traveling north to south. She started at the Canadian border and ended at the Mexican Border saying she did it the reverse to the usual direction because she was told it was impossible. Teddi started backpacking in the San Bernardino Mountains in the 1960s when two of her daughters were in Girl Scouts. In 1972 she took eight girls on the full John Muir Trail hike (a 215-mile trail from Yosemite to Mount Whitney). Jack Haskel of the Pacific Crest Trail Association says Boston has a lasting legacy in the hiking community. “People recognize her as one of the early solo female hikers, and today there’s a lot of solo women out on the PCT, and Teddi is one of them that pioneered that,” he said. Helen Engle Helen Engle was an American conservationist and activist, and mom of seven focused on wildlife and natural space preservation in the northwest United States. She co-founded various environmental organizations, including the Tahoma Audubon Society, the Washington Environmental Council, Washington Wilderness Coalition, The Arboretum Foundation, Nisqually Land Trust, and Citizens for a Healthy Bay in Tacoma. She left nursing in the 1950s after the birth of her third child, and with her husband, joined a local hiking group. Her environmental awakening occurred not long after when she discovered a local copper smelter was sending out a toxic plume that contained arsenic, lead, and other heavy metals. She went on to become a pillar of conservation in her community. Engle died in her home at University Place on March 11, 2019. Emma "Grandma" Gatewood (Image: Stratness) Grandma Gatewood “If those men can do it, I can do it.” Emma “Grandma” Gatewood was the first woman to hike the entire 2,050 miles of the Appalachian Trail by herself in 1955. She was 67 years old at the time, a mom of 11 and grandmother of 23. She’d survived more than 30 years of marriage to a brutal husband who beat her repeatedly. She would go on to hike the Appalachian Trail two more times, walked nearly 2,000 miles in 95 days from Independence, MO to Portland, OR as part of the Oregon Centennial celebration, and was instrumental in the creation of the Buckeye Trail in her home state of Ohio. Her daughter, Lucy Gatewood Seeds, has said in interviews she believes the fact that no woman had yet hiked the Appalachian trail presented a challenge to her mother. An obituary quoted daughter Rowena saying her mother stated, “If those men can do it, I can do it.” You can read more about her hikes and life story in Ben Montgomery’s biography Grandma Gatewood’s Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail. Justine Nobbe + Stephanie Feller After Adventure Mamas Initiative (AMI) co-founders and longtime friends Justine Nobbe and Stephanie Feller both became mothers in 2015, they were confronted with traditional maternal stereotypes. Instead of feeling discouraged, they became determined to push back knowing their adventures were an integral part of self-care. This was the catalyst for the Adventure Mamas Initiative to be born. Justine has enjoyed the hilarious learning curve of integrating little ones into her dirtbag lifestyle. She’s accumulated over 250 professional trail days as an adventure therapy guide and field director, completed thousands of miles of self-supported bike touring and backpacking, and rock climbed around the country. By day, Stephanie is a full-time digital art director and after hours, she commits her energy to propel the mission of AMI. “I want women to know that regardless of location, experience, kids, or age, they can set big goals and pursue adventurous challenges.” Heather ‘Mamma Bear’ Burror In April of 2012, Heather ‘Mamma Bear’ Burror, a second-grade teacher, helped her 8-year-old daughter Sierra ‘Monkey’ Burror become the youngest person to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail. The mom and daughter hiked between 10 and 24 miles every day to complete their 2,600-mile trek ahead of schedule. The mother-daughter pair also hiked the 500-mile Colorado trail in 2013 and a large section of the Continental Divide Trail in 2014. Lucia Pychowska In the 1870s, Hoboken, NJ resident Lucia Pychowska began spending her summers in the White Mountains with her daughter Marian and a small group of fellow mountaineers. They were among a select few who enjoyed exploring the White Mountain backcountry in the 1870s. And, at the age of twelve, Marian was already an experienced hiker. While we don’t know how many “firsts” these women made, their importance lies more in their explorations of the mountains. Through original letters, Lucia, Marian, Lucia’s sister Edith, and their friend and fellow mountaineer, Isabella Stone document their adventures, exploration, and love of the mountains. Hike it Baby works to be the most effective hub of tools, information, and community inspiring all families with babies and young children to get outside and connect with nature. Learn more about Hike it Baby's mission and how you can get involved. About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating, and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.     Images courtesy of Michelle Craig, Stratness (Wikimedia), and Cullen328 (Wikimedia).     Editors Note:   We hope you enjoyed reading this article from Hike it Baby. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you.   But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We do not make this ask lightly, but if you are able to afford it, make a donation, and become a Hike it Baby member.  A membership also makes a great gift for that new parent in your life. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. If you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.   Sources: Let Them Get Dirty and Other Lessons from the Trail, Literary Traveler Goldman Prize - Aurora Castillo Aurora Castillo - Wikipedia Grandma Gatewood Survived Domestic Violence to Walk the Appalachian Trail Alone at 67, Washington Post ‘A mighty oak has fallen.’ Helen Engle, a giant of conservation, has died, The News Tribune Helen Engle - Wikipedia Museum of the White Mountains When Women and Mountains Meet: Adventures in the White Mountains, Julie Boardman Teddi Boston: ‘Pacific Crest Trails Firsts’, Highland Community News Teddi Boston Recalls Historic Solo Walk on the Pacific Crest Trail, Take Two 11 Incredible Outdoor Moms, Backpacker Magazine Mother and Daughter Complete Pacific Crest Trail, Sierra Wave Media Hiking My Way Adventure Mamas Initiative      This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of those links you won't pay more, but Hike it Baby will get a small commission which helps us further our mission. Thanks!

