Shows
Get Outside With KidsIt only gets better from here, with special guests Sue and Peter Le SouefTo celebrate episode 100, we are thrilled to have Kate’s parents Sue and Peter Le Souef back on the podcast! We are talking about what the future holds, and how we can continue to get outside with our kids as they get older.
And from everything we heard, there’s so much to look forward to.
We have loved bringing our podcast to you for the last 100 episodes! We will be hitting pause on the podcast for a while, but we are so grateful to all our guests and all our listeners. Thank you for being...2023-12-1434 minGet Outside With KidsCelebrating our favourite guests, stories, and fails!As we approach our 100th episode, we reflect on the top 10 episodes (OK it’s actually 11, but who’s counting) from our show. We share the guests that we think about the most, and the stories that have really stuck with us. So many laughs, so many stories, so many fails!
Episodes we mentioned in this episode:
Ep: 75: Trekking to Everest base camp with 4 year old twins, with Tyson and Shannon from Restless Crusade
Ep 53: How our obsession with kids’ sport has become serious business, with Linda Flanagan, author of Take Back the Game
Ep 45: Why movement...2023-11-3024 minGet Outside With KidsRaising outdoor kids, with our favourite storyteller Pete Clarkson, former Park Warden and marine debris artistHe’s baaack! Fan favourite Pete Clarkson is back on the podcast to tell us even more stories about raising outdoor kids around mountains, beaches, grizzlies, waves, guns, helicopters, and wildlife!
You’ll love Pete’s energy and his perspective on parenting, and his stories will have you laughing along with us.
Tune in to hear:
How to beachcomb with your kid and encourage their creative side
Pete’s approach to risk (and we're talking real risks like grizzlies, guns, and helicopters) in the outdoors with kids
The hilarious escapades that Pete’s family got up to...2023-11-1637 minGet Outside With KidsHow to get outside in cold and flu seasonHere in the northern hemisphere, cold and flu season is in full swing. The combination of cranky, tired, sick kids and cranky, tired parents (who might also be sick!) who have all spent too much time indoors can be nasty.
Today we share our best ideas for getting outside when your kids are sick, when a family member is sick, or when you yourself are sick. Because we all know a little bit of fresh air will probably do us all a world of good!
Tune in to hear:
The lowest energy options to g...2023-11-0918 minGet Outside With KidsHow to make (and keep) mom friends, with our special guests Katherine and AimeeBeing a parent is hard enough, but when you feel lonely and unsupported, it’s about a million times harder.
This week, we have invited two of our amazing mom friends, Katherine and Aimee, onto the podcast to talk about all the ways that good friends can help you in your parenting journey.
Tune in to hear:
How we have met moms who we actually want to hang out with when the kids AREN’T around
Why some mom friendships don’t last (and why that’s OK)
How we attempt to balance personal time, tim...2023-11-0235 minGet Outside With KidsFive spooky ways to get outside in the fallWhen the days are getting shorter, the nights are getting darker, and there’s a definite eeriness to the evenings, it can only mean one thing… Halloween is nearly upon us! This is a time of year when it’s tempting to snuggle down inside. But you know that your kids need the fresh air just as much as ever.
Never fear, we have you covered. This week we are sharing five spooky ways to embrace the season, from putting those costumes to good use, to preparing for the big night of trick or treating, and some imagina...2023-10-2615 minGet Outside With KidsWhen you can’t get outside with kidsAtmospheric river, heat wave, ice storm, air quality warnings… depending on where you live, there are lots of reasons why you might not actually be ABLE to get outside with your kid on a particular day.
So what do you do? Let the kids run riot and trash your house?
We have a better solution! Today we are sharing all our best tips for keeping everyone happy and sane inside, including:
how to stop squabbling between siblings,
how to maintain structure when everyone is cooped up inside, and
how to plan outings where you don’t...2023-10-1912 minGet Outside With KidsHiking to magical castles and jelly bean mountains in Ireland, with Gina from Our Little HikerIf you need a little extra motivation to take your kids hiking, you’re going to love this week’s guest! Gina from Our Little Hiker has been hiking all over Ireland with her three kids for years. She shares practical (and magical!) tips to keep your kids moving and get them to their next peak, castle, or lookout.
Tune in to hear:
Why your kids might love hiking in costume [05:56]
How to make hiking easier with three kids under 6 [07:44]
What “Jelly Bean Mountain” is (and why you need this ASAP) [20:32]
Gina’s lovely message for parents [23...2023-10-1227 minGet Outside With KidsOur most epic fails: summer 2023 editionWe are back with our epic fails from the summer! And wow, there are some big fails this season, including our most serious one yet.
Every season, we share all our mistakes from the last few months so that you feel less alone. If you’ve also experienced meltdowns, forgotten gear, and terrible weather when getting outside with your kids, you’re not doing it wrong, that’s just how it goes sometimes!
Tune in to this episode to hear about a seriously unexpected incident on a trail, camping trips cut short, disastrous cartwheels, and a chaot...2023-10-0527 min
Mom Camp: Around the CampfireGetting outside with your kids: A chat with Jennifer Kolbuc and Kate Le SouefIn this episode I am chatting with Jennifer Kolbuc and Kate Le Souef, co-hosts of the podcast Get Outside with Kids. As their show name implies, they are very passionate about sharing tips and tricks on how to get outside with your kids - in any mood, in any weather, whenever you can. They chat about the science behind outside time, the benefits of making it a priority, and how it has impacted their own lives. My favourite part is that they also share the funny fails they've experienced while trying to spend time with their kids outside. It's...2023-09-2843 minGet Outside With KidsHow to help your kids learn outside, with Jade Berrill from the Outdoor Learning StoreDoes your kid ask questions you can’t answer? We all want to raise inquisitive, observant, respectful kiddos but unless you have an actual teaching background, it can be really challenging!
Enter the amazing Jade Berrill from the Outdoor Learning Store, who has all the prompts, questions, and activities to help you help your kids. Beginning with the simple “I notice, I wonder, it reminds me”, Jade talks to us about how to inspire a love of nature in our kids by helping them learn outside.
Tune in to hear:
How to learn about Indigeno...2023-09-2833 minGet Outside With KidsWhen your home is a bus, with Nicole and Bo from Roam With BusCan you imagine moving your family, including two kids and a dog, into a converted school bus? That’s just what Nicole and Bo did, and the results have been life changing!
Together, they have minimized their lives to roam the U.S. in their bus and as a result, they spend tons more time outside together.
Tune in to hear:
Why (and how) they decided to convert an old school bus into a home [01:32]
Their advice to those who want to downsize [16:49]
The biggest challenges of living in a small space [23:46]
How the mov...2023-09-2136 minGet Outside With KidsHow to find reliable trail information, with Sarah Lamagna, author of Hiking with Kids in New EnglandHow do you find trail information for hikes and walks? There are so many online sources these days, it can be overwhelming to find reliable information that won’t leave you stranded in the middle of a forest!
