RUN WILD MY CHILD

Reconnecting families through outdoor activities and adventures.

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Getting Families Outside, One Adventure at a Time

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  • MCFAMILY, PARENTING, SUMMER

    5 Things That Are Working for Me This Summer

    • July 12, 2023

    As any parent knows, summer can be both the BEST and the worst. All the things that make summer great – long hot days,  lots of activities, relaxed schedules, a break from routines – can also make it tricky. As I former full-time working (out of the house) mom now turned work-from-home mom, this summer has […]

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  • OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Gear Review: Himiway Step-Thru Cruiser Review

    • July 7, 2023

    In a world where sustainability matters and exhilarating modes of transportation are gaining momentum, e-bikes have emerged as a revolutionary force, transforming the way we explore our surroundings. Today, California mom and biking enthusiast Michelle Garrett delves into the world of e-biking and shines a spotlight on the Himiway Step Thru Cruiser E-Bike—a powerful, versatile, […]

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  • BEACH, CAMP, HIKE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Best Kid-Friendly Beach Backpacking Locations on the Olympic Peninsula

    • June 18, 2023
    3 great beaches on the Olympic Peninsula to backpack to with kids

    If you’re looking for an unforgettable outdoor experience for your family, the Olympic Peninsula is an absolute treasure trove of natural wonders just waiting to be explored. Nestled in the pristine wilderness of Washington State, this enchanting region offers some of the best kid-friendly beach backpacking locations, where both children and adults can immerse themselves […]

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  • OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Exploring Wildflowers with Kids

    • June 15, 2023

    Wildflower season is a magical time of year that offers opportunities for exploration and learning with kids. What better way to embark on a captivating adventure than by exploring the vibrant and enchanting world of wildflowers? Delighting in their colorful blossoms, delicate petals, and captivating fragrances, wildflower exploration offers a fantastic opportunity to inspire a love […]

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  • ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, BEACH, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, WATER

    Share the Beach: Sea Turtle Friendly Beachgoing

    • June 8, 2023
    A female leatherback sea turtle swims along the shore in South Florida.

    Our planet’s oceans are home to countless marvels, and one of its most captivating creatures is the sea turtle. These ancient marine reptiles have existed for millions of years, gracefully navigating the vast expanses of the sea. As beach enthusiasts, it is our responsibility to ensure that our presence does not disrupt the delicate balance […]

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  • BEACH, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PARENTING, WATER

    Beach Safety Tips for Parents

    • June 7, 2023

    Ah, the beach! A perfect spot for fun and relaxation. But going to the beach as a parent is a completely different experience than it was in those pre-child days. The days of bringing just a towel, sunscreen, and a book are over. While going to the beach with kids is definitely more work, it […]

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  • ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, BEACH, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, WATER

    Exploring Tide Pools on Cape Cod

    • June 6, 2023

    Nestled along the picturesque shores of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, lie an abundance of tidal habitats that beckon curious explorers of all ages. From sandy beaches to rocky outcrops, these captivating tide pools serve as an open-air classroom where kids can immerse themselves in nature’s wonders while fostering a lifelong love for the environment. Today, Lissy […]

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  • ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    7 Simple Nature Activities for Kids That Inspire a Love for the Outdoors

    • June 1, 2023

    Step into the captivating embrace of nature, where the beauty of the world unfolds in its purest form, and the wonders of the outdoors await. As parents, we have the power to ignite our children’s passion for the natural world and create lifelong bonds that will shape their relationship with the environment. Through simple yet […]

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  • CRAFTS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Crafting Nature Critters with Kids

    • May 31, 2023
    Crafting Nature Critters with Kids

    With screens occupying a significant portion of our lives, it’s crucial to carve out time to engage in activities that foster an appreciation for the natural world. One delightful and engaging way to achieve this is through creating nature critters with children. Nature crafts provide a perfect opportunity for young minds to explore their creativity while […]

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  • OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PARENTING, TEENS

    Teen Mental Health and Nature

    • May 22, 2023

    In today’s fast-paced, socially distant, yet hyperconnected world, the mental well-being of teenagers is facing an alarming crisis. The prevalence of anxiety, stress, and other mental health challenges among adolescents has reached unprecedented levels, casting a dark shadow over their formative years. As parents, it can be scary to consider the statistics, but it’s also […]

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  • INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PARENTING, SUMMER

    Creating a Summer Bucket List with Kids

    • May 18, 2023

    As the warm, sun-kissed days of summer approach, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about and planning a summer filled with outdoor adventures that will forge lasting family memories. Summer is a season brimming with opportunities to escape the confines of indoor routines and embrace the wonders of the great outdoors. Today, Courtney Cronin […]

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  • FAMILY TRAVEL, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PARENTING

    Adventure Friends, May We Be Them and May We Know Them

    • May 17, 2023

    One of the best things about getting outside is being able to share the experience with friends. It could be purely for socialization, or to distract the kids with friends so they are more enthusiastic for challenging outdoorsy elements. Either way, having friends present can completely change the dynamic of an adventure. Sometimes, we are […]

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  • INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Look Up!: Using Storytelling to Connect Children with the Night Sky

    • May 16, 2023
    The Milky Way photographed during a camping trip with children.

