I know it sounds crazy, but hiking with kids can be a lot of fun and a great educational experience. Plus, getting out of the house, breathing some fresh air, and spending time outdoors is a win for everyone. In this post, I have put together some ideas for things to keep in mind and a few tips for finding the fun in a hike with the kids. With a little preparation and the right mindset, hiking with kids (even the little ones) can be a truly rewarding and fun bonding experience. As we know, experiences are better than gifts for kids.
Hike Planning: Planning the hike is the best part. Kids love being involved in the process and will be thrilled about the idea of going on an adventure with you. Look up some photos of a hawk or a deer online and ask your kids what they hope to see when they are out hiking. This is the part when everyone gets excited about the big adventure to come. Give your kids some options for where to go or what trails to hike so they can help you pick the destination. Don’t forget to check the weather and prepare accordingly. Then send a quick text to tell your loved ones where you’ll be going.
Terrain: An appropriate length trip with little ones should be somewhere between a quarter mile and a mile depending on age and ability. My five-year-old has a solid mile in him, but anything more than that and a fun outing can quickly become a meltdown. Look for trails marked ‘Easy’. Part of hiking with kids is resetting your expectations for what a hike is all about. When I was younger, my wife and I hiked a lot. For us, it was about challenging ourselves to go a little bit farther or try something more challenging. The thrill was part being in nature, part the accomplishment of having done something hard. With kids, however, the main goal is just to get outside. If you only go a quarter mile, but you spend an hour outside checking out the critters and getting some exercise, it’s a win.
Visitors Centers: Often you can find visitor centers that offer information about local areas. These centers have large area maps so you can show the kids where you’ll be hiking. They also have brochures, books, and other resources available. You may even run into rangers or naturalists who can answer your kids’ questions about nature and provide insight into the area. Many times these centers are free to use.
Restrooms: Whatever you do, when you’re hiking with kids, find a trailhead with a restroom. This is especially critical if you’re kids are young. I once made the mistake of heading out on a hike with my toddler where the trailhead had no facilities. We weren’t too far from home, and honestly, I didn’t even think about making sure he used the bathroom. Needless to say, when you hear the words, “Daddy, I need to poop!” halfway up a hill with no restroom in sight, well, that can induce some serious panic. Luckily, on this trip, my wife had packed an extra diaper and we found a rock to hide behind while he did his business…but, again, my point is to find a trailhead with a bathroom. Use it before you leave, and just in case pack some biodegradable toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and wipes.
Picnic areas: Designated picnic areas are great places to stop and rest while hiking. Often these areas are located near lakes or streams that kids can dip their feet in. These pit stops are an opportunity to recharge and can be a great place to kill some time that’s not in front of a screen. Of course, there is no picnic without some snacks. Make sure you have plenty of food for the day. Pack snacks in a lunch box like granola bars, fruit, nuts, or some sandwiches. All that time outside can work up an appetite!
Water: Just like adults, kids need plenty of hydration on the trails so don’t forget to plan ahead. If you don’t already have a water bottle for the kiddos Hydro Flask makes a great one.
The truth about hiking with kids is that it isn’t about the hike at all. It is about getting outside, burning some energy, and connecting with them through exploration. I hope you found some useful tips here. I’d love to hear from you about ways that you get outside and explore nature with your little ones.
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