What better way to spend quality time with your grandkids and get in touch with nature than a fresh, invigorating walk in the woods, along a river or at the beach? Family hikes make for fun learning opportunities for grandkids and grandparents alike. So, try some of these hiking activities with your youngsters.

A Stone is a Stone Is a … Mineral?

Go on an excursion to learn about rocks and minerals. Shorelines offer a variety of stones. Before you go, learn which rocks and minerals are abundant in the area, and have everyone choose several to scout for. Take along a small plastic container with dividers, a descriptive rock and mineral guide and a magnifying glass for viewing the colors, layers and details. As you identify stones and minerals, discuss their uses and other neat facts.

Sounds of Nature

Wander through a forest and listen carefully for a variety ofbird and animal sounds. Before you go, visit your library fora DVD or CD of bird and wild animal calls. Use the audiorecorder on your phone and carry it on your hike to recordsome of the sounds you hear. Listen to the recording againat home and play a game of detective to determine thesource of the sounds you can’t make out. Search the internet,encyclopedias and books to discover the makers of themystery calls.

Photo Adventure

Capture nature’s splendor. Hiking trails provide plenty of photo opportunities, and kids will love snapping the shots.Discuss in advance what each person wants to photograph,such as a huge oak tree, a monarch butterfly, deer tracks or aclose-up of a nibbling squirrel. When you get home, print outthe best photos and create a nature scrapbook with them.

Tree Tales

These giants of nature are not only intriguing because oftheir size but also because of their many variations. Borrowsome books on trees from your library that describe uniquefeatures and history. Use clues such as the shape of theleaves, texture of bark and size of the trunk to identify thekind of tree.

Which Way do We Go?

Roam the countryside and teach your grandchildrendirectional skills such as how to read a map and use acompass or the sun to determine direction. Before settingout, choose a trail system that provides maps or makeup your own. Take a trail that branches off several times,allowing for plenty of skill-building opportunities. For evenmore fun, turn the excursion into a treasure hunt. Hide asmall prize just off the trail under a bush or pile of leaves,mark the location on your map and let the journey begin.

Animals all Around

Take a quiet hike in a wooded area with grassy clearingsand see how many animals you meet. Watch for snakes,turtles and geese if there’s a nearby lake or stream. Alsolook for chipmunks and squirrels playing chase or gatheringfood, birds of prey circling overhead or grazing rabbits andeer. Discuss the animal’s uniquecharacteristics and how those qualitieshelp or hinder the animal. Talk aboutwhat the animals eat, their shelters andthe species they are related to. Keepyour eyes peeled for animal tracks toidentify and determine how recentlythey were made.

Creepy Crawly Things

Scouting for insects is an all-timefavorite among kids, and the variety ofcreepy-crawly creatures in the woods isremarkable. Carry an insect book, clearcontainer, tweezers and a magnifyingglass for a close examination of insects’fascinating features. Bring a journaland track the types of insects you find.Read about insects’ defense behaviorsand characteristics such as colors thatindicate danger to predators.

Plant Life, Old and New

Discover with your grandkids thefantastic diversity of plant life. Beforeyou head out, review some books onplants to spark your grandchildren’sinterest. On each hiking trip, choosea different trail or area and see whatplants grow in certain types of soil climates and seasons. As you inspectplants, look for their seeds and noticethe variations. Talk about how seedstravel by blowing in the wind orcatching on the fur of animals. Carefullybrush away the ground cover and lookfor seeds that have sprouted their rootsthat will soon develop into a new plantor tree. Learn how plants have evolvedto have natural defenses to protectagainst creatures that would otherwisedevour them.

Where to Find Trails

ou might be surprised to discovernearby trails you never knew existed.Check with city, county and state parksfor trails along rivers or near lakeshoresand beaches. There are also nationalforests and parks throughout the UnitedStates with extensive trail systems. Ifyou have access to a wooded area nearyou that isn’t too dense, a trail may notbe necessary. When hiking off trails,use safety precautions against tripping,poison ivy, getting lost or other hazards.

Before You Go

Plan your activities before you leave soyou’ll arrive prepared. For your comfortand convenience, carry a small daypackand extra clothing for cold air alongtrails, and don’t forget hiking boots. Foryour protection, bring hats, sunglasses,sunblock and insect repellant. Beprepared for emergencies by carrying asmall flashlight and batteries, a watch, amap, bandages, and plenty of water andsnacks. Finally, make the most of yournature quest by carrying binoculars, amagnifying glass and a small camera.

Trekkin’ Tips for Tykes

When hiking with children, keep these suggestions in mind:

• Allow small legs plenty of time for breaks during the journey and know your grandchild’s limitations.
• Be familiar with potential dangers in the area in which you’ll explore and teach your grandchildren trail and animal safety.
• Before you set out, prepare your grandkids by informing them that there may be rules against taking their nature finds home.