When it comes to hiking with kids, there are a few key things to keep in mind in order to make the experience enjoyable for both you and your little ones. Here are the top tips that will help make your next hiking trip a success!
After a busy day at the office, nothing feels better than to get outside on a beautiful day and take a hike with the kids. We’ve got hundreds of miles of hiking trails around our home that can take us into town, down to the beach, and even out to a few inland lakes that are only accessible by walking.
The only problem we have is that many of the “good” locations to see are more than a mile away. That’s not hard for me, but for our 2-year-old daughter? That could be a recipe for disaster!
With the right preparation, however, you can go the distance on a hike with your child and have a memorable experience. The last hike our family took was over 3 miles long and all of our kids, including our 2-year-old, want the next hike to be even longer.
Why Hiking With Kids is Important
For a variety of reasons, taking your children hiking is useful. It’s a wonderful method to spend quality time together and teaches kids about nature and wildlife while also ensuring they get plenty of exercise.
Here are some reasons why:
- You can go to new places and see cool things.
- Your kids can learn about nature and how to take care of the environment.
- It’s a good way to get exercise together.
- You can teach them about safety.
- It’s a great bonding experience.
Best Hiking Gear with Kids
One of the most important aspects of hiking with kids is being prepared with the proper gear. This includes bringing enough food and water, as well as dressings for any minor cuts or scrapes that may occur along the way.
But what about the actual hike itself? What do you need to make sure your child is comfortable and safe while you’re out on the trails? Here are a few items we always make sure to bring when hiking with our kids:
- A Child backpack carrier
- A hiking backpack for kids and adults
- Hiking shoes or boots
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- A first-aid kit
- A map of the area (kids love looking at maps and exploring new territories)
- Plenty of snacks and drinks
- A few small toys or books
Now that we’ve gone over some of the reasons why hiking with kids can be awesome, let’s get into how to make it happen with our favorite hiking tips with kids, children, and babies.
Essentials Tips for Hiking with Kids
1. Find a Trail
The first step is finding a trail that is appropriate for your group. Not all trails are created equal – some may be too strenuous for young children, while others might not have enough to keep them entertained.
Do some research ahead of time to find a trail that’s just right for your family. When you’re a parent out with your kids, you’ve got to remember that there may be times when you might have to carry your 2-year-old, your 3-year-old, and your pack of supplies.
Do you want to carry an extra 110 pounds up a 9% grade? Don’t make that mistake because you’ll be craving an asthma inhaler when you do make it up the hill!
Pick a flat route that is easy to hike so that if you do need to do some carrying, you won’t have to train like a professional athlete to come out ok.
2. Determine the best time of day to hike
If you’re planning on hiking with kids, it’s important to time your hike right. Kids can get tired quickly, so hike early in the morning or wait until later in the day when they’ll have more energy.
If possible, hike early in the morning when they’ll have the most energy. Later in the day, they may be more likely to get tired and cranky.
Before you head out on your hike, be sure to check the weather forecast. You don’t want to get stuck in a storm or be caught in the heat of the day without enough water.
3. Pack snacks and water for your kids
It’s important to keep your kids hydrated and fed while you’re out on the trail. Bring snacks and water for everyone in your group. But also pack a separate hiking backpack for your kids with their own snacks. This can help them have ownership of their hiking experience in the great outdoors.
Some great snacks for kids hiking are fruits, granola bars, crackers, and peanut butter. If you plan to camp overnight, Patagonia Provisions are a great option as well.
4. Bring along sunscreen, bug spray, and hats
Any good hike starts with the right supplies. And if you’re hiking with kids, that list of supplies gets a little longer. In addition to bringing plenty of snacks and water, you’ll also want to pack sunscreen, bug repellent, and hats.
And don’t forget to reapply sunscreen throughout the hike, especially if you’re hiking near water. By taking a few simple precautions, you can help your kids enjoy a safe and fun hike.
For longer hikes in national parks, you’ll definitely want to pack a safety whistle for potential animal encounters and even pack bear spray. Also, consider buying a larger Camelbak hiking backpack so you are fully stocked on water.
5. Dress in layers so they can remove clothing if they get too hot or cold
One of the most important factors in hiking with kids is making sure they’re appropriately dressed. Kids are notoriously bad at judging when they’re too hot or too cold, so it’s important to have options. Layering their clothing gives them the ability to take off or put on layers as needed.
Hiking clothes are typically made of quick-drying materials that wick away sweat, which is perfect for kids who are constantly running around and working up a sweat. Dry clothes can help your kids stay comfortable, reducing the potential for irritability.
In addition, these outdoor clothes tend to be more durable than everyday clothes, which is important when you’re hiking on rough terrain. So when you’re packing for your next hike, make sure to dress your kids in layers so they can adjust as needed.
Also, make sure you invest in the right hiking shoes for your family hikes, we recommend Merrel hiking shoes.
