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

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

How to Get Your Kids to Enjoy Hiking + Planning a Family Thru-Hike

Jul 21, 2026 · 44 min · 10 segments

In this solo episode of the Let’s Go Outside Podcast, we are breaking down a massive family update—we are officially committing to thru-hiking a section of the Great Divide Trail (GDT) this summer…

In this solo episode of the Let’s Go Outside Podcast, we are breaking down a massive family update—we are officially committing to thru-hiking a section of the Great Divide Trail (GDT) this summer with our three kids, including our 6-month-old baby! (so a three-week backpacking trip as a family!) Stepping away from the daily grind means swapping endless housework and domestic chaos for the beautiful simplicity of mountain life, but it also comes with real fears. I share honestly about the logistics we are sorting through, from managing backcountry food drops to solving the ultimate "diaper dilemma" on a long-distance trail. In addition to our GDT planning and gear testing, the second half of this episode is packed with practical, field-tested tips to get your kids to actually *enjoy* hiking. You’ll hear me share about transforming the trail into an imaginative adventure and eliminating complaining and other tips I’ve learned from legendary outdoor parents so your kids look forward to hiking. Whether you are an experienced backpacker looking to transition into adventure parenting or a mom trying to navigate a weekend day hike with a toddler, this episode will give you the practical tools and inspiration you need to confidently head into the wild. **Resources mentioned:** How to Tell Stories to Children: https://amzn.to/4vWXahO Osprey Poco Premium Child Carrier https://amzn.to/4uFNdUU The Nugget Podcast Episode 171: https://thenuggetclimbing.com/episodes/leo-houlding 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 Danika on IG:** @besidethemountain **Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes:** https://besidethemountain.com/ **Watch on podcasts YouTube:** @besidethemountain **Email me:** [hello@danikavanderpyl.com](mailto:hello@danikavanderpyl.com) **Codes & Discounts:** Download my FREE high protein snacks ebook: besidethemountain.com/protein-ebook Travel gear guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEqVfpGk-5uJ29uoiScoZXLPnTY4r311/view?usp=sharing

In this solo episode of the Let’s Go Outside Podcast, we are breaking down a massive family update—we are officially committing to thru-hiking a section of the Great Divide Trail (GDT) this summer…

Show Introduction & Episode Overview0:00 – 2:28

DanicaHost

0:00

Today on the podcast, I wanted to do it a little bit different.

DanicaHost

0:03

It is an episode from me.

DanicaHost

0:05

It's half life update, half adventure planning with Danica, half encouragement for hiking with our kids.

DanicaHost

0:14

I haven't done an episode that's totally committed and, uh... specific to hiking trail encouragement with kids.

DanicaHost

0:24

And so I wanted to dive into all the ideas of what to do with our kids on the trail as I am kind of compiling that list myself.

DanicaHost

0:35

So I have points to share with you that things that I'm really excited about.

DanicaHost

0:41

I also dive into talking about planning and prepping a through hike.

DanicaHost

0:46

And so if this is something that you are interested in or you want to do or you are doing, I hope you find this interesting.

DanicaHost

0:54

It's not a lot of conclusions.

DanicaHost

0:56

It's more of ideas and thoughts.

DanicaHost

0:58

my thoughts of where we are at and so if you find that interesting you can listen to the first half of this podcast if not you can skip to the hiking tips and ideas but I hope that it feels like you're having a cup of tea with me as we're figuring out these adventures together welcome to let's go outside a podcast bringing moms together to chat about the raw unfiltered reality of doing the exploring we love after having kids no matter your comfort level of adventuring with the little ones this is a space to have honest conversations about the real struggles of getting out the door with the kiddos I'm Danica, a mama living in a small mountain town who's totally obsessed with healthy food and taking my kids outside every single day.

DanicaHost

1:48

I professionally guided backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies, and I'm certified as a Leave No Trace instructor.

DanicaHost

1:54

On the show, you'll hear real experiences from other moms, plus tips on gear, trail snacks, and the best practices in the wilderness.

DanicaHost

2:01

Whether it's hiking, camping, backpacking, skiing, or traveling the world you want to do more of, This is your place to learn, find encouragement, and strip away any comparison.

DanicaHost

2:11

Come embrace both motherhood and the outdoors.

DanicaHost

2:14

Stick around.

DanicaHost

2:15

This is your place.

DanicaHost

2:16

Welcome to the Outdoor Mom Club.

DanicaHost

2:26

Welcome to the Let's Go Outside podcast.