outdoor activities for kids Archives

Tour Apple Hill Farm near Grandfather Mountain!

Most recently updated July 7th, 2023

Estimated Reading Time: 13 minutes

I found Apple Hill Farm – a working Alpaca textile farm – when I was hiking out in the Grandfather Mountain area few weeks ago.

I was looking for an activity to take a break from hiking (uphill!) in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, but was still outdoors.

Apple Hill Farm was the perfect find! It’s a working textile farm on the site of an old apple orchard that offers farm tours, and even has a fiber gift shop on site.

The farm was started in 2002 by a single Mom (and cancer survivor) with just 2 pregnant female alpacas and one young male.

Today Apple Hill Farm is home to 9 kinds of animals: alpacas, llamas, angora goats, zebu cattle, horses, pigs, donkeys, chickens, and livestock guardian dogs.

The farm site includes 15 fields, 4 barns, and a farm store on 43 acres of land.

They’re still a working textile farm, and lucky for us, they now also give visitors educational tours of the farm all year round.

Read on to learn about my tour, and how you can visit too.

Continue reading Tour Apple Hill Farm near Grandfather Mountain!

Historic Yates Mill County Park – Hike and Learn

Most recently updated January 18th, 2022

Estimated Reading Time: 18 minutes

Historic Yates Mill County Park is not on my usual round of go-to parks.

This is mainly because it’s a longer drive for me than either Umstead State Park or Bond Park, both of those parks have longer trails – and these days I’m usually looking more for a place to have a serious hike than to entertain kids.

Raven Rock State Park is another great place to take younger kids, but it’s an hours drive away….

But a couple of weeks ago, I had an hour to spend and didn’t want to get too sweaty.

So I dropped by Historic Yates Mill County Park to take an active break.

I’d visited Yates Mill once before, in the winter, but this visit I got to see what it was like in the summertime.

I wasn’t disappointed.

There’s a pond, a few shorter – mostly shady – flat hiking trails, and fishing (with a permit).

Plus, it’s got a historic working water-driven grist mill. So there’s that 🙂

Based on what I found, if you’ve got grade school or younger kids, or even Middle-schoolers who (unlike mine) DON’T refer to hikes as “forced marches”, Historic Yates Mill County Park could be a wonderful hang-out for your family!

Continue reading Historic Yates Mill County Park – Hike and Learn

Outdoor Activity Ideas for Homeschool Kids

Most recently updated January 20th, 2022

Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

Home school kids need to get outdoors in the sunshine and play – for their physical and mental health and for ours, too.

If you’ve recently become a remote worker AND a home-schooler all at once, courtesy of COVID-19, you’re probably already running short on patience.

Getting outdoors, either in your own yard or in a local park or forest, can help boost the entire family’s mood and immune system.

Sitting still for long periods of time is hard for everyone, but it’s especially difficult for energetic young ones who may have shorter attention spans.

When children have the space and freedom to move around, they can work off their excess energy and be more focused on learning when playtime is over.

Through physical outdoor learning activities children can improve their speed, strength, stamina and motor skills, too.

Here are some ideas for incorporating outdoor time into your new at-home daily schedule, and some tips on places to go for outdoor fun where you can still avoid crowds, for social distancing purposes.

Continue reading Outdoor Activity Ideas for Homeschool Kids

Get Outdoors with Kids

Most recently updated June 17th, 2021

Below are all of our posts with helpful tips and info for outdoor activities for kids, plus outdoor kid-friendly destinations for families with children of all ages.

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Grayson Highlands State Park is a nice smaller park with wild ponies and camping, so it's a great family vacation spot! The park has miles of hiking trails, including a portion of the Appalachian Trail, and it's just a short drive away. Read on to learn more. #Idratherwalk #Hiking

Hikes and Wild Ponies at Grayson Highlands State Park

LJSeptember 22, 2023

Myrtle Beach – 5 Days of Walks and Outdoor Fun!

