run wild my child magazine
Say hello to your new favorite outdoor parenting hack.
Get off your screen and get outside! The only print magazine on the market, full of outdoor parenting advice, encouragement, inspiration, and ideas that actually work in real life, for real families.
Because getting outside with kids shouldn’t be so hard.
You're in the right place
Are you a mom who wants more nature and less struggle, but has exactly zero extra hours in the day?
You’re juggling school drop-offs, endless sports practices, a mountain of laundry, and a feral toddler with strong snack opinions. You want your kids to grow up outside, but between screens and schedules, it feels impossible to make that happen.
That’s where the Run Wild My Child magazine come in.
Each issue is packed with seasonal outdoor ideas, practical tips, gear recs, and relatable stories from moms just like you, navigating the chaos and still making space for outdoor magic.
No guilt. No pressure. Just inspiration you will actually use.
you belong here...you belong outside.
Does this sound like you?
01
Too many options, never enough time.
You want to get out the door, but decision fatigue is real. Deciding what to do and where to go takes more energy than you’ve got. You’re stuck in a loop of saving Instagram ideas and hoping someone else will just plan it for you.
02
Sick of screen-time battles.
You’re tired of the constant struggle over devices (both theirs and yours). You want your kids to want to go outside and choose play over screens (without the bribes, negotiations, or power struggles).
03
Not “outdoorsy enough” (maybe?).
You don’t have to live in the mountains, be a crunchy homeschool mom or own chickens to be “outdoorsy.” You just want to raise nature-loving kids where you are, without overhauling your entire life.
Let’s make ‘remember when’ stories.
Childhood is meant to be wild.
Let us help you give your kids the childhood they deserve.
The kind filled with skinned-knees and belly laughs, not just calendars and carpool lines. With every page, we’re here to remind you that what your kids will remember most isn’t the perfectly packed lunch or the clean house…it’s chasing fireflies, splashing in creeks, and you showing them the magic of the world right outside your door. This is how you build a childhood worth remembering.
"I used to feel so guilty about how much screen time my kids were getting..."
…but I just didn’t know where to start or how to make outdoor time happen with our crazy schedule. I absolutely love the Run Wild My Child magazine. It was like someone handed me a photo album for the kind of childhood I wanted to give my kids. Now, we’re spending more time outside, even if it’s just in small increments. Every issue makes me feel seen and give me new ideas. Even my kids get inspired by the photos! It’s the best thing I’ve subscribed to in years.
— Jenny Lorentz
Imagine the Possibility
What if I told you there was a better way?
What if the secret to more quality time with your kids wasn’t adding more to your already maxed-out plate, but swapping the chaos for connection outside? Imagine weekends that don’t start with “what are we doing today?” and end in screen-time battles. Imagine actually looking forward to going outside with your kids because you have easy, seasonal ideas that fit your life.
Your life BEFORE the magazine:
- You're constantly Googling “fun things to do with kids outside near me” and still end up at the same tired park.
- The only plan you have for weekends is to “go outside" with no clue what that means or how to make it happen.
- Your kids are stuck to screens like magnets and every attempt to unplug ends in whining and frustration.
- You feel like you're failing at “making memories,” even though you really want to do better.
Your life AFTER subscribing:
- You’ve got a seasonal go-to guide of fun, doable ideas, and your kids are actually excited to try them.
- You remember how much you love being their mom, especially when you're watching them take risks, get muddy, and beam with pride.
- You stop second-guessing everything and start trusting your instincts. You’re a confident, capable, outdoorsy mom (even if you still forget the snacks sometimes).
- You realize that it was never about the “perfect plan,” it was just about doing the thing and being present.
It’s time to flip this statistic on its head:
Outdoor play has dropped by over 70% in the last generation
And we’re seeing the effects on our kids’ mental health, physical wellbeing, ability to focus, self-regulate, and just be kids. But it doesn’t have to be this way…
- Kids who spend time outside show better focus, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
- Outdoor play (even just 20 minutes) can lower cortisol levels and improve mood and emotional regulation.
- Outdoor kids are 5x more likely to meet daily physical activity guidelines.
- Families who play together outside report stronger bonds and more meaningful connection.
Introducing
Run Wild My Child Magazine
We believe the future depends on children who know how to play in the mud, ask big questions under open skies, and feel at home in the natural world. We’re here to help parents (especially busy, overwhelmed moms) break free from guilt, screen-time battles, and perfection pressure and build a childhood that’s rich in wonder, freedom, and joy.
What’s inside?
Oh, just everything you never knew you needed.
The Run Wild My Child magazine is not your average parenting publication. We skip the pressure, ditch the perfection, and get straight to the good stuff: real moms, real adventures, real life. Each issue is filled with ideas that actually work, stories that make you feel seen, and pages you’ll dog-ear, scribble on, and save forever.
- Seasonal activity ideas for every age, interest, and ability, because nature doesn’t come with an instruction manual.
