Enjoy Wading with toddler

One of my fondest memories of growing up in Chicago is that of our weekly family hikes. We would venture out and explore deep forests, fish in small ponds, and wade through narrow streams. The hiking adventures would always end at nearby ice cream shops where two parents watched their three children devour their treats.

When my first born was an infant, I would bundle him up and weather permitting hit the metroparks surrounding our tiny bungalow in South Euclid. As a toddler he learned to run on the boardwalk of the North Chagrin Reservation. Soon his baby sister joined us on our hikes, bundled in the same stroller he rode in months before. From the Huntington Reservation (awesome beach!) on the far west side to North Chagrin Reservation (awesome wildlife "zoo") on the far east side, we avid hikers have only explored a fraction of what the Cleveland Metroparks has to offer.

I have mentioned to you before that I like to think like a tourist in my own city. When I think like a tourist I find hidden gems in our city. That is why many of my friends typically call me and ask, "Where is the best to fish..." and "How do you get to the that beach..." and "Where is the best place to explore a river safe enough of a toddler?"

The Cuyahoga river is a great place to explore and spring is a wonderful opportunity to see crayfish, tadpoles, and tiny fish swim about. However the river is very rocky, sometimes deep, and can even be a dangerous hike down a ravine. We have hiked down to the river at a dozen different entry points and last weekend found a terrific little stream right off of the river.

The Sulphur Spring picnic area, right off of Miles and Chagrin River Road in the South Chagrin Reservation located in the Solon/Moreland Hills area (see trail here) is quite possible the very best "Intro to River Wading for Children" stream in all of Cleveland. There is a beautiful waterfall, the water is quite shallow and not as rocky, and the best part of this stream is that there's a man-made concrete slab that is safe for even the youngest hiker. Crayfish, tadpoles, and minnows swarm to this location. Older children can enjoy a walk down the river for nearly an entire mile as it is pretty shallow.

Have you hiked down a river lately? This is your chance. Not an experienced hiker? No problem! This stream is dummy proof and very much an introduction to river wading. If you are able to stand upright on a concrete slab with one inch of water... you can do it. I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised at how beautiful the natural rocks surrounding the river and waterfall are. It is breath taking.

To fully enjoy wading in a river you must bring proper foot wear, a bucket, and butterfly net. Also remember to bring a change of clothes for the ride home. As an avid hiker with small children, I can safely assure you that this stream is well worth a drive from anywhere in Cleveland. You can make a day trip out of it by continuing your way east down Miles road which will spill you in the heart of Chagrin Falls for that well deserved ice cream after your hike.

While watching your children devour their ice cream ask them to re-name Sulphur Springs as their own. Discuss what you saw, what you did, and how the river looked. It is our tradition for the kids to re-name each and every hiking location into something of their own. It creates a sense of pride in completing the hike and easy to remember then next time they ask to return to the same place. We like to call this waterfall/stream "Discovery Falls." I hope the 80 degree weather this weekend will lead you to one of our most favorite places in Cleveland, well off the beaten path. Be a tourist!