Take a Hike

Let’s face it, since March 2020 we’ve all been cooped up in our homes making a group effort fighting COVID-19. Now, most of us are vaccinated and making plans to get outside and enjoy the summer of 2022.

If you have children, plan to take them with you because parents are the best teachers when it comes to physical activity. If your kids have turned into couch potatoes, it’s because you’ve been glued there for so long. Now its time to get moving as a family, and one way to do it is taking a hike. Here’s what I suggest you do:

There is no need to take a long car ride to the Sierra Nevada Mountains when we have hiking paths all over Southern California. If you want something closer to home, check out this article about Los Angeles hiking trails listing them as Easy, Intermediate, and Difficult. 

Choose from the list a trail you think your kids would enjoy. Do some research about each and get the kids involved in choosing the location. A place that has bugs, water, and plenty of rocks is perfect to hold children’s attention. Motivate your kids to get excited about the idea and schedule a date.

I suggest you start off by planning a mile or half mile walk dependent on the ages of your kids. Be prepared to stop frequently letting your children observe flowers, trees, and insects. 

Bring along the right gear. Kids should wear running shoes, not sandals. In your backpack bring along some favorite snacks. When kids start whining, sit on a rock and pass out the treats they love. Make sure everyone has a bottle of water and you carry extra just in case. 

Here’s a place to start: My nine-year-old grandson, Shaye, loves. Franklin Canyon Lake Loop and Chaparral Trail in Franklin Canyon Park. It’s a 605-acre park off Mulholland Drive and across the street from Tree People (another pleasant location for a hike). Shaye enjoyed our walk around the loop of Franklin Canyon Lake where he discovered a family of turtles. There are also plenty of ducks and if you look carefully, you’ll find frogs, snakes, lizards, and woodpeckers. Here’s a fun fact: The opening credits for the Andy Griffith Show were filmed at Franklin Canyon Park. 

Make sure you pick a nice day to avoid rainy weather. During the summer in Southern California there is little worry of storms, but during the fall and winter months, make sure kids are dressed appropriately. 

A first hike is a milestone. Upon completion, stop off at your favorite frozen yogurt place and celebrate. While there, plan the next hike. 

Michael Thal is the author of the award-winning novel, The Lip Reader.