My Outdoorsy Mom - Blog

Explore a variety of articles on outdoor activities, tips, and family adventures to inspire your next nature-filled experience with your kids.

Free to Fly: Hard Truths, Hopeful Parenting, and Why Strong Kids Need Strong Parents with nicole runyon
Julianne Nienberg Julianne Nienberg

Free to Fly: Hard Truths, Hopeful Parenting, and Why Strong Kids Need Strong Parents with nicole runyon

In the gripping Season 2 finale, Julianne Nienberg sits down with licensed therapist and parent coach Nicole Runyon to discuss her transformative book, Free to Fly. Together, the two unpack the biggest threats to our kids today—from screens to sleeplessness, movement deficits to over-diagnosis—and why it's time for parents to reclaim their authority, simplify their lives, and raise emotionally resilient kids.

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The Nature of Rest with Eryn Lynum
Julianne Nienberg Julianne Nienberg

The Nature of Rest with Eryn Lynum

Eryn Lynum, author of The Nature of Rest, joins Julianne to explore Sabbath, nature, and how even five minutes of stillness can reconnect your home to God’s design for rest.

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From Balanced and Barefoot to TimberNook: Why Outdoor Play is Essential with Angela Hanscom
Julianne Nienberg Julianne Nienberg

From Balanced and Barefoot to TimberNook: Why Outdoor Play is Essential with Angela Hanscom

Angela Hanscom, pediatric occupational therapist and founder of TimberNook, joins me to talk about how nature-based, child-led play is the key to healthy development—and how we’ve lost touch with it in our modern world. We discuss sensory integration, the neuroscience behind outdoor play, and what it looks like to rebuild childhood from the ground up (literally).

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Nature-Based Therapy, Sensory Needs, and the Power of Outdoor Regulation
Julianne Nienberg Julianne Nienberg

Nature-Based Therapy, Sensory Needs, and the Power of Outdoor Regulation

What if your child’s “behavioral issues” are actually sensory needs that no one taught you how to recognize? In this episode, pediatric OT Kim Wilson shares how nature-based therapy is changing the way we approach regulation, attention, and emotional resilience—starting in the woods, not a waiting room.

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Family-Friendly Louisville, KY: My Solo Trip With 3 Kids Under 5
Julianne Nienberg Julianne Nienberg

Family-Friendly Louisville, KY: My Solo Trip With 3 Kids Under 5

Planning a family trip to Louisville with toddlers or preschoolers? Here’s what we did, what worked (and what didn’t), and why this vibrant, walkable city is the perfect destination for your next outdoor adventure with kids—even if you’re braving it solo like I did!

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Reclaiming Childhood Independence with Technology: An Interview with Russell York, CEO of Cosmo
Julianne Nienberg Julianne Nienberg

Reclaiming Childhood Independence with Technology: An Interview with Russell York, CEO of Cosmo

In this episode of The My Outdoorsy Mom Podcast, I’m joined by Russell York, founder and CEO of Cosmo, a family-first tech company helping parents nurture more outdoor independence and connection in the digital age. As a 90s kid turned new dad, Russell grew up biking the neighborhood until the streetlights came on—and now he’s on a mission to bring that kind of childhood back with tools like the Cosmo JrTrack 5 smartwatch.

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10 Reasons Why Your Kids Need to Be Bored This Summer
Julianne Nienberg Julianne Nienberg

10 Reasons Why Your Kids Need to Be Bored This Summer

We’re officially halfway through summer—and if your kids are anything like mine, the phrase “I’m bored” has come up a few times

. But what if boredom isn’t something to fix? What if it’s something to welcome?

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Homeschool Curious? How Outdoor Play, Community, and One Mom’s Pivot Sparked a Movement | Morgan Bergstrom, Basecamped
Julianne Nienberg Julianne Nienberg

Homeschool Curious? How Outdoor Play, Community, and One Mom’s Pivot Sparked a Movement | Morgan Bergstrom, Basecamped

What happens when a burned-out corporate recruiter has a vision for something different—something more connected, flexible, and outdoorsy? She builds it herself. Meet Morgan Bergstrom, founder of the Basecamped app, in this inspiring conversation about family rhythms, homeschool curiosity, and the beauty of not doing it alone.

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Our Favorite Upper Peninsula Spots for Summer Family Travel
Julianne Nienberg Julianne Nienberg

Our Favorite Upper Peninsula Spots for Summer Family Travel

Looking to explore Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with your kids? In this episode of The My Outdoorsy Mom Podcast, Julianne shares her favorite UP destinations, RV camping tips, and family memories that will inspire your next trip north.

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Real-Life Family Travel Tips from Midwest Travel Mama
Julianne Nienberg Julianne Nienberg

Real-Life Family Travel Tips from Midwest Travel Mama

In this episode of The My Outdoorsy Mom Podcast, I’m joined by Kristen Keeler—mom of three and creator of Midwest Travel Mama. Kristen shares how her family went from backyard play to exploring hidden Midwest gems through road trips and affordable adventures. Whether you’re new to family travel or looking to make the most of weekends and school breaks, you’ll love her practical tips and encouragement.

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