The San Bernardino National Forest is teeming with natural beauty and wildlife, and threaded with many trails. If, like me, you have a little one who likes to explore every single nook, cranny, leaf and rock along the way, start with a short trail like the North Shore’s Woodland Trail, an easy 1.5-mile interpretive loop. In Big Bear City, east of Big Bear Lake, the Baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve has a 0.6-mile interpretive trail. For older kids, more challenging trails may be in order (ask the experts at the Discovery Center for recommendations).

Parking near most trailheads will require an Adventure Pass ($5 for a day), available at the Discovery Center and a number of retail and other outlets.