get outside with kids

  • INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PHOTOGRAPHY, URBAN NATURE

    Hearts in the Wild Project

    Hearts in the Wild Project

    Run Wild My Child is hosting a fundraiser and awareness campaign we’re calling “Hearts in the Wild” for children born with congenital heart defects (“CHD”). During the month of February (“Heart Month”), we are asking families to get outside and find heart-shaped objects in nature. Post them to your social media account and help us raise awareness for CHD and funds for designated nonprofits that support heart families and CHD research. 

    What are CHDs?

    Congenital heart defects are structural abnormalities in the heart and/or its vessels that form prior to birth, oftentimes soon after conception, before mothers even know they are pregnant. When trying to understand CHDs it’s helpful to remember how the cardiovascular system, including the heart, is meant to function. As per heart.org:

    A normal heart has valves, arteries, and chambers that circulate blood in a recurring pattern: body to heart, heart to lungs, lungs to heart and then heart out to the body. When all the chambers and valves work correctly, blood is pumped through the heart, to the lungs for oxygen, back to the heart and then throughout the body to deliver that oxygen. When valves, chambers, arteries and veins are malformed, this circulation pattern can be impaired.

    Congenital heart defects range in severity from simple problems, such as “holes” between chambers of the heart, to very severe malformations, such as the complete absence of one or more chambers or valves.

    hearts in the wild - run wild my child
    Children with critical CHDs often require open heart surgeries to survive, but these surgeries are not considered a cure.

    CHDs are the most common birth defect

    1% of all babies are born with diagnosable congenital heart defect(s)–making CHDs the most common birth defect. The range in severity of defects directly impacts the child’s prognosis. While most children born with CHD live into adulthood, 15% do not. And 25% of all children born with CHD require cardiac intervention to survive–whether that be open heart surgeries, interventional catheterizations, or a combination of both. 

    While our understanding and treatment of CHDs has come a long way in recent years, to quote my child’s open heart surgeon, “there’s just still so much we don’t know.” There are a few known genes linked to CHD, but most defects are of unknown origin seemingly without cause. And while there may be small subsets of people who carry higher risks of having a child with CHD, anyone can have a child with CHD.

    hearts in the wild - raising awareness for CHD

    Raising awareness for CHDs

    One cannot underestimate the importance of expectant parents’ awareness of CHDs. Many CHDs, especially critical ones, are now diagnosed in utero–but many go undetected. Sometimes I worry that they may go undetected because expecting parents don’t know what to ask their providers about. Most pregnant individuals undergo anatomy scans, but many don’t realize these scans are much more important than finding out the biological sex of their child. Oftentimes CHDs can be detected on anatomy scans, even at 16 weeks gestation. 

    Questions expectant parents may want to ask during anatomy scans include:

    • Does the child have a four-chambered heart?
    • Are the large vessels/outflow tracts part of your scan?
    • If so, are they connected normally?
    • Is the heart pumping normally, including rate and rhythm? 

    Answering these questions should allow you to either rule out critical heart defects or prepare for any abnormalities found. 

    Other than encouraging your pregnant friends to inquire about their baby’s heart during anatomy scans, what can you do to raise awareness for CHD? 

    Hearts in the Wild CHD Awareness
    Help us raise awareness by finding nature Hearts in the Wild!

    Finding hearts in the wild

    Run Wild My Child is hosting a fundraiser and awareness campaign for children born with congenital heart defects during “Heart Month.” We’re asking families to get outside together and look for heart-shaped objects in nature. Maybe that’s a heart-shaped rock, leaf, chunk of ice, or crack in the sidewalk. Heart-shaped objects are all around us, we only need to look! We hope this activity will not only inspire you to explore outdoors with your kids this chilly month but be extra aware and appreciative of the nature around you and your family.

    When you find a heart-shaped object, please post it on social media and tag us! We also hope you’ll consider making a donation to a heart charity (we have some suggestions below) or host your own fundraiser to raise funds and awareness. We’ll show you how easy it is below! 

