amy eastin

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
How To Level Up Your Adventures with Kids
- March 28, 2024
Adventure is out there! No matter where you’re starting from, each outdoor adventure with your children helps build your confidence as a mom and an adventuer. If you’re ready to take your adventures to the next level, we’re ready to help! Today, Kansas City mom of three, Amy Eastin is here sharing her experience and tips on leveling up your adventures. What started with stroller walks with premature twins has blossomed into thrilling expeditions across the Midwest, as Amy and her children conquer new heights, take on new challenges, and adventure together. Amy shares her tips, insights and experiences on leveling up outdoor adventures with kids, proving that the boundless wonders of nature are not just for the brave, but for families to embrace and enjoy.

Leveling up your outdoor adventures with kids

Going on adventures with kids can seem like a daunting task. There’s a lot to research about where you’re going and what to expect when you get there. There’s all the prep work and packing and planning that has to be done. And then once you start to think about all the negative outcomes and “what ifs,” it might feel totally overwhelming and not worth it. But like most things in life, getting outside and adventuring with kids gets easier with practice. Not just for you, but for your kids, too.

If you make the effort to get outdoors, I believe you will be rewarded with happier and healthier kids (with an added bonus of a mental health boost for you all). You’ll feel better at the end of the day – physically and mentally. You’ll feel more connected to your kids and already looking forward to the next adventure. At least, that’s what happened to us. In this post, I’m sharing my personal journey of getting outside with my kids, how each adventure led us to bigger and better adventures, as well as tips for how you can do it too.

How I got started with adventuring

I have 6-year-old twin girls and a 3-year-old son. Some of our favorite things to do are backpacking, bikepacking, floating, hiking, caving, and more. But believe it or not, I was not outdoorsy before having children. I learned how to do all of these activities for the very first time, with three little kids in tow!

Before children, I backpacked through Southeast Asia and India. I taught English in the Peace Corps in Bulgaria. Outdoor adventures happened, but they were merely part of my travel experience. I wasn’t traveling to have outdoor adventures. And while I considered myself adventurous, I would not call myself “outdoorsy.”

Once I settled down and got married, I continued traveling. Each year, we saved and splurged on a 2-week trip somewhere around the globe. We went on an African safari, saw Machu Picchu, and backpacked through Europe. I looked forward to these trips all year and valued them as an important component to my happiness.

However, when I gave birth to 27-week-old twins, my world was turned upside down. Their medical care was all-consuming and the medical bills for twins in the NICU for 100 days slammed us. Almost all of my income from my job went to medical care and then daycare. It left very little for travel, which we didn’t feel comfortable doing with premie twins. Eventually, I left my job to stay home and help my twins with their health needs.

I felt trapped. I loved my kids and being their mom, but staying in the house all day was making me feel restless and dissatisfied. Traveling had always been such a big part of my life. I was feeling so stir-crazy and overwhelmed with the need to get out there and have some adventures. That’s when I started researching local adventures that we could do as a family. I began to wonder if maybe getting outside, close to us, could fill that need to get out into the world and explore.

How we started adventuring outside together

As you can imagine (and maybe even know from experience), getting outdoors with twin infants is challenging. I had to stick to paved trails where I could push a double stroller. Our outings were wedged between nap times and feedings. My plans were often foiled by weather, sick babies, feeding schedules, doctor’s appointments, or sheer exhaustion on my part. It was not easy.

However, I started to notice that the more we got out of the house, the easier it became. With each outing, my confidence grew and I felt more comfortable on our adventures. Knowing what to pack got easier and the twins became used to our schedule of leaving the house daily. I made sure our van was always stocked with diapers, wipes, and other items I would need when we were away from home. I worried less about whether we forgot an item I “needed” and became more flexible. It took practice, but each outing got easier.

When we first started exploring, we mostly headed to paved trails where I could push the stroller. Eventually, when the twins began to walk, we moved our adventures to parks and playgrounds. This may not seem like much, but at the time, I felt like this was a huge accomplishment!

