OutGrown Blog

Hike it Baby Founder and Ambassador Shanti Hodges goes on a book tour with family and friends, exploring hikes from the Hike it Baby book. When I first dreamed up the idea to do a month-long road trip hiking a bunch of trails from my book from Wyoming to Wisconsin that I had never been on, it seemed like a really great idea. That was over 3,000 miles ago now, and did I ever learn a lot about traveling with kids. For a little context for those who don’t know: I wrote a book that came out in June about toddler- and baby-friendly trails around the U.S. To find these trails, I reached out to the Hike it Baby community and combed through our hike data to find all of the favorite hikes in our community out there. This meant that, while I had hiked a bunch of the trails, there were many that I had only researched and hadn’t actually been on. Photo courtesy of Subaru I was excited about seeing all of these trails I had never been to and meeting families who loved these areas. For this trip, I traveled with my husband, Mark, and son, Mason, for the first part. Then Mark had to go back to work so a Hike it Baby friend, Maura Marko, who runs the blog We Found Adventure, joined me with her two kids, Jack (4) and Rowan (2). How people travel with 3+ kids under age 5 regularly, I’ll never understand. While my son’s emotions can be big, if you add in two other little kids’ emotions, a long road trip is like turning on a popcorn machine and forgetting the top as the popcorn begins to explode and fire all around the room. Because this trip was big and I couldn’t pull it off on my own, Hike it Baby and I partnered with Subaru, who provided the perfect travel rig for me: a fresh off-the-line 2019 Subaru Ascent with 3rd-row seating. This meant we had enough leg room to have the baby in the middle row in a baby seat and take turns sitting with her, while the two boys were in the far back and had their own little zone of toys, books and snacks. Photo courtesy of Subaru The itinerary took us through the Rockies, where we saw the Tetons and Devils Tower, then we hopped over to the Midwest on a month-long hiking adventure. What was great about this road trip and having the Subaru is that it allowed us to explore all kinds of terrain and really test the road-worthiness of the car. We were on gravel backroads in Wyoming, negotiated various sizes of cities and definitely hit the open highways. Some of our favorite things about the Subaru Ascent were the high-tech cruise control and how comfortable the rear air conditioning made the car. The 19 cupholders (not kidding) also meant there were always enough drinks at arm’s length for the kiddos. For the trip, I envisioned all of these Hike it Baby branches gathering in the woods with their babies, beautiful weather and easy trails to hike being a no-problem adventure. Of course, it would be amazing, because the guides were those who contributed hikes to the book. I thought having the Hike it Baby bubble around me with tons of support should Mason melt down or I forget something would make it seamless and, in many ways, it was. But remember, we were also negotiating 5-year-old emotions on the road. I'm sure I made much of my very well-documented (if you were following on Facebook or Instagram) trip look like an Instagram perfect walk in the park, but it definitely wasn’t without challenges. We had all the pretty lakes, jagged mountains and slot canyons. However, in between, there were miles of highway, heaps of crying, full-blown temper tantrums, a day spent in a hotel while Mason threw up thanks to food poisoning, poopy pants due to potty training regression, rain storms hammering down on camp, giant bugs like prehistoric-looking cicadas, itchy mosquito bites, and way too much road food. But isn’t that what a road trip is all about? But there were also the magic parts of road tripping. We saw fireflies in Wisconsin that had Mason staring out into the woods for hours looking for those little flashes of light. In Wyoming we had huge thunderstorms, a moose on the the trail and a roadside grizzly bear munching on berries in a field. We watched the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" at Devils Tower in an outdoor theater at a campground. We negotiated down a wood ladder into a slot canyon in Indiana and went to the largest children’s museum in the country in Indianapolis where we got to touch real dinosaur bones. We played in huge sand dunes in Michigan at Sleeping Bear Dunes and hiked on a trail that gave us a view that looked like Hawaii. If I have learned one thing about being on the road with a baby, then toddler, then pre-K kiddo over the last few years, it’s that nothing will ever go as you plan. If you go into a road trip with that knowledge firmly rooted in the adventure, all will go smoother. This is already life with a 5-year-old. When you add in the instability of a road trip where you are camping, hoteling and meeting tons of new people every day, it’s important to remember to be in the moment and roll with whatever is happening because it will all pass quickly. The great things about a road trip is there are always shiny bright things to shift the moment if you keep your eyes open. Photo Laura Castro/Twig and Lens Photography On the trip, especially on leg two when we had three kids in tow, Maura and I had to become the Yoda-like all-knowing and always calm parents. We were not only negotiating and anticipating our own children’s day-to-day crazies, but also melding our two families and all of the interesting things our kids threw at us (sometimes literally) daily. There were days when it all seemed smooth, but some days we just wanted to crawl under a rock and go back to sleep. In the end, we had a great adventure, logged many miles, made some great memories and learned some valuable tips for summer adventuring on the road with little ones. Top 10 road trip tips I learned Don’t plan long driving days. These become increasingly harder as your kiddo ages. You will find yourself quickly frustrated when you have to stop every 2-3 hours, just so you can keep your kid in the car longer. If you are traveling with more than one child, add on an extra 15 minutes to every planned stop. You will never get back into the car as quickly as you thought. Road games are key! Figure out what games play well in motion. LEGOs will be challenging in a moving car, so think about what kids can do other than just watch movies on an iPad. They will eventually tire of the same four movies, especially if you are doing a long road trip. Keep a little cooler handy that you can pack fresh, easy-to-grab food. Inevitably, you will all get burned out on road food and it’s nice to have something fresh to offset the garbage that you find at the quick potty and gas stops. If you are potty training, bring a potty that’s easy to put out anywhere. We have gone poop in the back of the car at Walmart, in parking lots of hikes, on the side of the highway in a wildflower field. Make sure you have nice scented, sealable bags in case the poop needs to travel with you for a bit. Speaking of potty training, keep waterproof bags (ideally reusable, washable bags) handy so when the messes happen, whether a potty accident or a spilled milkshake, you have clean clothes ready to swap out and soiled clothes can be sealed away until you get to a washing machine. Bring a nice waterproof blanket or mat that’s easy to lay out so that you have something to lay down for a quick picnic or a diaper change in the middle of nowhere. It’s good to get out of the car and lay the little one out vs. going into bathrooms for the germ factor and just to give everyone some outside time while in the car so much. Look ahead at your route. Plan park-and-play stops. Ideally, finding somewhere you can grab food and go down the street to eat in a park will win out over trying to drag kids into a restaurant after hours in the car. Remember those road games you played as a kid like “I spy with my little eye”? Look online for good road games and songs and add these to your arsenal. We played many games of “I spy” on this trip to alleviate boredom and break up the long drive and it worked almost every time in keeping the kids entertained when they had ants in their pants and were sick of being in the car. Above all, bring your sense of humor and patience fully intact. Road trips are fun and they are hard. While you may have planned that July summer trip in January when you had a really easy baby, who by the summer is a wiggly, not-so-easy toddler, you will be able to do it. This Hike it Baby adventure was brought you in partnership with Subaru. To see more about the journey, go to www.hikeitbaby.com/book-launch-Subaru. Photo Laura Castro/Twig and Lens Photography   [gallery ids="1017655,1017654,1017630,1017632,1017626,1017657,1017658,1017659"]

