What happens when you let your kids take the lead outdoors? In this week’s episode, Adrianna shares how giving children — especially toddlers and preschoolers — a voice on the trail helps them build independence, confidence, and leadership skills in nature.

From choosing which way to turn at a fork to helping decide where the bear spray should go, every small decision teaches kids trust, awareness, and responsibility. Adrianna also dives into:

• Simple ways to turn hikes into hands-on learning adventures

• How to make outdoor play part of your child’s emotional and sensory development

• Mindful moments on the trail that strengthen family bonds

• Tips for managing meltdowns, keeping hikes fun, and embracing curiosity over summits

Plus, she shares her new Take a Hike and Count activity sheet — now available through the free Kids Who Explore membership — and why outdoor learning doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.

Whether your little ones are collecting pinecones or leading the way to a creek, this episode reminds parents that adventure isn’t about how far you go — it’s about how present you are when you get there. 🌿

Tune in and tag us @kidswhoexplore when you bring these trail lessons to life!

Fall hiking with a baby can feel overwhelming. There are so many layers, unpredictable weather, and high price tags on outdoor gear. But with the right preparation, thrifty tips, and a few layering tricks, you and your little one can enjoy the magic of the trail this season.

In this episode, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about layering babies for fall adventures in the Canadian Rockies (and beyond). From base layers and fleece buntings to budget-friendly gear swaps, I’ll walk you through how to keep your baby safe, warm, and comfortable outdoors without breaking the bank.

You’ll also learn:

• The 3-layer system I use for babies on the trail

• How to temperature-check your baby while hiking

• Affordable ways to find quality gear (thrifting, swaps, and secondhand gems)

• My go-to baby brands for bunting suits, base layers, and socks

• Why preparing for “just in case” makes adventures less stressful

Whether your fall is crisp mornings or mild afternoons, this episode will help you feel ready, confident, and excited to explore with your baby this season.

Thinking about taking your baby on their first backpacking trip? In this episode, I share our family’s real-life experience of heading into the backcountry with a little one in tow. From the fears and the unknowns, to the joy of watching my baby connect with nature, I break down what actually worked for us—plus the challenges that moms don’t always hear about before going.

Whether you’re wondering what gear you really need, how to handle unexpected moments (like baby messes or wildlife sightings!), or if this kind of adventure is even doable as a new mom, this episode will give you honest, practical insight.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why the idea of backpacking with a baby can feel overwhelming—and why it’s still possible

• The gear that made a difference on the trail (and what I’d skip next time)

• Tips for handling feeding, sleep, and comfort in the backcountry

• The emotional side of adventuring as a mom and trusting yourself on the trail

• How to balance safety, preparation, and creating joyful family memories outdoors

Whether you’re planning your very first trip or just curious what it’s really like, this episode will help you feel prepared, encouraged, and ready to say “yes” to backcountry adventures with your little one.

Relevant Blog Posts:

Backpacking Gear Checklist for Moms & Babies

The Best Baby & Toddler Safe Sleeping Bag for Camping & Backpacking Adventures

Trail Magik: The Best Adventure Kid Carrier for Backpacking

Trigger Warning: Early Pregnancy loss

In this heartfelt episode, Adrianna opens up about her personal journey through postpartum, pregnancy loss, and the healing power she found in both community and the outdoors. She shares the inspiration behind creating Kids Who Explore meetups, and how nature became a grounding force during some of her most challenging seasons of motherhood.

Adrianna’s reflections remind us that outdoor parenting isn’t just about fresh air and trails — it’s about finding connection, support, and a safe space to navigate the highs and lows of family life. 🌿

• Why community support is essential for mothers

• How nature can provide healing during postpartum and loss

• The story behind Kids Who Explore meetups

• Ways to find balance in motherhood through outdoor connection

• Encouragement for moms who are navigating tender seasons

✨ Whether you’re a parent looking for inspiration, someone seeking healing, or simply curious about the power of nature and community, this episode will resonate deeply.

• Join my Hiking Mom Circle 10-Week Program

• Find your local Kids Who Explore Meetup

• Follow us on Instagram @kidswhoexplore

In this episode, Adrianna shares her heartfelt experiences of exploring the Canadian Rockies with her family at the stunning Purcell Mountain Lodge. From fields of breathtaking wildflowers to quiet moments of connection on the trail, she reflects on the joys and challenges of parenting in nature and raising kids in the backcountry.