6. Use well-known trails instead of blazing your own
When hiking with kids, it’s important to stick to well-known, easy-to-follow trails. This will help keep them safe and make the hike more enjoyable for everyone.
If you choose a difficult trail or blaze your own path, you may end up carrying your kids part of the way – which can be tiring for both of you (especially if you have two kids or more).
Longer hikes are tougher for everyone, so you may want to start hiking trails that are a loop so the kids hiking know when the trail is going to end.
7. Let your kids help plan the hike
Involving your kids in the planning process can make them more excited about the hike. Ask them where they want to go and what they want to see.
In order to build endurance, you’ve got to go for a longer hike every now and then. The kids will have fun when you’re out there, but the last 10 minutes or so will be a struggle because they’re tired, you’re tired, and everyone wants to just be done.
Be patient during this process, take frequent breaks for water, and you’ll make it back and they’ll be proud because they’ve done something they’ve never been before.
8. Stop frequently to rest and explore
For us, there’s a hiking trail that leads down to our local beach, but it’s not the easiest trail to take once you reach the end of it.
There are several steps carved into the side of a 200-foot cliff and then the last 25% of the trail is literally a rope that you climb down to reach the water.
Could I do that hike with ease? Absolutely. Would the kids be able to achieve the reward of finishing the trail? Definitely not. By knowing your limits, you won’t struggle as much with the journey back.
Hiking with kids can be slow going at times. Be prepared to stop frequently so everyone can take a break. This is also a good time to let your kids explore their surroundings.
9. Be prepared for emergencies
It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Be sure to bring along a first-aid kit and know how to use it. It’s also a good idea to let someone else know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
Whether you’re going across town or just around the block, pack your trip for everything in case something happens. That means bandages, wipes, extra clothes, a water bottle for each of them, and other items that are unique to your family.
That way you can instantly react to the scraped knee or the complaints of being thirsty right away instead of having to wait until you get back to the house or to a natural stopping point on your family hikes.
10. Reward your kids at the end of the hike
A little motivation can go a long way when hiking with young kids. Promise them a special treat at the end of the hike if they make it all the way.
Sometimes we hike down to the local grocery store just so we can pick up a special treat. There are the daisies that we sometimes pick to bring home. Sometimes the reward is a picture of pretending to be a ninja while out in the woods.
Whatever hiking trail you’re on, create a reward if there isn’t one at the end already to encourage more hiking in the future. If we walk a hiking trail that has no reward, the kids will be disappointed with the outcome and that removes the desire to hike at all. Having some form of reward will keep your kids interested in the hike for longer.
See Related: Best Travel Board Games
11. Let your kids lead the way
Once in a while, let your kids take the lead on the hike. This will give them a sense of ownership and accomplishment.
One of the kids’ favorite trails is close to the house, but it runs through the woods that surround our neighborhood. They can often see deer in the trees and along with the grassy parts, there are wild daisies that grow abundantly.
We’ll go out, pick a few flowers for Mom, and come back feeling like something was accomplished. It’s also 1.5 miles to do this hike, so it’s a good little hike that takes us an hour to do and helps to build up our endurance for longer trails.
12. Practice Hiking Before Going on a Hiking Trip
We’ve got a pond outside of our home in the neighborhood that holds the extra rainwater for proper drainage. It’s the yearly home to tons of frogs, a few ducks, a loon every now and again, and lots of cattails. I walked out around the pond and discovered it was 1/10 a mile for a complete loop.
Before beginning any long-distance hikes, we hiked laps around the pond together. That way their legs could get used to the distance and we could stop for a break because we were never far from home.
Once we could hit 10 laps, or 1 mile, without much complaint, we were ready for a long walk away from the house.
13. Plan Hiking Trips to Exotic Locations
Exotic locations don’t have to be anything special… they just have to be different! We’ve gone out to a local mountain to hike around a loop trail, play hide and seek, and get an amazing view.
Sometimes the exotic location is a local lake where the kids can watch fish jump out of the water. My 5-year-old daughter loves the hiking trail that goes behind some stables so she can pet the noses of the horses.
It doesn’t matter where you go, as long as it’s different than what they’re used to and they can explore and find new things. This will help build their desire to hike more frequently because they’ll want to see what else is out there waiting to be discovered.
14. Play Hiking Games
It’s no surprise that kids love games. Hiking games are a great way to keep kids entertained while hiking. It also helps them to pay attention to their surroundings so they don’t miss anything important.
We often play the quiet game where we see who can be the quietest for the longest period of time. This has helped my kids to really focus on what’s around them and they’ve seen some amazing things because of it.
We also play the alphabet game where we try to find something that starts with each letter of the alphabet in order. This has helped them to learn more about their surroundings and what kinds of plants and animals live there.
15. Bring a Hiking Journal
A hiking journal is a great way to document all of the hikes that you take with your kids. It’s also a great way for them to remember all of the fun things that they did on each hike.
