Let's Go Outside | Adventurous Moms, Hiking, Camping, Travelling with Kids, Parenting Outside

Ever look at photos of families hiking beautiful trails or camping under the stars and think, “I want that so badly, but I am just too exhausted to make it happen”?If you are trapped in a cycle of survival mode, drowning in laundry, and feeling like your physical body just can’t match the adventures you want to do, this episode is for you. Staci is a functional nutrition coach and metabolism specialist, Staci goes beyond surface-level solutions to uncover the root causes driving weight, gut, hormone, and energy issues. Her Whole Health Method equips clients with the tools — food, movement, habits, mindset, and lab data — to finally understand what their body needs and build health that actually lasts.Today, we dive into mom fatigue and the goal of being healthy to do the adventures we want with our kids. Hint: It’s not just "part of having kids." We talk about the hidden root causes like gut health and inflammation that quietly drain our energy and steal our capacity for big family adventures. We aren't here to give you a massive, overwhelming life overhaul. Instead, we’re sharing simple, realistic health habits and everyday nutrition shifts that will help you rebuild your trail energy one manageable step at a time.Tune in to hear how you can go from surviving park days to thriving on dream family hikes!The "Just a Parent" Myth: Why deep exhaustion isn't just a baseline requirement of motherhood, and how hidden root causes like gut health and inflammation might be holding you back.The Internal Struggle: Honest reflections on wanting to be an adventurous mom while feeling physically limited.Where to Start When You're Overwhelmed: Practical, low-barrier first steps to rebuild your energy without adding stress to a chaotic schedule.From Parks to National Parks: A full-circle story of Staci travelling to Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier, and realizing that your body can finally match your adventurous spirit.Resources mentioned: Oura Ring https://amzn.to/4dL6JIX Connect with Staci: https://www.instagram.com/buildingtothrivenutrition/ https://www.buildingtothrivenutrition.com/Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with Danika on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch on podcasts YouTube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebookSnack Prep Pro ebook: https://besidethemountain.com/snack-prep-pro/

What does it actually look like to backpack through Southeast Asia with three kids four and under? Sandy shares about four months of family travel through Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Philippines with toddlers and a baby in tow.They dive into the realities of long-term travel with young kids, including how they financially planned for four months abroad, what travel gear was actually worth packing, and how they navigated sleep while travelling — from jet lag and naps on the go to bedtime routines and sharing one room as a family.In this episode, we cover:Backpacking Southeast Asia with 3 kids under 4Family travel through Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and the PhilippinesBudgeting and finances for long-term family travelSleep for travelling with toddlers and babiesRoom sharing while travelling as a familyTravel gear for familiesTravelling internationally with young kidsFamily-friendly destinations in Southeast AsiaWhy experiences over things has shaped their family cultureWhether you’re actively planning a family trip overseas or simply dreaming about adventure after kids, this episode will leave you encouraged that it’s more possible than you think.Resources mentioned: Agoda Website12GoAsia WebsiteAirBNB WebsiteGear mentioned:Osprey Poco PlusEuro Baby CarriersConnect with Sandy: https://www.instagram.com/grobsonthego/?hl=en Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with Danika on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch podcasts on YouTube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Travel gear guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEqVfpGk-5uJ29uoiScoZXLPnTY4r311/view?usp=sharing 

In this episode of Let's Go Outside, I’m joined by Ayla Will, creator of @thewilldernessfamily to talk about budget family adventures, RV living with kids, low-screen parenting, and raising confident outdoorsy children.Ayla shares how growing up on a farm shaped the way she parents her kids today and why her family intentionally chose a lifestyle centered around outdoor play, homeschooling, simplicity, and daily time outside. We talk about the resources and experiences that influenced her parenting, including 1000 Hours Outside, and how those choices have helped build resilience, independence, and confidence in her kids.We also dive into the idea that adventure doesn’t need to be expensive to be meaningful. If you’ve ever felt pressure to give your kids elaborate vacations, or expensive activities, this conversation is such a refreshing reminder that some of the best family memories come from simple adventures close to home.In this episode, we talk about:Living in an RV and homeschooling as a familyRaising low-screen kids who genuinely love being outsideHow to build confidence and resilience through outdoor playEncouraging kids to take healthy risks and try hard thingsBudget-friendly family adventures and low-cost outdoor activitiesHow to enjoy adventure without going into debtPlanning intentional summer adventures versus being spontaneousLearning to slow down, be present, and enjoy motherhood more fullyThis episode will encourage you to simplify, get outside more often, and remember that adventure is less about spending money and more about being together. Things mentioned:Call of the Wild and Free https://amzn.to/3ROETnM There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather https://amzn.to/4uVyxBn Let Them Be Kids https://amzn.to/42GedIi The brick https://amzn.to/43hPMku Connect with Alya: Instagram: @thewilldernessfamilyJoin the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with Danika on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch on podcasts YouTube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Wildelore: https://wildelore.com/ Use code LETSGOOUTSIDE15 for 15% offDownload my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook

In this episode, I’m sitting down with a friend for a conversation about raising adventurous kids and building a life rooted in the outdoors.We talk about her childhood road-tripping to Baja, how that shaped her confidence to travel solo, and what it’s looked like to carry that same adventurous lifestyle into motherhood in Northern Idaho. From there, we dive into the day-to-day of raising kids who love outdoor play—how to encourage child-led play, create an environment where kids naturally explore, and support them as they take risks and learn through experience. She talks about her purpose as a mother and you can see how that helps her make decisions as she lives with her kids outside. One of my favorite parts of this conversation is when we shift into foraging and plant knowledge. She shares how she learned to identify edible and medicinal plants, how she snacks on plants while hiking, and ways to use local plants.Resources and places Dinah mentioned: Clifty Hike - Bonner Ferry Idaho Hori hori tool: https://amzn.to/48IDJQq Wild Rose College: https://wildrosecollege.com/ Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with Danika on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch on podcasts YouTube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebookSnack Prep Pro ebook: https://besidethemountain.com/snack-prep-pro/Travel Gear Guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEqVfpGk-5uJ29uoiScoZXLPnTY4r311/view?usp=sharing

