Sorry — meant to say patuxent research refuge. They also have a nice visitor center.

The patient research refuge which is near geeenbelt is also a very nice hike around a lake and there are often good bird sightings.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get your kid a Fitbit or some kind of tracker to count their daily steps to work up their stamina to over 1 mile. 1 mile is not much at all and they can probably do more as long as they aren't too hot, thirsty or hungry.

As a counterpoint, even if a kid is capable of walking more than a mile, it may not be desirable to venture much further out on a trail when it’s hot and/or unshaded and kids’ moods are unpredictable when traveling. I favor hikes when I know, worst case, I can grab them and haul ‘em back without exhausting myself. Especially when I am far from home. So 1 m makes sense as a practical option in general for small kids who don’t hike a ton.

You can turn back at any point. You don't have to do the complete out and back trail. But 1/2 mile out and back will barely get you of the parking lot of some hikes. Just walk as far as everyone is able and turn back when necessary. You don't need to find a trail that is specifically 1 mile.

Well yes of course ….

I think OP can figure out when she needs to turn back, it's not like she would got 5 miles out and forget they have to go back, this isn't that hard to figure out. But 1 mile is nothing. Thousands of kids that age are probably logging 10 miles a day at Disney. There's no reason a healthy kindergartener is being sold so short here.

Then start a different thread about how far kindergartners can walk. this one is about short hikes.

So go ahead and suggest one. I don't see any suggestions from anyone. Because such a hike really doesn't exist.

I suggested lots at Acadia.

And I’m suggesting how to get the most out of these places and hikes. I have a 7yr who hikes often.

I love examples of people who are in the "well my kid can do it" camp. You don't know OP or her kid, so just chill with the death march you want her to take.

Get a grip. You're bizarrely aggressive about something that isn't even for you. Lots of kids can walk a little ways. I hike a lot, with my family, and see lots of families. It's a pretty normal family activity. If OP is going to go to some of these national parks and such it would be a shame to miss out by underestimating her daughter. Especially if it turns out that by the time she actually goes the kid will do just fine because so many do. By going on some practice hikes and walks her daughter can build stamina. If you don't like my advice, move along.

I agree with some of your general points, but you are also being weirdly aggressive here. DP.

I don't think so. Comparing taking practice hikes to a "death march" is ridiculous. I would also say taking swimming lessons might be a good idea before a beach vacation, you know, to increase stamina and get used to it so it's more fun for everyone.

I agree with the original advice, just not the delivery.

Do you want local hikes? Where are you located? I’ve done a bunch with Girl Scouts.

Great falls national park has some easy hikes and the falls are impressive.
In MoCo, the Billy goat c trail is easy and then you can double back on the canal tow path when you get tired.
There are also nice hikes at Wheaton park or Seneca cream lake park around the lakes and there are playgrounds also.

I recommend bringing snacks for a break. A scavenger hunt can also be fun (keep it simple — a red leaf, a yellow flower, a squirrel, a bird, a tree with flakey bark, a tree shorter than you, a pollinator).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get your kid a Fitbit or some kind of tracker to count their daily steps to work up their stamina to over 1 mile. 1 mile is not much at all and they can probably do more as long as they aren't too hot, thirsty or hungry.

As a counterpoint, even if a kid is capable of walking more than a mile, it may not be desirable to venture much further out on a trail when it’s hot and/or unshaded and kids’ moods are unpredictable when traveling. I favor hikes when I know, worst case, I can grab them and haul ‘em back without exhausting myself. Especially when I am far from home. So 1 m makes sense as a practical option in general for small kids who don’t hike a ton.

You can turn back at any point. You don't have to do the complete out and back trail. But 1/2 mile out and back will barely get you of the parking lot of some hikes. Just walk as far as everyone is able and turn back when necessary. You don't need to find a trail that is specifically 1 mile.

Well yes of course ….

I think OP can figure out when she needs to turn back, it's not like she would got 5 miles out and forget they have to go back, this isn't that hard to figure out. But 1 mile is nothing. Thousands of kids that age are probably logging 10 miles a day at Disney. There's no reason a healthy kindergartener is being sold so short here.

Then start a different thread about how far kindergartners can walk. this one is about short hikes.

