SPANISH FORT, Ala.—When most people have a dog, it’s more than just man’s best friend; it’s a member of the family.

People like to take their four-legged friends with them for a day in the park or for a walk.

But what about taking the dog hiking?

Fiver Rivers Delta Resource Center offers a free Saturday Adventures session, “Hiking with the family (and the dog too),” where visitors can learn about outdoor activities. 

“Getting out in the woods is a cheap form of entertainment,” Joe Cuhaj, instructor for the adventure, said.

Adventures are informal question-and-answer sessions, and are free from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Tensaw Theater.

Although Saturday’s event is about hiking with the dog, dogs aren’t allowed inside Five Rivers and the weekend event will be held indoors, according to Cindy Renkert, event coordinator at Five Rivers.

The session will feature the ins and outs of hiking for children as young as toddlers, up to about 12 years old.

“When hiking with children, the main thing is how to plan,” Cuhaj said. “One thing we will go over is introducing them out into the trails.”

Cuhaj has been an avid hiker for more than 30 years.

“I grew up in New Jersey and the Appalachian Trail was actually my backyard,” Cuhaj said. “That’s how it got started.”

Past Saturday Adventures have included alligator safety, Backpacking 101 and day hiking essentials. 

The Feb. 7 Saturday Adventures session will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. and will feature trail safety with Cuhaj.

Five Rivers is located at 30945 Five Rivers Blvd. on the causeway across from Meaher State Park in Spanish Fort.

Saturday Adventures sessions up to the seventh annual Alabama Hiking Trail Society Conference, which will be held March 6 and 7 at Five Rivers.

The conference will include hands-on demonstrations, lectures, presentations, food, prizes, entertainment, kid-friendly activities and of course, hiking.

For more information visit www.hikealabama.org, the Alabama Hiking Trail Society’s official Web site.