OutGrown Blog

Between the mild, mainly sunny climate and the close proximity to the scenic Front Range Rocky Mountain landscape, Colorado Springs is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. There are over 350 miles of scenic trails throughout the city, ranging from short and easy to very challenging. It's no wonder that tourists come from around the world, starting around the time of the Air Force Academy graduation in early May. I had the privilege of spending the majority of my life growing up in Colorado Springs. I credit my love for the outdoors to the many and varied opportunities available in the area to explore Mother Nature. Now that I have children, I am able to explore my once favorite places through the eyes of my adventurous boys. It has changed my perspective a bit, and through them, I've discovered even more hidden gems in my hometown! Here are some tips for visiting the area and my top 15 family-friendly outdoor experiences in Colorado Springs (in no particular order). Tips for Visiting Colorado Springs You can fly straight into the Colorado Springs Airport or the Denver International Airport, which is about an hour north. It's typically more cost-effective (especially when traveling with the whole family) to fly into Denver due to lower plane ticket prices and better deals on rental cars should you need one. Due to the high elevation (over 6,000 feet above sea level), it's important to take precautions to avoid altitude sickness. These include drinking plenty of water, avoiding strenuous exercise during the first 24 hours, limiting alcohol intake, getting plenty of rest and always traveling with a companion. The symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, vomiting, dizziness and fatigue. Be sure to pack sun protection like a hat, sunscreen and sun-protective clothing. Between the high elevation and the lack of canopy cover on many trails, exposure to harmful UV rays is higher regardless of the season. Check out this article on how to check the UV index and how to take the proper precautions to prevent sun damage. The weather can be unpredictable. You may see bright, sunny skies and 50-degree weather one day and a chilly, snowy forecast the next day. Be sure to pack layers and check the weather frequently up until the day you leave for your trip for any last-minute changes in forecast. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider planning your visit for a non-peak season, such as the late fall, winter or mid-spring (avoiding spring break times). Arriving right when trails and attractions open or visiting on a weekday instead of a weekend are other great ways to avoid full parking lots and large crowds. 15 Fun Things to do with Kids in Colorado Springs 1. Pikes Peak Have you ever wondered what the view would be like from 14,000 feet above sea level? How about if you could drive there? Pikes Peak, the summit of which inspired Katherine Lee Bates to write the iconic song “America the Beautiful,” allows you to do just that. The Pikes Peak Highway allows visitors to drive the 20 miles up the mountain to the summit with various stops along the way for hiking, fishing, eating or just to take in the scenery and give your vehicle a break. The North Slope Recreation Area, located at around mile marker 6, offers hiking trails for all abilities starting at just 0.2 miles. Bus tours are also available, and the Cog Railway is set to reopen in 2021 for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Please note: Due to the altitude and lack of oxygen, the drive is not recommended for children under 6 months of age or visitors with a history of cardiac or respiratory problems! Photo credit: Sarah DiPasquale 2. United States Air Force Academy The majority of this absolutely gorgeous military installation is open to visitors. The United States Air Force Academy has various hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous, which are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for non-military visitors. A favorite, short hike (less than a mile roundtrip) follows a paved route between the Visitor’s Center and the Cadet chapel (a must-see spectacular structure on the installation!). The Honor Court can also be viewed near the chapel, which contains bronze statues and aircraft memorials from various groups. A personal favorite trail is the more strenuous 4-mile (roundtrip) hike up the Stanley Canyon Trail to the Stanley Canyon Reservoir, which is the perfect spot for a family picnic amongst the wildflowers. Check out the trail map here or pick up a copy at the Visitor’s Center. Depending on the season, visitors can attend various sports practices and games, including football, track and field, baseball, basketball and hockey. Photo credit: Rebecca Hosley 3. Garden of the Gods Located in the heart of Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods is a registered National Natural Landmark and boasts 15 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous. The kids will love exploring the unique rock formations and plentiful wildlife in this park, and there are stroller- and wheelchair-accessible trails (such as the Perkins Central Garden Trail) for the whole family to enjoy. One of our favorite routes is the toddler-friendly Siamese Twins Loop. Be sure to download or pick up a map from the visitors center ahead of time to plan your hiking route! In addition to hiking, this park offers jeep and trolley tours, a popular junior ranger program, bike tours, plentiful rock climbing and bouldering opportunities, and a visitor and nature center with interactive exhibits. If you are visiting during the very busy summer months, try to get there as early as possible or opt for a weekday in order to avoid parking issues within the park. Photo credit: Rebecca Hosley 4. Rock Ledge Ranch Looking for an outdoor history lesson with fun for the whole family? The Rock Ledge Ranch, located directly next to Garden of the Gods, is a living history farm and museum that depicts life in the Pikes Peak region in four time periods: American Indian area in 1775; 1860s Galloway Homestead; 1880s Chambers Home and Ranch; and 1907 Edwardian Country Estate. Museum guides wearing period-appropriate attire explain and demonstrate how people from these different time periods lived in the Colorado Springs area, including what they wore, what they ate, how they cooked their meals, what they did for entertainment and how they made their living. There is also a working blacksmith shop, horse stables, chicken coop and more to explore. There are also various events throughout the year, including art festivals, vintage baseball games (my personal favorite!), Earth Day celebrations, and so many more. Check out the events page to plan your visit. Photo credit: https://rockledgeranch.com 5. Cave of the Winds Mountain Park Cave of the Winds is a unique park that offers both below-ground tours in their extensive, natural cave formations along with above-ground attractions for the whole family. Their most popular tour, the Discovery tour, takes visitors on a 45- to 60-minute guided walking tour, which includes 15 rooms, a 1/2-mile of concrete walkways and 196 stairs while a guide discusses the history and geology of the cave. They offer free admission for children ages 0-5, though it is important to note that back carriers and strollers are not allowed in the caves. Above-ground attractions include an obstacle course, climbing walls, panning for gemstones and a nature center. Photo credit: https://caveofthewinds.com 6. Manitou Cliff Dwellings Take a step back in time and explore these authentic Anasazi ruins that date back 800 to 1,000 years. Manitou Cliff Dwellings is a 40-room site that was originally located in McElmo Canyon and was relocated and preserved in Manitou Springs between 1904 and 1907. Visitors can explore the fascinating architecture of the ancient Anasazi and browse through two museums featuring cultural displays and Native American-made pottery, jewelry and artifacts. Due to the narrow entryways, steps and slope of the dwellings, wheelchairs and strollers are not permitted. Photo credit: Vong Hamilton 7. Red Rock Canyon Open Space Red Rock Canyon Open Space is an outdoor recreation area that is sure to wow hikers and bikers of all ages with its gorgeous red rock canyons and ridges sculpted by erosion of the area’s uplifted rock strata. Located a short distance from Garden of the Gods, Downtown Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs, this open space is ideal for a morning hike before exploring the surrounding areas. There are numerous connecting trails ranging from easy (wheelchair-accessible) to difficult, so be sure to download a trail map before you go. Check out this loop, which is perfect for all-terrain strollers and ends with a small lake and open-air pavilion for kids to enjoy. Photo credit: Rebecca Hosley 8. Seven Falls Seven Falls is a unique natural attraction that provides an upclose view of a series of seven cascading waterfalls along with an abundance of wildlife. Once inside the park, you will walk (or take a tram) 0.8 miles to the base of the falls. From there, you can take a 224-step staircase up the side of the falls to get the best view of the water and wildlife in the area. There is also an elevator that allows visitors to bypass 185 of the stairs to the Eagle’s Nest observation platform. Once at the top of the falls, there are two gorgeous hiking trails: the one-mile (roundtrip) Inspiration Point Trail leads to a spectacular view of the Great Plains and the city of Colorado Springs, and the half-mile (roundtrip) Midnight Falls trail leads to the small, yet sparkling Midnight Falls (check out the trail map here. These moderate-to-difficult trails are open from May to October until 7 p.m. and are not