    How to participate in the Heart in the Wild project:

    • Get outside and explore with your family! 
    • Look for heart-shaped objects, heart-shaped holes, heart-shaped shadows, etc. (get creative, anything heart-shaped counts!) 
    • Take a photo and post it to your Instagram feed or story. 
    • Tag @runwild.mychild and use the hashtag #heartsinthewild. We’ll be sure to reshare!
    • Please consider making a donation (even if it’s just $1) for every heart found or photo posted. We’ll do the same!
    • Help spread the word by adding a fundraiser for a heart charity* to your post! It’s super easy to do (steps below).

    *We’re supporting @BrightforBrett and @MightyOakesHeartFoundation, but you can choose any CHD research or heart-related non-profit of your choosing. Additional information on the charitable organizations we chose to support is below.

    Creative Team member Somer Pickel here to tell you about my darling little girl Avelyn Marie.

    Avelyn’s story

    We found out before Avelyn was born that she had critical heart defects (CHDs), name tetralogy of fallot (ToF), pulmonary atresia (PA), and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs). Given the severity of her diagnosis, we picked up our lives and relocated 4+ hours from home to a city with a renowned children’s hospital in preparation for her birth. We were willing to do anything to provide our child a shot at life and had hope that with multiple open heart surgeries, we’d see her grow into adulthood. 

    In December of 2015, she was pulled from my womb limp and gray. Even so, she fought to announce her presence. To me, her soft wail was her asserting that she too was taking up the fight for survival. She would fight until her last breath 18 months later. 

    Our daughter endured horrors alongside miracles. She experienced unimaginable compounding complications, yet to know her spirit—you’d never know it. Even after 4+ months of intubation and 4 open heart surgeries, she was the sweetest most affectionate soul. She inspired those around her to be better and do better. Avie gave us strength to accomplish what we all believed impossible. 

    Children with critical CHDs are some of the sickest children you can imagine. Their care is incredibly complex and there’s not enough funding for research.

    Avelyn’s battle

    We stayed by her side day and night, not only to help keep her alive, but to provide every bit of normalcy possible throughout her hospitalization (450 consecutive days– most of which was spent within the pediatric cardiac ICU). When she woke or stirred, she knew her mama or dada would be there to soothe her. I still dream of those sweet chubby hands reaching for me in expectation. She loved, trusted, and interacted with those around her like any other infant. Avelyn made sure her dada & I knew she loved us (something we now cling to). 

    She was the absolute light of our lives. 

    Close to the end, she was doing better than she ever had and better than most of her providers ever expected. I cannot describe the feeling of finally bringing our daughter home after 17 months of living the unimaginable (4+ hours away). After so long, our own home felt foreign as feelings of joy and fear mingled indistinguishably. And yet we clung to our baby, rejoicing in her and all she had accomplished. 

    Sadly just weeks later, she suffered an extremely rare medication side effect. Things escalated quickly, and she had to be emergently transported back to the specialty hospital where she was born. She never saw life outside of hospital walls again.

    With more funding for research, more treatment options will become available.

    Supporting heart organizations

    We have chosen two heart foundations to support during our Hearts in the Wild project this year. Each of these foundations holds a special place in the heart and lives of the Creative Team members they’ve helped and supported. Here’s a little bit more about their mission and all the amazing things they’re doing for heart families and CHD research. 

    The Brett Boyer Foundation

    The Brett Boyer Foundation’s mission is to raise awareness for CHDs and fund research to advance treatment options. They aim to spread the love and awareness that their darling Brett filled them with for the wonderful, capable people living with Down Syndrome. 

    Like most parents of children with CHD, Brett’s parents quickly found that people are in the dark about the existence of CHD, let alone the underfunding of necessary research. Without awareness and education, funding for research will never increase. They believe sharing stories and educating people about CHDs and how common they are in order to raise awareness. The Brett Boyer Foundation strives to support better options for treatment, improved lifestyles for people living with CHD, and positive outcomes for families.

