Four moms on raising kids who love the outdoors

Whether they’re coaching mountain bike teams, running 50Ks, paddling remote Canadian wilderness, or hitting the trails at sunrise, these four moms have made the outdoors a cornerstone of how they raise their kids — and they’re sharing everything they know. Read their best tips for getting kids outside, the gear they swear by and the moments that make it all worth it.

The Endurance Mom

Amber Conlin doesn’t just talk to her kids about doing hard things — she shows them. The Utah-based mom of four has competed in 50Ks and multiple Everesting events, climbing 29,029 feet (the height of Everest) in 36 hours. Currently, she’s training to run the Grand Canyon Rim 2 Rim and summit Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. Her kids make signs, ring cowbells and cheer her on at every finish line.

I want to show them that you have to work hard and sometimes push harder than you thought you could to accomplish your goals.”

– Amber Conlin

The coach mom

For Lucy Higginbotham and her kids, getting outside is baked into their everyday life. Hiking, camping and cycling are all staples in the Higginbotham household, but mountain biking has taken hold in a bigger way. Lucy’s daughter now rides on a youth mountain biking team, where Lucy is one of her coaches.

It provides her with a skill she can use to stay healthy for the rest of her life. I’m so proud of her. Mountain biking is a great sport for us as it allows the whole family to get out on the trails.”

– Lucy Higginbotham

Her advice for parents wanting to get their own kids moving? Make it part of your routine. “Put aside time every day to be outside with kids. Even if it’s a simple walk around the block, it will help them create lifelong healthy habits.”

LUCY’S PICK:

Balance bikes – It started with two wheels and no pedals. “My kids loved their balance bikes when they were young — they felt confident and had a blast. Now they’ve upgraded to mountain biking!” A perfect first step for little riders building confidence early.

woom GO 1 balance bike

woom offers balance and pedal bikes for a range of young riders, making it safe, easy and fun to learn. The GO 1 is a lightweight 12-inch option, designed for ages 1.5–3.5.

The backcountry mom

Sara Dusbabek has been adventuring with her kids since before they could walk. Her now-grown son and daughter took their first backcountry canoe trips at age three — her son was still in diapers. For Sara, the secret was always moving at her kids’ pace, letting them catch frogs, eat berries along the way (aka “trail candy”) and yes, even play in the mud.

Throughout our adventures together, it has always been important to let the kids take the lead. Give them just enough challenge to allow them to grow, yet not to break them.”

– Sara Dusbabek

Her top tip cuts straight to the point: “Let them lead, let them get dirty, let them be frustrated — just get them out!” Now her kids take their friends to the special wild places Sara took them — and really, that’s the whole point.

SARA’S PICKS:

Columbia rain gear + Smartwool socks – “If the kids got wet and cold it meant an end to the adventure.” Sara swears by quality rain gear and warm socks as the non-negotiables of any backcountry trip with kids. Keeping them dry and comfortable is what keeps the adventure going.

Columbia Hikebound II Jacket

Available in boys’ and girls’, this Columbia rain jacket uses waterproof-breathable Omni-Tech™ and sealed seams to protect against stormy, windy weather.

Smartwool Kids’ Hike Crew Socks

A cozy merino wool blend naturally insulates and stays warm — even when wet — making these socks essential for cold, rainy adventures.

The trail mom

For Amy Collins, hiking is a full sensory experience, best shared with little eyes that notice everything.

They have some very sharp senses and catch little things that I miss. Even if I have been on the hike a million times before, doing that trail with my children makes it special.”

– Amy Collins

Amy’s advice goes both ways: yes, come prepared with snacks, first aid and scavenger hunts to keep little ones engaged (print outs or activity cards can go a long way) — but also come ready to be humbled. “Be prepared to be blown away by what your children can teach you about the outdoors, nature and just how much they are capable of.”

AMY’S PICKS:

REI Tarn + CamelBak Cloud Walker packs – Amy’s kids each started with their own pack young, “We don’t have to constantly pause for water breaks, it lightens my load and they can learn responsibility for their items on trail.” Her oldest, now 16, has graduated to the CamelBak Cloudwalker 18L, proving that a love of hiking (and a good hydration) only gets bigger with age.

REI Tarn 18 Kids’ Pack

The Tarn is a daypack designed to get young hikers excited about carrying their own gear, with easy buckles, a comfortable fit and plenty of space for trail essentials.

Camelbak Cloud Walker 18 Hike Pack

As kids grow out of smaller packs, the Cloud Walker steps in with more capacity, built-in hydration and breathable comfort for longer hikes and bigger adventures.