#Opt Outside

Welcome back to #OptOutside: SUMMER FUNd — the podcast where we celebrate parenting in nature, on a budget, and from the heart. In today’s episode, we’re serving up 10 totally free and fun outdoor activities you can enjoy with your kiddos this summer! Whether you're exploring Kentucky or just tuning in from afar, this list is packed with ideas to get you outside and smiling. PLUS — we’ve got a spe...

Welcome back to Trail Talk Tuesday! In this episode, we’re headed to Anglin Falls Trail in Mount Vernon, Kentucky — a short, scenic hike that brings big rewards. From the peaceful sound of the waterfall to muddy laughs and wrong turns, today’s story is part travel guide, part real-life mom moment.  Trail Overview: Location: Mount Vernon, KY Distance: 1.6 miles out-and-back Time: ~45 minutes Elevat...

This week, we’re bringing back a listener favorite: Crafts & Snacks — because let’s be honest, there’s never enough of either during summer break. CRAFT OF THE WEEK: SMILES IN NATURE Today’s nature-inspired craft is simple, joyful, and FREE. Grab the kids and challenge them to make as many smiley faces as they can using only what they find outside — sticks, rocks, leaves, fruit, dirt… it all w...

After a quick summer break, we’re back! In this episode, I catch you up on the last couple of weeks — from hiking Anglin Falls and hitting local foam parties to a surprise visit to the iconic Kentucky Castle. I’m so excited to share that the SUMMER FUND giveaway for June goes to Heather — a listener, supporter, and all-around gem in our #optoutside community! This is my way of giving back to the m...

Hello and welcome back to #OPT OUTSIDE’s Trail Talk Tuesday—where we pack light, laugh loud, and always opt outside! 🌞 This week, we're kind of leaving Richmond… but not really! Join me as we head to Fort Boonesborough State Park, a location packed with historical significance, peaceful trails, and plenty of outdoor charm. 👣 Here’s what you’ll hear about: 📜 The fascinating backstory of Fort Boo...

Welcome back to #OPTOUTSIDE! This week was a whirlwind of birthday bliss, sunshine, and summer savings — and I’m here to wrap it all up for you. From skincare shopping sprees to free summer bowling (well, mostly free), creek-side adventures, and a Harry Potter movie marathon, we’re covering it all in this Weekly Wrap-Up. It was also a big milestone — my daughter (and the voice behind K’s Korner!)...

Hey friends, and welcome back to Trail Talk Tuesday! Okay, okay… it's actually Friday, but Kentucky weather had other plans this week 😅 In today’s episode, I’m sharing one of my new favorite summer spots for families right here in Madison County, Kentucky: Boone Trace Trail in Berea! If you’ve got kiddos and need a low-cost, high-fun outdoor adventure, this one should definitely be on your summer...

Welcome back to #OptOutside, where we chase sunshine, fun, and unforgettable memories—without draining your wallet! Today’s episode might be more of a #OptInside moment, but we’re diving into two incredible cost-friendly summer activities that your kids (and your budget) will absolutely love: discounted movie deals and free summer bowling! We’re also kicking things off with a special edition of K’...

Welcome back to #OptOutside and thanks for tuning in to our first Weekly Wrap-Up episode—your Sunday snapshot of the outdoor adventures (and indoor confessions) from the past week! This week was a mix of chaos, celebrations, and real talk. From creek days and an Avril Lavigne concert to soccer camp drop-offs and way too much computer time—we're keeping it honest here. I didn't get outside as much...

What You’ll Hear About: Free and low-cost National Park experiences near YOU How to use NPS.gov to explore what your state has to offer The difference between entrance passes (including FREE ones like the 4th Grader Pass!) Why doing your research ahead of time can save your trip Rachel’s personal camping story from Zion and Bryce Canyon Special tips for Kentucky listeners, including highlights fro...

This week’s Weekly Wrap-Up episode is full of family fun, real-life parenting wins (and a few flops), and an honest look at what it means to prioritize the outdoors in the chaos of everyday life. Host Rachel dives into: -  A family hammock day at Camp Catalpa -  Hammock reading + Mel Robbins’ Let Them -  Kid crafts in the wild -  Creek exploring at Belleau Woods Park -  Surviving (or not surviving...

Trail Talk Tuesday | Episode 2 Welcome back to Trail Talk Tuesday, a mini-series from the #OptOutside: KY & Beyond podcast where we hit the trails, swap stories, and soak up the sunshine — one adventure at a time! This week, our plan to explore the University of Kentucky Arboretum didn’t go quite as expected… because the Kentucky Children’s Garden was closed. But instead of packing it in, we p...

Welcome back to #OptOutside: KY & Beyond! This week is all about FREE (or nearly free!) fun you can find in your own backyard. If you're ready to make summer magic without draining your wallet, this is the episode for you! We’re talking about: Why your local library is a summer superhero How to make the most of your Parks & Rec Department Where to find Vacation Bible Schools (VBS) for free...

Lets go to Camp Catalpa!  This is a 0.8 loop located on the northeast side of Lake Reba. 

Welcome to the very first episode of #Opt Outside: KY & Beyond! Today’s topic: prepping for summer success so that you’re not caught scrambling for swim shoes, sunscreen, or sanity. 📍 In This Episode: Why prepping now helps you say yes to spontaneous fun later How to organize outdoor gear using what you already have Creative ways to get kids involved (hello, scavenger hunt!) The two summer se...

Hey there and welcome to the very first episode of #Opt Outside: KY & Beyond – a podcast where we trade screen time for sunshine and make epic summer memories on a budget! I’m your host, Rachel – a coffee-loving, nature-chasing, always-on-the-go mom who recently swapped the palm trees of Southern California for the rolling green hills of Kentucky. I’m a former paraeducator, parks and rec pro,...

Welcome to #Opt Outside!  This podcast is for you if: ✅ You need to unplug the kids and recharge yourself ✅ You’ve ever said, “Put the tablet down… but also please don’t talk to me right now” ✅ You’ve packed 7 snacks and somehow it still wasn’t enough ✅ You want a summer full of memories , not debt We will be taking over the outdoors this summer; laughing and making memories along the way!