OutGrown Blog

The closing of another summer season can bring both excitement for a new school year and disappointment that the long days of outdoor adventures are coming to an end. However, our time in nature doesn’t have to end. With the start of another Hike it Baby 30 Challenge on September 1, Hike it Baby is upping the opportunities and the inspiration to help you keep up the nature-loving lifestyle.  Here are five ways to keep up the outdoor summer momentum while heading back to school so you can reach your HiB 30 challenge goals, whether it be 30 miles in 30 days or no zero days throughout the month. Choose a shoe that can transition from the classroom to the trailhead While our summer shoes aren’t necessarily appropriate for school (especially with all the sand, saltwater and mud that they have accumulated), that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice function for style. Shoes like Merrell’s classic Moab FST Low shoe can transfer easily between the classroom, the playground and the trail, helping to take you straight from the school pick-up line to the next trail adventure. Pack trail essentials in the car ahead of time Being ready for an after school or after dinner outdoor adventure is key to keeping yourself (and your family) accountable. Grab your water bottle, snacks, a first aid kit, a change of clothes for the kiddos and fun extras (such as binoculars or a magnifying glass) ahead of time to make the transition from school to trail quick and easy.  Be flexible with your adventures There are some days the kids may be exhausted from a full day of learning and play while other days they may be bursting at the seams. Being flexible with your plans helps keep everyone happy. A stroll around a nearby pond is ideal on days the kids have already had a full day of fun, while a hike to a gorgeous view is awesome for days they are more energized.  Take an after-dinner or sunset hike With commitments such as work, school clubs, sports and homework, getting outside right after school may not be possible. Instead, plan to take in a sunset as a family, or visit a nearby trail to work off dinner and discuss your school/workday as a family.  Be a Weekend Trail Warrior Even if you’re able to get out on school days, planning a longer, more involved outdoor outing for the weekend can give everyone something to look forward to throughout the week. Whether you travel to a National Park or plan a longer hike at a nearby trail system, choosing lightweight, waterproof footwear with great traction for the whole family, such as the adult version of the Moab FST 2 Waterproof shoe can help ensure everyone stays comfortable, no matter what your adventure has in store. How do you keep up the momentum from summer after the school year starts? Let us know in the comments below! This post is sponsored by Merrell. Images by Michelle Craig and Rebecca Hosley.

Whether you’re new to hiking with your baby or toddler, or you’re looking for a new trail to explore, the Hike it Baby community is a valuable resource for finding family-friend hiking trails around the country. In this article, we share three breathtaking hikes in Montana to explore with babies and young children while considering the unique ways young children hike, wander, dawdle and explore. McDonald Creek, Glacier National Park Glacier National Park’s landscape feels sacred thanks to mountains jutting up toward the sky and big animals roaming freely in spite of the area’s popularity on the national park circuit. No matter where you go in Glacier, you can’t go wrong for capturing beautiful scenic mountain moments wherever you look. If you pick your trails wisely, you’ll still experience all the vastness Glacier has to offer without feeling limited with little walkers. McDonald Creek is an easy trail with many spots along the way to stop and nurse, change a diaper or for adventurous toddlers and kids to climb rocks and trees. There are several waterfalls along the way, and the trail overlooks the creek as it winds through the mountains. The bridge is a gathering spot, as there are several big rocks to hang out on and have a picnic. The less crowded spots are just past the bridge as the trail continues up along the creek. A bit farther and you can even access a small beach-like area that is nice and secluded and is a perfect place for lunch, swimming and skipping rocks. Most of the trail is level along the creek with lots of fun things to look at and explore. I loved McDonald Creek best because there were so many waterfalls and the trail winds along the creek at the upper end of Lake McDonald. All of the running water helped get baby to sleep. We also found a great rock to change him at the viewpoint. We hiked that one twice and walked along the lake, too. Great views of the surrounding mountains. It was beautiful! – Angela Malson Tips: To avoid the crowds, go past the bridge where the trail gets narrower. It goes through a beautiful forest and has more secluded spots to access the creek. This trail also intersects a horse trail, and kids will enjoy seeing horses on trail. Keep your eyes open for fish in the creek and chipmunks along the trail. Other wildlife you can expect to see regularly are deer, hawks, and signs of beavers and bears. Parking is at the trailhead, down by the north part of the lake. There is also parking by the bridge in the middle of the trail, but that may get full as the bridge is also a viewpoint for people who don’t hike the trail. St. Mary Falls, Glacier National Park If you follow Going To The Sun Road and head east to the other side of Glacier from McDonald Creek, you’ll reach the trailhead to St. Mary Falls. But if you’re coming into the park from the St. Mary Entrance Station, the trailhead is 10.5 miles westbound from the entrance. St. Mary Falls is one of Glacier’s most spectacular waterfalls. St. Mary Falls has three tiers of rushing glacial waters, with the bottom tier being the smallest. The trail is only 1.7 miles roundtrip, but offers amazing views of surrounding mountain peaks. It winds through a dense conifer forest, fields of wildflowers in summer and a burn area from the 2015 fire. Along the way you can also see Baring Falls at just 0.7 mile from the trailhead. Once you reach St. Mary Falls, there’s a foot bridge over the waters you can cross to get a full view of the falls. Tips: Due to its popularity, the parking lots fill up quickly, so plan to arrive early, come later in the afternoon or take the shuttle from Sun Point or Rising Sun. If you have time, continue on the trail for another mile to see the impressive Virginia Falls. Come prepared with sun protection as the trail brings you through scorched areas with little shade. Pine Creek Falls, Gallatin National Forest (Park County, MT) Pine Creek Falls offers beautiful views of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness with views of Black Mountain, which is the second highest mountain in Montana at 10,941 feet. The 2.5-mile out-and-back trail leads to a waterfall and narrow footbridge where you can cross the creek below the falls. If you have time, stop and let the kiddos play in the pool of water and small rocks that have been swept down by the fall. But be careful of little ones drinking water on this trail as giardia, the microscopic parasite that causes diarrhea, is ever present in this area. Expect a little bit of climbing, but nothing a toddler can’t do – but bring the carrier in case. The trail is dog-friendly and fairly well trafficked most of the day. However, if you plan to hike alone first thing in the morning in the summer, consider bringing bear spray (but to be safe, always have bear spray on you). There are bears and other large animals in the area, so making noise can help remind animals of your presence and encourage them to move on before you arrive on the trail. The trail extends a lot farther to a popular but very hard hike called Pine Creek Lake if you want to go beyond the 2.5 miles. This is a favorite hike for our family, both just as a day trip and also when we camp at Pine Creek Falls Campground. While it does get crowded in the middle of the summer, it’s nice in the spring and fall too. The trail is a bit rocky and has some elevation gain, but in general, it is really kid-friendly. It’s shaded well in the summer and the views of the falls are pretty at the end. – Amelia Mayer Tips: Remember this trail is near Yellowstone National Park, so expect to see a lot of people on the trail in the warmer months. If you’re looking for more solitude, consider visiting in winter when you can hike and snowshoe. You can also hike out on various side trails from this main trail to get a little more mileage in. Want to make it an overnighter? Check out the 25 single camping sites at Pine Creek Campground. They are first come, first served. The campground has water and is handicapped-accessible. The road to the trailhead is located a short drive through the camping area. There are several parking areas (which become full on a busy summer day) and the trailhead is clearly marked. What are your favorite hikes in Montana for families with babies, toddlers and young children? Leave a comment below! More Resources for Families with Young Children Montana offers an abundance of trails for families with young children. For more family hike ideas, see: Hike it Baby calendar (or connect with local branches) Hike it Baby Family Trail Guide Montana state parks National Park Service Hike it Baby: 100 Awesome Outdoor Adventures with Babies and Toddlers – by Hike it Baby Founder Shanti Hodges Read more: 10 Unforgettable things to do in Glacier National Park with kids 3 Memorable hikes in Colorado for families with young children 3 Amazing hikes for families with young children in Wyoming 10 Fun things to do with kids in Yellowstone Trails contributed by Angela Malson, Amelia Mayer and Shanti Hodges. Photos courtesy of Angela Malson, Amelia Mayer and Steven Smith.

