Take a hike, families told as spring approaches

Hike It Baby is an international not-for-profit organisation that was started in Portland, Oregon in 2013, the organisation now has more than 310 branches in the US and in nine other countries.

One of the main aims of Hike it Baby is to raise a generation of children to love the outdoors.

It has a Sydney branch and Oatley resident Melissa Derwent is the Hike It Baby Sydney branch ambassador.

"Some of my favourite memories as a child are bushwalking and playing outside in the many awesome parks and bushland areas in our Council area," Melissa said.

"I love hosting walks to share these places with my own children and introduce them to other families.

"Our local area has so many fantastic walking tracks ideal for young children, Myles Dunphy Reserve, Oatley Park, Carss Bush Park, Poulton Park are some of my families favourite tracks," she said.

Hike it Baby is aimed at 0-5-year olds and their families, mums, dads, aunts, uncles and grandparents.

It is a volunteer organisation that allows any member to host walks on days and at times that are convenient for them and at paces that are age-appropriate for the children.

Themes include toddler-led adventures, and adult-paced bushwalks.

"There is one Sydney group and we like to hike in the St George region," Melissa said.

"Walking with kids is slower place but it is fun.

"We meet once every two weeks for a walk. These can be anything from a short walk to those that are pram friendly.

"Everyone is welcome. They just have to register on the site," she said.

Hike it Baby provides families with ideas on ways to access this in their local area.

As Sydney is about to enter wildflower season it is an ideal time to get outside and go for a bushwalk.

For more information, visit Hikeitbaby.com and join the Sydney Branch Facebook group, email: Melissa.derwent@gmail.com

Hike it Baby Sydney Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/hibSydney/