LJJune 21, 2023

You're a grownup now and think you've got a handle on your asthma and allergies, when you suddenly react to something unexpected. .How can that be? What happened? The truth is that allergies and asthma, including what your triggers are, can change over time and strike without warning. Read about my nearly deadly surprise reaction, and what you cna do about yours. #Idrtherwalk #Allergies #ActiveAsthmatics

How Your Asthma and Allergies Change Over Time

LJApril 18, 2023

I finally got to explore the Great Channels on Brumley Mountain, Virginia earlier this Fall after obsessing about it for nearly a year! The Great Channels features a maze of slot canyons similar to those you might find in the parks in Utah or Arizona. You can hike down into the Channels and also climb up top to get an amazing 360 view! Read how you can hike the Channels, too. #Idratherwalk #Hiking #OutdoorsWithKids

Hike the Great Channels on Brumley Mountain

LJNovember 22, 2022

Tour Apple Hill Farm near Grandfather Mountain!

LJNovember 3, 2022

I hiked the Flat Top Tower Trail in Moses H Cone Memorial park on the Blue Ridge Parkway this past summer. I found it by accident while hiking nearby Grandfather mountain, and I'm so glad I did! Read about the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cone Memorial Park, this hike and other local attractions, and how you can visit too. #Idratherwalk #Hiking

Hike to the Flat Top Observation Tower on the Blue Ridge Parkway

LJOctober 18, 2022

To celebrate the re-opening (and "re-imagining") of the North Carolina Museum of Art’s newly updated collection galleries, the Museum is kicking off an opening weekend October 7-October 9 with a whole host of activities each day.

Re-Imagined Galleries at the NCMA – Open Now!

LJOctober 7, 2022

The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia is our nation's newest National Park. For the past couple of years, I've taken short road trips to see what the new park has to offer. Read about what I found in this Visit Guide with 5 days of hikes to help plan your New River Gorge National Park outdoor adventure!

New River Gorge National Park – 5-Day Hike Guide

LJAugust 6, 2022

I made the journey to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia again this Spring, specifically to (finally!) hike Old Rag, the iconic circuit hike with a legendary scramble. While I was there, I hiked the Bearfence Scramble and Stony Man, too. Read more about my hikes and how you and your family can visit, Shenandoah National Park! #Idratherwalk #Hiking #OutdoorsWithKids

Hike Old Rag in Shenandoah National Park

LJJune 4, 2022

North Carolina State Natural Areas can be an exciting outdoor adventure for young children, like your kids or grandkids. Mitchell Mill State Natural Area in Northern Wake County is one such very unique spot to explore. The 93-acre site is a Registered Heritage Area, and sits atop one of the largest granite domes on the east coast, called the Rolesville Batholith. Read more to learn how you can visit! #Idratherwalk #Hiking #KidsOutdoors

Explore the Rolesville Batholith at Mitchell Mill State Natural Area

LJApril 21, 2022

The Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) is a trail that spans 1200 miles across North Carolina, from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks. I've been hiking MST in Falls Lake, and Day Hike 22 is my favorite Read about how you can go, too. #Idratherwalk #Hiking

Hike the Mountains to Sea Trail at Rolling View in Falls Lake

LJMarch 16, 2022

Asthma affects your mental health as well as your physical well-being, but I've never written before about how chronic asthma makes you feel. There are a couple of aspects to how chronic illness impacts you: It affects both your emotions and how you feel physically. I'll share my experience - and of course, the latest research - here, in hopes it might help you or someone you care for! #Idratherwalk #Wellness #ActiveAsthmatics

Asthma’s Effects on Mental Health

LJFebruary 3, 2022

Beliveau Farm and Winery is located in the Catawba Valley of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, just 12mi from Blacksburg. The scenic property is home to Beliveau Farm Winery, Beliveau Farm Brewery, and The Manor House Bed and Breakfast - and is close to great Appalachian Trail hikes! Here's what you need to know. #Idratherwalk #GetOutdoors

Take a Hike Break at Beliveau Farm and Winery

LJDecember 8, 2021

This Summer I hiked the Rock Castle Gorge Trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway and found out what I was missing! Read about the Blue Ridge Parkway, this hike and other local Rocky Knob Recreation Area attractions, and how you can visit too. #Idratherwalk #Hiking

Hike the Rock Castle Gorge Trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway

LJOctober 22, 2021

Stone Mountain State Park is rugged enough to be interesting to hikers, but is also a nice smaller park with camping and other recreation options, so it's a great family vacation spot! The pike has more than 18 miles of hiking trails, and it's just a short 2.5 hour drive away. Read on to learn more. #Idratherwalk #Hiking