This summer, due to various circumstances, we decided to become a one-car family, temporarily, from early summer until fall. We live in Portland so it's an easy transition. Luckily, the roads have special bike lanes and whole streets are dedicated to only bikes. While I know this isn’t the case everywhere, we see this trend growing – especially electric bikes. Many cities are embracing biking as a form of transportation – even with kids. While I love biking, I have to admit that since Mason was born, I’ve grown quite lazy about it. I haven’t biked much with his 40 pounds on the back, even though I have a great bike and bike seat for him. I like a workout, but going uphill with a kid on the back pretty much sucks, in my opinion. Luckily my husband does most of the kid hauling when we head out to bike as a family, so this hasn’t been a problem. This summer when we had an opportunity to try out a Rad Power Bike, I jumped at the chance. My gut told me it would give us a chance at trying out being a one-car family for a few weeks. Electric bikes have been gaining in popularity over the last few years. At first the higher price tag made them more of a specialty item; however, with improved technology and more competition on the market, electric bikes are popping up everywhere. Getting past the hurdles of electric bikes I’ll admit I was a little wary of the electric bike when it showed up at our house. First of all, it was very heavy, weighing in at about 75 pounds. This can be a little intimidating when you don’t bike a lot. I notice this reaction from others when I first roll up. I often offer it to others for a ride, but I can see the nervous reaction in the “no, that’s ok” look they give me. This comes from the fact that it doesn’t just look heavy – you can feel the weight before you even push it off the kickstand. Everything about electric bikes feels more intense. For intense, the kickstand is a solid scooter or motorcycle-like kickstand with two legs on it. An important thing to know about electric bikes: they need power, so you have to pay attention to where your battery is at and when it needs a charge. With such a heavy bike, you can choose to pedal it on flat ground, but forget about going uphill without the electric assist. Charging is easy; however, you have to remember to plug it in after every ride so you don’t suddenly find yourself on a ride without power. Also, there are a lot of cables, buttons and a control center panel on the handlebars. If you are not mechanically inclined, it could create a barrier for getting on an electric bike. You also need to baby it a little bit. Don't leave it out in a heavy rainstorm because there is a lot of technology on it that could fizzle with hard weather. While we didn’t test it much in rain because it was summer, we did ride in a slight misting and it seemed fine. I imagine that since it’s a bike and meant to be outside, after all, light weather is certainly okay. Finding more opportunities for more adventures What I loved about this bike from the moment I got on it is that it felt like it opened up a whole new world for me with biking. Suddenly, I found I was excited to run errands on the bike. I was fine with taking the time to get Mason “bike-ready”. Loading gear up to head out was now exciting in a way it had never been with my bike and trailer. The electric bike makes going longer distances no big deal, especially if there are only mild hills involved. I also saw Mark heading for further adventures on the bike. One afternoon when my sister headed to a newly opened park on the southwest side of town with her kids, about 20 miles roundtrip, Mark loaded Mason up and off they went. We figured worst case scenario if they didn’t make it, they could load the bike onto the front of a bus or my sister could, maybe, get it into her mini van and drive them home. A few hours later they sent pictures from the playground. And when they got back, we saw that Mark made it across town and back with juice to spare in the battery. At the park, two other dads rode up with kids on cargo bikes and Mark said his bike proved to be a conversation piece. This brought my normally fairly introverted husband out of his shell to chat with the dads about bike adventures with kids. Another plus of having an electric bike is that people are really curious and will ask you a lot of questions. Gaining health and lifestyle benefits In a time when gas is getting increasingly expensive, as are cars; electric bikes are a great alternative for families. The minimal repairs you can expect with an electric bike are flat tires, which are a cheap and an easy fix once you learn how, and when the battery goes out after a few years. You can expect a battery to last three years on most electric bikes (depending on use) and will cost about $500 to replace it. Here’s a list of general fixes on a bike: Tune-up: $75 – $100+ Flat tire (not including tube cost): $10 – $20 Brake adjustments: $20 – $35 Drivetrain replacement or adjusting: $20 – $60 Also, consider the environmental impact if we all made that switch to being a one-car family and chose a bike as our second mode of transportation. While an electric bike isn’t necessarily an affordable bike option for all families, we're excited to see that there are more affordable electric bike options on the market these days. This  makes electric bikes a viable option for more families. Here are a few more things to think about with biking versus driving: More time spent outside for you and your child, a better sense of balance from time spent on a bike, an increased awareness of your neighborhood since you're traveling at slower speed, and you experience more sights, sounds and smells around you. The pluses for your health can’t be disputed. According to a study conducted by James Blumenthal of Duke University, when you start exercising, whether running, walking or pedaling, your brain gets a boost in serotonin. In a lab rat study he conducted in 2015, serotonin increased by 200 percent as soon as lab rats started running on a wheel. Also, the heightened serotonin lasts all day, which boosts moods and strengthens brain power. A mere 30 minutes on a bike can also grow your brain. Apparently, the increased oxygen due to enlarging capillaries and the increase in brain-building protein can double and even triple cell production in the brain. Cycling is linked to a decrease in heart disease and cancer. If you live in Portland or some of the other bike cities around the U.S., having one car and making a bike your second form of transportation is a growing trend. If you look around the world, traveling around cities with a bike piled high with kids and your daily shopping goods is pretty normal. In the U.S., this is a new phenomenon, though that’s changing daily. With electric bikes, it’s easy to see how this might convince those who are wary of biking with kids to give pedaling a try. If you've made the transition to electric bikes, please share your tips with us in the comments below. Read more Best bike trailers for kids - Gear review Rolling into spring: Stroller review Backpacking with the family: Four-man tent review Photos by Andrea Leoncavallo *This is a sponsored post brought to you by Rad Power Bikes. The opinions are completely based on our own experience with the product. As a nonprofit organization, Hike it Baby chooses to partner with companies that believe in getting families outside and review their products for our community. We received product and compensation to review this bike and share our experience. 

