OutGrown Blog

Share some love with these cute, printable cards!

At OutGrown, we know that getting outside doesn’t always mean a long hike or a big adventure. Sometimes, it’s about stepping into your backyard, finding inspiration in the season, and making time for outdoor creativity. These winter activities are designed to bring fun, connection, and a happy mess! Ice Block Building While some may dream of building a full-size igloo, pint-size ice building is a creative and accessible way for you to engage with nature using materials they already have at home. Begin by freezing water into various shapes and sizes—think ice cubes, small cake tins, cookie cutters, or any molds you have on hand. Once frozen, head outside and pop all the ice shapes out. Let the kids loose! They can build and decorate an ice cake (bonus points for nature decorations collected from the yard), use toy hammers for some construction fun, or try to build a mini igloo. Frozen Ornaments To make these frozen ornaments, have your child grab a basket and collect biodegradable treasures nature has left behind—like evergreen needles, berries, and dried leaves. This is a great way to create seasonal decor while respecting the environment. Grab an old muffin tin and have your little one fill each cup with the collected treasures. Drop in pre-cut loops of string or yarn for future hanging. Fill each muffin cup with water, ensuring the treasures are submerged halfway. Freeze outside if the weather permits, or place the tray in your freezer overnight. To remove the ornaments, run some hot water on the back of the tin to loosen them. Then, head outside to decorate your porch or a tree and enjoy the sunlight shining through your beautiful creations. Snow Volcano! Transform your backyard into a winter science lab! Snow volcanos are a fun way to combine outdoor play with curiosity and learning, giving your child a hands-on experience with nature. Have your little one build a big snow mound outside, pack it tight, and shape it into a mini-mountain. Press a small cup into the top of the mound to create a crater. Parents can help add baking soda, a few drops of lava-colored food coloring, and vinegar. Step back and watch your eruption! Mount Snow-Vesuvius is ready for action Frozen Paint Cubes Frozen paint cubes are a great way to encourage creativity in any season. During winter, bundle up and let your kids create their own frosty masterpieces outdoors! Fill an ice cube tray with different colors of washable paint. Add water to each compartment and gently mix. For variety, you can combine two colors in a single cube. Insert popsicle sticks into the trays and freeze overnight. Once frozen, bring the cubes outside and let your kids paint their favorite winter scenes—a snowy landscape, a snowman, or their favorite outdoor activity. Call to Action Happy crafting and happy time outdoors—it’s a win-win! Don’t forget to share your winter creations using #OutGrownWinterFun on social media—we’d love to see what you and your family create! About OutGrown OutGrown is a national nonprofit working to ensure that every family, especially those with babies and young children, can experience the benefits of time outside. Since our grassroots beginning in 2013, we have supported more than 300,000 families with the help of thousands of volunteers across the country. We believe nature belongs to all of us from the very beginning. That means creating opportunities, removing barriers, and supporting families in finding their way outdoors, whether that starts with a stroller walk, a community outing, or a quiet moment under the sky. You can learn more and explore our programs at WeAreOutGrown.org. Editor’s Note Thank you for reading. At OutGrown, we believe content should offer more than information. It should create a connection, support real-life caregiving, and reflect how families grow together through nature. Everything we share is made with care by our team and volunteer community. If this piece inspired you or helped you feel more confident in your outdoor journey, we invite you to support our work by donating today. Your contributions help us keep resources free and accessible to all families. Please remember that the experiences and tips shared in this article are for general information only. They are not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or safety advice. Always consult with a qualified provider if you have specific concerns or questions. We are glad you are here. We are growing something meaningful together

Learn how you can support and join in on our annual winter virtual event: Winter Walks with Wox!