When I think of all the things that I am, a writer is not at the top of the list, but, here I am writing for you because of my passion for the outdoors and how it relates to diversity. I have kept a journal for every year of my life for as long as I can remember. The pages most certainly are not filled with epic outdoor excursions, but I am willing to be vulnerable in my pursuit to share my current experiences. My love for the outdoors was rekindled just five short years ago, and my hope is one day my children will have journals filled with memories of our outdoor adventures!  As a child, my parents were both present and involved. I was one of four children and my cousin also lived with us for many years. My parents were a working-class Black-American couple with a full house, full-time jobs and the regular marital stresses. We always resided in larger cities, so national forests and parks weren’t always within easy reach. Now, as a parent myself, I understand how loading up five small children and heading for the mountains three hours away could appear daunting -- not to mention the outdoors aren’t always the most comfortable place for a black family. I did grow up hitting the beaches of California during my early childhood years and noticed right away I had a desire to be in nature. It grounded me in a way I didn't quite understand yet. Planting the seed for the outdoors We moved to Washington State when I was 9 years old, and I started to experience more frequent outdoor encounters that consisted of camping trips and small fishing excursions with my dad. Although I cherished those moments, I always knew there was so much more to explore.  As I grew older and made new friends, often white, they encouraged me to come along on their outdoor adventures with their families. One I remember the most, was a yearly camp trip with my longtime best friend, Sheryl. Every year as kids, her big family would pull together and meet in Morton, WA, and camp for a weekend. We would play outdoor games, swim in the river, jump off bridges (them, not me), and venture into town to hit the local IGA grocery store for junk food! At night, we would roast S'mores around the fire, play hide and seek in the dark and try to scare the living daylights out of each other. The days were long and the nights seemed even longer. In the morning, we would get up and do it all over again. As Sheryl and my friendship grew, I made sure to mark her family's annual camping trip in my calendar. It was something I cherished year in and year out. Friendships that start with adventuring seem to last longer; and 20 years later, she is still one of my most treasured friends and favorite adventure buddy! Within this memory, my love of the outdoors was ignited. Fast forward fifteen years, I met my husband and we now have two kids of our own. We have two amazing girls. My oldest was born in Colorado where we were surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. Our youngest entered the world in Washington State in my husband’s hometown surrounded by the Cascade mountains. This is where we live now, amongst the Northern Cascade mountain ranges, 360-degree mountain views at all times, kid-friendly trails at our fingertips and peaks I can summit at my leisure! I am currently one of the only black women living in this town, where Africa- Americans have never been a percentage on the local census. I know ... crazy right?! Nurturing the love of the outdoors Since becoming a mother I have only lived near the mountains. My daughters don’t know any different. Their backyard is the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and Alpine Lakes Wilderness. This is where they have laid their roots. The forest is where they have learned to walk, run, play, and live among the Larch. My girls have both started hiking with me as young as 3 months old. As they blossom from babies into adolescence, I too am blossoming beautifully into motherhood and the outdoors will always be at the center of that. We make it a point to be outside and explore. We camp, float the rivers, hike in the Summer and snowboard often in the Winter! Despite the barriers placed on people of color in the outdoor community around the world, we are choosing to follow our hearts. So far I have experienced nothing but acceptance in our little mountain town community but realize cliques form based off of the extreme sport you are in. My family and I choose to tackle this specific mountain together. Our family lives a wonderful life outdoors. The mountains are home and I am my girls most important role model for diversity in nature. Motherhood is easier outside and in nature, all ethnicities deserve to experience the ease of parenting a child outdoors. There is nothing like watching your children chase butterflies through the forest, while jumping off rocks, balancing on logs, smelling the wildflowers, swimming in the rivers and lakes and most importantly just opening their eyes to this diversity - that is nature. As an adult, I have learned that the ability to visit the outdoors is 100 percent a privilege. It is a privilege not everyone has in this world. Most faces of the outdoors, for as long as I can remember have been white men. Most marketing tactics to get people outdoors or to purchase their outdoor products are quite obviously targeted towards white people. The outdoors is not diversified. Many black people have had negative experiences visiting outdoor spaces. By being excluded in the marketing and social media world most won’t even consider the outdoors an option for their families. The face of nature is white, and I aim to change that. Nature should be as diverse as the flowers, trees, and animals that exist in it. This is everyone's nature. I fully recognize that we are privileged to live so close to hiking trails, lakes, and rivers. Thus, I feel it is my duty to speak out and be a face for other black mothers that need to know they are not alone. I want to use my privilege in a positive way, so that I can encourage another black mom that wants to give their kids outdoor experiences. I want black children to see our adventures and know that they can do it too! Representation matters so much when trying to be inclusive. People of color are not underrepresented, others are over represented. Although I may never be represented by a big name outdoor brand, I am my girls biggest representative of the outdoors. I am their biggest cheerleader and number one female role model. I need my girls to know that we can break down the walls of stereotypes the world places on us. The color of our skin doesn’t have to determine what we like to do and most definitely does not decide our hobbies for us. The future generations will be different, and I’m out here encouraging two little girls that will make sure of that. What are your thoughts on diversity on the trail? We would love to hear your insights in the comments below. Read more: Adventure parenting 101: How to introduce your kids to new adventures First time hiking with kids? Helpful tips to get out on trail Photos courtesy of Chelsea Murphy. Chelsea is an adventure-seeking mama living in the Cascade Mountains. She has two girls who love to hike, camp and swim outdoors. Chelsea wants to be an inspiration to other Black Americans, specifically mothers who have reserves about being in the outdoors. Follow @she_colorsnature to enjoy their journeys.