Adrianna emphasizes the importance of helping children disconnect from technology and discover the magic of the outdoors through family adventures. She also highlights how community and connection form naturally when families come together to share in outdoor activities, even when the journey feels challenging.

Whether you are dreaming of your next backcountry escape or looking for inspiration to get your kids outside, this episode will remind you that adventuring as a family is not only possible but deeply rewarding.

✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why Purcell Mountain Lodge is a unique place for family-friendly backcountry adventures

• How to encourage kids to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature

• The emotional rewards of watching children grow and thrive outdoors

• Why community and shared experiences are vital for outdoor families

• How to embrace both the challenges and joys of parenting in the backcountry

This conversation will leave you inspired to plan your own family adventure in the Canadian Rockies, create lasting memories in nature, and embrace the beauty of outdoor parenting.

John Webster: https://www.instagram.com/johnwebsterartist?igsh=MTlxcmx0MzBkMW8wOQ==

Travel with Kids Who Explore: https://www.kidswhoexplore.com/travel

In this special episode, Adrianna sits down with her five-year-old son, Turner, to chat about their favourite family hiking adventures in the Canadian Rockies. From packing tips for kids and lightweight trail toys to the importance of safety gear like bear spray, Turner shares what makes hiking fun and what challenges come with exploring nature as a child.

Together, Adrianna and Turner highlight the joy of raising kids outdoors, the value of Leave No Trace principles, and how early experiences in nature can inspire children to become lifelong explorers and advocates for the environment. This heartwarming conversation is a reminder that exploring the outdoors as a family is not only possible but deeply rewarding.

✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to prepare for hikes with kids, from gear to lightweight toys

• Why summer hiking is a favourite for families

• The role of safety gear and awareness in the Canadian Rockies

• Tips for teaching children about Leave No Trace and wildlife safety

• How outdoor adventures can spark a lifelong love of nature in kids

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just beginning your family adventure journey, this episode offers inspiration, practical tips, and a child’s perspective on why the trail is the best place to be.

In this episode, Adrianna shares her journey of outdoor parenting with a newborn, blending honest reflections on postpartum recovery with practical advice for hiking with your baby. From the early days of babywearing on the trail to finding healing in fresh air and movement, Adrianna shows how nature can become a vital part of both motherhood and recovery.

She also opens up about the realities of postpartum anxieties, the pressure of comparison, and why it’s okay to start small when getting outdoors again. With a focus on community, connection, and the mental health benefits of spending time outside, this conversation will inspire you to create your own version of family adventures in nature, no matter what stage of motherhood you’re in.

✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to prepare for outdoor adventures and hiking with a newborn

• Practical tips for safe and supportive babywearing on the trail

• Why nature is powerful for postpartum healing and mental health

• Ways to balance motherhood with outdoor exploration

• How community and connection enhance the outdoor parenting journey

💡 Ready to take the next step?

• Join Adrianna’s Hiking Mom Circle: a 10-week program designed to support moms in postpartum recovery, outdoor confidence, and building community. Learn more here

• Looking for local families to adventure with? Find and join your local group on the Kids Who Explore site

If you’re a new mom (or soon-to-be mom) hoping to explore nature with confidence, this episode offers encouragement, realistic parenting tips, and inspiration to help you build lasting family adventures outdoors.

Adrianna shares practical tips for hiking with a newborn, including essential gear, safety in bear country, and how to adapt the ten essentials for life with a baby. She highlights the importance of layering, carrying extra food and water, and using a soft shell carrier for comfort. With a focus on preparation, flexibility, and grace, Adrianna encourages parents to embrace the journey and enjoy the bonding experience that comes with getting outdoors together.

What You’ll Learn:

• The ten essentials for hiking with a newborn

• Key safety protocols and wildlife awareness

• Packing tips including food, water, layering, and first aid

• Why flexibility and patience make adventures more enjoyable

Hiking with a newborn? Grab our newborn packing list

Connect with Kids Who Explore: kidswhoexplore.com

Instagram: @kidswhoexplore