Hike Stone Mountain State Park

LJAugust 27, 2021

I went back to Shenandoah National Park again this Spring, to finish hiking the trails on my list - which included the Rose River Loop and Cedar Run Whiteoak Circuit! I also had a great hike break at the Barboursville Ruins and Winery. Read more about my hikes and how you can visit, too! #Idratherwalk #Hiking #OutdoorsWithKids

Hike Rose River and Cedar Run in Shenandoah National Park

LJJuly 12, 2021

If you or your children are asthmatic, you've probably spent a lot of time looking for the best medicine for your asthma. I'll tell you about the best asthma medicines available now, and the asthma medicines I've used that helped my chronic asthma. #Idratherwalk #ActiveAsthmatics #BestAsthmaMedicine

What’s the Best Medicine for Your Asthma?

LJJune 12, 2021

Cannon's Point Preserve (CPP) is a unique 600-acre primitive greenspace at the north end of St. Simons Island, Ga. The Couper's Field out-and-back hike takes you down a pleasant dirt road or marsh trail from Taylor's Fish Camp to the ruins of the Couper Plantation at the Point. A fun and unique hike for all ages! Read more :-) #Idratherwalk

Hike Cannon’s Point Preserve on St Simon’s Island

LJMay 14, 2021

Winterpast Farm and Petting Zoo provides a home for goats (and baby goats!), sheep, emu, two mini donkeys, several types of ducklings, peacocks, a goose, pigs, lots of bunnies, hedgehogs, guinea pigs and many varieties of chickens. And - luckily for us - Winterpast a place where families, students, scouts, and pretty much anyone can go to pet and play with all of the animals. Read more about how you can visit, what other activities are available, and how you can help! #Idratherwalk.

Baby Goats, Emus and Peacocks – Visit Winterpast Farm and Petting Zoo!

LJFebruary 17, 2021

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee is one of the largest protected areas in the United States. And if that's not enough to warrant a visit, there are 850 miles in the park for hiking, including 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail! I'll show you how I planned my GSMNP visit and which hikes I took - maybe you'll get some ideas for your next vacation! #Idratherwalk #Hiking

Great Smoky Mountains National Park – 5 Great Hikes in 4 Great Days

LJJanuary 27, 2021

Raven Rock State Park near Lillington, North Carolina, was a favorite day trip when my daughter was in grade school. There are lots of hiking trails even short enough for smaller kids, and they have great features along the way. Raven Rock, the massive stone that gives the park it's name, and two sets of rapids on the Cape Fear River are just two of the natural assets that make this park a great kids day out. Get more info for your visit here! #Idratherwalk #GetKidsOutdoors #Hiking

Have a Kids’ Day of Adventure at Raven Rock State Park

LJSeptember 16, 2020

I hiked the Triple Crown this summer! It's a group of three hikes - Dragon's Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs - that can be done individually or tackled all together as a backpacking trip. This 35 mile loop contains some of the best hiking in the Roanoke Valley and some of the best overlooks in the entire state of Virginia! I'll tell you what I found on this bucket-list-worthy portion of the Appalachian Trail, and how you can do it too :-) #Idratherwalk #KidsOutdoors #Hiking

Hike Virginia’s Triple Crown – an Appalachian Trail Section

LJAugust 18, 2020

Historic Yates Mill County Park features one of the oldest buildings in Raleigh and the only remaining functioning gristmill in Wake County. There's a pond, a few shorter - mostly shady - flat hiking trails, and fishing (with a permit). If you've got grade school or younger kids, or just want an easy outdoor break, Historic Yates Mill County Park could be a wonderful hang-out for your family!

Historic Yates Mill County Park – Hike and Learn

LJAugust 7, 2020

White Oak Lavender Farm & The Purple WOLF Vineyard is a family owned farm located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. A visit to White Oak Lavender Farm was a perfect break from all of the sweaty hiking I was doing in nearby Shenendoah ational Park. The Farm offers wine tastings, farm tours, lectures, classes, a farm petting area and a lovely lavender gift shop all in a historic setting.They were also only a 20 minute scenic drive from my lodgings near Shenandoah National Park. Here's what you need to know for your visit!

