Heceta Head to Hobbit Trail in Carl G. Washburne State Park – Florence, Oregon

Difficulty: Moderate 1- or 4.4-mile out-and-back trail with an elevation gain of 400 feet 

Amenities: Toilets and benches 

Parking/Admission fee: Varies

Activities to Unplug together with the family members! 

In our world of extensive screen time, children nowadays became less social in ways that are not only beneficial but also essential to their mental and physical well-being. So every now and then, we all need to get out together with the children, encourage them to move their bodies, and enjoy some fresh air.

Our continued exploration brought us to find a 4.4-mile out-and-back trail located in Oregon. This place not only offered a chance to see actual wildlife, but also a great trail to provide an opportunity to make memories built on fun, laughter, and togetherness, away from pervasive gadgets that children sat all day long at home. Of course, following safety protocols and the use of some walking gear and accessories, like kids trekking poles could never go wrong in this kind of trail. 

Here are some activities that you can try on Heceta Head to Hobbit Trail that can create a more emotional bond between family members: 

1. The Alphabet Game

This game requires zero technology, and it serves our purpose to avoid the use of gadgets. Begin with the letter “A” and identify something on the Heceta Head trail that begins with “A” then work your way through the alphabet, passing through each family member in the group sequentially, so everyone is engaged and constantly looking for the next thing.

 2. Engage the Senses

In a moderate 4.4 mile out-and-back trail, it’s totally normal to have rest. Here’s a mindful game that family members can do while resting. Just keep silent, and listen. Ask the children how many different sounds they hear in 60 seconds? Let the children jot down the different things they hear in that minute. If they are little, you can have them say what they hear as they hear it.

 3. Scavenger Hunt

The hobbit trail is rich with wildlife – birds, insects, little creatures, rocks, leaves, seashells, and more. Make a check-off sheet of the things you want your little explorers to keep an eye out for. You can laminate them or put them in a clear plastic bag for safekeeping against the elements and rigors of the trail. Set a time limit, though, to say, 30 minutes. This way, the hunt won’t go on endlessly and the kids won’t become bored with the game.

The trail will eventually conclude, and as it takes you to the endpoint, the sound of the ocean beating against the shore and rocks of Heceta head becomes louder and louder and you will realize the importance of “unplugging together” away from the demands and deadlines of daily life and the paramount in building strong relationships within family members.

If you don’t want your children to stay glued to gadgets and smartphones all the time, you should set aside time for outdoor trips. Replace the gadgets and smartphones with walking sticks for kids and Head to Heceta Head out-and-back trail. It will greatly benefit both you and your children.

 WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THESE ACTIVITIES FOR A TRAIL ON HECETA HEAD TO HOBBIT TRAIL? PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS IN THE COMMENTS BELOW.