Tips for a smooth hike:

1)     Pack water and snacks. We always pack more than we need so we can help others on the trail.

2)     Ensure you are ready for the weather. Consider bringing sunhats, long sleeves, long pants, raincoats, warm coats, comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen, etc.

3)     Know your hiking plan and share it with your family before you begin hiking. Expectation management is extremely helpful, especially during lengthy hikes.

4) Pack a small blanket to sit on during your hike for a fun picnic snack or lunch.

5) Remember to pack basic first aid items to include bug spray to ensure you are ready for anything.

Here are 5 tips for keeping your children engaged while actively learning throughout your hiking adventure:

1. Allow your child to gather and carry any nature items they find during your adventure such as rocks, sticks, flowers, and leaves. As your child collects items you can help identify the name of each item, if it is soft or hard, if it is heavy or light, etc. At the end of our family hikes, we explain that we leave nature in nature to encourage our children to appreciate and respect the world around them. You can also use the items to create a nature scene that you can photograph before leaving to remember all the fun treasures found during your hike.

2. Play I Spy with your child while hiking. “I spy, with my little eye, something green.” “Is it a frog?” “Yes!” This game is fun for the entire family and can last for a while depending on your location.

3. Create or print a free nature scavenger hunt for your child to complete during your hike.

4. Pack crayons and paper and have your child make leaf rubbings of all the beautiful leaves they find during your hike.

5. Teach your child to identify signs of animals as you hike such as scat, prints on the ground, burrows, and more. This will help your child become more aware of their surroundings, and what they can and cannot safely touch. 

Nature is its very own classroom full of endless possibilities! I encourage you to explore nature with your children and try to see things through their eyes as they discover and explore this wonderful world. 

3 Family Hikes:

1. Maansan - (Bee & Honey Café Hike) This is an amazing trail for families and all skill levels. We know many children under 5 who enjoy this trail and especially enjoy treats from the nearby cafe. This hike is free and bathrooms are across the street from the trailhead.

2. Younginsan Recreational Forest – Trails range in difficulty. We prefer to pay the small parking fee and park at the upper parking lot near the bathrooms. There is an option to park at the bottom of the hill and walk up. Although this is a slightly hilly hike it is great for strollers! They also have an amazing museum for all ages near the top.

3. Cheonjangho Suspension Bridge- Trails range in difficulty. They have an obstacle course that is free and suitable for all ages with minimal help. There is a cafe that serves ice cream and other treats at the end of one of the trails (Follow the trail to the left at the end of the bridge to find the cafe). This hike is free, several restaurants are available at the beginning of the trail, ample free parking is provided, and restrooms are also available. 

Enjoy this fall with intentional learning moments the whole family can enjoy! 

About the Author

Kortnee is a military spouse, a yoga teacher, a homeschool mom, and a published author with more than a decade of experience in early and elementary childhood education. Her goal is to take parents on a journey with their children by integrating more opportunities for intentional learning daily through play. If you would like more activity ideas follow us on Instagram @intentionallearning.