Getting through the pandemic

And then the world shut down. When the pandemic started, I was about 22 weeks pregnant with my son, and the twins were around 2 years old. Because they were born so early, my twins had been hospitalized multiple times due to respiratory illnesses. We were very afraid of how COVID-19 would impact them and my unborn son, so we took sheltering in place seriously. It didn’t take long before I became restless and depressed.

Once my son was born, we began getting outside again. Surprisingly, I thought it was easier to get outdoors with 2.5 year-old twins and an infant than twin babies. Now, my twins could walk, and I could babywear my son on our outings. This opened doors to new adventures for us, now that we didn’t have to stick to paved trails.

With indoor activities no longer being an option for our family (and we certainly didn’t want to sit around at home), we were forced to get out and embrace all the seasons and weather. Our outdoor adventures were born out of a strong desire to explore and a lack of other options.

The adventure that changed everything

Slowly, as my kids grew, our adventures did too. When my son was 11 months old, and my twins were three, we went on an epic road trip through northern Wisconsin and Minnesota. We camped for the second time (the first time was a practice run a few weeks prior), canoeing for the first time (we went in circles a lot), and hiked as many trails as we could.

At the end of the trip, we had an outfitter take us to a remote island to camp. He packed our pack and play, massive tent, and all our filtered water in his speed boat and canoe. We spent two days and two nights exploring the island, paddling around, and enjoying solitude. It was glorious.

To this day, my husband and I agree that this was the best trip we have taken with our kids. I spent months planning this trip and coaching my twins on what we would do. I was very anxious it would be terrible, but actually it was empowering. Our kids were so happy. We were all proud of ourselves.

This trip made me realize just how much we could do with our kids! It opened up all kinds of possibilities for our outings. I couldn’t wait for the next adventure.

Leveling up our adventures

I think of trying new things on outdoor adventures as “leveling up.” Each time we mastered an activity such as going to the playground or hiking an extra half-mile, we beat a level. My confidence in myself (as both a parent and as an adventurer) grew with each level and outing. My faith in my kids grew, once I saw how they could adapt and handle our adventures.

With each new level accomplished, I would think about what it would make sense for the next level to be and begin working on that. And believe me, it takes a bit of work, planning and preparation before I was ready to tackle each new level.

For example, with canoeing, I read lots of books about canoeing to my twins. We sat on the floor and pretended to be still so that we wouldn’t tip the boat. I read lots of online tips for canoeing with kids. I chatted with friends (both online and in real life) who had experience canoeing with kids. When we first got in the canoe, I let them lean from side to side so they could feel how it would rock the boat. I gave them snacks to keep them entertained (and still) while we paddled.

It was a process of learning for me and for the kids. Together, we worked our way up to the adventure so that we could try something new together in a safe and manageable way.

kids in a canoe at finger lakes

Finding adventure friends

It’s daunting when you’re just getting started taking kids on adventures. But, with every adventure, confidence is gained, and boundaries widen a little further. Adventures start small and build as you gain experience in your outings, confidence in your abilities, and curiosity in what else you can accomplish! Having adventure friends (other moms who inspire you to get outside, or friends who join you on adventures) is something that really empowered me to level up my adventures.

One of the best things that I did to get us outdoors was to start a forest group that met weekly in parks around our area. Originally, I started this because I thought it would be a great way for my kids to play with friends in a setting I felt was safer than indoor scenarios due to COVID-19. However, I quickly realized it was actually transformative in a lot of ways.

For starters, I made a lot of friends and good relationships. It was so great to be able to find and connect with other moms who valued outdoor time with their children. A lot of us had similar parenting philosophies and similarly aged children, which made it easy to bond. I did not realize how important this would be for my mental health, but it definitely helped pull me from a Covid funk.

Learning from experience and others

I learned a lot from the other moms and children. It was interesting to see how they handled situations, what they packed, what their strategies were for calming their kids down, and how they corralled them out of the woods. I grew so much from just observing them and even more from talking to them about their outdoor goals and resources.

