Took my kids to Redwood Regional Park and here's what worked

Dec 71 min read

Made it a mission to find the tallest tree. Packed the good snacks (not just goldfish), gave them each a nature journal to draw in at stops, and honestly just kept their expectations realistic about pace. Both kids (8 and 11) actually engaged instead of complaining. The 4-mile loop took us 3 hours but everyone had fun. If you're in the Bay Area and haven't done it, highly recommend. Creek was dry but the trails were perfect for this time of year.

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Comments(8)

DDave K.RegularDec 7

The nature journal idea is genius. My kids usually just complain about walking after 10 mins but giving them something to actually DO at each stop changes the whole vibe. Did they actually fill them out or was it more the idea that kept them engaged?

GGabe R.RegularDec 8

Redwoods are perfect for this. The whole 'find the tallest tree' mission thing actually gives them a real goal instead of just 'walk around.' How old are your kids? Trying to figure out what age this actually works for.

CChris N.RegularDec 8

i've done this hike too and honestly the realistic expectations part is what gets me. last time i told my 6yo upfront 'we're going about 2 miles and there will be parts that are hard' and he handled the tough stretches SO much better than when i oversold it

AAl G.RegularDec 8

The nature journal idea is genius. My kids usually just complain about their feet hurting but giving them something to actively DO at each stop actually kept mine engaged. Did yours draw the whole time or were they more interested in collecting stuff?

FFrank K.RegularDec 8

lol i always forget the snacks part and then wonder why everyone's miserable by mile 2. what's your go-to besides goldfish? asking for a friend who's tired of the same rotation

EEd R.RegularDec 8

lol "not just goldfish" hit different. i showed up with a cooler full of actual food and my 6yo looked at me like i'd betrayed him somehow

DDale J.RegularDec 8

How'd you keep expectations realistic without killing the vibe? Every time I try to have that convo with mine they either get bored immediately or have a meltdown when we can't find the tallest tree by lunch

BByron S.RegularDec 9

This is the move. We did similar at Point Reyes last month and the "mission" aspect made my 8yo actually care about where we were instead of asking to go home after 20 mins. Stealing the nature journal trick for sure