Virginia and Maryland REI Outdoor School

Family Hiking (Outing)

This easy excursion will introduce your kids to outdoor activity and leave them wanting more. Join our REI Outdoor School instructor on a kid-friendly hike in a local park to discuss tips and tricks for planning family trips into the outdoors. Learn how to pick a good trail and how to keep the kids interested and happy on the hike. A kid-specific version of Leave No Trace principles will be taught to emphasize good habits in the outdoors. The instructor will tailor the class to your family’s needs. Kids need to be old enough to hike or to be carried. Bring your child carrier backpack if needed.

* Advance registration is required. Call or visit any DC area REI to sign up.

• Time:

  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

• Cost: Member: $40 (Cost includes parent and one child. Each additional person is $5), Non-Member: $60

Where To Meet:

Meet at the location or REI store listed below. If the program meets at a location other than a REI store, a member of the Outdoor School staff will contact you to coordinate directions.

Due to car seat considerations and our desire to have the children transported as safely as possible, we request that each family drive to the location. Directions will be provided.

• August 31st Hemlock Nature Center
• September 14th Potomac Overlook Park

WHAT TO BRING:

• Quick-dry shirt and hiking pants. If the forecast is for cool temperatures, bring along a fleece jacket or windproof shell too.
• Water-resistant or waterproof jacket/anorak in case of rain
• Sturdy trail shoes or hiking boots, with moisture-wicking socks.
• A water bottle, such as a bicycle style or Nalgene, filled with drinking water, juice, etc.
• Sun protection (sunscreen and wide brim hats w/ retainers) and sunglasses with retainers.
• Bag lunch and snacks that you can carry with you on the trail
• At least one eager child. "Kid Carrier" backpack or other rugged child carrier if your child can not walk. Carrying them in your arms or on shoulders is unsafe for both you and them (and uncomfortable!).
• Binoculars (optional)
• A daypack to carry it all!

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

• Dress them in layers so they can warm up or cool down easily.
• Avoid cotton socks, which may lead to uncomfortable feet and blisters. Get some wool outer socks and a wicking-liner. And bring extras; kids WILL get their feet wet!
• No open-toed shoes.
• Dress them in bright colors so they are easily seen.
• Consider convertible pants, which are synthetic (dry easily) and can be converted to shorts if the day warms up.
• In damp weather, consider fleece rather than cotton as an outer layer.
• Consider taking them shopping for a special new item just for this trip. It can be as simple as a colorful bandana, or an inexpensive compass.
• Carry lots of dried fruits, power bars (they don't have to know it's not a candy bar) and trail mix.If your grocery store carries dried fruits and nuts in bulk, let them create their own trail mix.
• Take time to teach your kids about the importance of drinking water on the trail. Vocabulary word: "Hydration".
• Let them carry some of their own, while you carry extra.
• In the summer months, freeze some water in a sports bottle, or drop in some Sports-Drink ice cubes.
• Kids love Hydration Packs. It makes drinking fun!

REI OUTDOOR SCHOOL PROVIDES:

• Transportation between REI and trailhead, except when outing meets at venue.
• All park entry fees for riders in the REI Outdoor School van.
• Group medical supplies and area maps.
• Printed Guide "Hiking Successfully with Kids"