Let’s Skate

World of Wheels

Bring the Kids roller skating! Open Skating, Birthday Parties, Super Glow Skate Friday Nights! Video Arcade with redemption counter, snacks & refreshments and more. Check it out, great fun for kids! Visit www. wowskatecenter.com or call 715-392-1031.

At the Aquarium

Water Striders 1/2-day Camp

In this preschool camp, discoveries await under every rock and around every corner! Campers will use a variety of tools for discovery to practice observation skills and develop a sense of wonder while we play inside and outside the Aquarium, meet animals and explore new things. Campers will need to provide their own healthy snacks. For 3- to 5-yearolds, sign up for either Aug. 22-26 or Aug. 20 to Sept. 2. Visit https:// glaquarium.org/education/forfamilies/camp/ for times, cost and other details. Registration now open!

of your first hike to save from possible blisters. Because kids grow so quickly, buying hiking boots for little ones may not be on your list, but make sure the shoes they go in have some tread.

What to bring

When hiking with children, be sure to carry these essential items: sunscreen, hats, water, snacks, diapers and wet wipes.

“We always have a few snacks and water bottles for everyone in our backpacks,” Winter said. “Snack breaks are a must. Plus, the backpack keeps all the treasures that the kids find.”

If you’re really feeling ambitious, you can pack a lunch and bring a picnic blanket for a nice afternoon break.

To make it more of an educational adventure for kids, Holm advises on these additional items.

“They’ve had fun having their own small backpack with a snack, magnifying glass, bug box, nature journal, binoculars — anything age appropriate for adventuring.”

Download the Seek App, a nature guide that identifies birds, trees and flowers.

Other key items to carry are a map and compass. Introducing children to these tools at a young age will allow them to learn and become familiar with outdoor navigation skills.

Easy trails first

If you’re new to hiking with children, start on easy trails first to see how the child adapts and then build up to longer or

Photographer Jessica Winter snapped this picture of her children Asa, 3, Asher, 7, Ezra, 9, and Elijah, 10, and husband Christian along the Brewer Park section of the Superior Hiking Trail. more terrain-filled hikes.

“Start them young and try different spots,” Winter said. “Be willing to take your time and don’t push it too far. Enjoy the journey.”

Remember, when hiking with kids, being flexible and adaptable is key. Don’t fret if you don’t reach your destination, there will be plenty of time to hike the trail again.

“Slow down and enjoy the hike,” Holm said. “Let them lead. If they are having fun exploring, climbing, let them do it. The point is to get them loving it and appreciating nature as much as you do.” D

Molly Milroy is a Duluth freelance writer.