When I was a teenager, the Hayman Fire of 2002 broke out dangerously close to my hometown of Colorado Springs. I remember seeing flames just over the ridge near my parents’ home and dealing with poor air quality from the smoke for weeks. The fire ended up burning for around 40 days, destroying over 138,000 acres and 133 homes, and causing six human deaths (including five firefighters). Hundreds of firefighters put their lives on the line to fight this fire and prevent further damage and loss of life. I remember thinking, “How could this happen?” The answer came shortly after: it was ignited through arson. A forest technician with the U.S. Forest Service supposedly started a campfire during a total burn ban and lit a letter on fire. Somehow embers from this fire ignited vegetation in the area and the rest is history. Ten years later, another human-caused wildfire, the Waldo Canyon fire, broke out in town. This time it came so close that my parents were evacuated, and many people had to leave the area due to extremely poor air quality from the smoke. While my parents’ home was saved, 346 others were not. Although this may sound shocking, it’s not as rare as one would think. According to research, over the past few decades, a staggering 84% of wildfires were caused by humans. In addition, human-caused wildfires have tripled the length of the fire season and covered an area seven times greater than that of lightning-caused fires. While a portion of these fires are set on purpose, the majority are set on accident via unattended campfires, burning debris, equipment use, etc. How can we do our part to prevent fires while also enjoying fun outdoor activities like camping? I consulted an expert, my friend and firefighter, Mike Pelka, for tips on keeping our families safe while enjoying the outdoors this summer. (Read my interview with him about the science behind wildfires here.) How can we prevent unnecessary wildfires from erupting, especially when camping or hiking? Like Smokey says, “Only you, can prevent Forest Fires.” There is only one completely natural cause for fire: lightening. All other ignitions are human-caused in some way. Unattended campfires or incomplete extinguishment of campfires tend to be a leading cause. Playing with matches, lighters or other flammable materials is another hazard. Simply put, use common sense and use due regard. Campfires should be monitored at all times and kept under control. Always have some source of extinguishment, i.e., water or a shovel to throw dirt on. Before leaving a campfire, verify it is out. One of the best ways that firefighters use to ensure a fire is out is “cold trailing,” which is literally putting your bare hand in the ground to verify there is no heat. Obviously, this should be a parental duty. If it’s still smoking, there are embers still glowing or you wouldn’t want to risk putting your hand in it, then it’s not all the way out. Also, know and follow any fire restrictions that may be in place and obtain any permits necessary from officials. Do you have any suggestions for keeping curious kiddos safe around the campfire while camping? Remember that while campfires are enjoyable and part of the experience, things can change quickly. Fire is not to be played with and can cause serious bodily injury and death quickly. Here are some tips for keeping your family safe around the campfire: Kids should always be monitored around fire. Keep flammable objects far away and out of reach. Do not allow kids to throw things in the fire or play with sticks near the fire. Keep bare ground around the campfire at all times to reduce the chance of a stray ember ignition. If the fire is getting too large or the wind is creating an ember cast, reduce or extinguish the fire. Check out this article for more information on family safety around the campfire or bonfire. And here is a fun activity for teaching children about campfire construction and safety. At what point is it unsafe to hike during wildfire season? There’s nothing inherently unsafe about hiking during wildfire season. With that said, there are some things to consider. Air quality can be one factor. Smoke from large fires can be carried by winds to states far away and cause respiratory issues or exacerbate existing respiratory conditions. Depending on atmospheric conditions, smoke may stay high in the air, or it may sink to the ground. Know the current conditions before you go hiking. Look up information on any fires that may be burning in proximity to your planned trip. Find out if there are any evacuations in proximity to that area. Do not go into a questionable area. Many resources go into fighting wildfires, so hiking near fires or even traveling through these areas can further complicate and distract firefighters from fighting the fire. Other considerations are fairly obvious; environmental considerations are key. Hot, dry and windy days are the hallmark of wildfire season. If you are hiking in these climates, be sure that you are well prepared for your trip, including possible emergency situations that may occur. Use sunscreen and dress appropriately. Wear comfortable boots and clean socks to prevent blisters. Bring any medication you may need for existing medical conditions or for an allergic reaction (Epipen). Bring plenty of food and snacks and, most importantly, bring plenty of water. Remember that proper hydration can take days, so drink plenty of water at home leading up to a trip. Looking for ways to stay active and nature-focused when you can’t get outside? Check out these articles for activities you can do when it's too hot to go outside and alternatives for times when it’s too cold to go outside. How do you practice Fire Safety? Let us know in the comments below! Read more: The science behind wildfires: the good and the bad Indoor activities when it's too hot to get outside Photos by Arika Bauer and Rebecca Hosley.

Summer is winding down and kids are headed back to school, but that doesn't mean the warm weather is going anywhere any time soon. And even when temps do cool down the sun's rays can be just as strong and we all know exposure to the sun’s radiation can cause a myriad of health issues both in the short- and long-term. One of the easiest ways to protect against the sun's harmful rays is by wearing sun protective clothing, especially hats, with a UPF rating of 50 (which is the highest possible sun protective rating). But what does this rating mean? Don't forget your hat! UPF vs. SPF Most people are familiar with the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating used to signify the level of protection in sunscreen. And since sunscreen, and in turn SPF, wears off the skin, sunscreen needs to be reapplied, especially when water and sweat are involved. Additionally, SPF often only protects against UVB rays. On the other hand, the UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating used to describe sun protective clothing protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Sun protective clothing provides protection all day long and usually lasts for the lifetime of the clothing. As a bonus, newborns can wear sun protective clothing whereas sunscreen is not recommended for babies under six months. One of the easiest ways to protect your infant from the sun is to pick up a wide-brimmed hat with a UPF rating of 50+, such as the Infant Sunsprout hat from Sunday Afternoons. This hat also provides convenient features, such as a crushable brim, quick-release chinstrap and washable material to make life easier for caregivers. Choosing a Sun Hat to Fit your Outdoor Adventure Since the face, ears and neck are three of the most common areas that can develop skin cancer, a high-quality hat is important for all of your outdoor activities. We have broken down what to look for in a hat based on activity so your family can enjoy all your outdoor adventures. Hiking To stay protected from the sun’s rays, choose a hat with a wide brim to shield the face, neck and ears. A hat that is breathable, water-resistant and stain-resistant such as the Adventure Hat can see you through almost any warm-weather scenario you may face on the trail. If rain is a possibility, a hat that protects from the sun while also being breathable and waterproof like the Ultra Adventure Storm Hat can keep you comfortable and dry without the need for extra gear. For the kiddos, you’ll also want to look for a hat with kid-friendly features such as the Kids’ Play Hat, which provides a breakaway chinstrap and customizable sizing band that grows with your child. Pool/Beach Whether at the pool or the beach, there are few things better than enjoying the water on a hot day. Since fun in the water usually translates to more exposed skin, choosing a hat with an extra wide brim along with a UPF 50+ rating can offer extra protection. Check out the adult Beach Hat  or the Kids’ Shoreline Hat from Sunday Afternoons to add some style to your outdoor water adventure while also staying protected. It’s also important to consider the harmful glare of the sun off of the water’s surface. Choose a hat with a dark underbrim, such as the Latitude Hat, to reduce glare and help protect your eyes from unnecessary sun exposure. This hat has the added features of Sunglass Lock™ to keep sunglasses in place along with a Reverse Split Brim™ so you can pack it small and flat into your beach bag. Playing at the Park As kids head back to school, after-school and weekend trip to playgrounds, parks and farmers markets are some great ways to burn off the extra energy. Stay protected with a hat that not only protects against the sun’s rays but also packs away easily so you can bring it with you wherever you go. The Sun Dancer Hat packs flat and even has a ponytail-friendly opening. For children, the Kids’ Fun Bucket Hat has a crushable brim, making it easy to stuff in a backpack or diaper bag. Both of these styles are water-resistant and breathable on top of having a UPF rating of 50+. If a ball cap is more your style, look for an option that is both breathable and lightweight while still carrying the UPF 50+ sun protective rating such as the Impulse Cap.  Do you have a favorite hat you love to use for your family adventures? Let us know in the comments below. Photo by Stephanie Jacobson

