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Send Out Summer in Style
5 Fun End-of-Summer Activities
By Amy Carey
Many parents think they have to give up long treks through the woods or exploring their favorite hiking trails when kids are in the mix. But hiking with your children can make the experience even more rewarding than hiking alone. Pointing out wildlife, sharing a picnic along the way and just spending time together outdoors all make taking a hike with little ones well worth the effort.
What's involved? A good baby backpack, like those made by Kelty, is essential to a successful hike with kids younger than 3. So are drinks for both Baby and parent and snacks to keep you moving. "The farther away your trip takes you, the more important planning becomes," says Bob Farley, a father of one son in Centennial, Colo. This means that forgetting sunblock, a hat for baby or, most important, a map, can quickly spoil your day if you're miles from home.
Finally, before you set out for a few hours on the trail, talk to your kids about dangers they may encounter, like poison oak and rattlesnakes. Stress the importance of respecting their environment by "packing in and packing out" – taking your trash with you. And establish rules about what to do if one of your children becomes separated from you.
Love to fish? Even if you aren't an avid fisherman, teaching kids to fish is a great way to spend time together. For younger children, buy a "practice" rod – a plastic fishing rod with no dangerous hooks – to teach kids how to cast their line and reel in their catch. Or you can look for fishing kits designed for kids who are just starting out. According to FishingKids.com, these include tackle and a rod that may even depict a favorite cartoon character. "If you're not sure what size rod to buy, you should select one that is close to the size of the child or recommended for their age group," the Web site advises.