Midwest Mimi

  • Accessibility Wins

    Why Accessibility Lives in the Details When people think about accessibility, they often picture big-ticket items—expensive ramps, automatic doors, or large construction projects that take forever to complete. And while those things absolutely matter, accessibility in parks often comes down to the little things. Small details most people never notice, but that can make or…

  • Why Vacation Is So Special: Healing, Reconnecting, and Starting Fresh

    Vacations aren’t just an escape from everyday life. They are a powerful pause, a chance to reset our hearts and minds, and a moment to build new, joyful memories with loved ones. The Science of Vacation Magic Boosts longevity and heart health: A longitudinal study of over 12,000 high-risk men found that taking an annual…

  • Local Wildlife Spotting: A Kid-Friendly Guide to Common Midwest Critters

    It’s easy to spot rabbits darting across a field or deer grazing at the edge of the woods. But the Midwest is home to so many more critters that our kids can learn to recognize. Wildlife spotting doesn’t have to be complicated — in fact, it’s one of the simplest ways to turn a walk…

  • Accessibility Review of Black Hawk State Historic Site – Rock Island, IL

    Black Hawk State Historic Site has long been a favorite spot for me. It’s close enough for an easy drive, rarely crowded, and offers that lush, calming greenery along the riverbank that always helps me reset my mind. This park blends history, nature, and family-friendly spaces; and it does so with a fair amount of…

  • St. Louis Zoo Accessibility Review: Tips for a Smooth Visit

    The St. Louis Zoo is one of the top free attractions in the Midwest, and it’s an incredible destination for families. But if you or someone in your group has mobility challenges, there are a few things you’ll want to know before you go. Admission & Costs to Plan For One of the best things…

  • Owl Creek Park River Access Accessibility Review

    (Formerly Bonehole Swimming Basin) Owl Creek Park River Access (formerly known as Bonehole Swimming Basin) is one of those hidden gems that makes you want to linger just a little longer. We had such a great time here that we actually visited twice in the same week. What’s funny is that even some locals we…

  • The Sensory Language of Nature

    Some days, talking just isn’t how we communicate. Not because we don’t have anything to say, but because conversation isn’t always possible when we’re overwhelmed. In our family, neurodivergence shows up in so many different ways. Each of us is wired a little differently, carrying our own blend of ADHD, autism, chronic pain, depression, or…

  • Why Nature Is One of the Best Grounding Tools We Have

    And why that matters for those with sensory sensitivities or mental health struggles Grounding helps calm the nervous system and brings us back to the present. Nature might be the most powerful (and underrated) grounding tool available. Here’s how the outdoors supports mental health, especially for neurodivergent families like mine. What Does It Mean to…

  • Let Them Get Bored. Let Them Get Dirty. Let Them Explore.

    Why unstructured outdoor play is essential for growing minds, bodies, and hearts As a homeschool mom raising three wildly individual kids, I’ve come to believe one thing very deeply: Kids don’t just need space to learn—they need space to wander. That means space to be bored. Space to poke things with sticks. Space to get…

  • When One Heart Hurts, the Whole Family Feels It: Staying Grounded Through a Loved One’s Mental Health Crisis

    When someone in your family is struggling with their mental health, it doesn’t just affect them—it ripples through the entire household. Routines shift. Emotions spike. The energy in your home changes. And if you’re a caregiver, a parent, or both, those waves often crash right into you—while you’re still trying to keep the boat steady…

  • Rage Hikes and Crying in the Rain: How Nature Holds Space for Big Emotions

    When big emotions take over and even love feels unreachable, we head outside. Nature doesn’t judge, correct, or explain — it simply holds space. For our neurodivergent family, that space is sometimes the only thing big enough to handle the storm. Some Days, the Weight Inside Our House Feels Too Big to Hold A slammed…

  • The Calm That Comes After the First 20 Minutes Outside

    Some days, everything feels too loud. The toddler’s crying. My joints ache. I’ve already hit my sensory limit by noon, and we haven’t even left the house. I want to cancel the whole day — just crawl into bed and try again tomorrow. But I’ve learned something, over and over again: If I can just…

  • Nature Indoors: How Pets Help Neurodivergent People Find Calm and Connection

    Some days, getting outside just isn’t in the cards. My body hurts too much to load the van. The weather’s wild. Or the kids are on sensory overload before we even leave the driveway. But even when we’re stuck indoors, we still crave nature. We crave softness, connection, and moments that help our nervous systems…

  • 7 Ways Nature Builds Resilient Kids

    Let’s be honest: life can be a lot, for us, and for our kids. They’re navigating school, friendships, big feelings, and a world that sometimes feels way too loud and fast. And on the days when everyone’s melting down (or arguing over who looked at whom the wrong way,) I remember why I keep getting…

  • 🌿 What Nature Gives Us: Why We Keep Going Outside

    Some days, getting outside feels downright impossible. My body hurts. My mind feels heavy. The kids are bouncing off the walls or melting down. My wife is wrestling her own storms. And yet, again and again, we lace up our shoes, pack snacks, load up the van, and go. We go because my kids need…