Calling all dads! Frank Bolinsky, a contributor to Annapolis Mom’s Media, would love to invite you and your children to a “Mother’s Day hike!” This is a great opportunity to get out with your kids and make some dad friends while also letting mom sleep in, go shopping, and relax in the house alone to get some peace and quiet.
When: Sunday, May 7th, starting at 9:00 – 9:15 am and probably ending around lunch time.
Where: The Hilton area of Patapsco Park (1101 Hilton Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228). This is only 30 minutes from Annapolis.
Why: The Hilton area traditionally has easier parking than the Avalon area. It also has a massive playground made of recycled tires as well as a more traditional playground. The Trail to the tunnel, the river and the swinging bridge are only about .75 miles. It is flat for a bit and then downhill on the way there and uphill on the way back. It can be a little rocky, but it is not challenging. It follows a stream with lots of opportunities for stops along the way. We can aim to get across the swinging bridge to see Cascade Falls and then make our way back.
Who: Dads and the kids (moms are certainly welcome if they want to partake as well).
What: We will meet at the playground at 9:15 am and let the kids play for a while (until 10-10:15 am) and when we are satisfied that everyone has arrived, we can start the hike down to the river. We can make stops to let kids play in the stream sections and then play when we get to the bottom. I recommend packing a change of clothes for the children and a towel or two, as well as snacks, a lunch and something to drink. I also recommend everyone wears sneakers that are easy to take on and off as kids will undoubtedly wind up standing in the water. Bring a camera. Cell service can be very spotty on the trails.
How Much: $3 a person not in a car seat. You pay at the gate.
By Frank Bolinsky, Parks & Rec Contributor
Not Selfish, Self-Preservation!