8 Awesome Stroller Hikes in Marin

Just because your kids are too small to go on a hike doesn't mean you can't! Fortunately for outdoor-minded parents of babies and toddlers, Marin County has many outdoor destinations that are perfectly suitable for a hike with your little one in a stroller.

When my kids were little, my husband and I must have racked up thousands of miles on our trusty Kelty jogging stroller, which we used on sidewalks, paths, and unpaved trails. Many of these hikes are over paved trails, so they're suitable for just about any kind of stroller. Just because they are on more civilized paved surfaces doesn't mean they aren't in some of the most spectacular outdoors areas of Marin, so make sure you check them out.

Point Reyes National Seashore

At the Point Reyes National Seashore Visitor Center in Bear Valley near Olema you'll find several different stroller-friendly trails, including the Earthquake Trail, where families can explore the San Andreas Fault and 1906 San Francisco Earthquake. For a longer stroller hike, try the Bear Valley Trail, where you'll share the wide, flat trail with hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians. Kids also love to visit the Visitor Center with its stuffed animals (the taxidermy kind), natural history displays, and touching table. Find out more here.

McInnis Park Wetland Preserve, San Rafael

McInnis Park is known for its golf course, mini golf, skate park, and sports fields, but you'll also find a fantastic walk through the adjacent wetlands that's suitable for everyone in the family. It's a 2.4-mile out-and-back hike with few elevation changes, making it perfect for a hike with an off-road stroller. Find out more here.

Indian Valley Open Space Preserve, Novato

Indian Valley Open Space Preserve in Novato is a favorite with hikers, cyclists, and equestrians. The best place for a stroller here is the Indian Valley Fire Road, which is wide and shady and relatively flat. Well behaved off-leash dogs are welcome on the fire roads here, too. Access the trails from either the trailhead off Indian Valley Road or from the College of Marin's Indian Valley Campus. Find out more here.

Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley

Muir Woods National Monument near Mill Valley features majestic old-growth redwoods and has been one of Marin's top tourist attractions for over a century. Stop by during the week to avoid the crowds and take in the wonder of it all in relative peace and quiet. Take your stroller on the main trail loop through Cathedral Grove, it's paved or on a wooden boardwalk the entire way. Due to its popularity, advance reservations are required for Muir Woods. Find out more here.

Bay Trail at the Hamilton Wetlands, Novato

This portion of the Bay Trail skirts the old runway of a former air base in Novato, which has been returned to its original wetland state. The trail is flat and smoooth, and is ideal for walking with an sturdy stroller. A recently completed extension takes you further out into the wetlands, with amazing views. Bonus: there's a great playground at the trailhead. Find out more here.

Tennessee Valley, Mill Valley

Tennessee Valley near Mill Valley is one of Marin's favorite places for outdoor recreation. The wide Tennessee Valley Trail is paved for much of its distance and is manageable with a sturdy stroller. Your reward at the half-way point of this out-and-back hike is a beach and a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean at Tennessee Cove. The entire trip is 3.4 miles. Find out more here.

Mount Tam's East Peak

Mount Tam's East Peak is home to the Verna Dunshee Loop Trail, a paved, .7-mile loop that circles the top of the mountain. This easy hike provides stunning views of Marin and the Bay Area, and you can sometimes see all the way to the Sierras on a clear day. You'll also find the Gravity Car Barn and Museum up here. Find out more here.

Cross Marin Trail, San Geronimo

Samuel P. Taylor State Park is home to the Cross Marin Trail, which parallels Lagunitas Creek and nearby Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. This former railroad bed is wide and paved and popular with cyclists and walkers of all ages. Look for trailside signs that explore the history of the area, which was home to California's first paper mill in the 1850s. Find out more here.

Happy hiking with the little ones!