In this episode, I’m sharing our real experience traveling to Belize with a 9-week-old baby along with our 3 and 6 year old. If you’ve wondered what it’s like flying with a newborn, traveling in a hot climate with a baby, or planning a family trip to Belize—here’s my honest recap!We spent over three weeks in Belize, splitting our time between the mainland, jungle, and the island Caye Caulker. I walk through our itinerary, travel costs, our highlights of Belize with kids, and it looked like with a newborn.I share about traveling with a baby in a tropical country—how we handled sleep, feeding, cloth diapers, babywearing in the heat, and what I found challenging in the postpartum season. I share practical tips for flying with a baby, packing minimally for family travel, how I packed light weight on the baby gear.From Mayan ruins like Altun Ha and San Ignacio Ruins Cahal Pech to jungle life with howler monkeys, to exploring mangroves and snorkeling in Hol Chan, if you’re planning a Belize trip with kids, I wanted to give you the scoop! (I forgot to mention it in the podcast but we loved exploring Rio Pools in Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve as a family!) I wanted to share an honest conversation about traveling in postpartum, navigating anxiety and unknowns, and learning how to keep living a full life with kids. If you feel the pull to travel but aren’t sure how it will look with a baby—this episode is for you. I share about:  Belize travel itinerary with kids (mainland, jungle, island)Traveling with a baby in hot weather and humidityFlying with a newborn + what helped mostBelize travel costs, food, and accommodationsBaby sleep, routine, and feeding while travelingWhat surprised us about Belize (beaches, seaweed, weather, bugs)Highlights of what we explored in BelizeHonest postpartum challengesResources Mentioned:YYCdeals.com (flight deals blog)UV water purifier (SteriPen Ultra) https://a.co/d/0bL56OodBaby carrier (WildBird) https://a.co/d/08EU4PeOBaby sleep nest (Snuggle Me Organic) https://a.co/d/08aF02wkMerino wool baby sleeper (Wee Woollies) Baby bug repellent stickers https://a.co/d/0e807WkxBaby life jacket for travel https://a.co/d/0bB3C5mMLittle ones sleep program Portable baby tent (for bugs/shade) https://a.co/d/03r2Iks3Boiron Coryzalia (homeopathic for congestion) https://a.co/d/06ZaFPi5 My travel gear listSome of these links are affiliate links. Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with Danika Vanderpyl on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Email me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Wildelore: https://wildelore.com/ Use code LETSGOOUTSIDE15 for 15% off

Becky Molina, a mom and labour and postpartum nurse, shares honestly about her feeding journey and what it was like navigating pumping and bottle feeding while still wanting to get outside. We talk about the pressure around breastfeeding, the realities of pumping on road trips and camping trips, and the systems she figured out for storing and keeping milk cold.Becky also shares how their family did a winter hut trip to Lake O’Hara when her son was 10 months old — including how they managed bottles in the backcountry and the gear they packed, like their Chariot and backpack. A practical and encouraging conversation for outdoor moms navigating feeding a baby while still adventuring.Places mentioned: Elizabeth Parker Hut - Yoho National Park, British ColumbiaGear mentioned:Wee Woolies Stonz MittsOsprey Poco Child CarrierMac Ride Child Bike Seat Thule Chariot CrossConnect with Becky: Instagram: @beckymolina9Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with Danika on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch on podcasts YouTube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Wildelore: https://wildelore.com/ Use code LETSGOOUTSIDE15 for 15% offSnack Prep Pro ebook: https://besidethemountain.com/snack-prep-pro/

Josée Bergeron is a Métis mom of five in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley and the writer behind Backwoods Mama. For nearly two decades, she’s helped families get outside through seasonal activities, nature play, and everyday adventures close to home. She’s the author of Beyond the Front Door: Embracing Nature for a Happier and Healthier Family (releasing February 24) and loves noticing nature with her kids, from backyard mud kitchen moments to camping, hiking, and rock climbing across BC, Alberta, and beyond.Connect with : Instagram: @thebackwoodsmamaWebsite: https://backwoodsmama.com Josée’s Book: Beyond the Front Door: Embracing Nature for a Happier and Healthier Family: https://amzn.to/4tJUV0P Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch on podcasts YouTube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Wildelore: https://wildelore.com/ Use code LETSGOOUTSIDE15 for 15% offDownload my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook

Becca talks honestly about how her breastfeeding journey looked different with each child, what it’s actually like to nurse on the go, and how she made breastfeeding work while hiking, camping, and backpacking. We cover practical details like clothing and gear that helped, feeding babies in carriers and tents in the middle of the night, eating enough to support milk supply, and whether or not pumping or saving milk played a role when she was away from her kids.We also chat about how adventures naturally shift as families grow, and how finding other moms online to adventure with made these trips possible — and meaningful — during the motherhood years. We wrap up with reflections on weaning, what she wishes new moms knew about breastfeeding.This conversation is for moms who love being outside, are navigating feeding their babies, and want reassurance that adventure doesn’t have to stop — it just changes.Gear mentioned: Trail magik: https://trailmagik.comMorrison Outdoor’s Kids Sleeping Bag: https://morrisonoutdoors.com/Connect with : Becca on IG: https://www.instagram.com/becca_outdoors/Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch on podcasts YouTube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Wildelore: https://wildelore.com/ Use code LETSGOOUTSIDE15 for 15% off

In this episode, I’m sharing a conversation I had on the Adventures Mamas Podcast where we dug into our whole story: the outdoor ed trips that shaped me, the summer camp where I learned real backcountry skills (and met my husband!), and how those experiences eventually led us to raising our kids in the Canadian Rockies.We chat about bringing babies on overnight trips, road-tripping in a tiny minivan when our son was five months old, taking a baby on the Juan de Fuca Trail, and all the ways our kids have naturally folded into our adventures. You’ll also hear the simple systems that help us backpack with toddlers — staying warm at night, choosing a first route, and I share why we have moved more into canoe camping trips with kids. We even get into our bigger leaps: long winter trips abroad, living life in “thirds,” and how we’ve made extended travel possible without a big budget…There is a lot covered in this episode, come listen - I know you are here because this is your kinda thing too. Resources mentioned: Trail Magik CarrierTrusted House SittersTrail Collectiv AppCheck out The Adventure Mamas Podcast with Nikki Roth and Ashley SJoin the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch on podcasts YouTube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Snack Prep Pro Ecookbook: https://besidethemountain.com/snack-prep-pro/  Travel Gear Guide:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEqVfpGk-5uJ29uoiScoZXLPnTY4r311/view?usp=sharing

If you’ve ever wondered how to introduce your kids to the magic of plants, this episode is the perfect place to start. Today, we sit down with a mama who has built a deep, joyful relationship with herbalism—and has spent years weaving plant wisdom into everyday family life.She shares how her own journey with plants began, the simplest way to explain herbalism to someone who may not be familiar with it,, and why learning about the natural world is such a powerful gift for kids. We talk about safe plant identification, easy herbs to grow with little ones, and gentle first steps for families who feel curious but unsure where to begin.You’ll hear practical, beginner-friendly ideas you can try this week, and ideas to help make herbalism feel approachable and fun. Whether you’re homeschooling, hiking, gardening in pots, or just hoping to help your kids feel more connected to nature, this episode gives you a clear and welcoming path into herbalism as a family.About Jackie Leed: I grew up a free-range kid in central Pennsylvania rooted in the Earth. My childhood was spent wandering through the woods, making jewelry out of cicada skins pried from trees, and cooking recipes that centered around the main ingredient mud. When I moved to Whidbey Island in 2020, herbalism came to me like a memory, a way back to the girl with skinned knees and soil under her nails. Now, motherhood carries me forward: barefoot in the garden, collecting nature treasures with my children, and appreciating the beauty of the moon from my backyard. I go outside because that's where I belong. I think a lot of us feel the same way.Resources mentioned: Plant app - Picture This AppConnect with Jackleen Leed: Instagram: @raising_little_naturalists Website: https://earthwisemothering.com/root-to-crown/ Photography Website: https://wildkinwandering.com/ Article Jackleen wrote for runwildmychild.com: https://runwildmychild.com/herbalism-with-kids/ Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch on podcasts YouTube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebookSnack Prep Pro ebook: https://besidethemountain.com/snack-prep-pro/