    The foundation has raised and donated millions of dollars of funding to cutting-edge CHD research, and they support a mental health research initiative that’s extremely near and dear to my heart. The foundation provided funds for the hiring of a full-time psychologist at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital focused on supporting the psychosocial needs of CHD patients and families. The team is currently researching early mental health intervention for parents and patients and both the mental and physical outcomes of these interventions. 

    CHD Awareness
    Children with critical CHDs have extremely complex needs that can oftentimes be overwhelming. To best care for their children, parents need to ensure their own mental wellness. Bright for Brett has been funding research that supports parents and children coping with the trauma of CHD.

    The importance of supporting parental mental health

    Sweet little Brett and my Avelyn were neighbors in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care at Vanderbilt Children’s hospital for 100 days. But sadly, I didn’t reach out to Brett’s family during her life. 

    In Avelyn’s 450 days inpatient, we saw many families and children come and go. While most of the children did well, many did not. Honestly, by the time Brett came into the PCICU, I’d already isolated myself from other families. I just couldn’t take going to any more funerals for children while my own still sat in an ICU, barely clinging to life. 

    Instead, I hid within the glass walls of my child’s PICU room, trying to hold myself together. Each time a tiny body bag rolled by or a code blue was called, I’d find myself silently shedding tears for the child and family–while also knowing my child could be next. By the time Avelyn finally discharged after 16+ months, I’d long since exhibited tell-tale signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. But given Avelyn’s critically intensive needs, there wasn’t time to care for myself. 

    I can’t describe the gratitude I feel knowing there’s now a psychologist on staff who can help guide parents through the immense darkness that CHD can bring into a family’s life. I don’t believe it’s an exaggeration to believe that such care could save lives. 

    Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation

    The Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation was created with a mission to carry on the legacy of Oakes Ortyl, a mighty warrior born with a congenital heart defect, by spreading love and hope to heart families. Oakes Orytl was diagnosed in utero with a congenital heart defect named truncus arteriosus, a defect in which the heart is developed without a pulmonary artery—rather, a large “trunk” artery exists, taking blood from the ventricles of the heart to the lungs, and a hole between the right and left ventricles of the heart. Oakes underwent two open-heart surgeries, three cath procedures, a slide tracheoplasty, plasmapheresis, chemotherapy and a double-lung transplant all before turning five months old. Oakes was 15 months old when he died.For all but 12 days of those months, Oakes was in the ICU at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
     
    Through financial and emotional support that’s unique to the needs of each family, the MOHF helps them be a constant, mighty presence for their child, giving their little warrior every reason to keep fighting. Their vision is to be a source of strength, assurance, and hope to families of children with congenital heart defects. They are dedicated to expanding their reach, while continuing to support and connect with families on a personal level. Through critical financial support and emotional comfort, the MOFH enables families to focus on the love that empowers them to bravely face the fight. 
     

    How to set up your own fundraiser on Instagram

    If you’d like to help us raise funds for supporting heart families and CHD research, there’s a super easy way to do this right through the Instagram app. 

    Instagram app for Android

    1. Open Instagram and tap .
    2. Create or choose your image and tap .
    3. Crop and filter your post, and then tap .
    4. Tap Add fundraiser.
    5. Choose the nonprofit you want to fundraise for. You’ll automatically go to the “Fundraiser Details” page.
    6. Enter the details for your fundraiser and then tap Done.
    7. Tap .

    Instagram app for iPhone

    1. Open Instagram and tap +
    2. Create or choose your image and tap Next.
    3. Crop and filter your post, and then tap Next.
    4. Tap Add fundraiser.
    5. Choose the nonprofit you want to fundraise for. You’ll automatically go to the “Fundraiser Details” page.
    6. Enter the details for your fundraiser and then tap Done.
    7. Tap Share.

    After you’ve created your fundraiser, you can post it to other Instagram accounts or tag it in other Instagram posts. Donation and fundraising features on Instagram aren’t available in every area. Learn which countries can currently make donations or start fundraisers on Instagram.

