Find a list of 2019 fall hikes here.
As fall settles in with cooler weather and changing leaves, it’s a great time to get the family outside and go on a hike. Here in Central Iowa we are blessed with hundreds of miles of trails to take advantage of. Some urban, some suburban and some rural, with a little something for everyone. Sure, you say, a hike sounds good, but hiking with kids in tow may sound intimidating if you’ve never done it before. Here are a few tips to help get you started.
- Take it easy. The first few times out, select a hike that isn’t too long or too hard. Keep in mind that hiking for kids is more about the experience. It’s about the journey not the destination.
- Take your time. When you’re on a hike there’s so much of the natural world for kids to discover and examine. Make sure you give them time to explore.
- Be prepared. You may want to bring along some kid-friendly supplies such as: sunscreen, bug spray, water bottles, snacks, wet wipes or tissues; lip balm; binoculars; magnifying glass; field guides (to point things out to kids) and a camera.
- Dress for success. Layers are your friend in the fall. Kids do not do well when they are too hot or too cold. Also, make sure your kids have on adequate shoes for your trek. You may also want to have an extra set of clothes in the car in case your kids get wet or muddy.
- Take Breaks. Hiking requires a lot of energy. Keep your kiddos happy and enthused by taking small breaks for water and food.
- Make it fun! The key to a hike success is to keep the kids motivated and having fun. Create games that you and your children can play out on the trail. Have them look for signs of wildlife, play “I Spy”, or take along a scavenger hunt.
- Polk County Conservation has a Hiking page on their website and offers up some additional tips.
If you’re not up for planning or venturing out on your own, let someone else take the lead. Here are a few hikes taking place around Des Moines this fall.
October 7th
Brown’s Woods
Join Polk County Conservation and partners to celebrate the new hiking trails and features inside this beautiful urban forest preserve. Festivities include a smartphone geocache, guided family hikes and birding 101. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at 5:00 p.m. FREE hot dogs and drinks while supplies last.
October 10th
Walk For Wildlife
Enjoy a family walk through the park or extend your trip with a 5 or 10-kilometer Volkssport walk. You can also try geocaching along your walk, GPS units will be available. Girl Scouts of America are also invited to take part in the day, there will be a number of badge requirement activities available. It’s almost Halloween; wear a costume that allows you to walk. Walkers can start anytime between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Co-sponsored by the Greater Des Moines Volkssport Association. $2 registration fee payable at the event. Pets on a 6-foot leash are welcome.
October 10th
High Trestle Hawk Watch
Join Dallas County naturalist, Mike Havlik, and several other seasoned “hawkers” as you watch the river of raptors move south along the Des Moines River. Viewing will be on the west overlook on the Woodward side of the High Trestle Bridge. Parking is on the east side off of QF in Boone County. A half mile walk on level ground is required.
October 15th
Fall Colors Hike
Stroll through the timber with a Warren County Conservation naturalist and enjoy the stunning views of changing leaves and the cool fall breeze. Learn about different types of trees and why leaves change color in autumn. Please register by the day before on the website or by calling (515) 961-6169.
October 17th
Fall Hike
Come enjoy the season! A Polk County Conservation Naturalist will lead a nature hike through the woods and explain the brilliance of fall colors.
October 31st
Halloween Hike
Put on your brave face and join Warren County Conservation for a walk in the dark, but do not worry, this is a merry not scary hike! This year’s theme will be Incredible Insects! Along the torch and jack-o’-lantern lit trail, you will meet a Luna moth, honeybees, ladybug, and dragonfly. The hike will take 60 minutes from start to finish, including a snack and craft in the Annett Nature Center. Groups will leave every 10 minutes from 6:30PM-7:30PM for their guided hike. Adults $3, Kids 12 and under $2. Reservations are required. Register by calling 515-961-6169.
October 31st
Pooches in the Park
Join Polk County Conservation for a howling good time with your canine companion! You’ll start with a short one-mile hike enjoying the new Mark C. Ackelson Trail. The hike will finish with refreshments and treats for all and a doggie costume contest. All pooches must be on a 6-foot leash (maximum).
What are your tips for family friendly hikes? Share them with us in the Comments below.