In this energizing conversation, Katie O’Mara — co-creator with her husband of Trail Magik and outdoor-loving mom of three. We hear about her creativity, optimism, and a deep love for exploring and how it has shaped her family’s everyday adventures. We talk about the early days of hiking with babies and toddlers, and the stories behind the very first hand-sewn Trail Magik prototype.Katie opens up about how she realized this little piece of gear wasn’t just for her family anymore, and how she turned a homemade kid carrier into an approved piece of kids’ gear, and the joy of seeing another parent on the trail using something her husband dreamed up.She also shares one of her favorite memories from places Trail Magik made possible — and her encouragement for any parent wanting to get outside more, even when the season feels messy or overwhelming. This episode will leave you inspired, smiling, and ready to hit the trail with your own crew.Places mentioned: Yellowstone, MTValley of Fire, UtahMammoth Mountain, CAFossil Falls, CAAlabama Hills, CAGear mentioned: Trail magik: https://trailmagik.comSolly Baby: https://sollybaby.comWild Bird Carrier: https://wildbird.co/Connect with : Instagram: trail.magikWebsite: https://trailmagik.comEmail: [email protected] the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch on podcasts YouTube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Wildelore: https://wildelore.com/ Use code LETSGOOUTSIDE15 for 15% off

In this episode, I’m chatting with an incredibly inspiring mama who thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 155 days with her family, including a 1, 3, and 5-year-old — a journey that redefined what family adventure can look like.We talk about how she first fell in love with the outdoors, how they made the decision to take on long-distance backpacking with young children, and how much experience they had before committing to a full PCT thru-hike. Instead of rigid planning and perfection, she shares how they intentionally chose an open-minded approach — no mapped-out route, no perfectly planned food boxes, and no pressure to “finish at all costs.” They relied on their previous experience and expertise, trusting their intuition and remaining flexible to meet their kids where they were each day.Three years later, she’s still choosing a big adventure. This summer, she returned to the trail for a 200-mile, 24-day John Muir Trail trip with another mom and their kids, and she opens up about the experiences from that trip.We also explore what everyday trail life looks like with kids: how they sleep (including their tent-free system), what they bring for entertainment and comfort, how they build resilience, and how she navigates choosing bold adventures that others might label as “too risky.”This conversation is for moms who feel the pull toward the wild, long-distance hiking, and raising kids who grow up knowing they’re capable of hard, meaningful things.Places mentioned: John Muir TrailPacific Crest TrailTahoe Rim TrailTimberline TrailSierra Nevada MountainsAppalachian TrailGear mentioned: Hyperlite Southwest Backpack How to Tell Stories to your Children Connect with Marketa: https://www.instagram.com/daleywalk/https://www.yearinnature.org/Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch on podcasts YouTube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Travel Gear Guidehttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEqVfpGk-5uJ29uoiScoZXLPnTY4r311/view?usp=sharingDownload my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook

In this episode, we sit down with an adventurous mama who shares how she and her family got into climbing together, including why she took a lead climbing course to gain the confidence and technical skills needed to bring her kids safely into the sport. She opens up about how she stays practiced, informed, and comfortable as a parent when introducing children to higher-risk outdoor activities like family rock climbing.We also dive into their summer of outdoor adventures, from a cross-Canada road trip and long driving days with kids, to hiking classic Canadian routes like the Rockwall Trail, Flow Lake, and the Skyline Trail in Alberta. She shares their canoe tripping experience on Maligne Lake near Jasper and how they approach trip planning with both ambition and flexibility.As their children move into the teenage years, we talk honestly about navigating resistance, respecting autonomy, and balancing bigger adventure goals when not everyone feels ready. She explains why intentional discomfort is a powerful tool for building resilience, adaptability, and confidence — and how cultivating responsibility helps kids recognize their own capabilities.If you’re a parent who loves the outdoors and wants to raise resilient, capable kids through family adventures, climbing, hiking, and canoe tripping, this episode is full of encouragement, insight, and practical inspiration.Topics covered:How to get into family rock climbingLead climbing for parentsOutdoor adventures with kids in CanadaRaising resilient and capable kids through discomfortSystems for successful family tripsBack-to-back adventures & organized gearCanoe tripping with childrenHiking with kids in AlbertaNavigating teenage resistance to outdoor adventuresBuilding confidence through shared challengesPlaces mentioned: Prince Edward IslandHalifax, Nova Scotia Bay of Fundy Juan De Fuca, British ColumbiaRock Wall Trail, AlbertaElk Lake Hut, AlbertaFlow Lake, AlbertaSkyline Trail, AlbertaHidden Cove, AlbertaFisherman’s Bay, AlbertaCoronet Creek, Alberta Gear mentioned: Excalibur Sqaure Food Dehydrator: https://amzn.to/4op88Z2 Connect with : Jessica Bolton - [email protected] the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch on podcasts YouTube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Travel Gear Guidehttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEqVfpGk-5uJ29uoiScoZXLPnTY4r311/view?usp=sharingDownload my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook

I chat with Eleanor from @designedtoexplore—because honestly, her adventures are just wild - in the best way. She shared two massive adventures: a six-week bikepacking trip through Kyrgyzstan with her kids and a throwback to what it was really like riding the Continental Divide at 4–8 months pregnant.Last time she came on the show, we talked about life on a sailboat with two young kids and how her family fell in love with biking, where she broke down the different systems of biking with kids (episode 015). Why they chose to bikepack in Kyrgyzstan as a familyThe planning: she shares routes, mapping, transportation and how they figured it out A realistic look at biking with kidsHow her 7-year-old absolutely rose to the challengeStories from locals who shaped their experience about the landscape, culture, and people of KyrgyzstanWhat riding the Continental Divide pregnant was really likePlaces mentioned: Western & Columbia Rail Trail - British Columbia, Bike TrailKyrgyzstanTian Shan Traverse KyrgyzstanSilk Mountain Road Racebackpacker.comMongoliaBaja Divide Continental DivideOmanShanghaiIstanbulNew ZealandGear mentioned: Tag along kids bike Connect with Eleanor Kebabian : IG: @designedtoexplorehttps://designedtoexplore.com/ Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch on podcasts YouTube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Wee Woolies: https://www.weewoollies.com/ Use code LetsGoOutside for 10% offTravel Gear Guidehttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEqVfpGk-5uJ29uoiScoZXLPnTY4r311/view?usp=sharing

In this episode, I’m chatting with Crissy — a mom and early childhood educator — about the power of raising kids outside and how nature has shaped both her parenting and her mental health. Crissy shares how her background inspired her to embrace ‘unstructured play’, ‘child-led play’ and to let her kids learn through play in the great outdoors. We talk about risky play outside, finding that balance between safety and freedom. Crissy also shares her go-to tips for a to-go bag full of creative, open-ended items for spontaneous adventures. This conversation is full of practical wisdom and encouragement to slow down, get outside, and let your kids (and yourself!) grow through play and fresh air.Connect with : Connect with Crissy on IG: @wilds_playJoin the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch on podcasts YouTube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Wee Woolies: https://www.weewoollies.com/ Use code LetsGoOutside for 10% off