This week, we are joined by the delightful Sarah Lamagna who is talking to us about the value of a real hiking guide that has been hiked, researched, and written by a real person, ideally with a good dose of sass.
Tune in to hear:
Why hiking books are still one of the best sources of trai...2023-09-1433 minGet Outside With KidsThe best (and worst) parenting advice we’ve ever receivedHas a total stranger offered you total unsolicited parenting advice? Maybe it happened at a really low moment for you and made you feel terrible!
This week we’re sharing the most terrible advice we’ve ever received, as well as the best. Best of all, our favourite piece of advice can be applied to pretty much any parenting situation.
This fun little episode is part of our Summer Minis Series! We are bringing you short minisodes packed with tips and advice to help you create more amazing memories outside. We’ll be back with our re...2023-09-0712 minGet Outside With KidsWhen summer starts to feel longDoes the end of summer make you feel like you’re in struggle town? You’re not alone! Today we are talking about all the things that can compound to make summer with kids feel long and irregular and a little bit hard! This episode is the pep talk you need to make it through to some cooler weather and a more regular routine. Because we know you’re going to make it.
This fun little episode is part of our Summer Minis Series! We are bringing you short minisodes packed with tips and advice to help you cr...2023-08-3112 minGet Outside With KidsHow to know when you should cancel a tripHave you ever regretted going on an adventure with kids? It has happened to Kate and today we’re telling you all about it!
Spoiler alert: never go straight from the Emergency Department to a camping trip…
This fun little episode is part of our Summer Minis Series! We are bringing you short minisodes packed with tips and advice to help you create more amazing memories outside. We’ll be back with our regular episodes with amazing guests closer to fall!
Follow us on Instagram and send us a DM to let us know w...2023-08-2409 minGet Outside With KidsAn ode to our pre-kid selvesNow that you have kids, if you could go back in time, what would you say to yourself to calm the nerves and reassure yourself? What has surprised you about parenting? What has been harder than you expected? What are you proud of?
In this week’s mini episode, we are casting our minds back to before our first kids were born and we are sending a message back in time to those pre-kid selves.
This episode is part of our Summer Minis Series! We are bringing you short minisodes packed with tips and advice to...2023-08-1707 minGet Outside With KidsTakeaways from our top 5 guests of 2023Only got a few minutes? Great! In this short and punchy episode we’re sharing what we’ve learned from our five favourite guests on the podcast this year. Their wisdom and adventures have inspired us to try new and awesome things, and we know you’ll feel the same!
This episode is part of our Summer Minis Series! We are bringing you short minisodes packed with tips and advice to help you create more amazing memories outside. We’ll be back with our regular episodes with amazing guests closer to fall!
Follow us on Instagra...2023-08-1009 minGet Outside With KidsFive tips to get outside when you don’t want toOnly got a few minutes? Great!
In this short and punchy episode we’re giving you 5 tips to get outside with your kids when you don’t want to! These ideas will help you build some momentum to just get out the door and hopefully get the balls rolling on a bigger adventure.
This episode is part of our Summer Minis Series. We are bringing you short minisodes packed with tips and advice to help you create more amazing memories outside. We’ll be back with our regular episodes with amazing guests closer to fall!
...2023-08-0307 minGet Outside With KidsHow to make the most of a weekend camping trip, with lower stress (and less laundry!)Sometimes it feels like we should be doing bigger, longer, more epic adventures with our kids. But what if two nights of camping a few times a year was actually the perfect amount for your family?
Freshly back from a camping weekend, on this episode we share our insights into how to make the most of your weekend trip to fit your work schedule, lower the stress, reduce the amount of laundry, and get some sleep!
Follow us on Instagram and send us a DM to let us know what you thought of this episode: @g...2023-07-2714 minGet Outside With KidsThe life changing power of bite-sized weekday adventuresDo your weekends feel like a chaotic stress fest? Do you feel like you’re trying to cram in fun activities, social time, chores, and family time, and maybe not doing very well at any of it?
Never fear! Because today we share our secret to removing the stress from weekends by focusing on bite-sized weekday adventures.
A little mindset shift, a bit of prior planning, and voila, your weeks will feel transformed!
Tune in to hear:
How to plan activities around your work schedule
Why we put so much value on tim...2023-07-2015 minGet Outside With KidsHow to prepare your outdoor kid for school, with our favourite teacher Lauren MacLeanIs your kid starting kindergarten this year? Or maybe your kid has been in school a few years but you still don’t really understand what goes on at that place? Either way, if you’ve ever wondered what actually happens at school, you’re not alone.
Today, we are talking to our favourite teacher Lauren MacLean and asking all the questions we WISH we had known to ask a year ago when our own kids started kindergarten.
Tune into hear:
What a day at school actually involves
What kindergarten kids have to be able to...2023-07-1341 minGet Outside With KidsHow to camp with kids of all ages, with Carolyn Regehr from Prairie Crew AdventuresDo you need some inspiration to get into camping with your family? Are you curious about camping for the first time with your baby or kid? It can be intimidating knowing where to start, but our guest Carolyn Regehr from Prairie Crew Adventures has tips and tricks for all ages and stages in this week’s episode!
Carolyn is from Manitoba, Canada, so she knows all about cold winters, black fly summers and everything in between. She’s worked with youth and kids in Canada and around the world and has the best advice to help you and...2023-07-0639 minGet Outside With KidsOur favourite gear and clothes for outdoor kids: summer editionToday we are talking about our favourite summer gear, including the gear that we always keep in our backpack, as well as our favourite summer clothing and shoes for kids!
As always, we recommend buying gear and clothes second hand when possible. Check out our website for our favourite gear to get outside (and then search your second hand groups for these items)
Tune in to hear:
The summer items you actually DON’T need to buy
The essential items that stay in our backpack
The items we always have in the car
Our fav...2023-06-2928 minGet Outside With KidsTrekking to Everest base camp with 4 year old twins, with Tyson and Shannon from Restless CrusadeHave you ever dreamed about trekking to Everest Base Camp? Would you ever consider taking one of your kids with you one day? Now, what about taking twin 4 year olds?
That is exactly what our amazing guests on this episode did! We are thrilled to have Shannon and Tyson back on the show to tell us about their amazing travels around the world, including most notably, their adventure to Everest Base Camp with their awesome twins.
We do not say this lightly when we say this is one of our FAVOURITE episodes of all time, an...2023-06-2242 minGet Outside With KidsOur most epic fails: spring 2023 editionAre you ready for our messiest, muddiest episode of the season? We are back with our hilarious epic fails from the spring!
Tune into this episode to hear about kids walking fully dressed into both lakes AND rivers, camping trips thwarted by rain AND rising lake levels, and forgotten items that have nearly ruined a day out in the sun.
