Could a Family Hike Be Your New Favorite Winter Activity?
Being in nature is a great way to shake off the winter blues and get some fresh air. We hope you will use this list to get your family excited about spending some time together outdoors and enjoying all the benefits that come with hiking any time of year.
1. Participate in a First Day Hike at a state park or nature preserve.
Did you know First Day Hikes have become a nationwide initiative? Check with your local state park. Many offer programs and ranger-led hikes to help you bring in the New Year on the right foot. Some even offer midnight hikes on New Year’s Eve.
2. Bring your favorite warm beverage to sip along the way.
Bringing along a warm beverage is the perfect treat for a chilly winter hike. Fill a thermos or insulated to-go cup with hot cocoa, apple cider, or herbal tea. Staying hydrated is important, so don’t forget to pack water too.
3. Join a family fitness challenge!
January is Family Fit Lifestyle Month. A fitness challenge is a great way to try new activities together and keep exercise fresh and exciting, and many of these challenges include hiking! Sweeten the fun by offering prizes for completed challenges or for meeting an activity goal. Like the one pictured here? Grab free the printable below.
4. Bring conversation cards.
Conversation cards are a great way to bond with your family. They come in different styles and topics ranging from hilarious to thought-provoking. Take turns answering questions and getting to know each other better along your hike.
5. Make your own trail mix.
Kids will love customizing their own hiking snack. A few favorite ingredients to consider are dried fruit, nuts, chocolate chips or candy-coated chocolate, marshmallows, cheddar crackers, and pretzels. Another fun spin on this idea is to make a snack necklace out of loop-shaped foods.
6. Have a nature scavenger hunt.
Nature scavenger hunts are a great way to explore the natural world. By focusing on the details of your surroundings, you will see things that you might have otherwise missed. If you have young children, a great option is picture-based scavenger hunts where they match pictures of plants and animals to the real thing. Older children may enjoy bringing a field guide along with their scavenger hunt so they can learn about the flora and fauna in more detail.
7. Get crafty and decorate a walking stick to take on your trek.
Which is more fun, finding the perfect walking stick or digging into the craft supplies and seeing the unique creativity of each family member? Wrapping the sticks in colorful yarn or washi tape, painting them, or tying fabric or ribbon to them are a few ideas to get you started. Older kids and adults may like to try carving or wood burning.
8. Go somewhere new.
Explore a variety of terrains. Most kids love exploring rivers and creeks. Mountain peaks are a rewarding payoff, both in views and bragging rights. Find out what is near you. Search for local nature centers and preserves, state parks, national forests, and even city parks sometimes offer unique interpretive trails.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Always be aware of trail signs and safety warnings. Close supervision is required for many areas and terrains. Check trail difficulty ratings and plan accordingly based on ages and abilities in your group.
9. Take a nature journal on the hike.
Nature journaling provides a way to slow down and immerse yourself in nature. When you take a moment to sit and observe, you’ll be amazed at all the fascinating things happening around you. Look closely at a plant or a decaying log or a bug together. What is the bug doing? Where is it going? Encourage kids to record new discoveries in their journals.
10. Go on a flashlight hike.
Families with a sense of adventure (and maybe a touch of fearlessness) may really like this idea. Try a night hike. You are sure to see some fascinating creepy crawlies along the way. Did you know that some will even glow under a black light? We recommend heading out on one of these nighttime adventures with a park ranger. They will be able to share some fascinating fun facts with you.
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