Take a Walk on the Wild Side

Walking is always fun and good exercise. But with a boy or girl by your side it can be so much more. It’s a chance to talk at an unhurried pace, and you might be surprised how many fun childhood memories come back to you when you walk in the woods. Share your thoughts, enjoy nature, and listen to what your Little Brother or Little Sister is saying.

Here are some suggestions to make your hike even more fun:

• Wear comfortable, supportive shoes. It might seem obvious, but the same shoes that are comfortable for walking to the bus or the store may not be comfortable walking a hiking trail for an hour.
• Bring some water. Most experts recommend drinking water every 15-20 minutes during strenuous activity. Bring a water bottle (maybe one that clips to your belt), and bring one for your Little, too.
• Stay on well marked trails. Walking off the trails can hurt the surrounding wildlife, and you want it to be around for future generations of people and animals to enjoy! 
• City walking is fun, too. It doesn’t matter if you don’t live near the woods. Cities are great for hiking, and there’s so much to see — you just have to be a little more careful crossing the street.

Looking for a place to hike? Your local parks and recreation department could be a good place to start. They’ll know where all the city, county, and state parks are near you. You may find there’s one you’ve never visited!

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