In this episode, I’m joined by Kristen Bonkoski—licensed USA Cycling coach, NICA mountain bike coach, and the creator of Rascal Rides and Femme Cyclist. Kristen is passionate about helping families discover the joy of biking together.We talk about how to get kids started on bikes—from balance bikes to their first pedal bike—plus simple ways to build confidence, keep riding fun, and stay safe on family bike rides. Kristen shares how she motivated her own son to love biking, how to know when your child is ready to ride on their own, and what to look for when choosing a kid’s bike, or kid’s helmet.We talk about: How to introduce biking to your kids in a fun, low-pressure wayTips for building confidence and independence on two wheelsWhat to look for when choosing a kid’s bikeHow to stay safe while biking as a familyHow biking impacts kids for the long term For the moms who already know biking with kids is worth it—but could use a few tips to make it easier and more fun—this episode will leave you feeling encouraged, capable, and ready to get rolling together.Places mentioned: Tour de Mont BlancGear mentioned: Woom Bikes iBert Bike Seat: https://amzn.to/3L5mGPvShotgun Seat: https://alnk.to/2uJMLlG MacRides: https://ca.mac-ride.com/collections/child-bike-seats Bike Pogies: https://www.kidsrideshotgun.ca/products/kids-ride-shotgun-pogies Tow Ropes Tow Yee: https://amzn.to/47zbjbs Kids Ride Shot Gun: https://amzn.to/47yC5AC Balance Bike: https://alnk.to/8EMj6dq Follow me tandem: https://amzn.to/4nXVKzN Cargo Bikes Connect with Kristen: Websites: For Families - https://rascalrides.com/ For Women Riders - https://www.femmecyclist.com/ Instagram: @rascal_rides https://www.instagram.com/rascal_rides/ Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch on podcasts YouTube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Wee Woolies: https://www.weewoollies.com/ Use code LetsGoOutside for 10% offDownload my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook

In this episode of Let’s Go Outside, we chat with Carolyn, a mom and explorer who’s passionate about discovering unique and meaningful places while traveling sustainably with her family. She shares how slowing down, traveling on a budget, and choosing local experiences have led them to unforgettable adventures—from biking down Volcano Cotopaxi in Ecuador to exploring the Salt Flats and Train Cemetery in Bolivia. Carolyn also talks about volunteering on a sustainable farm in the Galapagos Islands, visiting howler monkeys with scientists, and frogging to identify species in Paraguay—turning travel into hands-on learning and connection. Along the way, she offers thoughtful tips for eco-conscious, budget-friendly family travel that’s full of purpose and discovery. It’s an inspiring reminder that the most memorable adventures come from exploring slowly, sustainably, and with an open heart.Places mentioned: Morocco Atlas MountainsLa Paz Chile BoliviaArgentinaBrazil SantiagoParaguayPeruEcuadorGalapagos IslandsLaguna De Los Tres (Patagona logo) Churchill, ManitobaCasablanciaMarrakeshSpainMaltaSofia, Bulgaria Gear mentioned: Noise-cancelling headphones: https://amzn.to/3VQX638 Website’s mentioned: Sky Scanner: https://www.skyscanner.ca/Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.ca/Booking.comWhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/?lang=enConnect with : Personal Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/prairie.crew/Website: https://www.prairiecrewadventures.ca/Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Wee Woolies: https://www.weewoollies.com/ Use code LetsGoOutside for 10% offTravel Gear Guidehttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEqVfpGk-5uJ29uoiScoZXLPnTY4r311/view?usp=sharing

In this solo September episode, I’m catching you up on our family’s summer of adventures. We packed in car camping at Dinosaur Provincial Park. A solo parent short but stunning backpacking trip to Elk Lakes. And then I share how we got into canoe camping and all about the canoe circuit through Lakeland Provincial Park we just finished. I also share what it was like to take an international trip without my kids, how this pregnancy has shifted my pace, and the lessons I’ve learned about slowing down and still finding joy in the season you’re in. If you like to camp, backpack, canoe camp, or travel as a mom—this one’s for you.Places mentioned: Dinosaur Provincial Park, AlbertaElk Lakes Provincial Park, British Columbia Solcan Lake (Valhalla Park), British ColumbiaMurtle Lake (Wells Grey Park), British ColumbiaLake Lake Provincial Park, Alberta Turner Lake (Tweedsmuir Park), British Columbia Other mentions: Episode 016 is the episode I mentioned about rattlesnakesBlog post mentioned about Elk Lakes from Restless Crusade: https://restlesscrusade.com/2023/09/10/elk-lakes-provincial-park-bc-backcountry/Gear mentioned: Portage Wheels: https://alnk.to/90BCmgJ Shotgun Kids Bike Seat: https://alnk.to/90BCmfs  Bike Chariot: https://alnk.to/btqe5EF Some of these are affiliate links. Connect with Danika on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch podcasts on YouTube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Codes & Discounts:Wee Woolies: https://www.weewoollies.com/ Use code LetsGoOutside for 10% off

In this episode, I’m chatting with adventurous mama Emily Roberts all about what it really looks like to travel the world with twins for a year! Emily shares how her love for hiking, biking, and exploring began, and how she’s learned to keep that adventurous spirit alive through parenting. She opens up about the highs and challenges of travelling internationally with twin boys—from biking together and trekking in Nepal to embracing new cultures and finding vegan food along the way. We dive into her family’s year of travel through Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Nepal, Malaysia, and now Europe in a campervan—plus special moments like staying with host families and choosing motorhome life for more freedom on the road. Emily also offers her best encouragement and practical tips for parents who dream of international adventures with their kids. Her story proves that travel with twins isn’t just possible—it can be an unforgettable family adventure.Places mentioned: NapelMai Chai, Vietnam CroatiaAustria SloveniaThailandAustraliaBorneoMalaysiaLangtang TrailTamang Heritage TrailPerth, AustraliaBusselton, AustraliaAlbany, AustraliaPara Henchen IslandKuala LumpurGear mentioned: Ebikes Mac ride: https://amzn.to/4oTjupE Shotgun: https://amzn.to/461EvpB Thule Cross Trailer: https://amzn.to/4g1KeQZApps mentioned: HappyCow - Vegan Food Near Youpark4night.comConnect with Emily Roberts: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotbusyliving/Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch on podcasts YouTube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Travel Gear Guidehttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEqVfpGk-5uJ29uoiScoZXLPnTY4r311/view?usp=sharingDownload my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook

What would it be like to hike the Pacific Crest Trail with an 8-month-old baby? Joanna Romano shares her family’s story of spending four months backpacking 650 miles on the PCT with their daughter. We dive into how she prepared food and gear, what baby-specific gear they carried, what backpack carrier they used, as well as how they did cloth diapers and communication elimination on the trail. If you’ve ever wondered whether long-distance adventures are possible with kids, this inspiring episode will show you that it can be done—with a lot of grit, creativity, and heart.Gear mentioned: Wee Woolies: https://www.weewoollies.com/  More Space Kid Carrier Backpack - Wilderness equipment: https://www.wildernessequipment.com.au/our-gear/daypacks/child-carriers/wildchild-gulf-coast/ G Diaper System: https://original.gdiapers.com/ Morrison Outdoors Baby Bunting Bag: https://amzn.to/3V5Bsrc (affiliate link) Zpacks Tent: https://zpacks.com/ Connect with Joanna: Joanna’s Instagram: @motherhood.outdoors https://www.instagram.com/motherhood.outdoors/Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Wee Woolies: https://www.weewoollies.com/ Use code LetsGoOutside for 10% offDownload my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook

