Explore the Natural Wonders of Marin County with Nature for Kids Hikes

This year we've resolved to spend more time outdoors as a family—to get some exercise, explore Marin County's many parks open space areas, and learn about the natural wonders all around us. A fantastic way to get out and experience nature in Marin is to take part in one of the naturalist-led family outings offered by Marin County Parks.

The Nature for Kids outings take place at Marin's open space preserves, and feature a leisurely, kid-paced hike with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore along the way. We recently took part in the Nature for Kids program at Novato's Deer Island Open Space Preserve led by Marin County Parks naturalists David Herlocker and Shannon Burke.

We all met at the Deer Island trailhead at 10 am, where David and Shannon explained a bit about the outing and gave each of the kids a small gift in the form of a neat little folding magnifying lens, something that would become useful later on in the hike. The Nature for Kids hikes are informal and unstructured, and perfect for kids of all ages. Our group of kids and parents hiked along the Deer Island Loop Trail, stopping to look when someone noticed something interesting along the way.

We took the time out to see what was hiding under a piece of wood; got up-close-and-personal with lizards, a beetle, and a cricket; observed a flock of turkey vultures dining on something up on the hillside; learned about funnel-web spiders; saw a hummingbird territorial display; and found out about how oak galls are formed; among other things. The whole program was fascinating for both kids and grownups.

I like to consider myself pretty savvy about our local nature, but having naturalists like David and Shannon along really opened my eyes to what was around us, and made me realize how much we just walk by and don't notice. In addition to being extremely knowledgeable, David and Shannon were great, patient explainers who really had a great rapport with the kids.

If you haven't taken advantage of one of these programs yet, you should really think about doing so—after all, they're absolutely free to attend. Upcoming Nature for Kids outings for winter 2014 include events at Rush Creek Open Space Preserve on Monday, January 20, Indian Valley Open Space Preserve on Saturday, February 8, and Mount Burdell on Monday, February 17. All Nature for Kids outings begin at 10 am and last approximately three hours. Find a complete list of Marin County Parks family outings on their online calendar. You can also contact David Herlocker for questions at (415) 893-9508 or dherlocker@marincounty.org.

If You Go

Nature for Kids outings involve a hike (we went for about two miles at Deer Island), so make sure everyone wears sturdy shoes and clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. Hats and sunscreen are always a good idea, and dress in layers so you're prepared for any kind of weather. On our outing to Deer Island it was warm and sunny on parts of the trail, but temperatures dropped the moment we headed into the shady forest.

Make sure you bring plenty of drinking water, and pack a lunch and snacks. Most Nature for Kids hikes run from 10 am to 1 pm, and there will be a break for lunch and snacks about halfway through. Other things to bring include your camera and binoculars, if you have them.

Nature for Kids outings are perfect for kids of all ages, but those from about 3 to 12 will probably get the most out of them. Strollers of the sturdy offroad variety are welcome, too, although this depends on the terrain. Dogs, with the exception of service animals, are not allowed on naturalist outings like these.

Heavy rain or other heavy weather will cancel; call (415) 893-9527 on the morning of the walk for a recorded message to see if the it's cancelled.

You can learn more about Marin's open space areas and parks at www.marincountyparks.org.