#guentheradventures

Our second National Park of 2021 - Cuyahoga Valley National Park - is a hometown favorite. Growing up outside of Cleveland in a smaller city, this national park was not far and as kids my parents took us handful of times. Like most things, with age comes wisdom and the beauty of this park was missed out until years later when I returned as an adult.

Cincinnati Nature Center, “Happiness and hiking go hand in hand or foot in boot.” (Diane Spicer) This park was highly recommended and I will make another trip back.

*Phone Rings*

  Shawnee Lookout, a Great Parks of Hamilton County, has a very informative and helpful map and information section on their website . We hiked the Miami Fort Trail and saw SO MANY THINGS! 

OhioDNR listed on their website that, "The trademark of Headlands Beach State Park is its massive 35-acre Lake Erie beach. Besides providing exceptional sunbathing and swimming opportunities, Headlands Beach also offers unique beach glass hunting and phenomenal Lake Erie sunset viewing. Picnicking is available throughout the park, and a seasonal concession provides a wide variety of tasty food and cold drink options.

Little Boots Hiking Club has been an amazing experience for not only my family, but hopefully others. We were given a chance to meet other families with kids, some older and some younger, that have a similar interest: HIKING! 

Hiking has become a fast favorite for our family, but it is also one of the most popular and enjoyed outdoor activities for all ages. Being a part of a few groups locally it is fun to see the trails others day and get ideas, but how do you start taking your kids?     We have written down some of the (not new), but useful tips we have learned, discovered, or enjoy. As most trips, some planning does help make a smooth and successful hike. First off, we started off with super short hikes. We went about .5 miles and started building up their stamina and endurance. Granted.. we started in the winter with snow and ice. That made it a little harder on their little legs too! *Hint: We've heard 5 miles is the maximum for most children.* Second, proper footwear. For the kids and adults. I am not telling you to go buy a pair of hiking boots, but tennis shoes or closed toed shoes are best with traction. Heavy socks, not cotton, is also suggested. (We realized this fact a little late, but ...