While summertime can bring gorgeous weather and a plethora of outdoor adventures, it also provides the perfect weather for fire season. Higher temperatures and lower moisture can dry out vegetation, providing the perfect fuel for wildfires. Add in a stray lightning bolt or a careless flick of a cigarette butt and an entire field or forest can erupt in flames in a matter of minutes. But is fire always a bad thing? And how are they fought in order to minimize the danger and destruction they can cause? To answer these questions and help break down the science of wildfires, I consulted a good friend of mine, a firefighter named Mike Pelka. Mike has taken a multitude of wildfire classes and has been fighting fires in the Pikes Peak Region for nearly a decade. He has also been deployed to assist in fighting larger wildfires in different states. Here is the first half of our interview where we discuss the good and bad aspects of wildfires, along with what goes into fighting one. Q. What inspired you to become a firefighter? I have always believed in doing work that meant something to me and involved working with my hands. Firefighting provides a unique challenge every call we run. Whether it’s a fire, car accident, medical emergency or some public need, we are who people call to solve their problems. Plus, in every firefighter, resides an 8-year-old child who just wants to put on the helmet and jump on the big red truck. Q. Wildfires seem to have a bad reputation, but can they be good for the environment as well? Absolutely. Fire is a completely natural occurrence and should be reintroduced to our forests. A variety of things have come together to create the explosive fire environment we live in today. Aside from global warming, firefighters have done their job too well for too long. Fire has not been allowed to be a part of our natural spaces and they have overgrown to an unhealthy point. This leads to a dense, compacted and disastrous forest that, when it does catch fire, can be tragic. Another factor is that more and more urban development is happening up to or even within wildland environments. We call this the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). This is a tricky place, because it is where we have the greatest duty to protect property, but sometimes presents as the most dangerous position when fires come through. Unfortunately, the WUI is also an area where forests have overgrown, and without human and homeowner intervention to reduce these risks, inevitably fire will take its course. Fire Departments, Land Mangers, and Incident Command Teams have ways of keeping fire a part of the environment while lessening the risk to the public. Control burns are fires specifically set to help revitalize small sections of forest or grasslands. These take months or years to plan and involve a lot of resources since they are intentionally set. Another tactic to keep fire in the environment involves large fires that are already burning. If they are within areas that pose little or no threat to the public, they are allowed to burn without intervention, but with a very close eye. Resources may be sent to protect small communities, neighborhoods or structures and simply guide the fire around them. Q. What goes into fighting a wildfire? This is a very simple question, with so many complex answers. Any fire is a changing and dynamic environment and, therefore, our response to it has to match. Fire Departments fight fires based on the Incident Command System (ICS), which allows us to grow or reduce an incident as it progresses. Most wildfires are small in size, low in complexity and last a short duration. However, if fuels, weather and terrain are not in our favor, small fires can become enormous quickly. Wildfires are influenced by three main factors: fuels (grasses, shrubs, trees and, unfortunately, homes), weather (hot, dry and windy conditions -- think Red Flag warning days) and terrain (heat rises, fire burns faster uphill and steep slopes make it harder and riskier for firefighters to access and work). Firefighters are taught about Extreme Fire Behavior, things like plume-dominated fires (fires driven by the convective currents they create), firewhirls (fire tornadoes) and fires making large crown runs (fire burning violently and quickly through the tops of trees). Unfortunately, with the rise of global warming, these fire behaviors are becoming the norm and can be seen at almost every large fire. Q. What resources are required to fight a fire? Manpower varies drastically. Small initial attack (IA) fires typically can be fought with only a few resources, whereas large incidents that are run by Federal Incident Command Teams can have thousands of resources. These resources and what tasks they can perform also vary. Hand crews are teams of 20+ firefighters that attack a fire by using hand tools. The elite are called “Hotshot” crews. Some crews can rappel into fire from a helicopter and are known as “Helitak” crews. Others parachute out of airplanes, known as “Smokejumpers.” Helitak and Smokejumpers are able to access fires quickly that may be deep within a forest. Engines and Brush trucks are another resource. Large fire engines can be used within neighborhoods to help protect structures, whereas smaller brush trucks can engage the fire directly. Aircraft can also be used in a wide assortment. Small and large helicopters can drop buckets of water, whereas small and large airplanes can make short or long lines of water drops. Other resources include bulldozers, water trucks and all the other logistical needs an incident may need. Q. Can you explain some of the strategies used to fight a wildfire? Initial Attack (IA) fires tend to be the most chaotic because only a few resources are trying to accomplish a variety of goals, with the primary objective of putting out the fire. Large incidents that we travel to have well-established Command Posts that are sometimes mini-cities, providing food, shelter or camping areas, bathrooms and sometimes even shower trailers. These command teams have to look at a very large picture of the incident and usually we only end up working on a few tasks on one small portion of the fire. Wildland fire strategies fall under two main categories: direct and indirect. Direct fire attack means that resources go directly to the fire and try to put it out. The main tactics used for this are direct water application to flame, digging handlines (digging a line down to bare soil so that the fire has nothing to burn), laying wet lines (putting water on the unburnt fuels to reduce their likelihood of ignition) or laying black line (lighting our own controlled fire ahead of the main flame front, to remove fuels). Indirect attack involves fires that may be too large or too inaccessible. This strategy puts space (and ultimately time) between where resources are working and the actual fire. The main tactics used for this are the same as direct attack, but are further away and are usually more involved. Handlines may be 10 feet wide or larger. The most risky indirect attack tactic is the Back Burn, which involves lighting a fire well ahead of the main flame front in hopes that the two draw into each other and leave no fuels to burn. Laying back burn ahead of a wildfire Now that we know what goes into fighting a fire, how can we practice wildfire safety when exploring outdoors during wildfire season? Come back to check out part two of my interview with Mike to find out! Read more: Indoor activities when it's too hot to get outside Photos By Mike Pelka

Nature Babies: Why Having Young Kids in Nature Is So Important for Their Health By Judy Klein, MD I was looking through some old photos from my son’s early years and saw a baby covered in wet sand sitting in the gentle surf, a toddler delightfully scrunching his bare toes in the dirt walking through a redwood forest, and a young boy smiling, eyes wide while hanging upside down from a tree branch. Though he didn’t know it at the time, he was doing the work of childhood: playing freely and instinctually in the natural world. It may seem odd to use the word “work” when it comes to childhood play, but what he was doing was serious business. By playing outside, my son was more likely to keep moving and get his heart rate up, reducing his risk of obesity and any diseases that come along with it: heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, hormonal imbalances, and sleep problems, among others. He was also more likely to have a strong and healthy immune system because of his daily exposure to dirt and all the microbes that live in it. Little did he know, that each day he played outside, he was building up all those connections between his brain and his body that would allow him to sense the world, walk confidently and use those little hands that he was just discovering. All those flowers he looked at and smelled, birdsongs he listened to, the wind that he felt on his face and sand he put in his mouth would help him interpret, organize and integrate different sensations. All that crawling, running barefoot, pushing and pulling himself up and down trees and rocks was building up strength in his arms and legs and in his core.  And all those grassy hills he rolled down and the trees he hung upside from were developing vital connections in that part of his brain that controls his balance, posture and his ability to pay attention. Though he didn’t know it, by playing freely outside in nature early in life, he was likely to become more resilient, less anxious, and more self-regulated. He would become more skilled at identifying risks and exposing himself to challenges, while learning how to minimize his chances of getting hurt even as a toddler walking barefoot across a log in a creek. Later in life, this skill would likely translate into better decision-making when it really mattered. He would also be less likely to develop problems with attention after countless hours experiencing the restorative effects of nature on that part of his brain that allows him to control his impulses, focus and listen. As it turns out, these would be some of the most important predictors of his success in life. And all that time my son was spending amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world would make him more innovative, more creative, happier and more likely to be a steward of the environment when he grows up. He’s lucky. So many of us parents let fears of really unlikely things—abduction, injury, animal encounters—keep us from letting our kids play freely outside. Thinking we’re giving our kids a head start, we put them in so many classes and activities that their free time is run by adults and their decisions, particularly around risk, are made mostly by grown-ups. And we let boredom be soothed by hours of television or video games or other digital pastimes that keep them sedentary and over-stimulated. So let’s all consider stepping back and letting our babies, toddlers and older children engage with the natural world as their instincts tell them to do, for they are all born with a love of the natural world.  Let’s show confidence in their abilities, allowing them to fall and fail in age-appropriate ways for there is no better way to help them become healthy, strong, adaptable, resilient, and, most importantly, happy citizens of Earth. Photos by Arika Bauer. Read More: Resist fear and embrace resilience: Kids and risk in the outdoors 7 Tips for safety on trail with kids The do's and don'ts of risky play About Dr. Judy Klein From a young age, I’ve been a hiker, backpacker, naturalist and lover of all things outdoors. Having grown up in Southern California, I moved up north to Stanford for college then a little further north to the University of California, San Francisco for medical school. I trained in both pediatrics and emergency medicine and I teach classes in Wilderness Medicine. I am also an avid mountain biker, backcountry skier, and backpacker. But of all the things I do, my favorite is taking kids into the outdoors to enjoy all that nature has to offer. Reconnecting children to the natural world and allowing them to reap all the benefits of being one with the earth is my passion and my mission. Often in the Hike it Baby community, the question is asked what “adventurous” means when you are a parent. And the answer is different for all of us. For some, it’s climbing a mountain with a frame carrier fully loaded or doing a huge backpacking overnighter with a new little. For others, it’s ditching the stroller for the first time and trying a dirt trail, or just letting the kids spend leisure time climbing rocks and jumping in puddles. There are so many levels of “adventure” when you have little kids, and we wanted to share stories of families who have redefined adventure on their terms. We hope it inspires you to get out and have adventures YOUR way too.

