Great Hikes for Kids: Point Reyes Bear Valley Visitor Center

One of my favorite places to take my kids for a hike and some fun is the Point Reyes Bear Valley Visitor Center. It is a wonderful place for kids and adults alike to learn about nature and history and explore the outdoors. It has so much to offer: picnics, hikes, views and a visitor center with interesting dioramas and displays about the wildlife around Point Reyes, as well as a small book store with t-shirts, hats, natural history books, posters, and souvenirs.

Some of our favorite kid-friendly hikes include the Earthquake Trail, a paved loop with bridges and a peaceful stream that explores the effects of the 1906 earthquake; Kule Loklo Trail, which leads to a reconstructed Coast Miwok Indian village; and the Morgan Horse Ranch, an old-time ranch with a big red barn and a horses and horse-related exhibits to look at. We usually put my 1-year-old into the jogging stroller, which can easily handle all of these trails. A backpack baby carrier is a handy alternative, too.

Also on the Bear Valley grounds are picnic tables and barbeques. We love to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the outdoors before we head off on our hike. During the summer months, the picnic tables do fill up quickly, so it’s always good to bring a picnic blanket just in case.