Parents & Kids Walk

On this 2 day, 1 night walk we invite parents and children to join us for a nature-drenched, wander-filled weekend. With other parents and children along with you, this weekend is joy-filled and adventure-driven to bring a greater perspective and deeper connection to your everyday life as a family. Join guides Deborah Meggitt, eco-therapist, and Andrew Boddicker, teacher and walk leader, for a weekend of insight, connection and adventure.

Rewild your relationship to each other and the great outdoors.

Parents & Kids Walk – Trip Details

Location: Root River Trail, Southeastern Minnesota.

Cushon’s Peak Campground, Houston, MN

Root River Trail Map

Walking Length: 9 Miles, 2 days/1 Night

Next Walk Dates:

Summer 2023

Cost

Bunk Bus Rate: $479 for 1 parent & 1 child

This Rate includes 2 people – one parent, one child

• Bed in Bunk Bus

• Narrow, spring twin mattress
• Privacy Curtain
• Light
• Outlet for charging
• Drawer or locker for belongings

Private Tent Double: $579 for 1 parent & 1 child

• The rate includes two people – one adult, one child
• Private tent with 2 beds, light, fan, 1 stool and electricity.
• Beds are superior twin air mattresses
• Tent and furnishings are set up and taken down for you

*A shuttle to and from the Rochester, MN or LaCrosse, WI airport is available for an additional $65

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More Information

Trip Details:

This event is crafted for parents and kids to disconnect from everyday life and technology and immerse themselves in nature, in their relationship with each other, and in community with other families on the walk.

Our Parents & Kids Walk includes the following:

2 days and 1 night of fully supported walking
Guides for the duration of the event
Various activities are made available for kids and adults, together and separately
- games
- fort building
- swimming
- art making
- campfire activities
- night hike/owl prowl
Visit to the International Owl Center in Houston, MN
Daily, long-distance walking route
A community of fellow seekers and adventurers
Access to small kitchen area and lounge in the bespoke Bunk Bus
Access to campground shower and bathroom facilities
All bedding (sheet, comforter, pillow) and a towel
Camping equipment and accessories – i.e. campfire chair, lantern, etc.

Food

Throughout the 3 days, food is catered, made fresh, or the group will have a meal at a local restaurant. Packed lunches and food provided at the overnight locations are included in the rates listed.

Snacks and beverages are available at each stopping location and in the support vehicle during the walk for the day.

The highest quality food is essential for participants to remain strong and healthy for their walk. Alcohol is not provided (no license), however, participants are allowed to bring drinks with them or purchase them along the way. Dietary requirements will be taken into consideration wherever possible.

Accommodation

Families (One parent, one child) have one of two options for accommodation. The first is having a bed in our specially made Bunk Bus. Please take a look at our Bunk Bus gallery! Each bunk area has a narrow twin spring mattress, outlet, light, and privacy curtain. Bedding and a towel is provided – you are more than welcome to bring your own. A small locker or drawer is provided for each participant to use for their belongings. The bus has air-conditioning and heat when needed. There is a small kitchenette and seating area for relaxing and congregating.

In addition, we offer private tents that can accommodate two or four people. They are furnished with a bed(s), electricity, a light, fan, and stool. These are set up and furnished for you.

Health and Safety

Before you undertake a walk with Walking Space it is recommended that you consult your doctor and be sure you are in good health to walk the length of the event.

It is important that you do some training before your walk so your body is not overwhelmed. A recommended training program is given to you before your walk. Each person’s endurance is different and we want you to be strong and healthy for your walk.

One of the most important things you can do to have a happy and healthy walk is using comfortable and supportive shoes. Take some time to find the right pair and wear them before you come on your walk. New or ill-fited shoes are the number one cause of blisters.

Two or three guides (depending on the size of the group) will be provided for each walk. Guides are First Aid and CPR trained. A first aid kit is available at stopping locations. One of the guides also carries a first aid kit and follows the group so when someone needs help they will come along to assist them.

Our guides are not medical professionals. In case of an emergency, 911 will be called.

All participants and guides are asked to adhere to the Code of Conduct. Please read through it and be sure you are able to uphold this policy as a participant.

Trail Difficulty

The majority of the trail is a converted railway and as such, is more or less level for the majority of the time. Two short portions of the trail have some steep inclines. The entire distance is paved allowing for safe, unobstructed walking. The trail weaves over the Root River, through valleys, quaint towns, and along bluffs providing an idyllic setting. Much of the trail is shaded by large trees, providing excellent protection on hot summer days. Distances will vary each day and can range from 5-13 miles.

FAQ

How many miles do we walk in a day?

We will walk 4.5 miles each day of the event.

What happens if I need to stop before I reach the stopping place for the day?

Throughout the walk during the day, a guide will make themselves available to help you. A vehicle is parked at various locations throughout the day, so if you need to rest, cool off, or be taken off the trail the option is always there.

Can I bring alcohol?

This trip is an alcohol free trip.

Why can’t I bring all my children or my partner?

As we designed this event, we wanted to create a special event for one parent and one child. In a multi-child or multi-parent household, time with one child is rare and we would like to create a special time for just the two of you. Some of the greatest memories I (Andrew) had with my dad were when we were alone. As a child in a family of 7 children, those moments were rare, but they are cherished. Let’s make this a cherished event for you!

Questions? Contact Us

Your Guides

Ian Zahren, Walk Guide and Support Guide

Ian is our all around positive-vibed, cheerleader, cook, heavy-lifter, and support guide for many of our walks. Together with his partner Andrew (Walking Space Founder), they encompass and enhance the walk through hospitality and support from beginning to end. He is a professional singer and actor and teaches 7-12 music in Iowa when he is not on the trail or on stage. We are always grateful to see Ian at the end of the day and in the morning with coffee to serve!

Andrew Boddicker, Walk Guide and Founder

Andrew Boddicker

Andrew Boddicker, founder of Walking Space, had his first long-distance walking experience on the Camino de Santiago – a 500-mile pilgrimage in Northern Spain. With this experience in hand, he spent the next four years planning to open a space where walking and nature are the main catalysts to adventure, healing, reconnection, and rejuvenation.

As an elementary teacher for 13 years, his experience with children fosters a safe, inclusive, and active environment for all.

During Walking Space trips, Andrew facilitates and supports the walkers and other guides by taking care of all the things so you don’t have to! From food prep, to camp set up and take down, to meeting you on the trail with water and snacks – all details are considered so that you can take full advantage of the time you chose to take for yourself to rediscover, reinvent, and reconnect. As you ponder a walk, be sure to remember the possibilities, and not the limitations. We are here for you 100%.

Ready to walk?

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