Kid Tracks: Kid Tracks Column: Family-friendly hikes by the ocean

Kids have their own ideas about what makes hiking enjoyable, and that generally includes running, jumping, making lots of noise and the ultimate fun – playing in the ocean.

If you're looking for a trail where your kids can do all of the above this summer, my family has a few suggestions.

MACKWORTH ISLAND IN FALMOUTH
THIS TRAIL around the small island is a little over a mile and the easy, flat terrain works well for strollers. Shells found along the beach, the fairy house village and pet cemetery give kids plenty to explore.

WHY WE LIKE IT: My daughters have been building fairy houses on the island since they were preschoolers. Now they are both older, yet the magical village still continues to capture their imaginations. My animal-loving 13-year-old also enjoys visiting Gov. Percival Baxter's pet cemetery to read the stone markers, while my 11-year-old cannot resist adding to her collection of purple seashells.

TRAIL MAP: www.trails.org
FEE: None
GETTING THERE: From I-295 in Portland, take Exit 9 North to
Route 1 and cross Martins Point Bridge. Take third right onto Andrews Road, continue over the causeway and onto Mackworth (follow the Gov. Baxter School for the Deaf signs). GPS coordinates: 43.689893, -70.234834

BATHROOM: Yes
DOG-FRIENDLY: Yes, on a leash

WELLS RESERVE AT LAUDHOLM FARM IN WELLS
A TRIP TO the beach via the trails at the reserve make this a great destination-oriented hike for those kids who need a little extra motivation. The looping trails, which also include several boardwalks, make it easy to choose a distance right for your family (the shortest distance to the beach on these trails is a little less than a mile). The visitor center, located in the main farmhouse by the trail head, has educational exhibits that feature local ecology and geology information and is worth a stop to explore with the kids.

WHY WE LIKE IT: The long, winding boardwalk on the Laird-Norton Trail holds a lot of appeal for kids of all ages, and mine are no exception. And my kids enjoy a stop to the visitor center exhibits because, even though the girls are older now, pressing the buttons and peeking behind the little knob windows to learn more about the history, plants and wildlife of the area is still fun for them. Oh, and a stop at the Maine Diner is always a "requirement" for the Almeida kids after a hike at the reserve (it's near the corner of Laudholm Farm Road and Route 1, so there's no missing it on our ride home).

GETTING THERE: From Exit 2 (Wells) off the Maine Turnpike, follow signs to Route 1 in Wells. Follow Route 1 north 1.5 miles to Laudholm Farm Road (just north of the Lighthouse Depot and south of the Maine Diner, at the second flashing traffic signal). Turn right and follow signs to the reserve. There is parking at the trail head. GPS coordinates: 43.338384, -70.551018

TRAIL MAP: www.wellsreserve.org
FEE: None; donations accepted
BATHROOM: Yes
DOG-FRIENDLY: No

WOLFE'S NECK WOODS IN FREEPORT
THE TRAILS at the state park are well-marked with kiosks identifying the wildlife and plants in the area. Along with the daily ranger programs offered in the summer, a visit to the park can offer a great educational experience for everyone in the family. There are also multiple looping trails so families can choose longer or shorter hikes depending on their children's fitness level.

WHY WE LIKE IT: The osprey nest on Googins Island is always an exciting bird sighting for my family, so bringing binoculars is a must (per the kids' request) when we hike here. The close-up view of these beautiful birds flying around the island – as well as the nest, which is facing the park's shore – is great.

TRAIL MAP: Available at the park's ranger station
FEE: $3/adults, $1/under 12
GETTING THERE: From Route 1 in Freeport, take Bow Street to Wolfe's Neck Road. GPS coordinates: 43.830603, -70.082173
BATHROOM: Yes
DOG-FRIENDLY: Yes, on a leash

MORSE MOUNTAIN IN PHIPPSBURG
THIS TWO-MILE HIKE (one way) at the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area is on a mostly paved trail (there are a couple of spots of hard-packed gravel) and is stroller-friendly. With a total elevation gain of about 100 feet – there's a bit of up and down on this trail, but nothing too strenuous – the little ones can claim a summit visit about a mile in to the trail. And if that isn't enough incentive for young hikers, swimming and wave-jumping in the ocean at Sewall Beach at the end of the trail will be, for sure.

WHY WE LIKE IT: Having a picnic at the summit is a nice halfway stop on the trail, and the view is one you won't be eager to leave. Seawall Beach is not as busy as other more popular ocean beach destinations, and that really appeals to my crew. But bring bug spray, because you'll need it on this wooded trail. Also bring sunscreen for the beach, and towels – they are a must, because it's unlikely anyone will be able to resist a dip in the ocean.

TRAIL MAP: tinyurl.com/kvh5rd (my family's map of the trail)
FEE: None
GETTING THERE: From Route 1 in Bath, take Route 290 (High Street) to Route 216 (Small Point Road). Turn left at Morse Mountain Road. GPS coordinates: 43.74518, -69.83751
BATHROOM: No
DOG-FRIENDLY: No

Mackworth Island