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MAHSA has been a city girl growing up, and the outdoors was never really part of her world growing up. Her husband Mehdi and her both lived pretty urban lifestyles.
But during the pandemic, like many families, they craved open space, fresh air, and something different from the screens and stress. They started exploring local parks and trails.
From hiking to their first camping trips 2 years ago to today, nature has become a place to reset, reconnect, and grow as a family.
PRANALI came to the Bay Area in Jan 2020, after living in the Midwest for a little under a decade to pursue her Master’s Education and a job. Bay Area offered a big change from the cold weather and made going out possible all year round, something Pranali loves!
She’s been taking her baby out for short walks since she was a few months old. She slowly started planning hikes for her family, after their baby turned a year old.
She has organized kid’s events at her previous job and at local community gatherings, conducted kid friendly outings around the Bay Area and enjoys working with little ones and their families whenever an opportunity presents itself!
Mahsa and Pranali will be alternating guiding responsibilities on SUNDAYS: 9:30-11:30 a.m. (1st & 3rd weekends)
Winter Season Dates: Jan 11 (Pranali), Jan 25 (Mahsa), Feb 8 (Pranali), Feb 22 (Mahsa), Mar 8 (Pranali)
Spring Season Dates: Mar 22 (Pranali), Apr 5 (Pranali), Apr 19 (Mahsa), May 3 (Mahsa), May 17 (Mahsa)
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I began hiking with my daughter in the months after COVID-19 became a global threat. She was born on March 11, 2020 — the day that the World Health Organization declared COVID a pandemic. It was a tough time, one full of isolation and worry.
As a first-time mom, I didn’t have the supports that you would normally expect: no grandparents or aunties/uncles to help out, no postpartum groups to help me find a community of other parents with whom I could share my questions and concerns, celebrate and commiserate, parenting. Everything and nearly everyone was locked down.
I was struggling. I’d survived a traumatic childbirth and was diagnosed with acute stress and PTSD. As part of my recovery, I — an avid hiker — wanted so badly to get back on the trail. The first time I did, I felt like I won the lottery. I kept going, and then brought along my daughter, pushing her up many a hill to cheers from fellow hikers, helping rebuild my confidence.
A few friends asked to join me. From there, word spread: Friends have added friends, and today, our group numbers more than 7,000 members!
I have leaned on this community, especially during my recent cancer journey. I found so much love and support with all of the wonderful friends I have made! My hope is that I can give back as much as you all have to me!
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Sarah grew up in Vermont and moved to the Bay Area 6 years ago. During COVID, her daughter Willow was a baby so she spent her time exploring all the hiking trails around with Willow and her dog, Tui. The woods are her happy place and Sarah loves showing others how fun it is to be in nature! Her kiddos Willow and Alder enjoy hiking as well and finding all the edible plants they can find!
Sarah will be guiding the Forest Explorers Program on WEDNESDAYS: 3:30-5:30 PM (every other week)
Winter Season dates: Jan 14, Jan 28, Feb 11, Feb 25, Mar 11,
Spring Season Dates: Mar 25, Apr 8, Apr 22, May 6, May 20
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WHAT'S INCLUDED
Guided adventure, scavenger hunt and educational activities
Digital guide that will make the session EASY for you and your family!
In-person guided outing
All logistics
Explorer checklist (what you need to bring)
Take-home craft and/or treat for the kids
Arts, crafts and science activities
Natural + cultural history, plus lunch + coffee stops + more
YOU'LL ALSO GET ACCESS TO
First-aid kit
Loaner kit of hiking gear (48-hour notice): https://bit.ly/loanerkit. Please inquire about what gear is available; we have items for kids and adults, like single/double jogging strollers, Baby Bjorn infant carrier, toddler backpack carrier, hiking poles, etc.
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Program Basics
What age group is this program for? Our Toddle Dawdle + Forest Explorers program is designed for curious young minds from infants to early elementary ages.
How long is each session? Each session runs 1.5 to 2 hours, giving plenty of time for exploration, learning, and fun!
What's included in each session? Every session includes circle time, songs, stories, yoga, hikes, sensory play, hands-on activities, nature exploration, science fun and arts + crafts that kids can take home.