Moms, we got you Being a mom is hard. There is no right or wrong way to do it, no way to know if the choice you make in any one moment is the right one (until roughly 18 years later!) and basically no rules or guidelines. I know what you’re thinking, “helpful”. But here’s the silver lining; we have other moms! Family, friends, community, all these supports are a must for most of us, especially now, but as much as these special groups of people mean to me I have never leaned as hard on a group of people as I do on my mom-friends. Motherhood is a daily gauntlet of second-guessing, mom guilt, heartbreak, and sheer frustration, without my circle of mom friends I would not be able to cope and I know I’m not alone here. We need each other now more than ever and with COVID-19 shutting down playgroups, parks, and playgrounds more of us are scrambling to find new ways to get our kids outside. I’ll admit that some days my son is so against leaving the house I almost forget why I push him to get outside in the first place! Parenthood is an adventure, bring it outside So, I reached out to my mom-friends and the Hike It Baby community asking for some solace and a reminder that I’m doing the right thing. I received answers from across the board about moms wanting to make sure their children learn respect for the world around them and the creatures in it. A children’s sleep consultant chimed in to say some of her main reasons for getting outside are to regulate sleep cycles and hormones through sunlight exposure. A dear friend of mine, Lydia Vasquez, said “I want my kids to learn in their bones that they can find joy and meaning in the small, simple, even mundane parts of life. They don’t have to have the most glamorous, exciting, or even unique life in order to be truly happy. And I think that connecting to nature and experiencing joy in the warm sunshine, the growth of new buds every spring, and splashing in a stream are amazing vehicles to teach that.” Another mom spoke of her kids’ relationship with nature as a way to cope when “life inevitably sucks” and as something she hopes will nurture them even when she’s gone. Many talked about the outdoors making their kids “tougher, and more adaptable” about how being outside isn’t always comfortable and you have to make do with what you have and sometimes even get lost in order to find your back. And Lee Alliet told me, “I am my best self outside. And that is the version of myself I want my kids to be around the most. Calmer, more resilient, more relaxed, more patient.” Time outside benefits everyone Reading these thoughts from a community of like-minded parents inspired and reminded me why I try so hard to convince my son to get outside every day. It is so important for him on so many levels but in the end, that last push out the door is because it’s important for me too. Getting outside, especially during the pandemic, changes the dynamic of the day, clears my mind, opens up new discoveries, changes the scene, and keeps me from pulling my hair out. Here's what other Hike it Baby moms said about their "why" for getting outside. Because fresh air and new adventure reinvigorates me and because I want my daughter to grow up loving the outdoors as much as I do. Maralana Shindelbower, Hike it Baby, Humboldt CA I go outside to gain perspective. When I step out into nature, it reminds me to let go of the little things, and climbing a mountain reminds me that I can do big things. I want our son to grow up realizing that sometimes all you need to do is put one foot in front of the other. The payoff is worth it! Kyla Phillips I get to be truly engaged with my kids without any thoughts of laundry, dishes, grocery lists, Dr. appointments, etc. We get completely lost in nature. And I get to see the world through their eyes. Amanda Belcher, Hike it Baby Charlotte, NC My kids are so much happier when we do. They have fun, play independently and sleep better when we get in a good amount of outside time. Paige Rowe I’ve always had a love for the outdoors and hiking since I was a little kid. I played outside all the time with just my imagination. I love sharing that with my kids. It’s such a good way to appreciate the world around us and escape the stress/busy life. Beth Ann, Hike it Baby, Pittsburgh We go outside so nature can be my babysitter. And she’s the best one they have ever had! Kathryn Maciula We go outside to enjoy the beauty of our planet and to learn how to best take care of it. Also, it’s really fun! Elizabeth Follet-Figueroa, HiB Tri-Cities, WA I have to get my family outside for my mental health. I am one month postpartum with baby #3 and struggling with postpartum anxiety. One of my symptoms is sensory overload, particularly sensitivity to loud sound, layers of sound (kids fighting, TV, toys, dishwasher running, at the same time) and sensitivity to bright/artificial lights. When we are inside it's like all of the noises bounce off the walls and the lights are overwhelming. When we get outside, even if it is just on our back deck, it feels like it resets my entire nervous system. After a few minutes I become less tense, and after an hour or so I feel like a new person. Nicholl Summers, Hike it Baby, Portland, OR We go outside for a bit of calm in the chaos of everyday life (and so my kids don't completely destroy our house  ). Jessica Human We go outside because I loved playing outside and exploring as a kid and I want my sons to also love that. Most importantly, we go outside because I need a break from them for my own mental health. Tracey, Hike it Baby Anchorage, AK I go outside for my mental health, I need the vitamin D, fresh air, and nature to help keep my depression at bay. I take my son outside to foster a love for nature like I was raised. But also to get out his excess energy that tends to build up and explode when we aren't able to get out and Adventure. It's been so fun rediscovering the outdoors through his eyes. We spend hours exploring our canyons, lakes, and deserts nearly every day. We don't have the cleanest house but we have the most amazing memories! Joey Kenrick Johnson The forest is where our happiness lives. Nature grounds my children and myself, the perfect reset. It’s also where all the adventure happens! Exploring together is as fun for me as it is for them, and we all learn so much in the process. Challenging trails teach us we can do hard things. Honestly just the other day we were struggling, then we hit a trail, and immediately we’re all holding hands, singing songs, laughing, sharing great conversation, and making magical memories together. I wouldn’t trade my time in the woods with my little wildlings for anything! Laura Miller, Hike it Baby La Crosse, WI We go outside to find a little bit of calm. When we are having many emotions and a day of constant fighting we head outside to the backyard or out to the trail to get a restart. I find I am also a better parent when we are outdoors. I am able to de-stress and have lower anxiety which helps me become more present with my children. Jess Mcllvaine, Hike it Baby La Crosse, WI   We all have our reasons for getting our families outside and even though some days are harder to do it than others we do it anyway. From one mom to another, whatever your reason for getting outside, know that you’re doing the right thing and if you have ever doubt yourself reach out to your community, we are here for you. Join a community of like-minded parents and caregivers with a shared mission of connecting families with babies and young children to the outdoors and each other. Learn about Hike it Baby membership options and join the fun today!   About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.       Photos courtesy of Laura Castro and Deanna Curry.         Editors Note:   We hope you enjoyed reading this article from Hike it Baby. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you.   But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We do not make this ask lightly, but if you are able to afford it, make a donation, and become a Hike it Baby member.  A membership also makes a great gift for that new parent in your life. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. If you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

