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Arren Mendezona Allegretti was born and raised in Cebu, Philippines. She immigrated to the U.S. in 1999 to continue her degrees in ecology.
Arren spent countless summers in her family’s coconut farm in the Philippines, which has largely shaped her world view, research, and passion for experiencing and attuning to nature.
Arren and her husband Paul have two children, Anita (7) and Antonio (9) who love climbing, camping, and learning about plants and wildlife in local open spaces in the Bay Area and internationally. She is looking forward to connecting with families and children and facilitating special moments as we learn about the Bay Area’s unique natural history together.
Arren will be guiding the Forest Explorers program on SATURDAYS: 9:30—11:30 a.m. (2nd & 4th weekends)
Winter Season Dates: Jan 10, Jan 24, Feb 7, Feb 21, Mar 7
Spring Season Dates: Mar 21, Apr 4, Apr 18, May 2, May 16
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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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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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Jennifer is a Santa Cruz native with a lifelong passion for camping. She has recently developed a love for hiking and backpacking. Her husband and her enjoy a mix of camping experiences, from glamping in their trailer to more rugged backpacking adventures.
Our daughter is a true adventurer at heart. She thrives on getting dirty, climbing everything in sight, and embracing new experiences.
When they’re not exploring nature, you can find them enjoying local music or spending time at the beach. They make it a point to get outside every day, come rain or shine.
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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 class 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 session meet?
Sessions are held every other weekend (except state and federal holidays).
How many sessions are in a season?
The Winter season has 5 classes from Jan to mid-March.
Spring season has 5 sessions from mid-March to May.
Registration options are available for 10 sessions to cover the combined Winter and Spring seasons, as well.
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 class 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?
The fee is $275 per season, per child, which includes all 5 classes.
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?
Siblings are welcome in the program! We offer a special discounted rate for siblings from the same family! Below is the detailed pricing information. Please choose the appropriate option based on the number of kids in your family, at the time of registration.
Winter season fee for 1 child: $275
Winter season fee for 2 children (siblings, 20% discount for 2nd child): $495
Winter season fee for 3 children (siblings, 30% discount for 3rd child): $690
Spring season fee for 1 child: $275
Spring season fee for 2 children (siblings, 20% discount for 2nd child): $495
Spring season fee for 3 children (siblings, 30% discount for 3rd child): $690
Winter+Spring season fee for 1 child: $550
Winter + Spring season fee for 2 children (siblings): $990
Winter + Spring season fee for 3 children (siblings): $1375
Do you offer sibling discounts?
Yes! We offer discounts for additional siblings. When signing up, select the ‘2 kids (siblings)’ or ‘3 kids (siblings)’ option based on the number of kids in your family.
2nd child receives a 20% discount and third child receives a 30% discount compared to the single child registration fee. All of the children must be siblings.
Please see detailed pricing information in the previous question above.
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.
What payment methods do you accept?
Payment is made through the sign-up page on our website.
Missed Session & Make-ups
What happens if we miss a session?
Life happens! If you miss a session, you can use a special one-time credit transfer to attend a make-up session at any other location in the current season or use the value of the session fee towards any hike or day trip organized by Family Adventure Squad, within 3 months from the date of the missed session.
Can I transfer my make-up credit to a different season?
At this time, make-up sessions can only be completed in the season for which you are registered. However, you can choose to use the value of the session fee towards any hike or day trip organized by Family Adventure Squad, within 3 months from the date of the missed session.
What to Expect at Forest Explorers Program
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 with you. Once you sign up, you will receive a detailed location and schedule guide which includes any items specific to a session location. In addition, your guide will share any additional info before each session through a private group chat.
What if it's raining?
Classes will meet rain or shine, except during extreme weather when an advisory might be in effect. Arrangements to transfer the credit 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, aimed for grown ups. 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 checks?
A detailed guide about all logistics for each location will be shared after sign up and one month before the program starts. In addition, 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 special one-time credit transfer is possible, upon request.
The one-time credit transfer allows you to attend a make-up session at any other location in the current season or to use the value of the session fee towards any hike or day trip organized by Family Adventure Squad, within 3 months from the date of the missed session.
How do I contact you with more questions?
You can reach us at miranda@mommymehiking.com
Getting StartedHow do I sign up?
https://www.familyadventuresquad.org/toddle-dawdle-forest-explorers-program
When does the next season start?
Season starts in Jan 2026 after New Year.
Can I visit a class 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 adjust the trial session fee in the season registration fee.
To book a trial session, please select that pricing type on the webpage for the program.