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Tyke Hike
Thursday Sept 2 - Mellon Park
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
*Download our risk waiver to your left before you come! We need one per person.
Come
and Join us for a Tyke Hike! We welcome Parents or Caregivers with
children-newborn to 8 years old. We will explore nature, touch the trees
and look for little critters. Adults & Children can make new play
date friends!
Hikes will be easy and trail friendly for strollers, slings,
child-carriers or on foot. Strollers must be able to maneuver off road.
Children on foot should were tennis shoes. We provide snacks after the
hike! Weather permitting. Cost is $5.00 per family (up to 4) and $3.00
for each additional person.
Advance registration is suggested, but walk-ups are most welcome! Register online or call Tyke Hike Leader Lindsay Rethage - 412-973-0633. Payment will be collected on-site.
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upcoming hikes
Tykes Hikes are held every Tuesday, every other Thursday and some Saturday's (weather permitting) April through October. There are also several weekend events each month. Advance registration is suggested.
Tyke Hikes are $5.00 per family for up to 4 people and $3.00 for each additional person. Payment will be collected on site. Some weekend trips required payment over the phone during registration.
All Tyke Hikes participants must fill out an insurance waiver, for each participant, every time they hike. Download the form ahead of time and save yourself the hassle at the trail-head!
Tuesday, August 31 - Tyke Hike
Thursday, September 2 - Tyke Hike
Tuesday, September 7 - Tyke Hike
Tuesday, September 14 - Tyke Hike
Thursday, September 16 - Tyke Hike
Saturday, September 18 - Tyke Hike
Saturday, September 21 - Tyke Hike
Tuesday, September 28 - Tyke Hike
Thursday, September 30 - Tyke Hike
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about
Tyke Hikes are family friendly programs in local green areas. Parents and caregivers with children ages 0-8 are welcome to join our short, easy and stroller friendly hikes. We even include post hike snacks!
On the trail, children will learn and become comfortable with outdoor recreation. We will learn about your local park and teach about plants and animals we see.
Cancellation Policy
Remember we don't hike in the rain. If a Tyke Hike is canceled we will notify you if you are registered by 8:00 AM on the day of the hike.
Meet the Leaders
Tyke Hikes are lead by Lindsay Rethage and Ebony Scott. Lindsay leads the Tuesday and Saturday hikes and Ebony leads the new Thursday hikes.
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groups
Child Care Centers, Group Homes, Special needs, Organized Mom Groups, or Homeschoolers require a different schedule than our weekly programs.
Does your child love the outdoors so much that he/she would like a Private Birthday hike with friends and family? Try a themed hike in the woods or take a casual birthday stroll learning about your favorite things in nature.
Please contact Lindsay Rethage to plan your private hike at tykehikes.L@ventureoutdoors.org or 412-973-0633.
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photos
Check out photos from our recent adventures on our Flickr Photostream!
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FAQs
Where do you hike?
We hike in Pittsburgh’s city parks and in various Allegheny County Parks. Please view our calendar to see where and when we’ll be hiking.
How do I get there?
We have compiled a detailed list of directions to each park. For park maps available for download, please visit the individual parks pages on the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy page and the Allegheny County Parks web page.
How long is each hike?
Each hike varies depending on the group. If all children happen to be in a stroller or sling then the pace is different. We can walk anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour. This does not include registration or snack time.
Do I need a special stroller (e.g. jogger) for the hike?
No! The majority of our hikes will be on asphalt or smooth gravel trails. Occasionally our hikes will take us on bumpy terrain — we will be happy to lend a hand to get you through the rough spot.
How do I sign up for a hike?
Advanced registration is recommended either online, email or phone. Contact Lindsay Rethage at tykehikes.L@ventureoutdoors.org or 412-973-0633. Walk-ups are most welcome.
Why do I need to complete the insurance waiver for each hike, for each person?
Our insurance company requires each hike participant’s waiver to have a current date and signature to be valid. This includes all parents/caregivers.
****NEW****Can I bring my group on a hike?
See our group tab top left column!. Please contact Lindsay Rethage for more information to set-up a private date and time for you. Standard Risk Waivers still apply.
What shoes should my child wear?
Tennis shoes/sneakers are best. Sandals and flip-flops are not recommended.
How should I prepare for the weather?
Use your common sense — check the forecast before you leave. In the spring and summer everyone should be protected from the sun. Always wear a hat, sunscreen, (bug repellent too) and light clothing. Bring along a bottle of water for you and your child. Pack a light jacket also.
What does “weather permitting” mean?
We don’t hike if it’s raining. We follow the weather advisory on the news for the Pittsburgh Region, and when conducting hikes, we take the safety of all participants into consideration. If conditions become hazardous, hikes may be cancelled at the discretion of the trip leader.
If a trip is cancelled how is this communicated?
We don’t hike if it’s raining. Tuesday hike cancellations, if any, will be posted on the website as early as possible the morning of the scheduled hike. For pre-registered hikes, one of the trip leaders will contact you via phone or email.
If I pre-register for a hike and can't make it, do I get a refund?
To receive a refund, your cancellation must be made at least 2 business days in advance. Cancellations with insufficient notice, no-shows, and late arrivals who have missed the group’s departure will not receive a refund. Refunds are issued in the form of trip credit, which can be applied to any of our activities, unless otherwise requested. Please note that refunds will not be given on check payments until there is verification that the check has cleared. Paid reservations are transferable. However, we request advanced notice that there will be someone attending in your place.
Is parking free?
Not always. Please bring spare change for parking meters.
Are there restrooms at each location?
Typically yes, but we can’t always guarantee they will be clean or open. Some parents use a portable potty in their trunk.
Should we report any allergies to our trip leader?
Yes. Please speak to the trip leader prior to the hike.
What happens if my child needs First Aid?
Our trip leaders carry basic first aid kits, and are certified in CPR & First Aid. We will call 911 if the situation warrants it. Each Parent or Guardian is responsible for administering his or her child’s medication. (Inhalers, EpiPens, pills etc.)
Can we bring cell phones on the hike?
Cell phones on vibrate are permitted.
What type of snacks will my child receive after the hike?
We have a combination of Goldfish and animal crackers snacks (organic when possible). You are welcome to bring your own snacks, but we like to maintain a peanut free environment. Bring along a packed lunch for afterward if you like!
Can we take photos on the hike?
Yes, with permission from the Parent or Guardian.
Will Tyke Hikes publish my photos?
We are always looking for new photos to publish if permission is granted.
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