How to make the most of family walks
I’ve shared that I quit TimeHop because, looking back, it just wasn’t healthy for me right now. I’m still living in that tension as God shows me how He has me right where He wants me, but there are a few things from “before” that I do long for, and one of those things is family walks.
When we first moved to the country with three kids in single digits and then again during social distancing days in 2020-21, we went on many family walks. We explored our land, the creeks, hunted Easter eggs, and rode four-wheelers.
Now the kids are 19, 16, and 10 (almost 11), and family walks don’t happen like they used to. But, you know, as soon as the weather cools off a bit, I think my youngest and I will hit the trails in our backyard again. Really, it’s a healthy habit for us all, and a fun way to get the steps in.
Of course, preparing for any family activity, even a walk down the street, helps the time be more enjoyable for everyone!
Plot a route
Okay, if you’re in your backyard, maybe a route isn’t totally necessary, but even then I prefer to stick to already blazed trails! But drive into a National Park or an unfamiliar outdoor area, and you’ll want to have a plan, and probably a map.
On some of our vacations, we’ve used AllTrails to find good walking routes. I’m sure there are plenty of other apps, even Google Maps, to be your friend.
Plotting a route avoids any surprises and means you can prepare for most things. It also lets you plan any stops along the route for breaks, which will give everyone time to sit down, relax for a bit, and possibly even grab a bite to eat.
During a vacation near Lake Placid, NY, we went on a hike to a waterfall. My kids and the cousins were young (three of them were 2 years old!), and they did so well. But then the waterfall was nearly all dried up because of a lack of rain that summer. Planning better would have helped us not have disappointed toddlers!
Dress well
By far the biggest reason a family walk can turn into a nightmare is that you’re not dressed appropriately. Again, some of this comes down to planning a route. If you know there will be a lot of mud, then you can pack boots to deal with that. (And probably a chance of clothes for afterward!) Taking a peek at the weather forecast is always a good idea too!
If it’s going to be freezing with a lot of wind, then you need clothes that keep you warm, like warm socks from Heat Holders to protect your feet. Consider thermal layers too. If it’s going to be wet and cold, then you need waterproof pants and jackets to keep you dry.
And don’t forget about summer walks! You may want a lightweight, waterproof jacket, but around here in hot, humid Kentucky you’ll certainly want breathable shirts and shorts. Of course, if you’re going to wade in a creek, have a net, bucket, and book. Clearly, my kids understood that!
have Snacks
Always snacks. Even when just Greg and I were hiking last weekend, I had fruit snacks and granola bars with me. Of course, I needed to be prepared in case my blood sugar dropped, but also you never know when a snack will help a situation! Bring suitable snacks for walking, such as energy bars, protein bars, nuts, dried fruit, or crackers.
Be realistic
Honestly, my family really isn’t into long, difficult hikes. Sometimes we even laugh that our “hikes” should be called “walks.” When Greg and I were recently visiting Red River Gorge, we chose several shorter hikes so we could see more arches and views.
With the right planning, your family walk can be a wonderful experience that everyone enjoys – and remembers fondly.
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