stroller-friendly. This attraction can get very busy in the summer months, so be sure to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds! Photo credit: Sarah DiPasquale 9. Cheyenne Mountain State Park There are over 28 miles of hiking trails of varying distances and elevation gain through Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Download a trail map which lists the trail difficulty, along with elevation gain so you can plan a route that meets the needs of your family. One of our favorites is the Zook Loop, which is jogging-stroller-friendly and includes a playground at the trailhead and a rock garden at the midpoint. Be sure to check out the visitor center for more information on their multitude of activities, including a junior ranger program, archery, geocaching, horseback riding and more! Photo credit: Rebecca Hosley 10. North Cheyenne Canyon Park The North Cheyenne Canyon Park has an extensive trail system that contains seven different trailheads that branch off to numerous trails, two visitors’ centers (Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center and Helen Hunt Falls Visitor Center) and four large picnic areas. One of our favorite trails, which we discovered in the Hike it Baby book "100 Awesome Outdoor Adventures  with Babies and Toddlers," written by Hike it Baby founder Shanti Hodges, is the Columbine Trail. It's an out-and-back trail that can be as long as 8 miles total or broken into smaller segments to meet the needs of your family. You can also find short, toddler-friendly hike options throughout the park, such as the hike to the gorgeous Helen Hunt Falls. You will definitely want to download a trail map and hike description sheet before heading out, and bring plenty of water in case your adventure takes you longer than expected! Photo credit: Sarah DiPasquale 11. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun It’s hard to pass up a visit to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, which happens to be the 4th best zoo in America (as named by USA Today). It also happens to be America’s only mountain zoo! The zoo allows kids of all ages to hand-feed giraffes and birds, ride a historic carousel, take a chair-lift-style sky ride above the zoo, discover and learn about over 30 species of endangered animals, and so much more. Admission to the zoo also includes a visit to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, which is located further up a scenic highway and provides spectacular views of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region. If you are visiting the area around the holidays, be sure to check out their Boo at the Zoo event in October and their Electric Safari show in December! Photo credit: Rebecca Hosley   Must-See Attractions Within an hour of Colorado Springs 12. Mueller State Park Mueller State Park offers year-round recreation opportunities for the whole family, from hiking and fishing to sledding and snowshoeing. The park boasts 5,000+ acres of spring-fed meadows, ponds, forested ridges and massive rocks of Pikes Peak Granite. The over 44 miles of hiking trails range from leisurely wheelchair-accessible walks to challenging, full-day hikes. A family favorite is the 0.5-mile Dragonfly Children’s Nature Trail, which includes interactive stations that let visitors explore the wonders of pond life on a flat, stroller-friendly trail. They also offer guided hikes, educational programs, year-round camping, geocaching and much more. Be sure to download a trail map  before you visit. Photo credit: Sarah DiPasquale 13. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument boasts one of the richest and most diverse fossil deposits in the world, including petrified redwood stumps and thousands of detailed fossils of insects and plants. With over 14 miles of hiking trails starting at just 0.5 miles, there is a little something for hikers of all levels. A favorite for us is the 1-mile Petrified Forest Loop, which passes numerous giant petrified redwood tree stumps. They also offer a Junior Ranger Program with activities for children as young as 4 years old, along with numerous hands-on exhibits and fossil displays at the visitor’s center. Photo credit: Rebecca Hosley 14. Paint Mines Interpretive Park Paint Mines Interpretive Park is listed as an Archaeological District in the National Register of Historic Places and is located less than 40 miles east of Colorado Springs. Studies indicate that people have inhabited the paint mines for nearly 9,000 years. And throughout the history of the park, people have visited the area to gather the colorful, natural clays in hues of red, orange, yellow, purple and gray to produce ceramics. Kids will love exploring the colorful rock formations, though some areas are off limits to climbing due to erosion. There are over four miles of hiking trails within the park, including an extensive field of windmills. A good toddler-friendly option takes you through 2.5 miles of the park to explore the rocks and avoid some of the more hilly sections. This trail is very exposed and can get windy, so be sure to remember the sunscreen and hats! Photo credit: Rebecca Hosley 15. Royal Gorge Bridge and Park Just an hour outside of Colorado Springs, the Royal Gorge is well worth the drive for a full day of outdoor family fun and spectacular views! The main attraction is the tallest suspension bridge in the United States. It runs across the Gorge for nearly a quarter mile. Visitors can choose to walk across the bridge or take the gondola across. The park also includes a visitors center, a 3-story playland for children, complete with a carousel and splash pad (weather-permitting) and a water clock. In addition, there are two rides (a zipline across the gorge and a skycoaster) for the more adventurous visitors. Close to the park, you can find trails of varying lengths, along with other attractions such as the Royal Gorge Railroad train rides and various white water rafting options in the area. You could spend multiple days exploring this area alone! Photo credit: Sarah DiPasquale Have you visited Colorado Springs? If so, what are some of your favorite family-friendly outdoor adventures in the area? Let us know in the comments below! Planning Resources: National Park Service Hike it Baby Family Trail Guide Colorado Springs Visitor Guide Read more: 10 Fun things to do with kids in Yellowstone National Park 10 Places to visit in Acadia National Park with kids 3 Memorable hikes in Colorado for families with young children  

If you're gearing up for April's Hike it Baby 30 Challenge or taking it up a notch with the unique HiB30 "Take it Outside Challenge," get some extra motivation with books! Reading these stories with your children and talking about the challenge before it officially begins is a great way to get little ones excited and outside this spring. Sunset Hike by Dineo Dowd Sunset Hike tells the story of an apprehensive little hiker and the encouragement she receives from friends as the group takes on a hike with a goal in mind: to see the sunset. Through a story, the book covers gear needed (headlamps are helpful when the sun goes down), good rules for hiking (red means stop, green means go and stay together), and how to handle when children want to stop (reading stories on trail or singing songs are helpful tips). The group eventually makes it to see a beautiful sunset, but more importantly, it shows kids how to handle challenges on trail like being afraid of snakes or the fear of getting lost. Most kids can relate to this, so hearing about it in the story lets them know that they are not alone and shows them that working together can help them reach goals and face their fears. Sunset Hike is vibrantly illustrated and celebrates hikers of all ages, cultures and experience levels. This is the second book written by Hike it Baby mom Dineo Dowd. Her first book, Adventure Day, is currently available. Sunset Hike will be released April 1, 2019, and can also be purchased for Kindle. Backpacker ABCs by Heather Legler Backpacker ABCs is a great way to introduce your young ones to adventures in backpacking, and it encourages them to “Hike your own hike.” Whether or not you want to backpack with young children, this book is a great way to introduce this adventure to your child. From packing up the car to a quote from John Muir, this book will show young hikers all the beauty that a backpacking trip can offer. Filled with beautiful illustrations and rhyme, Backpacker ABCs makes an excellent read aloud for children from birth through preschool and beyond. Also available is a Backpacker ABCs coloring book. Find a picnic table, color and then head out on a hike to see what you can find that you just colored. Another option is to stop on the hike and color in objects as you find them. Author Heather Legler is also the host of The First 40 Miles, a podcast especially for those new to backpacking. Backpack Explorer: On the Nature Trail: What Will You Find? by Editors of Storey Publishing While it may be easier to get younger kids on trail when they can be carried or put in a stroller, you may need some extra motivation getting your older kids out on a hike. Written for ages 4-8, On the Nature Trail takes a look at what you can find at a nature center, in an urban setting or in a suburban backyard. With all of the options, it will be easy to get kids to Take it Outside during this challenge! Activities, a checklist of what to look for, stickers, a magnifying glass and more accompany this book, encouraging hands-on exploration before even leaving the house! Guides also show different types of trees and birds you'll see outside, so make it a competition and see who can find the most nature on a hike! Hike it Baby now 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! 