So go ahead and suggest one. I don't see any suggestions from anyone. Because such a hike really doesn't exist.

I suggested lots at Acadia.

And I’m suggesting how to get the most out of these places and hikes. I have a 7yr who hikes often.

I love examples of people who are in the "well my kid can do it" camp. You don't know OP or her kid, so just chill with the death march you want her to take.

Get a grip. You're bizarrely aggressive about something that isn't even for you. Lots of kids can walk a little ways. I hike a lot, with my family, and see lots of families. It's a pretty normal family activity. If OP is going to go to some of these national parks and such it would be a shame to miss out by underestimating her daughter. Especially if it turns out that by the time she actually goes the kid will do just fine because so many do. By going on some practice hikes and walks her daughter can build stamina. If you don't like my advice, move along.

It’s pretty rotten to guilt trip a parent who is taking their kid out for a nice hike in fresh air, getting exposure to nature and seeing sites. That is a great thing to do and to imply that she is selling her kid short is not ok. Any time in nature is wonderful and it doesn’t need to be about pushing your kid or increasing “stamina” of a FIVE YEAR OLD

Guilt trip? You're too much. Sorry you're triggered by this. Maybe go for a hike?

Yes absolutely - telling someone they are selling their kid short by not doing XYZ is guilting/shaming. There are better ways to make a suggestion

Agree to disagree. By working up to the longer hikes by practicing it will be a more fun vacation for all. I'm confident with more regular hikes OPs daughter will be able to walk more than 1 mile on their next hike. I can't for the life of my understand why you're so angry about that. Have a nice day!

Maybe they don’t want to be the next BuddyBackpacker but just do a simple hike. Maybe OP knows her child better than you do. Maybe hiking long distance is t fun for her.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get your kid a Fitbit or some kind of tracker to count their daily steps to work up their stamina to over 1 mile. 1 mile is not much at all and they can probably do more as long as they aren't too hot, thirsty or hungry.

As a counterpoint, even if a kid is capable of walking more than a mile, it may not be desirable to venture much further out on a trail when it’s hot and/or unshaded and kids’ moods are unpredictable when traveling. I favor hikes when I know, worst case, I can grab them and haul ‘em back without exhausting myself. Especially when I am far from home. So 1 m makes sense as a practical option in general for small kids who don’t hike a ton.

You can turn back at any point. You don't have to do the complete out and back trail. But 1/2 mile out and back will barely get you of the parking lot of some hikes. Just walk as far as everyone is able and turn back when necessary. You don't need to find a trail that is specifically 1 mile.

Well yes of course ….

I think OP can figure out when she needs to turn back, it's not like she would got 5 miles out and forget they have to go back, this isn't that hard to figure out. But 1 mile is nothing. Thousands of kids that age are probably logging 10 miles a day at Disney. There's no reason a healthy kindergartener is being sold so short here.

Then start a different thread about how far kindergartners can walk. this one is about short hikes.

So go ahead and suggest one. I don't see any suggestions from anyone. Because such a hike really doesn't exist.

I suggested lots at Acadia.

And I’m suggesting how to get the most out of these places and hikes. I have a 7yr who hikes often.

I love examples of people who are in the "well my kid can do it" camp. You don't know OP or her kid, so just chill with the death march you want her to take.

Get a grip. You're bizarrely aggressive about something that isn't even for you. Lots of kids can walk a little ways. I hike a lot, with my family, and see lots of families. It's a pretty normal family activity. If OP is going to go to some of these national parks and such it would be a shame to miss out by underestimating her daughter. Especially if it turns out that by the time she actually goes the kid will do just fine because so many do. By going on some practice hikes and walks her daughter can build stamina. If you don't like my advice, move along.

It’s pretty rotten to guilt trip a parent who is taking their kid out for a nice hike in fresh air, getting exposure to nature and seeing sites. That is a great thing to do and to imply that she is selling her kid short is not ok. Any time in nature is wonderful and it doesn’t need to be about pushing your kid or increasing “stamina” of a FIVE YEAR OLD

Guilt trip? You're too much. Sorry you're triggered by this. Maybe go for a hike?

