hiking turkey run with kids: worth the struggle?
Last weekend, I packed up the kids and we headed out to Turkey Run State Park in Indiana. I’ve always loved this place—the trees are tall, the air smells like fresh earth, and the trails wind through these amazing sandstone gorges. But let me tell you, hiking with kids is a whole different ballgame. We spent half an hour just trying to find a parking spot, and by the time we hit the trail, my youngest was already asking for snacks.
We tried Trail 3, which everyone online says is the most scenic. And yes, the views were gorgeous—water trickling over rocks, sunlight streaming through the leaves—but every five minutes, someone was either complaining about mud in their shoes or asking how much farther we had to go. I remembered coming here years ago with friends, moving at our own pace, stopping for photos, and actually enjoying the quiet. Now, it felt like I was herding cats, and I barely had a moment to look up at the scenery.
I get that family hikes are supposed to be about bonding, but is it just me, or does it sometimes feel more stressful than relaxing? I want the kids to love nature, but honestly, I miss those peaceful solo hikes. Has anyone else tried hiking Turkey Run with kids? Did you find a way to actually enjoy it, or is the chaos just part of the deal when you bring the whole family?
#TurkeyRunStatePark #FamilyHiking #ParentingStruggles #Travel
