Hiking with children can be challenging, especially when they are young. My five-year-old daughter enjoys hiking, but tends to get bored easily and often wants to turn around and head home within about 30 minutes of beginning the hike. At least she is predictable! This is about the time I employ some creative activities to keep her interested.

Keeping kids motivated while on the trail:
1) take a break and talk about what they have seen
2) take a food and water break
3) have them whip out the magnifying glass they packed and direct them to something interesting to investigate
4) tell them it is their turn to be the leader - kids love looking for and following the blaze marks on trees that mark the trail
5) picture time! - take a group picture or pictures the kids find interesting (or better yet, have them bring a camera along)
6) scavenger hunt - before you leave provide a list (with simple sketches) on paper of items your child should look for as you hike. When boredom strikes, have him/her take the paper out and, with a pencil, check the items off the list as they are found.
7) Play "I Spy" colors or letters - as you walk along challenge them to spy something that begins with the letter _____. For example, if you see a huge rock, it would be something that begins with the letter "r." Do the same with colors, like "green" leaves.

Here are some additional great ideas I found in the book "Nature's Playgound" by Fiona Danks and Schofield.

1) Play sweetie fairy - This is great for little walkers. An adult sneaks ahead every so often and places sweets on the route, maybe on stump, rock or directly on the path. Toddlers and young children will find it exciting to search for and find the treats and will eagerly walk down path.
2) Collect interesting natural items like leaves, flowers, etc.
3) Play hide-and-seek along the trail
4) Hike with another family so the children get keep each other busy.

Keep in mind that hiking with children isn't about getting from beginning to end. If you are flexible and focus on enjoying the walk and the time spent on the trail, everyone will have fun whether or not you you make it from point A to B. Just remember to make it an adventure the whole family will remember.

As a side note: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is sponsoring something really cool that you and your family can be a part of this summer. As part of it's "Let's Go Outside" promotion, you can share your photos and become part of a huge mosaic with thousands of others. Go here to post your photo. I just checked it out and people are beginning to post photos. It is starting to look really neat!

* This is the second in a series of posts about hiking with children. See the first "Where to Go" here.

So, you decided on a place to take your children hiking. The next question inevitably is "what to pack?" It might seem like a daunting task, but the key is to keep it simple. There are basic necessities you will need to bring along no matter the place or the distance. If you keep a list, you will always remember the basics and can add to them depending on where you are going and how long you will be gone.

Here is a list of the basics:
1) Map, compass and or GPS (purists would ditch the GPS).
2) Food - you will need a few snacks along the way. Make sure they are healthy and have protein and carbs. The classic GORP (good old raisins and peanuts) is always a favorite with my family. You can use dried fruit, soybeans, chocolate chips, seeds, granola or whatever your imagination conjures up that day.
3) Drink - water is best!
4) Sunblock
5) Hat, visor or sunglasses
6) Some extra clothes such as a sweat shirt, etc. if you will be gone a while. It is also wise to dress in layers if it is cool.
7) Basic first aid items/kit
8) Most importantly wear the correct shoes! A pair with sturdy soles that cover the entire foot such as sneakers or trail shoes are best. If you will be climbing rugged surfaces, hiking boots are a necessity (and make sure they fit properly).

Encourage your kids to carry their own stuff in a backpack if they are old enough. This will allow them to have control over when they need something from it. There is nothing more annoying for a kid (and the parent) then to have to constantly ask mom and dad for something. Plus, you can encourage them to pack a few items of their own to make the hike more interesting such as a collection bag, camera or magnifying glass. However, it would be wise to limit these items so you don't end up carrying the bag if it gets to heavy for the child.

And there you have it! Now you have the quintessential list for summer hiking fun and just in time to take advantage National Park Service's next fee-free weekend!The next one is scheduled for August 15-16, 2009. The Park Service is offering access to over 100 national parks that normally charge a fee. What a wonderful way for your kids to learn and appreciate the natural landscape of out country. It's also a great way to have memorable family fun and save some money at the same time.

So now you know where you are going and you have your check list of what to pack. Now you just need some ideas on how to handle the inevitable " I'm bored, when will we be done, etc." comments. My next post will include some fun activities and tips on how you can keep kids motivated during the hike.