The clear, crystal blue colors of Lake Tahoe’s waters beckon the call of outdoor enthusiasts nationwide. The nation’s second deepest lake, Lake Tahoe sits at the base of some of the most impressive mountain peaks the Sierra Nevadas has to offer. Lake Tahoe is one of California’s and Nevada’s most popular family vacation destinations with an abundance of outdoor family adventures, including camping, hiking, kayaking, bike riding, fishing, river rafting, paddleboarding, waterskiing and much more. The sights, sounds and smells of Lake Tahoe make up a large portion of my childhood summer memories. As a California native, Lake Tahoe was my family’s primary vacation destination every July when my sisters and I would spend a week fishing for crawdads along the shores of Sand Harbor and eating ice cream runoff out of our sunburned belly buttons. As I grew into adulthood, Lake Tahoe became the place where I first learned to backpack, where I was married, and now, where my son first put his toes in the sand. If you are considering a trip to Lake Tahoe, here are some tips from a local. Tips for visiting Lake Tahoe Traveling by plane, the closest major airports are Reno or Sacramento. The AMTRAK California Zephyr Train makes daily stops in nearby Truckee and runs from San Francisco to Denver if you'd like a different experience. If you choose to drive, Lake Tahoe is, on average, 3.5 hours from the San Francisco Bay Area, 2 hours from Sacramento and 1 hour from Reno. And once you've made it to Lake Tahoe, there are many ways to get around the Lake by public transportation. Lake Tahoe sits at an average elevation of 6,200 feet. In order to account for high-elevation conditions, precautions should be taken to avoid any risk of altitude sickness, including easing into any physical activity, using ample sun protection and staying hydrated. Sleeping at higher altitudes can be the best way to mitigate the change in elevation. The symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, vomiting, dizziness and fatigue. When packing your clothes, be sure to bring warm clothes for the evening as the mountains get cold quickly when the sun sets. Also, be sure to bring plenty of breathable UV-protective layers, strong sunscreen and/or a sunhat. The traffic around the Lake Tahoe Basin can be painstakingly slow at times with lots of construction and, therefore, visiting during the week is strongly encouraged, if possible. There can be lines of cars stacked up prior to beaches’ open times on summer weekends. There is a high concentration of black bears in the Tahoe Basin. Do not leave food in plain sight in your car when parked, and use proper bear receptacles in campgrounds and rental properties. If you are planning a stay, be sure to reserve a campsite, cabin or hotel at least six months in advance. 15 Fun things to do with kids in Lake Tahoe in the summer 1. Visit Emerald Bay With some of the best views of the Lake, Emerald Bay is a popular stop for vacationers. Park at the Eagle Falls Trailhead and you can choose to make the quick (but steep) 15-minute jaunt to the bridge overlooking Eagle Falls. Or if you are feeling even more adventurous (and in shape), continue walking to Eagle Lake and into Desolation Wilderness, the prime backpacking spot in the Tahoe area. You may also choose to park across the street at the Vikingsholm parking lot and hike down (another steep trail) to Emerald Bay Beach where there is shade, picnic tables and a restroom. Kayaks or paddleboards are available for rental and you can head out to Fannette Island, the Lake’s only island! Photo courtesy of Joyce Thao. 2. Hike to Monkey Rock Monkey Rock is a 2.6-mile out and back hike on Tahoe’s East Shore outside the town of Incline Village is named after the simian-like rock feature at its terminus and includes one of the best views of Lake Tahoe. There is no parking at the trailhead for this hike, so park next to the Tunnel Creek Cafe. The hike climbs 500 feet overall and can be done gradually or by taking a lung-busting shorter route to the summit. Photo courtesy of Shari Charron. 3. Bike ride along the Truckee If you aren’t rafting the Truckee, try riding a bike along its banks on the Historic Truckee River Path from Tahoe City to Squaw Valley. This easy ride is great for the entire family and can be done by renting bikes on either end. Rent a bike at Olympic Bike Shop in Tahoe City and ride south and enjoy lunch at River Ranch or north from Squaw Valley at Sqaw Bikes to Tahoe City and stop to watch the trout run under Fanny Bridge. 4. Truckee river rafting You will not be facing any Class III rapids on this lazy ride down the Truckee River. Book a reservation with the two local river rafting companies in Tahoe City (Truckee River Rafting or Truckee River Raft Co.) and commandeer one of their large rafts with shuttle service or bring your own raft and float at your own risk! The ride down the Truckee River takes around 2-3 hours and requires that you pull out at River Ranch where you can sit on the deck and enjoy a plate of loaded nachos after your journey. Make sure to bring sun protection! 5. Echo Lakes West of Echo Summit on US Route 50, Echo Lakes are the gateway to Desolation Wilderness. Hiking the shores of Upper and Lower Echo Lakes is a beautiful way to get there, but why not skip the 2.5 miles and take a boat taxi! The boat taxi runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, barring any big snow years. If you have the time and the legs, try taking a boat taxi to the Lower Echo outlet and then hiking an extra 3 miles to Lake Aloha, one of Desolation Wilderness’ most iconic features. Photo courtesy of Joe Linehan. 6. Hike to Eagle Rock Located on Tahoe’s West Shore just off Hwy 89, the hike to Eagle Rock is a .7-mile moderately steep trail with a big payoff! The views from Eagle Rock span across the entire Lake. With its short distance, this hike is great if you are looking for a quick activity to kill some time. Photo courtesy of Cindy Vue. 7. Treetop Adventure Park at Granlibakken Treetop Adventure Park - Tahoe City is a self-guided ropes course located just outside of Tahoe City on the North Shore. This adventure park offers 97 platforms and 10 different courses varying in difficulty all within a secluded pine forest. There are two other Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park locations in Squaw Valley and Tahoe Vista. Safety gear is included with the $50 admission fee. For more information, go to Tahoe Treetop Adventure Parks. Picnic tables and hiking trails are available for those who do not wish to participate. 8. Fishing for crawdads There are over 300 million crawdads in Lake Tahoe. That’s almost 1 for each U.S. citizen! So why not try your luck at one of my favorite childhood Tahoe pastimes. No need for a fishing pole here. To catch a crawdad, all you need is string, bacon/hot dog/chicken livers, and a bucket. Tie your bait onto the end of the string and throw it off your nearest dock or place it under any large submerged rock until you get a bite! 9. Kayaking and paddleboarding Lake Tahoe’s clear and deep azure blue waters make stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking the perfect activity for the entire family. Numerous beachside rentals dot the entire Lake. Some of the best places to put in include Sand Harbor, Zephyr Cove, D.L. Bliss State Park, Emerald Bay and Cave Rock. Take note of the weather, especially the wind on the day you plan to embark, as the Lake can sometimes seem like an ocean in the afternoon. Photo courtesy of Nick Her. 10. Hike Taylor Creek Located 3 miles northwest of South Lake Tahoe, Taylor Creek provides four outstanding, easy nature trails for families with children. Walk the boardwalks over marshes with views of the nearby Mt. Tallac, listen to an educational talk by a ranger at the amphitheater, or look through the Stream Profile Window which provides an underwater window of Taylor Creek and its inhabitants. If you are visiting in the fall, salmon run the creek so keep a lookout for bears! Photo courtesy of Steven Yang. 11. Hike Rubicon Trail / D.L. Bliss State Park The Rubicon hiking trail (not to be confused with the ORV Rubicon track) is by in large one of my family’s favorite hikes around the Lake and for good reason. This trail connects two of the most beautiful state parks in the area: D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay. The trail is 5 miles one-way and for that reason, it is my recommendation to start at D.L. Bliss and end at Emerald Bay so you can enjoy a swim, a popsicle at the visitor’s center, and relax on the beach when you are done. This trail skirts above the shoreline with amazing views of the clear blue water along the way. There are a few sections where the trail hugs cliff lines but there are rails for your safety. Nonetheless, you will want to keep your kiddos close on these sections. If you do not want to shuttle cars, you can always hike up to the highway once at Emerald Bay and take the Emerald Bay Trolley back to D.L. Bliss. Photo courtesy of Joe Linehan. 