Kids don't want to spend all day walking on a path. They see so many things to discover and play with along the way. Sometimes it is hard for adults to keep taking breaks and not get to their final destination but remember it is the little things along the way that make the trip fun and memorable for your children.
Recently we took a hike in Arches National Park near Moab, UT. Every time we stopped for a little water the kids found themselves playing in the sand. We live in the Rocky Mountains and the hikes we usually do around our home the ground is solid dirt, rocks, and often full of pine needles. The sandy paths of Utah were fun and different from what we were used to and the kids just couldn't keep their hands out of it.
I was tempted to rush them along so I could get to my destination but then I remembered that building the connection with the natural world was the whole reason we were out there and their desire to dig, follow bugs, and draw in the sand was accomplishing the goal even if I didn't cover the miles I had hoped for.
So get them outside but be sure to let them travel at their own pace and smell the roses or whatever they feel the need to do.
nice post Andy!!
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