Welcome to issue #188 of the Carnival of the Green, a weekly blog phenomenon that originally conceived by Treehugger.com. It travels from blog to blog every Monday. For more information about the carnival and a guide about how to host and/or submit your blog please click here.

Here at KidsDiscoverNature.com we are honored to host Carnival of the Green. Thanks to everyone who sent their posts and tweets! Writing the post this week was enjoyable and interesting!

Before we begin, let’s hear a round of applause for last week’s host Plant A Tree USA and make sure you check back next week and say hi to Victoria Klein, host for the week of July 20, 2009.

First, in the spirit of summer, being green and getting kids outside, check out a few tidbits from Kids Discover Nature.

1) Interested in the nationwide effort to get kids outside? Read a story about the Children & Nature Network and all the great things they are doing. Planet Green also has an interesting story about nature deficit disorder.

2) We are having great hiking weather here in the Northeast. Here’s the first post in a series of tips for hiking with kids.

3) Looking for some outdoor activities you can do with kids. Making a worm farm, pressing flowers, making mud pies and watching inchworms are all great activities.

4) A must read is this article from Newsweek, “No summer camp…just hanging around outside!”

And now, here is what you’ve all been waiting for…

The Carnival of the Green!

Beth submitted Plastic: What is it Good For? and Plastics Debate Continues with Artist Chris Jordan Weighing In. She asks, “Have you ever wanted a chance to speak to someone from the plastics industry and let them know how you feel about plastic? Now's your chance. The debate has begun. Please leave your answers to 7 questions about plastic and then read eco-artist Chris Jordan's passionate plea to the plastics industry.

Find out about organic beauty options when it comes to perfumes and cosmetics at Bargaineering.

Divided We Stand United We Fall is monitoring the situation near San Francisco regarding the irrigation of a public golf course. If you have interest in the topic visit http://westanddivided.blogspot.com/ “It looks like the Obama stimulus package that does not stimulate found a local "shovel ready" project - irrigating a San Francisco public golf course with treated recycled water. There is just one little glitch - the city of San Francisco is hell bent on closing the course.

Check out Sustainable Halo presented by Jessica.. She submitted three posts: Liquid Fast, Locavores and Living Sustainably Can Reduce Obesity and Anxiety.

Inventor Peter Sing introduces the patented Sing honeycomb. The importance of Sing honeycomb is in its ability to help them to build stronger, lighter earthquake resistance homes. He says, “if we help the Chinese and Indians to use environmentally friendly products such as the Sing honeycomb, it will reduce energy waste and save more energy for other life-sustaining materials used in those densely populated countries. View the video and visit www.lightweightnews.com to see our newest developments with Sing honeycomb.

Guffly posted Top 5 Eco-friendly Things at Rothbury.

If you are interested in natural homemade beauty recipes you will want to see this at Free Organic News. They state “nature is the newest trend in skin and hair care. For years, we’ve been putting toxic chemicals into our bodies that build up and make us feel tired and sick, regardless of whether we eat them or if they seep though our pores. And people are finally catching on that natural is better.”

Take a gander at The Green Traveler from Edbiado@MSTlife.

Tyler at Frugally Green invites you to save $550 a year by hypermilling. If you want to green your life and save money doing it, start with the low-hanging fruit. A few simple changes to your driving habits can net you impressive fuel savings that you can apply to other areas of your life.

Consider rainwater harvesting and conserve water at home! Rebecca at Simple Green Girl says “hot dry summers really put a dent in my watering bill. Rainwater harvesting provides irrigation water on those not so rainy days.”.

Do you have trouble finding organic and local produce where you live? Sarah at Devastate Boredom has some great ideas. She can help you out with Your Toolbox for Obtaining Organic and Local Produce... AFFORDABLY!

Here is a review of Ecover products done by Marina at The Travel Expert(a).

Fine Craft Guild.com announces its newest product Handmade Business Cards in Pouch. It makes a great gift. Rose says “being green can mean being great. This great green craft project has historic roots: the art and craft of paper making. You can learn how to do it with detailed instructions on making paper mache using recycled paper.

Have you ever considered the recurring cost of a sprinkler system? Joseanes at Money And Investing says the operating costs of a lawn sprinkler system may motivate you to use it less.

