Wet paths are slick — don't trust your footwear.

Yes, they are. Wet wood, stone, and metal get dangerously slippery, and “good footwear” helps but doesn’t guarantee grip. Toddlers are top-heavy and unpredictable, so a sudden slip on a wet bridge can turn a nice walk into a bad afternoon.

Most trail bridges and paved paths use materials that turn into an ice rink when wet — especially if there’s any moss, algae, or leaf debris. Rubber soles help, but they’re not magic. For a toddler, the risk is higher because they’re unsteady and you’re often carrying them or holding their hand, which throws off your own balance.

My advice: If it’s been raining or the ground is damp, skip the scenic path or walk very slowly with both hands free. Better yet, stick to dry, non-slick surfaces until everything dries out.

Future you doesn’t want to explain a twisted ankle to a pediatrician.