Tyke Hikes got off to a wonderful start as the Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance hosted a First Day Hike at Lapham Peak State Park. An estimated 150 hikers enjoyed a variety of different options throughout the park. The Tyke Hike was graced by approximately 44 people and 4 four-legged friends. This brought the total number of Tyke Hikers since we started 33 hikes ago in June of 2014 over 1,000! Here's to another 1,000.
With the melt and thaw cycle in full motion lately, we stuck to the paved trail for the safety of the tykes. We still had plenty of time to go off trail and play as well.
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| Natural play |
Natural play will be a feature of the Tyke Hike program this year. In my opinion, it's a lot easier to fall in love with and appreciate nature by immersing yourself in it.
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| A tree a day keeps the doctor away |
Risk is a necessary ingredient in natural play. It is important to allow children to assess their own risk and make decisions along the way. Of course, knowing the difference between a risk and a hazard is crucial. Also, avoiding "yellow snow" and "chocolate jellybeans" on a winter walk are always helpful.
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| Deer love to hike too |
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| Snowball target practice |
Near 40 degree temperatures made for a super stroll through one of the area's spectacular parks. After the hike, it was time to head inside the nature center for snacks and information., Of course, my little tyke had to go experience some of the resources the center had to offer.
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| Just right. . . |
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| Birdies and buggies |
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| "I climbed this tower. I love the tower! |
The excitement and exercise of the day made for one tired tyke. Let a new year of nature begin!
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