#OPT OUTSIDE
Season One - SUMMER FUNd
A fresh, funny, and relatable podcast where one Kentucky mom takes you along on her quest to choose sunshine over screen time—and joy over overspending. In Season 1, SUMMER FUNd, she’s showing us how to create epic summer memories with kids without blowing the budget. Whether you're looking for free family adventures, thrifty road trips, or just a little real-talk on motherhood in the wild, this podcast is your go-to guide for summer that’s full of heart—and smart on spending.
Welcome back to #OptOutside: SUMMER FUNd — the podcast where we celebrate parenting in nature, on a budget, and from the heart.
In today’s episode, we’re serving up 10 totally free and fun outdoor activities you can enjoy with your kiddos this summer!
Whether you're exploring Kentucky or just tuning in from afar, this list is packed with ideas to get you outside and smiling.
PLUS — we’ve got a special guest in the studio… Little Miss K herself!
She’s here to help walk us through the list, and her enthusiasm is contagious.
Here’s a sneak peek at a few ideas:
✨ Backyard picnic with a twist
✨ Outdoor dance party
✨ Paint with water
✨ Become cloud detectives
✨ DIY backyard camping adventure
So grab a pen and notebook, or head over to our Instagram for the full list and some behind-the-scenes fun!
If you love the show, we’d be so grateful if you’d leave a quick rating or review — it helps more families find us and keeps this little adventure going!
Let’s #OptOutside and make some memories.
15 Jul 2025
Trail Talk: Wrong Turns and Right Views: Anglin Falls - Mt Vernon, KY
Welcome back to Trail Talk Tuesday!
In this episode, we’re headed to Anglin Falls Trail in Mount Vernon, Kentucky — a short, scenic hike that brings big rewards. From the peaceful sound of the waterfall to muddy laughs and wrong turns, today’s story is part travel guide, part real-life mom moment.
Trail Overview:
Location: Mount Vernon, KY
Distance: 1.6 miles out-and-back
Time: ~45 minutes
Elevation gain: 252 ft
Rating: Moderate (some rock climbing and steady incline)
You’ll hear about:
How getting lost for 30 minutes led to extra scenic views (and laughs)
Parking tips and how to find the hidden trailhead
What to expect underfoot: mud, rocks, and a good pair of shoes
Why this isn’t a swimming trail — but still worth the hike
How this trail can be a reset button for your mental health
Stories from the trail with friends, kids, and those magical waterfall moments
💬 Personal Insight:
“Going up I was heavy, but coming down I always feel light.”
This hike is more than just a trail — it’s a place to breathe, reset, and soak up the beauty around you.
Don’t forget to check out our photos from the hike on social media!
This week, we’re bringing back a listener favorite: Crafts & Snacks — because let’s be honest, there’s never enough of either during summer break.
CRAFT OF THE WEEK: SMILES IN NATURE
Today’s nature-inspired craft is simple, joyful, and FREE. Grab the kids and challenge them to make as many smiley faces as they can using only what they find outside — sticks, rocks, leaves, fruit, dirt… it all works.
Bonus points for googly eyes if you’ve got them on hand!
Smiling is contagious, and this activity is sure to bring out giggles and sunshine.
SNACK TIME: DIY CHARCUTERIE BOARDS
Let’s talk snack hacks! From Lazy Susans filled with grab-and-go bites to Lunchable-style charcuterie boards your kids can build themselves — this episode is full of practical snack ideas that keep kids happy and let you actually get some work done.
We’re talking crackers, fruits, salami, olives, cheese, and even dips or spreads — all packed up for a picnic in the park or snack on a sunny blanket in the backyard.
Bonus Tip: Include your kids in snack prep! It builds independence and makes snack time even more fun.
After a quick summer break, we’re back!
In this episode, I catch you up on the last couple of weeks — from hiking Anglin Falls and hitting local foam parties to a surprise visit to the iconic Kentucky Castle.
I’m so excited to share that the SUMMER FUND giveaway for June goes to Heather — a listener, supporter, and all-around gem in our #optoutside community!
This is my way of giving back to the moms out there doing their best this summer.
Want to be next month’s winner? Just share episodes on your socials and engage with us on Instagram — @optoutisdepod
Local events, free family fun, and a castle tour you don’t want to miss!
Learn more about the Kentucky Castle:
https://www.thekentuckycastle.com/history/ (https://www.thekentuckycastle.com/history/)
Don’t forget to pack light, laugh loud, and always #optoutside!
27 Jun 2025
Trail Talk: History & Hiking: Fort Boonesborough’s Hidden Gems
The episode explores Fort Boonesborough State Park's historical significance and outdoor charm, highlighting its Revolutionary War past, reconstructed fort, and the scenic Fort Boonesborough Campground Loop Trail.
23 Jun 2025
Weekly Wrap Up 3: Pizza, Popsicles & Party Time!
The host of #Opt Outside recounts a week filled with birthday celebrations, summer activities, and budget-friendly adventures, offering listeners ideas for creating memorable experiences.
The host describes the Boone Trace Trail in Berea, Kentucky, highlighting its kid-friendly features like creeks and sliding rocks, offering families a low-cost outdoor adventure.
16 Jun 2025
006| #OptInside Adventures: Cool Deals for Hot Days!
The hosts discuss budget-friendly summer activities, such as discounted movies and free bowling programs, offering parents ways to create memorable experiences without financial strain.
16 Jun 2025
Weekly Wrap Up 2: Concerts, 5K & Not Enough Outside Time!
The host reflects on a busy week balancing work, family, and outdoor activities, highlighting a family 5K and aiming for more sunshine during her daughter's birthday week.
12 Jun 2025
005| NATIONAL PARKS: Passes, Preparedness & PERFECTION
Rachel discusses national park passes, preparedness, and experiences, highlighting free and low-cost options while emphasizing research and essential hiking items for safe family adventures.
This episode explores crafting paper fans and enjoying watermelon slices for a fun and refreshing activity.
6 Jun 2025
Weekly Wrap-Up: Parks, Hammocks & Parents Night Out
Host Rachel discusses family outdoor activities, balancing work with nature, and prioritizing outdoor experiences amidst the chaos of daily life, emphasizing that incorporating nature is always worthwhile.
3 Jun 2025
Trail Talk Tuesday - Belleau Woods Park - Lexington, KY
The hosts explore Belleau Woods Park in Lexington, Kentucky, after a change of plans, highlighting the importance of flexibility and the joys of nature, even when things don't go as expected.
2 Jun 2025
003| No Cash, No Problem: Summer Fun That's Totally Free
The hosts discuss how families can discover free summer activities by utilizing local libraries, parks and recreation departments, and community resources to create memorable experiences without spending money.
28 May 2025
Trail Talk Tuesday: Camp Catalpa - Richmond, KY
This episode explores the 0.8-mile loop trail at Camp Catalpa, situated on the northeast side of Lake Reba in Richmond, Kentucky.
27 May 2025
002| From Chaos to Calm: Summer Prepping 101
This episode discusses summer preparation strategies, including organizing gear and involving kids, to enable more spontaneous fun and reduce parental stress.
22 May 2025
001| Meet the Host & Intro to Summer FunD
Host Rachel introduces the #Opt Outside podcast, focusing on affordable outdoor adventures and creating memorable summer experiences for families, emphasizing connection over chaos in Kentucky.
7 May 2025
#Opt Outside TRAILER
The #Opt Outside podcast introduces its mission to help families disconnect from technology and create lasting outdoor memories during the summer.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 54 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
94
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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