    Join the Hearts in the Wild project

    Raising awareness for congenital heart defects is a passion project for us here at RWMC, as multiple team member families have been affected. We hope you’ll join us in spreading awareness about CHDs and raising funds by finding Hearts in the Wild throughout the month of February! 

    Please consider donating to one of our chosen heart charties below (or feel free to choose your own). Any and all help raising funds and awareness for CHDs is greatly appreciated! 

    [maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://www.thebrettboyerfoundation.org/donate” text=”DONATE TO BRETT BOYER FOUNDATION” ]

    [maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://www.mightyoakes.org/donate” text=”DONATE TO MIGHTY OAKES HEART FOUNDATION” ]

    About the author

    Somer is a mama living in southern Appalachia. Somer’s motherhood journey began when her oldest daughter was born with severe congenital heart disease. Avelyn spent the majority of her 18 months of life within a pediatric ICU. Though she lived her life chronically critically ill, Avie was an incredibly loving and joyous child. After her death, Somer and her husband sought solace backpacking a section of the Appalachian Trail. Before long, they discovered their ability to cope seemed to correspond with time spent outdoors.

    When it came time to add another kiddo to the mix, bringing the baby along was never a question. In an effort to celebrate the freedom provided by healthy bodies, Somer has hiked her second-born 2k+ miles. Even so, she doesn’t believe grand adventures are necessary to reap nature’s wonder. They just as often revel in mundane evenings in their backyard. The family believes it’s prioritizing time spent outdoors that’s important.

    Professionally, Somer has spent the last decade caring for veterans in an acute psychiatric unit as a clinical nurse educator. Over the years, she’s become a passionate advocate for the intersectional relationships of mental health, wellness, and the natural world. She truly believes there’s healing and strength to be found outdoors for those who seek it.

    You can find Somer online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @somerpickel
    RWMC posts: Somer Pickel
    Podcast episode: Overcoming Grief Outdoors

    References

  • INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    How to Embrace the Outdoors when You’re Not Outdoorsy

    Getting outside and enjoying nature doesn’t come easily to everyone. Some people are more comfortable inside. Others are intimidated by nature and think that to be “outdoorsy” you have to be climbing mountains and own expensive hiking boots. But, anyone can be outdoorsy – it just takes a mindset of enjoying and appreciating the outdoors. Today, Tiana Kubik, Creative Team member and Chicago mom of two, is here with some advice on how to embrace the outdoors when you’re not outdoorsy. She’s sharing some really fantastic tips for how to get yourself more comfortable and confident spending time outside with your kids. We hope this inspires you to try some new things and want to learn to embrace the outdoors. 

    How to Get Outside and Embrace the Outdoors with Your Kids when You are Not Outdoorsy

    Not outdoorsy

    Some parents introduce a love of nature to their kids because they were raised outside and love spending time outdoors immersed in all things nature. However, some of us went our whole lives avoiding the woods until we had children. Maybe we didn’t necessarily love (or hate) going outside, but it wasn’t a priority. Maybe we just always felt more comfortable indoors? For whatever reason, it was our children who introduced (or reintroduced) us to the beautiful connection we can have to the earth. We’ve grown to appreciate nature, but it doesn’t come naturally. Does this sound familiar? 

    What does it mean to be outdoorsy

    There is no one all-encompassing definition of what it means to be outdoorsy. I think that being outdoorsy just means that you enjoy the outdoors, in whatever capacity you want that to include. Maybe it means that you enjoy sitting around a campfire, telling stories and roasting marshmallows. Maybe it means that you like taking walks in the park, listening to the birdsong, and feeling the breeze. Or maybe it means you love to camp, fish, hike, kayak, climb, ski, bike, or run outside. Being outdoorsy can mean whatever you want it to mean. It’s embracing nature and enjoying spending time outside. 

    Learning to embrace nature

    The good news is that you don’t have to be typical “outdoorsy” to get outside with your kids and enjoy nature. You don’t have to be into mountain climbing or thru-hiking. You don’t have to like bugs or own a bunch of fancy gear. All you need is an appreciation for the beauty of nature and what nature can do for you and your kids. 

