Lovely Day for a Hike: A Story of Unfortunate Oversights and How to Avoid Them
Kristin Sarmiento
One of my hardest days as a nanny took place on an unseasonably warm day in January. With a high in the upper 50s, sun shining, and the fifth school closure due to COVID since September, it was the perfect day to get out of the house and try something new. We loaded up the car, packed plenty of protein-powered snacks, water bottles, and dressed in our warmest, layered gear. I picked a loop trail that had an old mill halfway through. Perfect for a pit stop, play break, and countless memories to be made. A one mile loop, mostly flat. Easy-peasy. The kids and I were explorers at heart, active, and constantly on the move. I was not new to hiking and knew for sure I had thought of everything.
With the backpack strapped to my back, the baby strapped to my front, and a little mitten holding my left hand, we started our adventure. We heard a woodpecker and even got a glimpse of it at the very top of a bare tree. We saw bright orange mushrooms and found the best walking stick. Twenty minutes into our hike, the repeating landscape was no longer entertaining for my 2.5 year old and the boredom and frustration led to a full stream of tears that started with the toddler and quickly spread to the 10 month old. The shaded forest and wild wind made the mild day feel frigid. All of my best camp counselor songs were too short and the trail far too long. A song or a funky stick would catch on for a moment, only for the allure of “are we there yet” to set in. Just before the old mill, my toddler threw herself to the ground and refused to walk another step. Her timing impeccable, we were dead center of the loop with the promise land of the mill just beyond us. I worked to reason with my 2.5 year old (cue the “yeah right”) describing the big rocks, old stone walls, and rushing water. I knew if we could just get to the mill, we would have so much to see and plenty of merriment would follow. None of which was more appealing than my toddler’s current position flat on the dirt trail. I had no choice but to accept defeat. We ate our snack directly on the trail. My beautiful plan of a riverside granola bar and picturesque rock collecting was as dead as my desire to ever hike again. The tears stopped and the sun peeked through the branches, but we still had a long way to go. We stood up, the tears quickly started again, and we headed back up the trail the exact way we had come. The walk back took three times longer with more stops, more tears, and three dwindling morales. We never saw the mill.
The day was rough, but it doesn’t have to be. We are so lucky to live in an area with a ton of greenways, state parks, and easily accessible trails. These day hikes make for a free, unique experience to get your kids out of the house and into the world of creeks, colorful mushrooms, and good ole fashion exploration. Word from the wise, don’t start these adventures without a little research, planning, and a bag full of snacks.
The mistakes made on this day may be obvious to some, but just to lay it all out there, I’ll list them:
There’s no age limit on hikes, but do keep in mind your kid’s age and physical abilities when choosing a hike. Be willing to adapt and go with the flow in your child’s comfort and interests. You may not make it to your planned destination, but that’s okay! Making the experience a positive one for the kid and in turn you, will encourage future (and potentially longer!) hikes. Start smaller than you think and follow your kid’s lead on pacing. According to the Kids in Parks website, “a child 5-7 years old can walk ½ a mile comfortably.” Stopping for breaks, snacks, and plant identification are all encouraged!
Make a checklist (or use the one below) and keep everything accessible in a backpack. Keeping yourself organized and comfortable is a make or break for the day. Backpacks are great because everything you need is in one spot and you are hands-free to assist with all the collecting, fallen-tree-balancing, and creek hopping. Fun hikes start with prepared packs. Here are some recommendations for what you may need:
Comfortable, weather appropriate clothes. I know the sequined sandals are your child’s favorite right now, but unfortunately they are guaranteed to ruin the day. Closed toed shoes or sandals with heel straps and good soles are going to be your best friend as you’re navigating rocky paths, squishy mud, and slippery creek beds. Be sure to dress in layers if it’s chilly. You may warm up as you're exploring and nothing beats being able to add or remove layers based on how you’re feeling. Hats and sunglasses can also be super helpful, especially if hiking in a place with less tree coverage.
Snacks and water bottles. It may seem like a .5 mile hike isn’t worth bringing along some fuel, but you are mistaken. Protein-packed snacks like trail mix, granola bars, and protein bars are some great options. Things like bananas and cheese sticks are less ideal and tend to get smooshed and gross in the bag. Be sure to pack enough water for everyone to stay fully hydrated! If hiking with a little baby, make sure to have their bottles prepared and packed so they can stay fueled too!
Sunscreen and bug spray can be applied before you hit the trail, but you definitely want to make sure you don't leave home without them.
Diapers, wipes, and a bag to keep any used diapers in. It’s not ideal I know, but nothing is worse than a stinky and uncomfortable baby. Throw a small towel to use as a changing pad and a bag to store used diapers until you can make it to a trash can (most likely at the trailhead or parking area.)
If creek exploring, keep a change of clothes in the car for a dry, comfortable car ride home.
Ideas for engagement when on your hike: rainbow scavenger hunt, plant/animal identification bingo, imaginative play (wizard pirates of the squirrelly wonders?), sing-a-longs and storytelling.
One of the most important lessons I learned from that unfortunate day is that sometimes despite your best intentions the best thing to do is follow the child, even if that means your 30 minute hike turns into rock-castle building just beyond the parking lot. The point is to inspire (not force) the joy and wonder that comes from exploring outside. Make baby steps, stay positive, and maybe one day you just may see the mill and maybe even complete the loop.