More children means more trail buddies. The joy on their sweet little faces as they see the wonders of nature around your family. However, more children also means more tired little legs. You may need to enter the realm of tandem babywearing – wearing two children in carriers at once. Here are some general tandem wearing tips to get you started. 1. As always, the general rules of babywearing apply. If you would not do an activity while holding multiple babies, then it’s probably not a good idea to do it while tandem wearing. For example, climbing up a steep cliff. 2. The safest recommendation is one carrier per child. And each carrier should be secured independent of the other. This also means no crossing straps or tying one carrier to another. That way, you could safely remove one child quickly if needed without the risk of the other falling out. 3. Make sure both children meet the general height and weight limits of their carrier. This will ensure both you and babies are comfortable and well-supported without the risk of falling. 4. Make sure you are comfortable using each carrier independently first before trying them together. You need to be able to prep them, place baby on your body, secure the carrier and remove baby safely on your own. 5. Keep in mind that two babies/kids mean double the weight. Make sure you can physically carry that much weight before you head out on the trail. A mile into your hike is a bad time to realize that both kids are too heavy! Try it out at home first. Your living room or backyard is the perfect place to practice securing both children in the carriers. Take a short stroll around the room or neighborhood to ensure you’re comfortable and stable. Ways to tandem wear on the trail Babies of the same size For newborns, it is best to invest in a carrier that is designed for multiples. Many of these models are specially designed to fit newborns and will be the easiest way to get the proper fit for tiny babies. Please note that most twin carriers are designed to wear both newborns on the front only. This is the safest place for small babies, especially from first time wearers. And remember that babies need to be faced inward, but ensure their airways aren’t obstructed. Once babies get bigger, especially when they are sitting upright unassisted, you can try almost any two carriers you like together. The most common option is two soft-structured carriers, like The Extend from Easy Feel Products. Adjustable carriers, like The Extend, are also a wonderful choice for hiking with babies because the carrier grows with baby. The body panel adjusts in height and width to provide support and keeps baby snuggled from newborn to toddler. With practice, soft-structured carriers are easy to put on and adjust. Make sure both carriers function independently, so stagger the waistbands around your waist, one on top of the other, and ensure you can access both buckles and all shoulder straps easily. Toddlers of the same size As babies grow into walking toddlers or preschoolers, you’ll probably tandem wear less so you may be able to get away with just one carrier on a hike and rotate each kid as his legs get tired. But, there will probably be times when both kids will want to be carried too. Soft-structured carriers once again are a great choice, as they have more padding and internal structure to hold up more wiggles – especially from two kids. Keep in mind that those little legs may want back down again on the trail – and often – so try wearing the kiddo who usually wants down first on the front and place that carrier’s shoulder straps on the top. That way it’s a quick slide down your front and you don’t have to fight with trapped shoulder straps. Baby and toddler Whether hiking with siblings or you’re helping another parent during a hike, there may be times when it’s necessary to carry two kids of different sizes and weights. We recommend making it as easy as possible. If you have a newborn or infant, using a stretchy wrap on the front is convenient for taking baby in and out for diaper changes and feeding. Then you can wear any carrier you like on your back for the older child. Just make sure you put the wrap on first (even before you put baby in) so that way the back carrier is on top so the older child can go up and down as needed without disturbing baby. Once your baby can sit upright unassisted, you can put either baby or toddler on your front or back and use any carrier you’d like! The best recommendation is still to wear the child who will want down the most on the front. However, keep in mind that it might be more comfortable to have your bigger child on your back. But keep in mind that testing out different positions and carriers at home before you hit the trail is your best bet for a successful tandem-wearing experience on the trail. Share with us what you love about tandem wearing to encourage and inspire others to do the same. Read more: Tandem babywearing tips - How to carry two small hikers Tandem babywearing on trail - Tips and Tricks Photos by Ashley Scheiber. This post was sponsored by Easy Feels Products.

"How do you feed your baby on trail?" This is easily one of the most common questions new parents ask when they decide if they’re ready to hit the trail with their baby. Between figuring out what to wear for a nursing mother or how much formula to bring to satisfy your growing baby, it can be enough to make you want to stay close to home and use the “maybe they aren’t ready yet” excuse to avoid the trail. Rest assured, regardless of the way you choose to feed your baby, we have some awesome product suggestions to help you get on the trail with your little one with the confidence that you have the feeding part covered. Milkies: Milk-Saver On-the-Go Photo courtesy of Milkies. Any nursing or pumping mother will agree that breast milk is a precious commodity, and leaks are not only disappointing, but also can be quite embarrassing! I remember multiple times when I was babywearing my baby on the trail and the heat produced from carrying him mixed with his feeding time caused me to leak and lose that “liquid gold.” That’s where Milkies comes in. The Milk-Saver On-the-Go collects any leaking breast milk you may have while you're out and about or on the trail. Just slip the slim and comfortable Milk Saver On The Go into your bra to collect any leaking milk. The clever design allows you to collect about two ounces of milk and includes a protective lid to prevent spilling. They are BPA- and phthalate-free and come with a durable case to keep milk safe and clean while on the trail. Bamboobies Easy Nursing Tank Photo by Deanna Curry. Made from eco-friendly Rayon from bamboo, Bamboobies tanks are more breathable and softer than cotton and keep their shape over time. They come in two styles: an easy-access flowy yoga tank that allows you to pull the fabric across your chest to feed your baby, and a seamless tank with nursing clasps to drop down the cups for easy breastfeeding. Whether you find a bench or stump along the trail to nurse your baby or you have mastered the art of nursing in a carrier, these tank tops make feeding your baby easy without the need for adjusting your entire outfit and overexposing you to the elements (especially in those chilly winter months!). PopYum Bottles Photo from PopYum. Imagine you are out on a hike with your little one when they start their “I’m hungry!” crying. You dig through your gear, but can’t seem to find the formula packets that always seem to slip to the bottom of your bag. The crying gets louder, which is enough to stress anyone out. Cue the PopYum Bottle. This clever invention stores formula in an upper compartment of the bottle, separate from the water or mother's milk in the bottom compartment. Simply press one button to release the formula to the lower compartment, shake and start feeding! It’s so easy, you can do it with one hand (because how often does a parent have two free hands available?). This bottle has an anti-colic vent to return air to the bottle instead of your baby’s tummy, and it has a wide nipple and natural latch design to help provide a smooth transition from breast to bottle. These BPA-free bottles are available in both a five-ounce and nine-ounce version with three nipple stages to choose from based on your baby’s needs. Onya Carriers Photo by Amy Diebold. Regardless of whether you breastfeed, bottle-feed or snack-feed your baby, a carrier is an essential item when hitting the trail. Onya goes above and beyond by offering features in their carriers that make feeding baby even easier. All of their carriers offer three carrying positions (front, back and hip). They allow you to carry your child from newborn (with infant insert) to toddler, and they are safety-tested to carry up to 75 pounds. Most of their carriers also come with pockets to store essentials such as a diaper, wipes, keys, formula, snacks, etc., and various loops to hang things from toys to bottles. To top it off, most Onya carriers come with an integrated chair harness feature that transforms any adult chair into a safe seat for baby. This comes in handy when your outdoor adventures start or end with a stop into a coffee shop or a favorite restaurant. What are some products you use that help you feed baby on trail? We'd love to hear it in the comments below. Read more: 4 Tips for pumping on trail 9 Tips for soothing a cranky baby on the trail Bottle-feeding on the trail    