- Personal stories from moms who get it and have been there. Messy, magical, misadventures, and everything in between.
- Outdoor book lists, crafts, gear recs, recipes, foraging tips, and challenges to keep things fresh all season long.
- A fun kids' section with a creature feature + kid jokes + nature facts that your kids will absolutely love.
Finally, a parenting magazine that gets you.
Written by moms in the messy middle for moms in the messy middle.
We’re not here to sell you a fantasy. We’re here to hand you a flashlight, a snack, and a real plan for getting your kids outside. This isn’t glossy, unattainable, influencer-level parenting. It’s real stories, real advice, and real connection from moms just like you – trying their best, laughing at the chaos, and choosing adventure anyway.
- Created by moms, for moms. Every article is written by a fellow mom who knows what it’s like to juggle school drop-offs, snack battles, and screen-time guilt.
- Zero judgment, 100% support. We’re not here to shame you. We’re here to sit next to you and say, “same.”
- Real-life stories, not highlight reels. These aren’t Pinterest-perfect adventures. These are last-minute plans and magical moments you didn’t see coming.
- For the mom you are right now. Whether you’ve got a toddler or a teen, a backyard or a balcony, this magazine meets you where you are.
small-batch high-quality printing
Independent & Mom-Run business
Ad-Lite &
Value-Heavy
shipped right to your door seasonally
You’re not failing your kids just because they love YouTube more than tadpoles right now.
You’re raising kids in a world that’s completely different than the one we grew up in. But you can still be the reason they remember running through the sprinkler, skinned-knees, fireflies, and the freedom to explore. We’ll help you find the time, energy, and ideas to make it happen.
Two Ways to Subscribe
Seasonally or Annually - Choose the option that works best for you
Don’t just take it from us
Here's what real moms are saying about the magazine...
We could go on and on about how much this magazine will change your outdoor parenting game, but we’d rather let our readers do the talking. These are real words from real moms who’ve been exactly where you are.
Rated 5 out of 5
“I love this magazine! It’s everything that I need as a mom trying to prioritize outdoor time with my kiddos. So many people we know spend hardly any time outdoors, so it is encouraging to read the words of other families who love nature as much as we do! The activity ideas are great and the gear section has things I hadn’t thought about before. Love it so much and look forward to each issue!”
— Meridyth
Rated 5 out of 5
“It was so refreshing to physically hold and read a magazine! The images were gorgeous in print, and the articles were thoughtful, interesting and applicable to my life as an outdoor mom. And bonus, because the articles were in print, my internet-scrolling short-attention-span brain didn’t interfere and I actually finished the whole magazine!”
— Melissa
Rated 5 out of 5
“Absolutely loving the magazine! The stories made me laugh and feel understood. Great activity ideas, travel inspo, and crafts. My kids loved learning about animals and the jokes! And I added every book recommendation to my library list!”
— Claire
We've got your (outdoor-loving) back
No-Regrets Guarantee
We’re moms, too, which means we get it. If you’re not completely head-over-hiking-boots happy with your subscription, let us know within 14 days of your first issue and we’ll make it right. Whether that’s a refund, a cancellation, or just a virtual hug and a snack (okay, probably not the snack), we promise to treat you like the good mom you are, not just another order number.
This is NOT for you if:
- You genuinely enjoy arguing with your kids about screen time every 7 minutes.
- You’d rather scroll reels of other people’s kids having fun than actually go outside.
- You think the outdoors are only for people who wear performance fleece recreationally.
- You’ve got it all figured out, your kids never whine, and you're just here to judge us from your spotless porch swing.
This is RIGHT for you if:
- You want to feel connected, confident, and a little less alone in this wild parenting journey.
- You believe dirt washes off, but memories last forever (and sometimes come with band-aids).
- You want real ideas from real moms who are also in the thick of it (and probably late for pickup).
- You want to actually enjoy this season of parenting—even if it’s messy, loud, and involves a suspicious smell in the minivan.
How it works
What happens next?
You’ve got enough on your plate—this should feel easy. Whether you’re going annual or seasonal, the process is simple, stress-free, and guaranteed to bring a little more joy, connection, and dirt-streaked-kid-smiles into your life.
subscribe
Pick a seasonal or annual subscription and complete your purchase in just a few clicks.
we get to work
We’ll pack up the current season’s issue and send it straight to your door with love.
delivery
Flip through, get inspired, and feel way more confident about getting outside with your kids.
About Me
Meet the
Editor-In-Chief
Sara McCarty
I’m a mom of three, wife and former attorney who never imagined I’d be running a parenting magazine about mud, mayhem, and mosquito bites…but here we are. I created Run Wild My Child because I discovered something powerful: being outside was the one place I consistently felt like a good mom. It calmed my kids, cleared my head, and gave us space to connect. It literally changed my life. Now, I help other tired, screen-weary, overwhelmed moms like me make outdoor time easier, more meaningful, and actually doable. But, I’m not doing it alone. Each issue is created with the help of an incredible team of moms from around the world who bring their stories, their creativity, and their chaos to these pages. We’re all in this together and we think you’re doing a great job.
