Hiking with your family can be thrilling. Keeping kids interested during walks needs smart tricks and planning ahead. With these tips, you’ll make sure your outdoor trip with kids is enjoyable. These ideas will keep them happy and eager, no matter their hiking experience.
Regular breaks to recharge are key to keeping kids happy on hikes. These stops prevent crankiness and inspire them to keep going. Let each kid lead the way at times. This makes them feel in charge and helps avoid disputes over speed.
Don’t forget crucial hiking gear like water, snacks, extra clothes, and a first aid kit. Always carry the 10 Essentials, and add kid-friendly tools like binoculars and safety whistles. Wearing layers makes sure everyone is comfy, no matter the weather.
Make the great outdoors fun by urging kids to explore and ask questions. Try games and activities like scavenger hunts or spotting animals. This makes the hike an exciting journey. Being supportive boosts their spirits and keeps them motivated.
Teaching kids to care for nature is vital. Show them to “leave no trace” by picking up all trash. Start teaching them to be eco-friendly hikers early on.
Drawing or writing during the hike makes it fun and educational. Kids can record what they see and learn. This turns their hike into both an adventure and a learning moment.
Choose Kid-Friendly Trails
Finding the right trails for kids is key to a great hike. You want trails that are easy but also fun for them. Look for paths with lots of nature. They are enjoyable and make kids want to explore.
Shorter Routes
Start with shorter hikes for kids. The Ferndell Trail in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, is perfect for families. Short hikes help build their stamina. They also keep hiking fun for them.
Interesting Features
Trails with cool things to see are great. For example, the Oak Glen Preserve in Yucaipa has apple orchards and woodlands. Such trails turn a walk into an exciting journey. Features like lakes and unique rocks also teach them something new.
Wildlife Sightings
Seeing animals on the trail makes hiking thrilling. The Santa Rosa Plateau in Murrieta is great for this. Kids could see different animals, making the trip unforgettable. Look for animal tracks, too. They are perfect for learning on the go.
Start Small and Gradually Increase Distance
Starting with easy trails is key for kids. Short trails help them get used to hiking. Kids often take more steps than adults, which means tougher hikes can boost their stamina over time.
Avoiding Fatigue
It’s important to watch for signs of tiredness in kids while hiking. Sometimes, they can only walk a short distance. On better days, they might go up to five miles. Breaks at places like a cool bridge or an interesting tree really help.
Bringing a backpack with snacks or toys is a good idea. These rest stops are perfect for a quick snack or a fun break. It helps them stay excited and ready to go.
Building Excitement
Giving kids specific tasks like finding birds or flowers adds fun. It turns the hike into a learning experience too. Starting with short hikes and increasing the distance slowly helps them get eager for more.
Celebrating every success is important. It boosts their confidence and joy in hiking.
Pack Essential Supplies
Planning a great family hike means packing the right supplies. When you go on the trail, think about comfort, safety, and fun for the kids. Here’s what you need for a kid-friendly hike.
Water and Snacks
Keeping kids hydrated and full of energy is crucial. I carry a 32-ounce Thermoflask for plenty of water. For snacks, pick light and healthy foods. Here are favorites from my family:
- Dried fruit bars or fruit leather
- Fruit snacks
- Pouches
- Easy-to-peel oranges
- Almond butter packets
- Bagel sandwiches
- Turkey jerky or beef sticks
- Granola bars or protein bars
- Cheese sticks
Remember, snacks and water can be heavy, so choose what you bring carefully.
Clothing Layers
The weather can change fast, like in Colorado. Layers are a must for family hikes. Here’s what works best:
- Warm hats and gloves for any season
- Extra socks, we prefer Smartwool
- Light layer, rain jacket, windbreaker, or puffy coat
- One set of gender-neutral extra clothes
- Sunhat and sunglasses with UV protection
Choose breathable layers, good shoes, and sun-safe clothes for kids. This keeps them comfy on the hike.
First Aid Kit
Never hike without a full first aid kit for the kids. Always pack:
- Various sized bandages
- Antiseptic wipes and cream
- Children’s pain reliever
- Blister care
- Bug bite treatment
- Tick remover and tweezers
- Sunscreen and after-sun cream
With these essentials, you can handle minor injuries and keep every hike enjoyable for all.
Encourage Exploration
Hiking with children offers a chance to make the journey educational and fun. It’s a great time for kids to explore nature, driven by their curiosity. By letting them point out nature’s elements, ask questions, and observe, we cultivate their love for the environment.
Pointing Out Nature
Show your kids the variety of plants, flowers, and trees around them. Use a magnifying glass for a closer look at bugs or to track animals. Add fun with a color scavenger hunt or playing Hike-and-Seek. Kids can also join Citizen Science projects by the National Park Service, helping them connect more with nature.
Asking Questions
Encourage kids to ask about everything they see. “What bird is that?” or “Why do leaves turn colors?” make hikes educational. This curiosity leads to a stronger bond with nature. Puddle Parenting, an Instagram group founded by three moms, emphasizes outdoor activities as key to environmental care.
Making Observations
Teach children to notice the world’s details. The sound of leaves, sunset colors, or tree textures enhance their experience. Use games like Animal Quizzes or Red Light, Green Light for fun learning. These activities improve their health, knowledge, and family ties. As per Puddle Parenting’s Kelly Majmudar, loving nature starts with exploration, making kids enjoy hiking even more.