    The boundless expanse of the night sky has captivated the imaginations of humans since time immemorial. Within its inky canvas, twinkling stars form intricate patterns, weaving tales of ancient lore and myth. Amidst the vastness, storytelling emerges as a powerful tool, unlocking the secrets of constellations while kindling a deep love for astronomy within young […]

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  • BEACH, FAMILY TRAVEL, HIKE, NATIONAL PARKS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Exploring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with Kids

    • May 11, 2023

    Often the best outdoor destinations require traveling off the beaten path. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is located in the remote upper peninsula of Michigan, but this scenic park is worth the time and effort it takes to travel there. One of only four lakeshores protected by the U.S. National Park Service, Pictured Rocks offers so […]

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  • ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, LESSONS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Nature’s Math: Earthworm Measuring with Kids

    • May 9, 2023

    Measuring earthworms with kids is a fun and educational outdoor activity that can provide a great opportunity for children to connect with nature and learn about the world around them. It’s a simple yet engaging activity that requires only a few basic materials and can be easily adapted to suit different age groups and skill […]

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🌿 Helping busy families connect through OUTDOOR activities, adventures & travel!
☀️ Tag #RunWildMyChild
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You don’t have to look like the internet’s version You don’t have to look like the internet’s version of “outdoorsy.”

You don’t have to homeschool.
You don’t have to camp.
You don’t have to live near mountains.
You don’t have to own expensive gear.

You can work full time.
You can love sports.
You can live in the suburbs.
You can hate bugs.

If you’re getting your kids outside in a way that works for your real life, you’re doing it right.

The outdoors is not exclusive.

It’s available.

Share this with an “outdoor mom” who needs to hear this and let her know she’s crushing it!!
Most nights I fall into bed completely spent... O Most nights I fall into bed completely spent...

Overstimulated.
Touched out.
Behind on laundry.
Sunburnt with bug bites.

I am tired.

But it’s the kind of tired that comes from full days.
From kids who ran hard.
From fresh air and late sunsets.
From trying.

And then I remember; there was a version of me who wanted this life so badly.

The kids.
The noise.
The chaos.
The responsibility.

What a privilege to be tired from the very life I once prayed for.

If you’re exhausted tonight, you’re not failing. 

You’re living.

📸 credit: @mrs.st.clair
We’re not raising bubble-wrapped kids. We’re rais We’re not raising bubble-wrapped kids.

We’re raising capable ones. Confident ones. 

Kids who know how to handle a little risk.
Who get dirty.
Who try, fail, adjust, and try again.
Who feel the heat of a flame and learn to respect it — not fear it.

At Run Wild My Child, we believe childhood should feel like childhood.

Less hovering.
More exploring.
Less scrolling.
More doing.

Not reckless.
Not careless.

Just brave enough to let them grow.

If that’s your vibe, welcome. 🌿
If your kids hate hiking… hi. 👋 Same. I cannot s If your kids hate hiking… hi. 👋 Same. 

I cannot say “let’s go for a hike” in my house without at least one child acting like I’ve suggested a 12-mile forced march across the tundra.

Immediate whining and collapsing onto the floor, refusing to leave the house.

And honestly...I kind of get it.

A “scenic 2.8-mile woodland loop” is just not a compelling pitch to a 9-year-old.

Kids don’t hate nature. They hate boring.

So I stopped selling hiking.

Instead, we take a nature walk to a creek, go looking for waterfalls, explore the woods looking for rocks to climb, etc. 

We add missions, ask crazy questions, look for geocaches, hunt for treasures.
We let them lead.
We keep it shorter than we think we should.
Sometimes we bail early.

And sometimes… we just don’t hike.

We bike.
We fish.
We explore.
We sit by water and throw rocks for 45 minutes.

Raising outside kids doesn’t mean raising trail-loving robots. Once we’re out on the trail, they always end up having a great time, but sometimes I don’t want to deal with the effort required to get them there.

If hiking isn’t working right now, that’s ok. Change the destination. Lower the mileage. Add water. Add purpose. Call it something else. Or do something else entirely!

You’re not failing if your kids hate hiking. My guess is that they’ll come around someday (check back in with me in 10-15 years). 

Tell me... are your kids HIKERS or HATERS?
Your April doesn’t need to be jam-packed. It just Your April doesn’t need to be jam-packed. It just needs a little planning and thoughtful intention.

Every spring I see moms try to “do it all.” The festivals. The sports. The Pinterest crafts. The garden. The big trips.

Ideas are great, but what you really need is a plan to do just a few things and commit.

A few water days.
One memory-maker.
Short easy resets.
Age-appropriate adventures.

That’s how spring starts to feel meaningful instead of chaotic.

If this kind of seasonal planning helps you, this is exactly how we approach every issue of the magazine — realistic rhythms, not overwhelm. 

The Spring issue leans hard into that and is filled with “close-to-home” adventures and how to root your kids in nature. 

But for now, let’s start with one thing this week…

What’s going on your April calendar first? 🌷
Getting outside with kids takes effort. It takes i Getting outside with kids takes effort.
It takes intention.
It takes sacrifice.
It takes choosing it, over and over again.

And if you’re doing that...even a little bit? You’re doing something really special.

Because raising kids who love the outdoors isn’t about big trips or national parks or camping weekends.

It’s about the small, consistent choices you make on the days you don’t feel like it.

It’s the walk you almost skipped.
The park stop on a busy afternoon.
The “just 10 minutes” that turns into something more.

So if no one’s told you lately— you’re doing better than you think.

Keep going. 🌿 We’re here to help.

Be honest…how many times have you wanted to stay inside this week instead of going out?
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RUN WILD MY CHILD

Helping you raise confident, curious, capable kids… one outdoor adventure at a time.

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