Take a Walking Tour at White Oak Lavender Farm

LJJuly 5, 2020

Fort Macon State Park's Eliot Coues' Trail lets you hike through many diverse habitats, including the rarely-found maritime forest. The trail runs for a 3.3 mile loop through wooded forest, boardwalks through salt marsh, and peaceful natural beaches. It's a great dayhike for adults and families year-round. You can easily add on an afternoon at the beach, or spend time exploring the Fort too! Read more for details...

Fort Macon State Park – Hikes and History at the Beach

LJJune 26, 2020

We have miles and miles of local greenways available near where I live in North Carolina. Greenways are a great off-road resource for healthy outdoor family activities like bike rides, hikes and walks. Learn details of the Black Creek, White Oak Creek, Crabtree Creek, Reedy Creek and American Tobacco Trail greenways - and have fun exploring them all! #Idratherwalk #GetKidsOutside #Hike

Hike and Bike Your Local Greenways

LJApril 30, 2020

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a 12 mile day hike on New Zealand's North Island, is one of the most popular day hikes in the country. The trail is located inside Tongariro National Park, which was made famous by it's appearance in the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. The park's alpine, volcanic scenery is the setting of Mordor, home of Mount Doom. I hiked this trail on a trip to the North Island early this Spring. Here's how hiking the Tangeriro Alpine Crossing went for me, and some info if you want to try it for yourself! #Idratherwalk #Hiking #OutdoorActivities

Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing – New Zealand’s Favorite Day Hike

LJApril 12, 2020

Humans have a long history of using sunlight therapy - called "heliotherapy" today - that dates back to the ancient Greeks. If you're stuck at home, take advantage of your outdoor space - even if it's small - to sit in the sun for a few minutes each day. Better yet (if you have room) do some yoga, jump rope, or even put your stationary bike or weight rack out there...Here are some ways you can harness the power of the sun to maintain and even improve your own health - even if you can't go outdoors right now! #Idratherwalk #Wellness

Harness the Health Benefits of Sunshine

LJMarch 30, 2020

Outdoor Activity Ideas for Homeschool Kids

LJMarch 22, 2020

When you're in Tella, Spain you can enjoy the Hermitages de Tella (3 Chapels) walk which takes you to each of these beautiful Romanesque Sobrarbe gems: the chapels of Fajanillas, Saints John and Paul and La Virgen de la Peña. Our hike started outside our lodgings at Casa Ruben, and for a little ways went along the northern route of the Camino de Santiago. This is easy enough for older children, but a satisfying and scenic hike for everyone - with a lot of history thrown in!

Hike the Route of the Hermitages de Tella in Spain

LJMarch 2, 2020

First Landing State Park's Cape Henry Trail winds through many diverse habitats, including the rarely-found maritime forest. The trail runs for 6.1 miles (one way) through heavily wooded forests, paved urban segments and peaceful, quiet beaches - and is a great dayhike for adults and families year-round. You can easily add on an afternoon at the beach, too!

First Landing State Park – Hike the Cape Henry Trail

LJJanuary 13, 2020

Bryce Canyon National Park is just a short, hour-and-a-half drive northeast of Zion National Park, so it was good stopping place on our springtime tour of southern Utah's parks. We only spent half a day in Bryce Canyon, but it was enough time for a 3-mile hike and stops at many of the most popular view points. Here's what we did, and some other trails and park attractions we'll see on our next visit - maybe you'll get some ideas for your visit, too. #Idratherwalk #UtahHikes #FamilyAdventures

Bryce Canyon National Park Hikes and Hoodoos

LJDecember 6, 2019

Pullen Park, the fifth-oldest operating amusement park in the U.S., is right here in Raleigh and open all year round. With a historic carousel, a miniature train and paddle boats - plus playgrounds and a cafe, there's something for everyone! Founded in 1887, Pullen Park is also the oldest public park in North Carolina.

Have a Day Out with the Kids at Pullen Park

LJNovember 2, 2019

Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia’s Blue Ridge mountains, has some of the best hiking in the entire mid-Atlantic region of the US! I had a great time exploring on my own, but the park hosts a variety of campgrounds, trails and attractions for everyone from expert hikers to families with small children. Read more to plan your family outdoor adventure!

