Giant City State Park
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Post Oak Trail: stroller-friendly
Visitor Center: 3+
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Visitor Center, the Lodge
Somewhere in a box is a photo of me as a toddler, on a boulder my family called “Pride Rock” at Giant City State Park. As I grew, I realized Pride Rock was not as impressive or large as I once thought. It was not in the thick of the forest; it’s actually near the first playground as you enter the park.
I grew up in Giant City State Park. I feel a deep connection to this land, Makanda, so it feels right to name it my first official “Toddler Space”.
I know you’re probably thinking, “I don’t want to hike with my toddler. Pass.”
YOU STOP RIGHT THERE!
I don’t want to hike with my toddler either! When you are a short gal who mainly does cardio (I do two laps around Target at least once a week), wearing and hiking with 30lbs - alone - is not it.
I bet you think I’m going to recommend the playgrounds, and then you’re going to say “I’m not driving all that way just for a playground.” Well think again! I wouldn’t drive 30 minutes for a playground with a not-even-two-year-old either. So let me tell you what you CAN do!
Visitor Center - The Visitor Center is filled with displays, and has a kids section. I would say the kids section is better for 3/4 and up. There are things to explore like a turtle shell, skulls, etc. - tactile sensory items. In the gift shop there are some critters. Back in the kids area, there is tent to play in, coloring pages, and more detailed information for those that can read. Our 22 month-old was not as interested here aside from walking around and slapping glass. Bathroom and changing table available here.
Post Oak Trail - This trail is only 1/3 of a mile and is entirely paved. It is meant for strollers and wheelchairs. If you have a runner, I would recommend keeping them close by during the first stretch of the trail because you are at the top of the bluffs. Olive loves walking over the wooden bridges on this trail. There are benches along the way in case you need to stop and adjust, and an overlook. It is right across from a playground & pavilion, which makes it a perfect spot to practice walking and then have a picnic at the playground. It is right down the way from the Lodge, as well, where there is a changing table.
The Lodge - This is more of a fun space to explore for toddlers, or rest for parents. Open seasonally, they have toddler-friendly foods, checkers games upstairs, and it’s just a nice place to cool off after hiking. Changing table in the restrooms.
Of course, there are several playgrounds around Giant City State Park, and I think they are worth checking out while you are there. Warning: unfortunately the wildlife has become accustomed to being fed by people. When we were at the playground across from Post Oak Trail, a female raccoon approached in broad daylight wanting food, and digging through the trash. Once we made some noise she kept her distance, but if you don’t trust your toddler not to run up on a raccoon (mine would have if she could have walked), it’s a good idea to keep an eye out around these areas.
The Makanda Boardwalk is also in this area. I wouldn’t say it is toddler-friendly but it’s also not toddler-dangerous either. The boardwalk is short and uneven, and navigating strollers around the small shops really isn’t possible, so you would need to be willing to carry your kiddo. I don’t encourage them to walk around the stores either, because there are many tempting and breakable items - especially in Makanda Trading Co., with the gemstones. However, I would recommend stopping in Makanda Java for either ice cream, candy, a drink, or a cup of coffee, and then heading through the Rainmakers shop to the Garden in the back. The paths back in the Garden would be easy enough for toddlers to walk, but you’ll want to keep a hand on them.
If you want to see our day in Giant City State Park, click here.
