Looking for a way to get your kids out in nature? Just throw in some rocks. Trust me on this one.
As a family, we try to make it a priority to get out into nature. The kids and I regularly go on hikes, visit local and state parks, and spend as much time as we can outside. It is essential to my mental health, and I know to theirs as well, to spend this time out in the fresh air. Sometimes any old trail can get boring for little ones (and some more than others, as we experience with our four kids), and I’ve experienced firsthand how quickly they can lose interest and focus. If you can find the time, sometimes you gotta go big.
Our family decided to take a trip to Joshua Tree National Park while visiting Southern California over Christmas break. I have been to numerous National Parks throughout my lifetime, but never Joshua Tree, and the kids and Justin had also never visited. We had no expectations going into our trip, but we were all excited to get outside, enjoy the adventure, and open our eyes again to the beauty of our natural world. We had done some research regarding “family friendly” ways to enjoy the park, but were unsure how each of our four kids would do. It’s always a crapshoot and we all know that with trips like this – you win some and you lose some.
We stopped at the Visitor Center upon arrival, and decided to head to Hidden Valley – the first major stop in Joshua Tree National Park and the entrance to a hike recommended for our crew. As our hike began, both Justin and I were waiting for the inevitable gripe from at least one of our crew. We trudged along the dirt trail, but before any discontent could ensue, we were greeted by a remarkable rock formation to the left of the trail – a gorgeous gift of beauty and opportunity in that moment in time. It was a “playground” of sorts, beckoning to our kids.
Immediately, the kids were off and running from the trail, scrambling up the rocks, finding their way into crevices, caves, and canals, and seriously giddy. As we hiked that day, completing miles of trail, it was as if they barely noticed we were hiking. We were in awe of their physical abilities to climb and maneuver the terrain, challenging their bodies without even realizing it, and having fun. 
I know firsthand that exploring the outdoors with kids can be difficult, and even brutal at times. The struggle is real out there. That said, I’ve found that certain terrain offers kids more joy than others. If you are at all looking to get your kids out in nature, but unsure of how they’ll take to the monotony of trailblazing, just throw in some rocks, and voila! #HikingNotHiking
Our days spent in Joshua Tree renewed our souls in ways even more fully that we had anticipated. Fresh air. Belly laughing as we told jokes along the trails. New natural wonders before our very eyes. Making fun of Mom and her giddiness for the outdoors. “Butt slides” down the rocks. Seriously breathtaking views. Climbing, climbing, and more climbing. Then trying to figure out how to get down. Being together somewhere new. Adventures. And very, very large rocks.
