What better way to spend quality time with your family and get in touch with nature than a fresh, invigorating walk in the woods, along a river or a beach! What’s more, family hikes make for fun learning opportunities for kids and parents alike. So try some of these hiking activities with your youngsters.
A stone is a stone is a… mineral?
Go on an excursion to learn about rocks and minerals. Shorelines offer a variety of stones. Before you go, learn which rocks and minerals are abundant in the area, and have each family member choose several to scout for. Take along a small plastic container with dividers, a descriptive rock and mineral guide, and a magnifying glass for viewing the colors, layers and details. As you identify stones and minerals, discuss their uses and other neat facts.
Sounds of nature
Wander through a forest and listen carefully for a variety of birds and animal sounds. Visit a local library before you go for a video or audio recording of birds and wild animal calls. Carry an audio recorder on your hike, and record some of the sounds you hear. Listen to the recording again at home and play a game of detective to determine the source of the sounds you can’t make out. Search the Internet, encyclopedias and other resource books to discover the makers of the mystery calls.
Photo adventure
Capture nature’s splendor. Hiking trails provide plenty of photo opportunities, and kids will love snapping the shots. Discuss in advance what each family member wants to catch on camera such as a huge pine tree, a butterfly, deer tracks or a close-up of a nibbling squirrel. Assist your child in managing their shots so the fun won’t be over in the first stretch of the trip. At home, print off the photos and create a nature scrapbook.
Tree tales
These giants of nature are not only intriguing because of their sometimes-massive size, but also because of the variety and history behind them. Borrow some books on trees from your local library that describe the unique features of trees and that offer history on them. Use clues such as the shape of the tree’s leaves, the texture of its bark and even its size to determine the species of tree.
Which way do we go?
Roam the countryside and teach your children directional skills such as how to read a map and use a compass or the sun to determine direction. Before setting out, choose a trail system that provides maps, or make up your own. Take a trail that branches off several times, allowing for plenty of skill building opportunities. For even more fun, turn the excursion into a treasure hunt. Hide a small prize just off the trail under a bush or pile of leaves, mark the location on your map and let the journey begin!
Animals all around
Take a quiet hike in a wooded area with grassy clearings, and see how many animals you encounter. Watch for snakes, turtles and geese if there’s a nearby lake or stream. Also, look for chipmunks and squirrels playing chase or gathering food; birds of prey circling overhead; or grazing rabbits and deer. Discuss the animal’s unique features and how those qualities help or hinder the animal. Talk about what the animals eat, their shelters and species they are related to. Also, keep eyes peeled for animal tracks to identify and determine how recently the tracks were made.
Creepy crawly things
Scouting for insects is an all-time favorite among kids, and the variety of creepy crawly creatures in the woods is remarkable. Carry an insect book, clear container, tweezers and a magnifying glass for close examination of insects’ fascinating features. Bring a journal and track the types of insects you find. Read about insects’ defense behaviors and characteristics such as colors that indicate danger to predators.
Plant life - old and new
Discover with your kids the amazing diversity of plant life. Before you head out, review some books on plants to spark your children’s interest. On each hiking trip, choose a different trail or area and see what plants grow in certain types of soil, climates and in different seasons. As you inspect plants, look for their seeds and discover the variations. Talk about how seeds travel by blowing in the wind or catching on the fur of animals. Carefully brush away ground covering and look for seeds that have sprouted their roots that will soon develop into a new plant or tree. Learn how certain plants have evolved natural defenses to protect against creatures that would otherwise devour them.
Where to find trails
You might be surprised to discover nearby trails that you never knew existed. Check with City, provincial and national parks for trails and pathways. If you have access to a wooded area near you that isn’t too dense, a trail may not be necessary. When hiking off trails, use safety precautions to protect against tripping, poison ivy or other hazards.
Before you go
Plan your activities before you leave so you’ll arrive prepared. For your comfort and convenience, carry a small daypack, extra clothing for cool air along trails and don’t forget hiking boots. For your protection, bring along hats, sunglasses, sun block and insect repellant. Be prepared for emergencies by carrying a small flashlight and batteries, a watch, a map and bandages. Don’t forget plenty of water and snacks. Finally, make the most of your nature quest by carrying binoculars, a magnifying glass, and a small camera or smartphone for snapping pics.
Trekkin’ tips for tykes
When hiking with children, keep these suggestions in mind:
Allow small legs plenty of time for breaks and making the journey, and know your child’s limitations.
Be familiar with potential dangers in the area you’ll be exploring and teach your children trail and animal safety.
Before you set out, prepare your children by informing them that there may be rules against bringing home their nature finds.
Kimberly is an author and freelance writer. Her articles have appeared in more than 200 parenting and women’s magazines throughout the US and numerous other newspapers and publications around the world.
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