Michelle Robinson - Mentor Team Captain New Ambassador Training support Hike it Baby Brockville, ON Founding Branch Ambassador Michelle Robinson is the Mentor Team Captain. Hike it Baby's Mentor team provides support and guidance to our global team of Hike it Baby Branch Ambassadors. And as support for New Ambassador training, Michelle is on-hand to answer questions and assist new Ambassadors as they join an existing Branch or start a new one.  Michelle is the mother of two, 4-year old Mila and baby Tobin. She is a high school Mathematics and Physics teacher and runs a small business creating flower arrangements for weddings. Talk about a diverse skill set! Additionally, she is the President of the Board of Directors for a non-profit daycare in their area, and she loves to travel.  How long have you been a Hike it Baby volunteer? Since April 2017. How did you get involved with Hike it Baby? I began as an Ambassador and shortly thereafter became a volunteer for the National Team.  What motivates you to volunteer with Hike it Baby? I believe in the Hike it Baby mission! My kids are happier when they are outside and so am I. I want to teach them to be stewards of the earth, share kindness, and support others. I want to bring back the feeling of having a village of support around you. I’m also a firm believer in leading by example. The world needs more volunteers.     I also adore my HiB Branch, fellow Branch Ambassadors, Dustin Thorley, and Lisa Werden and am so proud of our amazing and wonderful Hike Host team.  What’s great about being on a Hike it Baby team and why should others want to join you? The mentor team is an amazing group of selfless individuals who offer their time to support and help other team members!  Hike it Baby relies on volunteers like Michelle to help our growing non-profit meet our goal of connecting families with young children to nature and each other. We currently have over 70 national volunteers and over 370 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. Learn how you can get involved in Hike it Baby through membership, by making a donation, or connecting with your local branch. About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram. Photos courtesy of Michelle Robinson.   Editors Note:   We hope you enjoyed reading this article from Hike it Baby. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you.   But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We do not make this ask lightly, but if you are able to afford it, make a donation, and become a Hike it Baby member.  A membership also makes a great gift for that new parent in your life. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. If you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

