Taking a Hike With the Kids no Problem in a Town Full of Trails

After the winter we experienced, we deserve a little spring, don’t we? With temperatures creep upward, may I suggest opening the windows, airing out the house, and taking the kids for a walk? I fully intend to do so myself. In fact, I took my first post-baby walk around the lake yesterday, and it felt exhilarating.

Oswego is a great town for biking and walking. We have paths that practically connect all corners of the town. The paths are picturesque, some meandering through playgrounds and sports parks, others lining waterways. In the summer, my son and I bike from our house, on the Oswego Prairie Trail, to a skate park that is about five playgrounds away from our house down the Waubonsie Trail. It’s really great knowing that every little while we have the option of stopping at the playground if we need to rest, or just need to climb!

The Oswegoland Park District has a list of all the available trails on its website. I have biked or walked most of the trails around here, and I can say that they are very well maintained, smooth, and fun!

The Fox River trail is the most scenic, in my opinion. I just love to watch the river flow by as I bike or walk the trail from the to the . Even in the winter, it’s fun to play on the big bridge and take cute pictures of the kids playing there. Bridges are usually a winner for a nicely framed outdoor picture.

The Grove Road trail connects to what I call “the soccer field” because that is usually where park district soccer games are held. It conveniently winds around the entire field and school grounds, so if you find yourself waiting at soccer practice, you can go for a nice long walk and still be in view of your child’s practice. I think that’s a pretty good excuse to fit in some exercise of your own. I don’t even feel guilty when I do that- my child is also getting a workout at the same time!

My oldest son is a part of Cub Scout pack 384, and we go hiking with the Scouts all year round. One of the craziest trails we have experienced was the Saw Wee Kee park trail. It has lots of hills, rocks, bumps and the occasional patch of poison ivy, so come prepared with long pants and bug spray if you dare to tackle that trail!

No matter what trail you choose, there are many options for stopping and having play time at a local park. That has been one of my favorite things about living in Oswego with small children- there are plenty of places to play outdoors.

So head outside- chances are you have a bike trail very close to your neighborhood. Enjoy this sneak peek into the spring season we have to look forward to. If nothing else, remember that bathing suit season is rapidly approaching, and a good bike ride or walk will help us all keep healthy and fit for the summer.

The funny things kids say: Lucas told me today that babies “don’t wake up when they’re hungry—they pretty much wait until they poop their pants.”