Posted by: Trina | October 11, 2011

This article was written by Catherine our HAPPYMAMA in Virgina.

Fall is here and in most places in the US, it is perfect weather for a hike! Why not pack up the kids and go?! Three things to remember: pick a kid-friendly hike, go at THEIR pace, and keep their minds busy if they start to whine! When I am choosing a hike with kids, I look for shorter hikes that lead to something interesting such as a waterfall, a cool overlook, or unusual formations. I start by asking other parents that enjoy the outdoors for their favorite hikes. Then I will consult my local hiking store such as REI and pick an employee’s brain or ask them to recommend a good hiking book that was written specifically with kids in mind.

Hiking with kids is not like hiking with adults. It is not about the destination but about the journey so throw the schedule away and go at THEIR pace. Everyone will be happier. Be sure to bring plenty of snacks and water and break when they need to. And if they want to climb on a rock or fallen tree, if it is safe, let them. In fact, encourage them to pretend it is a pirate ship or an enchanted forest. If you come across a stream, stop and let them stick their feet in. Let them touch and explore. In fact, use this as a time to teach through some of these fun games.

Scavenger Hunt – have them look for acorns, tree specific leaves (teach them the difference between deciduous and evergreen), animal tracks (can you identify the animal?), a spider’s web, a feather, shed exoskeleton, a burrow, etc. When that gets old, have them look for things creatures needs to survive: nuts, seeds and berries; pollen for bees; tall grasses, brush and trees to hide and nest in; a source of water. With the evidence you find, can you make up a story about one specific creature’s day? Let them be creative and silly. For smaller children, have them do a listening walk. Can they hear a bird or squirrel, or the wind blowing the leaves?

I Spy – An oldie but a goody! Spice it up by naming facts instead of visible traits. Say “I spy something that will make you itch” when you see poison ivy leaves. This is a great way to teach them to identify it and avoid it! Or “I spy something that burrows” if you see a groundhog and teach them the difference between a chipmunk, a groundhog, and a squirrel. You can also have them use their senses, “I smell something decaying” if you walk pass a rotten tree. Or “I feel the temperature change” if the sun goes behind the clouds.

Pictures in clouds – if you can see the sky, have them tell you what shapes they see in the clouds. If there are no clouds, have them see shapes in rocks or trees. Again, let them be creative and silly.

Listening to nature - Sometimes I have found the best conversations just happen. So let it happen. Let your kids do the talking and don’t guide them. It is so rare that my attention is not divided that I really enjoy my time in the woods with them because they get my full attention. There is no laundry or phone or email. Speaking of phones, put away your cell phone. Bury it in your pack and only use it for an emergency!

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Catherine Jones is the HappyMama from Richmond, VA. She has 3 children. Catherine grew up playing soccer, swimming, and riding horses. Her children share her love of sports. Her 8 year old son plays baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer, and is a member of the swim team. Her 6 year old daughter enjoys ballet, gymnastics, and dive team. Her 4 year old is just about to start gymnastics. Live in the Richmond VA area? Follow Catherine on Facebook and Twitter to get all the latest HAPPYFAMILY news in that area.