Laugh along with us as we share all our mistakes from the last few months so that you feel less alone. If you’ve also experienced meltdowns, forgotten gear, and terrible weather when getting outside wit...2023-06-1533 minGet Outside With KidsCamping, toddler meltdowns, and the most overrated outdoor gear, with Maritza and Brandon from The West Coast FamWant to hear a family friendly version of “Would you rather”? You’re in luck! We sit down with this week’s guests, Maritza and Brandon, to talk about the good, the bad, and the overrated gear, hikes, and advice.
Maritza and Brandon have been busy exploring the Pacific NorthWest for the last few years with their young kiddo and they have all the messy muddy stories to prove it!
Tune in to hear:
How to hike Joffre Lakes with a toddler [03:10]
How to choose a toddler friendly hike [07:25]
The most overrated and underrated outdoor g...2023-06-0830 minGet Outside With KidsMinimalism and getting outside with kids with Diane Boden from the Minimalist Moms podcastWhat do minimalism and getting outside have in common? Diane Boden from the Minimalist Moms Podcast is here to tell us all about it!
We are so thrilled to talk about how you can apply minimalism not only to the things in your house, but also to the way you prioritise experiences and schedule activities with your family.
You’ll hear so many practical tips from Diane that will inspire you to declutter, destress, and get outside.
Tune in to hear:
What most people get wrong about minimalism [07:17]
How minimalism can help you...2023-06-0129 minGet Outside With KidsHow to feel safer and more prepared for your next outdoor adventure with Sandra Riches from BC AdventureSmartFeeling safe and well prepared for an outdoor adventure is key to having a good time! It’s hard to enjoy an experience when you’re worried that the trail might be more challenging than you can handle or that maybe you’ve packed the wrong gear.
But never fear, because today we have Sandra from BC AdventureSmart to help you! Sandra knows exactly what you need to do to make sure you and your family stay safe and reach your final destination, which is not the summit, but your home.
Tune in to hear:
What...2023-05-2533 minGet Outside With KidsFrom down under to a mountain top: moving to Canada and starting this podcast, with special guest Kate Le SouefThis week our cohost Kate Le Souef is in the hot seat! Following up from last week’s episode where we dived deep with Jen, this week we turn the tables as Jen interviews Kate.
You’ll hear all about Kate’s Australian childhood filled with beaches and spiders and sand dunes and hear why she moved to Vancouver.
Kate tells you why she started this podcast, how she knew almost nothing about the topic when the started, what the future looks like, and her number 1 dream guest (if you know this person, introduce us!)
Oth...2023-05-1832 minGet Outside With KidsThe episode that made us laugh and cry, with special guest Jennifer KolbucWe guarantee this episode will make you laugh and cry, because we’re going deep! Are you ready?
This week our special guest is our very own co-host Jennifer Kolbuc, interviewed by our other co-host Kate Le Souef. We are diving into Jen’s life as a kid, what she wants for her family, and her favourite parts of being a podcaster, as well as talking about an enormous event that rocked her childhood, and continues to impact her life as a parent.
If you’re new, or if you’ve been around here for a while...2023-05-1133 minGet Outside With KidsHow to travel internationally with babies and kids, with Anthony and Kristin from Tent to TakeoffCan you imagine moving around the world to a tiny island with a 2 month old baby? Well, our guests this week did just that!
Anthony and Kristin Quill traveled extensively before kids and wanted to continue once they started their family. Since their first big trip from the U.S. to Malta with a tiny baby, they’ve continued to travel the world (64 countries and counting!) and have all the travel tips you need.
Tune in to hear:
Why you don’t need a stroller when you travel [12:21]
How to choose accommodation when traveling to big...2023-05-0430 minGet Outside With KidsHow to capture amazing photos of family memories, with Deep and Tanvi from In Two the SunsetTaking photos of tiny kids can be a challenge at the best of times. But our guests this week do it at sunset AND at the top of mountains!
Deep and Tanvi from In Two the Sunset know how to capture the beautiful, perfectly imperfect moments of getting outside with kids and we are so thrilled to talk to them this week.
Tune in to hear:
Why sunset hikes might be an amazing way for your family to get outside together regularly [08:10]
How to schedule time in your busy life for adventure [11:30]
How you can...2023-04-2736 minGet Outside With KidsOutdoor play (with the correct shoes) is crucial for your kid’s growing body, with Maegan Mak, paediatric physiotherapist at Playworks PhysioWhy is play so important for children’s bodies? How important are kid’s shoes? And how exactly does screen time affect kid’s bodies?
We dive into all this and more in this week’s episode with the amazing Maegan Mak, the owner of PlayWorks Physio, a paediatric physiotherapy clinic located in Port Moody, BC.
Tune in to hear:
How a paediatric physiotherapist can help kids from birth to age 18 [4:55]
Why outdoor play spaces have a different impact on kids’ bodies than indoor play spaces [7:47]
How screen time affects little bodies [13:35]
How to choose appr...2023-04-2037 minGet Outside With KidsBabywearing made easy, with Cassidy from Let’s Talk BabywearingCassidy from Let’s Talk Baby Wearing really knows babywearing! If you’ve always wanted to try babywearing (or even if you have tried it but it didn’t feel quite right), you need to hear this episode.
Cassidy is taking us from birth to toddlerhood with all her tips and tricks for choosing the right type of carrier to suit you, your baby, and your lifestyle.
Tune in to hear:
How to choose a baby carrier from birth to toddlerhood [6:55]
How to safely get started with tandem carrying [19:11]
Cassidy’s method to transfer a sleeping...2023-04-1338 minGet Outside With KidsHow to achieve a huge hiking goal with kids and prioritize your family’s time together, with Stu and Dev from Next Family AdventuresOur guests this week completed an epic 100 hikes with their family in 2022! If you need inspiration to try hiking as a family, this is it.
When Stu and Dev moved with their four kids from Texas to Washington State in the US, they were determined to explore their new state. And explore they did! They’ve hiked their way around their new home and picked up so many great life lessons along the way. Tune in to hear:
How Stu and Dev motivate their kids to keep moving on the trail
Why having a big goal is...2023-04-0637 minGet Outside With KidsHow to make the world your home and create systems that support your lifestyle, with Leslie Alder, mom of 4 and life coachIf you’ve ever put off going on adventures because you’ve been trying to clean and tidy your home, you need to hear this episode.
This week’s guest is no stranger to moving. As a kid, Leslie Alder moved all over the world with her military family and now that she’s a mom to four kids, she takes the same approach. Their recent move to New Zealand required her family to cut the clutter, sell most of their stuff, and prioritise adventures over housework.
Tune in to hear:
How to balance living your...2023-03-3032 minGet Outside With KidsCreating ripples of change in our kids, with award winning children’s author Rochelle StraussIf you want to educate and inspire your kids about environmental issues, but you don’t know where to start, this is the episode for you!
To celebrate World Water Day, award winning author Rochelle Strauss joins us to talk about her latest book, The Global Ocean. She takes us through how to balance environmental messages with messages of hope and change, so that our kids can make connections and feel inspired.