We are diving into everything you need to know about babywearing: the most popular types of baby carriers, how to choose the best carrier for your baby’s age and stage, and tips for safe babywearing that supports healthy hip development. In this episode of Let’s Go Outside, I’m joined by Cassidy Eisenfeld, a certified babywearing educator, outdoor mama, and mom of three.Cassidy shares practical advice for hiking with a baby or toddler, including front vs. back carry options, baby carriers for hiking, and why you don’t need a heavy-duty pack to hit the trail. She also shares how to breastfeed in a carrier, what to do if your baby doesn’t love being worn, and how wearing your toddler can actually help with emotional regulation on the go.If you’re new to babywearing, curious about baby carrier options, or want to feel more prepared for outdoor adventures with your little one—this episode is packed with encouragement and real-life tips.Types of carriers we talk about: Stretchy wrapsBuckle carriersWoven wrapsMeh Dai / Half buckles Ring slings Onbuhimo (waistless carrier) Hiking PacksBrands mentioned: Classic ergo with insert: https://amzn.to/3H48qFf Moby wrap: https://amzn.to/47ck37y  BabyBjorn Mini (narrow carrier) Tula Free to grow: https://amzn.to/44YPiSc Trail magik: https://amzn.to/4fhbIS6 Osprey (Soft structure carrier): https://amzn.to/451dX8M  Hope & PlumGirasolDidymosLenny Lamb (Lenny Light) Babue Baby Carriers: https://babuebabycarriers.com/ LillebabyKinderpack Wildelore Breastfeeding Sweater: https://wildelore.com/products/all-phases-fleece Connect with Cassidy Eisenfeld: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalkbabywearing/Website with resources: https://letstalkbabywearing.com/ Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Wee Woolies: https://www.weewoollies.com/ For 10% off use code LetsGoOutsideTravel Gear Guidehttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEqVfpGk-5uJ29uoiScoZXLPnTY4r311/view?usp=sharing

Lauren Hronek has always been that outdoorsy girl who loves to do all the things—from bikepacking in the Utah desert to solo backpacking with kids in the backcountry. Before having a stroke earlier this year, she was leading the charge on big family adventures and confidently adventuring as a mom. But everything changed this past winter when, with a baby not yet one and a five-year-old, she suddenly found herself recovering from a stroke.In this honest and encouraging conversation, Lauren shares what life looks like now—how her healing is going. She shares how she navigates fear and anxiety, and how she’s still finding ways to get outside with her kids. We chat about the mindset it takes to do solo trips as a mom, how to pack light weight for backpacking, and how her love for being in the wilderness is helping her through this season.If you're curious about solo adventuring with kids, looking for inspiration on women in the outdoors, or walking through your own hard thing—this episode is for you.Places mentioned: Portugal (Porto, Lisbon, Kashkai, Algarve Coast) UtahGear mentioned: Deuter hiking baby carrier: https://amzn.to/3TCyhXx Extra wide sleeping pad: https://amzn.to/4lFmDY0  Trail magic carrier: https://amzn.to/4eMgQ0g Pocket rocket: https://amzn.to/44Gznbb Backpacking Quilt Black Diamond Alpine Pants: https://alnk.to/6TC9V70Baby Sleeping Bag Morrison Outdoor: https://amzn.to/3GzQm5D Small blow hornGarmin inreach: https://amzn.to/4eMiEq4 Ursack bear bag: https://amzn.to/46tYzmz IPhone 15Some of the links above contain affiliate links. Connect with Lauren Hronek:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry.mom/Website: https://thebackcountrymom.com/ Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Wee Woolies: Use code LetsGoOutside for 10% off https://www.weewoollies.com/ Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook

If you're a mom who's ever packed snacks, wrangled kids into boots, and wondered if outdoor adventures are really worth the effort—this episode is for you. I chat with Annika Mang, a fellow adventurous mom, author of Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies, and creator of TrailCollectiv, a hiking app for families. We dive into what hiking with kids really looks like at different ages, from babywearing on mountain trails to toddler-led nature walks and muddy backyard play. Annika shares how her approach to adventure shifted with each child, why she challenges the idea of what’s considered “family-friendly,” and how she self-published a hiking guidebook with two little ones at home. If you’re craving encouragement, relatable stories, and practical ideas for getting outside with your kids, you’ll love this conversation.Places we mention: West Coast Trail BC, Juan De Fuca BC, Regina SK, Vancouver BC, Edmonton AB, Calgary AB, Kananakis AB,Banff AB,Crowsnest Pass AB, Ontario,Chicago, Montana, Utah, Hawaii, California, Lindeman Lake BC, Peter Lougheed AB, Point Backcountry AB, Three Sisters Lake AB, Porcupine River AB, Pickle Jar Lakes AB, Mount Assiniboine BC, Helm Creek BCConnect with Annika: Personal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/borntobeadventurous/ Trail Collectiv Instagram https://www.instagram.com/trailcollectiv/ Website: https://www.borntobeadventurous.com/start-here/ Hiking app: https://www.trailcollectiv.com/ Get Annika’s book - Hikes for families: https://amzn.to/3ZT1b9s FOR SPOTIFY:Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Travel Gear Guidehttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEqVfpGk-5uJ29uoiScoZXLPnTY4r311/view?usp=sharingMuffin recipes: Besidethemountain.com/muffins

Ever wondered how families actually make backpacking with kids work — from packing gear to keeping toddlers moving on the trail? In this episode, I chat with Stephanie (@thebackpackingmom), a mom of four who’s spent years exploring places like the Idaho, Tetons, the Washington coast, and even Patagonia with her kids. She shares real stories, her favorite gear, and super practical tips for everything from sleep setups to food to choosing the right trail. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to go deeper, this conversation is full of encouragement and tangible advice.Places mentioned: Massachusetts Washington State Tetons Bugaboos Idaho Washington State Coast W trek in Patagonia French Polynesia Family Sailing ExperienceNepal - Everspace Camp Yurt Trip  Backpacking packs & kid carrier backpacks: Gregory Packs Dueter OspreyREI MEC Other gear and brands mentioned:Steepandcheap.com  Big Agnes - Copper Spur 4 person tent: https://amzn.to/3FYFj5y Reflectix insulation: https://amzn.to/4mYO7ZP Merino wool clothing  Morrison Outdoor Sleeping Bags - kids sleeping bags: https://amzn.to/4lch0Af  Double Sleeping pad: https://amzn.to/4063TIx  A camping down quilt Backpacking food and stoves: Mountain House: https://amzn.to/3HHfEio  Backpackers Pantry: https://amzn.to/4l3FZ8x  Jet Boil Sumo Stove: https://amzn.to/3HGNiEQ  Pocket Rocket: https://amzn.to/409vGI2  Connect with Stephanie McNulty: @thebackpackingmom https://www.instagram.com/thebackpackingmom/ Message Stephanie on instagram to ask questions, or go on a trip with her! Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Wee Woolies: https://www.weewoollies.com/ Use code LetsGoOutside for 10% offTravel Gear Guidehttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEqVfpGk-5uJ29uoiScoZXLPnTY4r311/view?usp=sharing

