It’s a beautiful summer day, and you’ve planned a family hike. The picnic lunch is packed, everyone is covered in sunscreen, water bottles are filled, and hats and sunglasses are ready. Your destination is mapped out: a walk from your house in East Boise, hopping onto the #19A Hot Springs Trail at Coston Street, then following the flat path to Eagle Rock Park, about a mile away. It seems simple enough—the trail is flat, and your kids, ages 4 and 6, should easily make it to the park. You imagine them having a blast on the slides and climbing equipment.
But as soon as you start down the trail, your 4-year-old discovers an intriguing rock and begins drawing lines in the dirt. You urge him to keep moving toward the park. Moments later, your 6-year-old finds some sticks and starts constructing a teepee. Once again, you remind both kids that it’s time to go to the park. You’ve made the perfect plan and packed everything needed for the outing, but your kids seem far more interested in their discoveries along the way than reaching the destination.
The good news is that the outdoors is a wonderland for young children. The destination means little to them—they want to explore rocks, dirt, sticks, and bushes that become nests or forts in their imaginations. When young kids are in nature, they often gravitate toward a shady lilac bush to hide or play house. Meanwhile, adults may be focused on reaching a scenic viewpoint or snapping the perfect photo at the top of a hill. This difference in priorities can cause frustration: kids may feel dragged along, missing the chance to play and explore, while parents may be disappointed they didn’t reach their planned destination.
With this new understanding of how young children engage with nature, your plans might shift away from focusing on a specific destination. Instead, let the day unfold and follow your children’s curiosity. After all, it’s not really about reaching a particular spot—it’s about spending quality time together. Next time you plan an outing, you can recalibrate your expectations and focus on the joy of simply being outdoors with your kids.
Here are some family-friendly “hikes” perfect for young children:
- Cottonwood Creek – In the spring, the creek usually has water, making it the perfect spot for a little adventure. Try catching crawdads by placing pieces of hot dog in a net and letting it sit in the water. The tree canopy also provides enough shade for kids to stay cool and comfortable.
- Hull’s Pond, located behind Camel’s Back Park, is another great spot. The pond is home to frogs, water skaters, and plenty of shade for a leisurely afternoon.
- Camel’s Back Park – Behind the big hill, there’s a sandy slope that kids love to climb.
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Books worth reading on the subject:
The Geography of Childhood by Gary Paul Nabhan and Stephen Trimble
The Outdoor Toddler Activity Book: 100+ Fun Early Learning Activities for Outside Play by Krissy Bonning-Gould
