South Platte River Trail

It was a wonderfully rare weekend where we had absolutely zero plans. I love these kind of weekends- where we can just do whatever it is that we want to do. Or not do. We asked Audra what she wanted to do and she said she wanted to go on a hike. Luckily, the weather cooperated and it was perfect weather for a hike, so off we went.

If you live in the area and have never been to the South Platte River Trail and Nature Center, you are really missing out! We discovered this place over the summer and went there again today and it is simply fantastic. Here's why:

1. It's free- always a huge bonus!
2. The trail is totally flat and super safe.
3. There is a river that the kids can throw rocks into (always a favorite with our kids- what is it about water that begs for rocks to be thrown into it?)
4. There are two trails side by side- one that is paved, and one that is a dirt trail that meanders through trees and such. You can bring bikes or just walk- it's perfect.
5. The Nature Center is a great place for kids- there is a "flood" pit that the kids can build communities and see if they withstand the flood. This is, by far, the highlight for our kids. There are also snakes and such for them to see. Today we got to watch some salamanders being fed crickets.

So if you live in the area, you should definitely check it out- you won't be disappointed!

These pictures were taken with my phone, so they are not great- but you can get the idea of how much fun we had and how perfect the weather was.

 Why does Claire always have to find big sticks to carry? Sigh.

 I refuse to carry the girls while we are hiking- I tell them they can walk. 

Ben is nicer than I am and will carry Claire- what a good dad!

 Inside the nature center building their communities. Audra did a great job and her 

houses withstood the flood. She was very proud of herself- it was really cute.

 Claire just dug really big piles of sand- and loved every second of it.