Spending planned time outdoors each week also helped my kids gain confidence outside. They started climbing higher, were more sure-footed, and became more comfortable exploring. They got used to hiking and got stronger physically.

I became more confident in my ability to explore the outdoors with them by myself. We learned that I always need snacks, if they go near water they will definitely get wet, and that we would stop often to look at bugs and plants.

Where we’re at now

It’s wild to look back at how far we have come on our outdoor adventures in only three years. Three years ago, I struggled to get out the door, and last year, I took my twins on our first-ever solo backpacking trip. Talk about leveling up! I was so proud of myself for doing this, and my kids were so excited to be included on this adventure. They were proud of themselves, too. I did a ton of research on what to pack, which backpacks to use, how much the kids could carry, and things like water purification. There was a lot to learn and I was nervous to try it, but I started with a short hike that I knew we could do and a beautiful spot with 360-degree views, which made all the work feel worth it.

Recently, I also took my son on our first-ever bikepacking trip. Again, I planned something easy, only biking 5 miles each way. I researched where to go and what to bring. This time, I invited a friend to come along, which made the adventure so much more enjoyable for all of us. At the end of the trip, I was surprised by how much fun my son and I had. I’m hoping to go on another backpacking and bikepacking trip this year with the whole family.

This journey of ours took time and lots of practice. It wasn’t something that happened overnight. Each outing (no matter how small or insignificant it feels) builds your outdoor adventure confidence and skills. Each level is important and helps you get to the next one.

Tips for getting started adventuring with kids

If getting outside and adventuring with your kids is something that you’d like to do, we’re here to help! Getting outside with kids can be overwhelming, but it’s always worth it. Getting started is the hardest part! Here are my tips to get started adventuring with kids:
- Sign up for Adventure Up– an online community of adventure moms looking to level up their adventures, create friendships, and learn from one another.
- Start small; even playgrounds can be big adventures.
- Set a goal, break it down step-by-step, and work toward reaching it. If you want to hike 3 miles with your 5-year-old, slowly (maybe with a 1/2 mile hike) and work your way toward that. Give yourself time and grace to reach your goals.
- Build a community of other parents and kids. Getting outdoors is always more fun with friends!
- Keep your car stocked with snacks and supplies so you can get out the door faster.
- Create a packing list for the items you can’t keep in your car so you don’t forget something. Hang it on the fridge or somewhere easily accessible.
- Make a list of places you’d like to go and things you’d like to do.
- Get your partner involved and onboard. My husband can’t go on a lot of our weekly adventures, but he helps us pack the car, which is a huge and helpful job.
- Make plans. If you set a time or date to do something, you’re more likely to go. Include friends, which will make you even more accountable.
Tips for leveling up your outdoor adventures

If you’re already getting outside and adventuring with kids, good for you! And if you’re anything like me (and most of the moms here at Run Wild My Child), you’re looking forward to the next adventure! Here’s to making it bigger and better! If you’re looking to level up, here are tips on how to grow your adventures:
- Set a big, but attainable goal. Break it down into smaller milestones, and then make those happen. One thing at a time.
- Do your research: read books, listen to podcasts, take a class, ask questions. Make sure you’re prepared to do everything properly to keep your family safe.
- Know your limits. One of the hardest things is knowing when to turn around or stop something to stay safe. Trust your gut.
- Get the kids excited. Involve them in the planning process so they’re invested and can help and look forward to the adventure.
- Do things even if you’re nervous. I am always nervous before adventures; that’s how I know what we’re doing is worth it.
- Find a friend. Everything’s better with friends! It’s usually less work for you and easier, too!
My adventure goals for the future

Our adventures may have started with playgrounds, but I’m excited to see where they will go. Our short backpacking trip was just a stepping stone toward my goal of walking the Santiago De Compostela with my kids when they are teenagers. The bikepacking trip is a piece of my goal to bike the 230+ mile Katy Trail across Missouri. Our stay on a remote island was a step towards helping us prepare for someday canoeing the Boundary Waters.

