Welcome back to #OptOutside: SUMMER FUNd — the podcast where we celebrate parenting in nature, on a budget, and from the heart.

In today’s episode, we’re serving up 10 totally free and fun outdoor activities you can enjoy with your kiddos this summer!

Whether you're exploring Kentucky or just tuning in from afar, this list is packed with ideas to get you outside and smiling.

PLUS — we’ve got a special guest in the studio… Little Miss K herself!

She’s here to help walk us through the list, and her enthusiasm is contagious. 

Here’s a sneak peek at a few ideas:
✨ Backyard picnic with a twist
✨ Outdoor dance party
✨ Paint with water
✨ Become cloud detectives
✨ DIY backyard camping adventure

So grab a pen and notebook, or head over to our Instagram for the full list and some behind-the-scenes fun!

If you love the show, we’d be so grateful if you’d leave a quick rating or review — it helps more families find us and keeps this little adventure going!

Let’s #OptOutside and make some memories.

Welcome back to Trail Talk Tuesday!

In this episode, we’re headed to Anglin Falls Trail in Mount Vernon, Kentucky — a short, scenic hike that brings big rewards. From the peaceful sound of the waterfall to muddy laughs and wrong turns, today’s story is part travel guide, part real-life mom moment.

 Trail Overview:

• Location: Mount Vernon, KY
• Distance: 1.6 miles out-and-back
• Time: ~45 minutes
• Elevation gain: 252 ft
• Rating: Moderate (some rock climbing and steady incline)

You’ll hear about:

• How getting lost for 30 minutes led to extra scenic views (and laughs)
• Parking tips and how to find the hidden trailhead
• What to expect underfoot: mud, rocks, and a good pair of shoes
• Why this isn’t a swimming trail — but still worth the hike
• How this trail can be a reset button for your mental health
• Stories from the trail with friends, kids, and those magical waterfall moments

💬 Personal Insight:
“Going up I was heavy, but coming down I always feel light.”

This hike is more than just a trail — it’s a place to breathe, reset, and soak up the beauty around you. 

Don’t forget to check out our photos from the hike on social media!

This week, we’re bringing back a listener favorite: Crafts & Snacks — because let’s be honest, there’s never enough of either during summer break.

CRAFT OF THE WEEK: SMILES IN NATURE
Today’s nature-inspired craft is simple, joyful, and FREE. Grab the kids and challenge them to make as many smiley faces as they can using only what they find outside — sticks, rocks, leaves, fruit, dirt… it all works.
Bonus points for googly eyes if you’ve got them on hand!
Smiling is contagious, and this activity is sure to bring out giggles and sunshine. 

SNACK TIME: DIY CHARCUTERIE BOARDS
Let’s talk snack hacks! From Lazy Susans filled with grab-and-go bites to Lunchable-style charcuterie boards your kids can build themselves — this episode is full of practical snack ideas that keep kids happy and let you actually get some work done.
We’re talking crackers, fruits, salami, olives, cheese, and even dips or spreads — all packed up for a picnic in the park or snack on a sunny blanket in the backyard.

Bonus Tip: Include your kids in snack prep! It builds independence and makes snack time even more fun.

After a quick summer break, we’re back!

In this episode, I catch you up on the last couple of weeks — from hiking Anglin Falls and hitting local foam parties to a surprise visit to the iconic Kentucky Castle.

I’m so excited to share that the SUMMER FUND giveaway for June goes to Heather — a listener, supporter, and all-around gem in our #optoutside community!
This is my way of giving back to the moms out there doing their best this summer.

Want to be next month’s winner? Just share episodes on your socials and engage with us on Instagram — @optoutisdepod

Local events, free family fun, and a castle tour you don’t want to miss! 

Learn more about the Kentucky Castle:
https://www.thekentuckycastle.com/history/

Don’t forget to pack light, laugh loud, and always #optoutside!

