HAWKs (Hiking Adventures With Kids), the nature-based children’s enrichment brand reconnecting kids with the outdoors, has received a strategic investment from Post Investment Group to support its nationwide franchise expansion. The brand is opening franchise territories across the US, prioritising mission-aligned operators and regions where families are seeking meaningful, screen-free enrichment options.
Founded in Los Angeles in 2022 by Emma Flanders and Martha E. Flores, HAWKs was created in response to a growing disconnect between children and time spent outdoors. HAWKs offers immersive, screen-free experiences that build confidence, curiosity and real-world skills through exploration and play. Through year round after-school programmes, day camps and weekend adventures, children spend time hiking local trails, discovering nearby wild spaces and building strong connections with one another and the natural world.
“HAWKs was born from equal parts frustration and conviction,” said Emma Flanders, co-founder and CEO of HAWKs.
“As a working mom, I struggled to find programmes that allowed kids to move freely, think independently and experience nature in a meaningful way. With this partnership, we now have the infrastructure and expertise to bring this experience to families nationwide.”
HAWKs blends childhood enrichment with active outdoor experiences that support how kids grow, move and connect. Its mobile operating model removes the need for expensive brick and mortar locations, allowing franchisees to launch quickly and scale by region rather than physical storefronts.
For families, HAWKs offers programmes for children ages 5 to 14, including: After-school adventures with transportation from school to local green spaces; full-day camps during school breaks; weekend exploration sessions; low-waste outdoor birthday parties; and pricing that averages $20 per hour.
For franchisees, HAWKs provides low cost to launch (with an initial investment range of $87,500 to $203,700); no real estate buildout or long-term leases; faster time to market compared to traditional franchises; and training, including hands-on field experience and regional support.
Children at HAWKs explore the outdoors like scientists and adventurers. Activities include searching for pollinators, observing wildlife, building shelters, and capturing discoveries through journaling, drawing and storytelling. The curriculum, developed by educators and outdoor specialists, teaches critical life skills through experiential learning, from problem-solving and emotional regulation to collaboration and environmental literacy.
“We’re not just creating outdoor memories,” said Flanders.
“We’re helping kids build confidence, independence and a deeper sense of who they are. Parents consistently tell us their children come home calmer, more confident and more engaged.”
With the children’s enrichment sector now a $200bn market growing at 6.7% annually, HAWKs said it is scaling with intention and purpose.