Are you nervous about hiking or camping with your kids because of wildlife? You’re not alone—and this episode is for you.Hosts Danika and Stephanie Goodbrand break down everything outdoor moms need to know to feel confident and prepared in the wild. From how to tell the difference between black bears and grizzlies, to handling bear spray the right way, to what to do if you see a cougar or moose on the trail—this episode is packed with real talk, practical tips, and relatable mom moments.Whether you're heading to the backcountry or walking a local trail, this episode will help you stop letting fear hold you back and start enjoying the outdoors with your kids.In This Episode, We Cover:​How to identify grizzly vs. black bears (it's not about color!)​What bear spray actually does—and how to use it properly​Real-life scenarios and what to do in each one​Common wildlife encounters: cougars, moose, rattlesnakes & ticks​What to do with food and diapers in bear country​How to make noise on the trail and hike safely with kids​Why staying calm and confident is your best toolPlaces mentioned: Redwood Forest Southern Alberta Three Sisters Hike FernieOther things mentioned: Bear Spray Bear Spray Holster: https://amzn.to/4kKtuPf Tick remover set: https://amzn.to/45yufq8Bear Safety Course in the Crownest Pass, Alberta: https://www.facebook.com/CNPBearSmart---------------------------------------------Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Healthy muffin recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/muffins/ Wee Woolies: https://www.weewoollies.com/ Use code LetsGoOutside for 10% off

In this episode of Let’s Go Outside, I chat with Eleanor about what it’s like to live on a sailboat with kids and how her family brings little ones along on epic bikepacking adventures. We dive deep into how to plan an international bike trip—especially if you’re brand new to it (like me!) —and go through all the different gear and systems that make riding with kids doable (and fun!). From front seats to tow ropes to tandem setups, Eleanor breaks it all down. She also shares how their sailboat welcomes other families aboard—so if you’ve ever dreamed of exploring French Polynesia, you’ll want to hear this. It’s a super practical and inspiring episode.Places Eleanor mentioned:Baja Divide The great divide, the continental divide USASilk Mountain Road RaceMongolia KyrgyzstanSystems for Biking with Kids:Front seat Back seat Shot Gun Seat: https://amzn.to/3RYJn89Mac Ride: https://ca.mac-ride.com/Two train single wheel Follow me: www.twowheelingtots.com/followme-tandem-review/Tow rope: https://amzn.to/4jE3LHDBike trip resources: Offline map: https://mapout.app/ For weather systems: https://www.windy.com/ Couch Surfing for bike packers: https://www.warmshowers.org/US bikepacking trips: https://www.adventurecycling.org/ https://Bikepacking.com Europe bike trips use: bikepacking, Italy tourism, and google/blogshttps://bikepacking.com/?s=ItalyConnect with Eleanor: Website (sailing adventures!): https://designedtoexplore.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedtoexplore/Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & promo: Wee Woolies: https://www.weewoollies.com/ Use code LetsGoOutside for 10% offDownload my FREE high protein snacks ebook: ⁠besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook⁠

We all know there is seasons when getting outside with our kids can feel like a lot—especially when the weather’s bad, your kids are at tough ages, or you're feeling drained as a mom. In this episode, we hear from Sara McCarty, founder of Run Wild My Child, for a refreshingly honest conversation about how to make outdoor time part of your life—even when it’s hard. You will hear about what Run Wild My Child is and how it started. We chat about why moms love going outside and feel better, and spring ideas to get outside as a family. Whether you’re dreaming of big adventures or in a season of hoping to make it through a park visit, this chat has so many ideas and affirmations for taking the kiddos outside.Things Sara mentioned:Ideas of things to do in every season with kids: https://runwildmychild.com/100/Connect with Sara: https://runwildmychild.com/https://runwildmychild.com/magazine/https://www.instagram.com/runwild.mychild/ >>Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebookWee Woolies: https://www.weewoollies.com/ Use code LetsGoOutside for 10% off

Heather Ellison shares all about taking international trips with young kids, and now what it looks like to go around the world on school holidays! She dives into the beauty of unplanned adventures—like hopping trains in Japan and renting a last-minute campervan in Norway. We chat about the benefits of taking the kids on these trips, and she shares about her kid's favorite places. Listen along if you are an adventurous parent who enjoys travelling, or wants to see the world with their kids.Countries Heather mentioned: Maui hawaiiBaja peninsulaBelizeJapan NorwayGutamalaEl Salvador FinlandLucky Bay, Western AustraliaIreland EstoniaConnect with Heather: https://www.instagram.com/gooutsideandexplore/—------------------------------------------------------------------>>Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Watch on podcasts Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Codes & Discounts:Travel Gear Guidehttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEqVfpGk-5uJ29uoiScoZXLPnTY4r311/view?usp=sharing

Have you ever dreamed of hiking internationally with kids? What about trekking through the mountains of Nepal? I chat with Shannon, who is fresh off the Annapurna Circuit with her six-year-old twins. We talk about what it’s like to trek with her husband’s heart condition, managing -15°C nights in teahouses, how to avoid food poisoning on the trail, and the signs to watch for in case of altitude sickness. This was their family’s second hiking trip in Nepal—they did Everest Base Camp two years ago. Listen in for Shannon’s insights, inspiration, and practical advice!Places we talked about:Nepal Everest Base Camp Annapurna CircuitAnnapurna BasecampPokharaThailandPhilippinesConnect with Shannon: @restlesscrusade restlesscrusade.com------------------------------------------------------------------Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Family Travel Gear Guide: Here’s all my favorite must-haves for internationally exploring with kids that I’ve discovered over the last 5 years. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEqVfpGk-5uJ29uoiScoZXLPnTY4r311/view?usp=sharingTry Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Connect with Danika on IG: @besidethemountain Watch on podcasts YouTube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] 

Mom and road trip pro— Holly Burgess— shares about finding hidden gems across Alberta, British Columbia, and beyond. Holly shares her journey into the outdoors, how motherhood changed her adventures, and why Saskatchewan belongs on your travel bucket list. We chat about favorite family-friendly campgrounds to unforgettable road trip stops. Even if you don’t live in Canada, you will learn how to find the best places as she shares Holly reveals how she finds these hidden gems using tools like Google Maps and Instagram while also embracing spontaneity along the way. You will be inspired to plan your next family getaway with Holly's tips and favorite spots.Places Holly mentioned:SaskatoonGreat Sand Hills SaskatchewanWaskesiu Lake SaskatchewanTofino road stops - Surf Grove Campsite- Cox Beach for kids Glacier National Park Coeur d'Alene Golden Sky Bridge - Railrider Mountain Coaster: https://g.co/kgs/zxFQSreDrumheller, AB - Dinosaur to Climb: https://g.co/kgs/yhdpDvXWhite water rafting with 5 year olds: https://raftingtherockies.com/Backroads Maps: https://amzn.to/3Qv7niFBackroads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backroadmaps/Connect with Hollyhttps://www.instagram.com/burgessadventures/ ------------------------------------------------------>>Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ >>Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebookTry Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Connect with Danika on IG: @besidethemountain Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] Codes & Discounts:Jan and Jul Outdoor Clothing Discount code: LGO10Affiliate link: https://janandjul.com/?ref=DANIKAVANDERPYL