Hello and welcome back to #OPT OUTSIDE’s Trail Talk Tuesday—where we pack light, laugh loud, and always opt outside! 🌞 This week, we're kind of leaving Richmond… but not really! Join me as we head to Fort Boonesborough State Park, a location packed with historical significance, peaceful trails, and plenty of outdoor charm. 👣 Here’s what you’ll hear about:

• 📜 The fascinating backstory of Fort Boonesborough, founded by Daniel Boone in 1775 and once a thriving Revolutionary War outpost
• 🏕️ What the reconstructed fort looks like today (think log cabins, blockhouses, and live reenactments!)
• 🚫 Why you can no longer swim at the “beach,” but what else you can do by the river—hello kayaking, fishing, and picnicking
• 🌿 A walk-through of the Fort Boonesborough Campground Loop Trail (aka the Pigeon Forge Trail)
  • 0.9 miles, easy loop
  • Quiet, shaded, and a bit overgrown—but totally doable
  • Highlights include a lovely creek, wooden bridge, and views of the reconstructed fort
• 🐜 Why you’ll want bug spray and a good tick-check routine
• ☀️ Tips to enjoy your summer trail days without overheating (hydration, sun protection, portable fans—do it up!)

Whether you’re a history buff, a parent looking for a peaceful adventure, or just want to walk somewhere new without a big time commitment, this spot is worth a visit. Even if you’ve walked trails like this before, the surroundings and historical backdrop make it truly unique.

Welcome back to #OPTOUTSIDE!

This week was a whirlwind of birthday bliss, sunshine, and summer savings — and I’m here to wrap it all up for you. From skincare shopping sprees to free summer bowling (well, mostly free), creek-side adventures, and a Harry Potter movie marathon, we’re covering it all in this Weekly Wrap-Up.

It was also a big milestone — my daughter (and the voice behind K’s Korner!) turned 10! 

We went all-out with dollar store balloons, birthday breakfasts, purple hair magic, and popsicles in the park. This episode is packed with fun, free(ish), and affordable ways to celebrate summer and make memories — even on a budget.

🌈 🎧 What You’ll Hear In This Episode:

• 🎂 K’s 10th birthday celebrations — from door decorations to pizza at the park
• 💄 Mini Sephora haul & skincare queen moments
• 🧁 Birthday freebie adventures (with some flops and some wins: Crumbl, Dunkin, Starbucks & more)
• ✂️ Hair color dreams come true thanks to a local Madison County stylist
• 🌊 Exploring Boones Trace Creek + picnic with friends
• 🎳 Free summer bowling (but don’t forget the shoe fee!)
• 🛍️ Budget gardening + major end-of-season plant deals
• 🎤 Water slides, bonfires, and backyard karaoke
• 🧙‍♀️ Four Harry Potter movies and a whole Sunday of chill

🦟 PS: I need your best bug spray recs because the mosquitos did not come to play. Email or DM me, seriously.

📲 Let’s Connect:
✨ Instagram: @optoutsidepod
📧 Email: [email protected]

🌿 Coming Up Next:
Get ready for more outdoor crafts, summer fun inspo, and a brand new Trail Talk in a brand new city. You won’t want to miss it!

☀️ Remember: No matter the budget, there’s always room for sunshine. Until next time — pack light, laugh loud, and always OPT OUTSIDE! 💚

Hey friends, and welcome back to Trail Talk Tuesday! Okay, okay… it's actually Friday, but Kentucky weather had other plans this week 😅

In today’s episode, I’m sharing one of my new favorite summer spots for families right here in Madison County, Kentucky: Boone Trace Trail in Berea!

If you’ve got kiddos and need a low-cost, high-fun outdoor adventure, this one should definitely be on your summer radar.

Here’s what you’ll hear about in this episode:

• 🌿 A full walk-through of the Boone Trace Trail experience (spoiler: it involves creeks, sliding rocks, and fish spotting!)
• 🗺️ Directions that actually work — no more guesswork between “Brushy Fork” and “Boone Trace” confusion
• 👣 Creek details: depth, safety tips, and why water shoes are a must
• 🧺 The perfect post-hike picnic spot
• 🐟 Plans for our next trip including nets and nature play
• 🛤️ A quick overview of the other trails available in the area (Blue, Red, Green, Yellow Loops — I’ll cover them in a future ep!)

