Fun Family Hiking Adventures

What better way to spend quality time with your family and get in touch
with nature than some family hiking adventures? Enjoying the fresh air of an
invigorating walk in the woods, along a river or on the beach?
What’s more, family hikes make for fun learning opportunities
for kids and parents alike. So, try some of these family hiking adventures 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 bird and
animal sounds. Before you go, visit your library for a DVD or audio CD of
birds and wild animal calls. Then download an audio recorder on your phone
and carry it on your hike to 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 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 photograph, such as a huge oak tree, a
monarch butterfly, deer tracks or a close-up of a nibbling squirrel. When
you get home, print out the best photos and create a nature scrapbook of your
family hiking adventures with them.

Tree tales

These giants of nature are not only intriguing because of their size but
also because of their many variations. Borrow some library books on trees
and learn about their unique features and histories. Use clues such as the
shape of the leaves, texture of bark and size of the trunk to identify the
kind of tree.

Which way do we go?

Roam the countryside and teach your children directional skills such as how
to read a map, use a compass or determine the sun’s position 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 meet. 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 each animal’s unique characteristics and how those qualities
help or hinder the animal. Talk about what the animals eat, their shelters
and related species. Also, keep eyes peeled for animal tracks to identify
and determine how recently they 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 fantastic diversity of plant life. Before you
head out on your family hiking adventure, 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 each season. As you inspect
plants, look for their seeds and notice the variations. Talk about how
seeds travel by blowing in the wind or catching on the fur of animals.
Carefully brush away the ground cover and look for seeds that have sprouted
their roots and will soon develop into a new plant or tree. Learn how
individual plants have evolved to have 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, county and state parks and look for trails along
rivers or near lakeshores and beaches. There are also national forests and
parks throughout the United States with extensive trail systems. 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, getting lost or other hazards.

Before you go

Plan your family hiking adventures before you leave so you’ll arrive prepared.
For your comfort and convenience, carry a small daypack with extra clothing for cold
air along trails, and don’t forget hiking boots. For your protection, bring
along hats, sunglasses, sunblock and insect repellant. Be prepared for
emergencies by carrying a small flashlight and batteries, watch, 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.

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 in which you’ll
explore and teach your children trail and animal safety.
Before you set out, prepare your kids by informing them that there
may be rules against taking their nature finds home.

Local Parks / Hiking Trails*

Montgomery County

Northern Virginia

District of Columbia

* Due to COVID-19 and phased reopenings, not all parks or hiking trails
may be open. Check with the website before heading out.