Professional Series - Getting Kids Outside with Mountain Trail Mom

Meet Kristina - A.K.A. Mountain Trail Mom.  Kristina's mission is to inspire moms to take their kids on hikes and outdoor adventures.  We chatted with Kristina about her top tips for making this happen!

 

What inspired you to prioritize outdoor activities with your kids?

My husband and I really love hiking and personally experienced just how much being in nature positively impacts your emotional and physical health. We felt so rejuvenated after all of our National Park trips that we made the decision to leave the Midwest and moved to Northern Utah in May 2023 in search of a life full of adventures in nature with our boys (2.5 and almost 5 years old).

 

Can you share some of your favorite outdoor adventure options?

Our favorite outdoor adventures include hiking, playing by rivers or lakes, nature trails, and splash pads. Our family goes hiking just about every weekend and we love the nature immersion and physical movement. Water play, whether it's at a mountain lake or a splash pad, is an incredible sensory experience for kids without the mess of a sensory bin at home. Nature trails are also great for movement combined with plenty of opportunities for free play and a slower pace.

 

What are some tips for getting kids excited about nature and exploring the outdoors?

Sometimes this takes practice! It can also depend on the outdoor activity. Kids are naturally very curious and have incredible imaginations, so if you are exploring a nature trail or playing by the lake, you'll likely notice they will entertain themselves with rocks, sticks, dirt, and bugs. 
For hiking, especially if you are actually trying to finish a trail, this may take some additional effort. We started hiking consistently with our young kids 1 year ago and I can confidently say that what motivates your kids will change over time. In general, snacks/ treats and games are positive motivators. For some kids, offering a special treat after a hike may work to get those little legs moving down the trail. For other kids, they want to be entertained while they walk with a game of I Spy or a nature scavenger hunt. For other children we may have to dig a little deeper to create a game that suits their current interests. For example if your child loves Mario, maybe you pretend you are searching for Bowser on the trail. And for most kids, allowing them time for free play along the trail will work wonders to rejuvenate their energy and mood.

What benefits have you observed in your children from spending more time outside?

There are countless benefits to spending more time outside. The most noticeable benefit is the emotional regulation that children feel when they are outside. Stir crazy and crabby kids shift to calm and independent kids. When outdoors our kids are able to tap into their natural childhood instincts and practice those skills such as climbing, balancing, risk taking, building, problem solving, teamwork. The list goes on and on. The more time our kids spend out in nature, the more opportunities they have to build resilience and confidence. Taking them outdoors doesn't just have short term benefits, it has incredible long term benefits as well.

 

How has spending time outdoors helped you find joy and balance in motherhood?

Kids aren't the only ones who feel centered and emotionally regulated outdoors - adults experience these same benefits! I have found that the more time I spend outdoors, the better my mood and my patience. I am the absolute best version of myself as a wife and a mother when I am out in nature!

 

What advice do you have for moms who feel overwhelmed and find it challenging to get their kids outside?

Start small and build. Start with a picnic outside, playing in the yard, or a short nature trail. Make lists of everything you think you might need and pack everything the night before (I keep a box for extra clothes, a lunchbox for sandwiches, and a bag for snacks to keep things organized and easily accessible when I need them). If you have a challenging adventure, rather than letting it defeat you, think critically about why that challenge came up. Did you forget to pack something? Did the kids not get enough free play time? Would a different time of day be better for them? The more we can reframe our challenges into lessons learned, the easier it is to stay motivated and try again next time! Trust me that the more you get out there and practice, the more you learn and the more you learn, the easier this becomes!

 

What are your favorite products at Copper Pearl?

We absolutely love the Three Layer Jumbo Quilt! It is buttery soft and we love that it's not a hot and heavy blanket. It's also a great size for kids to grow into!