Normally when we have visited the Botanical Gardens we've taken part in the "Storytime in the Garden" program for preschool-age kids that takes place every 3rd Tuesday of the month. Last month we learned about spiders! We played spider games, took a look at spiders, colored spiders and even made a spider craft! And even though it's a nice long drive to the other side of the island it's worth the money we spend in gas to have an afternoon of learning, nature and quality time together.
This time though, we just took a walk around the Gardens. And what a walk it was! It's very easy for kids age 2 and up, but with Gracia just being shy of 1 I was so thankful she is a sling baby! The paths are gravel, grass and dirt, not ideal for one practicing her walking skills! She was very happy to enjoy the view from her sling while Mom enjoyed the extra calorie burn! I wonder if there is a site that has logged the extra calories you burn carrying a child, something to look into!
I did let her stretch her legs here and there while we stopped to investigate things. She loves to be right in the middle of everything! That is also something I love about the Ring sling, the ease in which it takes to take the baby out and put her back in is literally seconds!
Since she is still young I am not yet comfortable with her on my back, though you can use a ring sling for that with older kids, I chose to have her on my hip for our walk today. It also makes for easy access if she needs to nurse, she's right there at the perfect height! For 1 and 1/2 hours we walked around the beautiful lush Gardens taking in all of God's wonderful creation before heading back to the car to grab our lunch.
All in all it was a perfect day. Everyone had fun investigating the world around us and we all got a little exercise!
The Gardens are not only beautiful for their lush Hawaiian foliage but also their proximity to the incredible Ko'olau Mountain Range. By far this is my favorite side of the island. If you are visiting Oahu I highly recommend this as a stop for many reasons. The Gardens are located on such a huge amount of land even if the parking lot is full there is ample space to find a little peace and really enjoy being in nature. The walk is easy, there are a few hills but as far as difficulty I'd say the very young and the very old alike can equally enjoy this walk. It's also easy to navigate. I have no sense of direction and even I didn't get lost! That's a good sign!
It's the perfect place for a peaceful stroll, a wandering adventure, a wonderful afternoon!
Who knows, you might even break a sweat like I did!
Keep slinging! ~ Tia
