Category: Family Hiking

Hiking with kids is good for a variety of reasons and opens up a whole new world to explore. Most of the time can be spent simply seeing, smelling, hearing, touching and, ..well maybe not tasting, your new surroundings. Coming across small wildlife, beautiful flowers, peculiar insects while navigating different terrain is very exciting for all ages!

Sometimes we need ideas to encourage children to explore in a different way. In our Family Fun Hike series we lead a number of mini-games along the way to look at nature in a different way. Our Fall Family Fun Hikers tried a few activities this October in Ellenwood Provincial Park:

Caterpillar Search 

A photo scavenger hunt from a caterpillars view on the world.

We took several close-up photos of things we can find along the trail. Each child was provided a sheet and crayon to check them off. Kids love to talk about what the world would look like it they were very small. Get down and close to natural spaces along the trail and imagine where you would live, what you would eat and what kind of fun things might you do?

Meet a Tree Friend

You will need to pair up for this and you will need one vision mask (a sleep mask from the $$ Store will do the trick).

One person should put the mask on while their partner scopes out a tree close by (don’t let them know which one you pick!)

Take your masked partner carefully over to your selected tree and introduce them. You can make up cool names, of course, and any other personality info you like. The masked partner should to know the tree by touching the bark, feeling the ground near, the tree, smelling any smells, etc.  Go back to your start point on the trail and remove the mask.  Can you find the tree you just met?

Switch places and meet a new tree friend!

Paint Nature with Nature 

You won’t need a paintbrush – just your imagination!

There are some blank canvasses that need your artistic talents! Select natural objects from the space around (please don’t take anything something is still using! Like bark from a living tree) and “paint” a picture in the frame.

Please tell us about your experience if you try these activities with your kids! What are your favorite places to explore?  Watch for our Family Fun November Hike to be scheduled soon!

Join Yarmouth Recreation on Saturday, October 6th at 12:30pm for a free Family Activity Hike at Ellenwood Provincial Park.

There is no Wi-Fi in the forest, but you will find a better connection.

Family friendly hiking, games & activities, and give-aways!

Ellenwood Park, October 6^th, 12:30 – 2pm

Meet at the last parking lot near the public beach at 12:30 pm. The trail is approximately 2 km and we will be hiking “family-friendly style”! (Lots of stopping with activities along the way). The trail IS difficult to hike with a stroller so if you have a carrier, we would recommend it for small children.

Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear. The trail is sometimes wet in spots so bring extra socks and shoes if you wish. Layered clothing is a good choice for our ever-changing weather.

Following the hike at 2pm the Friends of Ellenwood Park are hosting a CAMPFIRE and MARSHMALLOW ROAST. Come and experience a classic Canadian outdoor tradition beside our beautiful lake!  It’s a wonderful way to begin the Thanksgiving weekend together with the kids or grandkids. The fire pit is right across from the ski cabin and children’s playscape and the Park gate will be open. Newcomers to the area are most welcome. Marshmallows (halal) and toasting sticks will be provided. Bring a story to share and be sure to bring the whole family!

Everyone welcome! Let us know you’re coming so we can keep in touch with any updates.

Several families came out Sunday evening to hike the Tkipok Trail and discovered some beasts hiding in the woods!

You didn’t miss out! Hopefully those creatures are still in the area (at least until more winter weather chases them away!) and you and your family can check it out! Download and print the Safari Guide and check off the animals you see. If you have any pictures please share them in our event post!