Following on from the worldwide success of her books Tree of Life and One Well (which has sold more than 500,000 copies!), The Global Oce...2023-03-2326 minGet Outside With KidsOur most epic fails: winter 2023 editionIf you need a laugh, this one is for you!
Our seasonal “epic fail” episodes round up our most ridiculous, most meltdown-y, most painful fails from the entire season and lay them out for your listening enjoyment!
Highlights from the winter include forgotten gear, massive skiing wipeouts, public meltdowns, and so many plans disrupted by illness. We throw in one huge win to balance it out and remind you that things will improve and spring is coming.
Other episodes we mentioned in this episode:
Ep 53: How our obsession with kids’ sport has become s...2023-03-1625 minGet Outside With KidsConnect your kids to nature with music, with Sara Ernst, musician, author, and illustratorYou know that a catchy song can stay in your head for days! So why not harness the power of music to connect to nature?
Today’s guest Sara Ernst sings, writes and draws about nature to help kids get outside and learn about the world around them. Tune in to hear:
How to find wild places wherever you live
How nature treasure hunts can inspire your kids to spend time outside
What on earth an “ootheca” is and why Sara wrote a song about them!
How Sara’s musical journey evolved from a simple desire to connec...2023-03-0927 minGet Outside With KidsHow to organise your kid’s clothes to save money, save the planet, and do less laundry, with Kaili Sutton from Coast Kids ReshopDressing your kid in the right clothing means that they will get outside and stay outside. But what about all the holes, stains and rips that happen in the meantime?
Today, we’re talking about all of it to Kaili Sutton, from Coast Kids Reshop. Kaili is a mom who also happens to live in a tiny home. Tune in to hear:
How to organise your kid’s clothes to save money and do less laundry
How to care for the clothes that you do have and make sure they really last
Which items stand the test o...2023-03-0231 minGet Outside With KidsHow an educator from Ecuador is changing kids’ lives in Canada, with Maria Jose Obando from Little Paws Outdoor ClassroomGetting outside in the rain can be hard enough with one kid, but this week’s guest works outside with entire groups of little kids every single day in the rainy city of Vancouver!
Maria Jose Obando from Little Paws Outdoor Classroom is originally from Ecuador but she fell in love with the outdoors in Vancouver and decided that she wanted to work in the forest everyday with preschool aged kids. Tune in to hear:
How growing up in a country with a high degree of actual criminal risk has influenced Maria’s approach to risky play w...2023-02-2324 minGet Outside With KidsHow to vacation with kids: an honest account of the good, the bad, and the tantrums, with Jennifer Kolbuc and Kate Le SouefIf you’ve been thinking about going on vacation with your kids, you might want to listen to this!
Many kids thrive on routine and schedule, as well as the comfort of knowing exactly what to expect at all times. But what happens when you’re in another country and everything is different or unpredictable?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you. We’ve already made all the messy, sandy mistakes on vacations with kids, so that you can learn from where we went wrong!
Tune in to hear:
How being away from home ca...2023-02-1619 minGet Outside With KidsPelvic health is core to getting outside with your kids, with Lacey Forsyth, pelvic health physiotherapistYour pelvic health is core to almost everything in your body! But pelvic floor challenges can hold a lot of women back from participating in life, particularly after having kids, so on today’s episode we are talking about all of it with Lacey Forsyth.
Lacey is a pelvic health physiotherapist, and the Founder and CEO of Bump Physio & Co, a boutique physiotherapy clinic that treats clients at all ages and stages.
Tune in to hear:
What your pelvic floor is, who might experience challenges with it, and the times in our lives when it c...2023-02-0932 minGet Outside With KidsHow to get outside with your kids when you live far from your hometown, with Kate Le Souef and Jennifer KolbucDo you live far from your hometown? Maybe you and your kids live across the country or around the world from where you grew up (or from the place that feels like “home”).
We get it. We both live far from our family and our home towns. So this week we’re talking about the good, the bad, and the ugly of living far from home, and how it can all affect how and when we can spend time outside with our kids.
Spoiler alert? There are actions you can take right now to make it a lit...2023-02-0217 minGet Outside With KidsChildren need fresh air, sunshine and water: how outdoor time can transform education, with Nicki Farrell from Wildlings Forest SchoolToday’s guest Nicki Farrell was motivated by the mental health crisis in teenagers to create her amazing business Wildlings Forest School with her business partner Vicci Oliver. Nicki and Vicci offer all kinds of programs in nature for preschool and school aged kids in southeast Queensland, Australia, and have even developed a course to help you start your own nature school!
Listen to hear:
How kids can learn just as well (and probably better) when they are outdoors
Why we should reframe “risky play” as “play with risk” and what that shift in language can do for your...2023-01-2636 minGet Outside With KidsHow our obsession with kids’ sport has become serious business, with Linda Flanagan, author of Take Back the GameNote: audio issues on this episode have been resolved! Happy listening :)
As parents, we hear a lot about the benefits of kids living active lifestyles. And sports are one way that we are encouraged to introduce our kids to this idea. But what happens when we take it too far?
We are thrilled to be joined today by the amazing Linda Flanagan, author of Take Back the Game: how money and mania are ruining kids’ sports - and why it matters. She takes us through how we got to a place where sports participation has bec...2023-01-1934 min
Get Outside With KidsWhy getting outside is good for your health, with Dr. Melissa Lem, family physician and director of Canada’s national nature prescription programHave you ever wondered why you feel better outside? Sure, the fresh air feels nice, but what is actually happening in your body? And how can you maximise the health benefits of nature in your everyday life?
Today we have all those answers, and more! We are joined by the amazing Dr. Melissa Lem, who is leading a national movement to connect health and nature. Melissa is a family physician, the founder of Canada’s national nature prescription program, and a mama to an active kiddo, and she’s based right here in Vancouver.
Tune into t...2023-01-1226 minGet Outside With KidsWelcome to Get Outside with Kids in 2023!Get Outside with Kids is the podcast that helps you have more awesome adventures outside with your kids!
Tune into this minisode to hear sneak peeks of the show in 2023. You have been telling us you want to hear from experienced parents, medical professionals, authors, and educators, so we know you’re going to love the guests coming to your ears in the coming weeks and months, including:
Dr. Melissa Lem, a family physician who started Canada’s first nature prescription program
Linda Flanagan, author of Take Back the Game, a fascinating analysis kids’ sport
Nicki Farrell...2023-01-0505 minGet Outside With KidsOur guests share their most epic, embarrassing, and cringeworthy fails!Celebrating our 50th episode! Every time a guest comes on the show, we ask them to share a story of a time when things did not go according to plan.
On this episode, we round up the three most shocking epic fail stories. Together, these hilarious stories remind us that getting outside with kids can be pretty darn messy… Enjoy!
Listen to the full episodes:
Lauren Maclean (episode 20, “Taking kids’ education outside with Lauren MacLean, teacher and children’s book author”)
Pete Clarkson (episode 39, “Raising beachcombing kids in a small town, with Pete Clarkson, marine debris...2022-12-2914 minGet Outside With KidsOur top 10 tips from our awesome guests in 2022!What a year it’s been! We have loved bringing you stories and tips from parents, authors, coaches, gardeners, medical professionals, outdoor educators, and all round awesome human beings in 2022.