Deciding to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail (AT) didn't happen overnight for us. We had been dreaming of thru-hiking for almost 10 years; we just never imagined that the best time in life to do so would be after we had our first baby, Ellie. From the time our daughter was two months old, we started hiking regularly as a family. But hiking wasn't anything new for me and Derrick. In fact, the outdoors had been the center of our entire adult education and career. This meant it probably didn’t come as a surprise to those around us when we announced that we had decided to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail with Ellie on a six-month backpacking trip. Preparing to thru-hike with a baby Derrick and I both graduated college with a degree in Outdoor Leadership, then took the same career path guiding hiking trips for families in the southeast and backpacking trips for inner-city youth. Not only did we have prior backpacking experience, but a large amount of that experience involved taking care of others while out on the trail. This was definitely a key component for us to thru-hike with a one-year-old. Backpacking skills were second nature to us. Other than walking, we were able to focus on Ellie and her needs rather than on how to backpack. We were also medically trained for wilderness emergencies as Wilderness First Responders. When we decided we were going to thru-hike with Ellie, the first thing we did was scour the internet for resources on how to distance hike with a baby. To our surprise, there was very little information. We pieced together what we could and made up the rest as best as possible. We knew we had a pretty tight time frame in which this would be possible. Packing baby supplies for the trail We wanted to wait until Ellie could sit up so she could sit in the Deuter Kid Comfort 3 backpack. And we wanted to complete the trail by the time she gained too much independence to be carried in a pack for multiple hours every day. Not to mention before she gained too much physical weight, too. We left when Ellie was 12 months and finished when she was 18 months, which was a perfect window of time. After deciding on a time frame, we honed in on her nutrition, diaper and clothing needs. Ellie was breastfed the entire thru-hike, which helped meet her nutritional needs perfectly. In addition, she would eat little bites of our food, which were freeze-dried and pre-packed in advance. A few things to note when journeying so far with a baby: We didn't pack any separate food for her. Diapers were a constant battle, and we still don't have a great solution! The wet and humid Appalachian Trail climate meant cloth diapers were nixed immediately, but we also aren't a fan of disposable diapers. We mostly used Diapers, which have a composting insert in a cloth cover. We had the option of burying the inserts, but preferred to pack them out instead. Ellie's clothes were minimal, but we made sure she had enough to stay warm at any point during the seasons. Then other than a toddler toothbrush, that's all we had for Ellie. Her toys were sticks and rocks, and some of her first words were "backpack" and "blaze."   Tips for thru-hiking with a baby Now that we’re back home, we’re so thankful we got to take Ellie with us on our AT thru-hike and wouldn't have it any other way. The reward of spending that quality time with her on the trail was undeniably one of the most remarkable experiences of our lifetime. But I’m not going to lie, it was hard! Long-distance hiking with your baby is possible—and even enjoyable—but it's not necessary to do a thru-hike in order to have an adventure with your baby. While it certainly isn't necessary to have the same resume as we did to long-distance hike with a baby, there are some key components that are important. Here are our top five tips to successfully distance hike with a baby: Become a pro in the skill prior to adding a baby in the mix. If you already have kids, this will be a little more challenging, but not impossible! Many backcountry skills, such as cooking, filtering water and pitching a tent, can all be practiced at home. However, we definitely recommend practicing those skills in the backcountry until you're comfortable with them before bringing baby. Be flexible. Ellie's needs were more important than the trip's agenda. This was especially true when it came to inclement weather. While Derrick and I probably would keep hiking through rain and snow on our own, we waited out the bad weather in town with Ellie. Invest in ultralight equipment. A baby is a pretty lofty luxury item! It was important to us to efficiently walk quickly while Ellie napped in the pack, and efficiency is definitely impacted by pack weight. While Ellie may have been an average 20 lbs on the trail, we cut down in every other way possible. From our sleeping bag to our tent, we made sure we had the lightest gear for our needs. We were thankful for every ounce we got to drop! Acquire Wilderness medicine experience. We highly recommend a Wilderness First Responder course. While it is lengthy and costly, the skills you learn will give you a priceless peace of mind to be able to respond to a medical emergency in the backcountry if needed. Make the transition from home to tent as seamless as possible. Ellie slept in our bed longer than anticipated because she'd be sleeping between us in the tent. We knew we would be tenting near other hikers, so we made sure we had a way to soothe Ellie should she get upset. For Ellie, this was nursing her. If she awoke upset in the middle of the night, I could calm her by nursing her immediately. Also, we constantly were wearing her around the house, out to errands, and, of course, hiking on the trail. She got accustomed to being worn all the time everywhere. These three things made our transition to the tent seamless. Have you thru-hiked with a baby? Please share with us in the comments below any tips you may have. Read More: Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail with a Baby How one mom turned trail time into nap time Nature babies: Why having young kids in nature is so important for their health Often in the Hike it Baby community, the question is asked what “adventurous” means when you are a parent. And the answer is different for all of us. For some, it’s climbing a mountain with a frame carrier fully loaded or doing a huge backpacking overnighter with a new little. For others, it’s ditching the stroller for the first time and trying a dirt trail, or just letting the kids spend leisure time climbing rocks and jumping in puddles. There are so many levels of “adventure” when you have little kids, and we wanted to share stories of families who have redefined adventure on their terms. We hope it inspires you to get out and have adventures YOUR way too. Bekah, Derrick and Ellie live in Roanoke, VA, and are ambassadors for Hike it Baby. They hiked the entire Appalachian Trail in 2017 over a six-month period, doing what’s called a “flip hike.” They started at a midpoint on the trail, hiked the southern portion and came back to that same point to hike the northern portion. Two sections put together to make the full 2,190 miles.      