What it Means to "Hike" When we think of hiking, most of us envision dramatic mountains covered in deep green forests with narrow dirt trails winding through them. And most of us feel that if you aren't in such an epic location, and instead you are on city streets, you aren't really hiking. But is that true? Some people are lucky enough to have that kind of place right in their backyards. But not all of us. In fact, I might go so far as to say most of us don't. The majority of jobs are in cities, therefore the majority of people are also in or near cities. I am one of them. I live outside of Chicago. And the Chicago area landscape is anything but epic. So does that mean its not possible hike except in the mountains? Nope! The Value of Any Outdoor Time The definition of 'hike,' according to the Oxford Dictionary, is: "A long walk, especially in the country or wilderness." It says "especially," not "only." So going by that definition, yes you can hike anywhere that you can go for a long walk. It may not feel like the hiking we imagine—walking through developments, waiting for pedestrian lights to cross roads, and passing crowds of people—but that doesn't mean it doesn't count. Or that we shouldn't do it. There are endless studies which all agree that being outside is good for you. And even in a suburban, or urban setting, that is still true. Just taking a walk around your home block is good for you, and for your kids. Though I must confess, I have a hard time viewing a walk around the city block as hiking. Even though it does fit into the definition. I'm sure I'm not alone in that. But I do see it as valuable outside time. And as practice for when we do find ourselves in the wilderness. Especially for my kids. If we only go for long walks while on vacation, how can I expect them to have the stamina to go for long hikes in the woods? But if they can walk two miles at home, they can definitely walk two miles on a trail. Use Your Local Resources If you want to see a little more nature than your neighbor's gardens, another option is making the most of the public parks and/or forest preserves that many cities and suburbs have. Generally speaking, they have well-manicured trails, either paved or gravel. And that makes the city parks and preserves very stroller friendly. This is also easy hiking for young kids who may not yet be up to climbing mountains. And again it's good practice, and time outside, for both you and your kids. Moral of the story, yes you can hike in suburbs and the city. And you should! Living in a densely populated area makes it far too easy to believe that hiking is impossible unless you travel far out of the city. But that's just not true. It is still good for you, and your kids, to get outside and hit the 'trails.' Even when those trails are paved. Hike it Baby works to be the most effective hub of tools, information, and community inspiring all families with babies and young children to get outside and connect with nature. Learn more about Hike it Baby's mission and how you can get involved.   About the Author Laura Raffin is a born and raised Vermonter currently living outside of Chicago with her husband and two daughters. She is a blogger/photographer focused on family off season and alternate destination travel. She spends every minute possible outside in nature and on the trails. You can follow her family adventures on Instagram @we.galavanttheglobe.             The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and not necessarily the opinions, thoughts, or recommendations of Hike it Baby.     About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.     Photo courtesy of Deanna Curry     Editors Note:   We hope you enjoyed reading this article from Hike it Baby. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you.     But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We do not make this ask lightly, but if you are able to afford it, make a donation, and become a Hike it Baby member.  A membership also makes a great gift for that new parent in your life. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. If you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.  

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

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

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

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