The 6 Best Hikes For Kids Near Saratoga

1) Villa Montalvo in Saratoga

Villa Montalvo is located near downtown Saratoga and is a 166-acre park with both hiking trails (behind the main house) as well as formal gardens. When my son was a toddler, we spent most of our time walking in the gardens, which is mostly flat and great for toddlers to explore (be sure to check out the cactus garden at the end of the gardens!). We now spend most of our time hiking the trails, which meander through the redwood forests behind the main house, and are managed by Santa Clara County Parks. There is a nice lookout with two benches at the top with views of Silicon Valley (you can even see the Apple Spaceship from this viewpoint). Hikers are requested to park in parking lot #4. Note: Parking is free, but Villa Montalvo occasionally closes early for concerts or other events, so be sure to check their webpage before going.

2) Hakone Gardens in Saratoga

Hakone Gardens is an 100+ year old Japanese garden located just a minute from downtown Saratoga. It has a few dirt trails, as well as trails through the garden. This was one of my toddler's favorite hikes when he was little, as one of the highlights is the koi pond where you can feed the fish during the non-winter months (you must purchase the koi food at the gift shop where you pay your entrance fee, and the management carefully limits the amount of food the fish can have each day, so I recommend going early!). During the winter months, the fish do not need any food, so feeding the koi is available seasonally, although the gardens are open year-round and worth a visit in every season. Hakone Gardens is also on the National Register of Historic Places. There are picnic tables and restrooms, dogs are not permitted. Note: there is an admission fee for adults and children ages 5+ (children ages 4 and younger are free).

3) Los Gatos Creek Trail through Vasona in Los Gatos

The Los Gatos Creek Trail is paved and mostly flat, running for about ten miles along the creek from downtown Los Gatos through Vasona Park to Campbell and onto San Jose. The trail runs through Oak Meadow and Vasona parks, both of which have nice playgrounds for kids. There are also picnic tables and restrooms. For small children and train enthusiasts, the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad also runs through these parks and is a favorite of preschoolers and elementary aged children. Vasona Lake has a variety of ducks and birds, as well as boating in the summer through LGS Recreation. These paved trails are great when it rains, as my son loves the puddles!

4) Sanborn Hiking in Saratoga

One of my personal favorite hikes from when my son was in preschool through elementary school is Sanborn County Park in Saratoga, just a short drive from Los Gatos. We have a favorite two-mile loop on the dirt trails through the redwood forest. There is also a one-mile nature trail that is suitable for children. Amenities include picnic tables, restrooms, group sites for rent, and a walk-in campground.

5) Quarry Park Hike in Saratoga

This Quarry Park hike is off the beaten path but only a few miles from downtown Saratoga. These hiking trails are fairly short, but somewhat steep, and on the site of two former lime quarries, which were later turned into gravel quarries that supplied materials for county roads. There are picnic tables and benches, as well as a seasonal pond.

6) Rancho San Antonio in Cupertino

Rancho San Antonio is perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and those young at heart with an 160-year-old historical working farm in Silicon Valley. You can hike (or take a stroller) there via a one-mile flat paved trail from the main parking area to Deer Hollow Farm, which has goats, sheep, chickens, and pigs. This hike is a favorite among the pre-school set! Note: dogs are not permitted in this park.

HAPPY TRAILS!

I hope this post inspires you to try out some new hiking locations with your kids! These locations are beautiful and fun, and several of them also make great spots for a family photo session! If you are a fun and laid back family who enjoys the outdoors and wants a great experience in a beautiful outdoor setting for your next family photo session, I'd love to be your photographer!

Do you live in the Bay Area, such as San Jose, Los Gatos, or Saratoga? Are you ready to update your family photos or capture the magic of your newborn's first days? Contact Bay Area Family & Newborn Photographer Cindy Tucey Photography to schedule your outdoor family photoshoot or your in-home lifestyle newborn photography session today.