Looking for that perfect hike in Delaware for young children? Whether you’re new to hiking with your baby or toddler, or you’re looking for a new trail to explore, the Hike it Baby community is a valuable resource for finding family hiking trails around the country. In this article, our community shares three scenic hikes in Delaware to explore with babies and young children. Gordons Pond Trail (Rehoboth Beach, Del.) The Gordons Pond Trail, located in the Cape Henlopen State Park, skirts the western side of Gordons Pond, a 900-acre saltwater lagoon. The crushed gravel/boardwalk trail meanders through the marshes between Cape Henlopen State Park and Rehoboth Beach. It is popular among nature enthusiasts for bird watching. Gordons Pond Trail is perfect for all ages and ability levels. The Gordons Pond Trail at Cape Henlopen State Park is a versatile trail for families offering both hiking and biking. It connects the park with Rehoboth Beach for families looking for a true beach town adventure. Keep your eyes out for Eagles, Osprey, Great Blue Herons and other shore birds as you meander over boardwalks and a crushed gravel trail through scenic salt marshes. –Corey Heacock Tips: There are two trailheads: Gordons Pond and Herring Point parking lots. The southern end of the trail begins at the Gordons Pond parking area located in Rehoboth Beach. The northern access point begins at The Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes at the bottom of the Herring Point parking area. You can access the trail via the Lewes or Rehoboth parking area. It is open to both hikers and bikers and provides easy access to the beach amenities. Along the trail, you will find an overlook onto the lagoon where nature lovers can spot all the area's birds and wildlife. Valley Garden Park (Wilmington, Del.) Valley Garden Park, known as one of the best little-known parks in all of Delaware, is tucked in the chateau country of the Brandywine Valley. The park offers a 1.5 roundtrip mile paved walking trail featuring miniature waterfalls amid a shallow river. Most importantly, this trail is perfect for a scenic hike with your family because of its mesmerizing landscape and gorgeous vistas. If you enjoy frequent stops and memory making during your hike, stop along the waterfalls to take photos and capture the beautiful landscape with your little ones. Valley Garden Park is a spectacular hidden gem just moments from Wilmington. The gorgeous scenery is ever changing with different flowers appearing each season. Little ones love the small stream, the bridges and plenty of space to run around. Parents can log in some exercise by walking the loop. There are also short dirt trails to explore for the adventurous types. It’s an ideal place for all sorts of adventures – fast-paced stroller walks or jogs for the fitness crowd, leisurely strolls for the laid-back bunch and toddler waddles for the smallest adventurers. The park changes almost weekly, making it a perfect spot for return hikes. And be sure to pack a meal – it’s the perfect location for a picnic! –Corey Heacock Tips: You can access the paved loop either by a downhill walk or a set of stairs. For the more adventurous types looking to leave the paved paths, there are short dirt trails that lead into the woods and overlook a neighboring reservoir. Carousel Loop Trail (Wilmington, Del.) Carousel Loop Trail is in Carousel Park and offers all sorts of hiking adventures for little explorers. The crushed gravel and paved trail make it easy for little ones to hike on. Also, the tranquil walking trails make it a relaxing hike for nature-loving hikers. Add more adventures to your hike if you have little ones: they can get up close with the horses of the New Castle County Mounted Patrol, count the swans on the lake or explore the Native American-themed playground. Carousel Park is perfect for families! Little ones love the horses (all of the Bee Castle County Police horses are kept here) and other farm animals, the enchanted pond and the playground. The combination of paved, crushed gravel and dirt trails offer lots of options for families. –Corey Heacock Tips: Hours of operation: dawn to dusk. It is the longest trail in the park (2.8 miles) and is color-coded purple for easy-to-follow navigation. One popular excursion takes you through Sherwood Forest to the Enchanted Lake via "The Enchanted Lake Circle." This makes a great storytelling opportunity while you're hiking with your little ones – especially if they're into fairytales. What are your favorite hikes in Delaware for families with babies, toddlers and young children? Leave a comment below! Photos contributed by Corey Heacock. MORE RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN Delaware has amazing trail options for families with young children. For more family hike ideas, see: Delaware state parks Hike it Baby Family Trail Guide Hike it Baby calendar (or connect with the local branch) Hike It Baby: 100 Awesome Outdoor Adventures with Babies and Toddlers If you're traveling through Delaware and need more information or recommendations on trails or would like to join a group hike, feel free to reach out and contact the local branch. READ MORE 3 Great Hikes in New Jersey for Young Children 3 Gorgeous Hikes in New York for Young Children 10 Tips to Keep Kids Moving on the Trail

Getting out on a long hike or an overnight backpacking trip can bring a huge sense of accomplishment and create lasting memories. While these are things you want to last long after your hike is over, the feeling of, well, funk is one you want to ditch after your hike. From what to wear to how to recover, the Hike it Baby community offered some insight into how to stay fresh and clean on trail and leave that funk behind. Staying fresh Quick-drying underwear and base layers are a key to keeping fresh. Many of Hike it Baby's members recommended ExOfficio for underwear or tanks. [ExOfficio products] dry super fast, so are easy to rinse and wring out and are ready to wear again quickly, and they don’t hold odor. –Stephanie Jacobson, who wore them on the Camino de Santiago Another clothing option is to wear gear with moisture wicking. Jessica Schaeffer Human recommends moisture-wicking shorts, skorts and skirts. Wearing these while ditching underwear also allows for extra airflow during your hike. For tops, Jessica suggests wearing a moisture-wicking tank top with a built-in bra. Kristin Michelle Klopfenstein agrees with wearing moisture- wicking clothing. "I like my Merrell tights best. They are that SPF material but look like they are knitted, so there's tons of breathing moisture wicking. REI makes some good moisture wicking quick drying hiking pants too," Klopfenstein said. Wool is another way to help stay cool. Lightweight wool socks or underwear. And speaking of socks, Jessica Wynne suggests bringing an extra pair along on your hike. Bring an extra pair of socks that you can switch out. After or during a long sweaty day, cooling your feet off with water or fresh air, then putting clean socks on, is amazing. –Jessica Wynne Staying clean Besides clothing choices, various cloths and wipes can help you feel fresh and clean. Baby wipes work great for cleaning off sweat, and bathing wipes are great for weekend hikes. A microfiber towel, like a Norwex baby cloth, is another option. The Norwex towel contains silver, so it can last a few days before you need to clean it again. Cooling towels can also help you in the heat. These towels, like the Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad, get cooler the more you sweat! A Hike it Baby member suggests placing them between you and your child while babywearing, but warns that the colored pads can stain white clothing. Bandanas are another helpful item to carry along on a long hike or backpacking trip. When you need to cool down, dip the bandana in a creek or waterfall and tie on your head for some relief. When you're finished with your hike or backpacking trip but can't hit the shower just yet, there are other ways you can clean up. I keep flip flops in my car. Changing out of hiking shoes and socks after is amazing. –Kristin Michelle Klopfenstein Hike it Baby member Julianne Thompson says she always carries a small bottle of hand sanitizer. "I have found that swiping some [hand sanitizer] under my arms works as a great deodorant in a pinch!" Julianne said. There is a lot of great gear that can help you feel fresh and cool while hiking, but if you don't have gear to help you on longer day hikes, try hiking earlier in the day or taking a sunset hike to avoid the direct sunlight. And remember that the feeling of funkiness after a long, sweaty hike may not be ideal, but the memories and sense of accomplishment will make it all worthwhile! What are some ways you stay clean and fresh during a hike? Let us know in the comments below. Read more: Menstruation, the Trailhead and You Hiking Essentials – What to Wear When Hiking Photos by Jessica Human and Laura Castro.  

