As a parent who treasures outdoor time and believes in the value of movement, play, and fresh air for young kids, I’m always drawn to books that reinforce these values—and offer practical ways to build on them. Grow Wild: The Whole-Child, Whole-Family, Nature-Rich Guide to Moving More by Katy Bowman does just that.
Bowman doesn’t preach about exercise. She invites us to reimagine movement as something our families naturally do together—through daily rhythms, chores, play, and even mealtimes. And if you’ve ever packed a snack for the trail, eaten lunch on a blanket outside, or found yourself barefoot in the backyard with your kids… you’re already living parts of this book.
Why I Loved This Book
Katy Bowman’s approach felt like a love letter to the way many of us want to raise our kids: with less screen time, more dirt under the nails, and a whole lot more fresh air.
She explores seven “environments” that influence how much (or how little) we move: culture, clothing, kitchen, home, education, activity, and celebrations. The book is filled with research, yes—but also family-friendly ideas and encouragement that make you feel empowered, not overwhelmed.
Best of all, the book meets you where you are. You don’t need to change everything overnight. You’ll likely find you’re already doing more than you think.
Practical Ideas I’m Already Doing—or Want to Try
Here are a few takeaways I loved (and many of them are already part of our daily life!):
1. Make Outdoor Time a Default Setting
This book reinforces that movement isn’t optional for kids—it’s essential. We already spend time outside every day, but this made me feel even more confident about making outdoor play the priority, not the backup plan.
2. Stack Your Time
Bowman introduces the idea of “stacking” family needs—combining connection, chores, learning, and movement in one setting. For example, a walk to collect leaves or sticks can double as nature play, science, and time together. We’re already doing this during our nature playgroup outings!
3. Bring Movement into the Home
Simple changes—like swapping chairs for floor cushions, adding climbing stools, or keeping toys low to the ground—encourage natural movement inside. I loved the reminder that home doesn’t have to be “kid-proofed” to the point where it limits their ability to move.
4. Make Mealtime an Opportunity for Movement
Picnics on the lawn, eating on the floor, or even letting kids help prep food in standing or squatting positions all encourage movement. We’ve already been doing more meals outside, and I love this permission to keep it simple and physical.
5. Dress for Movement
Loose, flexible clothes and barefoot time matter more than we think. If you’ve ever noticed how your child climbs better barefoot—or if your own feet feel better after a walk in the grass—you’ll appreciate this gentle nudge to let go of the shoes indoors and out.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a parent who values nature, movement, and simplicity, Grow Wild will feel like a kindred spirit. It honors traditional ways of living—while offering fresh, creative ideas for today’s families. It helped me see our everyday choices through a new lens and gave me a few fresh ways to support my kids’ need to move.
Whether you’re already outdoorsy or just trying to get outside more often, this book is a wonderful guide and gentle motivator. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress, presence, and making small choices that help your kids grow wild in all the right ways.
Want to check it out for yourself?
You can find the book here: Grow Wild by Katy Bowman
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