Take a Hike! Why Nature Walks Are Our Favorite Activity

Song: “Walking” by Mary Mary

I remember when I was preparing to move from Massachusetts to Arizona in 2017, the number one question I was asked was, “Do you hike?” And not just once. I heard it so many times that I started wondering if it was a state requirement.

Apparently, hiking is the thing to do in Arizona. I kind of knew that, but it really became clear once I got to Tempe. Here’s the secret, though: hiking is just walking. That’s it. And yes, I walk. I like walking.

These days, walking has become a meaningful part of my everyday life. It’s a great way to de-stress. And as a mom, it’s one of the simplest ways Marley and I stay connected to each other and to the world around us. We walk all the time, e.g., Publix (cookie with sprinkles!), around the neighborhood, or to the nearby lake. So much of his development happens in that time.

Why Our Walks Matter

🌿 Time in nature is good for the body and brain.

Even a quick walk around the block can help calm emotions, boost focus, and support overall development. Nature is the original sensory room. We look at the clouds, count the trees, and smell the flowers.

🗣 We have real conversations.

Walks are when I hear all about school, why we should’ve painted that man’s house pink instead of white, and how many squirrels Marley spotted that day. It’s uninterrupted, present-time bonding.

🚸 We learn safety and street smarts.

Marley knows how to cross the street and railroad tracks, and why fire hydrants exist. These are small lessons that build independence and confidence.

🌤 We observe the weather.

Instead of just saying “It’s hot,” we talk about cloud shapes, wind, and whether it looks like rain. On a recent walk, it started to rain. I suggested that we turn back and go home and he said “No! Let’s keep going. It’s just a little bit.” It turns out he was right. The drizzles stopped in just a few more minutes. He’s learning about science in a fun and natural way.

🪨 We collect and explore.

Marley has his own collection of rocks, leaves, and berries. Each walk adds to it. If your little one is into collecting too, here’s a Nature Collection Box on Amazon that works great for sorting and saving treasures.

📱 We use tech in a meaningful way.

We love PlantNet, an app that helps us identify trees and plants. If you have an iPhone, you can do the same directly from the Photos app.

5 Ways to Enhance Nature Walks

Nature walks are a great way for you and your child to stay up and active in between your hectic schedules and alphabet lessons. Walks are a valuable time to spend with your family, so it’s important to know how you can make it a memorable experience. Here are 5 ways to enhance nature walks to create lasting memories that the whole family won’t forget.

🚶🏾 1. Play Games

Try to do games on your walks like scavenger hunts, I Spy, tag, spotting different kinds of animals or finding objects in various colors. Not only does it add an element of fun but also keeps everyone engaged and present in the moment.

❓ 2. Ask Questions

Kids are new to the world. Asking questions helps gauge where their knowledge is at and allows for you to teach them about their surroundings. It’s not everyday you’ll get the opportunity to explain why birds fly or where trees come from.

🔎 3. Explore

Take time to truly immerse in nature and explore what it has to offer. Let your child safely feel different textures, take a new path they haven’t before or even let them guide you to where they would like to go. It keeps their little minds active and fuels their curiosity.

📐 4. Do Math

From counting how many petals are on a flower to the steps it takes to get from one plant to another, math is everywhere. Including simple math into your walks can encourage your child to get comfortable in doing it in their daily routine. 

💭 5. Reflect

At the end of your walks reflect on what you saw, heard, smelt or discovered. Starting a log or journal together can be a good way to track the details of your walks and is an interactive activity that can develop children’s processing skills.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a park or a trail to start connecting with your child through nature. A sidewalk and a little curiosity are more than enough.

Song: “Walking” by Mary Mary

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