Hiking with Kids
Where we are currently in Austria, we're surrounded by the alps. Spending time hiking in the mountains, for both the young and old, seems to be in the DNA of the people here.
But we'd be naive to think that the kids would embrace every single hike whole-heartedly from start to finish. Some hikes barely last for 30-min, and some last for a good 2-3 hours. There's usually a good mix of emotions from them throughout the hikes - ranging from enthusiasm when they spot a stream or some rocks to climb, to protests and meltdowns ("It's so BOOORING", "My legs have no more energy", "I'm so tired", "When are we thereee?") to feelings of accomplishment when they reached a small summit, or whatever end-point for the day.
The best hikes for kids around 4-6 years old seem to be those that offer a bit more variety. For example, small/short “secret pathways” for kids to explore, small bridges to cross, streams where kids can throw stones in or to find tadpoles, big rocks that kids can climb on, perhaps the possibility of spotting an animal or two (insects for sure), and the likes. These help to motivate them and see this more as an adventure in nature rather than a monotonous walk. It's also fun to watch how kids take delight in using their imagination to make their own 'tools' from twigs and branches, and being active discoverers of the surroundings. Whether it's a hike up a small hill, a walk in the woods or a neighbourhood park, it should be a fun and memorable shared experience for the whole family, not to mention it being a good physical workout.
In Austria, trails here in general are very well taken care of by the people using it, but there’s still the occasional plastic trash. eebee started bringing out a small trash bag on hikes these days to pick up rubbish and involved the kids in it. I thought that set a good example on how we can take it upon ourselves to protect the environment in small ways. It was also a good opportunity to start conversations around topics like plastic pollution with kids, and for them to be aware of the fragility of nature and the environment.
Nature's a great teacher and the outdoors' a great adventure playground and classroom. It's only natural that we want to protect what we love. So if we want kids to grow up caring for the environment, that has to start from a place of love, and a sense of wonder and appreciation for all that nature has to give.
. . .
In Singapore too, there are many beautiful trails and parks, and people organising activities for kids to get oudoors. Here’s a few of my favourites:
Parks
Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve: Great trails, usually quiet, good place to spot mudskippers and sometimes even crocodiles!
Macritchie Reservoir: Monkeys aside, it’s a great place to visit. Sometimes you can spot turtles by the zig-zag bridge, and also lots of fishes which is always a fun activity with the kids.
Dairy Farm Nature Park: Lots of forest canopy, fun loop to collect big leaves and branches. Also a small little building that houses history of the area.
Hindhede Nature Park: Not sure if many people know, but on the left side of the main entrance of Bt Timah Hill is a great play area that has a flying fox, playgrounds, and a quarry. Great alternative if you want to skip the crowd at Bt Timah Hill (which is also a nice little hike!)
Southern Ridges and Labrador Park: Lots of trails and of course, the wonderful Hort Park!
Bukit Batok Nature Reserve: A big playground next to a stream in the middle of the forest.
East Coast Park: Less for hikes but I had to put it in here because it’s one of my favourites.
Groups:
Nature Play Singapore: I believe they still organise nature walks for families with kids, mostly in the East.
Wildings Forest School: Love their programs. Alexis and Sienna attended back in Nov/Dec for a few weeks, often returning dirty/sweaty/drenched - signs of a great time
