We’ve been hiking with our two girls since they were literally days old. Recently, we hiked to the top of Yosemite Falls. I can’t tell you how proud I was of them. Over the years, we’ve learned a few things about hiking with our children. Here are a few tips for making it an enjoyable time.
- Choose the Right Trail
- Pack the Right Gear
- Start Slow and Build Up
- Involve the Kids in Planning
- Bring Friends
- Set Realistic Expectations
- Teach Leave No Trace Principles
- Play Games
- Take Plenty of Breaks
- Celebrate Your Accomplishments
- Bonus Tip: Bribery is Effective
When hiking with kids, it’s important to choose a trail that is suitable for their age and abilities. Look for trails with shorter distances and less elevation gain, and consider the difficulty of the terrain. Trails with a lot of rocks or steep drop-offs may not be the best choice for young children. Check out our post on easy beginner hikes and our page on hikes with kids for ideas.
Before heading out on a hike with kids, make sure you have all the necessary gear. This includes appropriate clothing and footwear, sunscreen, bug spray, a first aid kit, plenty of water and snacks, and a map or GPS device. In the past, we’ve also given our kids a whistle necklace to wear around their necks. While they’ve never gotten lost or needed to use them, they feel pretty cool wearing them, and it gives them a bit of confidence that they know what to do if they were to get lost.
If your kids are new to hiking, start with shorter and easier hikes and gradually work your way up to longer and more challenging trails. This will help build their confidence and endurance, and also give them a chance to learn about the natural world around them. As they get more comfortable, you can start introducing more difficult terrain and longer distances.
Getting kids involved in planning the hike can help build excitement and anticipation for the trip. Let them help choose the trail, pack their own backpack with snacks and water, and give them a map to follow along the way. This can help them feel more invested in the experience and give them a sense of accomplishment when they reach the end of the trail.
Hiking with friends can make the experience more fun and enjoyable for kids. Consider inviting other families with children to join you on the hike. This can also be a great way to introduce your kids to new friends and get them excited about future hikes. I’ve found that this also reduces whining :)
It’s important to set realistic expectations for your kids when hiking. Don’t expect them to hike at the same pace or cover the same distance as adults. Take frequent breaks and let them explore and play along the way. This will help keep them engaged and interested in the hike, and also prevent them from getting too tired or overwhelmed.
Teaching kids about Leave No Trace principles can help instill a sense of responsibility and respect for the natural environment. Teach them to pack out all trash and litter, stay on designated trails, and avoid disturbing wildlife or plants. This can help ensure that future generations can enjoy the same natural beauty that you and your kids are experiencing. See our post on Leave No Trace Principles to learn more.
Playing games can help keep kids engaged and interested in the hike. Consider playing games like “I Spy” or “20 Questions” along the trail. You can also make up your own games or scavenger hunts based on the natural surroundings. This can help turn the hike into a fun and interactive learning experience.
When hiking with kids, it’s important to take frequent breaks to rest, hydrate, and refuel. Kids may need to take more breaks than adults, so plan your hike accordingly. This can also be a great opportunity to stop and enjoy the natural surroundings, take photos, or play games.
When you reach the end of the trail, take a moment to celebrate your accomplishment as a family. This can be as simple as high-fiving or taking a group photo at the trailhead. You can also plan a special treat or activity to reward your kids for their hard work and perseverance on the hike. This will help build their confidence and leave them with a positive association with hiking.
We are not above bribing our kiddos when the going gets tough. We call them adventure points. A kid slips and scrapes her knee: 30 adventure points. We are half way into the hike and she feels terrible: “Get to the top and you’ll earn 20 adventure points.” Then cash them in for a treat on the way home. It’s a great way to gamify the experience and can even teach that perseverance has its rewards.
Choose a trail that is appropriate for the age and fitness level of your kids. If your kids are young or not very active, choose a shorter and easier trail. As they get older and more experienced, you can gradually challenge them with longer and more difficult trails.