How to Turn a Day at the Creek Into Magic

Okay, anyone who has been following me for a while knows I’m a freak for a creek! I love to get into wild waters, especially creeks and rivers, and one thing that we’re lucky to have here in the Ozarks is a lot of crystal-clear, spring-fed rivers and creeks that always have some running water and are nice and cool. Where we live in the Springfield-metro area, there’s a wonderful state forest only 20 minutes away. Down there, along with really lovely hiking trails, there is a crystal clear creek that runs through it. In the last two years, I’ve become a true expert at taking a creek day from fun to magic – often with the help of some really good company. But I thought I’d give some tips on how to turn a day at the creek into magic, whether you’re traveling, or chilling at a creek close to home.

Plus, the world is expensive and if you have a creek near you, a day at the creek can feel like an escape even 20 minutes from your front door.

First Off, Find a Good Creek Spot

There are a few musts for a truly good creek. First of all, you want to find a spot that has water deep enough that you can enjoy it. I like to find something with at-least knee deep water, but love a spot that has knee to waist deep variation of water, that way you can sit in spots and wade in spots. If it’s deep enough to have a rope swing in part that’s 10/10. Secondly, somewhere clean. There are some yucky creeks out there. It’s worth it to find a spot that’s clean, isn’t a major fishing spot (nothing ruins a creek day like a rogue hook in the foot), and the water is clear enough to see what’s in there with you. Preferably, you can see clear to the bottom. Thirdly, be sure you’re somewhere the water is moving. Maybe this is personal preference and maybe it’s in my head, but when there’s at least a fair amount of flow – nothing that’s going to knock me off my feet, but would move my kids on floaties at a slow pace – because it feels so much cleaner, algae is less likely to build up and mosquitos aren’t nearly as abundant.

Make Your Spot Cozy

If you’re going to spend more than an hour at the creek, I highly recommend making your space cozy. I have an outdoor blanket I setup, plus some towels that I layer up to make my spot on the creek side comfy for sitting. Matt is more of a camp chair guy, but I like the ability to stretch out on the blanket, lay down to sunbathe and to look at rocks on the creekside with ease. However you find coziness, bring it with you help turn a day at the creek into magic.

Have Creek Appropriate Shoes

Nothing can kill a vibe more than walking barefoot on uneven, sharp rocks. I am a huge fan of Teva Hurricane XLTs and have worn them for years now. They have a nice thick sole, and the straps dry fairly quickly. They protect my feet in and out of the water. Matt wears these too, and my kids have the closed toe Keen sandals. I like the closed toe even more for them so that rocks and pesky things like glass or hooks, have a harder time coming in contact with their feet. They’re three and five, for reference.

Don’t Forget Sun Protection

I have had many creek days ruined by a lack of preparation on my part. Don’t forget to apply – and reapply – sunscreen. I am a huge fan of sunscreen sticks because you don’t have to worry about inhaling the annoying aerosol kind or getting goopy hands from the rub-in kind. It makes reapplication a breeze.

Bring Snacks (Or Drinks)

Nothing is truly magical without snacks, in my humble opinion. So, in the mornings we’ll be donuts with us. Any time snacks are sliced fruit, cheese, GoGurt or some sort of trail mix – things that are just really easy to throw into the basket I carry down to the creek. I also often bring coffee, and if I’m just meeting the girls Kate is the queen of cocktails. She makes some of the best soju cocktails and makes them in the cutest reusable cups and we have a drink while sitting in the creek. It’s wonderful. Snackies and drinks make everything so much more magical.

Even Better, A Picnic, Girl Dinner… Or Grill Hot Dogs

If you want to elevate your time at the creek, bring a picnic with you. This can be simple sandwiches, which I’ve done many times. It can be girl dinner (think cheeses, dips, crackers, salami, fruit, and random crab rangoon and spring rolls – speaking from experience). And we’ve even brought a mini propane grill (thanks Dom and Kate) to the creek a couple of times and had some incredible hot dogs at the creek. That was probably my favorite creek meal of all time.

If You’re Having a Chill Creek Day, Bring Activities for You

I love to sit by the creek and read or journal. If I’m feeling crafty I’ll even bring a small crochet project or my national park cross stitch project. Then when it gets hot, get in the creek and cool off. It’s a really healing way to spend time alone or even to spend with a friend or your partner. I think it’s so easy to unplug at the creek and these more analog activities bring even more peace because they’re not things that require you to pick up your phone and there isn’t sound playing to distract you from the sounds of nature and other people enjoying nature with you. Also, when I have a chill day, coffee is almost always involved.

If You Have Kids with You, Bring Toys

These don’t have to be crazy, just a few things. We love to bring buckets with shovels, a bag or small basket to put rocks and fossils in and something that floats. Like a rubber ducky or two. If your creek has a decent flow, bring a little floatie they can splash around on. And, obviously, be sure they’re wearing the floatation devices they need.

Enjoy the Space Around You

Don’t forget that you’re in nature. The world around you is magic. Take time to notice the sound of the creek running, the birds chirping, watch leaves fall. Try to catch a minnow or look for fossils or a cool rock. Just remember you’re out in nature and that nature heals.

CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF

Please, for the love of nature, do not leave trash behind. Be prepared to pack out what you pack in. Have an immediate spot to put all the trash you might create so the wind or the water doesn’t accidentally take off with it. We want to leave our natural spaces as good, if not better than, we found them.

Nature is a gift, including creeks. It’s a gift in life to have access to a creek (whether it’s 10 minutes or 10 hours from you) that is clean and safe enough to play in. Treat it as such. Soak up the magic and be good back to it, because time spent in a creek is an easy way to feel the joy and beauty of nature, have time with your friends or family and soak up the magic and energy that our precious earth has to offer. I hope this post helps you make the most of a day at the creek because it just takes a little bit of preparation to turn a day at the creek into magic.

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