12. Go to the movies on the beach in Tahoe City Enjoy a movie while sitting on the beach on the North Shore at Tahoe City’s Common’s Beach. Movies are family-friendly and a great way to spend the evening outside. There is a playground right next to the beach, too! Just remember to bring your warm clothes as it can get chilly at night! Come early for seats, food and prizes! 13. Take the Gondolas at Squaw Valley or Heavenly Many of Tahoe’s winter ski resorts have summer activities as well. Two of which, Squaw Valley and Heavenly, make use of their gondolas to bring families higher into the mountains and give them access to some pristine hiking trails and mountainside retail and restaurants.The Heavenly Mountain Gondola is a 2.4-mile ride with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. If you want to access a series of hiking trails, take the Tamarack Express chairlift. Squaw Valley’s Aerial Tram climbs over 2,000 feet to High Camp where you can dine and enjoy many different trails. 14. Visit Fallen Leaf Lake Located just one mile south of Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake is a hidden gem behind the shadow of Lake Tahoe. Fall Leaf Lake is a great location for camping, day hikes and access to Desolation Wilderness, and water activities like water skiing, sailing. kayaking, wakeboarding, rowing, stand-up paddleboarding and even pedal boating. Photo courtesy of Shari Charron. 15. Go geocaching at Squaw Valley What better place to do a real outdoor treasure hunt than in the Sierra Nevadas. For those interested in geocaching, take the Aerial Tram at Squaw Valley to the High Camp, download the Geocaching App, and look for 10 different caches hidden in the mountains. Each cache contains a prize and a log sheet for you to sign. The treasure hunting is free, but you will have to buy a $10 ticket to take the tram. Record each cache's box number and code on a “passport” from Guest Services at High Camp to receive discounts at the High Camp retail shop or other participating Squaw Valley stores. Trails to geocaches are rated moderate to above-moderate level. Kid-Friendly Beaches Lake Tahoe has over 70 miles of beaches, but for a list of those beaches which are kid-friendly, start with the five beaches below. Remember to get to these beaches EARLY as the parking lots fill up fast, especially on the weekends. Sand Harbor (East Shore) King’s Beach (North Shore) Camp Richardson / Pope Beach (South Shore) Meek’s Bay (West Shore) Common’s Beach (North Shore) Sand Harbor Beach. Photo courtesy of Nick Her. Have you been to Lake Tahoe with your family and want to share some of your favorite kid-friendly activities? We'd love to hear them! Please share with us in the comments below. Planning Resources Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Hike It Baby Family Trail Guide Lake Tahoe Visitor’s Bureaus Read more: 10 Fun things to do with kids in Yellowstone 15 Fun things to do with kids in Colorado Springs 10 Unforgettable things to do in Glacier National Park with kids 3 Unique hikes in California for kids of all ages   ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

Planning a camping trip this summer? Or just wanting to know more about what to expect when camping? These selections will give you a taste of camping without even leaving your home. Monster & Mouse Go Camping by Deborah Underwood Join Monster and Mouse on a camping trip! When Monster is a little hesitant to accompany Mouse on a camping trip, Mouse has some convincing to do! Despite the promises of hiking, sleeping in a tent and telling campfire stories, Monster is not convinced he wants to go until he hears about the food involved. While their packing list will likely be much lighter than yours (the two only pack two sleeping bags, a tent and a lamp), you can discuss with your little ones about what your family needs to take on a camping trip, which likely will vary greatly depending on the ages of your little ones. When Monster gets hungry along the way to the campsite, the supplies begin to disappear! Find out what happens to them and how they survive the camping trip by checking out this book! When We Go Camping by Margriet Ruurs When We Go Camping takes readers young and old on a journey to experience a day in the life of camping. Follow two children as they experience a day of camping from sunrise to sunset through beautiful painted illustrations. These paintings take up most of each page of the book, creating stunning visuals while still teaching camping tips like putting food up high to keep it from animals. Explore with the family as they catch and cook food, hike in nature and enjoy the natural resources camping has to offer. End your journey by seeing a campfire and the sunset with the characters. After the story, there is also a legend at the back of the book that teaches more about the animals featured in the paintings. Along with the information on the animals is a seek-and-find for each painting, asking readers to look for other objects or notice shapes in the paintings. Cool Maps & Geocaching: Great Things to Do in the Great Outdoors by Katherin Hengel If you're heading on a camping trip with older kids, this book gives some great ideas that will keep them busy while enjoying the great outdoors! After giving explanations of geocaching and a safety guide, there are plenty of activities you can plan to do on your next camping trip! The book provides a list of materials needed, so preparation is key as you may not be able to buy some items like tape and glue once you're at your site. Create geocache bottle caps, adventure journals, plastic bag compasses, cube walkers and much more. Make your camping trip memorable and unique by creating some of these projects. Follow the Trail: A Young Person's Guide to the Great Outdoors by Jessica Loy Be prepared for your camping trip by checking out Follow the Trail. Here, you will get tips from young explorers, identification pages on types of trees, wildflowers, animals, sounds, animals tracks and more. The book also includes a safety section with materials listed to make your own first-aid kit. This would be a great activity to do before a camping trip so you're able to bring the kit to the woods with you in case of any injury. For those new to camping, there is also a section in the book that teaches you how to set up camp. Reading this before heading to the campground will help ease any anxieties young campers may have and give them an idea of what they can expect on their adventures! Hike it Baby has a Goodreads Group! Join today and add books to our bookshelf! Looking for more member reviews? Search our blog for other Book Review posts!  Submit your review here for a chance to be included in an upcoming blog post!   

