Hiking with Kids at Powder Valley

Last Saturday we had a couple hours to kill in the morning so we packed up the kids and headed over to a local conservation area for a hike. Powder Valley Conservation Area and Nature Center has quickly become a favorite spot of ours. We only checked this place out a few weeks ago and couldn't get over how cool the nature center was for kids, how pretty the trails were and how close to our house this place is (we've since been back four times). The kids love climbing on the big toad up front, followed by checking out the snapping turtles, club house, fish and play areas inside. Once we've made our rounds through the nature center, we head outside and hit one of the trails. There are three separate trail loops through the park, all of which are different distances and paved, making it easy for little unsteady feet. The trails are really pretty and wind through the woods, up and down hills and have lots of wooden bridges that cross over creeks.

Mac always picks up a map (and multiple pencils) in the nature center and a walking stick along the trail and he leads the way, full-speed ahead. He's not the best navigator and he's pretty dangerous with the giant stick, so it's a constant balance between running to stay close to him and keeping far enough away not to get whacked. Mim does pretty well about walking next to us for a while, but then she usually insists on being held the rest of the time on Ryan's shoulders. She'll eventually just get to a point where she sits down on the trail and huffs and puffs until we pick her up. She's even been known to lay down and pretend to go to sleep. The differences in their little personalities become so evident while we're out hiking - Mac doesn't stop moving, must be in the lead, has to have his hands into and on everything, while Mim takes her sweet time, meanders around and has to practically be dragged down the trail to get her moving. They are so different and so funny.

Powder Valley is a great place to hike with little kids. As I mentioned, the trails are all paved, there are numerous benches along the way where you can stop and take a water/snack break. None of the loops are very long, so depending on how the kids handle the first one, we can then decide if we want to attempt another. And the hikes are really pretty this time of year and very active (although not crowded). The kids love looking out for birds, mushrooms, lizards, frogs, turtles and bugs. They also love stopping at the creek and throwing rocks and looking for minnows and tadpoles. Ryan and I have so much fun watching them explore, ask questions and discover new things. Adventuring with kids is a blast. 

Anyone else love to hike with their kids?