Exploring the Redwood Forests with Kids: Tips, Kid-Friendly Trails, and Activities

• Posted on 25 April 2023
• By GTree Staff
• 0

The redwood forests are a unique natural wonder that provide an amazing opportunity for families with kids to explore and experience nature in all its glory. With majestic trees towering over 300 feet, abundant wildlife, and beautiful scenery, the redwood forests offer an unforgettable adventure for families. In this blog post, we will explore some tips and advice for families with children on how to explore and experience the redwood forests, including kid-friendly hiking trails and activities.

The redwood forests are a unique natural wonder that provide an amazing opportunity for families with kids to explore and experience nature in all its glory. With majestic trees towering over 300 feet, abundant wildlife, and beautiful scenery, the redwood forests offer an unforgettable adventure for families. In this blog post, we will explore some tips and advice for families with children on how to explore and experience the redwood forests, including kid-friendly hiking trails and activities.

1. Plan ahead before heading to the redwood forests, it's essential to do some research and planning to ensure a successful and enjoyable trip with your kids. Start by identifying the kid-friendly hiking trails that are suitable for your family's fitness level and age group. Look for trails with easy terrain, shorter distances, and interesting features such as waterfalls or wildlife viewing areas.

Here are some of the best kid-friendly trails to explore:

* Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail: This trail is a 1.5-mile loop that takes you through a beautiful grove of redwoods. It's an easy trail with interpretive signs, making it an educational experience for kids.

* Tall Trees Grove Trail: This trail is a bit more challenging, but the payoff is worth it. The trail leads you to a grove of the tallest trees in the world.  Although the exact location is undisclosed, the famous Hyperion tree, which stands over 379 feet tall is believed to be nearby.

* Prairie Creek Trail: This trail is an easy and accessible trail that follows a creek and offers an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing.

* Fern Canyon Trail: If your children are used to hiking and accompanied by adults, this trail will provide more of a challenge (some uneven terrain, crossing the creek, and some potentially slippery areas).  It's a unique trail that takes hikers through a narrow canyon with walls covered in ferns. It also features a picturesque waterfall along the route.

2. Pack plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, and dress appropriately for the weather conditions. It's also essential to check for any park alerts, trail closures, or weather warnings that may affect your plans.

3. Go on a guided tour. Taking a guided tour is an excellent way to explore the redwood forests with kids. Guided tours offer valuable information and knowledge about the plants, animals, and history of the redwoods. Tours are led by trained professionals who have a deep understanding and appreciation of the ecosystem and cultural significance of the redwood forests. They also offer a safe and structured environment for children to learn and explore.

Many guided tours cater specifically to families with kids, providing interactive experiences such as scavenger hunts, storytelling, and nature walks. Consider booking a guided tour to make your family's redwood forest adventure more enjoyable and memorable. To book a guided tour in the redwoods, you can start by visiting the website of the park you plan to visit. Many parks offer guided tours, and you can usually find information about them on their website, including tour schedules, prices, and how to book. You can also check with local tour companies that specialize in redwood forest tours. They may offer a variety of tour options, including private tours, group tours, and tours tailored to families with kids.

* Try kid-friendly activities apart from hiking, there are several other kid-friendly activities that families can enjoy in the redwood forests. Here are some ideas:

* Go on a wildlife spotting adventure: The redwood forests are home to several wildlife species, including elk, deer, and black bears. Try to spot them while exploring the trails.

* Visit the visitor centers: The parks' visitor centers offer educational exhibits, ranger-led programs, and interactive displays that are sure to engage kids.

4. Have a picnic: The redwood forests provide plenty of beautiful picnic areas with breathtaking views. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a relaxing break while taking in the scenery.

* Bull Creek is a popular picnic spot in the redwood forests, known for its serene surroundings and scenic views. There are several picnic areas located along the creek, offering plenty of space for families to relax and enjoy a meal together. The picnic areas are equipped with tables, benches, and grills, making it easy to prepare and enjoy a meal in the great outdoors. Just remember to pack out all your trash and leave the area as clean as you found it, to help preserve the park's natural beauty for future visitors.

After lunch, take a stroll along Bull Creek. The Bull Creek Flats Trail is an easy and accessible trail that offers stunning views of the creek and surrounding forests. You can also take a dip in the cool, refreshing waters of Bull Creek on a warm day.

5. Stop at tourist attractions along the way: On your drive to or from the redwood forests, consider stopping at some of the roadside attractions that offer unique experiences for families with kids. One of the most popular attractions is The Grandfather Tree. 

* This coastal giant is over 1800 years old and stands 265ft tall with a 24ft diameter! Located directly off Highway 101, and a mere 15 miles from the Avenue of the Giants. The Grandfather Tree is an excellent place to take a break from driving and stretch your legs. It offers oversized chainsaw carvings for your family to take pictures with.  They also have a play area with carvings kids can climb on, which can be a fun and memorable experience. Their gift shop offers handcrafted redwood products and other one-of-a-kind souvenirs, perfect for remembering your trip to the redwood forests.

Stopping at attractions like The Grandfather Tree can add some extra excitement to your family's road trip and make the journey more enjoyable for everyone.

In conclusion, exploring the redwoods with kids is a fantastic adventure that can be both educational and fun. By planning ahead, going on guided tours, exploring the trails, and trying kid-friendly activities, families can create unforgettable memories that will be forever cherished. So pack your bags and head to the redwood forests for an adventure of a lifetime!