Esta hoja visual ayuda a las familias a prepararse para salir en invierno con niños pequeños. Presenta elementos clave para vestirse por capas, mantenerse cómodo y hacer del tiempo al aire libre una experiencia agradable incluso en climas fríos. This visual guide helps families prepare to go outside in winter with young children. It highlights key elements for dressing in layers, staying comfortable, and making time outdoors enjoyable, even in cold weather. About OutGrown OutGrown is a national nonprofit working to ensure that every family, especially those with babies and young children, can experience the benefits of time outside. Since our grassroots beginning in 2013, we have supported more than 300,000 families with the help of thousands of volunteers across the country. We believe nature belongs to all of us from the very beginning. That means creating opportunities, removing barriers, and supporting families in finding their way outdoors, whether that starts with a stroller walk, a community outing, or a quiet moment under the sky. You can learn more and explore our programs at WeAreOutGrown.org. Editor’s Note Thank you for reading. At OutGrown, we believe content should offer more than information. It should create a connection, support real-life caregiving, and reflect how families grow together through nature. Everything we share is made with care by our team and volunteer community. If this piece inspired you or helped you feel more confident in your outdoor journey, we invite you to support our work by donating today. Your contributions help us keep resources free and accessible to all families. Please remember that the experiences and tips shared in this article are for general information only. They are not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or safety advice. Always consult with a qualified provider if you have specific concerns or questions. We are glad you are here. We are growing something meaningful together

    Winter Layering Basics Stay warm and make the most of winter with our Winter Layering Basics guide! This essential resource walks you through everything you need to know about layering for cold-weather adventures, whether heading out for a hike, building a snowman, or simply enjoying 10 minutes outdoors. Tailored for families, it includes practical advice on choosing the best base, mid, and outer layers and pro tips for keeping hands, feet, and little ones cozy. Learn how to adjust layers on the go, why materials like wool and synthetics work best, and how to prepare for quick changes with extra clothes. Plus, discover fun ways to stay warm, like sipping hot cocoa or using instant hand warmers. With these simple but effective tips, you and your family can enjoy winter to the fullest, no matter the weather! About OutGrown OutGrown is a national nonprofit working to ensure that every family, especially those with babies and young children, can experience the benefits of time outside. Since our grassroots beginning in 2013, we have supported more than 300,000 families with the help of thousands of volunteers across the country. We believe nature belongs to all of us from the very beginning. That means creating opportunities, removing barriers, and supporting families in finding their way outdoors, whether that starts with a stroller walk, a community outing, or a quiet moment under the sky. You can learn more and explore our programs at WeAreOutGrown.org. Editor’s Note Thank you for reading. At OutGrown, we believe content should offer more than information. It should create a connection, support real-life caregiving, and reflect how families grow together through nature. Everything we share is made with care by our team and volunteer community. If this piece inspired you or helped you feel more confident in your outdoor journey, we invite you to support our work by donating today. Your contributions help us keep resources free and accessible to all families. Please remember that the experiences and tips shared in this article are for general information only. They are not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or safety advice. Always consult with a qualified provider if you have specific concerns or questions. We are glad you are here. We are growing something meaningful together.             0

Need gift ideas for the outdoorsy people in your life? We've got some inspiration to get you started!

