OutGrown is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families with young children connect to nature and to each other. Our mission is to build a world where families feel welcome, included, and confident outdoors from the very beginning of life.
Through locally-led communities, nature-based programs, and family-first resources, we support caregivers of children from birth to age five in creating joyful, accessible outdoor experiences.
We focus on families with children ages 0 to 5, emphasizing the earliest years of life. Many programs and outdoor activities are geared toward older kids, but we exist to close that gap and ensure that babies, toddlers, and preschoolers have a place in the outdoors, too.
Older siblings are always welcome at events, but our primary focus is on families in the early childhood stage.
OutGrown is built by parents and caregivers, not programs or institutions. Everything we offer is designed to work with real life, not around it.
Our communities are volunteer-led, flexible, and rooted in care. There is no pressure to be an expert or plan elaborate outings. Whether you are meeting one family at the park or gathering a group for a trail walk, what matters most is showing up and making space for connection.
You can start by visiting our Find Your Community page. You will see a list of active Hike it Baby communities across the United States and Canada. Each community is led by local caregivers who host outings and help connect families in their area.
If your area is listed, click through to join the local group and start exploring upcoming events.
If you don't see your city, you're not alone. OutGrown is entirely volunteer-powered, which means communities exist where families have stepped up to get things started.
The good news is that you can begin your local group by completing our free and flexible Volunteer Outside Guide Training. We will walk you through everything you need to host your first outing and grow something meaningful in your area.
Outside Guides are local volunteers who host family-friendly outings in their community. Anyone can become an Outside Guide by completing our short online training. There is no cost and no expectation for how often you host.
The training helps you feel confident in planning and leading inclusive outings for families with young children. After training, you can access our tools, event calendar, and support systems to get started at your own pace. Click HERE for the training.
No outdoor experience is required. You do not need to know every trail or have leadership training. You are ready if you enjoy being outside and want to help others feel welcome.
Outgrown communities are built by people who show up with care, not perfection. We provide the structure. You bring the heart.
Our outings are created for families with children ages birth through five, but older siblings are always welcome. Many families bring school-age children or invite extended family members. We just design everything with early childhood in mind, so little ones can fully participate.
Some outings require a quick RSVP. However, most are drop-in friendly. Each event listing will include details about whether you need to sign up, what to bring, and what to expect.
Yes, most events are free. Some community groups may occasionally host donation-based events or invite optional contributions to support local or national efforts, but no one is ever turned away for cost.
OutGrown is powered by volunteers and supported by donations from families who believe in the mission.
Yes. Caregivers are welcome to bring grandparents, partners, friends, or others who support their family. Outings are meant to be accessible and inclusive, whether you show up solo or with a group.
We simply ask that whoever attends is prepared to participate in a respectful, family-centered space and to have signed our waiver.
Yes, outings are designed with young children in mind and hosted by volunteer Outside Guides who plan with care and intention. Most outings occur in parks, green spaces, or along short trails that are manageable for early childhood needs.
However, it’s essential to know that parents and caregivers are always responsible for their children during outings. Our guides are volunteers, not supervisors, and each adult agrees to this responsibility by signing our Community Agreement and Liability Waiver.
We care deeply about creating a safe and welcoming experience. Our trained Outside Guides do their best to
Choose family-friendly locations with low risk
Adjust for weather, trail conditions, or group needs
Help the group stay together and make space for rest, snacks, or unexpected needs
That said, all outdoor activities carry some level of risk. By participating, each caregiver accepts responsibility for their child’s safety and well-being as well as their own.
We ask that most outings, around 80 percent, be accessible to all families, regardless of ability, experience, or energy level. This includes flat trails, short distances, and minimal elevation gain.
The remaining 20 percent can offer more variety or challenge, such as longer trails, light elevation, or uneven terrain. This balance allows for inclusion and adventure while keeping our youngest participants in mind.
Many outings are stroller-friendly and held in parks or along paved paths. Accessibility depends on the location, and event listings often include notes about the terrain.
If you have a question or need specific support, we encourage you to contact the outing host in advance. We will do our best to help you feel confident in showing up.
Yes. OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our work is supported through individual donations, grants, and community partnerships. We are committed to transparency and community trust.
You can view our most recent IRS Form 990 filingshere.
Yes. All adults participating in outings or using the platform must agree to our Community Agreement and Liability Waiver. This helps ensure everyone understands their role, including personal responsibility for their children, and supports a safe experience.
Waivers are signed during registration and are required before attending events or volunteering.
Our Community Agreement outlines the shared values that guide how we show up for each other. It includes
• Respect for all families, backgrounds, and lived experiences
• Commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and safety
• Responsibility for your children and decisions outdoors
We aim to create a space where families feel welcome and supported, just as they are.
Share their favorite trails in the Family Trail Guide
Volunteer behind the scenes with national projects
There is no one way to support the mission. If you are interested but unsure where you fit, complete the Community Preference Form, and we will help you find your place.
Yes. OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our work is supported through individual donations, grants, and community partnerships. We are committed to transparency and community trust.
You can view our most recent IRS Form 990 filingshere.
Yes. All adults participating in outings or using the platform must agree to our Community Agreement and Liability Waiver. This helps ensure everyone understands their role, including personal responsibility for their children, and supports a safe experience.
Waivers are signed during registration and are required before attending events or volunteering.
Our Community Agreement outlines the shared values that guide how we show up for each other. It includes
• Respect for all families, backgrounds, and lived experiences
• Commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and safety
• Responsibility for your children and decisions outdoors
We aim to create a space where families feel welcome and supported, just as they are.
We love hearing from our community. Whether you have a suggestion, a question, or something you want us to know, you can share it using our Support & Feedback Form.
Your thoughts help us improve, grow with intention, and stay rooted in what families need. A real person on our team reads every message.
Thank you for helping us make this space better for everyone.