Today, as our holiday gift to you, we recap our top 10 tips from our guests on the show in 2022! Here are the episodes if you want to catch up:
Lauren Maclean (episode 20, “Taking kids’ education outside with Lauren MacLean, teacher and children’s book author”)
Jane Pilskalnietis (episode 7, “Remove the walls, with Jane Pilskalnietis, outdoor play specialist”)
Sue and Pete Le Souef (episode 41, “Exploring with kids in the ‘80s, with...2022-12-2220 min
Get Outside With KidsHow to play with your kids (especially when you don’t feel like it), with Reagan Fulton, professional nanny, mama, and outdoor educatorDo you really want to play with your kids? Honestly, we kind of don’t. We worry that we will get the game wrong, or that we’ll be bored out of our minds.
Today’s guest Reagan Fulton is a professional nanny, a mom, and an outdoor educator, and she has some great tips to help us ACTUALLY enjoy playing with our kids!
Tune in to hear:
How to play with your kid in a way that makes everyone happy
How nannying and parenting are the same, and also, completely different!
The important role tha...2022-12-1524 min
Get Outside With KidsJuggling twins, grief, and work-life balance, with Amy Elvidge, environmental educator and twin momGetting outside with kids can be hard at the best of times, but when you have one kid plus a set of twins, you’re just, well, outnumbered!
Today’s guest Amy Elvidge takes us through what getting outside with twins looks like in reality and shares her honest thoughts on why it’s a juggling act.
We also talk about the grief she experienced just 6 months after her twins were born when Amy’s beautiful mom passed away, and how that’s impacted her parenting.
Tune in to hear:
How to get outside...2022-12-0836 min
Get Outside With KidsGetting outside in an inaccessible world, with Laura Van Doormaal, conservation professional and disability advocateWe are so honoured to be joined by an amazing mama and advocate Laura Van Doormaal. Laura is originally from Ontario and moved to Vancouver with her now husband to be closer to nature. Their outdoorsy lifestyle shifted when their daughter was diagnosed with a rare disease but they are determined to find a way to give her the same experiences they enjoy.
Laura is just an all round awesome human and we are thrilled to speak with her in this episode!
Tune in to hear:
Laura’s experience navigating the outdoors in B.C...2022-12-0135 min
Get Outside With KidsWhy movement and outdoor play are essential to your kid’s development, with Angela Hanscom, pediatric occupational therapistToday’s guest Angela Hanscom brings so much expertise in childhood development and the importance of movement! We found her research and experience absolutely fascinating; we could have talked to her all day.
Angela is a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of TimberNook— an award-winning developmental and nature-based program that has gained international popularity. She is also the author of Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children.
Tune in to hear:
What’s actually happening in your kid’s head when their body is moving
How movement affects th...2022-11-2433 min
Get Outside With KidsHow to do big things with small kids, with Jenny Nielsen from Wasatch Wild ChildToday’s guest Jenny Nielsen doesn’t let big mileage or big vertical scare her away from attempting big peaks with her awesome 5-year-old. She really believes that kids can do hard things, and as you can see from her awesome Instagram account, her kid is walking proof of that. As far as Jenny can tell, at just 5 years old, her kid is the youngest person to have summitted King’s Peak, the highest peak in Utah at 13,534 ft (4,125m).
Today we talk about how (and why) she does it all. Tune in to hear:
How Jenny go...2022-11-1729 min
Get Outside With KidsWhen moms go wild (and why you need to go wild ASAP), with Cheryl Zandbergen, founder of Moms Gone WildWe know it’s important for kids to get outside. But what about moms? Don’t moms deserve to have some fun and go wild too?!
Today we are joined by Cheryl Zandbergen, founder of Moms Gone Wild, an award-winning organization that redefines motherhood by hosting adventurous, empowering, and rejuvenating events for mothers in Maple Ridge and beyond.
Tune in to hear:
How you can start putting yourself on the calendar, and making time for fun!
How Cheryl accidentally discovered a huge need for moms only events in her community
Why discovering new experiences, visiti...2022-11-1029 min
Get Outside With KidsOur most epic fails: fall 2022 editionEpic fails are back! After we shared our most epic fails from the summer earlier this year, we heard that you loved hearing about all the times that things went wrong. So here it is: all our messiest, muddiest, and most frustrating fails from this fall!
Tune in to hear about:
Our last doomed camping trip of the year, which went wrong in so many ways it’s laughable (we still can’t believe how many things went off the rails!)
How we are coping (or not) with our kids starting school
Our attempts to create perfec...2022-11-0329 min
Get Outside With KidsExploring with kids in the ‘80s, from the Aussie outback to the Canadian prairies to the Kenyan savannah, with Sue and Peter Le SouefSue and Peter Le Souef loved traveling and exploring, and saw no reason to stop just because they had kids. Today we are thrilled to have them on the podcast to share their thoughts on raising outdoor kids in the 1980s. They share some truly hair raising adventures that you’ll have to hear to believe!
Tune in to hear:
How parenting looked in the 1950s and the 1980s compared to today
The outdoor adventures that Sue and Pete had when they were kids, including starting fires and cooking their own food
The ambitious camping trips tha...2022-10-2735 min
Get Outside With KidsThree ways to get outside in the rain with your kids (without being a messy muddy disaster)If you really want to get outside everyday with your kids, you need to deal with all kinds of weather. And if you live in a rainy city (like Vancouver), a strong rainy day strategy will help you survive some of the bleakest months of the year without your kids bouncing off the walls.
Tune in to hear:
The tried and tested gear that we love to keep our kids dry, including rain suits, rain pants, and all the rain boots
Where to go when it’s really pouring, how to travel in the rain, and what...2022-10-2018 min
Get Outside With KidsRaising beachcombing kids in a small town, with Pete Clarkson, marine debris artist and former Parks Canada Park WardenArtist and former Parks Canada Park Warden Pete Clarkson has had enough adventures to fill an entire podcast series! In addition to making waves around the world with his colourful and inspiring marine debris artwork, Pete has worked in two of the most iconic National Parks in Canada and raised three kids with his wife in the beautiful town of Tofino.
Now that Pete’s kids are adults, he takes us through his family’s journey from the mountains to the ocean.
Tune in to hear:
About Pete’s amazing career, starting on horseback in the b...2022-10-1337 min
Get Outside With KidsA big day out: why your family needs an adventure dayWe love mini adventures! But every now and again, we love to plan a BIG DAY OUT with our kids.
How often? As often as you need! And what does a big day out involve? The only requirement is that you and your family or loved ones choose to spend the whole day together, outside. No scheduled activities, no devices, no distractions.