You can buy a hiking journal, or you can make your own. We made our own by decorating a regular notebook with stickers and markers. Then we just write down the date, time, location, and what we did on each hike.
16. Take Lots of Pictures
When you’re out on a hike, taking pictures is a great way to document the experience and capture the fun that you’re having. But there are a few things to keep in mind to get the best results.
First, try to take pictures regularly throughout the hike, rather than taking one big batch at the end. That way, you’ll be sure to capture all of the highlights.
Second, make sure to get some close-ups as well as wide shots. And third, don’t forget to include some candid shots of your friends and family enjoying the hike. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to come home with plenty of great memories – and pictures – from your hike.
17. Make it a Family Tradition
One of the best ways to get your kids to hike with you is to make it a family tradition. This way, they’ll always associate hiking with family time and they’ll want to do it more often. The key is to find kid-friendly hikes that are still challenging enough to be fun for everyone.
For example, we try to go on at least one hike per week as a family. This has been a great way for us to bond and allows the whole family to stay active. Plus, it’s a great way to explore all the beautiful sights that nature has to offer.
So if you’re looking for a way to get your family into hiking, start by making it a tradition. Try not to be too repetitive about the tradition too.
That way your kids can enjoy hiking and won’t end up feeling like it’s a chore. Hiking is a great way to spend time together with activities, and it’s something that everyone can enjoy.
18. Don’t Let People Judge You
If I had a nickel for every comment someone made about how I torture my children with hiking, I’d have enough to buy a new computer – and that’s every week.
If the experience is fun, you’ve got enough supplies, and you take breaks when needed, your kids are going to have a good time.
Prepare your mind for negative comments and be grateful for positive ones. “It’s so good to see a father out with his kids,” one driver told me this week. “You keep up the good work, Dad.”
See Related: Best National Parks in America
Benefits of hiking with kids
Hiking is a fantastic way for children to have fun and explore nature. For the youngster, it’s an excellent experience to be outside. This can provide knowledge of the environment and foster profound respect for nature. Hiking improves self-confidence, promotes self-reliance, and cultivates inquisitiveness in youngsters.
Hiking aids young kids and old kids in locating their environment while also seeing their natural habitat. Walking may assist youngsters in getting outside of their comfort zone to accomplish something they are proud of.
The trek also offers a slow, soothing location where you can teach kids and also spend quality time together… what could be better?
See Related: Best Things to do in Sedona with Kids
Beginner Tips for Hiking with Baby
Let’s take a look at some of the basics of baby hiking gear. This assistance will help you cope with your anxiety and irritation, allowing you to have a wonderful and happy existence.
Preparation
Although it is not necessary to bring anything with you for a 10-hour hiking excursion or trek if you’re going on a trek while your kid is along, be prepared.
As a result, additional clothing diapers, and perhaps another container of the formula are required. They are heavier than an ordinary backpack but will come in useful in unforeseen circumstances.
Safety
Tell someone when you’re going hiking. When you want to go, inform him. Send an email. In addition, you’ll be able to bring some basic first-aid supplies with you in case you suffer a scrape from a bump on your ankle or get injured.
Patience
Patience is the most important thing we can tell you. The single most essential item to remember is that everything takes time. Take a moment and enjoy yourself during this exciting time in your life. Is it possible that your preparation has gone too far? Diapers, gowns, and snowsuits are kept for this purpose.
Timing
It might be challenging to travel with your child. It’s the most difficult scenario imaginable. We propose beginning a stroll as soon as you’ve nursed and fed your baby. So, your child is happy and enraptured by nature and the environment.
Comfort
The security of all on the baby trek has always been critical to the trip. You and your youngster are supposed to dress for the weather and bring a suitable backpack.
Final Thoughts
Hiking with kids can be a great way to spend time together and plan for future family outings. With a little preparation, you can make it a fun and rewarding experience for everyone.
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If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us! We would be happy to help you plan your next hike with your family.
FAQs
What are some best tips for hiking with kids?
Some tips for hiking with kids include being prepared, being patient, and having a good attitude. It is also important to make sure that everyone is dressed appropriately for the weather and that you have a comfortable backpack. Finally, it is a good idea to start the hike when your child is well-rested and fed.
How do I keep my kids safe while hiking?
Some safety tips for hiking with kids include bringing basic first-aid supplies, dressing for the weather, and having a well-rested and fed child. It is also important to tell someone when you are going on the hike and to stay on marked trails.
What should I bring on a hike with my kids?
Some things that you should bring on a hike with your kids include extra clothing, diapers, and formula if you are hiking with a baby. It is also important to bring snacks and drinks, as well as a first-aid kit. Finally, make sure to dress everyone in comfortable clothes and shoes.
Related Resources
- 13 Ways To Make Travel Less Stressful
- 9 Essential Packing Tips Every Traveler Should Know
- 6 Ways You Can Make Your Next Trip Easier
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