Get Outside

Kids belong outdoors: Forest Park is a fun, healthy, exciting place for kids to broaden their horizons. Hiking is great way to help them appreciate all the beauty and adventure that the natural world offers.  Kids love to learn. Show them how to identify flora and fauna or use a compass - it will go a long way toward making the hike a memorable one. Getting kids involved, from packing their pack to picking destinations on the map, helps build confidence and enthusiasm.

Here are a few ways to get started:

• Help them put together a hiking and/or natural history journal.
• Learn together how to use a compass/GPS.
• Let kids carry their own gear.
• Practice LNT (leave no trace). Leave the places you visit in better shape than they were in when you found them. Start training kids early on to become stewards of the environment.

Tips for Hiking with Children 

Remember

• Check for blisters and general well being.
• Be sure to have water and snacks on hand
• Teach your children about the environment and the importance of Leave No Trace ethics.
• Keep them motivated - involve them in the planning
• Get them some kid-sized gear (hydration packs are a big hit).