Exploring
👻 Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat! Ever wondered where that cheeky Halloween playground chant actually came from? We took a deep dive into the origin of this classic tradition—from its 1920s North American roots to the schoolyards of the 1980s! Plus, we’re setting the record straight: bare feet don't actually stink! https://www.baresolesexplorers.org/halloween or click the link in our bio. 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 #trickortreat #halloweenhistory #familyadventures #autumnexplores
There is nothing quite like the sound of rushing water to instantly clear the noise of a busy week. We recently spent some time taking in the beautiful waterfall at Green Mountain Nature Preserve in Huntsville. The trail offers an incredible, accessible slice of nature for families to slow down and connect with the earth. For us, that means skipping the shoes and letting our feet experience the damp rocks and changing textures underfoot. Letting children explore barefoot near safe, natural water features is a fantastic sensory experience that builds confidence and a deep, lasting appreciation for our natural spaces. Have you or your family explored any waterfalls in Alabama? What are your favorite spots to splash around and explore?
Even amidst the hustle of a busy work trip or conference, I have learned that the most productive moment can be the decision to step away and simply rest. There is immense power in quiet time, whether it is sitting by the peaceful water of a pool or looking out at a wide-open view of the world. Just a few minutes to sit, focus, and breathe provides the reset needed to handle the noise of the day. This need to pause and find a quiet space is just as vital for the kids and teens in our lives as it is for adults. When we consciously prioritize these moments of stillness, we all return with more clarity and energy. How does your family cultivate moments of quiet reset? 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 #mindfulness #quiettimemoments #familywellness #worklifebalance
Before Bare Soles Explorers ever hit the trails, Bigfoot was already reigning as the original, undisputed bare soles explorer. While he might hold the record for the ultimate social distancing champion, his shoeless lifestyle actually points to a pretty legendary connection with the outdoors. Kidding aside, there is something truly profound about stepping barefoot into the woods and learning to move quietly through nature. When young people ditch the clunky footwear, they naturally slow down, tune in, and become sharper observers of the wildlife around them. Watching animals in their natural habitats teaches kids patience, respect for ecosystems, and keen observational skills that no textbook can replicate. By encouraging youth to tread lightly and explore with open senses, we help them discover the magic hidden right beneath them. 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 #bigfoot #barefootoutdoors #explorelifebarefoot
The trail to the Hippie Hole at Little River Canyon delivers everything a summer adventure should: a rugged dirt path, smooth river rocks, and a sudden downpour to cool off the heat. Taking off your shoes and feeling the cool earth and riverbed underfoot can turn a hot afternoon into a completely grounding experience. Hiking barefoot is a gentle, sensory way for your family to reconnect with nature, build balance, and slow down to the rhythm of the trail. Standing in the river and looking up at the canyon walls, I realize how much texture I would have missed had I not been barefoot. Does your family ever hike barefoot? 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 #littlerivercanyon #hippiehole #barefoothiking #earthing #grounding #familyadventures
We recently spent some time exploring Ten Islands Historic Park. This land holds centuries of rich stories, carrying deep connections to Creek Nation settlements and early American history. Every piece of our shared history is important, giving kids and adults a clearer window into how the past shapes our present. When families step onto these trails together, it creates a natural opportunity to slow down and reflect on where we have been. Outdoor exploration allows us to connect with the land, listen to its story, and discover timeless lessons that help us better ourselves. Walking through these historic spaces reminds us that real learning happens when we take the time to observe, respect, and grow from what came before us. How do you and your family like to slow down and connect with history when you are outdoors? 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 #tenislandshistoricpark #alabamapowershorelines #historicallands
"Why try to explain miracle to your kids when you can just have them plant a garden." Robert Brault 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