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 Florida to explore with babies and young children. Hiking with young children (under 5 years old) is different from hiking with school-age children. These three hikes in Florida offer families of young children beautiful trails to explore while considering the unique ways young children hike, wander and doddle. While there are hundreds of trails to explore in Florida, our local Hike it Baby branches recommend these three hikes that are close to metro areas and beautiful to explore with young children. Black Bear Wilderness Area Trail (Sanford, FL) Black Bear Wilderness Area is a 1,600-acre reserve in northwest Seminole County that features a variety of wetland habitats within the floodplain of the St Johns River. The park is home to animals like the white-tailed deer, barred owls, coyotes, swallow-tailed kite, American alligators, river otters and musk turtles. And if you are quiet, you might even spot the park’s namesake: a Florida Black Bear. With 14 boardwalks, it’s a stable surface for little legs; however, remind your little ones not to get too far ahead (there are alligators) and that there are lots of tripping hazards with many exposed roots on the trail. Notes that bugs are plentiful, so bring lots of spray and watch where children are walking … the park is home to pygmy rattlers and cottonmouths, both of which are venomous, but they most likely hide in holes and under rocks. TIPS: The best time to visit is winter because it will be nice and cool. Depending on your GPS in your vehicle, it might take you down a dirt road and you might think you’re lost. Keep going! You’re not lost. It'll be on your right as you approach. The site is located on a floodplain, so during the rainy season, this park might be closed due to flooding. Also, hurricanes have been known to affect the park for periods of time, so make sure to check on if it’s open or closed. Photo and trail review provided by Crystal Osborn. Cypress Swamp Trail, Highlands Hammock State Park (Sebring, FL) As one of Florida’s oldest parks and with 9,000 acres, Highlands Hammock State Park offers a labyrinth of trails and has everything from botanical gardens to boardwalks to view the wildlife and landscape. Catwalks and elevated boardwalks traverses cypress swamp, and visitors may observe alligators, birds and other wildlife. The Cypress Swamp Trail takes you through part of a picturesque Florida swamp dotted with large old cypress trees. This trail, like many in the park, are mostly shaded, but it’s always recommended to bring sunscreen or sun protection while hiking in Florida. Consider checking this hike out in late fall, winter and early spring while it’s cooler out and not very buggy. The park protects large tracts of pine flatwoods, hydric hammock, cypress swamp, and baygall and is known for being home to thousand-year-old oaks. Large wildlife include deer, black bears and the rarely seen but present Florida panther. Smaller critters include armadillo, turtles and otters. Look out for many varieties of birds, including red-tailed hawks, pileated woodpeckers looking for red carpenter ants and sleeping owls high in the trees. There is also sand everywhere and three playgrounds that you might happen upon when exploring. TIPS: Bugs are fierce, so bring lots of repellent or risk being “bugged” for the entire hike. The hike hot and humid, so bring water to hydrate. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes. They are nocturnal, but are always present in this park. If you are lucky enough to find yourself in the park close to dusk, be on the lookout for fireflies magically lighting up the forest. Narrow boardwalks make up a good portion of the trail through the swampy areas. They are open on one side, so you may consider carrying your kiddo. Trail review provided by Ryan Drummond and Abby Czachur. Photo by Abby Czachur. Lafayette Heritage Trail Park (Tallahassee, FL) Lafayette Heritage Trail Park offers visitors a variety of activities, such as fishing, hiking and mountain biking. Amenities include picnic shelters, restrooms, boat docks, bike washing station and a playground among other things. There are three trails to choose from depending on your choice of activity. Shared Use Trail is a beginner trail that is used for hiking, running, walking, leisure biking and walking dogs. At 3 miles, it is wooded and crosses over water and railroad tracks and has a beautiful covered pedestrian bridge. The trail also brings you by a lily pond, which is always a welcomed treat for the kiddos. Animals you may see during your hike are alligators, birds and turtles. For a stroller-friendly hike, you can do an out and back to the bridge. Tips: Bring sunscreen and water with you on your hike. If you want to include other activities at the park, Mountain Biking Trail is a good choice for mountain biking and trail running; or you can canoe or kayak on the Lafayette Passage Paddling Trail. Restrooms are located at the trailhead as well as a playground for the kids after your hike. Photo courtesy of https://www.talgov.com. MORE RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN Florida 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 Florida state parks Hike it Baby: 100 Awesome Outdoor Adventures with Babies and Toddlers – New Book by Hike it Baby Founder Shanti Hodges If you’re traveling through Florida and need more information or recommendations on trails or would like to join a group hike, the nearest Hike it Baby branches are Central Florida, Hernando County, Tampa Bay, Tallahassee and Gainesville. READ MORE 3 Great hikes for families with young children in Alabama 3 Amazing Tennessee trails for families with young children 3 Stunning South Carolina trails for families with young children 3 Unforgettable hikes in Georgia for young children What are your favorite hikes in Florida for families with babies, toddlers and young children? Leave a comment below!

What is the Spring Equinox? Also called the vernal equinox, the spring equinox marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and occurs on March 20 this year. Derived from the Latin term for “equal night,” the equinox marks one of two days throughout the year when the sun shines directly on the equator, making the length of day and night approximately equal. You made it through another winter, and after months of chilly weather and dressing your kiddos in countless layers to stay warm, the coming of spring is certainly something to celebrate! Read on to discover some activities, craft ideas and books you can use to celebrate the spring equinox with your family. Activities 1. Play in the mud – Whether you decide to visit a an open space with known mud puddles, a section off an area of your yard for “muddy play,” turn an old plastic container or water table into a mud bin, or go all out and create a mud kitchen (such as this one), nothing says spring like playing with mud! 2. Plant new vegetation – Whether your region is ready for outdoor planting or you start some new buds inside while you wait for the ground to thaw, starting new seedlings are a great way to bond as a family and create something that you can watch grow throughout the season. 3. Go on a “Signs of Spring” family hike – Encourage your littles to search for new grass shoots, buds on trees, listen for the sound of birds, etc. Don’t live in an area that is seeing these signs yet? No problem! Talk about what changes spring will bring and how the trail will look different as the season changes. 4. Clean-up hike – Take “spring cleaning” to the next level and help clean up a trail. You can bring bags/containers along with gloves and pick up any trash/recyclables you find on the trail. This helps create a fresh beginning for the new season. Check out these tips for how to clean up a trail safely with your family. 5. Create a spring nature table – Creating a space where your kids can place items that represent or remind them of spring is a great way to celebrate the coming of this new season! There is no wrong way to create a nature table. It can be as small or big as you want, and the items that you place on it can vary wildly. From a fresh herb garden, to spring crafts, to a rubber duck “pond” made with leftover blue cloth and fun rocks found on a nature hike, any items that remind your family of the growth and renewal of spring will work! Craft Ideas 1. Create seed bombs – This easy activity only requires a few ingredients and can add life to your garden. Seed bombs make great gifts for others and help liven up a nearby park. Just be sure to only use seeds of plants that are native to your area. This prevents invasive species from taking over! 2. Make “Grass Heads” – These adorable critters require few materials and grow quickly, providing the perfect gardening project for even the littlest learners. You can make them with eggs or get even more creative with other animals, trimming the “hair” as it grows. 3. Make a bird feeder – Entice the birds to come back from their winter vacation by making bird feeder crafts. Check out this article on how to make three fun bird feeders to make with your family. Or make birds out of paper and have the kiddos glue feathers for some added fun. For more fun craft and activity ideas for spring, check out this article. Spring Book to read As the saying goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” These beautifully illustrated books help children of all ages understand what happens as winter turns to spring and the earth “awakens” to new plant growth. Birth – 3 years Planting a Rainbow, by Lois Ehlert The vibrant illustrations in this book teach young readers about colors and flowers along with the planting of bulbs and seeds. It is available in both a board book version for the youngest readers and a longer version for preschoolers. The Tiny Seed, by Eric Carl Follow the life cycle of a flower as a tiny seed grows into a giant, beautiful flower. This book is available in both a board book version for the youngest kiddos along with a hardcover, longer version for older children. When Spring Comes, by Kevin Henkes Readers of all ages will enjoy the striking imagery of this book. It introduces the basic concepts of language and the changing of the seasons. It is available in a board book version for the youngest readers along with a longer version for older children. 4 years and up A New Beginning – Celebrating the Spring Equinox, by Wendy Pfeffer This book explains the science behind spring and shows how the annual “rebirth” of Earth has been celebrated by various cultures throughout the ages and the world. Hands-on activities are included to help understand and demonstrate how different cultures celebrate the coming of spring. And Then it’s Spring, by Julie Fogliano Follow the tale of a young boy and his dog as they plant a garden, saying goodbye to the dull brown of winter and welcoming the new life of spring. With beautiful illustrations by Erin E. Stead, this book will make you want to dust off the yard equipment and get started on your own garden! Abracadabra, It’s Spring! by Anne Sibley O’Brien Readers discover what the new season holds as the snow melts, trees bud and eggs hatch. Celebrate the magic of nature and the changing of seasons with this gorgeously illustrated book! You can find more garden-themed book recommendations for kids here. Does your family celebrate the coming of spring on the equinox? Let us know how in the comments below! Read more: How to support birds that stay through the winter Dig in the dirt with these 6 gardening books for kids Photos by Arika Bauer, Melissa Hollingsworth, Kendra Reeder and Ashley Scheider.

