Introduction: I challenged myself in August 2022 to complete 52 hikes in a year, but I am ready with my excuses: office work, health, family health and most of all my 2 year old mood. So I told myself I will complete my 52 hikes just not in 52 weeks. Lesson learnt is to pick hikes that are kid friendly and interesting to keep my toddler engaged. In these series of hikes I will share my recommendation and experience of family friendly hikes in and around the bay area, to keep young minds entertained while enjoying outdoor adventures.

Hike 1:

Started the year 2023 with my first hike of the year in Stanford, Palo Alto called Dish Loop Trail. It is a 3.7 mile loop with 534 ft elevation. Roughly today was our eighth time we have been to this hike, we love this hike as it involves enough workout for us to flex our muscles. My toddler likes this hike as the view keeps him engaged with some dry trees, mountains and he can spot deers on the rolling hills. He loves to see the giant dish antenna.

Another great thing about this hike is that it is completely stroller friendly so when my son gets tired by jumping around and running uphill, I can still complete the hike with him in the stroller.

It is an open space so it could get a little hot in the afternoon, best time is to do the hike early/late afternoon so the sun is not fully on. The hike is open from 6:00am to 5:00pm in winter and till 6:30pm in Summer months.

After a full hike I like to treat myself to a good breakfast and when I am in South Bay I like Olympus Bakery and Cafe located in Downtown Mountain View, a greek cafe with a variety of vegetarian options. I had a Mediterranean breakfast and my husband tried Menemen. Both were (Yummy emoji)

• hiking