Taking the kids on a 3 mile trail about 30 mins away. Youngest is 4 so I'm bringing snacks and water and setting expectations low. Just wanna get them outside and moving. Worst case we turn around after a mile and call it a win.
3 miles with a 4yo is ambitious but totally doable if you bring the snacks like you said. I'd pack double what you think you need though. My youngest gets tired right at mile 2 so having good fuel helps.
Snacks and water are the MVPs of hiking with little kids. Pro tip: bring some kind of treat at the end like a popsicle to reward them for finishing. My kids ask about the trail again the next week because of the popsicle.
3 miles with a 4 year old is ambitious, respect the game plan with low expectations though. We did a similar hike last month and my youngest made it about halfway before the snack breaks became the main event, but hey, everyone had fun and that's what counts.
That's a solid call bringing plenty of snacks and water. My kids are always happier on the trail when they've got something to munch on between the complaining about their legs being tired.
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30 mins away is perfect distance. That's not so far that you're stressed about getting back before dinner but far enough to feel like a real adventure for the kids. Have fun out there.