Cait Carroll

Cait currently lives in Western North Carolina with her three kids, but they have bounced all over from Utah, Texas, Wisconsin, and Sweden before moving to their current home. She loves any and all outdoor activities, and spends a lot of her week hauling her kids around on an electric cargo bike and trying to convince anyone and everyone to go backpacking or climbing with her. She has a PhD in Sociology with an emphasis on Gender and Sexuality, and currently works full-time as a User Experience Researcher in the tech industry. She loves to talk all things feminism, gardening, car-free life, and the Danish political drama Borgen.

Rock Climbing for Kids

A kid in pink hoodie and red helmet top rope climbs on a real rock wall outdoors.

In the past 18 months, I’ve developed an intense love (bordering on obsession) of rock climbing, both on my own and with my kids. It’s been an amazing way for me to gain strength and keep my body healthy, as well as a great way to spend time and bond with my teenager (who is … Read more

How to Stay Visible at Night

For most of their lives, my children grew up in a rural environment. This meant that most of our home-based outdoor adventures occurred in our backyard or the shared woodland behind our home. When the days grew short in the months of November-February, this often meant we were going out to play in the snow … Read more

Waterfalls in Western NC With Kids

A few adults and kids play by a waterfall

Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Western North Carolina, a world of wonder awaits families seeking outdoor adventures. With its lush forests, winding trails, and an abundance of cascading waterfalls, this region of the country provides the perfect playground for kids to connect with nature. Even though I’m relatively new to the area, I’ve spent … Read more

Best Camping Gear for Families

It's a campsite with three kids sitting around, there's a bright orange REI Co-op tent in the background and a cooler

Best Camping Gear for Families Camping with kids can be a fun adventure for the whole family. The fresh air, scenic views, and opportunities for outdoor exploration can make for an unforgettable experience. We know the importance of getting kids outside, and conveniently, when you are camping, kids are out all day (and night!) My … Read more

Nature School: Why You Should Consider It

A group of preschoolers gather around to listen to a story at a nature-based preschool co-op. They are wearing backpacks and are outdoors in sunny weather.

Nature School: Why You Should Consider It Here at Tales of a Mountain Mama, we know the importance of getting kids outside on a regular basis. There are so many benefits to outdoor play: kids get sunlight at key hours of the day which aids in mood regulation and sleep cycles; being outdoors encourages more … Read more

Winter Camping Food

Winter Camping Food: Family Meals for Cold Weather Camping Prepping meals for winter camping with kids can take a little more effort than those in the summer, since hot and nourishing food is even more important when you are outdoors in cold weather than in hot. In the summer, we focus on hydrating, cool foods … Read more