Want to go for a walk?
With the weather warming, little feet in need of a good run and an itch to explore the region together, we are excited to invite you to join us for NeighbourWood Walks – a series of weekly community walks at spots around the Valley where you can explore the trails, meet other families and plug into nature together.
In partnership with Active Comox Valley, we will host six Spring walks – one each Wednesday afternoon – with our first kicking off at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 7 (that’s next Wednesday) over at MacDonald Wood Nature Park in Comox.
These fun walks are all about family – with all of the routes relatively flat and safe, plenty of room for kiddos to explore and some structured fun attached to it all. Each walk is relatively short (under 3K), with a bit of games and fun at the beginning and a hike that can be completed in just about an hour. We aren’t going to put any time limits on your afternoons in the forest. But, the hour is there so you can plan your time around naps, school pick-ups and other activities.
Each kiddo who registers for the walks (you have to register to get the goodies) will receive a Nature Passport that will be stamped at the end of each adventure and in which tiny people can keep their weekly I-Spy adventure sheets. Families will also get the scoop on keeping the family connected to nature with a weekly take-home activity to do together that links back to each walk.
At the end of the six weeks (walks will wrap up in mid-June), kiddos who earn all of the walk stamps will land a cool prize.
Here’s the schedule. Each walk begins at 1 p.m.:
- May 7 – MacDonald Wood Nature Park
- May 14 – Puntledge Greenway
- May 21 – Miracle Beach Nature House
- May 28 – Lazo Marsh Loop
- June 4 – Seal Bay Swamp Loop
- June 11 – The Filberg (with a wrap-up picnic)
Registration is required as that’s the only way I can be sure we have enough gear for each family. So, please do so before Tuesday, May 6 by e-mailing Here (click the link for the address) with your name and the names/ages of your kiddos. Even if you think you’ll only be able to make one or two of the walks, register and include the walks you hope to hit. That way, when you’re able to make it out, your tiny person’s passport is ready and waiting.
Once you register, you’ll get the full packet of walk information including maps, a short list of what to bring and other goodies.
The best news, it’s all FREE.
We’ll announce the weekly walk location and details the Thursday before each walk, with a reminder at the top of the right sidebar. So, don’t worry about remembering all of this. It’s a lot to take in.
But, do join us (we’ll walk rain or shine, unless it is pouring), whip out the wellies or the backpack (a walk in the woods is a great way for younger kiddos to nap) and get to know some other intrepid parents while getting your family explorer vibe going.
Ahhhhhhhh what a brilliant idea.
Unfortunately, like a few others around the town, our little darlin’ is in preschool during the week. I know, I know, he gets lots of stimulation and exciting activities to do there but making connections with nature can’t be beat. And making connections with parents of other kiddos is kinda sweet, too.
Maybe if this runs well and is liked by all, another walk (or two????) could be organised for weekend days? Please? Please?
I would love to join you and we will try, but 1pm is exactly when Lily naps, and that girl NEEDS her naps! But if it’s super sunny one Wednesday perhaps we’ll skip the nap and come join you all. It’s such a great idea Robin – thanks again for all your hard work!
I LOVE this idea Robin! I’m checking my calendar and it amazingly looks all clear for Wednesdays – I’m in!
What a super idea! We will try to join in on days that are close to home. I have to pick my son up at 2:30 from school so it will be a close one
What a fantastic idea! We won’t be able to join you for this series – but if you hold another one over the summer we’ll be right in on it!
Thank you guys for commenting, registering and getting excited about the walk series.
Chili and Another Robin – this Spring series is a warm-up for a longer Summer series that should be lots of fun. Those walks will vary in terms of date and time. So, hopefully it’ll be worth the wait for you.
Reesh – I totally know how that goes! Does she like to sleep in the stroller? All of these walks are stroller-friendly and oh-so nap inducing for nappers:)
Melanie and Marieke – Looking forward to seeing you on the trail!
This sounds wonderful. My older one usually has quality time with Grandma Weds afternoons but I’d be willing to switch it up. The little one often has the longest naps in his stroller so I think it will work for us.
Hey, fantatsic idea!
I have just one little guy, 8 months old.
Can we still come without a toddler?? We’re new to the area and would love the chance to meet other families as well as get some great walks in…..
Another amazing idea, Robin, where DO you come up with them?!!!
Owen and I are in! Bring on the sunshine!!