Backyard Burnout

I know it's hard to believe, but nature hikes haven't been at the top of my Things To Do list with a 4, 2 and 1-year-old. Every time I've attempted a walk in the woods with my girls they always start strong and I think maybe this time is going to be different. But the requests for juice boxes usually start about four minutes in and by the time we're at the halfway mark – the farthest point from the car – they're completely over it as I'm busy sending SOS smoke signals to nearby aircraft.

However, I've learned that when properly armed with the right ammo (water bottles, bananas, tennis shoes, a small stroller for when the baby poops out) and the right location, a trek through the forest is an awesome thing to do with your kids on a nice summer morning. And it comes with the added bonus of practically guaranteeing a long and peaceful naptime.

Here are a few to check out:

► Longmeadow Rescue Ranch is a comprehensive 165-acre rehab ranch for abused and neglected horses, cows, pigs, ducks and other farm animals. Think of it as a really cool souped-up Humane Society for farm animals. Kids can meet the animals as well as receive humane education from staffers. Check out Longmeadow's Wagon Days – open houses where you can meet the animals, bring a picnic lunch and take a wagon ride – on September 7, October 12 and November 2 from 11-3.

Longmeadow is also open to the public Fridays from 12-3 and Saturdays from 11-3.

► Longview Farm Park. So you know what happens when you pack the kids in the car to research some nature reserves for a blog post you're writing but once you're well on the road you realize you've forgotten your list of nature reserves from your editor, so you pull over on the side of the highway to Google them but can only remember that one has the word 'long' in it and has some sort of farm animals? What happens is that you spend a lovely afternoon at the wrong place but you uncovered a hidden gem you wouldn't otherwise have visited.

Longview Farm Park features easy, shaded, paved trails and a beautiful lake. The have horses, and don't forget carrot sticks to feed the turtles.

► Powder Valley Nature Center is a long-time St. Louis favorite, and its central location makes it convenient for a drop-in when you need to get your total nature on but only have a couple of hours to spare. They have three paved trails, which makes it super easy with a stroller. Powder Valley (which has a kids corner and reading room) is open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday and the trails are open 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (open until 8 p.m. during daylight saving time).

► Willoughby Heritage Farm. Kids can enjoy live animals, barns and restored farm tools in addition to over three miles of woodland and prairie hiking trails. The farm, part of the Collinsville Area Recreation District, is a public park with more than three miles of hiking trails. Gates are open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

► Shaw Nature Reserve features several family-friendly trails; most are flat and easy to navigate with new walkers or a stroller. There are also several benches conveniently located along the paths for an impromptu snack break. Don't forget to check out the beautifully shaded play area for kids. Shaw Nature Reserve is open year round from 7 a.m. until sunset. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children and seniors, members are free.

► Rockwoods Reservation offers visitors a wide variety of trails; many for older kids who enjoy a slightly more rugged hike. Some trails take hikers past springs, caves and beautiful rock formations. Little ones will enjoy the conservation education center, featuring exhibits and fish. The center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m..

► The Butterfly House is one of my kids' (and my) personal favorites. They are mesmerized by the butterflies and could spend hours strolling around the short indoor path. It's perfect for kids of all ages, or new moms who need a place to aimlessly wander around that isn't Target. Be sure to catch some of the fun events – like the Pollinator Picnics on July 14 and August 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids can play games, make crafts and enjoy a picnic lunch from Local Harvest. Advance registration is required; click here for ticket and event information.

Photos: Hannah Mayer