Take a Hike
With the arrival of fall, it feels like the perfect time to be outside. For my kids and me, that means hiking. They are a bit older now and at the point where they hike faster than me most of the time! But it wasn't always like that. When they were younger, it sometimes felt like we were walking at a snail’s pace. Listed below are some tips that helped me take longer walks or hikes when my children were younger; maybe they’ll be helpful to you too!
Tips for hiking with small children:
Set realistic expectations- when estimating time, I usually double or triple the amount of time that it would take me if I were by myself.
Pack wisely- when hiking with kids, I personally choose to overpack rather than run into a situation where I wish I had something. This means more snacks than I think we will need; water, basic first-aid like band-aids, extra clothing, etc. I also like to add a bandana. This can be used for so many things, like getting it wet to wash hands, a head covering to keep bugs off, or you can tie it up to carry small treasures.
Follow your child’s lead- stop with them to admire the small (and big) things they see. For my daughter, this was rocks and acorns. For other children, it may be bugs crawling on a rock or small mushrooms growing on a log. The hike will be much more enjoyable if you enjoy the journey instead of focusing on getting to the destination.
Places to hike near Eagan:
Patrick Eagan Park: This park has a nature play area and some simple trails. You can take a short walk from the play area down to the lake, or you can walk around the lake and woods if you want something longer
Caponi Art Park: Open seasonally and located near Patrick Eagan Park. Caponi is another great place where you can wander and hike as long or as short as you wish. Plus, there are cool sculptures to look at along the way!
Lebanon Hills Regional Park: Lots of trails to choose from, making it easy to choose your own adventure. They even have a paved loop by the visitor center if you want to take a stroller.
Whitetail Woods Regional Park: Located in Farmington, this park has a big nature play area as well as lots of trails to explore.
Spring Lake Park Reserve: Located in Hastings, at one entrance, you can see bison, and at another, you'll find several short trails that are great for exploring.
Richardson Nature Center: Located in Bloomington, this place has both an indoor and outdoor play area, as well as many trails to walk.
