On a day when the road to Paradise was closed, my son and I strapped on our snowshoes and found a great way to spend an afternoon at Mount Rainier National Park.

Trekking around the Trail of the Shadows, the bubbling hot spring captured our attention. I made small snowballs, my son tossed them into the water and we watched to see how fast they melted in the warm water. It was a simple moment, but I have found those are some of the most memorable.

Back home, our trek got me thinking about recent comments made by Mary Bomar, director of the National Park Service. In a plea for parents to get their children outdoors, she talked of kids being “seduced by the dark side of video games.”

While we’re not a video game family, I’ve seen our kids become entranced by the television and the computer.

That’s why I agree with Bomar.

We’re lucky in the South Sound that the Nisqually entrance to Mount Rainier National Park is just 11/2 hours away. But I understand that some parents can’t afford the trip or the $15 entrance fee, or they just don’t want to make the drive.

Fortunately, we’ve got plenty of good options right here in town. They’re free, easy to get to and are great places to introduce your children to the outdoors.

Here are some places I would take a child:

Tacoma Nature Center: This urban park at the corner of South 19th and Tyler streets in Tacoma has more than two miles of trails, most of which can be walked in smaller chunks. Be sure to stop in the center itself to introduce the kids to some snakes, ants, newts, young salmon and turtles.

Gig Harbor area state parks: For those living west of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, three state parks are a great way to introduce kids to Puget Sound. Kopachuck, Penrose Point and Joemma all offer access to the Sound and are great places to explore at low tides. Budget woes may force the state to close Kopachuck and Joemma, but they are worthy options until shuttered. All three also offer a great close-to-home camping experience. Folks on the other side of the bridge just have to pay the bridge toll.

Point Defiance Park: The 702-acre park offers hiking trails, wildlife watching, beach access and bike-riding opportunities. And that’s without visiting Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Located at the end of Pearl Street, this park is a great place to spend an afternoon exploring and playing. I’ve seen black-tailed deer and raccoons traveling through the park.

Foothills Trail: Ride, skate or walk along the trail, from Puyallup to South Prairie, as well as a section in Buckley. When completed, the paved trail will stretch more than 25 miles. I’ve seen bald eagles, spawned-out salmon and other wildlife in visits to the stretch west of South Prairie. This trail is mostly flat, making it perfect for kids of all ages and fitness levels.

Jeffrey P. Mayor: 253-597-8640

jeff.mayor@thenewstribune.com

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