Have you considered the energy saving cost of ceiling fans? According to Michael of Energy Saving Gadgets, ceiling fans can save you money in utility bills in both the winter and summer months.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve always wondered whether I can recycle envelopes with plastic windows. Phil for Humanity has the answer: Short answer: Sometimes. Long answer: check out his blog post to find out more.

Catherine at Crosswords for Fun makes a good point, that there is only so much paper that can be cut up to be used as jotting notes and supermarket shopping lists. She invites you to consider another use for your scrap paper at her post Crosswords: a great way to recycle your scrap paper!

Sally and Ken Kneidel at Veggie Revolution spent a month in South Africa, visiting rural villages to see how they're coping with the diminishing natural resources they depend on. Read about one village's inspiring efforts to pull themselves out of poverty and into a future of sustainability.

Most people don’t think of artificial lighting as a form of pollution. But light pollution impacts wildlife, energy use — and human health. Lighter Footstep presents Five Ways You Can Reduce Light Pollution.

What to do with the gas guzzler sitting in your driveway? Five Cent Nickel has an idea: check out Cash For Clunkers: Paying You to Junk Your Car.

And now the latest #BestGreenTweets from Twitter.com

@jamblemag

Prius solar flowers begin US tour: Giant, solar powered flower sculptures, created to promote the new generation.. http://tinyurl.com/l82r43

@maggiesorganic

Functional organics since 1992. Check out their barnyard animals http://short.to/j4ri

And, there you have it. Now go play outside! ;)

Note: This is the first in a series of posts about hiking with children.

Hiking is a great way to introduce children to nature. Not only do the outdoors stimulate all the senses, it is great exercise (for grown ups too!). Going for a hike does not have to be a complicated activity, in fact, you and your kids can derive pleasure from just a simple walk in the woods. Go with your instincts and choose a place you think they will like. Try to think about it from their perspective - their sense of exploration and adventure.

The first "step" is to consider what places or trails are available to you. It might be a nearby park or forest, or maybe even a beach for nature center. The key is to choose a place that is easily accessible and nearby. You don't want them to get bored on the way, nor do you want them to have trouble getting to the place where you plan to hike. Most importantly, be sure to involve them in the planning!

Hiking with kids always requires good planning. Below are some basic things to keep in mind as you decide where to go:
1) Consider their age - If your children are small enough, you can carry them in a specially designed backpack. If they are older, here are some pacing rules of thumb for children of varying ages (borrowed from Pine Mountain Trail Association): Children 2 to 4 years old can hike ½ to 2 miles on their own. They should stop every 10 to 15 minutes to rest. Children ages 5 to 7 can hike for 1 to 3 hours each day, covering 3 to 4 miles over easy terrain. Rest stops should come every 30 to 45 minutes. Eight and 9-year-olds can hike a full day at an easy pace, covering 5 to 6 miles over variable terrain.
2) Choose a place with varied terrain - For example, varied habitats, such as an area that changes from woods to meadows, are more interesting for kids than a flat field.
3) Don't think too big - Do not expect to scale Mount Washington! Choose a place that is attainable so they (and you!) do not get discouraged. Climb a small hill or hike to a stream or pond.
4) Have a goal in mind - The top of that hill or the bank of the stream or pond are all great targets. It gives children something to think about on the way and they will look forward to it. Plus, they will feel a sense of reward when they reach their goal.
5) Make it challenging - Kids love to jump over streams, climb rocks and weave between trees. Find a place that offers challenges and you will not hear many complaints about boredom.
6) Make your hike into more than just a walk, make it and expedition. Plan to stop and look at things along the way, like a great view or a field of flowers. Point out interesting creatures and ask them questions about what they see.
7) Flexibility is key - Keep in mind that things may not go as planned. Your child may get tired sooner than you thought he or she would and many need to stop for a longer rest or an early lunch. They will also undoubtedly want to stop and investigate as they go.

If you take the time to plan before setting out, you will be prepared and your children will know what to expect. Good planning equals great times!

Be sure to check back for the next post in the series of Hiking with Kids. I will cover tips on what equipment and supplies to pack. Also, please comment and add any tips you have that I have not covered. Learning from others helps everyone!

