I've found that there are few things as nourishing for my soul as a long walk with my kids.
A hike through nature is even better.
Here's the thing though, I have 6 kids. Five of my kids are under seven years old and three are under four. So, taking them all on hikes is not always an option. Hiking trails aren't always stroller friendly. :)
But Towsley Canyon, located just off the Calgrove Exit on I-5 is a close as you can get to the perfect family hiking spot. Since the kids were out of school, I took three of them on a 2 hour journey that made their day and mine as well.
Is it really ok for smaller children?
In a word, yes. My hiking buddies today were 7, 6 and 4 and we hiked up and back for almost two hours. Sure there were a few spills and a bit of whining from the four year old, but not enough of either to say it was unpleasant. They were giddy for most of the journey.
Bonus: I think my seven year old finally learned the meaning of "time sure flies when you're having fun." He couldn't believe we had been there for two hours. As a parent, there's just not a whole lot better.
If you take the valley loop and stay to the left, just past the fork that would take you into a steep climb, there is a hill that my kids love to climb. It's soft dirt and vines. My big thrill is watching them struggle to make it to the top, but they might say the slide down is where the real joy lies.
It's just challenging enough to make it interesting and NOT too challenging for the little ones.
Ed Davis Park in Towsley Canyon
24255 The Old Road, Newhall, CA 91321
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