Staten Island is known as the borough of parks. And one islander is hoping to get kids off their phones and into our parks by organizing fun hikes for families on Staten Island.
Karen Dexheimer, 54, runs the Staten Island Hiking Meetup. It’s an all-ages hiking group for anyone who loves the great outdoors and just wants to enjoy nature. The Livingston resident has hosted lots of hiking events in the past, but the new family and kids hikes are a bit different.
“The family hikes are no more than two miles. For safety, I make the hikes easy, flat and with minimal water to cross. No strenuous hills,” Dexheimer explained.
The group’s usual hikes take on some of Staten Island’s and New Jersey’s most challenging points of interest. Hikers have walked over the Bayonne Bridge. They’ve even walked from Willowbrook Park to Gateway National Recreation Area in Great Kills, which is quite an impressive trek.
The family hikes aren’t as intense, of course. They take place in Staten Island’s smaller green areas and parks, all with the goal of getting kids to explore the nature around them.
“I think it’s good for their mental health,” Dexheimer said. “And it’s good for the kids to see how beautiful the island is. There’s just so much to see and do when it comes to getting involved in the outdoors.”
Hikes for Families on Staten Island
The family hikes are designed to be short, sweet and fun for kids to enjoy, Dexheimer explained. Some of the upcoming venues for family hikes include Alison Pond Park, West Brighton, and Arden Woods, Annadale.
Kids might even encounter some local wildlife along their hiking adventures. Staten Island is home to lots of cool species of snakes, birds (like eagles, hawks and owls), deer and more.
The best part is, all of the group’s hikes are free—and that goes for the family hikes, too. And hiking is a great way to spend time outdoors together as a family, Dexheimer explained.
About the Staten Island Hiking Meetup
The Staten Island Hiking Meetup is popular throughout New York City and takes its passion very seriously. The group has hosted hundreds of hiking events, often with several hikes each week. It was even listed as one of the top eight NYC hiking groups for 2023 by the website, Hello Hiker.
Dexheimer has been running the Staten Island Hiking Meetup since 2021. A full-time paraprofessional for the Department of Education on Staten Island, she loves the calmness that hiking gives her.
“I love hiking and exploring new places, and I love how it makes me feel,” she said. The endorphins kick in, and everything just feels right. And it’s great exercise.”
Upcoming Hikes for Families on Staten Island
Two family hikes are scheduled for midwinter recess on Staten Island. Parents interested in going on a family hike with their kids should check the group’s meetup page for more information, including dates and times of future events. The page is at meetup.com/staten-island-hiking-meetup.
Upcoming family hikes:
Arthur Kill Road, Arden Avenue and Halpin Avenue
WTuesday, Feb. 21; 10:30am-12:30pm
Prospect Avenue, N. Randall Avenue and Brentwood Avenue
Wednesday, Feb. 22; 10am-12pm
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