I don’t know if we will accomplish all of those goals, but I know our family will embark on some epic adventures. Each little adventure leads to a newer and bigger adventure. When my kids get older, our adventures will inevitably change. Our travels and adventures will be shaped around their interests, passions, and schedules. Maybe we will do fewer outdoor adventures (or maybe we’ll do even more!). But, no matter what happens, I will be glad we created memories together and built strong family bonds through challenging ourselves and exploring together.

To learn more about our adventures, check out 11 Most Beautiful State and National Parks in the Midwest and Kansas Hidden Gems.

What’s your family’s next adventure level?

About the author

Amy is a Kansas City-based adventure mom to three kids. She loves exploring all that the middle of the USA has to offer, from hiking trails to family experiences, rivers, museums, and everything in between. Before kids, Amy traveled and lived around the world, rode camels, trekked through mountains, and occasionally danced with the locals. Now, Amy is usually road-tripping with her kids (and sometimes her husband), getting outside, and exploring Kansas City. Amy is passionate about promoting the Midwest as a travel destination and encouraging families to get outdoors with young kids.

You can find more from Amy in the following locations:
Website: http://www.everydayoutdoorfamily.com
Instagram: @everydayoutdoorfamily
Facebook: Everyday Outdoor Family
Tiktok: @everydayoutdoorfamily
RWMC posts: Amy Eastin
FALL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, WINTER
Ideas for Getting Outdoors at Night with Kids
- December 7, 2023
The days grow shorter, and nights get longer as we transition from fall to winter. With dark, cold evenings, it’s easy to succumb to the allure of cozy indoor activities. However, just because the sun sets earlier doesn’t mean outdoor adventure has to end. If your kids are anything like mine, even though it’s dark by 5:00 pm, they’re probably still bouncing off the walls and have lots of energy to burn. Today, Amy Eastin, Kansas City mom of three, is here sharing ideas and activities that will not only keep your kids entertained after dusk but will also create lasting memories filled with laughter, wonder, and the warmth of familial bonds. Let’s embrace the darkness and light up the night together with these nighttime activities for the whole family.

Embracing darkness in the winter and fall

Part of what makes winter different than other seasons is the shorter days and longer nights. The lack of sunlight is usually seen as a negative. And I agree that it’s certainly less conducive and convenient for spending time outside. However, it’s also part of what makes winter special and if we can learn to manage our expectations and get creative, we can still spend a lot of time outside in the winter evenings.

The evenings bring with them a special ambiance. By encouraging your family to venture outdoors after sunset, you not only extend your playtime but also instill in your children an appreciation for the beauty that lies within the mysterious realms of the night. When else can you explore in the darkness and still make it home in plenty of time for bedtime?!

So, instead of retreating indoors when the sun goes down, consider embracing the darkness as a special part of the winter experience. From glow-in-the-dark treasure hunts to storytelling by the flickering light of a bonfire, the night becomes a canvas for imaginative play, allowing children to explore their creativity in a magical setting. Embracing the darkness not only opens doors to new activities but also strengthens the family bond through shared experiences under the vast winter sky.

Here are some ideas so your family can continue having fun outdoor time at night. Enjoy playing outdoors after dark!

Flashlight tag

Our family plays our own version of freeze tag with flashlights. We have one person with a flashlight who chases everyone. They tag people by shining their light at them. Then, that person is frozen. In order to become unfrozen, another person must crawl under their legs.

This game has led to me running harder and faster than I had in years. We laugh so hard, and the kids all scream and run. It is so much fun!

Photo by Sarah Boles

Stargazing

Our kids are still fairly young and have bedtimes before it gets dark in the summer. This makes stargazing in the winter extra special because they haven’t seen the stars for a long time. Sometimes, we put out a blanket on our lawn and bring pillows and blankets and cuddle to keep warm.

We can’t see as many stars from our house in the city though, so we also like going on nighttime drives and looking for stars out the windows. I check out books on stars from the library, and we look at the Sky Tonight – Star Gazer Guide app to learn about the stars and look for specific constellations.

