Going on a Creek Walk with Kids
Tips for going on a creek walk with the family
Recently my family did a walk along Woolgoolga Creek Falls Walking Trail, and it was a perfect mix of ingredients: water, rocks, big trees, easy walking with a bit of perseverance, a waterfall, amazing scenery. The kids loved it and so did we. It took me back to when I was a kid, doing a bushwalk in a very different region. Instead of a pebbly rainforest creek, there was a little gold-panning river and dry bushland. As a kid I adored hopping over the large rocks and splashing in the water. The occasional sleeping snake would frighten me, but mostly we learned to deal with the risks. The elements were the same – water, a walk, some rocks, some trees, and friends/family. We even took our dog, which added to the fun (it wasn’t a national park).
Your Turn for an Easy Family Friendly Walk
Waterfalls, creeks and rivers are great for a day out with the family!
These types of family-friendly walks are surprisingly common. Towns are usually built near water sources. If you can’t think of one, have a look on Google Maps (I did a post about how to find a family-friendly walk using a map) to find what’s around. There may be a hidden creek, pond, lake, river or waterfall nearby that you never knew about. And those huge city rivers start out as smaller rivers somewhere upstream.
Kids love water. Whether you let them swim or not, water still offers a whole extra level of fun on an adventure. Kids can look for water bugs, throw or skim rocks, have stick boat races, try crossing rocks and logs without getting wet, and plenty more (really, they’ll figure it out).
Creeks provide opportunities for nature-play.
I think it’s best to let the kids get wet if they want to. Pack a couple towels and some dry clothes in the car, or make the kids carry a change of clothes in their packs. If they’re uncomfortable being wet on a walk, then it’s a lesson they’ll learn for next time.
It’s okay if your kids are uncomfortable on a walk. It’s ok for kids to learn to be responsible and plan ahead, and also to make their own decisions based on results and experiences rather than just being told to do things. Don’t get upset if the kids are uncomfortable, embrace it as part of the adventure.
The key to letting it be fun, is to decide ahead of time that you’re going to let them have fun. It’s really that simple. If the kids aren’t allowed to play with water, then it will be a horrible experience for everyone. So plan ahead if you need to.
Preparing for a Creek or River Walk with Kids:
Pack some spare towels and dry clothes in the car
Have a plastic bag or bucket in the car for wet or muddy clothes/shoes on the drive home
Have shoes that can get wet, or a change of shoes (or your walk won’t last long!)
I have a little pack of salt in my bag in case we get any leeches (although we always check at any rest points, so we can usually just flick them off). Leeches are common where we live in the subtropics, but have a think about what wildlife risks are around you. Are snakes common? Be prepared – talk to kids about the risks and what to do beforehand (no one likes a lecture when they’re trying to play).
Pack a mini first aid kit in your bag and a more comprehensive one in the car. Rocks often lead to scrapes and bushwalks usually lead to cuts and scratches.
Check the weather forecast and know the risks. It’s not a good idea to go if there has been heavy rain recently as this can wash dangerous objects downstream, make the water murky and create strong currents. Rain forecasts can lead to flash flooding in some areas.
Pack food and water, especially if you want to be out for a long time.
Figure out anything else which will give you confidence to just let the kids play. Remember muddy clothes can always be washed (or encourage the kids to wear old clothes you’re not stressed about!).
Always check the weather forecast, as small creeks can flood quickly and become unsafe during wet weather.
If we ever need an adventure the kids are guaranteed to enjoy, we always pick something where they can play with water. It doesn’t have to be a big hike to a waterfall, but if there is a waterfall then it’ll definitely help with motivation! It can be just as fun to find a dam, a small lake, or walk to a beach or rockpools. Maybe there’s a large river in your area, but there has to be somewhere the river is small and safe to play around – going to the source of a river is always educational too.
If you don’t want the kids to get wet…
Don’t go. Honestly, it’s no fun for the kids and you’ll be grumpy having to say “no” the whole time. Choose a different walk if you don’t want them to get wet. The point of these adventures is to enjoy being in nature, to spend time together, to grow your relationships, to grow their love of adventuring, and so much more. What’s the point for you? Is saying ‘no’ going to help you achieve your goals or be detrimental to them? If you really don’t want them to get wet, choose a different adventure.
Otherwise, if you’d like an easy family adventure everyone can enjoy, just add water to your family hike, and have fun!
Related Articles
Water Wednesdays: The benefits of midweek water play with the family
Visiting Woolgoolga Creek Falls with the family
How to find an easy family activity near you…using Google Maps!