    The benefits of getting outside are undeniable. We can all agree that playing outside is great for children. We tend to downplay how important it is for adults as well. Spending time outdoors reduces anxiety, improves overall health, and helps anyone feel more connected to the world and community.

    You can seek nature experiences for your kids, but you can also take it to the next level and seek nature experiences with your kids. This can happen even if you are not outdoorsy or a natural-born nature lover, even if you are itching just thinking of walking in the woods with bugs, even if the thought of hiking is exhausting. You can work to overcome those negative associations and embrace the wonder of the world with your kids. Here are some tips on how.

    How to become more outdoorsy

    Find inspiration through education

    Inspiration and education tend to go hand in hand. If you’re not outdoorsy, it may just be because you don’t know much about nature or the amazing things going on right outside your door! The more you know about nature, the more you can learn to appreciate and respect it. The beginning of overcoming any fear or limitation is wanting to overcome that restriction. So, if you think the outdoors are horrible, you have no motivation to push you out of your comfort zone.

    On the flip side, if you are flooded with inspiration on how beautiful the world is and how much people enjoy it, your FOMO (fear of missing out), will motivate you to explore ways to obtain the experiences and views that others say are not to be missed. 

    After you are motivated to get outside, learning about nature and the earth will snowball your motivation and lead you to take concrete steps to engage in nature. 

    1. Documentaries

    Documentaries are a great family activity for inspiring and educating. Often these documentaries can lead to philosophy shifts and encourage everyone to engage more with the earth. A documentary can motivate you to be eco-friendly and do simple things around your house to be more sustainable. A documentary can inspire you to travel, raise awareness about topics, and give you a glimpse into other cultures. The wonderful thing about documentaries is that you don’t have to wish you were in a location. You can set goals and plan to visit them.

    Some of our favorite documentaries to inspire a love of nature and travel?

    • DisneyNature Series — This is a stunning and heartwarming “Time in the life of…” series for a ton of different animals (penguins, elephants, butterflies, and so many more).
    • Down to Earth with Zac Efron – This is a fantastic journey around the world with Zac Efron (yup, THAT Zac Efron). He takes you on trips to explore sustainable and innovative communities across the globe.
    • National Geographic – Available on Disney+, NatGeo has an extensive library of documentaries on everything in nature, from animals to the ocean to space exploration!

    2. Books

    Books are another great source of information for learning to love and appreciate nature. The options are endless between kid-friendly storybooks and books focused on adults. Either way, reading about nature, animals, and topics such as sustainable living, will leave a lasting impression that will push you closer towards a goal of getting out there.

    Want some recommendations for books about nature? Here are some of our curated book lists for nature books for kids:

    3. Make friends

    “Just go make new friends!” I know easier said than done, but this truly is the best way to be inspired. Find friends with children of similar ages and interests as yours that love being outdoors. Not only will this inspire you to get out, but you will also have buddies to be your co-conspirators. If they already adore the outdoors AND they adore you, they will naturally want to be a resource for you. You can all explore and learn together and from each other about nature and be more willing to try new things.

    You can find friends from your kids school or daycare, from local mom groups on social media, from apps, from visiting local parks or playgrounds, or attending outdoor events. Making new friends as an adult can be hard, but it’s worth it! Sometimes you just have to put yourself out there and give it a try. 

    4. Social media

    Curating your social media feeds to include accounts that are living the life you are working towards is a great way to stay inspired and learn a lot about the real deal of that lifestyle. For getting outdoors, Instagram and Youtube have the most prominent communities and wealth of information for living, traveling, or just playing outside with kids. Not only will you be able to follow accounts to get an accurate snapshot of what life is like for them, but you will also have constantly NEW inspiration with minimal effort. Follow accounts that will introduce you to guides, tutorials, challenges, and resources to help you in your journey to embrace the outdoors.

    Tips for not outdoorsy parents on how to get comfortable being outside

    There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.” Scandanavian saying

    Prepare for the experiences you want

    Being prepared will play the most significant part in becoming outdoorsy and having successful outdoor adventures with your kids. That means not only being prepared physically with the right gear and snacks, but being mentally prepared and having realistic expectations.

