What we’re about
Welcome to Inland Empire Kids Outdoors!
IE Kids Outdoors is a parent-driven group dedicated to connecting our kids to nearby nature and the outdoors. Our typical activities include easy walks around local nature areas, playgroups, campouts, visits to local museums, and short nature hikes. The Inland Empire offers an abundance of opportunities to explore nature, from waterfalls to wildflowers and botanical gardens to wilderness areas. We believe nature and the outdoors should be a part of every childhood and welcome families from all backgrounds.
Here's some information to consider before joining:
How to Participate
There are lots of ways to get involved with IE Kids Outdoors. If you want to explore the outdoors during organized outings with other like-minded families, then our Meetup group is for you! Please feel free to join us. Our Meetup group has specific participation guidelines, including maintaining a complete profile page and regularly participating in meetups. We will also invite you to consider participating in the group as an outings leader/ host. If you want to meet other families and participate in outings organized by Meetup organizers, we can't wait to meet you! While this Meetup group is not as active for hosted events, we encourage you to contact the admin team to post an event you would like to host or share with the group.
If you are unable to commit to regular participation but still want to get outdoors on your own with your family and join IEKO for special events, then please follow us on our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/IEKO. As a member of our social network, you will be able to view a comprehensive calendar of family-friendly outdoor activities, without having to commit to regular group participation. You will also have the option to join nearby nature communities, participate in forums, and attend special IE Kids Outdoors events.
About Our Meetup Group
Our outdoor adventures typically last 1-2 hours and are guided by the interests of our children. Our group leaders bring along magnifying lenses and collection jars so kids can explore the world up close, and leaders provide opportunities for even the youngest explorers to utilize their senses to experience the world around them. Field guides and an extensive nature library are also available to our members.
All activities are free, except for parking or admission fees charged by the locations we visit. Most activities are budget-friendly. Families with kids of all ages are encouraged to join us. Families with babies and toddlers are especially welcome to join the group, as most activities accommodate strollers. Difficulty and length of hikes and the content of our outings is determined by the make-up of our group. Walks are usually less than a mile on flat terrain and are usually stroller-friendly. We make every effort to accommodate busy schedules, and our outings take place weekends and throughout the week.
Our group is driven by the interests and enthusiasm of our parents and their children. We encourage parents to get involved as hike leaders or co-organizers, and our groups is constantly changing to reflect the needs and interests of our members.
If you would like to learn more about us, or if you have any questions, you can reach by messaging an admin. Note- Facebook message is the fastest way to reach an admin.
This group was inspired by the book Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv. We are part of the Children and Nature Network and the Leave No Child Inside Coalition. To learn more about the national movement to reconnect children with nature, visit the Children and Nature Network.