Family Tides
By Madison Russ
Every other week, rain or shine, a group of local moms can be found trekking into the forest with kids in tow and babies snug to their chests. For Pineys at Play, a nature-based playgroup, these hikes are often more than just a chance to get little ones outside and exploring — they’re about building connection and community, too.
Felicia Lisitski, the group’s founder, started the playgroup last June after the birth of her second daughter, seeking a way to connect with others while exploring the outdoors.
“I was kicking around the idea of: I am going on trails. I’m hiking anyway. I’m teaching my kids about the Pinelands and about our environment,” she explained. “I wanted to do that not by myself. And motherhood, when you just start out, can be pretty lonely with just your kids.”
After pitching the idea to a few local mom-oriented Facebook groups, Lisitski received an overwhelmingly positive response. She launched the Facebook group Pineys at Play – A Forest Playgroup, which grew quickly. Today, the group has over 300 members.
“Our first hike, we had over 50 people on the trail, which was just incredible — all these tiny little legs and so many incredible moms that were just ready,” said Lisitski. “Cars just kept coming, and it was so cool just to see, like, what I thought was a little idea and a need for me is actually a need for a lot more people than I even realized.”
The group hikes year-round, exploring trails throughout Atlantic County with about 20 moms regularly joining each outing.
Each excursion begins with about a mile-long hike, followed by a kid-friendly activity like games, stories, climbing trees, making mud pies, scavenger hunts or experiments, such as testing if acorns float. Lisitski also provides snacks for everyone.
“Most of our group is rather young, so it’s just to get them started and curious,” she said. “Then they begin to kind of explore on their own and ask their own questions.”
The playgroup hasn’t just been a valuable resource for getting kids outside and socializing through activities, but it’s also been a resource for mothers, too.
“Yes, everyone wants their kid to be outside and to be experiencing nature and to be learning with other kids, sure. Baseline: that’s what parents want. However, most of us are coming to that group for ourselves. The focus is not only for the kids — it’s to create those relationships and build your own village,” said Lisitski. “I joke with a lot of the moms like, ‘Hey, if you think hiking in the woods with a toddler sounds like a good idea, then we’re going to agree on multiple things.’”
Lisitski said many members have formed close friendships, with some setting up playdates or even forming homeschool groups together. Others have stepped up to offer babysitting help or even brought each other’s kids to hike to support members during illness or postpartum recovery.
Lisitski said that one of her goals was to make the group accessible and explained that while there are plenty of forest schools and similar resources in the area, some come at a high cost.
“Another reason it’s a free activity is I’m momming at the same time,” she said, noting that it’s “simple play outside” and not “super structured.”
“Parents like that. It’s kind of prompted play, and then the kids kind of create and see things we don’t see. They’re their own eyes and their own imagination — that’s been really cool to see and watch our kids grow together and learn together,” said Lisitski.
She encourages moms to show up just as they are — messy mornings and all.
“Most of the time, the kids are in rain boots because toddlers love rain boots. It’s so impractical, but they love rain boots. Or we’re in our pajamas, and our hair isn’t brushed, and so when moms reach out to me, I always say, ‘Listen, it’s a judgment-free zone. Welcome to the Pines. This is how we are. Come as you are. Just get there, and then the rest is fine,’” said Lisitski. “We give a little grace period with our arrival time because it’s hard to get out of the door and on time.”
And no matter how moms get there or what kind of day they’re having, whether they’re toting toys along the trail or wrangling fussy kids, it’s not about showing up perfectly — it’s about getting outside together.
“The point is we all got outside. We all got to be outside in the forest and enjoying each other, and everyone feels better after,” she said. “It doesn’t matter how ridiculous it is that you’re carrying an RC car on the hike because you feel better after. I can be a better mom after I go and do this. It’s like a reset button.”
Lisitski understands how intimidating and overwhelming it can be to join a new group, but she encourages anyone interested to give it a shot.
“I want you to come. If you’re feeling nervous, send me a message. We can talk. We can hang out prior,” she said. “It’s so nerve-wracking to try and put yourself out there, but it’s so worth it.”
