Exploring
Preserving historic landmarks gives our children a tangible bridge to the past, helping them understand where we came from and how communities grew. When kids see and touch real pieces of history along iconic roads like Route 66, abstract stories from textbooks transform into living adventures. Teaching them to value these physical connections fosters a deeper sense of empathy and appreciation for the people who traveled these paths before us. We explored the famous Rainbow Bridge, built in 1923, which is the last remaining Marsh Rainbow Arch bridge on all of Route 66. Walking up to this engineering marvel gives kids a clear look at how highway design has evolved over the last century. It is a fantastic place to talk about early road trips and the ingenuity of early American engineers. Reconnecting kids and families with nature starts with getting outside. Bare Soles Explorers is on a mission to encourage active outdoor play by exploring the great outdoors. Visit baresolesexplorers.org to discover the movement! #baresolesexplorers #optoutside #unplug #preservehistory #route66 #rainbowbridge #marshrainbowarchbridge
Exploring Fort Scott National Historic Site in Kansas was such an enriching experience, made even better by the outstanding staff. Everyone we met was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and deeply knowledgeable about the fort's history—from its early days on the 1840s frontier through the turbulent times of Bleeding Kansas and the Civil War. It’s always inspiring to connect with staff who bring history to life with so much passion for shared learning. As I walked through the grounds, I was struck by the sheer variety of textures. From aged brick walkways and wooden porches to soft grass, crunchy gravel, and old stone flagstones, every surface physically connects you to the story of the past. While going barefoot certainly isn't for everyone, simply paying attention to these varied surfaces—whether feeling them with your feet or touching the old wood and stone with your hands—is a wonderful way for kids and adults alike to slow down, build sensory awareness, and feel a tangible connection to history. What’s your favorite way to help your kids engage all five senses when visiting historic sites? Reconnecting kids and families with nature starts with getting outside. Bare Soles Explorers is on a mission to encourage active outdoor play by exploring the great outdoors. Visit baresolesexplorers.org to discover the movement! #baresolesexplorers #optoutside #unplug #fortsmithnationalhistoricsite #fortsmithkansas #fivesenses
How did @baresolesexplorers begin? It started with my love for barefoot hiking and over 15 years of working with youth, where I saw an urgent need for kids and teens to unplug and explore. When our son was born, I wanted to get him outdoors and share how naturally learning happens in that environment. Recent polls show that nearly 72% of youth actually prefer screen-free outdoor play, and when given the freedom, kids and teens naturally love kicking off their shoes. With grounding and earthing now scientifically backed for reducing stress, sharpening focus, and boosting mental capacity, bringing these worlds together was a natural fit. Bare Soles Explorers was born to empower young people of all ages to shed their shoes, reconnect with the earth, and let real-world learning take root. Reconnecting kids and families with nature starts with getting outside. Bare Soles Explorers is on a mission to encourage active outdoor play by exploring the great outdoors. Visit baresolesexplorers.org to discover the movement! #baresolesexplorers #optoutside #screenfreetime
At Bare Soles Explorers, we are on a mission: Raising Awareness to the Importance for Kids to Explore the Great Outdoors! Did you know children eight and older spend over 1,300 hours a year staring at screens? That’s more than 3.5 hours every single day on phones, TVs, and computers. We believe it’s time to help our kids put down the video games, step outside, and reconnect with nature. Whether it’s building a stick fort, hiking a local trail, visiting a museum, or camping under the stars, outdoor play boosts physical health, improves focus, and builds confidence. Why Bare Soles Explorers? Because kids naturally love running around barefoot! Plus, going barefoot has real health benefits for both kids and adults — like strengthening feet, improving balance, reducing stress, and boosting sensory development. You don't have to go barefoot to join us, but a love for adventure and making family memories is a must. Ready to discover the movement? Unplug from technology today and explore a destination nearby or plan a fun road trip. Kids might outgrow stuff, but they never outgrow adventures. Snap a photo of your journey, tag us @baresolesexplorers, and use #baresolesexplorers so we can feature your adventures on our page! Will you join us? #baresolesexplorers #explorethegreatoutdoors #gobarefoot #activekids #naturekids #childhoodunplugged #optoutside #outdoorkids #outdoorfamilies #unplug