    Going back to inspiration and education, you can find the best ways to prepare for any outdoor adventure. It is also essential to consider what you are concerned about and prepare yourself for that experience. For example, if the mosquitos love to feast on you, being prepared with repellent, anti-itch, Benedryl, etc., will make your experience much more enjoyable and less irritating. 

    Preparation extends beyond the “things” you will need. Making sure that you are physically and mentally ready is also vital. Here are some considerations for preparing for a successful outdoor experience with your kids.

    1. Mental preparations for getting outside

    Sometimes the first step to becoming more outdoorsy is a mental mindset shift. Overcoming mental blocks, changing negative associations to positive, and healing unhealthy associations will take some work and isnt’ always easy or quick. The amount of work and time depends on your experiences and how deep the associations go.

    But, just because you may have had past experiences that made you dislike or uncomfortable in nature doesn’t mean you’re doomed to be a homebody the rest of your life. The following activities can help you promote a healthy and positive connection to the earth and help you get more comfortable being outdoors.  

    • Grounding – Grounding is the act of connecting your physical body with the earth. The act of grounding (also called earthing) is a therapeutic technique that involves doing activities that “ground” or electrically reconnect you to the earth. Meaning, when you physically touch the ground electrical charges are transferred from the earth – providing positive effects to your body. In simple terms – go outside, take your shoes off, and make direct contact!
    • Yoga – Practicing yoga is about physical and mental grounding. Some benefits will help you physically, however, yoga teaches you to control your breathing and connect your mind to how your body moves. This can be enormously helpful when engaging in outdoor activities.
    • Meditation – Much like yoga, learning to be more aware and present will prepare you to take in and love all that nature has to offer, especially when you reach the point in a hike where cell phones are no longer working. 
    • Sit spotting – Similar to meditation, sit spotting involves the natural world around you and it becomes incorporated into your mindful meditation. The idea of sit spotting is simple: find a special place in nature and then become comfortable with just being there, still and quiet. In this place, nature will surround you, soothe you, entertain you and seep into you. Sit spotting gives you a personal and intimate place in nature which will soothe, comfort and relax you, as you get to know the location.
    • Therapy – Depending on your past experiences, level or fear/dislike, and negative associations with the great outdoors, therapy might be an excellent option for working through mental blocks and creating strategies to shift the narratives you hold about nature.

    how to become outdoorsy

    2. Physical preparations for getting outside

    Physical ability to sustain outdoor activities is usually a huge deterrent for most adults. If you are physically uncomfortable or in pain, of course you’re not going to enjoy the activity. Eliminating any physical discomfort can help you reframe your mindset around spending time outdoors. For example, if you are preparing for a longer hike or adventurous and physical outdoor activities (like downhill skiing or climbing), you can train your body so that you can approach these activities relaxed and ready to enjoy the time in nature with your children. Here are few ways to help eliminate the physical discomfort around being outside:

    • Start taking frequent walks. Choose to walk instead of driving. The the stairs instead of the elevator. Move your body more every day.
    • Take on elevations. Start gradually adding some higher elevation hikes to what you’re already doing. Increase the elevantation and difficulty very slowly. 
    • Strength training can help you in a variety of ways. Not only will it make you feel more confident in your abilities, but will be beneficial when your toddler decides mid-hike that they no longer want to walk.
    • Increase your water intake. This is an easy one that you can do well before you go outside. Hydrate ahead of time while you have easy access to bathrooms while your body adjusts.

    3. Medical preparations for getting outside

    Slightly different from physical preparation, medical preparation is necessary for anyone that has a medical issue that is keeping them from getting outside. This preparation is very specific to what medical needs you have. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your plans and concerns before making any changes to your medical regime. A doctor can help give you suggestions on how to manage the issue outdoors, prepare you for various scenarios and help you get more comfortable getting out of your comfort zone.