In most places, it's starting to look like winter, and with the Winter Walk with Wox kicking off, it's time to get outside again for some cold weather fun! In theory, it's as easy as getting out the door; but with kids in tow, sometimes it can be a challenge. One way to motivate your kids is to set SMART goals. SMART goals have become quite the trendy practice. Give it a quick search online and you’ll find a vast array of articles directing you on how to set SMART goals. If you haven’t yet heard this term, here is your CliffsNotes-style rundown. SMART goals should be: Specific - Give your goal a name. Measurable- Define a way to quantify your progress. Agreed upon - Once the goal is set, you need to make a commitment to work on your goal. Realistic - It needs to be possible, in all likelihood, with hard work and dedication to achieve said goal. Time-bound - There needs to be a finite end date, at which time a new SMART goal can be assessed and set. In summary, SMART goals are realistic goals, and they are achievable. Setting SMART goals as a family When setting SMART goals, my family has a system we like to follow. My kiddos get excited to be a part of this process, which also helps us to stay accountable. Here are the steps we take to set our family SMART goals: For starters, we discuss our family goals at dinner time. This ensures they are agreed upon by all members of our crew. We suggest making weekly or monthly goals. This will ensure they are  time-bound. Next, we mark our goals and progress on a whiteboard calendar. This calendar is displayed in our kitchen and helps us to measure our progress with our goals. It’s important that we put a name on our calendar, for example: “McNulty’s Crush HiB30 Challenge.” This ensures the goal is specific. We also carefully consider whether or not our goal is attainable for each member in our family. We ask ourselves, “Is this goal realistic for the oldest/strongest member of our family and also the youngest/weakest member?” If so, we set it. Applying SMART goals in nature Now that we know what SMART goals are and how you can set them with your family, let’s look at using them to get out into nature with your kiddos! Instead of simply saying, “Hey, let's try to get out in nature more often,” try getting SMART. Specific:  For the month of April, set a goal to get out into nature three times a week for at least 30 minutes each time. Measurable: Schedule days of the week and the duration you plan to be outside each time. Also, marking your intentions and progress in a visible location for your family helps keep everyone informed and motivated. Agreed upon: Commit to each other, as a family, and support and motivate each other. If one person is dragging his feet, remind him of how much fun you’ll all have. I am not opposed to dangling a carrot in front of my kids (or husband). It is okay to have a family reward set upon achievement of your family SMART goal at the end of the month. Realistic: We all know that, as families with small children, curveballs are thrown our way ALL THE TIME. Know that one missed hike does not mean your monthly goal is out of reach. Simply pick it up another day that week or add an additional hike the following week. Time-bound: Keeping your goal to one month allows you flexibility. You can assess your progress at the end of the month and plan a new (possibly more ambitious) goal for the next month. You can adapt your goals to the season for some variety too, such as biking and canoeing in warmer weather and skiing, snowshoeing or playing in snow in the winter. Does your family practices setting SMART goals? Share your successes with us in the comments below.     Read more: 8 Ways to motivate your family to get outside all year 10 Tips to raise the next generation of adventures in a high-tech world 10 Ways to get your kids out of the house when life gets busy Hike it Baby 30 Challenge inspiring stories Photos by Stephanie Jacobson and Jessica Human.

Spring break is right around the corner. All that's standing in your way now is packing for your trip, which can pose a challenge when packing for young children. If you're planning on hitting the trails while traveling this year, check out our tips for how to pack for hiking when on vacation to ensure you have a stress-free, memorable trip! Clothing Make sure to pack clothing that can dry quickly and easily, especially if you won't have access to a washer and dryer while away. Clothes that can easily be washed in the sink and air dried means you can pack fewer outfits for your vacation. Depending on the weather, consider packing one jacket or sweater that can work for any activity from hiking to dinner out since they tend to take up more luggage space. Shoes When packing for multiple people on a trip, shoes can take up lots of suitcase space. Consider packing one shoe that can do double duty on the trails and as an everyday shoe such as the Merrell Range. Or, if you're headed somewhere warm, instead of packing hiking shoes and sandals, try a hybrid shoe like the Merrell Hydro Choprock. Breathable open mesh, durable leather upper, quick-dry lining, and easy on/off make this shoe perfect for children and adults. Whether you go with the Range or Choprock, you can be both functional and fashionable going from the trail to museums during spring break this year. Merrell also offers a variety of women's and men's shoes and sandals that transition from the trail to town easily. With less packing space spent on doubling up on shoes, your family now has more space to bring back some souvenirs from your trip. Sun Gear If you're traveling from a snowy, cold climate to a warmer-weather destination, you may not think of packing sun protection. Packing sunscreen and sun hats will help keep your family safe and comfortable during your trip. Pick a hat that can easily fold into your suitcase or clip onto a carry on or backpack. Clever Carry-Ons If you're flying to your destination, pack your child a carry-on that can double as a hiking backpack. The bag can hold books and toys for the journey to your vacation spot, and then you can repack it before hitting the trail with water, snacks, notebooks and other items needed for exploration. Hiking Resources You won't have to pack an extra trail guide if you "pack" Hike It Baby's Family Trail Guide. It provides you with trail information and resources suggested and approved by Hike It Baby families from around the country, and it's easily accessible online. An added benefit to the Family Trail Guide, compared to a traditional hiking guidebook, is that the trails are sourced by Hike It Baby families who provide tips and feedback for hiking with young children. Exploring tried and true trails will help make sure you make the most of your time away from home. Packing for a vacation can be overwhelming, so if you have any amazing tips you can share with us, please leave your tips in the comments below. Read more: Ways to pack snacks and food on road trips 6 Free travel apps to help plan your next family road trip 6 Helpful websites to make outdoor adventure planning easy This post is sponsored by Merrell. Photos courtesy of Merrell.