Photo: FAMILY HIKING
© Rahela | Dreamstime.com

I write today with a heavy heart. Last week my dog, Tupper, passed away in my arms. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I knew the day would come, I have dreaded it since she began to gray around her muzzle.

She began suffering from kidney failure last year and I watched her slow decline over the past seven months. It was heartbreaking to know what was ahead. She was a strong, old dog though. I admired her will to live.

Ever since my first day with her, she awoke with a smile, a tail wag and a good morning stretch, even in her last few months when she must have been feeling lousy. I knew it was time for her to say goodbye last week, when the smile, tail wag and stretch did not happen.

As I reflect on her life with me, one of the things I think about is how much she enjoyed being outdoors with me. For 13 1/2 years, she was my best outdoor companion. She was the only one who was always up for a walk, hike, run, car ride in the country, a swim, beach combing, boating, camping, fishing or any new adventure, no matter what. We spent many hours outdoors together. I credit her for keeping me healthy. She would sit and stare at me until I finally relented and took her for a walk, which was at least two times per day. We always took long walks together, until recently, when her old joints no longer cooperated.

She was a great outdoors dog! Her favorite activity was hiking. Since we have always lived near lots of open space, our afternoon walks were usually hikes in the woods. I always admired her ability to scale cliffs and steep terrain. She flitted up the rocks with ease, as I struggled to find my footing. Like any good companion, she never complained about having to wait for me at the top.

After I met my husband, we became avid backpackers. We even bought a pack for Tuppy, so she could carry her own food and bowl. I think back to those days and remember how she lead (she always had to be the leader) us along the path, totally in dog heaven. She would go ahead a bit and wait for us to catch up; she was patient like that.

She was an extraordinary dog. Everyone who met her loved her. They would say she was cute or beautiful and ask her breed, which I never knew for sure (the various vets said she was part Basenji, German Shepard and Smooth Collie). They would ask her name, which was always an interesting conversation. I would say "Tupper" and they would say "as in Tupperware?" I always had to explain that I named her after Tupper Lake, New York, which is a huge lake in the Adirondacks, one of my favorite places.

She was welcome at all our friends' and families' houses. She was gentle and kind. Her outlook on life I envied because she was always content with it. Perhaps it was because she was a pound puppy and ever since I adopted her, she always felt safe and happy. Perhaps it was because she was an old soul, wise beyond her years and thankful for each day. I will never know for sure. I do know that she was gift and she enhanced my life and that of my family's.

As I write this, I am thinking that it sounds as if I am writing about a person, not a dog, and that people might think it's strange. But Tupper was like a person to me. She was there for me in times of happiness and pain. She moved to different apartments with me while I was in grad school. She traveled all over the country with me. Was there when I met and married my husband. She welcomed my two children, with distress I must admit, into the family and accepted and watched over them. She was more than my best friend, she was my true and loyal companion.

So as I say goodbye, I will always hold those fond memories of her running along the trail, the beach, or the edge the pond in my heart. As a I long to give her a hug around her neck, rub her soft ears or hear her nails clicking on the floor, I will always be thankful my TuppyTup was in my life.

Yesterday was the final day of the 30-Day Outdoor Challenge. I hope everyone had a great month and you were able to spend time outdoors with your children! I had planned on posting tips on hiking with children and a story about nature photography to round out the 30-Day Outdoor Challenge for June. Due to unplanned events, I was not able to do so (see story about my dog Tupper). My apologies.

Overall, it was a tough month for getting outdoors! Here in New England, we had 23 days of rain out of 30. I have to admit, even with the best of intentions, we did not make outside every day. We missed four days of the 30. It was so muddy, wet, cold and miserable on some of those days, we barely wanted to get out of bed! Did any of my readers one-up me and made it outside all 30 days? Let me know!

Thankfully, those days are over! We have had sunny weather all this week. We did some great activities over the weekend, including hiking, swimming, beach combing and sprinkler jumping. I plan to continue where I left off with posts next week that include hiking tips and getting your kids involved with nature photography. Plus, I'll be adding plenty of new activities to enjoy with kids now that summer is in full swing!

I am also happy to report that I am hosting Treehugger's Carnival of the Green on July 13, 2009. Be sure to check back for links to great blogs and tweets.