Erika Norton, a Utah mama, proves that doing what you love doesn’t have to stop after kids. She trekked 50 miles in Peru while pregnant with her first, hiked weekly with her one-year-old during her second, and now, at 21 weeks pregnant with her third, she’s still skiing, hiking, lifting, and embracing the outdoors. Erika shares how she keeps adventuring through pregnancy, her favorite family trips, and practical tips for making outdoor adventures possible with kids in tow. Get ready to be inspired!Places Erika mentioned:Olympic National Park - Washington, USAHiking Machu Picchu Peru Grand Teton National ParkYellowstone National ParkCambodiaGear Erika mentioned: 3-person roomy tent - Big Agnes Copper Spur - https://amzn.to/41CApmIPregnancy snow pants - powder pants - https://powderpants.com/products/maternity-snow-pantsConnect with Erika: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploring.with.erika/-----------------------------------------------------*Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ *Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: http://besidethemountain.com/protein-ebookTry Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/Connect with me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/besidethemountain/Email me: [email protected] Mentions in the podcast: Jan and Jul Outdoor Clothing BrandDiscount code: LGO10Affiliate link: https://janandjul.com/?ref=DANIKAVANDERPYL 

Ever wondered about living in a van and homeschooling?  As a family of 4 (with a 5.5-year-old and a 7-year-old) Kirsty shares about life in Europe as a nomadic climbing family. She shares about homeschooling her kids on the road, getting back into climbing as a mom, her son starting into lead climbing, and how they started chasing this dream as a family. For climbing families or to anyone who wants to adventure as a family this episode is very inspiring and encouraging!Things Kirsty Mentioned: Climbing in the Dolomites with kids Hazel Findlay - Climbing mindset: https://www.instagram.com/hazel_findlay/Climbing mindset book - The Rock Warrior’s Way: https://amzn.to/4k27vUcConnect with Kirsty Pardede: Wild Adventure Film: https://youtube.com/@wildadventurefilm?si=mwLvhxAe6KJ_HX6NKirsty’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirstypardede/--------------------------------------------------------->>Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions. Search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountainEmail me: [email protected] >>Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: ⁠⁠besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook⁠⁠Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: ⁠⁠https://besidethemountain.com/⁠⁠Codes & Discounts:Jan and Jul Outdoor Clothing Discount code: LGO10Link: https://janandjul.com/?ref=DANIKAVANDERPYL 

Maritza from British Columbia Canada shared how she learned all about outdoorsy adventures with her husband in her twenties. We talk about hiking with her son from when he was a baby, ideal layers to stay warm in the rain and snow, which are her go-to brands, and tips for hiking with kids to stay excited and motivated.  Places Maritza mentioned: Golden Ears Provincial Park, BC Joffre Lakes Park, BC Iceland Gear Mentioned  Helly Hansen rain suit: https://amzn.to/4g288u9 Jan and Jul Mitts: https://janandjul.com/product-category/accessories/kids-winter-accessories/kids-mittens-gloves/?ref=DANIKAVANDERPYL: Kamik kids boots: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tool_type=cl&merchant_id=84e39961-faaf-434c-8837-d629b1a5a351&website_id=ff82f266-adfa-4c66-8a59-c672a27fb57a&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mec.ca%2Fen%2Fproduct%2F6030-767%2Fkamik-tundra-jr-waterproof-winter-boots%3Fcolour%3DKhaki Trail Magik: http://trailmagik.com/ Brands Mentioned Simply Merino Merrell hiking boots  Keen shoes  Decathlon MEC Connect with Maritza: https://www.instagram.com/thewestcoastfam/ ------------------------------------------------------------------ FOR SPOTIFY: >>Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/  Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain  Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountain Email me: [email protected]  Codes & Discounts: Jan and Jul Outdoor Clothing  Discount code: LGO10 Affiliate link: https://janandjul.com/?ref=DANIKAVANDERPYL 

Kat Badry shares her experience with postpartum depression—specifically, how it can show up late in postpartum and what it’s like to navigate the journey of healing while balancing life as a new mom. Our guest, Kat, shares her raw and honest story of experiencing postpartum depression at 10–11 months postpartum, the signs she noticed, and how she found herself feeling isolated and dissociated. Kat’s healing journey is rooted in outdoor adventures. From hiking with her son at seven weeks postpartum to discovering the grounding power of rock climbing, she explains how nature and movement became her therapy. We also discuss the importance of prioritizing mental health, and finding community as a mom. If you’ve ever struggled with postpartum depression or felt disconnected from your adventurous self after having kids, listen in. Places Kat mentioned: Pickle Jar Lakes, Alberta Rock climbing crag - Sunshine  Tunnel Mountain Hike - Banff  Skaha Climbing, British Columbia  Gear Kat mentioned:  Osprey Poco Lite: https://alnk.to/9IfgwUJ Ergo baby dream: https://amzn.to/3PHPA7v Snuggle me organic: https://snugglemeorganic.com/collections/snuggle-me-organic-infant Connect with Kat Badry:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katbadry_/ Kat’s social media management: https://www.instagram.com/katsocialinc/ >>Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/  >>Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain  Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountain Email me: [email protected]  Codes & Discounts: Jan and Jul Outdoor Clothing  Discount code: LGO10 Affiliate link: https://janandjul.com/?ref=DANIKAVANDERPYL 

Embrace winter adventures with kids! In this episode with Susanne Cupido, an Albertan mom of two toddlers we chat about her go-to tips for keeping little ones warm, her favorite family-friendly winter hikes around Cochrane, Calgary, and Kananaskis, and the gear that works well for toddlers. Susanne is a beautiful example that we can do incredible adventures with little kids when we are determined! Places mentioned: Winter Hikes: Black Prince Cirque - Kananaskis Two Pines - Bragg Creek Trails around Cochrane: Cochrane Big Hill Creek Loop Glen Boles Trail  Glacier National Park: Hidden Lake Grinnell Glacier Trail Fisher Peak Cranbrook BC Whistler  Tofino Fairmont Hot Springs Waterton National Park  Alltrails to look at updates on a trail: https://www.alltrails.com/ Gear Susanne mentioned: Ergo carrier: https://amzn.to/4h4Kkq9 Microspikes: https://alnk.to/5uh4ZmP Snowshoes: https://alnk.to/44X18R5 Columbia bunting suit: https://amzn.to/3WxhgzJ Mec bunting suit: https://alnk.to/4MC340O Connection with Susanne:  https://www.instagram.com/the.cupidos/ Come connect in the Let’s Go Outside in the FREE Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/ *Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: http://besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook Try Danika’s healthy muffin recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/muffins/ Connect with me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/besidethemountain/ Watch on youtube: https://youtu.be/7t-QuqRMT08 Email me: [email protected]

Are you finding it hard to get outside with the kids because the process of getting out the door feels overwhelming? Do you feel exhausted just thinking about packing snacks, layers, drinks, and all the gear you need, plus dressing the baby, toddler, and kids appropriately? I’ve been there—this feeling is all too familiar. In this episode, I’m sharing my experiences and the systems I’ve learned in my few years of parenting so far to make getting outside easier. It’s all about mindset, motivating the kids, streamlining the front door, and everything I’ve discovered along the way to move from indoor exhaustion to outdoor energy, creating forever memories in the great outdoors. Gear mentioned:  Chariot Stoller: https://amzn.to/4a0fwVp My getting-ready-going-outside-song: https://open.spotify.com/track/379vb8JHy3uan4rI4jqLGl?si=13e22b97d20e46c1 >>Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/  >>Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook Try Danika’s healthy muffin recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/muffins/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain  Watch on podcasts Youtube: https://youtu.be/7xxqblKi6rQ Email me: [email protected] 

