Hiking with Babies

Before Tim and I had kids we did a lot of outdoor activities. We went hiking, snowshoeing, skiing/snowboarding, road trips, kayaking, rafting, camping, etc etc.... If you have/had children you would know the freedoms.

Now how do you include a toddler and a baby into these activities?

1. Decide on what type active you what to do and hope that is not uncomfortable for the children.
2. Do the activity often so that the little ones get use to it and know what to expect.
3. Obtain the proper equipment for the outing. Either buy new, 2nd hand or if you can borrow and have some transportation. IE: Stroller, backpack carrier, sled, or bike trailer
4. Have the appropriate baby stuff for the outdoors. IE: Coats, hats, extra clothing, water/sippy cups, formula, sunblock, bug replant etc... Use your best judgement when you are planning.
5. Then once you have all the necessities go and have fun. Even if it is a little trip.

Last month I really wanted to go for a hike, well it is hard to go for a actual hike when we only have one backpack to care one child in. We decide to take Charly's wagon with us too. We went to Grand Teton National Park and went to Jenny Lake area.

Jenny Lake is a must see area if you are going to the Tetons. You can go down to the boat dock and take the fairy across the lake to hike Cascade Canyon and see Hidden Falls. Take the boat back or just hike around the lovely lake back to the parking lot. String Lake is a place I love to go kayaking and hiking. My favorite areas to be while in the Tetons.

When we arrived it was after lunch time so we had some snacks and decide to have lunch later. With Reed in the backpack and Charly in the wagon we set off for the lake. Such a beautiful day it was after a week of rain. Jenny lake area has a paved trail that goes to the boat dock and around a bit. So taking the trail to the right of the boat dock and we kept going right for about 5 minutes.

There was a sign that said to the Jenny Lake campground. "Lets go this way," I said. Pretty soon the trial split again and we went to the right and eventually it turned into a road. A road less traveled. I didn't know there was an old road be hide the campground. It was great to take the wagon on a paved road that was very wide. Charly wanted to get out and walk for a bit. When walking with a toddler we have to stop and look at everything of course

We saw two group of bikers on the road and at the end of the road was a little area to rest. The view is of Cascade Canyon and the old road meets up with the highway so people can look at the Canyon. We stopped and had a break, I feed the baby while Tim and Charly went down by the water. Charly is not a big fan of water that makes loud noises. I took some pictures and we headed back to the car. Reed had his turn in the wagon this time while Charly was in the backpack. Loads lighter than Reed.

Here are some picture of the day.

Charly and Tim with Cascade Canyon in the back.

Our Little Hiker

Reed on the way back.

mm mm yummy

You don't have to have a long day of hiking to enjoy it with kids, I think this "hike" was about an hour. It was a fun day!