Tune in to hear:
Ideas for what you can do on your big day out
How to incorporate nature sketching into your adventure
How we use our 3 “S”s to keep the kids mo...2022-10-0618 min
Get Outside With KidsRisky play and how to learn about the outdoors, with Christina Tutsch from Wonder Outdoor SchoolDid you grow up spending time in the outdoors? If you didn’t, you’re not alone. As adults, it can be hard for us to pick up the skills we need so that we can go on amazing outdoor adventures.
Today we are talking to Christina Tutsch from the Wonder Outdoor School on the Sunshine Coast here in B.C. all about how adults can learn skills that will help them explore the outdoors (safely!). We also had a great conversation about risk and our kids, and Christina shared her advice from years of outdoor education.
2022-09-2924 min
Get Outside With KidsBackcountry hiking with twins, with Tyson and Shannon from Restless CrusadeOur guests today have literally climbed massive peaks and go on some of the most amazing backcountry adventures with their kids here in British Columbia, Canada.
Tyson and Shannon, the couple behind @restlesscrusade, are parents to adorable 4-year-old twin girls, who join them on backcountry hiking trips in the mountains.
We asked them all about how they actually do this and had a great conversation about what we are modelling for our kids when we pursue our own goals.
Tune in to hear:
The story of their first (incredibly ambitious!!) hike with t...2022-09-2230 min
Get Outside With KidsHow to garden with kids, with Bri Brunner, community garden activist from Moms2tablesIf you’ve always wanted to try gardening with your kids, this is the episode for you! We are joined by the fantastic Bri Brunner, who is a mom, volunteer, and community garden activist, as well as the force behind the Moms2Tables account on Instagram. Bri’s journey into gardening started right after she received a serious diagnosis for her kid, and has brought so many benefits.
Tune in to hear:
How a recommendation from an occupational therapist changed Bri’s life
The developmental changes she’s seen in her kid since he started gardening with her
H...2022-09-1528 minGet Outside With KidsDressing your kid for success outside, with Jocey Newman, founder of First Peak baby and toddler clothingWe love a mompreneur! And Jocey Newman is such a great example. On this episode, we speak with Jocey, the founder of First Peak baby and toddler clothing, about how she started her clothing line to help families feel more confident outside.
Tune in to hear:
How a trip to Yosemite with her baby changed Jocey’s view about kids’ clothing forever.
Why Jocey and her husband packed up their toddler, their dog, and all the First Peak inventory and drove across the U.S.
How to care for your kids’ clothing so it lasts longer.
How conne...2022-09-0820 min
Get Outside With KidsHow to pitch the idea of a hike to your skeptical kidLet’s be honest, kids are not always excited about hiking. If they’re anything like our kids, the allure of their favourite playground might be so strong that they outright refuse to go hiking. So today we’re applying some marketing tactics to the problem! Tune in to hear:
The words we use to pique their interest, and the “h” word that we definitely DON’T use
The things we pop in our backpack to encourage their curiosity
How hiking with friends helps us
The trick our guest Tammie Bennet from @showupsociety shared when she was on the show (lis...2022-09-0113 minGet Outside With KidsOur most epic fails: summer 2022 editionToday we are laying it all out for you. Cue: the messiest, muddiest, silliest mistakes we made this summer!
We’ve seen it all in just 3 months: injuries, gear fails, accidents, sunburned bums, mud, illness, kid meltdowns, regret… we tell you about all of it so that you can either avoid these pitfalls, or just have a good laugh with us.
You don’t want to miss this episode, it’s easily our favourite episode so far!
Connect with us on Instagram for more tips @getoutsidewithkids
2022-08-2527 minGet Outside With KidsHow to go backcountry camping with a kid (including what not to do!)This week we are sharing what we learned from our kids’ very first overnight backpacking trips! Our eldest kids were 4 and 5 and a half when they did their first overnight camping trips, and we definitely learned a lot!! Tune in to hear:
How to pick a trail
How to prepare your kid
What gear to pack
Our snackegy (you know we’re making it a word) and the food we recommend
The things we regretted!
Gear we mentioned in this episode: MSR Hubba Bubba tent, Deuter Junior Daypack, MEC Centasaurus Kids’ sleeping bag, Thermarest NeoAir
Connec...2022-08-1816 minGet Outside With KidsHow to survive a heatwave with kidsHot weather and kids aren’t the greatest combo! Today we are sharing all the tips and tricks we use to keep our little ones cool (and to stay sane ourselves!). Tune in to hear:
How to plan your day to avoid burning your kids’ bum on a hot slide
Our favourite water activities
Our favourite icy activities and tricks!
How to stay cool yourself!
Connect with us on Instagram for more tips @getoutsidewithkids
2022-08-1114 minGet Outside With KidsOur top 10 family friendly hikes around VancouverWe love hiking around Vancouver with our kiddos! Today we’re sharing our favourite hikes in the region, along with all the tips and tricks that we’ve picked up along the way. Tune in to hear all the details about our favourite hikes, including:
Sasamat Lake, Admiralty Point and Jug Island (Belcarra Regional Park)
Lynn Loop (Lynn Canyon Park)
High and Low Knoll (Minnekhada Regional Park)
Lower Falls and North Beach Trail (Golden Ears Provincial Park)
“Uno Vista” (the first view point of Diez Vistas at Buntzen Lake)
Gear we mentioned in this episode: Ergobaby 360, Deuter Kid Comf...2022-08-0417 minGet Outside With KidsDiversity and inclusion in the outdoorsDiversity and inclusion have become hot topics in so many fields. But how do these topics actually apply to the outdoor world?
Today, we dive into this huge topic with Rike Moon, a passionate advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion. Rike works for a park agency here in B.C. and identifies as LGBTQ2S+ (and she’s also a mama in the making!)
Tune in to hear:
Why it’s important to create welcoming spaces in parks and why everyone should be able to feel comfortable in the outdoors
What’s happening in parks to...2022-07-2821 minGet Outside With KidsOur hacks for camping with preschoolersCamping with kids under the age of 6 can be amazing, and, well, intense. Today we are sharing our hacks to make the most of your camping adventure by:
bringing the right toys (think open ended toys like buckets, spades, bubbles, and even bikes if you have the space),
choosing the best location in the campsite,
researching hikes and walks in the area before you leave home, and
encouraging little activities to engage your kids when you need to prepare a meal.
Gear we mentioned in this episode: Little Kids Fubbles No Spill Big Bucket, Hape 5-in-1 Beach set2022-07-2116 minGet Outside With Kids5 tips for more enjoyable car trips with kidsSometimes you have to drive to get to cool outdoor locations. And unfortunately, kids and car trips are not always a great match. Today we share our tips for smoother and more enjoyable car trips with kids. Listen in to hear:
What our kids love to listen to in the car
The games we’ve invented to occupy our kids
Our snack strategy (snackegy?!) to prevent those “but i’m huuuuuuungry” moments
How to prevent kids from feeling carsick
And when in doubt, plan more stops!