Thinking back to my childhood, I have very fond memories of visiting my mother’s family in New York and bringing a bag of stale bread crumbs to the local “watering holes” to feed the numerous ducks. This was a treat for my siblings and me since we didn’t see ducks often. I don’t ever remember seeing signs that warned against feeding the wildlife (though these signs tend to be invisible to kids unless pointed out). Is feeding waterfowl really bad? Nowadays, every pond and lake I visit boasts signs that ask visitors to not feed the ducks or wildlife. The cautions and explanations on these signs tend to differ, but they are present nonetheless. Having a somewhat scientific, ever-curious mind, my first thought was “Oh yeah? Show me the evidence!” Is it really that bad to throw some old bread crumbs out for a few ducks to enjoy? It turns out these sign-makers and park officials are on to something. Below is a list of common cautions explanation and evidence that are important for us to heed their warnings. 1. Nutrient deficiencies It used to be that any time I would think of ducks, breadcrumbs also came to mind. They just go together, right? That’s why when I found out that bread is actually bad for ducks, I was shocked. It was equivalent to finding out that most cats are lactose intolerant … how is that even possible? Unfortunately, evidence now shows that bread is essentially a junk food for ducks, filling them up but providing little nutritional value. This can lead to malnutrition when ducks mainly consume bread and neglect to pursue other natural forms of nutrition. In extreme cases, this malnutrition can lead to further issues such as “angel wing” syndrome, an incurable wing deformity that can prevent birds from flying and threaten their survival. 2. Dependency on humans While there are other foods that won’t hurt the waterfowl (such as lettuce and oats), the issue of dependency arises when wildlife rely on food from unnatural sources. When ducks and geese are no longer wary of humans, they may become more aggressive to other animals and humans as they compete for handouts. Unnatural food sources can also cause overcrowding, which can then lead to environmental degradation due to overgrazing and badly eroded landscapes. For example, within a nearby townhome complex there are three ponds that numerous waterfowl call home. Unfortunately, due to the increasing bird numbers caused by unnatural feeding by residents, the areas surrounding the ponds are eroding. According to management, this has caused maintenance and clean-up costs to skyrocket. 3. Spread of disease Have you ever noticed that visiting a park with a population of duck and geese usually involves dodging their droppings as you walk? My toddler calls this “dodging the quack poo.” Those droppings are generally in the same area where breadcrumbs (and other leftovers) are scattered for the birds. This can quickly spread diseases like Duck Virus Enteritis among the waterfowl, especially in overcrowded areas. In addition, when an excess of food is distributed, any uneaten food can pile up and turn moldy. This can lead to diseases like Aspergillus, which can be fatal to waterfowl. 4. Water pollution On a recent trip to Lake George, NY, I noticed a sign that stated “Do Not Feed the Ducks, We Drink This Water.” That definitely caught my attention, so I checked out their website in search of an explanation. According to their site, duck droppings contain higher levels of phosphorus, which is usually only found in low-concentrations in the lake. When phosphorus levels increase due to overpopulation, it can result in algal blooms. This reduces the oxygen level of the lake and begins to kill off other plants and animals. In addition, an increase in waterfowl feces in the lake decreases the water quality for the residents and businesses that rely on the lake as a water source (not to mention the thousands of people who swim in the lake every summer). 5. Delayed migration It is common knowledge that ducks migrate south for the winter in search of a warmer climate where natural food sources are more plentiful. However, ducks may be reluctant to leave when they have a guaranteed food source in the form of human handouts. This can be detrimental as some may not survive a sudden onset of frigid fall and winter temperatures (not to mention the fact that most people aren’t willing to scatter breadcrumbs in a blizzard). How can I enjoy ducks without feeding them? While this may come as disheartening news, fear not! We can still enjoy the ducks in ways that are safe for them and the environment! Following are a few examples of ways to appreciate our water-loving feathered friends that the kids will love. 1. Take a photo or draw a picture: My toddler loves “helping” me take photos of the ducks and geese, and I love taking photos of him admiring them. You can look back at the photos later to remember the time spent together watching the wildlife. Looking for a technology-free option? Have your kiddos (and yourself!) draw a picture of the birds in their habitat. 2. Identify the bird: Whether you purchase a bird guide for your area or simply look it up on your smart phone, identifying a waterfowl species can give you insight into their habits in the wild. You can also find posters and information at many local parks that have bird-watching areas. 3. Observe duck habits in their environment: One of my favorite family outings is to enjoy a picnic near one of the local duck ponds in our area. Once the ducks realize they won’t be getting handouts, they ignore us for the most part. This gives us an opportunity to observe the ducks and their natural habits and routines (or as “natural” as they can get in a less-then-wild environment). My son’s favorite “duck habit” is when they dive their head into the water and stick their backside up in the air. It never fails to send him into a giggling fit! I have started to ask him questions like “why do you think they do that?” He’s still a bit young to answer, but I'll give him my guesses and he usually humors me by nodding and saying “yeah!” Below are some questions that can help your family start conversations about waterfowl habits. No need to know the answers because looking them up is half the fun! Here is a website I've used to find some fun facts about ducks. What do you think they eat? How do they find their food? Why do you think they “escape” to the water when humans or other animals get too close? When do you think baby ducks learn to fly? Why do you think ducks “bite” their feathers? What differences do you notice between ducks and geese? Does your family have any fun ways to enjoy the waterfowl without feeding them? Let us know in the comments below. Photos by Rebecca Hosley.

When my son, Mason, was born, I didn’t have very many friends with kids, so like many new moms, I joined a wonderful new mama group that I loved, but most of our time was spent indoors. No sooner had I joined when I began spending most of my time there daydreaming about being outside. One day, my wanderlust got the best of me, and I asked a few women if they wanted to go walk with me in Forest Park, an urban park in Portland where there are easy trails I could negotiate in my early postpartum state. That first week, five women showed up. The next week, ten women showed up, then fifteen and so on. Within a few weeks, it became clear that this was a way for new moms with kids to gather, get on trails, and spend time together. From there, the hikes started to quickly grow in popularity. Friends of friends would share pictures of hikes and soon, requests came flooding in from enthusiastic moms interested in how to start something similar. It wasn’t long before Hike it Baby was born. The idea for Hike it Baby was simple. Everyone needs nature, and my goal was to make it easier for families to get outdoors with their newborns, regardless of ability, fitness or hiking experience. Basically, Hike it Baby was a need that I saw in the outdoor world that wasn’t being filled for me—and so I built it. Hike it Baby grew just as quickly as my son Mason, who is now 5 years old. And as the organization grew, we began connecting with like-minded companies committed to getting thousands of families out on a trail with children.  