Hiking with kids can be a wonderful way to introduce them to nature, and create lasting family memories. However, it’s important to approach hiking with children differently than you would on your own. With some careful planning and preparation, you can ensure that your family hiking adventures are enjoyable and safe for everyone involved. In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know to start hiking with kids.
Choose family-friendly trails:
- Look for trails that are suitable for children in terms of length, terrain, and difficulty level.
- Consider factors such as elevation gain, trail surface, and amenities like restrooms and picnic areas.
- Start with short, easy trails and gradually work your way up to more challenging hikes as your kids gain experience and confidence.
Get the right gear:
- Invest in high-quality hiking gear for your kids, including comfortable and supportive footwear, and weather-appropriate clothing.
- Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a first aid kit.
- Consider bringing along some fun items like binoculars, a magnifying glass, or a nature guide to keep your kids engaged and entertained on the trail. We usually bring some lego or monstertrucks too!
Pack plenty of snacks and water:
- Hiking can make you hungry and thirsty, especially for kids. Make sure to pack plenty of snacks and water to keep everyone energized and hydrated.
- Portable snacks like trail mix, granola bars, fresh fruit, and sandwiches are all great options for hiking.
Educate your kids about hiking safety:
- Teach your kids about the importance of staying on the trail, respecting wildlife, and following any posted rules and regulations. Click here for a kid friendly explanation on why it is important to stay on trail.
- Make sure they know what to do in case they get separated from the group or encounter any hazards on the trail.
- Set a good example by practicing Leave No Trace principles and demonstrating safe hiking behaviors yourself.
Make it fun:
- Keep your kids engaged and motivated by making hiking a fun and enjoyable experience.
- Encourage them to play games, look for wildlife, and explore their surroundings along the trail. For tired legs I like to play: stomp like an elephant, jump like a rabbit etc.
- Consider incorporating other outdoor activities like geocaching, rock collecting, or birdwatching into your hikes to add variety and excitement.
Be flexible and patient:
- Remember that hiking with kids is a different experience than hiking on your own, and things may not always go according to plan.
- Be prepared to take plenty of breaks, adjust your pace, and modify your plans as needed to accommodate your kids’ needs and preferences.
- Above all, stay positive and patient, and focus on enjoying the journey together as a family.
- Some hikes will be 0.5 km, others will be 7 km – try to remember that the goal isn’t the destination, but that you get on the trail.
Conclusion:
Hiking with kids can be a rewarding and enriching experience for the whole family. By choosing family-friendly trails, getting the right gear, packing plenty of snacks and water, educating your kids about hiking safety, making it fun, and being flexible and patient, you can set yourself up for a successful and enjoyable hiking adventure with your little ones. So lace up your hiking boots, grab your backpacks, and hit the trail with your kids for an unforgettable outdoor adventure!
