Welcome! I’m Amy!

Hi! I am Amy, the face and voice behind Everyday Outdoor Family! I am a world-traveler turned Midwesterner and mom. I hope to encourage families to see the beauty and find adventures in Kansas City, the Midwest and beyond and tips and destinations to get outdoors.  

After graduation, I spent four years traveling the world, teaching English in South Korea, backpacking through Southeast Asia and India, and serving in the Peace Corps in Bulgaria. I have been to 45 countries and 49 US states.

When I came back to the states, I met my husband and settled down (as much as I ever will) in Kansas City, Missouri.

Midwestern adventure mom

I didn’t grow up outdoorsy, but after having very premature identical girl twins who have been hospitalized multiple times due to illnesses, we have taken to outdoor adventures as a way to keep them healthy. A few years later I had my son. Now I backpack, bikepack, paddle, bike, and more with three little kids!

I didn’t realize how many local gems there are in Kansas City or the Midwest until I moved here. When I started discovering places, I would share them with friends and family (some who had lived in the Midwest their whole lives) and they would say they had never heard of these spots.

I started my blog to show that the Midwest has so many hidden gems, with outdoor adventures, culture, and beautiful cities. I love sharing that the Midwest isn’t for flying over, but is filled with worthy destinations and family-fun. I hope to inspire families to get outside, explore, and see the Midwest as a great place to live and travel.

Work with me! Are you a tourism board, brand, or experience looking to partner?

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Fun Facts About Me!

  • I’m left handed. 
  • I speak Bulgarian. 
  • I have Celiac Disease and cannot eat gluten. 
  • My husband is from Canada. 
  • I have been to 45 countries and the 49 continental US States. 
  • I would like to take my kids to all the States. 
  • Although we mostly tour the US now, I would love to travel internationally with my children as they grow. 
My favorite:

Midwest State Parks: 

  • Elephant Rocks State Park, MO
  • Starved Rock State Park, IL
  • Turkey Run State Park, IN
  • Maquoketa Caves State Park, IA
  • Hocking Hills, OH 

Family-Friendly Cities: 

  • St. Louis, MO
  • Omaha, NE
  • Bentonville, AR
  • Des Moines, IA 
  • Chicago, IL

Midwest Destinations

  • North Shore, MN
  • Apostle Islands, WI 
  • Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, MI 
  • Mark Twain National Forest, MO 
  • Lucas, Kansas and Wilson Lake

Kansas City Hiking Spots: 

  • Cave Spring 
  • Carl Chinnery Trail 
  • Green Hills of Platte County 
  • Burr Oak Woods 
  • Mill Creek Streamway 

Most popular posts

Travel tips in and around Kansas and the Midwest. I hope these help you plan your next adventure around the Midwest!