Late spring and early Summer is an ideal time to take the family out for a stroll in the woods. But, just because you don’t want to go to the trouble of packing up everyone and everything to drive out to a national park doesn’t mean you can’t take a country stroll.
More and more communities have created parks that include natural walking trails made of dirt. Many metropolitan (and especially more rural) cities have parks with trails that take you off the asphalt path. Nashville, where I live, is blessed with a number of natural parks as well as a system of easily accessible greenways that wander along the banks of the Cumberland and its tributaries. One big sprawling (3,133 acre) natural park that spans the wooded Harpeth Hills is Edwin Warner Park. Take a look at what can await you on one of these adventures that combine family time with getting everyone off the couch.
Most natural parks have a system of asphalt trails for the less adventurous walker but what makes them special are trails that strike out across the landscape taking you through woods, fields and across streams and even rivers. Warner Park has a series of off-road trails that take you over large hills that rise up in the center of the park.
Be sure to check on the level of difficulty for off-road trails. The ratings are Easy (young and elderly, in fair hiking condition, trails in good condition, flat), Moderate (in good hiking condition, trails in good condition, longer trail, somewhat hilly), and Challenging (in good hiking condition, trails in good condition, longer trail, significant hiking up and down hills). Most paved urban park walking paths are rated as Easy. Off-road paths can include Moderate and even Challenging sections. The off-road trails in Edwin Warner Park range from Easy to Moderate.
Right when you pull into the parking lot you can step out onto the natural trail. And this is what you walk into; sun-dappled stretch of wooded trail as smooth as a sidewalk, but dustier. There are long stretches of wooded paths that will then veer up rocky steps.
There are places you can stop along the way for a rest and a snack.
The main trail in Edwin Warner Park gets pretty steep as it takes you to the top of the hill it loops around and back down crossing a stream that runs along the base of the hill. You will end up on a wide path back to your car. The whole loop can be done in about an hour, depending on how hard you push yourselves.
Then, if you get inspired, there are places like Fiery Gizzard you may want to consider for a day trip.
Bring a few things that will make the hike more comfortable. Water will be important. Consider bringing some snacks (preferably healthy ones, just to make the point). Wear comfortable clothes with good walking shoes. You might want to bring a towel to keep in the car to wipe off sweat or water from splashing in any available streams. Confiscate all electronic devices. There are plenty of other times and places everyone can be plugged in. Finally, get in the mind set of having this be a positive experience. Correct the kids only when absolutely necessary. Otherwise, let them off the leash.
And one other thing. 
Be sure you leave no trace. Even though you are in the city, don’t leave trash along the trail to ruin other hiker’s experience of the natural environment.
Give this a try. It will rejuvenate everyone.
