What we’re about
Outdoor adventures with your little ones. Infants in carriers/backpacks, toddlers, preschoolers and elementary school aged children. A parent, grandparent, or guardian must be present. YOU are responsible for the children you bring with you. As a parent of 5 and a foster parent of over 30 years we know toddlers have a minds of their own. They can be assertive, stubborn, opinionated and very demanding and of course very loving and caring. At a very young age they are learning and discovering what they like and dislike and how to assert their independence. This is all normal, however those behaviors can certainly make any activity difficult.
As an avid hiker I have observed others, hiked with others, hiked with my own kids. We can make this an enjoyable event making sure you keep tabs on your own children. Learning how to hike with toddlers and small children is different for everyone so take that into consideration when you join the group. Yes we will have crying babies and toddler tantrums but hopefully nature will take over and soothe their little souls. Our hikes won’t be ordinary hikes but we will try!
Choosing the right trails for the children is half the battle. Your expectations should be realistic about what kind of hikes you can do with your children/toddler and what is safe/best for your little hiker(s). Most of the hikes will be local (in and around the area) on flat surfaces, but not all. Some will have inclines, hills.
When hiking with a toddler, make sure you dress them in appropriate clothing for the season and weather. Toddlers can’t resist a good mud puddle and nothing will ruin a hike quicker than cold wet feet! Please bring a back pack with extra clothing, shoes, bug spray, sunscreen, water and snacks.
Children are curious creatures. Please let them enjoy Mother Nature. Let them learn, explore, play and make new friends while discovering the beauty and healing power that mother nature provides. Please be prepared to stop often. For kids, hiking is less about getting somewhere than having fun and playing along the way. Don’t rush them or force them down the trail at adult speeds, they’ll be much more excited about the next hike knowing they can play along the way.
Proper shoes matter! Wearing sneakers at first is fine if you’re just wanting to try your child at hiking but best to get them into hiking gear. Sturdy shoes with good treads are essential for a successful hike. I realize it may seem like a waste of money to buy hiking shoes for toddlers when they’ll outgrow them in a few months, however it matters. Buy good ones, swap with other parents as the children grow, pass them down. Possibly consider handing them a family in need once your child grows out of them. Cold feet, uncomfortable shoes or blisters will kill a child’s enthusiasm for hiking.
Please reach out with any questions. READ liability waiver below. View my other group for adults and teens. Let’s Get Hiking! 🥾🥾
—Please read in entirety— **Liability Waiver:**
As a condition of your voluntary participation in all our group activities you acknowledge and agree to the following: Our activities involve inherent risks that can cause property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death to participants and/or others; you assume all risk associated with this activity; you are responsible for having the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, clothing, and equipment to safely participate in all activities posted; you know and will follow the Hikers Responsibility Code (when attending a hiking event) described @ www.hikesafe.com; the leader(s) of any of the activities are volunteers; and you for yourself, your heirs, executors, and administrators release, hold harmless, and indemnify the leader(s) and all members of this group from any and all claims for property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death - including those caused by negligence and/or other reasons. Be aware, be careful, be prepared. Safety First! Thank you, Christine