Connect with us on Instagram for more tips @getoutsidewithkids
2022-07-1419 minGet Outside With KidsThe power of community, with Jessica Sproat, outdoor enthusiast, explorer, and founder of TrailCollectivOur guest today is no stranger to outdoor exploration and creating awesome communities of amazing women and moms. Jessica Sproat is an outdoor enthusiast, traveller, and explorer. She believes in the power of the outdoors, and is an advocate for access to nature for all. She is the founder of a new app, TrailCollectiv, that seeks to break down barriers to accessing nature and the outdoors for people of all ages and abilities.
Listen in to this episode to hear:
How you can connect to other moms and women through communities that Jess has built
What make...2022-07-0725 minGet Outside With KidsPotty training and getting outside: how to stay sane during this processPotty training is a major milestone when you have kids. And it’s easy to think you have to be confined to the house for days, maybe even weeks, until your kid reaches a certain level of accuracy. But today we’re sharing our tips (as well as the gear) that have helped us get outside even while potty training our kids.We talk about:
the logistics of potty training girls and boys outside,
the gear that has helped us feel more confident while potty training, and
the potty training mindset that we use to stress less!
Potty...2022-06-3019 minGet Outside With KidsExploring the outdoors with 20,000 kids, with Hailey Renaud, kids camp professional and general manager at Sea SmartSummer camps can be a great way for kids to get outside and learn about their surroundings. Today we are joined by Hailey Renaud, general manager at Sea Smart. Throughout her career, Hailey has worked with more than 20,000 kids in camps at Sea Smart, Vancouver Aquarium, and in Ontario, and she has empowered all of these kids to take action for the ocean and the environment. Tune in to hear:
How to encourage your kids to learn (especially when you don’t know anything about the topic yourself!)
Why Hailey chose to work in environmental education
How camp ca...2022-06-2328 minGet Outside With KidsLive for the weekdays: our hack for avoiding weekend crowdsWeekends with kids can be packed full of activities and sometimes it’s hard to find the time for adventures.
In this episode, we talk about our favourite way to pack in extra adventure every week. Tune in to hear how to :
remove the emotional labour and stress of planning outdoor activities with kids,
find some social connection in the middle of the week,
avoid weekend crowds at the busiest lakes and parks, and
feel less like you’re in the rat race, and more like you’re in charge of your own adventures!
Places mention...2022-06-1617 minGet Outside With KidsHow to choose a baby carrier (including backpacks!)Finding a comfortable way to transport your child can be your ticket to freedom as a parent. Today we talk about all the types of baby and child carriers we have tried, from when our babies were newborns all the way up to 4.5 years old.
We talk about the features to look out for, like storage, sun protection, back support, buckle system, and many more, and share which models were our absolute favourites!
Gear that was mentioned in this episode: Beluga Wrap, Baby K’Tan, Ergobaby Classic, Tula Explore, Ergobaby 360, Deuter Kid Comfort, MEC Kid Ca...2022-06-0928 minGet Outside With KidsTaking kids’ education outside, with Lauren MacLean, teacher and children’s book authorWe are joined by Lauren MacLean to talk about taking school outside, and how we can inspire a love for outdoor learning in kids of all ages.
This episode also contains our favourite ever example of a time when things did NOT go according to plan when getting outside with kids… trust us, you’ll have to tune in to believe this one, it’s a doozy!
Lauren MacLean is a mentoring support teacher and host of the Mentoring Nature Connections podcast where she interviews educators from across North America on their outdoor learning experiences. She is...2022-06-0228 minGet Outside With KidsGetting outside with kids on holiday: how to plan vacations that actually feel like vacationsPlanning a vacation looks very different after you have kids! Before kids, you can be spontaneous and move around between different exotic locations, exploring new cities and restaurants! After kids, that sounds, well, completely exhausting.
Today we share our tips for planning a great vacation that gets you outside with your kids, whether that’s a big overseas adventure, or a long weekend close to home.
Main takeaways:
We like to stay at least 3 nights in one place so the trip is not just packing/unpacking/packing/unpacking….argh!
Book accommodation with big...2022-05-2620 minGet Outside With KidsNature, mindfulness and our kids, with Sandi Schwartz from the Ecohappiness ProjectToday we are joined by special guest Sandi Schwartz to talk about the intersection of nature and mental health, and how it applies to kids. Here’s what we covered:
The scientific research that shows why getting outside is good for our mental health
The simple activities that you can try with your kid to spend more time outside, including kids’ yoga, art projects, picnics, volunteering, fruit picking and more
How to get outside with kids and inspire a love for the environment, without having to do big outings like camping or hiking. It can be sharing a meal...2022-05-1924 minGet Outside With KidsHow to camp with a babyToday we’re talking about the first time we went camping with a baby and share tips on expectations, sleeping and gear. Main takeaways:
If you have friends who are camping with kids, could you stop by their campsite for a day trip and see how they’re doing it? This might give you the confidence to try it yourself.
For your first trip camping with a baby, go with someone who is familiar with camping - your partner, a friend, your parents, or anyone who can lend a hand when you need it.
Go somewhere familiar and close...2022-05-1224 minGet Outside With KidsHiking with kids with Stephen Hui, author of 105 Hikes & Best Hikes and Nature Walks With Kids In and Around Southwestern BCWe are thrilled to be joined by Vancouver legend Stephen Hui, author of 105 Hikes and Destination Hikes. We talk about Stephen’s brand new book Best Hikes and Nature Walks With Kids In and Around Southwestern British Columbia, coming to bookstores in May 2022.
Stephen shares how he learned to adapt his hiking style from the massive 20km+ big mountain adventures (such as the ones described in 105 Hikes), to looking at slugs and icicles on 1km loops with his son. Check out all of Stephen’s books at 105hikes.com
Places mentioned in this episode: Lynn Canyo...2022-05-0521 minGet Outside With KidsMake it smaller than you think: how to make getting outside part of your routineToday we are casting our minds back two years to a time that really motivated us to start this podcast. We talk about how we learned to get outside with kids and what helped us make it a regular habit.
Main takeaways:
Incorporating getting outside into your everyday routine makes it easier to overcome toddler resistance
Open ended toys like buckets and shovels help your kids make an adventure out of anything
Consider having fewer toys (both inside and outside)
Spending time outside without any big plans can increase your confidence for bigger adventures
Gear me...2022-04-2821 minGet Outside With KidsEmbrace the mud with Tammie Bennett, cross country coachToday we are joined by Tammie Bennett, cross country runner and coach, to talk about how to make running fun for kids (and their parents). The key? Embrace the muddy mess of being outside with kids!
Takeaways:
We have to keep things fun and social for kids!
Encourage your kids to explore their physical limits while getting messy and muddy
Let the kids lead the adventures outdoors. Give them the power and the choice
If you can’t find a community, can you create one?
It’s OK for you to get messy and have fun with...2022-04-2124 minGet Outside With KidsOur hack to get outside everydayAnyone else feeling pretty tired? Yup, us too. Today we share what we do when we want to get outside, but the exhaustion is real.