Walking barefoot down the paved trail and wooden boardwalk along Ha Ha Tonka Spring in Ha Ha Tonka State Park, the view of the clear water was incredible. The real highlight, though, was catching sight of two otters and a muskrat swimming nearby. Seeing wildlife out in the open like that is such a great reminder of how special it is when our kids get to experience true, untouched nature. Helping children reconnect with the outdoors—an idea often called "re-wilding"—is so beneficial for their growth. Exploring natural spaces fosters genuine curiosity, builds resilience, and gives kids real sensory connections to the world around them. Re-wilding doesn't have to mean a massive backcountry expedition; it’s simply about giving kids space to observe, feel the ground underfoot, and build a real relationship with the outdoors. How do you help your kids connect with nature? Reconnecting kids and families with nature starts with getting outside. Bare Soles Explorers is on a mission to encourage active outdoor play by exploring the great outdoors. Visit baresolesexplorers.org to discover the movement! #baresolesexplorers #optoutside #unplug #hahatonkastatepark #hahatonkaspring #natureboardwalk
During our stop at Boswell Park in Lebanon, Missouri, we came across a fantastic Route 66-themed playground that makes active play so much fun. The attention to detail is great, featuring a mini bridge complete with a car, and retro diner and route signs. It is such a creative spot for kids to get outside and explore. Playgrounds like this play a vital role in childhood development by helping kids build balance, coordination, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills through simple, unstructured play. The smooth, cushioned rubber surface also makes it a great spot for kids to safely kick off their shoes, giving their feet valuable sensory feedback and boosting proprioception while they play. Have you ever come across a uniquely themed playground on your family trips? Reconnecting kids and families with nature starts with getting outside. Bare Soles Explorers is on a mission to encourage active outdoor play by exploring the great outdoors. Visit baresolesexplorers.org to discover the movement! #baresolesexplorers #optoutside #unplug #boswellpark #route66playground #childhooddevelopment
"Teaching children about the natural world should be seen as one of the most important events in their lives." Thomas Berry Do you have a favorite quote about nature? We'd love to hear it. Reconnecting kids and families with nature starts with getting outside. Bare Soles Explorers is on a mission to encourage active outdoor play by exploring the great outdoors. Visit baresolesexplorers.org to discover the movement! #baresolesexplorers #optoutside #unplug #quoteoftheday
Between busy work weeks and everything else on our plates, heading out for a hike is our favorite way to reset and shake off the stress. We stepped onto the boardwalk and just stopped to listen for a while. It's amazing what happens when you get quiet — you start hearing the birds singing, the frogs croaking in the swamp, and the wind moving through the trees. Taking that time to just breathe and reflect does wonders for the kids and for us, too. It reminds all of us how good it feels to step away from the noise of everyday life and just be still in nature. What sounds do you love listening to when you’re out on the trail? How does your family like to unwind after a crazy week? Reconnecting kids and families with nature starts with getting outside. Bare Soles Explorers is on a mission to encourage active outdoor play by exploring the great outdoors. Visit baresolesexplorers.org to discover the movement! #baresolesexplorers #optoutside #unplug #familyhike #barefoothiking #natureheals #mindfulwalking #familytime
This weekend, our family took an unforgettable road trip to the Town of Spectre on Jackson Lake Island, Alabama—the whimsical movie set from Tim Burton’s Big Fish where visitors are famously encouraged to throw their shoes over the power line and go barefoot. We first explored this magical spot back in 2017, and things looked mostly unchanged. Standing under that wire of shoes again, we couldn't help but smile at how perfectly the town's carefree, barefoot spirit aligns with our mission. Taking a road trip with your children is one of the best ways to get them outdoors, disconnect from screens, and truly expand their minds. Immersing them in nature and exploring unique places like this sparks curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love for exploration. Your kids will always remember the adventures you went on, not the stuff you bought them. Have you ever visited a real-life movie set? Where is your family's favorite road trip destination? Reconnecting kids and families with nature starts with getting outside. Bare Soles Explorers is on a mission to encourage active outdoor play by exploring the great outdoors. Visit baresolesexplorers.org to discover the movement! #baresolesexplorers #optoutside #unplug #familyroadtrip #bigfishmovie #townofspectre #alabamaroadtrip #familyadventure