Shenandoah National Park – Visit Guide and 5 Days of Hikes

LJSeptember 12, 2019

The North Carolina Museum of Art Park has been a tremendous gift to the Raleigh community. The park's trails for hiking, biking and jogging, big open lawns, ponds and pools, larger than life outdoor art, plus the amphitheater and outdoor movie screen, provide a beautiful open air gathering place for everyone. Learn about outdoor activities the NCMA Park can offer for your family!

Hike, Bike or Just Relax at the North Carolina Museum of Art Park

LJAugust 21, 2019

Divine Llama Vineyards is famous for its wine and for the Llama Treks they host together with their neighbor, the Four Ladies & Me Farm. It's a great outdoor activity for kids and adults, too! Llamas walk with you on 2.5 miles of winding creekside hiking trails at their farm. You can bring a picnic and even have a wine tasting when you're done! Even if you don't take a trek, guests re encouraged to walk the farm and meet the animals.

Go Llama Trekking at Divine Llama Vineyards

LJJuly 3, 2019

Pilot Mountain State Park is a recreational oasis for the whole family, with miles of trails, camping, climbing, canoeing, Ranger programs and spectacular scenery! I've been visiting this park for many years, first with my young daughter, and later with hiking friends or on my own. The trails and local attractions are fantastic, and the view from the mountain suummit never loses it's charm. Read here for trail recommendations, lodging and active family vacation ideas!

Pilot Mountain State Park – Hike, Climb, Paddle and Camp

LJJune 15, 2019

The Flume Gorge natural area in New Hampshire's Franconia Notch State Park is spectacular and pictures just don’t do it justice! I went on my own, but walking the self-guided 2-mile Flume Trail through the Flume Gorge is a great way to spend some time outdoors with the whole family.

Explore the Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park

LJMay 28, 2019

The Lake Pine Trail is a 2 mile paved loop that circles 50-acre Lake Pine in Apex Community Park, located near the dividing line between the towns of Cary and Apex, North Carolina. Lake Pine is a great trail for running or walking, is smooth and wide enough to use your stroller or baby jogger, too - and is good for all skill levels. The trail runs between the lake and other natural areas, so even though you're in the middle of town, there's a good chance to see wildlife.

Run and Hike the Lake Pine Trail – Even if You Have Asthma!

LJApril 30, 2019

Hiking with kids and fun outdoor activity ideas for the whole family are a big focus of my blog. This week's article is a guest post from Hannah Murley, who is a blogger over at OwntheYard.com, a blog that focuses on backyard games and gear. She gives us the details about how to play these 13 outdoor games for kids on the trail or in the park. #Idratherwalk #Hike #KidsOutside

Fun Outdoor Activity Ideas – 13 Trail Games to Play With Your Kids

LJApril 12, 2019

Sometimes it's hard to tell if March Madness is about pine pollen or basketball! If you have allergic asthma symptoms throughout the year (like I do), or even seasonal allergies and asthma, you can't do much about what's floating around in the air outside. What you can do is take steps to control allergens inside your home, so you can breathe and rest easier year round. Here are some tips to help you keep your indoor air allergen-free!

10 Tips to Control Indoor Allergens – and Stop the Madness!

LJMarch 19, 2019

Though Palo Duro Canyon is less than half the size of the Grand Canyon, it still offers great opportunities for the whole family for hiking, biking, horse-riding, and camping. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the second largest canyon in the country, lies in the heart of the Texas Panhandle.

Hikes and History at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas

LJMarch 5, 2019

Lake Crabtree County Park is the best in-town alternative to a trip to the beach for a quick fix of sand and time on the water. In my opinion, any park where you can take your kids to paddle or even just watch the sun on the water is a big bonus - especially when you don't have to drive more than 15-20 minutes to get there. Located in a forested area near Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Lake Crabtree County Park offers visitors a 520-acre flood-control lake adjacent to a 215-acre wooded site, with 16-plus miles of hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, boating and catch-and-release fishing.

Explore Lake Crabtree County Park – Sail, Fish, Bike, or Hike

LJFebruary 8, 2019

One very simple thing you can do for your child’s health is to make sure they spend plenty of time playing outside. The JC Raulston Arboretum is full of inexpensive fun outdoor activities for toddlers. Older kids will like it, too.

