5 fall hikes to enjoy with your kids in metro Milwaukee
Amber Storm, the brains behind our monthly Kidventures column, is one brave woman.
She loves nature, she loves hiking and she has four young kids who she takes along with her on her hikes.
Here at MetroParent, we're impressed not only with her courage in taking four little kids hiking just in general, but also with the fact that she takes them with her all year long, through all the crazy weather of Wisconsin.
So, even though summer is behind us, in Amber's mind, that's no reason to stop hiking with the kids. In fact, fall is a perfect time to hike: there are fewer mosquitoes, the air is nice and crisp and the scenery as the leaves change color is absolutely gorgeous.
Here are Amber's top 5 picks for family-friendly fall hikes:
Lapham Peak
W329 N846 County Rd., Delafield
Take on this hike when you want paved trails, walks through the woods and even a climb up a scenic tower.
RELATED:Amber Storm's Lapham Peak Kidventure
Urban Ecology Center
1500 E. Park Pl. (Riverside Park)
The Urban Ecology Center has three locations in Milwaukee, one at Riverside Park, one in the Menomonee Valley and one at Washington Park.
Amber loves hiking at the Riverside location, where you can visit animals and enjoy nature right within the city.
Seven Bridges at Grant Park
100 Hawthorne Ave., South Milwaukee
The cool thing about Grant Park is that you get to go on a relatively short hiking trail through the woods and then you come out to an amazing view of Lake Michigan and the opportunity to go on a beach walk. Plus, your kids will be entertained seeing how many bridges they can count on the trail (Hint: it's more than seven.)
RELATED:6 places (including Seven Bridges) to take your kids on a mother-child day trip
Menomonee River Parkway
1800 N. Swan Blvd. Wauwatosa
Another easily accessible hiking location is on all the trails along the Menomonee River Parkway near Hoyt Park.
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
1111 E. Brown Deer Rd., Milwaukee
There are many suggested hikes here, including one for the first-time visitor that includes a hike along a wheelchair (and stroller) accessible boardwalk that allows you to get close to frogs and turtles.
Check out Amber's blog for more of her Milwaukee adventures with her kids.