You may have heard about the Leave No Trace movement, but what does it mean to “Leave No Trace”? Is that even possible when you have kids in tow? The answer is yes, sort of. The mission of Leave No Trace is to educate and inspire everyone to protect the outdoors by teaching people to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. It isn’t about leaving zero trace; it’s about reducing our environmental impacts whenever possible. That may seem daunting when attempting to wrangle a toddler on a trail, but we are here to help! We have listed each principle below, along with some tips and tricks for following them when you have little ones in tow.   Photo by Jessica Human Principle 1: Plan Ahead and Prepare – Know Before You Go Getting lost on the trail or caught in a storm while hiking can be a stressful experience. Add a few little ones to the equation, and things can get downright harrowing. While these experiences aren’t always avoidable (like an unexpected rainstorm), planning ahead can help you avoid most of these stressful experiences. Here are some tips to involve your kiddos in this step: Have your kids check the weather forecast with you and help them decide what clothing they should wear. Look at a trail map with your kiddos (a paper map, an online map, or a phone app) and decide which route you want to take. If they are old enough, let them pick out their own snacks to bring along. Older kiddos can pack their own adventure pack to take along with things like a snack, water, and adventure tools (like a journal and a pocket microscope). Principle 2: Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces – Stay on the Trail Keeping kiddos on the trail can be challenging. They are natural explorers and want to investigate every little thing they discover. However, exploring off trail can lead to trampled vegetation, increased erosion, and damaged animal habitats. A durable surface includes established trails and campsites along with areas with rock, sand, gravel, snow, and dry grass. If you need to go off-trail (like for potty breaks that just can’t wait), seek out these durable surfaces whenever possible, and walk lightly, avoiding as much vegetation as possible. Here are some tips for keeping kiddos on the trail and decreasing your impact on the trail. Take a potty break when you get to the trail to reduce the number of off-trail excursions. Play silly games with kiddos with the primary goal of staying on the trail. For example, you can pretend that the vegetation on either side of the trail is lava, and they have to stay as close to the trail's center as possible to avoid the heat. You can also play the “ninja” (sometimes referred to as “secret spy”) game, in which kids have to step as lightly and quietly as possible and disturb as little as possible to avoid “detection.” Have a conversation with your kids about what happens when many people go off-trail. Point out signs of erosion and destroyed vegetation along the trail. Photo by Jessica Human Principle 3: Dispose of Waste Properly – Pack it in, Pack it Out Kids are messy creatures. Aside from their affinity for mud puddles, there are also spilled snacks and the occasional diaper explosion. It’s a good thing to remember that anything that wasn’t found in nature (like the mud) should be packed out. This includes spilled snacks. It may seem harmless, but those snacks usually end up in the stomachs of wildlife. This can lead to illness (I doubt any animals have fishy crackers as part of their natural diet) and increased dependency on humans. Once animals depend more on humans, they lose their fear of humans, which can be dangerous for them and us. Here are some tips for disposing of waste properly with kiddos in tow. Always have a bag on hand to collect your trash (and any other trash you may find) along the way. This could be as simple as a plastic grocery bag or a specific reusable trash bag. Whenever you stop for a snack or meal break, have everyone use their “owl eyes” to find any trash left behind before heading back out. Principle 4: Leave What You Find This is another tricky principle to follow with little ones. Especially if you have a rock collector like I do! While taking natural objects, picking flowers, carving on trees, etc. may seem harmless, it can damage the ecosystem, especially when a lot of people are doing it. Rocks, sticks, flowers, and even pine cones serve as shelter and food sources for various organisms. If the plant you pick is invasive to the area, you could inadvertently spread the species as you transport it. That being said, you don’t want to stifle the curiosity of a budding geologist or botanist. Here are some tips and alternatives for keeping your nature collector happy while leaving nature in nature (or at least most of it): Use “do” language to help little ones understand how to interact with nature. Use statements like “let’s be nice with the flowers” or “touch softly”. Encourage your kiddos to use their senses to experience the object IN nature. For example, let them take a few minutes to feel, see, and even smell the object. You can talk about it and then have them replace the object where they found it. Take along some paper and crayons to they can do some leaf or bark rubbings. Have them draw a picture or take a photo of the object. When all else fails, allow them to choose one or two favorite nature finds to take home and replace the rest where they found them. Photo by Jessica Human Principle 5: Minimize Campfire Impacts  Improperly tended campfires are one of the leading unnatural causes of wildfires. If you are camping be sure you know the local regulations on fire and seek out established fire rings when possible. If you need to gather wood, use dead and downed wood that is no larger than the diameter of your wrist and can be broken easily by hand. When leaving, douse the fire with water until it’s cool to the