An inspiring chat with Meghan Oosterhof, a mom of five girls who has navigated adventuring with kids through every stage—babies, toddlers, tweens, and teenage years. Meghan shares her journey from early stroller adventures to multi-day backpacking trips. She chats about how she does certain age birthday trips, one being their trips to the West Coast Trail with their 13-year-old twins. We also dive into her family’s love for Hawaii (the Big Island) where they have done longer trips (2-4 months). Meghan shares how they made it work: with homeschooling, financially, packing, and why repeat trips are so special.  Places Meghan mentioned: Bragg Creek, Alberta Kananaskis, Alberta Gondola in Banff Sulphur Mountain Grizzly Peak Kananaskis Hot Springs Mist Mountain, Alberta Tent Ridge Kananaskis  West Coast Trail British Columbia backpacking trip Big Island Hawaii  Kīlauea Iki Crater, Hawaii  Gear Meghan mentioned:  A great stroller with BIG wheels  Bob Duallie stroller: https://amzn.to/4iknRXB Ergo Carrier: https://amzn.to/4faOMSM   If you want to connect with Meghan, come ask her questions in the Let’s Go Outside in the Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/  _____________________________________________________________ *Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: http://besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/ Connect with Danika on IG: https://www.instagram.com/besidethemountain/Email me: [email protected]

In this episode, Carley Sawers shared her journey of growing up skiing, to then teaching her babies how to ski when they were younger than 18 months old. Now 7 years of taking her kiddos to the hill she is an expert ski mom.  OVERVIEW: Tips for Skiing with Littles 1. Start at Home: • Skiing with kids begins before you hit the slopes. Start in the living room—let them wear their boots, click into skis, and get comfortable with the gear in a warm, stress-free environment. 2. Sliding on Snow: • Begin with simple activities like sliding around on flat snow. Make it fun and pressure-free. Once they’re comfortable, move to small hills where they can experience the sensation of sliding and start to build confidence. 3. Harnesses: • Harnesses, like the Little Ripper Gripper, can be a fantastic tool for teaching control and balance. However, they’re not always necessary—progress at your child’s pace and focus on creating a positive experience. 4. Snacks and Fun Are Non-Negotiable: • Always pack plenty of snacks. Breaks for hot chocolate or treats can make a big difference in keeping spirits high. The most important rule: when the fun stops, you’re done for the day. 5. Key Equipment pieces for Parents: • Trail Magik: An amazing tool if you’re solo with kids. You can carry younger kids when they’re tired while keeping your hands free. Backpack with skis on your back, and trail magik carrier on your front. • Backpack with Ski Straps: Look for a backpack that can securely hold your child’s skis, so you’re not juggling everything yourself. Two straps on the front is amazing! Touring backpacks or snowboard backpacks are great for this. 6. Gear for Kids: • Boots: Start with the smallest size available. A slightly bigger fit is okay—they’ll have the ankle stability, and you’ll get more use out of them. • Skis: Choose skis no taller than your child’s nose. For first-timers, even shorter skis can help with ease of movement. • Edgie Wedgie: A clip that holds ski tips together can be a lifesaver for teaching kids how to keep their skis in a pizza shape for control. https://amzn.to/3VnbCQi • Helmets & Goggles: Giro (https://amzn.to/4eXXSlN) and POC (https://amzn.to/3ZbDFmK) in my experience offer well-fitting, kid-friendly helmets. Pair with goggles that fit snugly without pinching. Basically the only equipment I bought new for the kids and they wore them for at least three seasons. • Used Gear: Check out used ski stores or Facebook Marketplace. I’ve never bought new skis! Skiing with kids is all about keeping it lighthearted, fun, and rewarding. With the right mindset, you’ll set your little ones up for a lifelong love of skiing! It’s not always easy, but it’s so worth it! Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have! Carley’s recommended ski hills kids in British Columbia: Revelstoke Sliver star Sun peaks  Manning Park Other ski hills mentioned: Grouse Mountain Fernie  Kicking horse Castle  Kimberly  Gear Carley mentioned: Little ripper gripper: https://amzn.to/3Vf8Mg2 Bula Balaclava: https://alnk.to/aeZxtGk Wee woolies neck gaiter: https://www.weewoollies.com/products/merino-mulitgaiter?variant=36210763169951 Winter snacks - Made Good granola bars: https://amzn.to/4fOJU7f Hot chocolate in a hydro flask: https://amzn.to/3D3Xxk8 Connect with Carley:  Instagram: @gingesonajourney Carley's blog ____________________________________________________________ >>Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/  >>Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain  Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountain Email Danika: [email protected]  Codes & Discounts: Jan and Jul Outdoor Clothing  Discount code: LGO10 Affiliate link: https://janandjul.com/?ref=DANIKAVANDERPYL 

Jenice Smith lives in a small Alberta mountain town raising kids to love the outdoors. She shares how she got into adventuring with her parents. We discuss how courses have helped prepare her family for bigger paddle trips (key for her sea kayaking trip!) and ski trips. Jenice chats about how important it is to find your people to go on trips on to share the load of packing, setting up camp, food prep, and expert skills. She encourages moms to dream big and even if it’s only small steps today…these trips are beautiful and they shape the family. We talk about planning and preparing for a wilderness trip and some books her family enjoys in the tent! I was so inspired by her 11-day trip on the Stikine River as she shared about wildlife encounters and how doing the trip with friends and connecting with locals was super key.  Canoeing BC  Northern BC Canoing  Sea Kayaking with Kids  Canoeing with kids Places mentioned:  Stikine River Paddle Sea Kayaking Haida Gwaii Books mentioned: Owl and the Family by Farley Mowat Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White Hobbit  Lord of the Rings  Courses mentioned: Ocean Navigation Course  Wilderness First Aid  Paddling Course Connect with Jenice Smith: Steep Peak Kombucha Instagram Steep Peak Kombucha ----------------------------------------------------------------- >>Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/  >>Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook Check out Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain  Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountain Email me: [email protected]  Mentions in the podcast:  Jan and Jul Outdoor Clothing Brand Discount code: LGO10Affiliate link: https://janandjul.com/?ref=DANIKAVANDERPYL

In this first episode of Let’s Go Outside, I dive into the vision behind this podcast—a space for real, encouraging conversations about the joys and challenges of outdoor adventures with kids. Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the hurdles of getting outside, like choosing the best hiking gear, figuring out how to adventure with toddlers, or planning a family camping trip? You’re not alone! Together, we’ll explore practical tips for outdoor parenting, share inspiring stories about hiking, camping, and travelling with kids, and build confidence to embrace family adventures. Join our supportive community of moms who love nature and discover how to make outdoor exploration a core part of your family’s everyday life. I'm Danika a mama in a small mountain town raising two young boys. I started taking my boys outside from when they were babies to prevent postpartum depression but it became a much bigger adventure. Now we still go outside every day, our favourite family activities are canoe camping, paddle boarding and travelling to new countries. This has become a lifestyle and a way we can connect with each other, a way to learn, and to be creative. If this resonates with you, please hang out here! Let's do motherhood outside together. >>Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/  Check out Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/ Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain  Watch on podcasts Youtube: @besidethemountain Email me: [email protected]  Codes & Discounts: Jan and Jul Outdoor Clothing  Discount code: LGO10Affiliate link: https://janandjul.com/?ref=DANIKAVANDERPYL