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On the Trail: 5 Best Hikes with Kids
Published
6 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Ciara Wolfe BSCO Executive Director
Hiking with my children is one of my favorite ways to spend time with them during the summer months. They began in a front-carry pack as infants, graduated to a backpack as toddlers, and now my oldest, who is 12, will soon surpass me in speed.
Taking that time together in the outdoors has fostered many incredible conversations, teaching moments, and confidence-building experiences for both of my children. Here I’ll share my five favorite trails in Big Sky to hike with kids. They’re listed in no specific order.
Little Willow Way
This is an easy, 1.6-mile roundtrip trail. It’s wide and gravel-surfaced, best for wading in the adjacent river, beginner hikes and a short walk in nature.
Hummocks Trail
The 3-mile, dirt-surfaced intermediate level Hummocks Trail is a popular hike in Big Sky. It provides excellent vistas, views of wildflowers, and the chance to loop back early if your hike isn’t going as planned.
South Fork Loop
This intermediate dirt-surfaced loop is 1 mile in length. It’s an excellent short hike right here in town, and has both an uphill and downhill section, providing training for the longer hikes to come.
Upper Beehive Basin
As a 6.3-mile roundtrip journey, Upper Beehive Basin is an intermediate level hike along a dirt-surfaced trail. With a gradual climb and the destination of a glacial lake surrounded by the jagged Spanish Peaks Mountains, this trail makes for the ultimate first-time long hike for almost any age. It will help to foster a love of nature, and you’ll probably spot wildlife along the way.
Storm Castle Peak
It’s 4.7 miles out-and-back to the summit of Storm Castle Peak, the most prominent rock outcrop in Gallatin Canyon. With a steep incline where you can see your end goal throughout much of the hike, this trail is an excellent goal for budding mountain climbers and intermediate-level hikers. It can serve as a self-confidence boost as your kids become king or queen of the mountain and look out across the Gallatin Canyon.
I encourage you to get out on the trail no matter what age hikers you are guiding. Just remember to bring lots of snacks and extra water. My secret hacks to help the kids have fun on the trail include designating a special adventure pack that they get to carry when they hike—starting as young as possible—as well as distractions like “I Spy,” trail treats, and nature scavenger hunts while we walk.
Visit bscomt.org for more information about Big Sky’s parks, trails and recreation programs. The Big Sky Community Organization is a local nonprofit that connects people to recreational opportunities by acquiring, promoting and preserving sustainable places and prog
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
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Area parents are encouraged to bring their young children to Symphony Storytime with a Bassoon which will be presented at the Bozeman Public Library’s Community Room during
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Area parents are encouraged to bring their young children to Symphony Storytime with a Bassoon which will be presented at the Bozeman Public Library’s Community Room during their regular Toddler and Preschool Storytime on Wednesday, March 20, at 10:15 a.m. The free program, presented by the Bozeman Symphony is especially for children ages 3 to 5. Children will be able to listen to Montana Shakespeare in the Parks actor Emma Rather, who will be joined by Bozeman Symphony Bassoonist Sam Macken. The goal of the program is to encourage a love of music, literacy, and discovery. Additional programs are scheduled at the Library on April 10 and June 12. For more information, visit www.bozemansymphony.org or call 406-585-9774.
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626 E. Main St, Bozeman, MT