For more great ideas for ways to help turn stargazing into a fun and educational activity, be sure to check out this post on Using Storytelling to Connect Children with the Night Sky!

Glow-in-the-dark toys

Somehow, even simple games become more fun and novel when you do them in the dark. They take on an entirely new dimension of excitement and novelty when played in the dark with the addition of glow-in-the-dark toys. Whether it’s a game of catch with luminescent balls or a spirited round of capture the flag with glow-in-the-dark bracelets, the darkness amplifies the thrill, turning familiar activities into unique and memorable experiences. The bonus is that I can always see where my kids are because the toys illuminate them!

Here are some must-have glow-in-the-dark toys:

Ring Toss: This ring toss tic-tac-toe set is perfect for a family game. It takes skill but is still fun for the whole family.

Capture the Flag: This classic kids’ game can still be played at night! Invite your neighbors, split into teams, and have some fun!

Football: Play catch as a family or a football game with friends. Either way, you can keep playing after dark!

Glow Velcro Catch: This classic toy has a light-up version! This is a great game if you want to get your kids outside but don’t feel like running around yourself. Give this to your kids, and you can sit down and watch them play.

Lawn Darts: Light-up lawn darts are fun for the whole family. We like to break into teams to play. Our family gets competitive. Whoever wins usually gets a prize, like getting to choose the movie at our next family movie night.

Basketball: You don’t have to stop playing basketball if you have a basketball hoop just because it’s dark. This light-up ball will be easy to spot and be a way to get outdoor family time when it’s dark.

Glow Rocket: My kids love rocket launchers like these, but you can’t use the traditional ones at night because it would be too easy to lose your rocket in the dark. These light-up ones are the perfect solution to nighttime play for rocket enthusiasts.

Glow Frisbee: Another great way to play catch even though it’s dark outside!

Light up hula hoop: Let’s be honest, hula hooping at night just looks cooler, and it’s just as fun!

Kick the Can: This classic kids game can still be played at night! Invite the neighborhood kids over, split into teams, and have some fun!

Flashlight hide and seek

We play hide and seek in the dark often. We all carry a flashlight, which we are allowed to turn off. The way we play is that you hide but then try to run to the front door before the seeker tags you. We all start off hiding, then when the seeker is distracted, we run as fast as we can for the porch. It’s so much fun and ends with us all laughing and out of breath.

Outdoor movie night (with hot cocoa)

Hear me out on this one. A movie in the cold might not sound delightful, but imagine that you’re under lots of blankets, snuggling your family, and sipping hot cocoa. The unique ambiance of the season adds a touch of magic to your cinematic experience. The cozy blankets, the breath of cold air, and the hot chocolate create a memorable sensory experience that your kids will love! This is a great way to make an ordinary movie night memorable for your kids and have fun outdoors at the same time.

Here’s a great post on how to have a fun and successful outdoor movie night with your family.

Campfires and s’mores

We eat s’mores at least twice a week in the winter. It’s kind of our winter thing! My kids think it is so fun, plus we get to warm up by the fire! Afterward, the kids almost always end up running around the yard, and my husband and I relax by the fire. It’s a win for everyone as we all get to spend quality time outside together (and get a delicious treat)!

Check out our full post on ways you can take your bonfire up a notch and get creative!

Lantern walk or full moon hikes

Winter is the best time to go on a night hike if you have little kids because it gets dark so early that their bedtime won’t be pushed back too late. There is something magical about hiking at night. If you’re able, go on a night hike when the moon is full (and the sky is cloudless). You’ll be amazed by how much you can see and how magical the world feels around you.

Or, you could go on an evening lantern walk, even just around your neighborhood. Waldorf schools around the world take part in an annual evening lantern walk custom every November to commemorate Martinmas, and again in December around the Winter Solstice, the longest night and shortest day of the year. It’s a beautiful time of connecting with our kids with the Earth.

Lantern walks can be small family affairs, or large gatherings where groups of families or neighbors light their lanterns and go out together after the sun sets. Walks can be quiet and contemplative, or songs can be sung (we like a mix of both!). Bring a thermos of hot cocoa or hot apple cider, and it will make the event even more festive and fun.

