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

• 028: Learning to Backpack, Rock Climb & Canoe Trip Alongside Kids

  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

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• 027: She Bikepacked Kyrgyzstan With Kids and Rode the Continental Divide Pregnant

  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

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• 026: Risky & Child-Led Play: Raising Resilient Kids Outside

  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

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• 025: Family Biking Made Simple: Tips for Moms Who Want to Ride More

  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

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• 024: South America Sustainable Family Travel: Bus Travel, Budget-Friendly & Volunteering in the Galapagos

  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

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