MP: Where did the idea for Outdoors Rx come from?

PH: I’m a mom who loves to spend time outdoors with her kids. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been out hiking or playing in the woods with my kids and someone has said, “Wow, it’s great to see a family out here!” I’ve thought that’s really sad—where are all the kids? I kept hearing parents say things like they didn’t know what to do outside or where to go. Some parents were not comfortable outdoors or, worse yet, not comfortable letting their kids go out and play. Exploring the outdoors was such an important part of my childhood, and I wanted to help parents and kids feel more at ease doing it.

I happen to be in the unique position to try and make a change, so that seeing kids and families in the woods is more common. I work for the Appalachian Mountain Club, one of the oldest and best known outdoor recreation, education, and conservation organizations in the U.S. We had been researching outdoor exercise prescription programs elsewhere, and I knew AMC could add a much greater level of on-the-ground support by offering free, easy, and fun local outdoor programs for families who got the prescriptions. One of the things that we do well is meeting people where they are in their level of comfort with the outdoors. In working with several doctors from MassGeneral Hospital for Children and other AMC staff, we created the Outdoors Rx program to help families live a more active lifestyle. 

MP: What are some successes you have seen so far in the early stages of the Outdoors Rx pilot program?

PH: The enthusiastic response we’ve received so far has been really exciting and gratifying. Doctors and medical professionals like having a practical and easy-to-implement option to offer their patients. Parents who have participated in some of our first programs have been overjoyed at how welcome they’ve felt and how engaged their kids are. Of course the best sign has to be the smiles and laughter from the kids. 

MP: After the pilot year, what’s next for Outdoors Rx? Have additional communities been identified?

PH: I’m really hopeful that Outdoors Rx can and will help local families live a more active lifestyle. The program is so new, and right now we’re really focusing on a successful launch and pilot year. I hope we’ll be able to further expand the program in the near term through volunteer efforts, as well as launch the program in other Boston-area communities within the next year or so. Much longer-term, I hope to see a successful program run throughout AMC’s region (from Maine to D.C.) and beyond.  

MP: In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges to the long-term success of the program?

PH: Change is hard, especially when everyone is really busy. Finding the time to live a more active lifestyle throughout the year can be as challenging as it is important for the mental and physical well-being of each and every family member. AMC must continue to engage families and enable them to prioritize getting outside with us or on their own. We’ll also need to recruit and train local volunteers as program leaders to offer a vibrant and growing program.  

MP: For families without an Outdoors Rx prescription who want to spend more time connecting with nature, what are some local places and programs you would recommend?

PH: Every family in Framingham and Waltham is welcome to join AMC’s free guided Outdoors Rx programs, as well as register on our new Outdoors Rx website for on-your-own local trip ideas with helpful planning info and tips. If you don’t have a prescription, join us on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month at Cushing Memorial Park in Framingham at 10 a.m. (Dudley Road parking lot). In Waltham, join us for a family hike at 10 a.m. on the first and third Saturdays of every month at Prospect Park (Totten Pond Road entrance), where we’ll explore the forest as we walk the trails and play some fun games along the way.

For families outside of these communities looking to get outdoors around the Boston area, AMC has its free “Kids Outdoors Boston” online community where parents can get local expert advice and more than 100 outdoor activities, many close to public transportation.

MP: How are you involved in the community outside of AMC?

PH: I try to spend my limited free time engaged with my family. I organize a family hiking club, and about twice a month we all go out together and play. I volunteer at my daughter Sara’s preschool, and I’m involved with the PTA at my other daughter Abigail’s elementary school. I’m also very involved with family activities at my synagogue. 

MP: Why are you so passionate about getting kids and families outdoors?

PH: Most of my fondest childhood memories have to do with being outside with my friends and family exploring the woods. Most days we would not be inside until the sun went down, and even then my mom would have to force us to come in. I remember spending my weekends “conquering the mighty woods” or sledding down the “big hill,” which it turns out was not much bigger than a house lot and a big bump. We camped in the backyard and had to learn to negotiate all of the games that we made up. I want my kids to have the opportunity to make these memories. I think kids learn more about themselves and working with others when they’re trying to create a fort or fairy house together than from sitting behind a screen watching someone else do it. 

MP: Where is your family’s favorite place to spend time outdoors in the Boston area?

PH: My kids are still young (3 and 5), and I’ve found we don’t need to go far from our home in Waltham for them to have a great time or adventure. They are still small enough that even the woods behind the high school are seen as a great adventure, and finding new playgrounds in the area is high on their list. So I have to say just being outside is our favorite place to be. I know that sounds hokey, but it’s true. This past weekend, we stomped in puddles, took the dog for a walk, and played with chalk in our apartment courtyard. We have sought out other families who enjoy spending time outside as well. We’ve found as long as you have another family along, you can make almost anything fun!

MP: Which of the 100 Things to Do In Boston Before Your Kids Grow Up would you most like to do with your family this year?

PH: There are so many wonderful outdoor adventures for kids in the Boston area. I don’t think I could pick just one off your list. We’re frequent visitors to the Boston Common Frog Pond in all seasons, and we usually follow this up with a visit to TADpole Playground next door—and my kids love taking “The T” to get there. I’m sure we’ll go back to Gore Place in Waltham and check out the adventure bag. It’s full of really engaging activities every season of the year. We’ll also add Thoreau’s one-room cabin the next time we take a walk at Walden Pond, before we head over to Barefoot Books for a story-time adventure. And next summer, we’ve promised ourselves that we’ll take the kids out kayaking on the Charles River.