Speaker
When I don’t write about nature connection and outdoor play,
I usually talk about it.
I’m a passionate advocate for children’s right to play outside and for using nature connection as a means to improve personal health and foster environmental stewardship. I’ve been a strong voice in the children and nature movement for over a decade and in that role I’m frequently asked to speak at conferences, workshops and private gatherings, both virtually and in person.
Keynote:
THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS BAD WEATHER
A road map to combatting nature-deficit disorder and raising happy, healthy and resilient children by embracing adventurous outdoor play all year.
More topics:
- GREAT SPEEDS, GREAT HEIGHTS AND DANGEROUS TOOLS
Dive into the thrilling world of risky play and discover how embracing outdoor play can help your child succeed – at home, at school and in life.
- WOODS OVER WORKSHEETS
A practical guide to Scandinavian-style outdoor learning for early childhood educators, daycare providers and other workers in the childcare sector.
- HOW TO LIVE AN OPEN-AIR LIFE:
Learn how to boost your mental health, strengthen family bonds and connect with nature in everyday life through the Nordic art of friluftsliv.
I can also customize a presentation just for your audience.
Contact me about speaking at your next event.

"It was such an honor to have Linda McGurk as an expert speaker for our parent community at AFineParent.com. Linda has a wealth of information about getting kids outdoors, and she shared this knowledge generously. Her tips were both thought-provoking and practical.
It was an added bonus that she is also very down to earth and such a joy to work with.”
Upcoming Speaking Events and Workshops
Past Speaking Events and Workshops

There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather
Resurrection Episcopal Day School Montessori, New York City
February 20, 2025, at 5:30 pm EST
Parent lecture

Hygge in the Early Years Conference
October 24, 2024, at 10 am – Midnight GMT
Featured keynote speaker
Virtual summit

There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather
June 28, 2024, at 11 am @ General Pulaski Park, Anderson, IN
Presentation, Q&A and book signing.
FREE and open to the public. Bring the kids and a picnic lunch!
In collaboration with Anderson Public Library

The Raised Good Online Parenting Summit
September 21-25, 2023
Featured expert
Virtual summit

Camp Renegade Play – Outdoor Play Edition
May 19-21, 2023
Featured expert
Virtual summit

Positive Parenting Conference
May 18-21, 2023
Featured expert
Virtual summit

Woods Over Worksheets
January 27, 2023, at 9am PST
Pasture Raised Kids, CA
Virtual workshop

Getting Kids Outside and Building Family Culture Through the Nordic Art of Friluftsliv
January 5, 2023, at 3-5pm EST
Cool Creek Park, Carmel, IN
Talk, Q&A and book signing with outdoor playgroup – bring the kids!

Open-Air Life: Getting Kids Outside through the Nordic Art of Friluftsliv
September 18, 2022, at 10am
Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront, VT
Online

“Friluftsliv” as a Driver of Innovation and Inspiration
September, 2019
Lunch workshop in Stockholm for Belgian company Red Zezel

The Nordic Success Story: What Is the Secret Behind the High Global Ranking?”
October, 2018
Moderated discussion at North Park University, Chicago, co-sponsored by the Consulate General of Sweden and the Swedish-American Chambers of Commerce

Woods Over Worksheets: The Amazing Benefits of Nature Play
October, 2018
Speaking and book signing event at the Environmental Education Center at Lord Stirling Park, New Jersey

Why You Should Let Your Kids Play Outside In (Almost) Any Weather
October, 2018
Speaking and book signing event at the Polarn o Pyret flagship store in NYC.