Northern lights nights

We live in Missouri, so it’s not very often we can see the Northern Lights, but it can happen. This year, I am following the northern light reports that predict when it is likely that they will be visible. I plan to load up the kids and drive them out of the city to an open spot if there is a good night to view. I think my kids would definitely remember their mom keeping them up late to witness something so special.

If you live in a place where you’re more likely to see the Northern Lights, take advantage of that! Pack the kids up and get outside to observe and appreciate their beauty! Trust me, they’re quite a spectacle that not many people get the chance to see!

Glow stick walks

We go on lots of night walks around our neighborhood, but a way to make them interesting is to add glow sticks! This is such a fun (and super easy!) way to add some fun and excitement to any nighttime activity. My kids love wearing glow necklaces, crowns, and bracelets. It gets them excited about walking at night and makes them easy to spot in the dark.

Photo By Sarah Boles

Add twinkle lights to your backyard

Elevate the allure of your backyard or swingset by simply adding some twinkle lights to your space, which will keep your kids outside longer during evening hours. The lights not only add a touch of enchantment but also serve as a practical solution, providing ample illumination for safe play. Never underestimate the appeal of a set of twinkle lights! Kids who haven’t shown any interest in a swingset, treehouse, playhouse, or sandbox may get excited about it all over again just by the addition of fun lights!

Build a winter fort

This year we’re planning to “winterize” our climbing dome by covering it in plastic. If you have a tree house, play structure, or build a stick teepee, you can make it more winter-friendly by covering it in a plastic tarp. I plan to hang twinkle lights inside so my kids can play out there at night time.

Outdoor public spaces

Take advantage of outdoor lighted public spaces during fall and winter evenings to maximize your time outside. Public ice rinks and ski areas are usually well-light through evening hours to get your family outside and active. Go for an evening stroll in a well-lit downtown area with shops and restaurants. Also, look for botanical gardens, parks, zoos, and other outdoor places in your area that may be open in the evening.

Embrace the darkness

This year, I am looking forward to embracing the darkness and making our evenings fun and memorable. The whole family is happier when we get time outside, and I love the quality time we have. Getting outdoors at night is one way to keep the winter blues away.

Which of these things are you most looking forward to trying with your kids?

About the author

Amy is a Kansas City-based adventure mom to three kids. She loves exploring all that the middle of the USA has to offer, from hiking trails to family experiences, rivers, museums, and everything in between. Before kids, Amy traveled and lived around the world, rode camels, trekked through mountains, and occasionally danced with the locals. Now, Amy is usually road-tripping with her kids (and sometimes her husband), getting outside, and exploring Kansas City. Amy is passionate about promoting the Midwest as a travel destination and encouraging families to get outdoors with young kids.

You can find more from Amy in the following locations:
Website: http://www.everydayoutdoorfamily.com
Instagram: @everydayoutdoorfamily
Facebook: Everyday Outdoor Family
Tiktok: @everydayoutdoorfamily
RWMC posts: Amy Eastin
FAMILY TRAVEL, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
How to Love Where You Live by Getting Outside
- May 8, 2023
Are you looking to develop a deeper connection with and appreciation for the place you call home? Spending time outside in your area can be an excellent way to foster a sense of connection and appreciation for your community. From exploring local parks and hiking trails to discovering hidden gems and natural wonders, there are many opportunities to discover the beauty of your environment. Today, Amy Eastin, Kansas City mom of three, explores the many benefits of spending time outdoors in your area, and how it can help you fall in love with where you live. Get ready to be smitten with your location!

From unremarkable to unbelievable

I have lived in some spectacular places. And, I’ve also lived in some pretty unremarkable places. Or, at least, I thought they were unremarkable…

I’ve lived in Bulgaria, South Korea, England, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas. I lived in a village of 500 people and a city with 10 million people. Everywhere I went, there were people who loved where they lived and those who hated where they lived.

