Monday, July 27, 2015

Hiking Grassy Hill Preserve with CLIF Kid #outtoplay

This post was sponsored on behalf of CLIF Kid via One2One Network. All opinions stated are my own.

Outdoor play is very important to our family.  We want our kids to be able to unplug and develop an appreciation of nature.  We want them to have creative critical thinking skills to work through situations that you might encounter in an outdoor environment.  Recently we decided the boys are finally old enough to go on a backpacking trip.  Paul and I did a lot of backpacking before we had children, and we've missed it.  We're in the process of prepping for the trip, and as preparation we are starting to do some hikes with gear.  We're starting small.  Packs with snacks and water.  CLIF Kid organic snacks are some of our favorites.  Designed to be nutritious snacks for growing kids' bodies, they contain no high fructose corn syrup, synthetic preservatives, or artificial flavors. 

Outdoor play for us means taking advantage of all the incredible parks we have in the region.  On this day, we checked out a new (to us) trail.  Prior to hitting the trail, the boys were having fun at a skate park, and being a 90+ degree day they were a little hot and sweaty by the time we were ready to hike.

We figured we should refuel before we hit the trail.  The boys enjoyed some ZBars, an organic baked whole grain snack that offers a blend of complex carbohydrates, three grams of fiber, and three grams of protein for added energy.

On top of all that goodness, they have excellent flavor.  The boys don't mind eating nutritious snacks when they taste this good.
 
Now we are ready to play!  The boys have been going on hikes since they were babies.  We took them hiking when they had to be carried in packs, before they could even walk.  

 As a result, they know how to appreciate the little things.  Like these unusual plants on the trail.  The boys had to stop to check them out.  They had a tropical flare to them, which you don't see too often in our region.

 If you take your time on the trail, you can see all sorts of interesting things.  The boys are pros at spotting wildflowers, bugs and critters.  They also know how to spot and follow trail markers. 

But on this day?  I was the one who spotted something shocking.  A BEAR!  A black bear.  I wish I'd gotten a picture.  But instead I can offer you a picture of three shocked boys over seeing a bear in the woods. 

What a fun day.  We have a few more test hikes planned before we go on our overnight backpacking trip.  Stay tuned!

CLIF Kid is committed to getting kids out to play.  They've created an online hub dedicated to helping parents get kids outside to play.  You can find tips and tools to inspire you to get out with your kids to play every day:  http://bit.ly/ComeOuttoPlay.  I hope you will check out this fantastic resource.  You can use the hash tag #outtoplay to share your adventures on social media sites and connect with others. 

Readers, what kind of outdoor play do you love?

21 comments:

Buttons Thoughts said...

LOVE LOVE the bear shot:):) Your boys are so very lucky to have parents that explore nature. Hug B

Cat said...

Your boys got PopPop, John and I hooked on those kid Zbars. I had one at your house and bought a box for us the next day. Now we buy multiple boxes on every grocery trip. We carry them on biking trips and they are an excellent way to refuel. Kid power is not just for kids. :-) The guys love the peanut butter and I am crazy about the lemon bars.The white chocolate macadamia nut bars stick with me longer than other power type bars.
I love the pictures on your blog today. What cute little backpacks!

Bas. said...

Dit is genieten voor allemaal.

Gauri said...

Awww, seems like one fun day!!! Yes, outdoor play is very important for kids to grow up than only glueing their eyes to tv or ipad's! Great stuff

Monkeywrangler said...

Have you taken the boys camping yet? Our kids love camping though in TX the best time to camp is in the dead of winter...no tidcks, no mosquitos, no fire ants, and no need for air conditioning!

Sally said...

Well, I think you know how I feel about the things, places, fun, nutrition? You and Paul totally rock being excellent parents. The "scary bear look"? Priceless.

xoxo

An Apel a Day said...

My husband just started a new job - again. After working at the same job for 12 yrs, being let go (because the boss ran it into the drain), it's taken him a few jobs to find the right job. Anyhow they eat early, or late there because their busy time is lunch time. I've been packing Clif bars to keep him satisfied until he can take a later lunch. I found a recipe online to make a knock off. He liked those, but Costco had a sale on Clif bars, so I bought some more.

We love hiking, camping, and my husband keeps a garden going.

21 Wits said...

This is what summer and life is all about! Great fun, even better memories to cherish!

Unknown said...

Can you hear me clapping? lol It is great that your boys enjoy being outdoors and it is thanks to you and hubby for starting them off this way. Wishing you all many more fun trips....

Lexie Loo, Lily, Liam & Dylan Too said...

You always have so much fun with your boys! I love it! XOXO

Harry Flashman said...

You and Alissa Apel ought to win some kind of award for good parenting. I can't believe how much you are able to get your children out , going and doing and seeing.

My favorite thing to do outside is sit on the porch and drink coffee or smoke my pipe. At my age, rambling through the woods is not so much fun as it once was. And my kids are grown up and gone away.

Michelle said...

Nice to see those boys out on the hiking trail!

Gail Dixon said...

Y'all are raising those boys right. All children should appreciate the great outdoors. Adorable boys!!

Linda said...

Love the pictures! The boys are so photogenic!

Lin said...

What a great day! And to see a bear too...wow.

We just got back from vacation and we typically do a lot of hiking. I love all the plants and insects that you see along the way, but I can do without the snakes and bears.

Small Kucing said...

They are cute.

Yes , nowadays kids tend to glued to the computer. tablet and phones. It's good to unplug and do something more active

Tweedles -- that's me said...

I am so happy too- that you all got to go hiking!!!
And to see a bear!!

Love that cute bear shot!
love
tweedles

Stewart M said...

Nice pictures and post - I think getting the kids outside to do anything is a good idea - and going outside to do nothing and letting them find something is ever better (if that sentence makes any sense!)

Took the kids for a ground of Frisbee golf this weekend - which was a real laugh.

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

Endah Murniyati said...

Cute boys! We love hiking too!

Eat To Live said...

Your kids are going to remember these times forever!

Unknown said...

I enjoy volleyball, hiking, a game or baseball, or flag football. :)