Our first state park to visit for this new adventure was Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area. All in all, I think it is toddler friendly! The boys both had a great time. Our biggest struggle if you even want to call it that would be keeping the kids on the path. I might even go as far to say it would be stroller friendly if you have a stroller or wagon with wheels meant for a more rugged terrain. Our basic umbrella stroller would have been a nightmare but if you have something more durable, it would be doable.

It’s only natural that they want to explore and look at everything. We explained that we are visiting and there are wild animals etc. that live there and we need to do our best to not disrupt or disrespect where we are. We will follow the leave no trace rule during all of our adventures.

Colt was very excited to wear his backpack during this hike. He packed some snacks and drinks and he also had an additional bag to put in leaves or sticks to look at. He ended up giving it to me to hold so I ended up giving it to Sawyer who was so happy and kept trying to put a stick in.

In my bag, I had diapers, baby wipes, diaper bags that could also double to put any trash that we create or find in, as well as additional snacks and drinks.

We walked the trail for about an hour total, we ended up going only so far and then turning around to come back the way we came. We weren’t sure how far exactly the trail went and didn’t want to have to come back too far. Sawyer and Colt had so much fun walking, tripping and exploring 😂😂

Kyle and I both enjoyed the hike as well and decided we definitely want to come back to this park since it’s surprisingly only 20 minutes from our house.

There are a few lessons learned to keep in mind for our next state park:

• Pack a first aid kit
• Bring sunscreen/bug spray for warmer weather
• Wear more appropriate shoes (hiking shoes or waterproof)
• Wear a hat or at least put my hair up 😂

Thanks for checking out our first Pennsylvania State Park visit! Make sure to follow along to get updates when we visit another park. Also, check out my Instagram where I’ll post updates and videos from our state park travels 🫶🏼

I absolutely love how much fun we had as a family exploring, not being on a schedule and just taking our time. The quiet was unreal and so nice! We didn’t see any wildlife this time other than birds, maybe next time 🌞

Stay well, Stef

Southern Region Pennsylvania State Parks and Location

Big Spring State Forest Picnic Area (BLAIN, PA)
Blue Knob State Park (ILMER, PA)
Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area (HARRISBURG, PA)
Buchanan’s Birthplace State Park (MERCERSBURG, PA)
Caledonia State Park (FAYETTEVILLE, PA)
Canoe Creek State Park (HOLLIDAYSBURG, PA)
Codorus State Park (HANOVER, PA)
Colonel Denning State Park (NEWVILLE, PA)
Cowans Gap State Park (FORT LOUDON, PA)
Fowlers Hollow State Park (BLAIN, PA)
Gifford Pinchot State Park (LEWISBERRY, PA)
Greenwood Furnace State Park (HUNTINGDON, PA)
Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area (GRANTVILLE, PA)
Kings Gap Environmental Education Center (CARLISLE, PA)
Little Buffalo State Park (NEWPORT, PA)
Mont Alto State Park (FAYETTEVILLE, PA)
Penn-Roosevelt State Park (HUNTNGDON, PA)
Pine Grove Furnace State Park (GARDNERS, PA)
Prince Gallitzin State Park (PATTON, PA)
Samuel S. Lewis State Park (YORK, PA)
Shawnee State Park (SCHELLSBURG, PA)
Susquehanna Riverlands State Park (YORK, PA)
Susquehannock State Park (DRUMORE, PA)
Trough Creek State Park (JAMES CREEK, PA)
Warriors Path State Park (SAXTON, PA)
Whipple Dam State Park (PETERSBURG, PA)

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