Family, fitness and fun this spring

Spring is a great time of the year! The flowers begin to blossom, it starts to get warmer, the evenings are longer to enjoy, and so much more. With winter officially behind us now, it is a great opportunity to spend time with your family and have some great fun outdoors, while keeping fit. Though there are too many to list, below I have outlined some of my favorite local springtime family activities.

Hitting the trails

There are so many beautiful trails around the KMC area that you and your family are able to enjoy. What could be better than taking an afternoon stroll or spending a day hiking in the clean spring air, surrounded by the refreshing outdoors. There are over 92 parking areas that lead to trails covering over 2,200 kilometers of breathtaking scenery.

• Devils Tour, Otterbach

This wonderful trail offers 15 kilometers of some heavenly views that won’t disappoint. While exploring this trail, you will find everything from wild romantic creek valleys to steep rises and a breathtaking view over Palatinate mountains that everyone will love.

• Sculpture Trail, Kaiserslautern

In the midst of beautiful nature and wildlife in the Palatinate forest, you can encounter man-made sculptures that are made from sandstone, wood or metal. Some of these weird and magnificent pieces of art blend into the landscape while others present an exciting contrast to nature. There are over 30 works of art that you are able to admire while hiking through the idyllic scenery.

• Mill Trail, Landstuhl

The Mill Trail is one that many families and hikers love. It starts in Landstuhl and passes 13 mills on it’s way south through the adventurous valleys of the Stuhlback river and Walhalbe. This trail stretches out for 23 kilometers and passes by two great must-see destinations that invite you to stop in for a visit. The first is the Nanstein Castle, where you can enjoy some traditional German food and beverages with your family while taking in a marvelous view of the town of Landstuhl. The second is the Rosselmuehle, where the water still turns the huge mill wheel.

Fun in the park

• Wildlife Park, Silz

In Park Silz, you will find a range of wonderful things to do with the whole family, from an adventure park and petting zoo to hiking tours and so much more. This park is home to 400 animals of 15 different European species. When entering the park, you will be able to see and meet some of the animals that have made the park their home up close and personal at the petting zoo.

There are different trails to choose from once in the park, so you and your family can discover the wildlife on your own. You are able to choose between a short course, which takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes to walk, and a long course, which takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes. This is a great opportunity for you and the family to enjoy the outdoors while experiencing wildlife. It truly is a great nature experience for the whole family.

For more information, visit the Wildlife Park website at www.englisch.wildpark-silz.de.

• Gartenschau, Kaiserslautern

Why not take a long, relaxing stroll with the kids through the dinosaur park located in Kaiserslautern, which holds over 80 life-size dinosaur statues. This delightful park not only offers the dinosaur exhibition and playground for the kids but also holds various events year-round for you and your family to enjoy. While you are roaming the park, why not stop by the lovely beer garden for some refreshments and more relaxing fun.

For more information, visit the Gartenschau website at www.gartenschau-kl.de.

Check out a museum

• Gondwana – Das Praehistorium, Schiffweiler

Gondwana is the largest worldwide dinosaur show with animatronic dinosaurs as well as an exhibit on paleontology. A trip to this museum is fun for all the family and also a great learning experience. You are able to walk around and learn about evolution of Earth, including the sight, sound and smell with robotic animals and plant life. This museum offers a play area for toddlers and kids, which has an entertaining obstacle course that guides them through tunnels and more.

For more information, visit the Gondwana website at www.gondwana-das-praehistorium.de.