Get Outdoors with Your Toddler at JC Raulston Arboretum

LJJanuary 27, 2019

If you're ever going to take that big hiking trip you've been dreaming about, you'll need to stash more money - or at least some money! - in your vacation saving account. Whether you're looking at a 1-2 week getaway or several months on the trail, these saving strategies add up. #vacationsaving #frugalliving #saveforatrip #idrtherwalk.com

Grow Your Vacation Saving Account – 4 Simple Steps

LJDecember 31, 2018

The M&M Alpaca Farm is a great place for family photos, or a kids outdoor activity. They can feed some alpacas and have a picnic, or take a fiber class in the studio. It's even a good place to get started on shopping for your Christmas list. I had a great visit - here's how you can get your own tour!

Outdoor Activities for Kids at M&M Alpaca Farm!

LJDecember 17, 2018

The Prairie Ridge Ecostation is a great place for family outdoor activities, learning, and short hiking trails for kids and adults year-round. Admission is free. It's a great place for an outing in Nature with your kids, whether or not there is a special event or program going on.

Prairie Ridge EcoStation – Easy Family Hikes, Fossils and Fun!

LJNovember 8, 2018

There's a thing now called "Green Exercise". I've been quietly exercising outdoors for years, and meanwhile Green Exercise has become a big thing. Experts have done studies comparing identical activities done indoors and outdoors. The research results are very interesting - and actually validate what I've experienced in my own health journey.

Green Exercise – Workout in Nature to Look and Feel Better

LJOctober 11, 2018

Kid friendly and dog friendly, you can see why Bond Park is a favorite place to go for Cary locals, and not-so-locals. Bond Park provides a natural setting that's not as untouched as the nearby Umstead Park, but the park design still highlights natural beauty over man-made additions.

Walk or Run on Stroller-Friendly Routes in Bond Park

LJSeptember 25, 2018

Trail Signs and Tokens – Practical and Sentimental Journeys

LJJuly 25, 2018

Arches National Park is a great place to take the whole family for an adventure they'll never forget!

Tips for Your Visit to Arches National Park

LJMay 12, 2018

How to Plan Your Multi-Day Hiking Trip

LJMarch 22, 2018

Wild Things – A Short Hike at the Carolina Tiger Rescue

LJMarch 16, 2018

Lodging Options for Unhappy Campers

LJFebruary 23, 2018

Starting Small – How to Hike with Kids in Tow

LJFebruary 16, 2018

Trail Etiquette – Do’s, Dont’s and My List of Peeves

LJFebruary 10, 2018

Everyone should do some research before trying a new physical activity - and prepping for a hike is no different. For asthmatics, failing to prepare properly for a hike can have results ranging from mildly unpleasant to catastrophic.

Hiking With Asthma! A 3-Step Plan for Success

LJJanuary 24, 2018

Umstead State Park has been my go-to hiking place for at least the past ten years. Company Mill trail, Loblolly Trail and Sycamore Trail are the longest natural trails in the area. I hike in the forest, or with the forest as a starting place, at least twice per week. Located in Wake County, NC between Raleigh, Cary and Durham, this 5,579 acre park is at most a 15 minute drive (or a 5 mile walk) from my house.

Top 3 Reasons William B. Umstead State Park is my Favorite Forest

LJJanuary 16, 2018

Hiking with other people doesn't require the same level of interaction or cooperation as other group exercise. On most hikes, people string out along the trail according to their pace and only re-group at break points. This makes group hiking uniquely appealing to people who only want minimal interaction with other people.

Why Hiking is the Best Exercise for Non-Conformists and Introverts

LJJanuary 9, 2018

Hiking is the perfect exercise for ultra-busy people. Unlike the local softball league, you don't need to hang around waiting for the rest of the team to show up to get started - you just go when and where you want at your own pace for whatever time you have available. Here are some ideas about how to squeeze in some hiking time!

Simple Ways to Start Hiking – With Kids or On Your Own

LJJanuary 4, 2018

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Explore Lake Crabtree County Park – Sail, Fish, Bike, or Hike

Most recently updated September 21st, 2022

Lake Crabtree County Park is arguably the best in-town alternative to a trip to the beach for a quick fix of sand and time on the water.

View of the Observation Tower from the marina

In my opinion, any park where you can take your kids to paddle or even just watch the sun on the water is a big bonus – especially when you don’t have to drive more than 15-20 minutes to get there.

