Forest

A 4.8-mile loop trail through a forest of eucalyptus, Norfolk pines, and native plants with views of Pearl Harbor and the south shore. The trail is mostly shaded which makes it one of the more comfortable hikes on Oahu even on warm days. Kids enjoy the variety of terrain and the WWII airplane wreckage along the trail adds historical interest. The loop format means no backtracking. The trailhead is inside Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area which has picnic areas and a campground for extending the visit.

An easy half-mile loop trail through a unique forest of native and non-native trees inside Haleakala National Park at 6800 feet elevation. The shady trail is perfect for families with young kids and the interpretive signs teach about the different tree species planted here as a reforestation experiment in the early 1900s. Native birds including the endangered Hawaiian goose (nene) are often spotted. The adjacent campground is free and a great base for exploring the summit. The cooler mountain air is a refreshing change from the coast.

A highland park above Waimea Canyon with over 45 miles of trails through native forest, mountain meadows, and dramatic cliff-top viewpoints. The Kalalau Lookout at 4000 feet provides a view down into the Na Pali Coast valley that is one of the most photographed scenes in Hawaii. The Nature Trail near the museum is a flat 0.1-mile loop perfect for little ones. The Pihea Trail and Alaka i Swamp Trail offer more ambitious hikes through a primordial cloud forest. The Kokee Museum has exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the area.

Camp in a mountain forest at 3600 feet elevation above Waimea Canyon on Kauai with cool temperatures that feel nothing like the beach below. The campground has tent sites and rustic cabins set in a native forest filled with birdsong. The cooler climate is a refreshing change and kids need jackets which feels exotic in Hawaii. From camp you can hike to Waimea Canyon lookouts and Na Pali Coast viewpoints. The nene (Hawaiian goose) is commonly seen in the park. Stars at night are incredible with minimal light pollution.

A mountain forest on the slopes of Haleakala at 6200 feet that feels nothing like tropical Hawaii. Towering redwood, eucalyptus, and pine trees create a cool, misty forest that could be in the Pacific Northwest. The Redwood Trail and Plum Trail are family-friendly loops through these unusual forests. The temperature is 20 to 30 degrees cooler than the coast which surprises kids who expect Hawaii to always be hot. On clear days the views of Maui central valley and the ocean are spectacular. A cabin is available for overnight stays.

A flat 2-mile loop through a gorgeous loblolly pine forest inside Beavers Bend State Park. The trail is wide and shaded making it one of the best family hikes in the area. Kids love spotting wildlife and the forested scenery keeps them engaged without any steep sections to slow things down. It is a great way to stretch your legs after the drive in and takes about an hour at a relaxed family pace.

Named after a former Oklahoma governor this 12-mile trail system is the crown jewel of hiking in the Broken Bow area. It is made up of seven smaller trails that can be mixed and matched so families can pick a distance that works for their crew. The path winds through native hardwood forests and towering pines across creek beds and up to ridge tops with breathtaking views of Broken Bow Lake. Older kids love the sense of real adventure on the longer sections while shorter loops keep it manageable for younger hikers.

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where nine different ecosystems converge creating one of the most biologically diverse areas in North America. The Kirby Nature Trail is a 2.4-mile loop through old-growth forest with massive beech and magnolia trees that give kids a sense of how Texas looked before settlement. Guided canoe trips on Village Creek pass through stunning scenery. The preserve is spread across multiple units so check the visitor center for the best current trails.

Over 4,700 acres of pine and hardwood forest with more than 20 miles of trails just 45 minutes from downtown Houston. The park has some of the longest and most varied hiking in the Houston region with trails winding through deep forest along Peach Creek. Equestrian trails are separate from hiking trails so families do not have to worry about surprise horse encounters. Primitive and improved camping options make weekend trips easy to plan.

A peaceful East Texas park centered around a replica of the first Spanish mission in the region giving kids a tangible connection to early Texas history. The trails wind through towering hardwood forest and the CCC-built log cabin serves as a fascinating visitor center. Fall color in the surrounding Davy Crockett National Forest is some of the best in Texas. It is small and uncrowded which makes it perfect for families who want a quiet weekend in the woods.

A pristine old-growth forest and native prairie just 14 miles from downtown Dallas that feels like stepping into a completely different world. Four miles of dirt trails and four miles of paved trails give families options depending on stroller needs and energy levels. Guided nature hikes led by trained naturalists run regularly and are great for curious kids who want to learn the names of everything they see. Nearly 200 bird species have been spotted here.

The gateway to the Great Trinity Forest, which is the largest urban hardwood forest in the country. Five miles of nature trails loop through bottomland forest where over 200 bird species have been spotted. Inside the center, a Children’s Discovery Garden lets little ones dig in the dirt and explore interactive nature exhibits. Family-guided walks on weekends are led by knowledgeable naturalists who make it fun and accessible for all ages.