Taking the Kids: Heading to a national park national park week (or any time)

By Eileen Ogintz, Tribune Content Agency on Apr 11, 2019

-- A full water bottle (Remind everyone it's not safe to drink water from streams or rivers, unless you have a special purifier like the ones from LifeStraw.)

-- High-energy snacks like power bars, nuts or dried fruit. Have the kids make their own combination!

-- Binoculars and a magnifying glass

-- A trail map (GPS on a smartphone may not work but you can download in advance trail maps like from a site like www.alltrails.com )

-- A small first-aid kit with moleskin (it really helps blisters).

Set the ground rules before heading out. Don't attempt a hike that is too difficult for any members of the group. Remember, it is about the journey! The rangers can suggest appropriate hikes -- everything from nature walks suitable for strollers and wheelchairs to those that would be challenging. Acadia National Park, for example, has 26 mountains.

"Hiking is the best because you get to see stuff you've never seen," said Carter, 10, from Bar Harbor.

Make sure the kids know they must stay on the established trail and what to do if you become separated. That's when a whistle comes in handy, especially if there is no cell service. Hug a tree and wait for an adult in the group to backtrack and find you!)

And leave all the rocks and shells you might want for souvenirs and pick up all your trash! Don't leave any food behind either. It's bad for the animals!

Remember, says Adam, 11, who lives in Bar Harbor, Maine, in national parks like Acadia, "You can take only pictures and leave only footprints!"

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