My youngest (at age 2) strolling down a path at Guadalupe River State Park
New Yr’s Eve will get plenty of consideration for ringing within the new yr. For households with younger youngsters, staying up till midnight shouldn’t be at all times an choice! Fortunately, there are many native and household pleasant New Yr’s Eve celebrations that occur in the course of the day, not simply late into the night! Yow will discover our round-up right here: Ring in 2024: Child-Pleasant New Yr’s Eve and New Yr’s Day Occasions in San Antonio
However what about New Yr’s Day? First Day Hike is a convention that takes place on January 1st to begin the New Yr off on the proper foot (or left!) with a hike! Final yr, roughly 55,000 individuals rang within the new yr with a hike, strolling an unimaginable 133,000 miles on January 1st! ^1
My household began collaborating in a First Day Hike in January 2021. Within the top of the pandemic, we have been searching for different methods to rejoice the New Yr and stumbled upon First Day Hike! Going for walks, and exploring new trails and mountaineering choices, was certainly one of my favourite new adventures sparked by the pandemic. There’s simply one thing about being out in nature that’s so therapeutic and comforting for me, and for my youngsters too. Reconnecting to nature and disconnecting from [insert your least favorite commitment] for just a few hours is totally certainly one of my favourite issues!
My husband strolling with my youngsters by a “rougher” path at Guadalupe River State Park
Your First Day Hike doesn’t should be an all day mountaineering occasion. It may be a small hike in your neighborhood for quarter-hour, or you’ll be able to take a drive to discover a brand new State Park. There aren’t any set guidelines. Simply head outdoors and benefit from the nature round you in celebration of the New Yr!
It’s good to notice that many parks do have loos, playgrounds, and accessible trails for these utilizing strollers and mobility aids like wheelchairs.
We’re very lucky to have many metropolis parks within the San Antonio space which are out there to us free of charge. Yow will discover your closest metropolis park right here, or discover the record to discover a new one:
Click on Right here for San Antonio Metropolis Park Trails
Texas can also be dwelling to so many State Parks, lots of that are inside 2 hours of San Antonio! Texas State Parks do require an admission price, and a few advocate superior reservations. Many provide a yearly cross, too! Each town and state parks provide guided hikes and different actions for the entire household all year long.
Here’s a hyperlink for the occasions throughout the state of Texas with Texas Parks & Wildlife to rejoice First Day Hike! Be conscious that some actions do require pre-registration, so plan forward.
Click on Right here for Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Calendar
If you’re visiting a distinct state over the vacations, you’ll find details about First Day Hike throughout the nation right here:
Click on Right here to Discover a First Day Hike Throughout the USA
We’re lucky that the climate in South Texas is generally favorable for January hikes. Nonetheless, remembering just a few chilly climate ideas for mountaineering – together with carrying layers, a hat, gloves, and getting ready for shorter daylight availability – will enable you to take advantage of your expertise. Some parks even provide stargazing and nighttime flashlight hikes within the winter time. Mountaineering across the golden hour, the hour or so earlier than sundown, in wintertime is a very implausible to benefit from the picturesque magnificence round you – and be dwelling by bedtime!
Golden hour photograph at Guadalupe River State Park on our first First Day Hike!
A First Day Hike can also be an incredible alternative to ask pals and/or prolonged household to come back collectively in the course of the holidays! Mountaineering is a superb exercise that’s low value, accessible for a lot of, and fulfilling for many. Combining the thrill of, and hope for, the New Yr with mountaineering might even encourage you to make new targets and alter your mindset.