About a year ago, we started talking to Sunday Afternoons, a 25+ year, family-run, technical headwear company based in Southern Oregon. Why hats? Well, one of the main reasons was practicality. As our family hikes became more and more frequent, we needed the right gear, and hiking without a hat was out of the question. But my son, like many infants, didn’t like hats, so I needed something that could clip onto his head and stay put. As Mason got older, he continued resisting hats because he was very particular about his style, so it was also important that he liked how they looked. When we sealed our partnership with Sunday Afternoons, I was excited, not only because I loved their kid-friendly designs, but also because I immediately saw how their kids’ hats would help everyone enjoy the outdoors longer. Sunday Afternoons Kids’ Hats feature innovations for little ones that just make practical sense, like SmartstrapⓇ chin straps that keep hats on and sun-protective neck coverage. They are packable and washable and have super cool designs like the Artist Series Trucker Hats that get us a million comments whenever wear them. It’s easy to see why our community loves Sunday Afternoons! Beyond Sunday Afternoons’ products, one of the things that felt right from the start was an alignment of values around our love of the outdoors and family heritage. Sunday Afternoons was founded by Angeline and Robbin Lacy, parents who loved taking their family hiking, picnicking, windsurfing, and adventuring around the Northwest. Angeline started making blankets for her family so they could comfortably enjoy adventures together outdoors. Before long, the Adventure Blanket was a hit, and Robbin and Angeline began selling them to families attending festivals on the weekends. Sales soared and the scraps from the blankets started to pile up. As true inventors, they decided to use the scraps to make sun-protective hats for adults and kids. The hats evolved and customers were thrilled. An entire business was built to shade the whole family. I founded Hike it Baby in much the same way. As a new mom looking for a way to stay active and get outdoors with my baby, it became clear that a big part of the Hike it Baby community was a chance to make connections and seek out advice from other parents (especially moms) on what products improved the experience of getting outside with kids. One of the things I have grown to really appreciate about the Hike it Baby community is its authenticity. When a parent asks what outdoor gear works best, everyone chimes in with their opinion. Sunday Afternoons has always been a “go-to” piece of gear in the Hike it Baby community because they make a product that we really believe in and have tested thoroughly. Connecting with the Sunday Afternoons team has been a natural fit. Why do we love these hats? Because they are tried and true. We can personally tell you stories of how they have been beaten up by faithful wearers, handed down from older to younger kiddos, shoved into packs filled with cheddar bunnies and squeezie packs, dropped in mud puddles, stomped on in sand, covered in baby burps and who knows what else. It also means these hats are kid-approved, and they will happily wear them, rain or shine. 8 Reasons Why Hats are a Must-Have Gear You don’t need to use as much sunscreen on your kiddo when you have a hat. They look cool when you have crappy matted-down hiking hair. They can keep the rain, snow, sleet and sun at bay and let you be outside longer. They make it easy to play peek-a-boo when your baby is having a meltdown and you need something to distract him/her. They give you something for your toddler to hold when you need to keep their hands busy. Place your hat on baby’s head and there’s no need for a nursing cover if you are shy. You can form a total “mom squad” and all rock the same hat if you want to look like a hike army! You might have noticed our 10k Trailblazers all wearing Sunday Afternoon hats. They support Hike it Baby (we have a hat coming out with Sunday Afternoons later this year, so stay tuned for that!). This originally appeared on Sunday Afternoons on July 13, 2018. Photo credits: Tais Kulish, Molly Porzel and Deanna Curry Read More: Sun protection: don't forget your hat Hot weather hiking    

If you’re struggling with a fussy child who never seems to sleep, know that you’re not alone. When Anka Trifan’s first son was born, she and her husband, Ezechiel, found that hiking became their saving grace to keeping the calm in their household. “Our child had almost two personalities,” she says. “Indoors, he was very demanding and then we would go outside and he was an angel. I felt like we lived outside more than we lived inside the first year or two of his life. That’s how we got so into hiking.” Anka wasn’t a stranger to hiking pre-baby, as she tells stories of climbing huge hills in her town just to get home after school. Looking back, she says that was probably pretty good training for all of the hiking she’s gone on to do since Apollo was born, including an all-day 17-miler called Aneroid Mountain that involved assistance ropes to get up, which she and Ezechiel did with Apollo when he was just 2 years old. “How did we not hike more when we didn’t have kids? Probably because we weren’t forced to,” Anka says. “What we quickly found was that Apollo would only nap when we were on the go outside hiking, and he only slept good at night if we spent time outside in the day.” Hiking became such a staple for Anka’s family that she even earned a nickname in the Hike it Baby community, “The Romaniac,” because during the quarterly Hike it Baby 30 Challenges, she would rack up tons of miles and she and Ezechiel would climb amazing peaks around Oregon and Washington that most families would only dream about. Anka says hiking has become so much a part of the Trifans’ lives that they have now made it an annual tradition to spend the whole day hiking on Mother’s Day. “It’s a better gift than anything my family could get me. We’re busy people and even more so now that we have a second child. When we’re outside, we have meaningful conversations and really connect with each other and our kids are happy.” Life with a second child is proving to be both easier and harder than with one. The good thing is that she is a better sleeper and napper than her first. The bad news is that Anka says she “sassier.” “She has no shame when it comes to screaming her head off or throwing herself on the floor when she wants something,” Anka says. “But she loves hiking and the outdoors just as much as our son does. We also have gone camping a lot more since she came around and from a much earlier age than with our first. I guess we finally got an idea of what the heck we're doing.” The best and most unexpected payout Anka said she has found from getting on trails with her 4-year-old son from such a young age is that she can see the impact on him and how this translates to the bigger world. “Recently we were on a random walk to the park when my son decided, all by himself, to pick up every piece of trash he was finding along the sidewalk and trail and not just that, when we got home he wanted to separate it in trash and recyclables. That really melted my heart! Well done, son!” Photos courtesy of Anka Trifan. Read more: How one family makes getting outdoors a priority Nature babies: why having young kids in nature is so important for their health Often in the Hike it Baby community, the question is asked what “adventurous” means when you are a parent. And the answer is different for all of us. For some, it’s climbing a mountain with a frame carrier fully loaded or doing a huge backpacking overnighter with a new little. For others, it’s ditching the stroller for the first time and trying a dirt trail, or just letting the kids spend leisure time climbing rocks and jumping in puddles. There are so many levels of “adventure” when you have little kids, and we wanted to share stories of families who have redefined adventure on their terms. We hope it inspires you to get out and have adventures YOUR way too.

Whether you’re new to hiking with your baby or toddler, or you’re looking for a new trail to explore, the Hike it Baby community is a valuable resource for finding family hiking trails around the country. In this article, we share three unique hikes in California to explore with babies and young children. Hiking with young children (under five years old) is different from hiking with school-age children. These three hikes in California offer families of young children beautiful and unique trails to explore while considering the special ways young children hike, wander, dawdle and explore. Hidden Valley Trail (Twentynine Palms, Cali.) Hidden Valley Trail is an easy 1-mile loop located in Joshua Tree National Park. The landscape looks like it’s straight out of Dr. Seuss between the spiky Joshua Trees, cholla cacti and the giant granite boulders. The terrain is flat and open, allowing children to run free without concern. The main trails, like many National Parks, are well marked and have nice plaques along the way explaining animals, plants and petroglyphs. Joshua Tree is a popular climbing spot, so toddlers and little kids will love how easily they can climb the granite boulders. We loved Hidden Valley trail in Joshua tree because it was an easy trail for the kids with lots of cool-shaped Joshua Trees along the trail. The rocks at the end were fun to climb and play on. It was also a great place to eat snacks and play in the shade in the middle of the day. –Arika Bauer TIPS: Keep an eye out for spiky things, and make sure you point them out to little ones. There are a few cacti that will reach out and grab passersby, so steer your little ones away from these. It can also get pretty hot, so avoid hiking in the summer. Make sure you bring along water, sunscreen and a hat. Make an adventure of it by either camping inside or outside the park and stargaze from your tent. Redwood Grove Loop Trail (Felton, Cali.) The Redwood Grove Loop Trail is within Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. While there are longer hikes, the Redwood Loop is easy at less than a mile. The ground is also soft, which makes this a great place to let your new little walker get their hiking legs on. The nearly flat and wide trail takes you through a wonderful grove of huge picture-perfect redwoods. The tallest tree in the park is around 1,500 years old, stands 277 feet tall, and is about 16 feet wide! These