Enjoy Mother Nature solo or with family and friends this Mother's Day

Mother Nature.

She’s pointing us in the direction where we’re meant to go as mothers. So let’s explore!

Ladies and femmes, we were BORN to be out in nature. To be ONE with nature. Let’s kick up our heels- or some hiking boots- and head off to meet the sun as it rises and sets. Nature is calling us. It’s time we stop to listen. And breathe.

Mother’s Day is right around the corner. It’s often a time for flowers blooming, school projects, and colorful homemade cards. What better way to celebrate than enjoying some extra outdoor time to honor all that motherhood brings to our life?

We love to celebrate ALL MOMS – immediate family, godparents, mother figures – from all backgrounds who play this important role in someone’s life. This is also a time that we cherish memories of mothers who may no longer be with us.

Find the joys of nature… in your own backyard!

Let’s start small – if you have a baby, young children, or teenagers, it’s often hard to plan a trip or even run a simple errand. Juggling the toys, the snacks, the bags, and more can leave you tired just thinking about it. Well, never fear – you can enjoy the feel of soft grass between your toes just footsteps away from your back door.

If you have an outdoor space or if the big city park is your backyard, you can explore the great outdoors without ever leaving your home. If the park is your cup of tea, you can stroll, walk, or drive to your favorite grassy spot.

Here are some quick, easy tips for a quick nature adventure:

• Take a blanket or two to spread on the ground

• Get a basket and fill it with some yummy snacks – fruit, muffins, popsicles… oh my!

• Make a pitcher of homemade lemonade for refreshment

• Pack the favorite toy or ball

Mom tip: Don’t pack too much – the best outdoor exploration can come from the nature around us. Investigate the leaves and the trees. Point out new wildlife. If you have a toddler, chances are they’ll find their favorite stick or rock to carry along.

Outdoor Adventures That Are Fun for the Whole Family

You don’t have to be “unattached” to go outside and adventure. On the contrary, sometimes the great outdoors is exactly what the whole family needs – fresh air, views for miles, interacting with our planet in all its greatness.

If you have kids and are thinking about how to venture out, there are many options that can work for you and your family.

Baby-wearing in the Great Outdoors

Speaking of attachment, if you have a baby or toddler, there are so many different ways to “wear” them while out on a trail. If you’re anything like me, sometimes there are TOO many options when it comes to choosing a carrier. I like to go with the least complicated one that will offer comfort and support for both the baby and mom.

Always make sure that you:

• Secure baby in the carrier and bring extra layers for the weather

• Pace yourself – remember you are two! Take your time if you’re walking a trail, for example

• Take breaks – water for you, nourishment for baby

• Breathe!

Explore state parks and other spots close to you

Some of my family’s favorite outings have been to state parks or nature preserves. They offer such diverse beauty, and each one is uniquely different. We were also surprised when we started researching just how many state parks were close to our home. You can search on the State Parks website and choose the best option for you and your family.

Depending on the experience you want, you can choose the setting that you wish to explore. We often like to go to the smaller or lesser-known parks to give us more room to breathe. We’ve enjoyed branching out to experience other outdoor areas including:

• Nature Preserves

• Wildlife Areas

• State Forests

• National Parks and Monuments

There’s so much to take in at each of these. The trees, wildlife, and historic sites will inspire you to keep on adventuring. We love making memories that will last a lifetime.

And don’t forget to protect the environment by picking up after yourself when adventuring. LAAF Travels has great tips and reminders.

Secure some solo time by connecting with your community

You do you.

Especially as a mom that’s easier said than done.

You’re juggling so much every day.

You’re making big decisions all day, every day.

You have a constant list of “to dos” in your head.

And you’re always worrying about the needs of others…

• Did they eat enough?

• Are they sleeping enough?

• What should we fix for dinner tonight?

• Is it bath day?

• Is it mom’s bath day?

Well needless to say, you deserve a break. And sometimes it’s hard to even stop to remember that. You hear everyone around you talking about “self-care,” but what does that actually look like and feel like?

Slowing down and stopping for a moment.

As a mom, it is one of the hardest things to do. And it can be hard to ask for help, too. But having a community of support that you can reach out to is not only helpful – it’s necessary.

Whether that’s asking your partner or best friend to spend an afternoon with your kids while you head out on a solo hike or trading playdate time with your close friends and their kids – you can create solo outdoor adventure time with the help of your friends and family. I bet your friends would love to have some hiking time, too.

Trust me, when you’re able to connect with yourself AND nature, that’s a win-win for everyone.

LAAF Travels is the perfect option for your next adventure, Mama!

This year, what could be better than giving the gift of the great outdoors. Ladies Adventure and Food (LAAF) Travels is the perfect reward for yourself and the moms in your life. A refreshing, rejuvenating time to connect with nature is waiting for you.

There are many options for adventure. This is a perfect travel opportunity if you want to invest in some solo mom time or head out on the trail with your friends. What a fun excuse to get together, eat incredible food, and make some memories!

If you’re looking for a place to start, the Backpacking Basics Course in the Pacific Northwest offers an exciting itinerary sure to be just what you need. With multiple dates to choose from, you can book your journey to fit your schedule.

And if you’re planning ahead, the summer of 2022 is the anticipated departure of Adventures in Norway. This international trip is definitely one to book. Beautiful scenery, scrumptious seafood, and exploration on foot and water.

Mother nature is calling.

Go ahead, Mama… Answer her call.

Author Bio:

Vanessa is a professional copywriter, specializing in Early Childhood and Motherhood. She is a mom, an eternal optimist, and a lover of nature and travel. www.vanessaleighagency.com