Main takeaways:
Set the bar so low you can’t fail
Can you text a friend right now and make a plan to meet outside?
Can you incorporate getting a caffeinated drink or snack for yourself along the way? Because you need something to look forward to when you’re going outside!
Could you clip your kid into a stroller or bike trailer and go for a tiny outing? And while you’...2022-04-1416 minGet Outside With KidsTake your little scientist outside with Izolda TrakhtenbergWould your kiddo like to try their hand at being a scientist? On today’s episode, we are joined by special guest, NASA Master Trainer Izolda Trakhtenberg, who has taught people aged 3-83 how to be community scientists. We talk to Izolda about all the amazing ways kids can learn about the world through science.
Main takeaways:
Science is one way to encourage kids to spend more time outside
So much learning happens when kids are given tangible activities to study their environment
Your kids are never too young to learn that they can have a posit...2022-04-0730 minGet Outside With KidsThe secret to making mom friendsWe were never meant to parent alone. But for lots of people, parenting young children is a really lonely time. We want to change that!
In this episode, we talk about how to make friends in a meaningful way that goes beyond just sharing your baby’s milestones and saying that everything is "fine".
Takeaways:
Treat making parent friends like speed dating. It’s OK if you don’t hit it off with everyone.
For us, focusing on a couple of really close friends has been far better than getting to know a large group at...2022-03-3123 min
Get Outside With KidsLive tiny, adventure big with Kaili SuttonWe are joined by entrepreneur, tiny home owner and mom Kaili Sutton! We talk about how living in a tiny home means more time outdoors, and more adventures. Because space is limited, Kaili shares her thoughts on essential kids gear and how to encourage kids to get outside and, maybe more importantly, stay outside.
Takeaways:
The less space you have inside, the more time your kids might need to spend outside
Invest in quality gear, either new or secondhand, that will stand up to the outdoors and reduce the amount of gear you need
Set a...2022-03-2426 minGet Outside With Kids3 tips for toddler friendly campingAh camping! The campfire, the fresh air, the snacks, a relaxed drink with friends. It all sounds amazing! But how exactly can you plan a successful camping trip with toddlers?! We’ve got you covered.
Plan in advance - particularly in the Lower Mainland, you need to book in advance
Think about noise - is there a loud train passing the campground in the night? Are there are any sound barriers between you and other campers? Are there quiet hours?
Consider booking a campsite next to a playground or a large grassy space
Visit the campground on a day...2022-03-1722 minGet Outside With KidsGet outside on wheels: learning to bike with kidsKids walk slow. Which is fine! We love walking and exploring with our kids. But sometimes you actually want to get to a place. Like, maybe today. Enter: bikes! We talk about our tips for getting started with a bike with your kid, and making the transition from balance to pedal.
Takeaways:
Take your kid somewhere they can see other kids their own size on bikes.
Get the right size bike. Small and super light is a good place to start.
More time on a balance bike makes the transition to a pedal bike smoother.
Buying bik...2022-03-1025 minGet Outside With KidsRemove the walls, with Jane Pilskalnietis, outdoor play specialistOutdoor play specialist Jane Pilskalnietis joins us for a fascinating dive into the world of outdoor free play and why it’s so important. Get ready for a visualisation exercise that will help you understand how different our kids’ world might be to when we were kids!
Takeaways:
Free play can help kids’ bodies, brains and social skills.
Begin with a mindset that getting outdoors with your kids is an essential part of life.
Start with 15 minutes a day.
Consider bringing “loose parts” outside, which are open ended things that kids can play with, such as buckets, sho...2022-03-0329 minGet Outside With KidsHow to choose a toddler friendly hikeFor better or worse, toddlers have some limits when it comes to hiking. We discuss what we look for when choosing a toddler friendly hike, including all the times we haven't followed our own advice!
Takeaways:
Accept that shorter can often be better
Short hikes can be deceiving - remember to check the elevation gain and starting elevation.
Read descriptions for safety hazards (e.g. river crossings, exposed ledges)
A lake, beach or (safe) lookout make the destination more tangible for kiddos.
Just because someone posted a beautiful photo on Instagram, does not mean it’s an ap...2022-02-2426 minGet Outside With KidsWhat’s the worst that can happen?What is the worst thing that can happen while you’re out with your kids? Today we are sharing some our “worst case scenario” situations so you can learn from where we went (horribly?!) wrong! A little doomsday planning can make you feel more prepared to take on an adventure. Takeaways:
Check out AdventureSmart for great tips
Pay attention to the forecast and the elevation of where you’re going. Rain can turn to snow pretty easily.
Always have spare pants and socks for your kids (and maybe you!) in the car
Learn what animals are in your area and...2022-02-1728 minGet Outside With KidsHow to motivate a toddler who doesn’t want to hikeYou’ve probably experienced this - your toddler has had enough and refuses to go on. How can you motivate them to continue to walk? We’ve been there too and we know how hard it is! Here are the main takeaways from this episode:
Story - tell a riveting, long story with plenty of magic and intrigue
Surroundings - bring their attention back to their surroundings. Look for rocks. Point out trees. Run to the next hill. Look out for the coolest bug. Count something together.
Sit down - if your kid is really upset, sometimes the best th...2022-02-1019 minGet Outside With KidsHow to have a snowy adventure with a babyTaking a baby to the snow can be intimidating. We talk about what to look for in winter gear, how to get you and your kids dressed, and how to decide where to go, as well as all the times we have forgotten crucial items and lived to tell the tale!
Takeaways:
Layer up those kiddos to keep them warm and dry. Avoid cotton!
Don’t forget to wear layers yourself. Carrying a baby makes you WARM.
Take a lot of spare mittens and hats and neck warmers.
Always wear waterproof pants, because you’ll end up si...2022-02-0324 minGet Outside With KidsHow to hike with a babyDo you want to try hiking with a baby but don’t know where to start? This episode will help you set realistic goals, take the right gear and get outside with your baby. Main takeaways:
Keep your expectations low - even lower than you think!
Go with someone you trust, who has the same expectations as you
Get up and go early - even when you’ve had no sleep. Just go!
Pack your bag and your carrier the night before.
Take as many wipes as you can carry. Trust us.
Places mentioned in this episode: təmtəm...2022-01-2726 minGet Outside With KidsAn introductionMeet Jen, a mom of two, who grew up in Ontario and had never been hiking until she moved to Vancouver as an adult.
And Kate, also a mom of two, who grew up camping in Australia with her family (and dingoes).
Despite very different backgrounds, Jen and Kate have learned a thing or two about getting outside with kids on adventures big and small and introduce their key tip: lower your expectations!
Places mentioned in this episode: Stawamus Chief Provincial Park (https://bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/stawamus/)
Connect with us...2022-01-2009 minGet Outside With KidsGet Outside With Kids TrailerThe trailer for our brand new podcast, Get Outside with Kids
2022-01-1301 min