The Great Outdoors can also help children develop a sense of curiosity and wonder

Photo by Marty Cheek
Hikers enjoy a day at Henry W. Coe State Park.

This editorial is the opinion of Morgan Hill Life

As spring brings the South Valley pleasant weather and wildflowers, Morgan Hill bustles with lots of fun ways for locals to get out into the sun.

It’s especially important for physical and mental health benefits for families to take their kids outdoors to enjoy nature. Spending time in southern Santa Clara County’s many parks reduces stress levels, improves mood, and increases physical activity. Outdoor recreation also provides an opportunity for families to bond and create lasting memories together. By engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or camping, families can work together to overcome challenges and achieve common goals, strengthening their relationships in the process.

Exploring and enjoying the Great Outdoors can also help children develop a sense of curiosity and wonder, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the natural world and a desire to protect it. And by spending time outdoors, families can disconnect from the distractions of technology and daily life, allowing them to recharge and reconnect with each other and the natural world.

There are many fun outdoor activities for families to enjoy in the Morgan Hill area. Here are a few recommendations:

Explore the rural beauty of Henry W. Coe State Park

This park a few miles in the mountains east of the South Valley offers more than 87,000 acres of stunning wilderness and a variety of hiking trails suitable for all levels of fitness.

Take a bike ride on Coyote Creek Trail

This scenic trail is perfect for biking, jogging, or walking. It runs for more than 15 miles into southern San Jose and offers plenty of opportunities to take in the wildflowers and other natural scenery.

Visit the Morgan Hill Community Garden

This community garden offers a unique opportunity for families to learn about sustainable agriculture and grow their own fruits and vegetables.

Enjoy a picnic at Morgan Hill’s Community Park

This spacious park features a popular Inclusive Playground, a dog park, a duck pond and plenty of open green space for picnicking and outdoor games.

Get some fresh air exercise at Harvey Bear County Park

Enjoy an easy walk or bike ride in the morning or an hour before sunset on the 1.9 mile paved flat loop trail. It starts by the parking lot.

Visit Gilroy Gardens

This family-friendly theme park in the beautiful Hecker Pass Valley offers a variety of rides, attractions, and gardens for all ages. And its new “Fantastical Flowers” display of real and silk-made flora is well worth a visit.

Take a stroll under the redwoods at Mount Madonna County Park

This park features more than 4,000 acres of beautiful wilderness and offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and ocean.

Visit Uvas Canyon County Park

This park features several waterfalls worth a scenic photo opportunity. There are  wonderful hiking trails and several picnic areas.