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. Here are three family-friendly hiking trails in Arizona that you should plan on taking your family out to next weekend. When hiking with kids in Arizona, it's important to be aware of the weather forecast as the northern regions of Arizona can experience severe heat during the summer months and flash flooding is a major risk during the monsoon. Check the weather and take note of all safety signs at the trailhead to keep your family safe. Javelina Canyon and Ridgeline Loop Trail (Phoenix, AZ) Are you up for a bit of a challenge? The Javelina Canyon and Ridgeline Loop Trail is a 560-foot elevation loop neighboring Phoenix’s West Hills neighborhood. It comes in with a length of around 3 miles round trip. Be sure to check the area’s map before heading out. As most people will let you know, it’s easy to miss signposts that might lead you out onto the (slightly easier) Beverly Canyon Trail. Take note that this loop can be a bit steep. That said, with your kids in tow, you should be able to wrap it up in two to three hours. We suggest facing the loop counterclockwise, as some say it's a bit less challenging this way. Whichever way you go, you’ll be treated to the amazing views of Phoenix’s beautiful metropolitan skyline, the brightly colored wildflowers which run alongside the trail, and the Arizona desert’s wide open skies. Tips: Watch for mountain bikers, trail runners, horseback riders and dogs. Also, the latter must be on a leash at all times. Some areas are closed to preserve the region’s soil and natural wildlife. Pack a carrier since the terrain isn’t wheel-friendly. Photo by Teresa Bitler courtesy of www.visitchandler.com. Estrella Mountain Ranch Park Trail (Phoenix, AZ) If you’re out on the west side of Phoenix, the Estrella Mountain Ranch Park Trail is definitely one to explore. This trail (actually a group of trails) is an easy, but long, loop near Goodyear. It’s around 5 miles long and has a 538-foot elevation gain. While it is an easy trail to hike and there’s nearby parking, you should be aware that there isn’t much shade along the trail to protect you from the overhead sun, especially if you’re hiking in the middle of the day. Luckily, you’ll be able to take along a stroller since the terrain on the trail isn’t too rough. The Estrella Mountain Ranch Park Trail can safely be considered an easy and comfortable trail that is kid- and dog-friendly. Just make sure you follow hiking safety precautions and bring a leash for your dog. In total, you should expect to spend around two hours hiking this trail. Estrella also happens to be reasonably close to the Estrella Mountain Regional Park, which boasts wetlands, more trails and picnic sites, making it the perfect location to go following a good morning hike. Tips: Make sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat for both you and the kiddos. Watch out for trail runners and mountain bikers, who often frequent the trail on weekends. Don't forget to bring a leash for your dog. Photo courtesy of www.estrella.com. Grand Canyon South Rim Trail (Grand Canyon Village, AZ) The benefit of going to a place like the Grand Canyon is that there are nature trail rangers who can help explain the history of the area, including the geology and human settlement. Another benefit is that the trail is part of a national park, meaning it’s been able to accrue more funding over the years to make its pathway wheelchair-accessible and provide numerous water stations for you and any leashed canine companions you’ve brought along. There are dozens of hiking trails at and around the south rim of the Grand Canyon, but the most family-friendly is the South Rim Trail.  This trail is around 6 miles from point to point, with markers along the route to help you keep track of your progress. There’s also a bus that runs along the South Rim Trail to help ferry tired hikers back to their hotels, campgrounds, cars, shuttles and the Grand Canyon’s information and gift shops. The Grand Canyon offers visitors many different activities and attractions. Make a weekend trip out of the hike and spend time exploring all that this natural wonder has to offer. The south rim is free to access, but there are also other inexpensive activities to do in and around the area. Tips: Don't forget to bring sunscreen! Bring plenty of water in case of an emergency. Make sure you bring a leash for your dog. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service. MORE RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN Arizona 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 Arizona State Parks & Trails Hike it Baby: 100 Awesome Outdoor Adventures with Babies and Toddlers – New Book by Hike it Baby Founder Shanti Hodges If you’re traveling through Arizona and need more information or recommendations on trails or would like to join a group hike, the nearest Hike it Baby branches are in Phoenix and Tucson. READ MORE 3 Unique Hikes in California for Kids of all Ages 3 Amazing Hikes in Utah for Families With Young Children 3 Stunning Trails in Hawaii for Families With Young Children What are your favorite hikes in Arizona for families with babies, toddlers and young children? Leave a comment below! Trail reviews contributed by Abigail Golder.

With Daylight Saving approaching, it's another reminder that this wild winter weather will soon be behind us. And while some may wish to shed their translucent winter glow by seeking the tanning effects of the sun, this may not be the best choice. While the warming temperatures mean we get to shed some layers, it also means that radiation from the sun is increasing. But why does this matter? And what can we do to protect ourselves and our family against harmful UV rays? The UV Index The UV index was created in 1994 as a way to inform people of the risk of ultraviolet radiation exposure when planning outdoor activities. The index ranges from 1 (the lowest exposure) to 11+ (the highest exposure) and you can read more about it in this graphic from the EPA. The level of radiation that reaches the earth varies based on various factors such as altitude, cloud cover, Earth surface characteristics, season and time of day. During the spring and summer months, Earth tilts toward the sun so more of the sun’s radiation reaches Earth. In addition, when the sun is directly overhead (around midday), there is less atmosphere for the radiation to penetrate, which increases the amount of radiation. Thankfully, there are tons of smart phone apps and websites that list the UV rating by time of day and meteorologists usually provide this information on the news. Why should we care about solar radiation? Because keeping your family's skin unprotected can lead to a myriad of problems down the road. According to the EPA, while some people are more vulnerable than others (my super fair skin is like a beacon for radiation, I can burn within minutes!), everybody, regardless of race or ethnicity, is subject to the adverse effects of overexposure to the sun. Short-term effects of overexposure Sunburn: The most obvious result of too much sun exposure is sunburn. It can involve tenderness, blistering, swelling, fever and nausea on top of the obvious reddening of the skin. Sun sensitivity: Did you know that you can have an allergic reaction to the sun? It is more common than you think and can include bumps, hives, blisters and red blotchy areas on exposed skin. Some medications and perfumes can also result in sun sensitivity. Long-term effects of overexposure Premature wrinkling: Up to 90% of observable skin changes are actually caused by sun exposure as opposed to aging. This includes changes in skin texture (aka “leather” skin) and discolorations in skin tone (brown spots, red spots, etc.). Eye damage: One of my son’s favorite Dr. Seuss books has the line “But be careful and never look right at the sun. Your eyes would get hurt, and that would not be fun!” Science backs up good ol’ Dr. Seuss on this one. Excess exposure to UV radiation can cause a burn on the corneas of your eyes (ouch!), and long-term exposure can lead to issues such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Suppression of immune system: Regardless of your skin type or susceptibility to burns, excessive sun exposure can suppress the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and cancer. Skin cancer: Last but not least, UV radiation causes genetic mutations in skin cells, which can develop into skin cancer over time with continued sun exposure (especially continued overexposure and sunburn). The most common places that develop skin cancer are also the most commonly exposed areas of the body that don't get adequate sun protection: the neck, ears, face, forearms and hands. For more information on how to spot skin cancer, check out this helpful information from the American Academy of Dermatology. Tips for protection Here at Hike it Baby, we believe in the power of nature play and getting outside as often as possible. So what can we do to enjoy the outdoors safely? I called in an expert to find out: my mother, who workedas a registered nurse in a dermatology office in Colorado where I grew up. The two things she would drill into our heads were “always use sunscreen and don’t forget your hat!” After I got sunburned on my nose and scalp multiple times, even during the winter months, I knew she was on to something. We lived at 7,000 feet elevation where sun protection is especially important. Therefore, I consulted her expertise to compile this list of tips to help you keep your family safe from the harmful effects of the sun. Use sunscreen on all exposed skin: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends looking for a sunscreen that has three main components: Broad-Spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB rays), water-resistance and an SPF rating of 30 or higher. For infants and children, mineral-based sunscreens (containing titanium oxide or zinc dioxide) are generally more appropriate since they are less likely to irritate the skin. Just remember to reapply every two hours or right after swimming or excessive sweating! Wear a quality hat: By far the most important article of clothing you can use to protect against damaging sun radiation is a hat. The ears, neck and face are three of the most common areas that can develop skin cancer, so be sure to cover them with a brimmed sun hat. That being said, not all hats are created equal. Companies like Sunday Afternoons  go above and beyond to provide hats that are both stylish and protect against harmful UV radiation with a protective rating of UPF 50+ on all of their sun hats. UPF 50+ is the highest sun-protective rating achievable and means that only 1/50th or less of UV rays are able to pass through. To top it off (pun intended), Sunday Afternoons offers hat styles with cool features such as convertible ventilation to switch from full coverage to fantastic air-flow, sunglass lock to keep your sunglasses in place on your hat, and they even have styles that are reversible. (Two hats for the price of one?! Yes, please!) My extremely sun-conscious mother loves their hats, and she is currently sporting the Quest Sun Hat on her outdoor adventures in sunny Colorado. With sizes ranging from infant to adult, you can’t go wrong with this company for outfitting the whole family with sun-safe hats! Wear sunglasses: Look for sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection for the whole family. Consider sun-protective clothing: Is sunscreen not really your thing? Or maybe your child is like mine: a whirlwind of activity and nearly impossible to wrangle when he’s having fun in the sun. Attempting to reapply sunscreen at the recommended intervals can be a monumental task when dealing with a wiggly child who doesn’t want to stop what they’re doing so that you can slap another layer of sunscreen on them. You can invest in breathable clothing that completely covers the body and utilizes fabrics that block the majority of the sun's radiation (usually with a rating of around UPF 50). Just remember that you still need to apply sunscreen on any exposed skin. Consider your timing: The UV index is generally strongest during midday (between 11 a.m.-4 p.m.). At these times, especially in late spring and summer, the damaging effects of the sun are strongest and hardest to avoid. In other words, planning a hike that starts at noon in the middle of summer in an area that has little shade is likely a poor choice. If being outside when the UV index is hitting extreme levels (11+), be sure you take protective measures and seek shade whenever possible. Sun care for infants: Babies are especially susceptible to the harmful effects of sun exposure, and taking the above precautions is a must! In addition, an umbrella or the hood of a stroller make great shade since sunscreen isn't recommended on babies under 6 months old. However, if your baby will be exposed to the sun for a longer period of time, apply a small amount of sunscreen to the exposed areas of the child’s skin. Just remember that following these tips can help make the transition from building snowmen to seeking out wildflowers to frolicking on the beach fun and safe for the whole family! And in the nagging (er, I mean "loving") words of moms everywhere, “always use sunscreen and don’t forget your hat!” What tips or hacks do you have for staying safe in the sun? Let us know in the comments below! Read More: How to navigate desert hiking How to pack for a hike (and not forget anything) Photos by Molly Porzel and Stephanie Jacobson.

Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States. The park includes land on 20 different islands, as well as the southwest tip of the Schoodic Peninsula. The largest and most well-known part of Acadia is located on Mount Desert Island. When visiting, you'll find lakes, ponds, meadows and a mixture of coniferous and deciduous forests, in addition to mountains and cliffs that rise abruptly from the sea. The abundance of habitats leads to a variety of sea and land-dwelling animals. The park offers a little bit of everything: hiking, camping, boat trips, carriage rides, scenic drives, swimming and much, much more. Not only will you leave in awe of the beauty of Acadia, but you won’t be disappointed in the amount of family-friendly activities that the park has to offer.     After my husband was laid off at the end of August, we decided to buy a pop-up camper, throw our camping gear in the car, along with our two kids (ages 1.5 and 3.5 years) and head north, hitting several destinations, including Acadia National Park. We had a general idea of where we wanted to stop, but our “itinerary” was created as we went. If you haven’t tried traveling like this in the past, consider doing it someday. It frees you from a rigid, over-planned trip and allows you to live in the moment. That being said, we did look at a map before we left, making a list of places that we wanted to see, and we rented some travel books from the library to take with us. From our experience, here are a few tips and a list of family-friendly things to do while visiting Acadia National Park. PLANNING A few important things to consider when planning a trip to Acadia are what time of year you want to go and where you will be staying. Since our travels in Acadia were driven by the timing of the layoff, we ended up visiting at the very end of September. The whole family loved traveling at this time of year because the trees were still beautiful and the weather was cooler. In addition, the park and campgrounds weren’t as busy as they are during the peak season. However, I must mention that the nights got pretty cold, so we did need to use a space heater in the camper as well as our down sleeping bags. In addition to perusing websites and travel guides to help plan our trip, we also referred to Hike it Baby: 100 Awesome Outdoor Adventures with Babies and Toddlers to help us plan some kid-friendly hikes in Acadia. LODGING While in Acadia, we stayed at a beautiful campground that was well-kept AND had clean bathrooms/showers called Mount Desert Campground. It ended up being our favorite campground during the whole 3.5-week adventure. There are four other campgrounds located within the boundaries of Acadia National Park: Blackwoods Campground, Seawall Campground, Schoodic Woods Campground and Duck Harbor Campground. If camping isn’t your thing, there are dozens of places to stay on Mount Desert Island. The author of my favorite Acadia travel book compiled a list of these options on his blog.  You can also find free maps (including one with lodging options) available by National Parks Maps. 10 Fun Things To Do With Kids in Acadia 1. Park Loop Road One of the first things that I would suggest doing is going on the Park Loop Road drive. This loop is a twisty 27-mile drive located on the eastern half of Mount Desert Island. It can be done all at once or over the course of your visit. You can also opt to do this loop as a guided bus tour or take the free Island Explorer shuttle. We didn’t use either option because the convenience of having our own car with two young children was really nice.  Over the course of the drive, you'll pass many popular tourist destinations, mountains, rocky shorelines, dense forests and pristine lakes. The Park Loop Road is, hands down, one of the most beautiful drives in America.    Photo from http://npmaps.com/acadia/. 2. Sand Beach Our first stop was Sand Beach on the east side of Mount Desert Island. Because of the secluded nature of Newport Cove, this beach is able to exist. The cove protects it from the powerful waves and summer currents, allowing the sand to build. Sand Beach was a big hit with both our kids as they loved playing in the sand and running in and out of the water. Even though the water was too cold to swim in, the kids could have spent hours playing alongside it. There is also a really nice hiking trail, The Ocean Trail, that leaves from this parking area. The trail will take you right along the rocky shoreline from Sand Beach and Otter Cliffs. Insider tip: Even in the off-season, the parking for this location was packed, so plan on getting there early!    3. Thunder Hole As we continued on along the Park Loop Road, our next stop was Thunder Hole. This was one of our favorite parts of the park. It is a narrow rock crevice that booms like thunder when waves hit it just right. At the end of the crevice, there is a small cave, and when waves rush in, they compress the air inside. If enough pressure builds, air explodes outward in a burst of spray. That is what makes the deep, thundering boom. It is best viewed/heard about two hours before high tide. We were very impressed with Thunder Hole and thought that it would be a wonderful place to cool off on a warm, summer day.   4. Jordan Pond House and Hike Back in the car and super excited to check out our next stop, we made our way to Jordan Pond House. This restaurant has been serving guests for over a century and is famous for its tea and popovers. You MUST stop and get some of these delicious little air-filled, muffin-shaped popovers and spread jam/butter all over them. My husband and I had so much fun watching the kids run around on the huge lawn while sipping on tea, eating popovers and basking in the warm autumn sun. Insider tip: If you go when the weather is decent, I would recommend waiting the 1-2 hours for a table outside. There's also the option to make a reservation, but if you do, take into account the time it will take to find a parking spot, as this is a very popular destination. After tea and popovers, we headed to the pond to Jordan Pond as suggested from 100 Awesome Outdoor Adventures (p. 156). We enjoyed the clear blue waters of the pond, which is the deepest freshwater body of water on the island.  The book mentions you can hike all the way around the pond (3.2 miles), but we only did a shorter route because of our young walkers. From the trail, you can see the two glacially sculpted mountains, North and South Bubble, that appear to be symmetrical. After your hike, as you continue your drive on Park Loop Road, keep your eyes out for Bubble Rock, located on South Bubble. This 14-ton boulder, precariously perched on a high ledge, was deposited by a melting glacier roughly 15,000 years ago. This is one of the most famous glacial erratics in the world!   5. Cadillac Mountain Famous for its 360-degree views, and being the highest point on the eastern seaboard, Cadillac Mountain is definitely worth a visit. Instead of hiking to the top of Cadillac Mountain on foot, we opted to drive the 3.5-mile road to the summit. We enjoyed the 0.3-mile Summit Trail at the top. This short loop offered a fantastic view of Mount Desert Island. While there, we were even able to see Bar Harbor and the cruise ships that were anchored off of the town. The view from the top was so beautiful that we even decided to head back the following day to eat dinner on the summit while watching the sun set. 6. Wonderland Hike Since we were in Acadia and there was another hike suggestion from 100 Awesome Outdoor Adventures (p. 154), of course we had to check it out! This hike is on Mount Desert Island but on the less-crowded western side. The Wonderland Trail is an easy 0.5-mile path that takes you through a pine forest and dumps you right on the Atlantic shore. This trail is known for its tide pools that are visible at low tide. Our kids really loved seeing all the little sea creatures that are only visible at this time of day. Insider tip: Check at the visitor center to find the times for low tide each day. There will be a publication available inside with a tide table. If you do choose to explore this trail, know that the tide pools are very slippery to walk on because of the seaweed. 