Located right behind Weymouth High School, this hidden trail features plenty of parking, varied terrain and interest level, and is just the right length for the whole family.
Tag Archives: hike
CLIMB BOULDERS
My boys love to climb and slide down boulders. If a trail has big rocks, they are all in. Their favorite spot is the big boulder near the dam at Ames Nowell State Park in Abington. They climb it over and over again and then slide down one side of it. As a parent, it’s hard to watch, and last summer they came home with scraped backsides and ruined pants from sliding down the rock, but they were happy! A trail with interesting rock formations will undoubtedly create various points of interest that keep your kids happily moving and exploring.
GO ON A SCAVENGER HUNT
A scavenger hunt is a great and easy way to combine outdoor exercise and learning. There are literally thousands of scavenger hunt worksheets out there on Pinterest and blogs. They are often based on seasons (i.e. fall scavenger hunt featuring acorns, leaves, etc), but really can be designed around any theme. Use the Google Machine to search for some ready-made hunts or get creative and make your own!
USE AN ALMANAC
Mass Audubon has a wonderful outdoor almanac that offers a month-by-month, play-by-play of outdoor activity. It offers ample suggestions of what to look for and explanations of what is happening in nature.https://www.massaudubon.org/learn/nature-wildlife/outdoor-almanac
HUNT FOR OWL PELLETS
Dissecting owl pellets seems to be a part of third or fourth grade curriculums around the country. Owl pellets are the undigestible and regurgitated parts of small animals that owls have eaten.
LOOK FOR WALKING STICKS
Almost every single time we go for a walk, my boys pick out a new walking stick. The back of my car is loaded with sticks that they have taken home. They are not loyal to just one stick that they bring to each hike; instead they prefer to hunt for a new one every time.
MODEL A LOVE OF THE OUTDOORS
The best way to get your kids to put their screens down is to do so yourself. This may be one of the most important things you can do.
MAKE A GOAL
This year, a friend and I hiked every trail at Borderland State Park in Easton. It was extremely satisfying to “finish” something, and it feels great to be able to say that we’ve seen and experienced every part of the park. I also feel like I can’t get lost there now–it gave me a great sense of the layout and expanse of the park. I know which trails are least crowded, which are the most rocky and fun for my kids, which are best with a stroller, and which are most peaceful.
GET INSPIRED
Getting outside is often easier if you make it about something bigger than yourself and your family. Join a Facebook group or a challenge for inspiration to get outdoors. Our favorite is the 1,000 Hour Outdoor Challenge.
ALTERNATIVES TO GEOCACHING
Geocaching is fun and easy, but it’s not the only outdoor game! Try these other activities to mix things up!