touch. A better alternative would be to use a camp stove for heat and cooking, or a simple lantern for light. Here are a few tips for minimizing campfire impacts with kiddos: Keep flammable objects far away and out of reach from curious hands, and don’t allow kids to play with sticks near the fire. Have children help collect firewood. You can make it a game to see who can be the first to find 5 pieces of dry, downed firewood no larger than the diameter of their wrist. Photo by Deanna Curry   Principle 6: Respect Wildlife Observing animals in the wild is fascinating for both adults and kids alike. Whether you see a deer dash across the trail ahead of you or a woodpecker busily searching for food, there’s just something awe-inspiring about watching wildlife. To keep having these encounters safely, we need to teach our little ones how to respect wildlife. That means keeping a safe distance, never feeding wild animals, and storing food and odorous objects securely while camping. Here are some tips for teaching our kiddos to respect the animals they encounter on their outdoor adventures and to keep the wildlife wild. To help young ones understand what it means to keep a “safe distance”, have them stand with an arm raised to shoulder height with their thumb pointing up. Then have them look at the animal with one eye closed and try to cover it with their thumb. If they are a safe distance away, their thumb should completely block sight of the animal. Remind your kids that insects are wildlife too, and we need to be careful not to harm them. We can admire an intricate spider web or a long line of ants without destroying what we find. Bring along some adventure items such as binoculars and a magnifying glass so that kiddos can observe wildlife safely. Contrary to popular belief, bird feeders can follow the Leave No Trace Principles IF they follow the Audubon Society Guidelines. These include avoiding seed mixtures and cleaning the bird feeders at least every season. If you want to attract a variety of bird species, it is best to have different bird feeders at different heights with different types of seed/food in each of them. Principle 7: Be Considerate of Other Visitors Respecting other people you meet on the trail helps ensure that all can enjoy nature. Modeling and encouraging behaviors such as staying to the right on the trail to let others pass or taking breaks on durable surfaces away from the trail goes a long way to preserving the experience for other visitors. Other good practices include avoiding talking on cell phones or making excessively loud noises while on the trail (when possible). Here are a few tips we use to encourage being kind to others on the trail: If your kids are like mine, they like to pretend to be wild animals when they are on the trail (particularly howling wolves). This can get extremely noisy, so I started challenging them to be quieter animals, such as a bunny or squirrel, or pretend that they are sneaking around like a cheetah. Practice “moving to the right” with your kids while on the trail or on a neighborhood walk. When you practice ahead of time, it can avoid confusion when you ask them to move to the right to let other people or cyclists pass on the trail.   It is important to note that these principles are GUIDELINES, not strict rules. As parents, we know that it is extremely unlikely that we will be perfect at following these principles all the time, and that’s okay! The point is not to strive for perfection all the time. It’s to decrease our impact on the environment whenever and wherever possible and to teach our children to do the same. The tips above can help your family make fewer environmental impacts. You can also check out these other fun resources from Leave No Trace to help your kiddos understand the impact their actions can make on the environment:   Fun Resources from our friends at : Learn the Leave No Trace Hand Motions to help kiddos remember the 7 principles. Check out the Leave No Trace and Bigfoot Activity Booklet for some fun, education activities for older kids. This Trash Timeline Game can be played with kids (and adults) of all ages. Here is a free Online Awareness Course for parents and caregivers who want to learn more about Leave No Trace.   How do you practice the Leave No Trace Principles with your family? Let us know in the comments below!   Created in partnership with  About OutGrown OutGrown is a national nonprofit working to ensure that every family, especially those with babies and young children, can experience the benefits of time outside. Since our grassroots beginning in 2013, we have supported more than 300,000 families with the help of thousands of volunteers across the country. We believe nature belongs to all of us from the very beginning. That means creating opportunities, removing barriers, and supporting families in finding their way outdoors, whether that starts with a stroller walk, a community outing, or a quiet moment under the sky. You can learn more and explore our programs at WeAreOutGrown.org. Editor’s Note Thank you for reading. At OutGrown, we believe content should offer more than information. It should create a connection, support real-life caregiving, and reflect how families grow together through nature. Everything we share is made with care by our team and volunteer community. If this piece inspired you or helped you feel more confident in your outdoor journey, we invite you to support our work by donating today. Your contributions help us keep resources free and accessible to all families. Please remember that the experiences and tips shared in this article are for general information only. They are not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or safety advice. Always consult with a qualified provider if you have specific concerns or questions. We are glad you are here. We are growing something meaningful together.