7. Bass Harbor Lighthouse The next place we stopped was Bass Harbor Lighthouse. This lighthouse is the only one on Mount Desert Island and is located close to the Wonderland Hike. Built in 1858, Bass Harbor Lighthouse was originally lit by whale oil. It is now powered by electricity and fully automated, still guiding ships safely into the harbor. We enjoyed seeing this pretty lighthouse. Please note that you aren’t allowed to go in it, so if you're short on time, you can skip this location. 8. Bar Harbor After a long day of hiking, we stopped in the quintessential Maine Coastal Town of Bar Harbor right before sunset. It made for a gorgeous walk along the harbor and a nice seafood dinner right on the water. While walking the 0.75-mile Bar Harbor Shore Path, we stopped at Balance Rock since it was suggested by a few of the travel guides. This boulder was left on the shore of Bar Harbor by glaciers during the last Ice Age. It was an impressive site to see and made for some funny pictures! If you make it to the end of the Shore Path, take note of the Bar Harbor breakwater. This man-made stone wall that shelters Bar Harbor from large offshore waves is rumored to have been built by J.P. Morgan so large waves wouldn’t spill cocktails on his yacht. After dinner, we walked around the cute town, stopping in the little stores and eating ice cream. It was the perfect way to end the night. 9. Little Hunter’s Beach One of the final stops for us at Acadia was Little Hunter’s Beach. This beach was extremely different from Sand Beach. Instead of soft, brown sand, the beach is covered in cobblestones that were formed roughly 370 million years ago and shaped like Easter eggs. At the time, we were disappointed that it was raining. However, while walking back to our car, we noticed that the dry rocks under the trees were not nearly as pretty as the wet ones. All four of us thoroughly enjoyed the different colors and sizes of the cobblestones. It was hard to resist scooping up a bucketful and taking some home with us. (Don’t do that, it’s illegal!) Insider tip: To get to Little Hunter’s Beach, drive roughly two miles past Otter Point. Look for a small wooden staircase on the left side of the road. The staircase is tricky to find, but once you do, it will lead you down to the beach.   10. Carriage Roads Throughout Acadia, there are over 57 miles of gravel carriage roads which were built by John D. Rockefeller starting in 1910.  They are closed to motorized traffic, but hiking and horseback riding are allowed on them. These carriage roads twist and turn through Acadia, revealing the island’s lush interior, which includes 17 beautiful stone bridges, handcrafted by stone masons out of rock native to the area. Even if you don’t have time to hike on any of the carriage roads, keep your eyes out for the impressive bridges. They are definitely worth stopping to photograph. The whole family was sad to say goodbye to Acadia. We would have loved to spend a whole week or two exploring the rest of the park and some of the other islands. Acadia definitely goes down in my book as one of the most beautiful national parks that I’ve visited in the United States. We hope to return one day to hike along its cliffs and play in its water once more. What are your favorite spots to visit in Acadia National Park? Please share with us in the comments below. HELPFUL RESOURCES Acadia: The Complete Guide (James Kaiser) Hike it Baby: 100 Awesome Outdoor Adventures with Babies and Toddlers (Shanti Hodges) Hike it Baby Family Trail Guide National Park Services Read more: 10 Fun things to do with kids in Yellowstone 6 Helpful websites to make outdoor adventure planning easy Ways to pack snacks and food on road trips Photos by Natalie Kendrach.   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.  

Today is Rare Disease Day, and I can think of no better way to mark the occasion than by inviting you into our lives with one of the warriors battling one of the many rare diseases: our son, Ethan. He is four and a half years old (the half is very important to him), and he loves dinosaurs, building with Legos, exploring caves, eating snacks and climbing mountains. It’s that last one that makes me stop and catch my breath, tears in my eyes every time I see him do it, because along with his love for all things Jurassic, Ethan was also born with heterotaxy syndrome and nine congenital heart defects. We first shared his story with you nearly two years ago just a few months after his fourth open heart surgery, the one where a surgeon spent nearly ten hours meticulously piecing together the four chambers that give our boy the strength to do what we’d always thought would be impossible. Forging into the unknown by faith We want you to celebrate with us today, to share in the wonder of what was made possible by a visionary team and a little boy who fights for his best life with every beat of his battered heart, but you’ll have to agree to a few things first. You see, those of us who live in the rare disease world know that there are no guarantees, so you’ll have to be willing to leave those behind and step out into the unknown. Rare diseases are those that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. One in every 10,000 babies is born with heterotaxy syndrome, and there are virtually no two cases of heterotaxy that are identical. While the road we walk with Ethan is one that might be similar to another family's, we are the first ones to ever step foot on this one, and we forge ahead without a map. Can you gather the courage to walk alongside us? Just a few days ago, we celebrated the two-year anniversary of the surgery that gave Ethan the chance to experience life with fully oxygenated blood and strength to explore for miles. Two whole years with a whole heart, and the best parts of it have been spent out in the forests and mountains he loves so much. For a small child, complex medical needs can be mentally and emotionally draining. While we’ve worked hard to provide him with the coping skills he needs to handle the hard stuff, we realized early on that he’s most at peace in nature. So if you’re journeying with us today, you’ll need to lace up your boots and hit the trails. Fighting heterotaxy syndrome with nature When we’re out in the woods together, you might not notice anything out of the ordinary about the little boy hiking alongside you. He’ll probably outpace you (unless he gets stuck throwing rocks into a stream; that can go on for hours). He’ll be sure-footed and steady while he scrambles over rocks and up into trees. You’d never know that his heart is powered by a pacemaker that fires with each beat, that that heart looks more like something Picasso dreamed up than the tidy Valentines on clearance in stores these days. If you pay close attention, you’ll probably feel yourself relax the further into the forest you get. You’ll certainly be able to see it in Ethan; his frustrations will fall away and you’ll get to watch him beam with pride every time he crosses a stream or balances on a fallen log. As you walk this road with us, you have to be willing to accept that nothing will ever be the same as it was before you heard the name of a rare disease spoken over your child for the first time. Your life will be divided into before and after, and the halves will look nothing like each other. But here’s the part that seems impossible to believe on that dark day when everything changes: there will be joy. And it will be more intense than you ever dreamed possible. Mountaintops look different for each child with a rare disease. For some, they might be a single word spoken, a smile, a tentative step, a day spent outside the hospital. But when you’re facing these achievements with your back to the deep valley, every single one is a victory to be celebrated. For our little hiker, the boy who was never promised a future, his best life is lived out among the trees and rocks and literal mountains that he runs up ahead of us. And we don’t take a single step for granted. Share your thoughts about Rare Disease Day with us in the comments below. Read more: Ethan's strength: trailblazing new paths with heterotaxy syndrome How one mom regained her health one hike at a time One mother's journey to overcome postpartum anxiety and PTSD How nature can help in the battle against cancer Written by Ali Chandra. Photos courtesy of Ali Chandra.