While exploring this massive rock overhang at Green Mountain Nature Preserve, a fellow hiker stopped to chat and commented on my bare feet, mentioning that she bet grounding like that felt really good. She was exactly right — feeling the cold stone and sandy trail underfoot feels incredible and always sparks the best conversations. People often wonder if you have to hike barefoot to be a Bare Sole Explorer. The truth is, the kids had their shoes on for this hike, and that is completely okay! Our main goal isn't that everyone abandons their shoes; it’s simply to encourage families to unplug, get outdoors, and do something active together. Going barefoot is just our unique way of starting a conversation about the endless benefits of nature play. What is your family’s favorite way to explore the outdoors together? Reconnecting kids and families with nature starts with getting outside. Bare Soles Explorers is on a mission to encourage active outdoor play by exploring the great outdoors. Visit baresolesexplorers.org to discover the movement! #baresolesexplorers #optoutside #unplug #caveshelter #greenmountainnaturepreserve #barefoothiking #rewild #rewildyourchildren
Recent rainy weather coupled with a slight drizzle during our hike made for the perfect conditions to spot some incredible mushrooms along the trail. We came across quite a few unique, colorful varieties hidden among the leaves and pine needles. My son was so interested in them, and it turned the walk into an exciting treasure hunt to see who could find the next one first. It’s pretty cool how a simple change in focus can turn a damp, rainy day into a fun outdoor learning experience. These are the exact moments of curiosity we love to see when kids unplug and get outside. Nature always finds a way to provide its own entertainment if you just take the time to look closely. What interesting things have your kids spotted on the trails after a good rain?
We encourage you to explore the great outdoors with your children, family and friends. Studies indicate children eight years and older spend more than 1300 hours annually in front of computers, mobile devices and televisions combined. The Bare Soles Explorers’ strives to encourage children to go outdoors, disconnect and immerse themselves in adventure. Engaging in various activities, such as playing at the park, hiking in the woods, visiting a museum, exploring a historical landmark, camping at a national park, or constructing a stick fort encourages physical, social, and behavioral well-being, and can improve a child’s academic performance. Become a Bare Soles Explorer today by unplugging from technology and exploring a destination close to home or taking an overnight road trip. Connect with our community #baresolesexplorers and share your adventures with us on social media when your exploration is done. Tag us @baresolesexplorers and we’ll repost your adventure. Build memories that will last a lifetime. Why @baresolesexplorers? Because kids love to be barefoot. We aim to empower children to embrace their adventurous nature, engage their senses, and discover creative experiences in the world around them. Furthermore, research indicates that going barefoot has health benefits for both children and adults, including stress reduction, physical strengthening, and enhanced learning abilities. While being barefoot is not a requirement to join our community, a passion for adventure and the creation of cherished family memories are all that’s needed. Will you join us? Invite your family and friends to follow us, share your adventures with #baresolesexplorers and tag @baresolesexplorers to have your adventures reposted in our social community. #baresolesexplorers #explorethegreatoutdoors #gobarefoot #activekids #naturekids #childhoodunplugged #optoutside #outdoorkids #outdoorfamilies #unplug
Our family recently made the trip to the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge to witness the annual blooming of the rare Cahaba Lilies. Stepping into the cool, refreshing water was a perfect escape from the heat, and navigating the river barefoot gave the visit a connected feeling that made the beauty of the lilies even more memorable. We spent the afternoon exploring the shoals for a close-up experience with the lilies as they swayed in the current. I managed to capture some great photos of the blooms, and the experience even held the attention of our little one throughout the trek. Have you ever visited a natural wonder where you had to leave the dry path behind to truly appreciate it?
