Category Archives: Kid Friendly Hikes

Hiking, Kid Friendly Hikes, Outdoors, Wildlife Preserve/Reserve

The Redbud Valley Nature Preserve ~Tulsa, OK

01/09/2013 Outdoor Post Leave a comment

The Redbud Valley Nature Preserve is one we have heard of for a long time and been meaning to go to for a LONG time.

It is only about 30 mins. from us but I always chose a longer hike instead.

The longest trail in the preserve is a mile long so it is a little short for our usual family hikes but very nice for someone just starting out or with little ones.

We were laughing at “very,very rugged”, I have not seen that description often.

It was definitely not stroller friendly but I would not be discouraged the by the sign at all it was not that bad.

The boys gave this place two thumbs way up!

They really liked the climbing involved and the fact it was not super long.

We push them a lot…

We went around once going on the cliff trail and the woodland trail.

Then we went around again using the main trail.

The trails intersected a lot so you are doing some of the same hike again but we did not mind.

In total it was around 2 miles of hiking.

Definitely a place you want to check out if you have young kids or want a short hike in a scenic place.

It was a very beautiful hike!

They have very specific hours so be sure to check out their site before you go!

Hiking, Kid Friendly Hikes, Outdoors

How to trick your kids into enjoying hiking!

10/12/2012 Outdoor Post 4 Comments

I did a post with a couple tips on hiking with young children a little while back. It was more on keeping your kids comfortable then entertaining them so I thought I would do a new one with some tips and tricks on hiking with children!

I am not above tricking my children into forgetting how many miles they have been walking!

I want them to enjoy their time outside not dread it!

Here is a list of ways I “trick” my children into enjoying long walks/hikes:

1. Play I spy! This has been a game changer for me. The boys love playing it! We play it in stores, on walks, and on hikes.

It is easy also! Just find something odd say it out loud and see who finds it first! Then it is their turn to do the same.

2. Give them a map.

For some reason kids just really like to look at maps! If you have a GPS device that is even better!

3. Give them a compass and teach them how to use it.

4. Bring along animal/plant identification charts

I really like the laminated ones I found at a nature center!

I recently found these also though and really want to get them!

5. Have a special treat waiting at the car/house, or if you are walking try to walk to a place you can buy something for them. I love actually going somewhere when walking instead of just going in a circle! We walk to the park, walmart, or a gas station often. The boys actually ask to go to them even though it is a five mile round trip!

You could also bring a special treat with you.

6. Do a nature scavenger hunt! I just did one while up visiting family in Minnesota and all the kids loved it!

We did the Nature Bingo I found here.

More ideas here and here.

7. Tell stories.

I actually learned this from reading Little Woman! You start a story and then they have to continue it. It is so much fun and keeps their mind off the fact they are walking! It does take a little work to teach them how to do it if they have never done it before but it is worth it!

8. Lastly pick a fun location! One with lots of animals, fun bridges, or rocks to climb!

Robbers Cave State Park