Living in a place that you love can have a significant impact on your mood, attitude, and overall mental health. When you feel connected to your surroundings, it can provide a sense of security, belonging, and fulfillment. Furthermore, when you are happy with your surroundings, it can help to reduce stress levels and alleviate anxiety.

But loving where you live may be easier said than done. Not everyone gets to choose their location based on their interests or needs and everyone’s preferences and interests are unique. However, there are a few things that can help individuals develop a deeper connection with their surroundings and foster a sense of appreciation for their environment.

How the outdoors can help you fall in love with where you live

Living in the Midwest, I hear all the time that there is “nothing to do here,” especially when it comes to getting outdoors. True, we do not have snow-capped mountains or white-sand beaches. But, that doesn’t mean we don’t have other remarkable outdoor attractions. We have plains, caves, woods, and creeks. We have outdoor festivals, outdoor entertainment, and amazing outdoor parks.

Instead of focusing on what we don’t have, I have taught myself to find the good in all the places I have lived. It has helped my mental and physical health, as well as given me so much to look forward to doing with my family.

The Midwest has a ton to offer outdoor adventurers (and families just wanting to spend more time outside). However, I did not always know that. I lived in Kansas City for years before I started exploring it and realized there was more to do than I ever imagined! Once I started looking for gems around the Midwest, I found more and more incredible places. I quickly realized that so many places have a lot to offer if you just give them a chance. Here’s how you can do this, too.

Exploring our home in Kansas City, Missouri

Finding local destinations/attractions

My first recommendation for falling in love with the place where you live is to find nearby experiences and places that interest you. One of the main reasons people don’t like where they live is because they believe there is nothing to do there. What is more likely, is that they just don’t know all the things there are to do!

Here’s how to change that and find local destinations, events, and activities that pique your interest:

Follow local social media accounts

I like to follow accounts of local tourism boards, experiences, public places (nature sanctuaries, libraries, etc.), and travel bloggers on social media. All of these accounts give me ideas about what there is to do in my area.

Look for events

I’m always on the lookout for local events or local calendars with nearby activities and events on them. Finding special things to do helps me get excited about all the fun things happening in my town. Maybe this is a local festival, concert, outdoor expo, fair, or presentation. Attending local cultural events or traditions can provide an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of your community, and develop a sense of pride in your surroundings. It can also be a fun way to connect with others, make new friends, and create lasting memories.

Collect local and nearby travel brochures

Did you know you can get state and local travel brochures mailed to you for free? If you go to your state’s travel website, they will send you a big magazine, plus you can usually opt in to smaller travel bureaus’ pamphlets as well. You can also go to local tourism boards’ websites and order them there too. Also, when you’re out exploring, pick up pamplets and brochures for local attractions to file away. Then, anytime you need an idea for someplace to explore, pull one out and give it a try!

Make lists

I have a Google document full of places I would like to go. Anytime I hear about a place we’ve never been, I add it to my list. I make notes on the places we explore (e.g. where to park, whether we should go back, what there was to do, etc.).

I also make seasonal bingo boards for my family (you could also do this with seasonal bucket lists). We include activities like pumpkin carving or apple picking in the fall, splash pads in the summer, and sledding in the winter. We also add places we love returning to, such as our favorite pumpkin patches. It helps us look forward to what we’re going to do and keep traditions year after year.

Save places on Google Maps

Any time I learn about somewhere new that I am interested in checking out, I pin it on my Google Maps. That way, if it’s a Saturday morning and we’re looking for something to do that day, I will pull up my Google map and look at options. Seeing where something is on the map also helps me decide if we have time for exploring a new place a bit further away, or whether we may need to explore closer to home.

Also, any time we’re going on a road trip or to a part of town we’re not usually in, I’m able to pull up my map and see if there is anything we’d like to do in that area or on the way.

A Bulgarian village I lived in when I was in the Peace Corps

Find your people

It’s ridiculously hard to love where you live if you don’t have any friends or feel like a part of the community. Friends can make a town feel less lonely, they give you someone to adventure with and allow you to appreciate where you live more. Here are a few ways to find like-minded individuals, who will hopefully turn into your new adventure friends!