Blaine serves as secretary and member of the executive committee on OutGrown’s Board of Directors. In this personal reflection, he shares what the transformation from Hike it Baby to OutGrown has meant to him, as a parent, a longtime supporter, and a leader in the organization. His story offers a window into the heart of this evolution and explains why the mission remains just as vital today as when it first began. I have been connected with “We Are OutGrown” (formerly known as "Hike it Baby") for more than 2 years because I see the fantastic work it does to empower families with young children to step outside and enjoy the physical and mental benefits of growing up in nature. OutGrown’s mission is to “empower families with babies and young children to step outside and enjoy the physical and mental benefits of growing up in nature.”  I am excited about the next step for this unique organization. Its recent rebranding to “OutGrown” better reflects its true purpose and serves as an umbrella name to encompass three program pillars:  Turn the Blues Green, which supports new parents in going outside with their newborns, which can be a powerful tool for overcoming postpartum depression. Bring it Outside - a program to help families build a habit of getting outside and overcome challenges such as accessibility Hike it Baby - focused on community-led events such as hikes Together, these programs are helping families grow up outside, becoming OutGrown. Turn The Blues Green Program The first reason that I was drawn to this amazing organization (at that time called Hike it Baby) was because of the importance of hiking with both my children was to me during my paternity leave with them. Both of them were born in the winter, and one was born immediately before the Covid pandemic began. This meant there was a lot of isolation and my mental health wasn’t where I wanted it to be.  One of the most effective ways that I compensated and dealt with this was hiking with them in a carrier throughout D.C. I hiked so much during one month of leave that our entire family hiked every single mile of every single trail of Rock Creek National Park (close to 40 miles).  The Turn The Blues Green Program is a pioneering maternal mental health program. It is our tool, our solution, to help new parents combat the Baby Blues, to reduce that feeling of isolation many new moms face, and to nurture relationships with the natural world from the very beginning.  As one supporter said, "Venturing out on a stroller walk with our newborn was an incredibly freeing experience. It was like we had collectively been holding our breath since becoming new parents, and getting out into nature allowed us to finally exhale and realize we could manage this new parent thing!"   Bring it Outside Program One of the issues I have seen over and over again in my professional work defending public lands is the lack of accessibility and diversity for those enjoying our public lands. One of We Are Outgrown’s pillars of work is The Bring it Outside (BiO) program—which meets families where they are and supports them in getting outside in the ways that work best for their families.  Experiencing the benefits of being outside doesn’t need to be about climbing the biggest mountain or hiking the Appalachian Trail, it needs to be about whatever works for you. BiO develops tools and activities and hosts workshops and events for families year-round. This helps break down accessibility issues and gives them opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in whatever way works for them. Hike it Baby Program Hiking clubs are ubiquitous in our country, but what is far more rare is a nationwide hiking club that is focused on hiking with young children, and provides the infrastructure and support to volunteer leaders to make it easy and welcoming.  That’s exactly what the Hike it Baby program does— it specifically works to help families build a habit of getting outside, despite challenges such as accessibility. OutGrown was started as a small hiking club in Portland, Oregon, but now exists in more than 270 communities.  If you are looking for a family-oriented hiking club, I would highly encourage you to join. And whether you are looking for a hiking club or not, if there is a way for you to support this organization, please do! https://hikeitbaby.networkforgood.com/

