Did you hear that Cincinnati was ranked #7 in ParkScore’s Top 10 list of municipal park systems in the country? Yes, it’s true. Read for yourself.
So, if you weren’t already aware, you can now rest assured that Cincinnati (and the Tri-State region, as a whole) has a great park system. And that doesn’t just include public greenspace like the wonderful new riverfront developments or Washington Park. We have forest preserves and trail systems galore.
This region is rich with wild places and your kids need to see them.
Why?
Hiking is good exercise–for you, for me, for your kids. You’ve heard it said that “kids these days” spend too much time indoors and far too much time in front of a screen. Even if your kids aren’t the average couch potato, we can always use a little more exercise.
Wild places are always changing. Backyards are great, but they are familiar. In the woods, there are always new things to see. Every new season brings new plants, new flowers, berries to pick, birds to see, and animal tracks to discover. You can take the same hiking trail over and over again until it’s memorized and still experience something new every hike.
Hiking is almost free. Aside from the occasional park pass (Hamilton County Parks and the Cincinnati Nature Center both require them), entry is free to many parks in our region. And although it’s possible to spend a good deal of money on hiking gear, it’s almost completely unnecessary for the fair-weather hiker. Strap on a decent pair of shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, pack a few snacks, and you’re good to go.
You can invite friends. Hiking is a great activity to share with friends, whether they have kids or not. Not only is it free, which means it’s accessible to everyone, but it’s great for all ages. As long as other moms are comfortable carrying small children in a comfortable carrier and other adults are willing to let the kids set the pace, everyone can enjoy the hike together. There aren’t very many indoor activites that a 3 year-old and a 10 year-old can truly enjoy together, but there are a million of them outside.
The woods provide a living education. You can teach your kids a million things while you hike. Whether you focus on life skills and problem solving or science and natural history, it’s all there if you have an eye to see it. And if you don’t think you know enough to teach them anything, buy a decent nature guide for trees or bugs or wildflowers and you can learn alongside them.
Fresh air and outdoor play are good for the soul. I know I can’t speak for every family, but my kids are high-energy and require a lot of physical activity to maintain a good attitude and behavior. Especially when our week has been a rough one, when I’m stressed out, or when my patience is waning, hiking is a perfect way to improve everyone’s mood. Whether it’s the extra oxygen, the sound of the birds, or the physical exertion, I’m not sure. I just know that it really works.
Hiking is a great summer activity. Have you ever been in the woods on a hot day? It can easily feel ten or more degrees cooler than in it does in the sun. If taking your kids to a playground in the heat sounds like torture come July and August, consider a trail instead. Look for one with a creek bed, wear waterproof shoes, and treat yourself to a dip in the creek!
If you’d like to start the habit of hiking with your kids, but don’t know how to start, browse your local park system’s websites for tips and trail maps. (To get you started: Cincinnati Parks, Hamilton County Parks, and Kenton County Parks.) Don’t be afraid to explore on your own (especially if it’s a well-traveled, popular trail), or grab a friend and a trail map and give it a shot.
I’ve written before about tips for hiking with kids, and I’ve reviewed a few local parks like Burnet Woods if you want more specific help. A quick Google search of “hiking with kids” will yield a million results to help you, as well.
As an aside, I once-upon-a-time tried to start a family hiking club. That first summer was so-so as far as participation, but it was a lot of fun. Our family schedule right now only allows us one or two hikes a week and it’s nice to keep them to ourselves sometimes, but we are usually up for planning hikes with friends every other week or so. Let us know if you want to come along!
the walking green 