Whether you’re new to hiking with your baby or toddler, or you’re looking for a new trail to explore, the Hike it Baby community is a valuable resource for finding family hiking trails around the country. In this article, we share three kid-friendly hikes in Virginia to explore with babies and young children. Virginia is a state rich with history and natural beauty, and there are hikes that exploit both of these while still being manageable for kids. Want to see for yourself? Hike it Baby members recommend the following three wonderful venues in Virginia for families with kids. Cannonball Trail (Norfolk, VA) The words "cannonball" and "trail," when put together, may conjure up images of violence on the one hand and roughing it on the other. However, Cannonball Trail is as civilized a trail as you'll ever have the pleasure of strolling. It forms a rough loop, with some diversions, in downtown Norfolk and is marked by round medallions in granite slabs set in the ground. The urban hiker can start anywhere, but how about starting at historic St. Paul's Episcopal Church? Find the British cannonball still embedded in one of the walls and you'll understand how the trail got its name. Other points of interest are military monuments, stately homes and even The Pagoda, a beautiful gift from Taiwan to the City of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Virginia. Allow roughly two hours to see the sights. Cannonball Trail has become an institution (weekly for two years and counting!) among local Hike it Baby members ... with some modification. The group begins at Cure Coffeehouse, a local institution in its own right, and continues along the waterfront in downtown Norfolk. This makes for some nice adult-pace walking, plus playtime for the kids at Town Point Park, so it’s a good balance for everyone. There’s even a splash pad in the summertime! Tips: The Reception Center on Freemason Street can provide maps and other information. Then you can go around to nearby St. Paul's to look for the trail's namesake. If you don't start at Cure Coffeehouse (and even if you do!), then you may want to end at Cafe Stella, another popular place to relax while in the area. If you have time, consider taking a tour of the Battleship Wisconsin. One of four Iowa-class battleships built during the Second World War, it is now a museum ship moored in Norfolk Harbor. Photo courtesy of visitnorfolk.com. The Saunders-Monticello Trail (Charlottesville, VA) The name Monticello is instantly familiar to students of early American history. This was the home designed along neoclassical lines by Thomas Jefferson, primary writer of the Declaration of Independence and Founding Father. The Saunders-Monticello Trail is a 2-mile trail leading from the parking lot of Kemper Park and up Carter Mountain to the Visitor Center for this iconic mansion. It's a hard-packed, well-cared-for dirt path, interspersed with bridges and boardwalks. It winds through an arboretum of native trees and shrubs, and includes overlooks and a 2-acre pond. The grade up this "little mountain" (Monticello in Italian) is an easy one – no problem at all for little walkers and families with strollers. The walk itself is rewarding enough, but opportunities to see the home of one of America's Founding Fathers don't come up often. It's the perfect chance to introduce children to some important history. In the Visitor Center, there is a small (and free) exhibit for children. For adults who need a rest, there's a small (not free) cafe. Exploring Monticello will take much more time than walking the trail, at least three hours if done properly, so plan accordingly. Separate visits may be called for. Read more about the trail in our Family Trail Guide. Tips: Note that although dogs are allowed on leashes, unfortunately, they aren't allowed on boardwalk portions of the Saunders-Monticello Trail. There are a number of other trails in the Monticello trail system. Difficulty levels vary, but there are plenty of easy trails for families with little ones. Photo courtesy of monticello.org. Blackrock Summit Hike (Grottoes, VA) Located in Shenandoah National Park, the hike to Blackrock Summit is an easy 1-mile loop with a great natural play area at the top, making for a perfect family day on the mountain. From the parking area, you will actually walk the Appalachian Trail south. It's a gentle uphill climb, until the trail winds around a huge talus slope of giant rocks. To return, take the left fork at the trail marker for Blackrock Spur Trail, which curves around the rocky slope. Then follow Blackrock Hut Road back down to the parking area. Independent walkers who are a little older are fine to do this entire trail on their own. Toddlers can definitely walk, and there are plenty of rocks to climb on too. The rocks are easier for small legs to do on their own from just past the intersection with Blackrock Spur Trail. Close supervision around the rocks is still a good idea, as is a carrier for very small ones. Read more about the trail in our Family Trail Guide. Tips: Don't expect much in the way of amenities. There are no toilets and no drinking water. There are no benches, either, but the rocks are comfortable enough for sitting, snacking, resting or nursing. The closest toilets are at Loft Mountain Wayside, 5 miles away on Skyline Drive. The cafeteria there sells hot food and ice cream as well. Cell phone reception is very limited. Protect yourself against tick-borne diseases with repellent specifically for these parasites. Protect yourself against bears by making noise. The noise of children is generally enough to scare them off, but keep in mind that they could be in the area. For those interested in longer hikes, there are more trails in this network, some leading to swimming holes and waterfalls! This is a pretty straightforward trail that leads to a phenomenal rock scramble with amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This is a perfect trail to add to a camping trip because it is so short, but the payoff from the views makes it worth it to drive to for the day as well. There are a lot of gorgeous places on Skyline Drive where you can pull off and look over the valley and on to the various mountain peaks. This trail gets you very wide panoramic views without the sound of cars passing behind you, and with the feeling of accomplishment that comes from hiking to the views. The rocks are also really fun to climb, for adults and kids alike! – Stephanie Jacobson Trail review and photo contributed by Stephanie Jacobson. What are your favorite hikes in Virginia for families with babies, toddlers and young children? Leave a comment below! MORE RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN Virginia offers an abundance of trails for families with young children. For more family hike ideas, see: Hike it Baby calendar (or connect with local branches) Hike it Baby Family Trail Guide Virginia State Parks Hike it Baby: 100 Awesome Outdoor Adventures with Babies and Toddlers – by Hike it Baby Founder Shanti Hodges If you’re traveling through Virginia and need more information or recommendations on trails or would like to join a group hike, the nearest Hike it Baby branches are Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, Hampton Roads, Harrisonburg, Prince Frederick, Richmond, Roanoke and Winchester. READ MORE 3 Hikes for Families With Young Children in West Virginia 3 Scenic North Carolina Trails for Families with Young Children 3 Memorable Trails to Explore With Children in Maryland Cannonball Trail review contributed by Melissa Freeman with help from Errign Siek. The Saunders-Monticello Trail review contributed by Jennifer Iyengar. Blackrock Summit review and photo contributed by Stephanie Jacobsen.

