Exploring your go-to trail this summer is a must, but your walking companions need more than the promise of packed snacks to keep their little legs moving. Make the adventure bigger and better by giving them a chance to scout the route for 35 things hanging out along the way. From exploring a hollow log to saying hello to fellow hikers, we’ve come up with a list that’s sure to entertain everyone along for the ride. Read on, print out and get moving!
1. Find moss growing on a rock.
2. Look for a bird’s nest.
3. Throw pebbles in the water to make a big splash.
4. Explore a hollowed out log.
photo: Guy Courtemanche via flickr
5. Collect three different leaves.
6. Poke a roly poly.
7. Point out a squirrel’s home.
8. Wade in a stream.
photo: vastateparkstaff via flickr
9. Chase a lizard.
10. Hear a bird chirp.
11. Admire a spider’s web.
12. Find three different types of flowers.
photo: Adam Jones via flickr
13. Look for a duck.
14. Follow a butterfly.
15. Pick up a Y-shaped stick.
16. Point out signs of the coming season.
photo: Phillipe Put via flickr
17. Look inside a hole in a tree.
18. Watch fish jump.
19. Pick up one piece of garbage to recycle or throw away.
20. Check out a spot with soil erosion.
photo: jankgo via flickr
21. Find a piece of tree bark.
22. Spot a waterfall.
23. Pick berries or fruit (be sure to ask Mom or Dad before picking).
24. Put tiny toes in mud.
photo: Travis Swan via flickr
25. Smell a pine tree.
26. Look for lightening bugs.
27. Spot a bird.
28. Find fungus on a tree.
photo: Frank Kovalchek via flickr
29. Point out a ladybug.
30. Say hello to fellow hikers.
31. Discover shoe tracks left in the mud.
32. Find a walking stick.
photo: Travis Swan via flickr
33. An awesome vista (don’t forget to snap a photo!).
34. Count how many trees you pass.
35. Stop at a fork in the road.
What do you look for when you hike with the kids? Share with us in a Comment!
— Gabby Cullen & Erin Lem
Need some fresh ideas?
Related reads