While Bond Lake and Symphony Lake are also centrally located, they don’t have nearly the size or water access afforded by Lake Crabtree.

Ice-sailing on White Bear Lake in Minnesota

I grew up on a large natural lake in Minnesota, with sailboats in the summer and snowmobiles, skis and ice-fishing in the winter.

So lakes make me feel good – and I logged a lot of hours on the Open Play field on the shore of Lake Crabtree when my daughter was little.

These days I spend more time hiking the 6 mile Lake Trail loop than flying kites. But you could do both!

Located in a forested area between Cary, Morrisville, and Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Lake Crabtree County Park offers visitors a 520-acre flood-control lake adjacent to a 215-acre wooded site, with 16-plus miles of trails, picnic areas that are perfect for outdoor games, boating, geocaching and catch-and-release fishing.

Continue reading Explore Lake Crabtree County Park – Sail, Fish, Bike, or Hike

Get Outdoors with Your Toddler at JC Raulston Arboretum

Most recently updated September 22nd, 2022

Years ago, when my daughter was about 3 years old and I was looking for outdoor activities for smaller kids, a friend introduced me to the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh.

For my daughter – and for me, too – it was a magical place.

This was partly because we were living in a rented townhome with not even a minimal yard, and partly because the arboretum really is magical! 🙂

But seriously, it does seem to be getting more difficult to find simple inexpensive fun outdoor activities for toddlers, especially if you don’t have a home with your own yard.

This is a real shame, because toddlers love getting outdoors to run around in the sunshine, play with bugs, and eat dirt.

Part of a border garden at the JC Raulston Arboretum

Fortunately for me, the JC Raulston Arboretum was only a short drive away, and was a great place to get outdoors and explore without any admission or parking fees – or even funnel cakes or anything-on-a-stick that I had to say “no” to.

Fortunately for everyone, although it has grown a lot in the past 20 years, the JC Raulston Arboretum is still a magical and inexpensive place to take young children to play outdoors.

They can feel the sunshine, eat dirt, and maybe learn a few things about trees and plants, too.

Continue reading Get Outdoors with Your Toddler at JC Raulston Arboretum

Outdoor Activities for Kids at M&M Alpaca Farm!

Most recently updated January 16th, 2022

A few months ago, I decided to do a tour of local farms and animal rescues that would be fun outdoor activities for kids.

I planned to visit and preview the places, then post outdoor activity ideas for families to use during their kids’ school breaks.

So, I tapped into the Facebook hive-mind for some local outdoor activity ideas.

My friends came back with all sorts of great recommendations – most having something to do with goats, llamas, and alpacas – but also a lot of breweries, wineries and meaderies. Hmmm. Anyway…

So, I trimmed out all of the adult beverages (that will be a different set of posts!) and made a list of places to go see.

For my first visit, I narrowed it down to alpaca farms near me, specifically looking for an alpaca farm tour.

And that’s how I found M&M Alpaca Farm. Although M&M offers free self-guided tours of the farm, I opted for a scheduled guided tour for just a few dollars. I’m very glad I did!

Continue reading Outdoor Activities for Kids at M&M Alpaca Farm!

Prairie Ridge EcoStation – Easy Family Hikes, Fossils and Fun!

Most recently updated January 16th, 2022

A couple of weeks ago, when I was searching for outdoor activities for kids, I saw an event posting for a Fossil Dig at the Prairie Ridge Ecostation.

My initial thought was, “Fossils? Digging? I must go!” 🙂

But first I had to find out more about the Prairie Ridge park.

Bees take advantage of the flowering plants in the Prairie habitat

I learned that the Prairie Ridge Ecostation is the west Raleigh branch of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. The main branch of the Museum was created in 1879, when the State’s agricultural and geological collections were merged.

It’s the largest institution of its kind in the South East and the most visited museum in North Carolina.

The main branch is located in downtown Raleigh and there is a third branch in Whiteville (Columbus County, NC).

The Prairie Ridge Ecostation , located off of Reedy Creek Road in Raleigh, offers outdoor experiences and learning for kids and adults year-round, and charges no admission. Continue reading Prairie Ridge EcoStation – Easy Family Hikes, Fossils and Fun!