One of my favorite ways to spend quality time with my kids is by exploring the great outdoors. Peoria, IL, offers some wonderful spots for family hikes, especially for those with young children. If you’re looking for a hiking adventure for your little ones, look no further. These three local hiking trails are perfect for that.
1. Forest Park Nature Center: A Choose-Your-Own-Adventure
When it comes to hiking with kids, I love a trail that’s flexible. Forest Park Nature Center delivers just that. Located within the Peoria Park District, this nature center offers a network of short hiking trails that all lead back to the same point. The beauty of this setup is that it allows my kids to pick their own path each time we visit.
What makes Forest Park so family-friendly is the ability to make each hike a new adventure. We often take turns deciding which trail to follow, teaching my kids the importance of stopping at trail junctions. A key benefit to hiking her is the opportunity it presents to develop critical skills like trail navigation.
Illinois Nature Preserve Commission protects Forest Park ensuring it’s a sanctuary to wildlife. It’s not just about hiking, but creating a memory that feels like a grand adventure. If you’re looking for a family outing that doesn’t take up the entire day, this is the place to go!
2. Detweiller Park: A Playground Bonus
Sometimes, after a good hike, the promise of a playground is all it takes to get my kids excited about the outdoors. Detweiller Park, located in Peoria, is perfect for this exact reason. The Dry Run trail is a small loop trail that’s just the right length for little ones. We can easily fit in a hike, a playground session, and still have time for a picnic.
The Peoria Park District has done an excellent job of creating a trail system to suit any hiker. This trail is short, making it great for toddlers and preschoolers who may not have the stamina for a longer trek. If your kids are older, there are options to make this loop longer as well.
If you start on the dry run trail, the loop ends right at a playground. On the hike, my kids get a chance to burn off some energy, and they know that at the end of the trail, the playground awaits. There’s nothing quite like the excitement in their voices when they spot the swings and slides in the distance!
For parents, this makes for a perfect combo: a little hike in nature followed by some downtime at the playground. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a short, simple walk or a more advanced hike, Detweiller Park is a win.
3. Donovan Park: Explore the Hills and Wide Trails
For a slightly less rugged experience that’s very manageable for little ones, I highly recommend Donovan Park. The hills and wide, open trails here offer a perfect mix of adventure and accessibility. My kids love the rolling hills, which give them the freedom to explore and roam.
The beauty of Donovan Park is that the variety of terrain allows my kids to run, climb, and explore. The wide paths make it easy for them to wander off the trail a bit (safely, of course), which gives them that sense of independence they love. Plus, the trails are wide enough to comfortably walk side-by-side, making it easy to chat as we explore.
With its natural beauty, Donovan Park is another gem in the Peoria Park District and a great place for a family outing that allows kids to really connect with nature.
Pro tip: If you park at Keller station, you can grab a latte at CXT to make your wander through the park even better.
Why You Should Hike With Your Kids
As a mom, I’ve found that hiking with my kids offers far more than just a physical activity. It’s a chance to share the things that I love with them. It’s also an opportunity to teach them about the environment, work decision-making skills, and explore together. Whether we’re choosing our next trail at Forest Park, racing to the playground at Detweiller, or letting loose on the hills of Donovan Park, there’s always something new to discover.
So, next time you’re looking for a fun way to spend time together as a family, head to one of these trails. Peoria has a wealth of natural beauty waiting for you and your kids to explore.
Remember: getting outside doesn’t have to be a big, complicated outing. Sometimes the best memories are made on a simple walk through the woods, with the sounds of nature and the laughter of your little ones filling the air.
Happy hiking!
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