Yes absolutely - telling someone they are selling their kid short by not doing XYZ is guilting/shaming. There are better ways to make a suggestion

Agree to disagree. By working up to the longer hikes by practicing it will be a more fun vacation for all. I'm confident with more regular hikes OPs daughter will be able to walk more than 1 mile on their next hike. I can't for the life of my understand why you're so angry about that. Have a nice day!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get your kid a Fitbit or some kind of tracker to count their daily steps to work up their stamina to over 1 mile. 1 mile is not much at all and they can probably do more as long as they aren't too hot, thirsty or hungry.

As a counterpoint, even if a kid is capable of walking more than a mile, it may not be desirable to venture much further out on a trail when it’s hot and/or unshaded and kids’ moods are unpredictable when traveling. I favor hikes when I know, worst case, I can grab them and haul ‘em back without exhausting myself. Especially when I am far from home. So 1 m makes sense as a practical option in general for small kids who don’t hike a ton.

You can turn back at any point. You don't have to do the complete out and back trail. But 1/2 mile out and back will barely get you of the parking lot of some hikes. Just walk as far as everyone is able and turn back when necessary. You don't need to find a trail that is specifically 1 mile.

Well yes of course ….

I think OP can figure out when she needs to turn back, it's not like she would got 5 miles out and forget they have to go back, this isn't that hard to figure out. But 1 mile is nothing. Thousands of kids that age are probably logging 10 miles a day at Disney. There's no reason a healthy kindergartener is being sold so short here.

Then start a different thread about how far kindergartners can walk. this one is about short hikes.

So go ahead and suggest one. I don't see any suggestions from anyone. Because such a hike really doesn't exist.

I suggested lots at Acadia.

And I’m suggesting how to get the most out of these places and hikes. I have a 7yr who hikes often.

I love examples of people who are in the "well my kid can do it" camp. You don't know OP or her kid, so just chill with the death march you want her to take.

Get a grip. You're bizarrely aggressive about something that isn't even for you. Lots of kids can walk a little ways. I hike a lot, with my family, and see lots of families. It's a pretty normal family activity. If OP is going to go to some of these national parks and such it would be a shame to miss out by underestimating her daughter. Especially if it turns out that by the time she actually goes the kid will do just fine because so many do. By going on some practice hikes and walks her daughter can build stamina. If you don't like my advice, move along.

It’s pretty rotten to guilt trip a parent who is taking their kid out for a nice hike in fresh air, getting exposure to nature and seeing sites. That is a great thing to do and to imply that she is selling her kid short is not ok. Any time in nature is wonderful and it doesn’t need to be about pushing your kid or increasing “stamina” of a FIVE YEAR OLD

Guilt trip? You're too much. Sorry you're triggered by this. Maybe go for a hike?

Yes absolutely - telling someone they are selling their kid short by not doing XYZ is guilting/shaming. There are better ways to make a suggestion

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get your kid a Fitbit or some kind of tracker to count their daily steps to work up their stamina to over 1 mile. 1 mile is not much at all and they can probably do more as long as they aren't too hot, thirsty or hungry.

As a counterpoint, even if a kid is capable of walking more than a mile, it may not be desirable to venture much further out on a trail when it’s hot and/or unshaded and kids’ moods are unpredictable when traveling. I favor hikes when I know, worst case, I can grab them and haul ‘em back without exhausting myself. Especially when I am far from home. So 1 m makes sense as a practical option in general for small kids who don’t hike a ton.

You can turn back at any point. You don't have to do the complete out and back trail. But 1/2 mile out and back will barely get you of the parking lot of some hikes. Just walk as far as everyone is able and turn back when necessary. You don't need to find a trail that is specifically 1 mile.

Well yes of course ….

I think OP can figure out when she needs to turn back, it's not like she would got 5 miles out and forget they have to go back, this isn't that hard to figure out. But 1 mile is nothing. Thousands of kids that age are probably logging 10 miles a day at Disney. There's no reason a healthy kindergartener is being sold so short here.

Then start a different thread about how far kindergartners can walk. this one is about short hikes.

So go ahead and suggest one. I don't see any suggestions from anyone. Because such a hike really doesn't exist.

I suggested lots at Acadia.

And I’m suggesting how to get the most out of these places and hikes. I have a 7yr who hikes often.

I love examples of people who are in the "well my kid can do it" camp. You don't know OP or her kid, so just chill with the death march you want her to take.