📍 LOCATION TIP:
Parking Address:
Scaffold Cane Rd, Berea, KY
Landmark: Head toward Boone Tavern, turn down Scaffold Cane Rd, and look for a small gravel lot with a wide open field on the right — you’re there!

Find us on IG and TikTok at @optoutsidepod

Email us at [email protected]

Welcome back to #OptOutside, where we chase sunshine, fun, and unforgettable memories—without draining your wallet!

Today’s episode might be more of a #OptInside moment, but we’re diving into two incredible cost-friendly summer activities that your kids (and your budget) will absolutely love: discounted movie deals and free summer bowling!

We’re also kicking things off with a special edition of K’s Korner—get ready for soccer-themed jokes courtesy of our favorite little camper, fresh off soccer camp! Here’s what we cover in this episode:

 Summer Movie Club Deals

• Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse: $1.75 tickets + $1 off snacks
• Regal Summer Movie Express: $1 tickets + $5 snack packs
• Movies include Sing 2, Sonic 2, IF, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
• More info: cinemark.com | regmovies.com

 Kids Bowl Free Program

• Kids can bowl 2 free games every day all summer long
• Find your nearest location at kidsbowlfree.com
• Optional Family Pass: Add adults to bowl with your kids for a one-time fee (Rachel's tip: totally worth it!)

 Pro Tips

• Keep it budget-friendly by skipping the concessions—pack snacks, eat at home, and bring water bottles.
• It’s not just about saving money—it’s about making memories without the stress.

 Listener Challenge
Know a local spot that offers free, outdoor fun? Send it in! Your idea might just help another parent make the most of summer.

Welcome back to #OptOutside and thanks for tuning in to our first Weekly Wrap-Up episode—your Sunday snapshot of the outdoor adventures (and indoor confessions) from the past week! This week was a mix of chaos, celebrations, and real talk. From creek days and an Avril Lavigne concert to soccer camp drop-offs and way too much computer time—we're keeping it honest here. I didn't get outside as much as I’d like, but hey, even the smallest moments matter. Think: cereal breakfasts under the sun and hammock hangs. And the big weekend win? I jogged a 5K! My daughter inspired it, my dad and boyfriend joined in, and even though I struggled—I’m proud and already signed up for another one. (Send motivation!) Looking ahead: It’s my daughter’s birthday week, so expect sunshine, celebration, and more summer FUNd adventures. Tomorrow’s regular episode dives into affordable summer fun ideas, and Trail Talk Tuesday returns with a spotlight on another awesome Kentucky destination! 🔥 Highlights:

• Creek day memories & an Avril concert recap
• Juggling work and play (mostly work 😅)
• Hammock hangs & cereal in the sun
• My first (jogged) 5K and how it became a family affair
• Exciting things ahead for birthday week & Trail Talk Tuesday

What You’ll Hear About:

• Free and low-cost National Park experiences near YOU
• How to use NPS.gov to explore what your state has to offer
• The difference between entrance passes (including FREE ones like the 4th Grader Pass!)
• Why doing your research ahead of time can save your trip
• Rachel’s personal camping story from Zion and Bryce Canyon
• Special tips for Kentucky listeners, including highlights from Cumberland Gap, Camp Nelson & Mammoth Cave
• The National Park free entrance days (Heads up: they’re BUSY!)
• And a few must-pack hiking essentials to keep your family safe and ready for the trail!

 Plus: Don’t miss Rachel’s exciting SUMMER FUND monthly giveaway! 25% of anything earned this season goes back to the community. Enter via Instagram by June 27th — just follow, share, and DM your screenshot! 💬 Reminder: Whether you’re road-tripping out west or adventuring close to home, nature is for everyone. Let’s add a National Park (or two!) to that summer bucket list. 🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• National Parks Official Site: NPS.gov
• AllTrails App for Hiking Maps
• Follow us on IG for giveaway updates and free park days: [Insert IG Handle]