Our son stops for every ant. Is two and a half too young for a two-hour family trail walk?

violet_rain_28630 May 2026

There's a group near us in Mulund that does Sunday morning walks for families, two hours, mostly easy trails. Most of the children seem to be five and up. Our son loves being outside and will happily stop for every ant and leaf, which is a problem if the group is moving. My plan would be to carry him in the carrier when he's done. Has anyone taken a child this small on group walks? Did it work, or did you just slow everyone down and leave early? My partner thinks we should wait a year.

1 comment

maple_compass_978430 May 2026
We took our younger one on park walks at about that age and he walked maybe a third of the way, rode on shoulders for the rest. The stopping for every ant was the best part for him. With a group I'd stay at the back, tell the organiser at the start that you might turn back, and not mind if you do. If he only manages half, he still had a good morning.
- plum_badminton_694530 May 2026
  Staying at the back is the key. Ours both walk at completely different speeds, and the only way it works is if we never try to keep up. Carry more water and snacks than seems sensible.