skyscraping redwoods inspired some of California’s earliest redwood preservation efforts. Other activities include playing in the river that runs through the park, which is a special treat, especially on a hot summer day. And toddlers love the train that goes chugging by overhead. Wave to the train riders and then ride the train yourself later. Big trees always make a place feel peaceful and relaxing to me, and this park is no exception. The thick redwood needles and lush undergrowth soften all the sounds. There is so much to do in this park. It’s easy to spend the entire day (or the entire weekend if you can manage to snag one of the campsites) walking among the huge trees, wading the river, watching for banana slugs and other creatures in the undergrowth, or even riding a steam train in the woods. –Ryan Idryo TIPS: This is a popular park. The parking lot is big, but it can get full on summer weekends. Bring a swimsuit and water shoes for the kiddos if you plan to swim. But note that the river gets wider the farther downstream you go. Look on the Map for Garden of Eden, Cable Car Beach, and Big Rock Hole. You can take another train over the hill and down to the beach into Santa Cruz, but you’ll want to purchase your tickets ahead of time. Stream Trail in Redwood Regional Park (Oakland, Cali.) Stream Trail is located within Redwood Regional Park. The trail is an estimate 4 miles roundtrip. A redwood haven nestled in downtown Oakland, the trail makes for a relaxing escape with your family from the busy city life. This is a short and easy trail for families with children. The trail follows Redwood Creek over leveled ground carpeted with soft needles and leaves. Most of the trail is paved and wide with mild grades, which makes it great for your kids to run ahead without the worry of bumping into other hikers on the trail. The trail is mostly shaded which makes it especially comfortable if you're hiking during a hot California day. I recommend this trail to families with young kids because it has an unusual beauty, yet is easily accessible by all abilities ... you can even hike it with a stroller.  Kids love the tall trees and exploring the picnic areas off to the sides of the trail. –Ryan Idryo TIPS: There is a $5 seasonal parking fee per vehicle to access the park at the Redwood Gate on weekends and holidays between April and October. However, there are other access gates and staging areas that don't require parking fees. Parking is free during the week. You can park and access this loop hike from the Skyline staging area, a small parking lot with free parking and no permit required. If your kids need to use the bathroom before hitting the trail, there are bathroom facilities located near the start of the trail. The park has excellent picnic areas so pack a picnic and sit and relax while enjoying the view of the redwoods with your little ones. If your kids need a rest from hiking, but still want to have some fun, there is a playground towards the beginning of the trail. Contributions by Shanti Hodges and Ryan Idryo. Photos courtesy of Arika Bauer and Ryan Idryo. More Resources for Families with Young Children Hike it Baby calendar (or connect with the local branch) Hike it Baby Family Trail Guide California State Parks Hike it Baby: 100 Awesome Outdoor Adventures with Babies and Toddlers – New Book by Hike it Baby Founder Shanti Hodges Read More: 3 Amazing Hikes for Young Children in Oregon 3 Beautiful Hikes in Washington State for Young Children First Time Hiking with Kids? Helpful Tips to Get out on Trail WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE HIKES IN CALIFORNIA FOR FAMILIES WITH BABIES, TODDLERS AND YOUNG CHILDREN? LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW!

When my family relocated to Vermont in the Spring of 2017, we suddenly found ourselves with a ton of free time. Being about 400 miles from our closest friends and family; our weekends were no longer jam packed with birthday parties, engagement parties, baby showers, and family dinners. One of the things we couldn’t wait to do, with all of this new found free-time, was hike. And with the Appalachian Trail, Long Trail, and other vast trail systems right in our backyard, there was nothing holding us back. Photo by Jessica Human. However, with our ample time for hobbies and easy access to trails, I was still reluctant to go out and splurge on all of the hiking gear. Maybe it was my practical side or maybe it was the fact that I’d picked up "hobbies" before, bought ALL of the things, and then cast it aside just as quickly. Either way, when my mom offered me her never-before-worn, brand name, in my size (or at least the size I typically claim to be) hiking boots, I snatched them up faster than my 4-year-old can say, ”I’m a Hike it Kid!” That weekend we set off, on a relatively ambitious hike (for beginners) with our 3-year-old and 4-year-old on our heels. My feet started to hurt almost immediately but I was insistent that I would not complain. Instead, I clenched my teeth and powered through. About 1.5 hours in, I could no longer take it. I said we had to turn back. I could tell my husband was disappointed and thought I was being dramatic. When we got back to the car (mostly hobbling, wincing and whining from me), I hopped up on the tailgate and removed the boots. There was blood. So much blood. My socks were completely soaked through. My husband’s jaw dropped. I had made a rookie mistake. Believe me when I say: quality gear is worth it. I’ve since invested in a pair for quality hiking boots. Having quality boots was such a turning point for me in my hiking journey. Trying on multiple pairs and buying them in my size (which happens to be a wide) has made such a difference. I’ve now completed that very same hike, multiple times, with no complaints or issues. A splurge feels more like a good investment if the gear is high quality! Quality hiking gear can make a big difference toward your experience on the trail, and it can last many years. Here are a few items worth spending a bit extra on for quality. 1. Hiking boots, shoes, sandals I’ve already said it but I feel like it is important enough to reiterate. You NEED good hiking boots that fit your foot properly. Hiking boots are the number one thing that I am willing to hand over the big money for. Your feet are your mode of transportation while hiking. If your feet are uncomfortable, you will be uncomfortable. Ill-fitting footwear can make for an extremely unpleasant hike. Luckily, both REI and Backpacker Magazine have great guides for footwear fit. Here is Backpacker's guide to choosing the right pair of hiking boots. They cover style, fit and fixing problems. This guide from REI goes into types of options, components and fit. Photo by Alhy Berry. 2. Rain Gear It is also terribly unpleasant to hike in wet, chafing clothes. Many of us outfit our kiddos in full OAKI rain suits, but neglect to properly protect ourselves. That is why good rain gear is worth the splurge. The top three things you’ll want to spend the big bucks on are a waterproof jacket (or poncho), waterproof pants, and a waterproof rain pack cover. The key word here is WATERPROOF, not water resistant. You can check out REI’s guide for finding the best rain gear. They discuss the big difference between waterproof and water resistant and discuss the latest in waterproof/breathable technologies. Man, that just sounds expensive … but totally worth it! You can also check out our very own Hike it Baby Raincoat Reviews! Photo by Deanna Curry. 3. Pack/carrier Whatever you’re wearing on your back, whether a pack or a carrier, it is so important that it is comfortable for YOU. This might mean splurging a bit for quality. There are different backpacks for different body types. The trick is to find the pack or carrier that fits you comfortably and keeps the weight over your hips. It is important to try on different packs at the store. Make sure they are weighted to get a realistic idea of what it will feel like loaded with your gear. Backcountry has a great article on choosing the right backpack. Two things to keep in mind that will make your splurge worth it are shoulder and hip padding and ventilation. REI also offers a great sizing and fit guide! Photo by Arika Bauer. 4. Trekking Poles Another hiking essential splurge that is totally worth it: trekking poles. Trekking poles are essential because they provide added balance and stability, especially when wearing your little ones. Better trekking poles will be more durable and last longer. Outdoor Gear Lab gives us a top ten list of reasons to use trekking poles and also a list of the best poles of 2018. These poles are definitely worth their price! Photo by Jessica Human. 5. BIG SPLURGE: Personal Locator Beacon While a Personal Locator Beacon is definitely a BIG splurge for most, the peace of mind it offers moms hiking solo with kids, is priceless. They are high powered and can send out a personalized emergency distress signal. Most are simple enough for a child to use if trained to in an emergency. Find out all you need to know about PBL’s here, and decide if this splurge is worth it for your family. I’d love to know, what was the best piece of hiking gear you’ve splurged on? Read more: Raincoats review: Staying dry on the trails 5 Sports bras for the active woman Find your best trail shoe: What's pronation got to do with it?  

