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

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 climbing

• Lead climbing for parents

• Outdoor adventures with kids in Canada

• Raising resilient and capable kids through discomfort

• Systems for successful family trips

• Back-to-back adventures & organized gear

• Canoe tripping with children

• Hiking with kids in Alberta

• Navigating teenage resistance to outdoor adventures

• Building confidence through shared challenges

Places mentioned: 

• Prince Edward Island

• Halifax, Nova Scotia 

• Bay of Fundy 

• Juan De Fuca, British Columbia

• Rock Wall Trail, Alberta

• Elk Lake Hut, Alberta

• Flow Lake, Alberta

• Skyline Trail, Alberta

• Hidden Cove, Alberta

• Fisherman’s Bay, Alberta

• Coronet Creek, Alberta 

Gear mentioned: 

• Excalibur Sqaure Food Dehydrator: https://amzn.to/4op88Z2 

Connect with : 

Jessica Bolton - [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/ 

Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain 

Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/

Watch on podcasts YouTube: @besidethemountain

Email me: [email protected] 

Codes & Discounts:

Travel Gear Guide

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEqVfpGk-5uJ29uoiScoZXLPnTY4r311/view?usp=sharing
Download 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 family

• The planning: she shares routes, mapping, transportation and how they figured it out 

• A realistic look at biking with kids

• How her 7-year-old absolutely rose to the challenge

• Stories from locals who shaped their experience about the landscape, culture, and people of Kyrgyzstan

• What riding the Continental Divide pregnant was really like

Places mentioned: 

• Western & Columbia Rail Trail - British Columbia, Bike Trail

• Kyrgyzstan

• Tian Shan Traverse Kyrgyzstan

• Silk Mountain Road Race

• backpacker.com

• Mongolia

• Baja Divide 

• Continental Divide

• Oman

• Shanghai

• Istanbul

• New Zealand

Gear mentioned: 

• Tag along kids bike 

Connect with Eleanor Kebabian : 

IG: @designedtoexplore

https://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: @besidethemountain

Email me: [email protected] 

Codes & Discounts:

Wee Woolies: https://www.weewoollies.com/ Use code LetsGoOutside for 10% off

Travel Gear Guide

https://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_play

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: @besidethemountain

Email 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 way
  

• Tips for building confidence and independence on two wheels
  

• What to look for when choosing a kid’s bike
  

• How to stay safe while biking as a family
  

• How 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 Blanc

Gear mentioned: 

• Woom Bikes 

• iBert Bike Seat: https://amzn.to/3L5mGPv

• Shotgun 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: @besidethemountain

Email me: [email protected] 

Codes & Discounts:

Wee Woolies: https://www.weewoollies.com/ Use code LetsGoOutside for 10% off

Download 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 Mountains

La Paz 

Chile 

Bolivia

Argentina

Brazil 

Santiago

Paraguay

Peru

Ecuador

Galapagos Islands

Laguna De Los Tres (Patagona logo) 

Churchill, Manitoba

Casablancia

Marrakesh

Spain

Malta

Sofia, 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.com

WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/?lang=en

Connect 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: @besidethemountain

Email me: [email protected] 

Codes & Discounts:

Wee Woolies: https://www.weewoollies.com/ Use code LetsGoOutside for 10% off

Travel Gear Guide

https://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, Alberta

Elk Lakes Provincial Park, British Columbia 

Solcan Lake (Valhalla Park), British Columbia

Murtle Lake (Wells Grey Park), British Columbia

Lake Lake Provincial Park, Alberta 

Turner Lake (Tweedsmuir Park), British Columbia 

Other mentions: 

• Episode 016 is the episode I mentioned about rattlesnakes

• Blog 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: @besidethemountain

Email 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: 

• Napel

• Mai Chai, Vietnam 

• Croatia

• Austria 

• Slovenia

• Thailand

• Australia

• Borneo

• Malaysia

• Langtang Trail

• Tamang Heritage Trail

• Perth, Australia

• Busselton, Australia

• Albany, Australia

• Para Henchen Island

• Kuala Lumpur

Gear mentioned: 

• Ebikes 

• Mac ride: https://amzn.to/4oTjupE 

• Shotgun: https://amzn.to/461EvpB 

• Thule Cross Trailer: https://amzn.to/4g1KeQZ

Apps mentioned: 

• HappyCow - Vegan Food Near You

• park4night.com

Connect 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: @besidethemountain

Email me: [email protected] 

Codes & Discounts:

Travel Gear Guide

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEqVfpGk-5uJ29uoiScoZXLPnTY4r311/view?usp=sharing
Download 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: @besidethemountain

Email me: [email protected] 

Codes & Discounts:

Wee Woolies: https://www.weewoollies.com/ Use code LetsGoOutside for 10% off

Download 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 wraps

• Buckle carriers

• Woven wraps

• Meh Dai / Half buckles 

• Ring slings 

• Onbuhimo (waistless carrier) 

• Hiking Packs

Brands 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 & Plum

• Girasol

• Didymos

• Lenny Lamb (Lenny Light) 

• Babue Baby Carriers: https://babuebabycarriers.com/ 

• Lillebaby

• Kinderpack 

• 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: @besidethemountain

Email me: [email protected] 

Codes & Discounts:

Wee Woolies: https://www.weewoollies.com/ For 10% off use code LetsGoOutside

Travel Gear Guide

https://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) 

• Utah

Gear 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/6TC9V70

• Baby Sleeping Bag Morrison Outdoor: https://amzn.to/3GzQm5D 

• Small blow horn

• Garmin inreach: https://amzn.to/4eMiEq4 

• Ursack bear bag: https://amzn.to/46tYzmz 

• IPhone 15

Some 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: @besidethemountain

Email 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