Scheduling & Locations
How often do sessions meet? Sessions are held every other weekend (except state and federal holidays).
How many sessions are in a season? Each season includes 5 sessions. Spring season runs from late March through May.
Do you visit the same location each week? No! We explore a different beautiful Bay Area location each session, discovering hidden gems and new places within a 35-40 minute drive radius from your selected location.
When will I know the schedule and locations? A detailed schedule with specific dates and locations will be shared one month before each season begins. You can already see the dates for each season on our website, by guide name and location.
Registration & Fees
How much does the program cost? Spring Season (late March - May):
1 child: $275 (early bird until March 8) / $290 (regular pricing)
2 children (siblings, 20% discount for 2nd child): $495 (early bird) / $510 (regular)
3 children (siblings, 30% discount for 3rd child): $682.50 (early bird) / $703 (regular)
Registrants will be responsible for paying their own entry fees, toll and parking fees.
Can I bring a sibling to the session with my registered child? Yes! Siblings are welcome in the program.
Infants under 12 months are FREE when accompanying an older participating sibling.
For siblings 12 months and older, we offer special discounted rates:
2nd child receives a 20% discount
3rd child receives a 30% discount
Please choose the appropriate sibling option based on the number of participating children in your family at the time of registration. See detailed pricing in the question above.
Do you offer sibling discounts? Yes! We offer discounts for additional siblings 12 months and older.
2nd child receives a 20% discount
3rd child receives a 30% discount
Infants under 12 months are FREE when accompanying an older participating sibling!
When signing up, select the '2 kids (siblings)' or '3 kids (siblings)' option based on the number of participating children (12 months+) in your family.
Do I have to commit for a full year? Not at all! Our flexible sign-up allows you to focus on just the current season — no need to commit to a full year.
Missed Sessions & Make-ups
What happens if we miss a session? Life happens! For Spring 2026, we offer one group make-up date which will be shared with all families at the beginning of the season.
Can I transfer my make-up credit to a different season? Make-up sessions are only available within the current season via the group make-up date.
What to Expect
What should my child wear? Dress for outdoor adventure! We recommend comfortable clothes that can get dirty, closed-toe shoes with good grip, and layers for changing weather.
What should we bring? Always bring snacks, water, extra clothes, sun protection, small trash bags and layers of clothing. Once you sign up, you will receive a detailed location and schedule guide which includes any items specific to each session location. Your guide will also share additional info before each session through a private group chat.
What if it's raining? Sessions will meet rain or shine, except during extreme weather when an advisory might be in effect. Arrangements will be communicated in such cases.
Is this program suitable for shy children? Absolutely! Our nature-based approach helps children of all personalities feel comfortable and engaged at their own pace.
For Parents
What is the Parent Circle? Parent Circle is a space for grown ups to discuss any and all topics, not limited to parenting. Meaningful conversations around topics like back-to-work, networking as well as guest speaker sessions from experts in various fields. We will also put out surveys to hear what you want to discuss with other parents!
Can I participate in activities with my child? Yes, parent/caregiver participation is required in this program.
Will I meet the same families each week? Yes! You'll see the same families throughout the season, building a wonderful community of like-minded parents and children.
Safety & Logistics
How do you ensure safety? A detailed guide about all logistics for each location will be shared after sign up and one month before the program starts. Our guides bring a first aid kit and are required to undergo CPR training with Red Cross.
Do you provide snacks? No, we do not provide snacks or drinks in this program.
Do you offer a refund? The program is non-refundable. However, a group make-up date will be offered once per season for families who miss a session. The make-up date will be shared at the beginning of each season.
How do I contact you with more questions? You can reach us at miranda@mommymehiking.com
Getting Started
How do I sign up? https://www.familyadventuresquad.org/toddle-dawdle-forest-explorers-program
When does the Spring 2026 season start? Spring season begins March 21, 2026!
Can I visit a session before committing? Upon request, we offer a one-time trial drop-in to any session. After the trial session, if you choose to sign up for the program, we will apply the trial session fee toward your season registration fee. To book a trial session, please select that pricing type on the sign-up page.