Get a grip. You're bizarrely aggressive about something that isn't even for you. Lots of kids can walk a little ways. I hike a lot, with my family, and see lots of families. It's a pretty normal family activity. If OP is going to go to some of these national parks and such it would be a shame to miss out by underestimating her daughter. Especially if it turns out that by the time she actually goes the kid will do just fine because so many do. By going on some practice hikes and walks her daughter can build stamina. If you don't like my advice, move along.

I agree with some of your general points, but you are also being weirdly aggressive here. DP.

I don't think so. Comparing taking practice hikes to a "death march" is ridiculous. I would also say taking swimming lessons might be a good idea before a beach vacation, you know, to increase stamina and get used to it so it's more fun for everyone.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get your kid a Fitbit or some kind of tracker to count their daily steps to work up their stamina to over 1 mile. 1 mile is not much at all and they can probably do more as long as they aren't too hot, thirsty or hungry.

As a counterpoint, even if a kid is capable of walking more than a mile, it may not be desirable to venture much further out on a trail when it’s hot and/or unshaded and kids’ moods are unpredictable when traveling. I favor hikes when I know, worst case, I can grab them and haul ‘em back without exhausting myself. Especially when I am far from home. So 1 m makes sense as a practical option in general for small kids who don’t hike a ton.

You can turn back at any point. You don't have to do the complete out and back trail. But 1/2 mile out and back will barely get you of the parking lot of some hikes. Just walk as far as everyone is able and turn back when necessary. You don't need to find a trail that is specifically 1 mile.

Well yes of course ….

I think OP can figure out when she needs to turn back, it's not like she would got 5 miles out and forget they have to go back, this isn't that hard to figure out. But 1 mile is nothing. Thousands of kids that age are probably logging 10 miles a day at Disney. There's no reason a healthy kindergartener is being sold so short here.

Then start a different thread about how far kindergartners can walk. this one is about short hikes.

So go ahead and suggest one. I don't see any suggestions from anyone. Because such a hike really doesn't exist.

I suggested lots at Acadia.

And I’m suggesting how to get the most out of these places and hikes. I have a 7yr who hikes often.

I love examples of people who are in the "well my kid can do it" camp. You don't know OP or her kid, so just chill with the death march you want her to take.

Get a grip. You're bizarrely aggressive about something that isn't even for you. Lots of kids can walk a little ways. I hike a lot, with my family, and see lots of families. It's a pretty normal family activity. If OP is going to go to some of these national parks and such it would be a shame to miss out by underestimating her daughter. Especially if it turns out that by the time she actually goes the kid will do just fine because so many do. By going on some practice hikes and walks her daughter can build stamina. If you don't like my advice, move along.

I agree with some of your general points, but you are also being weirdly aggressive here. DP.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get your kid a Fitbit or some kind of tracker to count their daily steps to work up their stamina to over 1 mile. 1 mile is not much at all and they can probably do more as long as they aren't too hot, thirsty or hungry.

As a counterpoint, even if a kid is capable of walking more than a mile, it may not be desirable to venture much further out on a trail when it’s hot and/or unshaded and kids’ moods are unpredictable when traveling. I favor hikes when I know, worst case, I can grab them and haul ‘em back without exhausting myself. Especially when I am far from home. So 1 m makes sense as a practical option in general for small kids who don’t hike a ton.

You can turn back at any point. You don't have to do the complete out and back trail. But 1/2 mile out and back will barely get you of the parking lot of some hikes. Just walk as far as everyone is able and turn back when necessary. You don't need to find a trail that is specifically 1 mile.

Well yes of course ….

I think OP can figure out when she needs to turn back, it's not like she would got 5 miles out and forget they have to go back, this isn't that hard to figure out. But 1 mile is nothing. Thousands of kids that age are probably logging 10 miles a day at Disney. There's no reason a healthy kindergartener is being sold so short here.

Then start a different thread about how far kindergartners can walk. this one is about short hikes.

So go ahead and suggest one. I don't see any suggestions from anyone. Because such a hike really doesn't exist.

I suggested lots at Acadia.

And I’m suggesting how to get the most out of these places and hikes. I have a 7yr who hikes often.