Brought to you in partnership with our friends at Turtle Fur This blog post features sponsored content, where we have partnered with a brand or company to bring you valuable information or promotions and, we may receive compensation for featuring the content within this post. Keep everyone comfy, fed and safe this season When the leaves begin to change and the cold air returns, animals thicken their fur and people venture out to enjoy the crisp fall days. We’ve got tips, tricks and treats to keep the whole family having fun while staying comfy, happy and safe during your fall travel adventures! What to wear (layers, layers, layers!) for outdoor adventures in the fall Fall tends to vary in temperatures and can be cold enough for warm coats in the morning and warm enough for short sleeves by afternoon. Be sure to dress in layers for the day when heading out. We suggest a nice wool base layer and outer garments that are easy to take on/off for everyone. Accessories like hats and gloves may be too much for temps at low altitudes–items like the Totally Tubular comfort shell from Turtle Fur are versatile and not too hot or too cold for fall days. What to pack for fall family travel Whether by bike, car, plane or boat—you need to have items on hand that will keep the family hydrated, fed and happy! Need inspiration for what to pack in your bag or luggage? Camera Binoculars Snacks Thermos with hot drink Nature guidebooks Extra clothes and outerwear Be prepared and stay safe wherever your travels take you Safety first! It’s important to keep up with weather and road conditions and have emergency supplies and plans in place in case things change as you travel. Stay informed: check local weather forecasts and travel conditions.  Backup maps and batteries: in case electronic navigation and communications go down, have paper maps and chargers or batteries prepared. Emergency kit: keep a well-stocked kit with first-aid supplies, blankets, flashlights, extra batteries, multi-tools and non-perishable snacks in a vehicle or backpack. The days are shorter but the scenery is spectacular! Whether you are leaf-peeping or traveling to see friends and family, it’s important to have the essentials to keep your family safe and happy on your fall outdoor adventures.

This blog post features sponsored content, where we have partnered with a brand or company to bring you valuable information or promotions and, we may receive compensation for featuring the content within this post.  We’ve long touted the benefits of wearing wool on outdoor adventures at OutGrown–but there can be an overwhelming selection to choose from. The best merino wool will be convenient to use and wear, a long-lasting investment, comfortable to wear, and have sustainable practices in its production.  Here’s what to look for when purchasing merino wool clothing for your family: Merino wool helps parents work smarter, not harder Good-quality merino wool will make life more convenient–not an added hassle. According to Emma-Jane at Smalls Merino, some Merino wool clothing can be machine washable and should retain its shape and softness after air-drying.  It can take a lot of work to get all the layers on little ones in colder months. Merino wool’s itch-free texture and comfort will help everyone enjoy their outdoor play longer without complaining of being too hot or too cold, too wet or too itchy–so you can stay outside and play longer! An investment for all seasons Merino wool clothing is an investment. Quality merino wool will be durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of adults and children for years of use–making them great for hand-me-downs or repurposing.  And those favorite pieces aren’t just for winter! Merino wool keeps you warm in the winter and can be as equally comfortable for lightweight pajamas and loungewear, and as a base layer for outdoor adventures year-round.  T-shirt feel with the benefits of wool Unlike traditional wool, merino wool is incredibly soft and smooth. It feels more like your favorite t-shirt than a scratchy sweater. This makes it perfect for even the most sensitive in your family–from delicate baby skin to eczema-prone skin. Merino wool has natural odor-resistant properties that keep everyone smelling fresh even after a day of play. It regulates temperature, keeping you warm when it's cold and cool when it's hot, and it wicks moisture away from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable on any adventure outdoors. Sustainable practices and biodegradable properties Merino wool is a sustainable choice because it is biodegradable and has a natural resistance to odors and stains–resulting in less washing that, in turn, conserves water and energy. The best ultra-fine and sustainable merino wool products can be fully traced back to the farms where the sheep are raised and have a transparent supply chain. Wrapping it up Feel like wrapping up in some extra-comfy, sustainable and convenient merino wool layers? Look for the best quality, family-friendly, ultra-fine merino wool products that are convenient, comfortable, sustainable and a good investment for the entire family. Need a suggestion? Our friends at Smalls Merino check all the boxes and are offering OutGrown members a special discount code! 