    For example, if you are prone to allergic reactions or dehydration, your medical fears about what could happen might be keeping you from spending time outside. Talk to your doctor to see if there are options for you to find some relief or even underlying causes to treat.

    dad, two kids and dog sitting on the rocks at sunset with a boat in the distance

    4. Having the right outdoor gear

    Having the right gear can really help a “not outdoorsy” parent feel more comfortable and confident being outside. Where your budget allows, purchase high-quality durable items and find room for items on your wishlist. Having the right equipment, and the gear that makes you feel good will make the experience of the outdoors feel more like an extension of who you are.

    While a lot of what you need will depend on where you are going, here are some quick gear items to think about adding to your outdoor gear stash for nature adventures with kids:

    • Waterbottles
    • Weather-appropriate clothing – for travel or hikes, layers will keep you prepared to change at a moment’s notice. This includes rashguards, hats and sunglasses for outdoor play in the summer, as well as wool layers, hats and gloves for wintertime play. 
    • A great camera or phone with a great camera
    • For younger children, a compact baby carrier so that you can walk but be prepared to hold them and keep your arms free.
    • A great backpack for ALL the water, diapers, and snacks!

    5. Setting realistic expectations for outdoor activities

    Setting realistic expectations about getting outside with your kids might be the hardest part of the adventure, but it will set you up for the best experience. Going into any activity that you previously found difficult and expecting to love it is not realistic. Shifting your mindset can be a gradual experience and it may take a bit of time. Start by taking notice of the things that you liked, enjoyed or appreciated during the activity. Focus on the good and try to hold on to those feelings and let everything else go. 

    The goal is to curate love and embrace nature as a beautiful part of your life. There is time to let that love grow, and if you are frustrated because you didn’t love it, you are less likely to try it again. It’s ok not to love it. But do try to appreciate the good and be willing to try again. The more you do something, the easier it will become and you may just find yourself enjoying the activity. 

    So, go into a new activity open-minded but know this relationship will grow over time and not need to be an instant connection.

    How to spend more time outside with your kids when you're not outdoorsy

    Now, go play outside!

    Once you’ve addressed the ideas and issues discussed above, it’s time to get outside and learn to embrace nature and the outdoors. There’s so much out there waiting for you. So many adventures to be had and memories to make. Let’s get started embracing nature and becoming more outdoorsy. 

    1. Create a plan and stick to it 

    Start planning your experiences. Make a list of the things you’d like to do. Include realistic things that you can do now that are comfortable and easily accessible. But, also include a few things that are stretch goals that you’d like to be able to do someday. Those will keep you motivated to keep going.

    For each outdoor adventure you take, get yourself comfortable with the outing before you ever leave the house. Map out where bathrooms are, think about any snacks and meals, consider what gear and clothing you’ll need. Then do it! Eventually, you will find things won’t take as much planning, but being over-prepared ensures that you won’t run into as many unexpected problems.  

    2. Start small and work your way up to bigger adventures

    If you’re not outdoorsy, but want to spend more time in nature, taking baby steps will ease you in and create a snowball effect for embracing the great outdoors. It will also help you narrow down which experiences you really like and which ones are just not for you.

    For example, before you go camping for a whole weekend, do an under-nighter outside. Sit by a fire, cook outdoors, sing songs and tell scary stories, all with the expectation that you are going home at the end of the night. (This can also be done in your backyard.) Once you are comfortable with that, try camping overnight somewhere familiar and close to home (so you can bail in the middle of the night, if you need to).

    Same with hiking. Start with a walk in a flat nature preserve. Then seek out longer hikes with more inclines. Just like setting realistic expectations, you are building a foundation and nurturing your relationship with nature. Start small and build the trust over time. Jumping into something well beyond your comfort zone is dangerous and a sure-fire way to make you never want to try that activity again. 

    two kids on a boat with binoculars - best outdoor activities and adventures for kids

    3. Say yes to adventure

    As adults, we often find that saying no to non-preferred activities becomes a habit. Particularly, if you are not outdoorsy, saying no to a hike, canoe trip, or camping weekend will come out without even considering the experience. But sometimes there are opportunities to get outside all around you if you just start looking for them and saying “yes” when they come up. Friends are more likely to start asking you to do outdoor things if you make a habit of saying “yes!” to experiences you previously said no to. The more you agree to being outdoors, the easier those yesses will come and the more opportunities will arise. 