For many families, summer is the time for road trips. Regardless of the total miles of pavement, one of the many things to consider is what your family is going to eat while on the road. With the cost of drive-thrus and gas station stops quickly adding up, it’s important to plan ahead so you’re ready when hunger strikes—and when the kiddos need something to munch on. I'm sure other families are like ours. Within an hour, my 5-year-old can ask ten times, "I'm hungry. When will we stop to eat?" Knowing his tendency to ask the same question over and over and over... and over again, it's important for us to have quick, accessible snacks in the car, as well as foods we can prepare quickly during a stop.   Coolers Instead of Suitcases Last summer, our family spent a week in Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Meal prep was essential. We stayed in different places every night and didn’t have access to a fridge or cooking appliances. To complicate things more, we flew into Salt Lake City—a 5-hour drive to Grand Teton—and were limited in how much we could bring with us. We had the added challenge of transporting three car seats, food supplies, luggage, and hiking gear for five people through the SLC airport. Our solution? We packed everything into two coolers and brought duffle bags that fold into small pouches. Once we got to our destination and bought groceries, we transferred clothes into the duffles. One cooler served as our “fridge” for perishable foods, while the other became our pantry. It held a portable butane cookstove, cooking supplies, and dry goods. This method worked out better than expected, and I wish I’d done it sooner. It was so convenient to just pull out two containers with everything we needed. The kids ate faster, had fewer meltdowns, and we avoided the scramble of long restaurant waits or overpriced snacks.   Other Families Share Their Road Trip Hacks Nicole Rosenberg We carry snacks that don’t need refrigeration in a box. We keep a cooler with drinks and condiments. Then we stop at grocery stores to buy small amounts of deli meat and cheese for sandwiches. For dinners, we bring a backpacking stove and boil water for freeze-dried food or to warm up canned soup and pasta. Jordan Else We love our Kleen Kanteen and RTIC water bottles. Reducing waste is important to us, and reusable bottles help. For packing food, we use LunchBots containers to make our own “lunchables.” Our favorite road and plane snacks: Bare fruit Moon Cheese Harvest snap pea crisps Epic bars Fresh fruit Yogurt (freeze if flying) Carrots Fig bars for a treat Joey Kendrick Johnson We keep a kitchen box and cooler stocked for breakfast and lunch, then enjoy dinner at a restaurant. I pack wraps, sandwich makings, cut fruit and veggies, jerky, trail mix, and the usual snacks—applesauce packets, fruit leather, raisins, nuts, pretzels, crackers, and lots of water. Peanut butter and honey are staples too. Sometimes, that’s all my toddler will eat—and that’s not a battle I need to fight during a long road trip. Kayla Klein We always travel with a cooler because of insulin storage. We’ve been doing mini weekend adventures, but eating out as a family of six gets expensive fast. I make dinners ahead of time—like pasta salad, spaghetti, or chicken parm—so they’re easy to reheat or serve cold. We also pre-pack snacks, fruit, veggies, pretzels, cheese, and yogurt into individual bags for easy access. Because we bring most of our own food and drinks, we’ve been able to take more trips without blowing the budget. What Are Your Go-To Road Trip Snacks? Do you have other snack and food hacks for family travel? Share them with us in the comments below—we’d love to learn from your adventures too.   Read more: How to pack trail snacks for hiking in summer Fuel your road trip with music Tales from Sky Baby: Road trip tips Photos by Vong Hamilton and Jordan Else.

I live in the Pacific Northwest, where summer is a long-awaited, highly anticipated three months of gloriously dry and sunny days (mostly). But for some of you, it is quite the opposite. Instead of heading out, you head in, where you can take advantage of the air conditioning to avoid heat stroke. If summer isn’t your outdoor season, it doesn’t mean you have to give up the outdoors! With a little creativity and planning, you can still get your outdoor fix next to the A/C. Below are some great indoor activities when it gets too hot for outdoor adventures and activities. Read About the Great Outdoors Live vicariously through books! Head to the library and pick up a huge stack of outdoor-themed books. They can be books about camping or hiking, nature, insects, national parks or whatever interests you. Make a big batch of lemonade or your favorite treat and settle in somewhere cool with a stack of books for the afternoon. Need recommendations? Check out the Hike it Baby Goodreads account for loads of suggestions. Relive Past Outdoor Adventures What better time to pull out a photo album or set up a slideshow of your past adventures when stuck indoors. Recapture the feelings, the experiences, the laughs and the disasters from the recent or distant past. Set up Camp Indoors Set up a tent in the living room, then pull out some camping gear like sleeping bags or backpacks. Then sit back and let the little ones play and imagine away. Build an imaginary campfire and make S’mores. Indoors S’mores are a cinch with a microwave. Simply put a marshmallow and piece of chocolate on one graham cracker, top with the other, and then microwave for about 15 seconds. No fire or hot stove necessary! Learn a New Outdoor Skill Have you always wanted to learn how to tie a few knots? Read a topographic map? Or teach the kids how to build a campfire? Maybe you want to work on your little adventurer's balancing skills for walking on fallen logs and grow his self-confidence? Get some books from the library about learning outdoor skills, find a gym or play place with indoor activities that offer climbing or jumping options, or check out a YouTube video and put your indoor time to good use by learning a practical skill you can use once the weather is more favorable. Dream Together About Hiking Use this downtime to get inspired for fall. Where do you want to hike or camp next? Find websites of state or national parks to visit and look at pictures to get everyone excited. Find videos or books at the library of areas you want to explore. Get a book on trails in your region, pull out a topo map of the area and together trace the trails on the map. Discuss what you think the trail is like. Study brochures, visitor guidebooks or other travel literature for ideas. Make a Bucket List for Fall First, gather the family together. Then, make a list on paper of all the things you can’t wait to do outdoors this fall. Write down the places you want to camp, the trails you want to hike or the harvest festivals you want to attend. Finally, post it on the fridge where you'll see it often. Or decorate it together then frame it to sit on a counter or table. Since you've taken the time to commit your ideas to paper, you'll be more likely to follow through. No matter what the weather is where you live, fill your summer with the outdoors – even if not all the fun is outside. What are your creative indoor options when it's too hot to get outside? Share your ideas and comments below. Photos by Kendra Reeder, Vong Hamilton and Kristin Hinnant. Read More: HIB Ideas for Indoor Events that Won't Break the Bank 10 Fun Summer Hikes to Help Beat the Heat