Area Abounds With Great Sites for a Family Walk
Despite the boredom kids complain about, a rundown of options reveals a lengthy list of activities, especially in the metropolitan area or within a short drive of it. The dilemma is cost. What parents often do, for whatever reason, is purchase entertainment.
And in the midst of our lectures, we mention our youth. Sure, the “good old days” aren’t comparable to current amenities, but that’s not to say life was replete with abysmal boredom in the recent past.
Consider just how recently home video games became prevalent. How did kids entertain themselves before that invention? Or battery- operated toys? Or television? What existed for family activities?
The most inexpensive was simply to go for a family walk (even interrupt it with a picnic). Luckily, this activity, though not exercised by current culture, exists for those who know where to look or have the imagination or the gumption.
Granted, the ages of your children play a role in choices, but discussion narrows the options, and improvisation acts as a surprise. Sometimes you have to make a kid enjoy the activity whether he wants to or not.
The intrepid can find numerous paths with little effort.
One of the more popular sites is Wesselman Woods Nature Center, the area’s oasis amid the desert of concrete. The trails are free, smooth and qualify as “edu-tainment.” Children can learn the importance of nature and the characteristics of animals; adolescents find practical application for the lessons in science class.
Outside of the preserve is a hodgepodge of sports to walk around and watch: tennis, golf, volleyball, basketball, softball and handball. Any of these, some other day, can be played as a family activity.
At Garvin Park, a dirt path circles the popular lake, providing different vistas and a slightly challenging and entertaining walk.
Ducks and small fish are present, so young children can toss crumbs out for food. A short pier puts you over the water; rails keep young ones from falling in. Plus, just at the edge of the park is access to the Greenway Project that follows Pigeon Creek.
On Evansville’s East Side, Angel Mounds State Historic Site offers trails through the woods, one leading to the Ohio River and the boat ramp. The trails are primarily flat, well worn through most sections and long enough to enjoy several miles of walking. The site is one of the best places to visit. Walking the grounds, visiting the mounds and reconstructions of Native American life are the ideal blend of exercise and education.
On the West Side waits an array of trails at the University of Southern Indiana. Shorter trails circle Reflection Lake, a serene walk (except for the ceaseless cars on the adjacent highway) with a picturesque view. The longer trails sit behind the men’s baseball diamond, offering thigh-pumping hills and hours of walking.
A visit to Downtown gives plenty of paths to follow, from the Rockwell-ian Main Street to the scenic Dress Plaza, which follows the Greenway to the new playground.
To escape the weather and enrich minds, the Evansville Museum waits at the end of Dress Plaza.
A skip south of the river is Audubon State Park in Henderson, Ky., a pristine area for a family excursion. The trails are immaculate, the scenery astounding and the walk taxing without being strenuous.
As in Angel Mounds and Wesselman, you have the opportunity to incorporate education with exercise.
These sites, easily accessible, can be comfortably walked in normal athletic shoes, though hiking boots do provide better protection and traction on dirt trails.
If everyone dresses for the elements, regardless of temperature, the weather can be accommodated (children seem to love playing in the rain).
Some sites allow leashed dogs. If in question, a phone call or visit can provide answers.
If time doesn’t allow for such an excursion, a walk in the neighborhood is the next-best option. You can meet neighbors, and younger kids can familiarize themselves with the area.
Walks may not be the current fashion, but they don’t require equipment or training. They are timeless and potentially educational, and incorporate low-impact exercise. And they can involve the family.
Matt Maxwell is a free-lance writer. He and his wife, Sherri, and son, Cody, live in Evansville.