The weather is getting warmer, the birds are chirping, and toddlers are ready to explore the green outside after a long winter. Or at least mine is. Greyson loves the outdoors, he doesn’t care if it is sunny or raining all he wants to do is explore. For me, it is wonderful because I love the outdoors too and with Emberly soon to be toddling around like Greyson I am all for an adventure, that is as long as it is toddler friendly! Keeping my wild one at bay while trying to walk uptown or in a store is impossible. I am sure your little one is the same.
Our town has some wonderful little walks to get you outside and keep your little one entertained and excited the whole way. Plus they are right in town so if you have one or multiple kids it is easy-peasy to get out and explore. No fussing with a diaper bag or planning for a hike, just put on some running shoes or ‘fast shoes’ as Greyson calls them, a hat, sunscreen, and check out our 3 favorite toddler-friendly walks in town. Plus each one has a fun amphibian to discover check them out below to see!
1| River Side Loop
This walk is relatively short and has so many options for exploration! Play on the playground then head around the loop to discover flowers like Lilly of the Valley, pick saskatoons, throw rocks in the river or flip over logs and rocks near the marshy area to find salamanders. But remember to be mindful and kind to put any logs, rocks, and animals back in their place before leaving.
2| The Marshland
This is the ‘Rainbow Bird House Trail’ as Greyson would say. Hiding among this short 2k trail are bright birdhouses painted in a rainbow of colours. This makes for a fun walk trying to guess the colour of the next birdhouse or trying to spot ducks and geese on the marsh. There is even a little red bridge to cross which of course is a hit because what toddler doesn’t LOVE to throw rocks in the water and watch the splash. Right! What makes it even more fun is make some fake binoculars to go “bird watching” with. You can find the binocular craft HERE.
3| Ranger Park
This one is perfect for younger toddlers and I used to visit it all the time when Greyson was younger and even now we walk it weekly. Take a ball with you and have your little one throw it in each yellow frisbee golf net, or climb the mountain of stairs (this is Greyson’s favorite) then play at the park, and maybe Charlie the neighborhood cat will come to play too.
So what are you waiting for? Lace up your running shoes, grab a water bottle, and head out the door to explore. You never know what cool animals you may see, what flowers you will find and what memories will be made! If you head to any of these fun spots around Smithers tag me on Instagram @livinglifegingerly so I can see what you discover next!
Happy adventuring!
xoxo, Taylor