On October 9, we celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day, recognizing the Native Americans as the first inhabitants of the land we live on here in North America.  Not sure how to introduce the topic to your kiddos? OutGrown Bookclub has got you covered! With suggestions from Board Books to nonfiction for teens, we have titles for all ages.       Board Books (Age 6 months- 4 years old) Books specifically geared towards the celebration of this day are limited for our littlest readers, so we have also included some titles from Native American authors that introduce our readers to their culture: We All Count: A Book of Cree Numbers by Julie Flett  Tribe: Cree-Metis Count along with Cree numbers!  An introduction to Cree culture with beautiful illustrations, “We All Count” is sure to be a favorite for even the littlest readers in your family.     Good Morning, World by Paul Windsor Tribe: Haisla and Heiltsuk (First Nations, Canada) Good Morning World features vibrant Native American art, and is engaging as it helps children appreciate what Mother Nature provides.  It is also a wonderful book full of pictures for even non-reading kiddos to look through over and over again.   Picture Books (Ages 4-8) All Around Us by Xelena Gonzalez Tribe: Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation This award-winning book celebrates community and relationships within families and nature.  It’s an engaging and beautiful picture book telling the story of a Latinx family that readers of all ages can appreciate.   Indigenous Peoples' Day by Dr. Katrina Phillips Tribe: Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe All about the celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day, this book shares the history of the holiday in easy to understand terms, as well as Native American traditions.  It is a wonderful introduction to Native American culture and even touches on the concept of land acknowledgement.   The People Shall Continue by Simon J. Ortiz  Tribe: Acoma Pueblo This story is written to be read aloud in the rhythm of traditional oral narrative and shares the history of land being taken from the Indigenous Peoples throughout North America.  It is written from the Native American perspective and offers a powerful summary of what Native American tribes suffered when losing their lands, in a way that children can understand. Middle Grades (Ages 8 - 12) Indian No More by Charlene Willing McManis (Tribe: Umpqua/Confederated Tribes of Grande Ronde) and Traci Sorell (Tribe: Cherokee) This multi-award winning read shares the heartbreaking story of a family relocated from the reserve they have known their whole life, to Los Angeles, during the Civil Rights Era. The family faces relentless racism, as they struggle to find their place in a world they have been forced into by the government.     Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask: Young Readers Edition by Anton Treuer  (Tribe: Ojibwe) This Q&A style book answers all of the questions that young readers may have about Native Americans in an easy-to-read and understand format.  Tackling basic questions and even the tough stuff like racism and politics, this is a must-read for your middle schoolers that might have questions about Native Americans and their culture but do not know how to ask them!  Teen (Ages 13+) An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People by Debbie Reese (Tribe: Nambé Owingeh) and Jean Mendoza (Adapted from An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States By: Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz) This book has been adapted for teens and young adult readers, but you may find yourself picking it up too! It is written by an Indigenous human rights advocate, who does not sugarcoat the history that many teens have yet to hear in school.  It speaks to the resistance efforts and resilience of the Native American tribes and will help all readers reflect on the history that we are all a part of.   Share with us your favorite books to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day!   ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 as Hike it Baby, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteers. You can find additional information on all of our programs at WeAreOutGrown.org EDITOR’S NOTE: We're thrilled that you are reading this article from OutGrown. Our team is dedicated to bringing you valuable content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain. However, creating quality content comes with its costs. It's the result of the dedication and hard work of our writers, editors, and volunteers who truly believe in the mission of connecting families with young children to nature and fostering community. As a non-profit organization, we rely on the support of our amazing community. If you are in a position to help, we kindly ask for your contribution to help us expand our reach and continue providing valuable content for everyone. No matter the amount, every contribution counts and allows us to keep growing and making a difference together.