    4. Move your favorite activities outside

    Do you love to read? Are you a fabulous cook? Do you enjoy working out? Is your home filled with plants? Do you paint or draw? Start with the things you love and enjoy and slowly shift them outside. Ttaking the things your family already does inside to the outdoors will add a whole new level of excitement and help you get more comfortable being outdoors. Piggybacking things you already enjoy to unknown experiences will give you a head start knowing you will enjoy it.

    How to hold yourself accountable for spending more time outside Creative ways to hold yourself accountable

    If you’re intimidated by the outdoors or need some additional motivation to get outside, one of the best things you can do is to find ways to hold yourself accountable to your outdoor goals. Sometimes this means enlisting help! Here are some ways that you can help hold yourself accountable to your goals of getting outside more often with your kids. 

    1. Tell your kids

    Nobody on earth will hold you more accountable than your kids. They are watching you. They probably want to go outside! Make it a family goal to get you to love the outdoors as they do. Let them call you out when you aren’t meeting your goals. Let them show you how much they love the outdoors and how much fun they’re having. They will be empowered as human beings and will be your best cheering section when you show them how much you want to embrace changes.

    2. Use a tracker

    If you’re someone that loves seeing your progress or finds comfort in trackers and lists, consider using a fitness tracker, step tracker, or even just a calendar for goals you want to reach. Create a goal that you can reach and find tangible ways to measure your outside time. Having concrete goals will keep you accountable while you are forming a new habit. And make sure to celebrate when you hit that goal! 

    3. Do it with friends

    There’s nothing like having a friend to get you through some of the initial hurdles and make it less scary. Find friends with similar goals and friends who are natural-born outdoorsy people. Set up playdates with mom friends outdoors and let the kids explore together. Picnics, hikes, and camping are all great activities to do as a group.  Take turns checking out new parks, new trails or new activities. Or you could even start your own forest playgroup with some local like-minded friends!

    4. Start a social media account or a blog

    Small or large following, having a social media account is a fun way to keep people updated with what you are doing and hold yourself accountable. Post a photo and caption about all of your adventures and create an online community of people to cheer you on! Share your experience and what you learn. Not only will it help motivate you to continue trying new things and getting outside, but you may also inspire others to do the same! 

    5. Challenges and paid activities

    Spending money is one of the most potent tools we have to help hold us accountable. There has been a lot of research on how paying for something gives us a sense of obligation. Sign yourself up for a paid challenge to get outside more. We have a great one that’s designed for parents of little kids with 7 themed days of fun (and easy) outdoor activities called The Wildhood Challenge. Paying for a curated experience will motivate you to follow through and help you be prepared for a great experience.

    Enjoy the transformation to becoming outdoorsy

    So, are you feeling “outdoorsy” yet? We hope these ideas and advice will help get you over any hurdles you might have to embrace the outdoors and get more confident and comfortable outside. Bookmark this post and refer back anytime you need some extra motivation or encouragement.

    Now, take a deep breath and get ready for a new, nature-loving you. Find those adventures that feed your soul and bring your family closer together. The kids will love having you present in their world and you will love feeling on your way to becoming outdoorsy. 

    About the author

    A city girl through and through, Tiana wasn’t always thrilled with outdoor adventures. However, learning the importance of nature + play through her journey to a Master’s in Early Childhood Education changed her heart. She still prefers the hustle and bustle of city life. She also has learned to love all that nature is and gives. Tiana has discovered unbelievably amazing North American destinations by traveling in a DIY converted Sprinter Van with her husband and two kids. She looks forward to new adventures and discoveries every day.

    You can find more from Tiana in the following online locations:
    Instagram: @usalongtheway
    Website: US Along the Way
    RWMC Posts: Tiana Kubik