WHAT IS PARKS + PICNICS?
The Parks + Picnics 2023 program is dedicated to providing the “where” and “when” for meet-ups for moms in Central Iowa. Sometimes that’s the biggest hurdle – figuring out where and when to go.
This takes the guesswork out of it, and also provides a safety net that you won’t be alone… there will be other Mamas and kiddos there, too! This is also a great way to explore our local, more rural parks, that really allow us to experience nature at its finest. And I’m also really excited to meet other moms who may also live rurally and stay at home with their kiddos.
I run this program almost exclusively through the private Facebook group. Please join the group if you are interested in joining us! And if you’d prefer to be communicated with via email for this program, please sign up here.
The destinations are chosen by me (feel free to submit your favorites to be considered, though!), and will focus on highlighting the great parks and outdoor destinations in small town, rural Iowa. I’m still finalizing these details for 2023. For security purposes, I’m not sure that I’ll publish a schedule for the whole summer publicly. I’ll likely announce the upcoming destination a week or so in advance. Locations will be within Warren, Madison, and Clarke counties (I’m 99% sure).
Right now, I’m considering doing Parks + Picnics events on Wednesdays and Fridays (staggered every other week) from 10am-12pm, running from June through the end of July. Details coming soon!
How does Parks + Picnics Work?
This part is simple, really. I’ll find some cool, local outdoor destinations for us to check out together, and you will show up with your kiddos! We’ll enjoy each other’s company, explore the park/area for a bit (individually or all together), and then we’ll finish the morning by enjoying a picnic together!
I hope to make this as easy and welcoming as possible. We may do introductions just so that we can all get to know each other better, but other than that, there won’t be any formal programming taking place.
Many of the locations I’m choosing I’ve been to before, so I’ll likely be able to provide some guidance on the area, but I won’t be doing any guided tours, etc. I hope this makes sense. LOL It’s just a fun get-together with other mamas and kiddos, exploring cool spots right in our own backyard (so to speak).
WHO SHOULD COME?
When I envision these get-togethers, I see other mamas with kiddos ranging in age from 0-13 (ish). My kids are 6, 4, and 1 1/2. I don’t plan to regulate ages, but I think these events would be best suited for younger children.
Moms (or caregivers) MUST be present and able to keep up with their children, as some locations may be more adventurous than others.
This is not a drop-off event. While I want this to be an easy and convenient get together, we will not be relying on other parents to parent our children. Please be respectful and kind to others who join us!
WHY DID I START PARKS + PICNICS?
I’ve been chewing on this idea in my mind over the past couple of years. One afternoon, as I was making lunch for my kiddos, I thought, “I just need to do this.” From there, a fire was lit and I’ve been on a mission to get this launched ever since.
There are three things I greatly enjoy in life – nature, supporting and exploring local/rural areas, and bringing people together. As a mother, one of my greatest joys is experiencing the first two things with my children (especially for the first time!).
The experience of bringing people together, however, is purely for my own enjoyment and fulfillment (at least for right now). I became a stay-at-home-mom over four years ago, and I’ll be honest, it gets kinda lonely sometimes, especially as a rural-living SAHM.
While the topic of “having a village” can be saved for another day, I am feeling led to create “a village” of sorts for people like me…
– Moms who enjoy exploring their local communities
– Parents who lean into the idea of “free-range” exploration
– Rural stay-at-home-moms who need a reason to get out of their house
– Parents who are trying to bring a bit of slow-living to an over-busy world
– Caregivers who want to experience the simple joys of life right along with their littles
I firmly believe that parenting is 100% easier outdoors, so why not do it together a few times a month?
GOALS FOR THE PARKS + PICNICS 2023 PROGRAM:
1. I want this program to be easy, free, and just as exciting for the adults as it is for the kids.
2. I want to spark interest for our local, rural parks and exploration of the outdoors in a come-as-you-are atmosphere.
3. I want this to be inclusive.
4. I want this to be safe.
5. I want this to be a staple on your summer bucket list.
6. Most of all, I want this to be joyful!
Our local, rural communities really do have so much to offer, in the simplest of ways. They often aren’t loud, shiny, or technologically driven, but they do provide an atmosphere for enjoying the simple pleasures of life – nature, community, food, fun.
While I enjoy exploring all that the bigger cities have to offer (some really cool stuff!), I think we’re doing a disservice to ourselves and our kids by not supporting and exploring the “quieter” areas that are local to those of us who do not live in town.
I want to help introduce or reignite your interest in our local, outdoor destinations, so that you feel empowered to explore more with your own kids on your own time.
I’m looking forward to getting to know you at a Parks + Picnics event soon!
Let me know what questions you have! I run this program mainly through the private Facebook group for more security and ease of communication. You can also follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more mom, family, and home adventures!
– Mackenzy, Homegrown with Grace
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