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

Danika Vanderpyl

Do you worry if your kids (or you) have the capacity to do the adventure or trip you want to do? Are you questioning if you have the right gear? Are you wanting to get into canoe camping, backpacking, or on an international trip with the kids but not sure where to start? You are in the right place! This is what this community is all about. We jump into the practicalities of adventuring after having kids from hiking, skiing, rock climbing, travelling and beyond. You’ll hear real experiences from other moms. Join the outdoor mom community.

  1. NOV 4

    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_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: hello@danikavanderpyl.com  Codes & Discounts: Wee Woolies: https://www.weewoollies.com/ Use code LetsGoOutside for 10% off

    40 min

  2. OCT 21

    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 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: hello@danikavanderpyl.com  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

    42 min

  3. OCT 7

    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 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: hello@danikavanderpyl.com  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

    59 min

  4. SEP 15

    023: Canoe Tripping, Solo Backpacking & Camping with Kids at Dinosaur Park, Lakeland & Elk Lakes

    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: hello@danikavanderpyl.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/  Codes & Discounts: Wee Woolies: https://www.weewoollies.com/ Use code LetsGoOutside for 10% off

    45 min

  5. SEP 2

    022: Around the World for One Year with Toddler Twins

    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: hello@danikavanderpyl.com  Codes & Discounts: Travel Gear Guide https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEqVfpGk-5uJ29uoiScoZXLPnTY4r311/view?usp=sharingDownload my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook

    49 min

  6. AUG 19

    021: Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail with a Baby: 4 Months on the Trail as a Family

    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: hello@danikavanderpyl.com  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

    1h 2m

  7. AUG 5

    020: The Ultimate Babywearing Guide: Newborn to Toddler, Breastfeeding to Outdoor Adventures

    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: hello@danikavanderpyl.com  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

    52 min

  8. JUL 15

    019: Solo Backpacking with Kids & Recovering from a Stroke with Young Kids

    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: hello@danikavanderpyl.com  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

    1h 12m
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4.8
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Do you worry if your kids (or you) have the capacity to do the adventure or trip you want to do? Are you questioning if you have the right gear? Are you wanting to get into canoe camping, backpacking, or on an international trip with the kids but not sure where to start? You are in the right place! This is what this community is all about. We jump into the practicalities of adventuring after having kids from hiking, skiing, rock climbing, travelling and beyond. You’ll hear real experiences from other moms. Join the outdoor mom community.

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