Join groups on Facebook or MeetUp

If you’re looking for friends, Facebook and MeetUp are good places to start. There are so many local Facebook groups that you can join no matter what your interests or location. There are tons of local mom groups based on the ages of your kids, your school district, kids’ interests, neighborhood, etc. If you are interested in mushroom hunting, there’s probably a group for that! Archery? There’s probably a group for that, too. Use these groups to your advantage to find your people!

Be bold and show up

Joining an online group is easy, but actually attending events is a lot harder- especially when you don’t know anyone. You will probably have to force yourself to go the first few times, but if you do, you will probably thank yourself later. Luckily, you probably won’t be the only one there that doesn’t know anyone. And people are generally very welcoming and happy to show you around and introduce you to other members.

A photo from when I lived in Seoul, South Korea

Change your perspective

There will always be some people that don’t like where they live. If their home suddenly became the coolest spot on the planet, their minds probably wouldn’t change because of their mindset. If you think you’re stuck in a mental rut about where you live, here are some tips to change it.

Consider what would make you happy

What do you wish your location had? Can you bring that to where you live? Some people think they can only be happy if they live in the mountains. Unfortunately, you can’t bring mountains to where you live if they don’t currently exist, but maybe you can ask yourself why you think you need mountains and what the root cause is for what you desire. Are you actually craving nature? Do you have a belief that where you live isn’t beautiful, but places with mountains are? If that’s the case, then look for beautiful nature closer to home. I guarantee you’ll find something. The more you look, the more interesting places you’ll find.

Take action

If there are things you don’t like about your environment, take action to change them. This can involve participating in local politics, volunteering for community organizations, organizing the events or activities you’d like to see in your area, or simply taking steps to beautify your neighborhood. Don’t have a local moms group for your area? Start one! No outdoor play groups that you’re aware of? Organize your own! Taking action can help you feel more connected to your community and give you a sense of agency in shaping your environment and maybe even make you some friends in the process.

Change your attitude about the weather

Some people hate where they live because it is too cold, hot, or rainy. You can’t change the weather, but you can try to change your outlook and attitude. Sometimes overcoming weather obstacles means being properly outfitted and getting outside despite the weather. As moms, sometimes we’ll worry so much about properly outfitting our kids for the weather that we don’t take our own comfort into consideration. If your outdoor gear is lacking (maybe it’s old, doesn’t fit properly, or is non-existent), look into buying yourself the proper clothes and gear to get outside. Having the right gear could help you be more comfortable when you’re out and make you more willing to get outside despite the weather. Will you love winter as much as the rest of the year? Probably not. But you can still enjoy it more and improve your mental health by getting outdoors.

Practice gratitude

Another way to shift your mindset about where you live is to practice gratitude. Take a moment each day to reflect on the things you appreciate about your surroundings, such as the natural beauty, cultural events, or friendly neighbors/people. What is it that you do like about where you live? Look for opportunities to connect with your community, participate in local events, or explore the natural beauty around you. Focusing on what you’re grateful for can help you develop a positive attitude toward your environment and foster a sense of appreciation for your community.

What do you love about where you live?

About the author

Amy is a Kansas City-based adventure mom to three kids. She loves exploring all that the middle of the USA has to offer, from hiking trails to family experiences, rivers, museums, and everything in between. Before kids, Amy traveled and lived around the world, rode camels, trekked through mountains, and occasionally danced with the locals. Now Amy is usually road-tripping with her kids (and sometimes her husband), getting outside, and exploring Kansas City. Amy is passionate about promoting the Midwest as a travel destination and encouraging families to get outdoors with young kids.

You can find more from Amy in the following locations:
Website: http://www.everydayoutdoorfamily.com
Instagram: @everydayoutdoorfamily
Facebook: Everyday Outdoor Family
Tiktok: @everydayoutdoorfamily
RWMC posts: Amy Eastin