Getting out in the fresh air and doing something physical is important to me especially when we have nice weather. I tend to get anxious, depressed, grumpy, etc when I’m stuck inside too much. Being able to do something as a family is even better! We found that going hiking as a family is fun for all and S can easily participate.
S will walk this whole trail by herself. Score! You know why? Because she can jump and splash in the creek. I always have S wear shoes that can get wet when hiking near water. It allows her to do what she wants and I am happy she’s not getting tennis shoes wet.
Tips
- Always bring plenty of water and some snacks (we like to bring granola bars).
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and bug spray are also important items to bring for a hike. For more tips on what to bring on a day trip, check out my post here.
- Wear comfortable clothing that you can move easily in. I always wear layers too, so that I can remove as I get hot.
- If water is nearby, wear shoes that can get wet.
- We always take the opportunity while hiking to explore and learn. Talking about animals and plants, different signs (scat, tracks, etc.) of animals, answering questions and making observations (like what happens to the creek when a rock is placed in its path).
- Scavenger hunts are always fun for a hike too! You can read about our scavenger hunts when we hiked in Arizona.
- Allow your child to use an old camera to capture what they observe along the trail.
You may find me linking up with the following: Mon: Magic Moments; How Do You Do It? Parenting Linkup; Made by You Mondays; Creative Mondays; Click and Chat Social Media Link Up; Merry Monday Linky Party; Motivational Monday; Weekend Wanderlust;Tue: Treasure Box Tuesday; Turn it Up Tuesday; Good Tip Tuesdays; Project Life Tuesday; Lou Lou Girls Link Party; Delicious Dish Tuesday; SoMe2; Wed: The Wednesday Roundup; The Super Mommy Club Party; Centerpiece Wednesday; Whatever Wednesday; Retro Repin Party; Wake up Wednesday; Creative Spark; A Little Bird Told Me; Thur: Weekly Kids Co-Op; The Pin Junkie Pin Party; Thrify Thursday; On Display Thursday; Fri: Pretty Pintastic Party; Foodie Friends Friday; That’s Fresh Friday; Family Fun Friday; For the Kids Fridays; Craft Frenzy Friday; Product Review; Friday Favorites; Weekends: Show and Share Saturday; Country Kids with Coombe Mill; The Weekend Social; Snickerdoodle Sunday; Show Me Saturday; Ultimate Link Party; Coast to Coast Blog Post Party
Gorgeous scenery! We love hiking – with three boys, it really helps to get them outdoors! We are lucky with plenty of great places to go in North Georgia.
Thank you Amy! You are so lucky! We have a couple places but Clark Creek is definitely my favorite.
This is a real helpful! We love hiking too and my son is starting to take photos of our trips now =) #countrykids
Thank you Merlinda! It’s so fun to spend time together as a family!
Very beautiful views. Reminds me a lot of our adventures here is the south. #laceyslegacy
Thank you Lacey! It is a wonderful place to hike.
What a super place to hike! I think I’d go for the primitive trail too. I’m an ‘off the beaten track’ kinda gal and so are my kids! 🙂 Lovely to find your blog through #CountryKids!
Thank you Elizabeth! It is a great place to hike and think we need to go back up next weekend!
We love hiking! Being outside in nature and discovering new things is the best! I love your pictures too! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Thank you Erin! It’s definitely like a classroom outside!
Wow, what amazing scenery.
You can’t beat getting out in the Great Outdoors 🙂
Thanks Heidi! I agree!
Great advice! We love hiking as a family too; it is probably one of my favorite things to do as a family. It can be a challenge at times since our boys are so active and trying to keep them from doing unsafe stuff is… interesting. I’m thinking that giving the oldest of the three boys a camera would help give him something productive to do instead! I usually bring my camera and these photos are some of my favorites 🙂 We might have to take a hiatus soon though since our 19 month old foster daughter is getting almost too big to be carried, though my husband is planning on taking the two oldest overnight backpacking soon. Thanks so much for sharing!
-Sara, uncommongrace.net
A child’s perspective in photography is awesome! I hope your husband and sons have a fun overnight trip – that sounds awesome!
Great tips. I love the pictures they’re beautiful. I’m sure your daughter will cherish these hiking trips forever. 🙂
Thanks for sharing with us at Mommy Monday!
XOXO
Thank you so much! She loves our hiking trips!