The other day we went for a hike after school. The sun dips behind the mountains earlier these days and every time we go out, more leaves decorate the path. When I picked my niece up from school, I asked if she wanted to go to the park or a hike – she picked the hike because “climbing mountains is the best when you get to the top!” Which I agree – she’s got some great logic! The yellow leaves and golden sun made the hike so bright and dreamy – I couldn’t help but keep my camera out to capture all the little details.

We made a check list of all the things we saw on the hike – acorns (check!) leaves (check!) deer (check!) birds (check!)  and things we did on the hike – sing a song (check!) eat a snack (check!) make it to the top (check!) Just because school is back in session, doesn’t mean kids should lose out on creative playtime. It’s so important to take time out of each busy school week to get creative with your kids, allow them the time to have free-play, and watch their healthy habits grow. Checking off all the items on our list and carrying that list in our imaginary adventure backpacks was such a fun time to just explore and play!

We brought snacks to eat when we got to the top (because after school snacks with a view are a bonus!) CLIF Kid® makes nutritious snacks from organic ingredients that are specially-crafted for kids’ developing taste buds and active lives so they were what we reached for at the top of the hike. Learn more about CLIF Kid® here.

These days of fall, while warmer than normal here in Colorado, will soon be gone. All the leaves are making their way to the ground and before we know it snow will be covering these past. Just as seasons change so do kids – it won’t be long until she’ll be coming home from first grade, second grade, tenth grade. Take the time to soak up these moments – to explore, to adventure, to play, and to just be.