Healthy Kids Active Playdates

With the cooperation and sponsorship of the Lehigh Valley Road Runners we have been holding Healthy Kids Active Playdates this summer.

On Thursdays at 1:00pm we meet at a predetermined location and spend 60-90 minutes on a hike. This is a fantastic opportunity for children to exercise in the outdoors, experience the parks and recreation resources in the valley and enjoy playing with other children. I started this group because it was something I wanted for my daughter, Lydia. I love to take her out hiking, but she was often reluctant and bored. But I knew if I could hook her up with other children, she would have a blast and the trails that seemed "long", "hard", "boring", and "hot" would provide her with a whole new exciting experience.

I'm so excited to connect with other parents who share the experience. We had about 16 children join us at the Fish Hatchery for a 2 mile walk in the parkway on June 24 and almost doubled out numbers for our hike on South Mountain on July 1.

In addition to the exercise, the kids have learned about the Wildland Conservancy and the value of that organization to our beautiful valley. While we were on South Mountain they also learned to respect nature, trails, foliage and creatures and were introduced to how to follow a blazed trail. We will hold these playdates through the summer. For more information please contact us.

July 8 - Pool Wildlife Sanctuary, 3701 Orchid Place Emmaus, PA
July 15 - Upper Saucon Towship Park, 3241 Preston Lane, Center Valley, PA
July 22 - South Mountain, Alpine St, Emmaus, PA hike to tour 1803 House
July 29
August 5
August 12
August 19
August 26

Each week's experience will be a little different depending on the venue. Some hikes will be challenging technical trail others will be well groomed and stroller friendly. We will update each week with additional information about the trails being shaded or sunny, wet or dry. Each week you may want to use bugs spray, sun screen, wear comfortable clothes and shoes, carry water and or a snack. Sometimes we will have the opportunity to have a guest or a tour.

Please share your thoughts and ideas for future playdates. We look forward to having you join us!