As seen in:
Choose your adventure
Ready to get your first issue?
shop past issues
Yes, you can get that issue everyone's still talking about.
Didn’t subscribe in time? No worries—we saved a few extra copies just for latecomers, curious peekers, or anyone who’s not quite ready to commit. These back issues are packed with seasonal outdoor magic, real mom stories, and practical ideas that still hold up (even if it’s not the right season anymore). Limited copies available: when they’re gone, they’re gone.
summer 2025
Splash
Just add water to any adventure to take it to the next level! We’ll show you how and why water is the ultimate outdoor experience!
spring 2025
Play
Independent play, how to be a more playful mom, rainy day play, 50+ play ideas for every budget & age.
winter 2024
Brave
Bravery at every age, how to be a responsibly brave parent, power of saying yes, and brave parenting abroad.
fall 2024
Tradition
The importance of family tradition, traditions for every season, keeping traditions alive through change.
FAQS
You've got questions? We have answers!
We know subscribing to a new magazine (especially as a busy mom) comes with a lot of “but what about…?” So, we put together the answers to our most commonly-asked questions to help you feel confident hitting that subscribe button.
We ship magazines four times a year—in December (winter), March (spring), June (summer), and September (fall). If you subscribe before the ship month, you’ll get that season’s issue. If you subscribe after it, your first issue will be the next one. But don’t worry…extras of the current and past issues are usually available in our shop if you just can’t wait.
Yes! Subscriptions automatically renew based on the plan you choose—either annually (once a year) or seasonally (every quarter). You’ll get a friendly heads-up email before your renewal, so there are no surprise charges. Cancel anytime if things change (we get it…life is a lot).
Currently, we only ship to the U.S. and Canada. We hope to expand one day, but international shipping costs and duties make it tricky for a small biz like ours. If you’re outside the U.S. or Canada, sign up for our emails, we’re working on digital solutions for the future!
An annual subscription is a one-time payment for 4 issues (and a little discount!). A seasonal subscription is billed once per issue/season. Both automatically renew and give you the exact same beautiful, inspiring, nature-filled content.
Absolutely! We sell extra copies of current and past issues (plus, digital versions) in our online shop. It’s a great way to dip your toes in before diving into a subscription or grab a gift for that outdoorsy mom friend of yours.
Yes! Starting with the Fall 2025 issue, digital version of individual issues are available in our shop. You’ll recieve a PDF with a link to a password protected site with the full digital version of the issue. It’s a great option for international families, eco-conscious families, or anyone looking for a more budget-friendly option.
Yes, please! We love showcasing real images of real kids on real adventures. If you’ve got a high-res photo that makes you say “Wow, this is childhood,” you can submit it here through our Google form. We regularly feature reader photos in the magazine (and yes, that includes cover images!).
Easy! Just log into your member account (either here or here) and edit your profile with your new address. If you prefer, you can also email me at sara@runwildmychild.com and I’ll happily update it on my end. We want to make sure your magazine always finds you, no matter where your adventures take you.
Of course (though we’ll be sad to see you go!). You can log into your member account (either here or here) and cancel anytime. If you’d rather not mess with it, just email me at sara@runwildmychild.com and I’ll take care of it for you. We get it, life happens, and circumstances change.
Then this magazine is definitely for you. We’re not here to pressure you into backpacking the Rockies with toddlers. We’re here to make getting outside easier, more fun, and actually doable for real families with full schedules, regular homes, and kids who sometimes whine. You belong here. You belong outside.
Yes! This magazine is for moms of kids of all ages…from babies to teens (and even grandkids!). The content is written for you, not your kids. Whether you’re babywearing on a hike, chasing your preschooler through puddles, or figuring out how to get your screen-loving teenager to go on a walk with you, we’ve got helpful tips, real-life stories, and encouraging advice that actually works. We have moms on our team with newborns and moms with college kids—so no matter what stage of motherhood you’re in, you belong here.
This isn’t a mass-produced, ad-stuffed magazine from a big publishing house. It’s small-batch, niche, printed on high-quality paper, and created by moms, not corporations. Your purchase supports real families, beautiful storytelling, and a mission to raise a generation of kids who love the outdoors. Around here, we believe in spending our money on what matters—connection, confidence, and childhoods that belong outside. (Also, it’s cheaper than one lunch out or a quick trip to Target.)
We’re moms…we get that not everything is a hit. If you’re not happy with your purchase, just reach out and let us know. We want you to feel good about your decision to support this little labor of love. No hard feelings.
Refund policy can be found here.
Get in touch
Don’t see your question in the FAQ’s?
I love connecting with you and answering your burning questions about the Run Wild My Child magazine. You can email me directly at here and I’ll get right back to you.
© RUN WILD MY CHILD | PRIVACY POLICY