Visiting Hot Springs Mountain Tower was a highlight of our trip while in Arkansas. Standing 216 feet tall atop Hot Springs Mountain, the current superstructure opened in 1983, continuing a tradition of scenic observation on this peak that dates back to the first wooden tower built in 1877. All three of us took the elevator up to the open-air deck and thoroughly enjoyed taking in the panoramic views of the Ouachita Mountains. Stepping into high, open vantage points exposes children to vast landscapes, which stimulates spatial awareness, deepens visual processing, and sparks natural curiosity about the environment. Getting kids outside to experience these sweeping, real-world perspectives gives their developing minds a powerful break from screens while encouraging them to actively observe and engage with the world around them. Are there any scenic lookout towers or panoramic overlooks near your home town? 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 #hotspringsarkansas #hotspringstower #amazingviews
While making our way back through Arkansas, we spent some time in downtown Hot Springs, walking the street and touring the Hot Springs National Park visitor center bathhouse. Seeing the thermal water bubble up in open pools and feeling its soothing heat made the natural history of the springs come alive. The steam rising from the water and the warmth radiating from the basin gave us a firsthand look at the powerful geothermal energy flowing right beneath the town. Rich tactile and visual experiences like feeling naturally heated spring water build stronger cognitive connections, turning abstract science into an exciting, hands-on discovery. When kids engage all their senses outdoors, it grounds them in the present moment, stimulates their curiosity, and deepens their appreciation for the natural world. Have you or your kids ever experienced natural thermal hot springs before? 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 #hotspringarkansas #hotspringnationalpark
It was an extremely hot day outside during our trip, making the Oklahoma Aquarium the perfect indoor escape. This is easily one of the best aquariums we’ve ever visited. The building is wonderfully laid out, making it seamless for families to navigate. The interactive spots were fantastic—from getting to feel sea life and feed the turtles to walking through the massive underwater shark tunnel, our son was completely awestruck. Aquariums offer children such a powerful way to learn about aquatic ecosystems, marine conservation, and animal behaviors up close. Stepping into this environment fosters a natural sense of wonder and empathy for creatures we don't normally see every day. The atmosphere throughout the exhibits is very relaxed and welcoming, and the floor was cool beneath my feet on a hot day. Building this kind of hands-on knowledge about diverse aquatic species helps spark a lifelong curiosity that truly rewilds a child's mind and deepens their connection to the natural world. What is your family's favorite sea creature to see at the aquarium? 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 #oklahomaaquarium #familytravel #exploreoklahoma @okaquarium
When we preserve historic landmarks, we aren't just saving old structures—we’re protecting places that sparked joy, imagination, and community connection for generations. Passing these whimsical, historic treasures down to the next generation teaches our kids that joy and creativity are essential parts of the human story while inspiring them to dream big. Of all our stops along Route 66, the Blue Whale of Catoosa was easily my personal favorite. Built in 1972 by a local family man named Hugh Davis as a surprise anniversary gift for his wife and a fun swim spot for local kids, this giant blue landmark has brought smiles to travelers for decades. Walking around the whale and taking in its cheerful history was a huge hit for our family. It is such a great example of how simple, creative acts can become beloved cultural treasures that stand the test of time. How do you help your kids appreciate the history and culture of the places you visit 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 #preservecommunity #route66 #bluewhaleofcatoosa @thebluewhaleofcatoosa
Culture is built on human creativity, problem-solving, and the unique local stories that make every region special. Preserving historic landmarks along the way helps kids realize that culture isn't just found in museums—it lives in the bridges, small towns, and roads we travel every day. Exposing children to these preserved pieces of local heritage encourages curiosity and shows them how innovation shapes our everyday lives. Further along our drive, we stopped to see the legendary 9-foot section of Route 66, built in the early 1920s as a surprisingly narrow strip of asphalt paved wide enough for just one car at a time. Nearby, we also visited the historic 1926 Pryor Creek Bridge in Chelsea, Oklahoma. Seeing both of these preserved landmarks helped us imagine what driving cross-country was really like a hundred years ago. 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 #preserveculture #route66 #ninefootsection #ribbonroad @oklahomaroute66
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