I love examples of people who are in the "well my kid can do it" camp. You don't know OP or her kid, so just chill with the death march you want her to take.

Get a grip. You're bizarrely aggressive about something that isn't even for you. Lots of kids can walk a little ways. I hike a lot, with my family, and see lots of families. It's a pretty normal family activity. If OP is going to go to some of these national parks and such it would be a shame to miss out by underestimating her daughter. Especially if it turns out that by the time she actually goes the kid will do just fine because so many do. By going on some practice hikes and walks her daughter can build stamina. If you don't like my advice, move along.

It’s pretty rotten to guilt trip a parent who is taking their kid out for a nice hike in fresh air, getting exposure to nature and seeing sites. That is a great thing to do and to imply that she is selling her kid short is not ok. Any time in nature is wonderful and it doesn’t need to be about pushing your kid or increasing “stamina” of a FIVE YEAR OLD

Guilt trip? You're too much. Sorry you're triggered by this. Maybe go for a hike?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get your kid a Fitbit or some kind of tracker to count their daily steps to work up their stamina to over 1 mile. 1 mile is not much at all and they can probably do more as long as they aren't too hot, thirsty or hungry.

As a counterpoint, even if a kid is capable of walking more than a mile, it may not be desirable to venture much further out on a trail when it’s hot and/or unshaded and kids’ moods are unpredictable when traveling. I favor hikes when I know, worst case, I can grab them and haul ‘em back without exhausting myself. Especially when I am far from home. So 1 m makes sense as a practical option in general for small kids who don’t hike a ton.

You can turn back at any point. You don't have to do the complete out and back trail. But 1/2 mile out and back will barely get you of the parking lot of some hikes. Just walk as far as everyone is able and turn back when necessary. You don't need to find a trail that is specifically 1 mile.

Well yes of course ….

I think OP can figure out when she needs to turn back, it's not like she would got 5 miles out and forget they have to go back, this isn't that hard to figure out. But 1 mile is nothing. Thousands of kids that age are probably logging 10 miles a day at Disney. There's no reason a healthy kindergartener is being sold so short here.

Then start a different thread about how far kindergartners can walk. this one is about short hikes.

So go ahead and suggest one. I don't see any suggestions from anyone. Because such a hike really doesn't exist.

I suggested lots at Acadia.

And I’m suggesting how to get the most out of these places and hikes. I have a 7yr who hikes often.

I love examples of people who are in the "well my kid can do it" camp. You don't know OP or her kid, so just chill with the death march you want her to take.

Get a grip. You're bizarrely aggressive about something that isn't even for you. Lots of kids can walk a little ways. I hike a lot, with my family, and see lots of families. It's a pretty normal family activity. If OP is going to go to some of these national parks and such it would be a shame to miss out by underestimating her daughter. Especially if it turns out that by the time she actually goes the kid will do just fine because so many do. By going on some practice hikes and walks her daughter can build stamina. If you don't like my advice, move along.

It’s pretty rotten to guilt trip a parent who is taking their kid out for a nice hike in fresh air, getting exposure to nature and seeing sites. That is a great thing to do and to imply that she is selling her kid short is not ok. Any time in nature is wonderful and it doesn’t need to be about pushing your kid or increasing “stamina” of a FIVE YEAR OLD

We enjoyed Grand Teton NP with small kids. You don’t have to hike far to see amazing views because everything is gorgeous there. We did a pretty flat trail on the shore of Jackson Lake, it was accessible from Colter Bay Village. You can also take a boat across Jenny Lake to reach a fairly easy hike as I recall.

Close by: Harper's Ferry.

Where do you live?

Anonymous wrote:Lots of good recs on here already. I also recommend Acadia. HOT places are NOT good with little kids hiking; it will be miserable.

Wonderland and Ship Harbor trail are wonderful, Jordan Pond is great but it is over 3 miles and my kids did get tired probably 2/3rd through, so breaks and encouragement are definitely needed. It's an early morning hike with snacks, not afternoon!

We also like Jesup path---super easy but beautiful.

There's some others that we liked, but I can't remember the names! We try to avoid any with significant cliffs because the kids like to hike ahead and explore a bit and it's less stressful for us.

The promise of blueberry lemonade back at the end of the hike at Jordon Pond should be enough.