Bare Soles Explorers

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Bare Soles Explorers

Join the Bare Soles Explorers in raising awareness to the importance for kids to explore the great outdoors.

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09/03/2026

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!

09/01/2026

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!

08/27/2026

"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!

08/20/2026

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!

08/18/2026

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!

08/13/2026

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!

08/04/2026

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?

Why are we the Bare Soles Explorers? Visit baresolesexplorers.org to learn why we are encouraging children (and adults) to unplug, get outside and explore the great outdoors!

07/30/2026

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 and share your adventures with us on social media when your exploration is done. Tag us and we’ll repost your adventure. Build memories that will last a lifetime.

Why ? 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 and tag to have your adventures reposted in our social community.

07/28/2026

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?

Why are we the Bare Soles Explorers? Visit baresolesexplorers.org to learn why we are encouraging children (and adults) to unplug, get outside and explore the great outdoors!

07/23/2026

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?

Why are we the Bare Soles Explorers? Visit baresolesexplorers.org to learn why we are encouraging children (and adults) to unplug, get outside and explore the great outdoors!

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Moulton, AL
35650

Website

https://www.baresolesexplorers.org/

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