Our family recently spent a beautiful day hiking through the woods, taking advantage of weather that was much cooler than usual for a summer afternoon. We enjoyed exploring the winding trails together, navigating a path that transitioned between rugged, rocky terrain and soft blankets of pine needles. Our son had a blast running ahead to lead the way, and his energy made the trek even more enjoyable for all of us. Getting out into nature to explore new places like this is one of our favorite ways to spend time as a family. I managed to appreciate the grounded connection to the earth with every step along the shifting forest floor. Do you have a favorite local trail that your family loves to explore?
"In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks." John Muir We encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments. If you have a favorite quote about nature, drop it in the comments as well.
While at the park, I took the nature trail that winds past the birding tower to explore the surrounding landscape. The walk offered a great variety of terrain, from the natural forest floor to the weathered textures of the boardwalks and bridges. Crossing over the water, I was able to experience the transition into the bottomland forest and feel the different soil densities and roots beneath my bare feet. I stopped along the boarded walkway to soak in the views of the cypress-tupelo swamp, which was incredibly peaceful. Watching the light filter through the moss-draped trees while feeling the cool, damp wood of the path really connected me to the ecosystem. It was a grounding walk that proved the best way to witness the park’s wild beauty is to slow down and experience it one step at a time.
There’s something powerful about feeling the ground change beneath your bare soles—from the soft, damp earth of the cypress-tupelo swamp to the solid, rhythmic metal of a 100-foot climb. Reaching the top of the Perry Lakes Birding Tower was a highlight of the trip; it’s a serious vertical cardio session that really tests your foot mobility and strength. The burn in my legs was worth it the second I cleared the treeline and felt the fresh breeze coming off the Cahaba River. Being 100 feet up puts you right in the heart of the forest's incredible biodiversity, offering a rare bird’s-eye view of life thriving within the canopy. It was the perfect reminder that nature provides the best gym and the best views, and it’s a great way to stay barefoot and grounded—even when you’re standing in the clouds.
While we’re talking about strengthening our feet, there is another activity I’ve struggled with while barefoot: climbing rope and pipe ladders. It looks easy, but when your feet are rigid, it can be surprisingly painful. I’ve officially placed mastering these on my bucket list for the year. My research shows that I need to focus on metatarsal splay (the ability for the ball of the foot to spread) and mid-foot mobility. My goal over the next year is to loosen up the muscles and ligaments in my feet, allowing them to flex and mold naturally to the surfaces I walk and climb. What are your exercise goals, barefoot or shoed, for this year?
The Lodge Cast Iron Museum in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, is home to the largest cast iron skillet in the world—so, of course, we had to visit. After paying the admission fee, we toured the museum, which walks visitors through the entire process of casting cookware. The museum is vibrant and full of interactive, hands-on exhibits that everyone can enjoy. The highlight is the enormous skillet, measuring about 18 feet across and weighing over 14,000 pounds. We couldn’t pass up this stop on our way home during our last road trip.
While in Tellico Plains, we made the short drive to Bald River Falls, one of East Tennessee’s most stunning waterfalls, located in the Cherokee National Forest. The falls drop an impressive 90 feet into the Tellico River, surrounded by the lush, forested mountains of the Unicoi Range. The falls are easily accessible—we parked nearby and walked onto the bridge for the perfect viewing spot. The cool mist from the falls was refreshing on our faces as we snapped photos and soaked in the natural beauty. We even met another barefoot family while visiting, which was pretty cool. We opted not to hike, but a short trail leads to the top of the falls for another perspective.