My wife and I have never had children. However, I feel blessed to have been able to share so many of my outdoor experiences with my own niece and nephews, as well as the children of so many of our friends. My outdoor resume is extensive and it all began when I was a small child when our family would head out each weekend to go camping. These trips would include roasting marshmallows over the fire, walks (we didn’t call them hikes at the time) in the woods, fishing along the shore of the lake, identifying the indigenous flora and fauna, along with the occasional snipe hunting quest. This love of the outdoors was further nurtured as I became involved in Cub Scouts and continued after I achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. As a Boy Scout, I was exposed to backpacking, rock climbing and canoeing. Since those early days, I have backpacked on multiple continents and most recently returned from a backpacking trip to the desert of southwest Arizona. Throughout college, I worked at numerous camps as a counselor where I began my path of sharing my knowledge and skills with a new generation. Being an uncle Fast forward to 1992 when my first nephew was born. I couldn’t wait for this nearly eleven-pound baby (yes, you read that birth weight right!) to be ready for the great outdoors. His twin brothers were born in 1996. Sadly, my wife and I moved away and haven’t lived in the vicinity since 1999. However, I have always sought out to spend quality time with them for almost 20 years on summer vacations, spring breaks and any other opportunity that was presented. Even on these abbreviated times together, I have taught them each how to ride their bikes without training wheels, and we have climbed trees, sea kayaked, white-water rafted, zip lined and hiked in at least half a dozen states. Planning adventures My wife and I made the decision to give our niece and nephews an unforgettable experience for their high school graduation. Our plan was to take them on an adventure somewhere in the world for an adventure of a lifetime. Being that we lived hundreds of miles away, I had never shared the experience of backpacking with them and decided that their first taste would be in the Andes. The oldest played college football and we were unable to go anywhere upon this graduation as he went straight into training that summer. However, after three years at the collegiate level, he opted out of his last two years of eligibility. The timing was perfect as his brothers were approaching their graduation and I set about to plan a three-week adventure in southern Peru. Our final itinerary included: Flights to Lima, Peru, with a full day exploring the country’s capital city. Flight to Cusco, Peru, where we spent three days acclimating to the altitude while exploring this former capital of the Incan Empire. Four days on the Inca Trail. *While we had the option of hiring porters to carry the large part of our gear, what kind of uncle would I be if that was their first foray into the pastime? An extra day was spent further exploring the ruins and climbing Huayna Picchu, the peak that positions itself prominently in the background of most photos. (Note: The peak requires a separate ticket and numbers are limited daily.) Bus ride from Cusco to Puno where we enjoyed a two-day experience on Lake Titicaca visiting the floating Uros, along with an overnight stay with a host family on the island of Amantani. Bus ride through Arequipa on our way to Nasca, where we went dune buggy riding and sand boarding before making our way back to Lima and our flights home. I was able to outfit them from head to toe, underwear to outerwear. This trip was the culmination of 18 years (twins) and 21 years of sharing my love of the outdoors with my nephews. Looking forward My niece wasn’t as athletic as her brothers but found an early love for hiking. She always wanted to go hiking whenever I came home to visit or when she came to visit us, regardless of weather conditions. Recently, I received a text from her asking about the Appalachian Trail and thru hiking. As she had never been on an overnight backpacking trip, I digressed and suggested we concentrate on small steps. With that said, we made plans to do an overnight backpacking trip. I outfitted her just like her brothers and we set the date. No sooner than we had emerged from the wilderness area, she was already planning our next outing, a weeklong thru hike. While that trip is still pending, she is hooked. Her graduation trip remains a few years away, but we have a destination: Mount Kilimanjaro! What are some of your best memories in the outdoors as an aunt or uncle? Please share in the comments below!   Read more: First time hiking with kids? Helpful tips to get out on trail 7 Tips for safety on trail with kids Photo courtesy of Clay Abney.

When Benjamin Franklin famously said “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” he was advising his fellow Philadelphians in regard to the dangers of fires in the city. That 18th Century adage is just as true today as it was first uttered almost three hundred years ago. Regardless of whether you’re adventuring alone in the backcountry or with a myriad of little ones in tow, a little prevention can go a long way. Being prepared for the unexpected can pay dividends in the long run. Whether you’re going for a day hike, a weekend backpacking trip or an extended backcountry expedition, a first aid kit should always be in your pack. The essentials are the same for a day hiking first aid kit as for a multi-day adventure. The quantities also increase for longer trips. And while you can build your own kit from scratch, it can get quite pricey to piecemeal together  all the necessities that you can get in a pre-packaged first aid kit. Companies like Adventure Medical Kits have an array of kits specifically designed for hunters, travelers, adventurers and even for your four-legged trail companion. In reality, the biggest concern for a parent on the trail will be the occasional cut or scraped knee, a splinter, blister, minor burn or even perhaps a bee sting or a tick. These are all things that you have likely had to deal with at home or on the playground. The only difference will be that instead of sorting through the bathroom cabinet for supplies, you will have to dig out the trusty kit from your pack. Get to know your medical kit First thing you want to do after assembling your kit is to get acquainted with it. Don’t let the first time you glance at your kit be when that first scrape or cut happens on the trail. Second, take a class. Nothing replaces knowledge. You can have the best first aid kit but only if you’re adept at using it. There are numerous options for increasing your comfort in wilderness medicine. Check with your local outfitter, nearby college or for opportunities online for wilderness first aid courses. There are also advanced options that include multi-day courses like Wilderness First Responder certification. In addition to the essentials contained within your kit, here are a few other items you should add to your kit to prepare for the inevitable adventures of your little explorers. Band-aids for kids Adhesive bandages in most first aid kits are of the adult variety. They are boring and won’t provide emotional support once applied. Most minor scrapes and cuts aren’t life-threatening and only a few actually require immediate attention. However, applying a kid-appropriate band-aid (princesses, super heroes, etc.) can go a long way in improving the situation. Age-appropriate medications The medications contained in most pre-packaged kits are made for adults (and kids over 12 years). Pack pediatric doses of ibuprofen (i.e, Advil) and acetaminophen (i.e., Tylenol) for fevers and pain relief. Whether you choose to bring along the pill or liquid versions, make sure to also include dosing instructions. Antihistamine Even if your kids don’t suffer from major allergies, it’s still a great idea to stock an antihistamine away for emergencies. Benadryl for kids comes in liquid, chewable tablets and strips that dissolve in their mouth. Prescription medicines It goes without saying that you should pack any prescription medications that you or your kids take regularly. However, what you may not have considered is that you should carry twice as many and consider keeping in several locations in the event that an accident occurs and one supply takes a swim in the creek or gets dumped over around the campfire. Stomach relief Loperamide (i.e., Imodium) is what is commonly found in pre-packaged kits. It’s too strong for kids under 12, so add a few chewable Pepto Bismol tablets for treating diarrhea. Digital thermometer Some kits contain a thermometer. If not, add a digital thermometer to your kit in case of a fever and before administering any medications. Additional tools Splinters are common in active kids and adding a pair of tweezers and a small needle can be advantageous in the field. Tweezers are also great for removing embedded ticks. Consider packing a headlamp if it’s not already part of your overnight gear. Epinephrine auto-injector Anaphylaxis is a real threat if you or your progeny suffer from serious allergic reactions. It’s likely that if you know of this threat, you already carry an epinephrine auto-injector (i.e., EpiPen) in your home, purse and car. Go ahead and stash another set into your first aid kit and never head down the trail without it. If you don’t know whether you or a member of your crew is at risk, it never hurts to get a prescription from your family doctor and stash an extra one in your kit. Emergency communication A cell phone is great unless you are out of range. If you're planning an extended backcountry trip or to be off the grid, consider an emergency beacon like SPOT or a satellite device like the Garmin inReach. Both have SOS capabilities and Search and Rescue will be notified if initiated. Depending on the length of your trip, consider packing a battery pack to recharge as needed. Now that you have an extensive list of what to have in your first aid kit, get your kit stocked and packed and hit the trail! What other medical supplies do you carry that we haven't mentioned? Please share with us in the comments below! Read more: Hiking essentials: what to pack for a day hike Medical kit must-haves for the day hiking family Photos by Michelle Craig and Arika Bauer.