The Ultimate Guide to Hiking with Kids
Hiking with kids can be one of the most rewarding ways to connect and nurture a love for the outdoors in your little ones. It’s not just about the fresh air and exercise; it’s about building memories, cultivating resilience, and sparking curiosity.
Here’s how to make this year’s hikes your best yet.
An Outdoor Educator’s Tips for Hiking with Your Kids
Choose Kid-Friendly Trails
When planning a hike with kids, the trail you choose can make or break the experience.
For younger hikers, shorter loops or out-and-back trails are best. These trails allow you to set manageable goals without the pressure of completing a long route. Look for trails with minimal elevation gain to avoid exhaustion and frustration—both for you and your kids.
Another key consideration is finding trails with natural attractions.
Waterfalls, wildflowers, rock formations, or even a small creek can provide motivation for kids to keep going. Apps like AllTrails are great for filtering trails by difficulty level and kid-friendliness. You can also search online for “kid-friendly hikes near me” to find local gems.
Pro Tip: Choose trails that offer opportunities for exploration, like trails with bridges to cross or areas where they can safely climb rocks. The more interactive the hike, the more engaged your kids will be.
Gear Up for Success
Having the right gear can make all the difference in creating a positive hiking experience.
Start with sturdy, well-fitting shoes to ensure comfort and safety on uneven terrain. Layering is essential for changing weather conditions, so dress your kids in breathable, moisture-wicking clothing.
Don’t forget to pack a lightweight, child-sized backpack filled with essentials like:
A water bottle.
Healthy snacks.
A small first-aid kit.
A treasure pouch for collecting leaves, rocks, or pinecones.
Pack Plenty of Snacks (and Then Some)
Snacks are the secret weapon to keeping kids happy and energized on the trail.
Pack a variety of easy-to-eat, non-messy options like:
Trail mix or dried fruit.
Granola bars or string cheese.
Baby carrots or apple slices.
And don’t underestimate the motivational power of a treat! A little reward, like a piece of chocolate or a cookie, can encourage kids to push through a tough section of the trail.
Pro Tip: Bring extra water, especially on warmer days. Staying hydrated is just as important as fueling up with snacks.
Turn the Hike into an Adventure
Kids have incredible imaginations, so why not transform your hike into an exciting quest?
Here are a few ideas to make the experience more engaging:
Nature scavenger hunts: Create a list of items to find, like a feather, a smooth rock, or a specific type of flower. Checking items off the list adds an element of fun and focus.
Storytelling stops: Pause along the trail to weave a story about the animals or plants you see. Let your kids add their own twists to the tale.
Wildlife bingo: Bring a simple bingo card with items like birds, insects, animal tracks, and trees. The first person to spot all the items wins!
These activities help kids stay engaged and make the hike feel like a grand adventure rather than a chore.
Set Realistic Expectations
It’s important to remember that kids hike differently than adults. They’ll want to stop and investigate every interesting bug, rock, or tree along the way. Embrace their curiosity and allow plenty of time for exploration. Setting a slower pace ensures they don’t feel rushed and helps everyone enjoy the journey.
Be prepared for the possibility of turning back before reaching the planned destination.
For kids, the experience of being outdoors is often more valuable than the destination itself. Celebrate small milestones, like making it to a scenic viewpoint or crossing a bridge.
Teach Respect for Nature
Hiking is the perfect opportunity to instill a sense of stewardship for the environment.
Teach your kids the principles of Leave No Trace, such as:
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Explain why it’s important to leave nature as they found it. Encourage them to take photos of cool finds rather than picking flowers or disturbing habitats. By modeling respect for nature, you’ll help raise mindful outdoor adventurers.
Make It a Routine
Consistency is key to building a lifelong love of hiking.
Whether it’s a weekly outing or a seasonal adventure, creating a routine helps your kids look forward to spending time in nature. Consider setting goals together, like exploring a new trail every month or hiking a certain number of miles by the end of the year.
Pro Tip: Keep a hiking journal to document your adventures. Write down the trails you’ve explored, wildlife you’ve spotted, and funny moments along the way. This not only preserves memories but also motivates your kids to keep hiking.
Capture the Moments
Hiking with your kids creates priceless memories.
Bring a camera or use your phone to capture candid shots of them exploring, laughing, and marveling at the world around them. These photos will serve as reminders of your adventures and the bond you’re building.
Embrace the Magic of Hiking Together
Hiking with your kids is about more than just reaching the summit—it’s about the laughter, discoveries, and connections that happen along the way. This year, let the trails be your classroom and the mountains your playground. Pack your sense of wonder, lace up your boots, and step into the wild.
Let’s make this the year of unforgettable hikes!
Happy Hikers Guide
A 37-page guide includes 20 TRAIL GAMES to keep kids engaged
and motivated to move along on the trail!
Would you like more tips on specific hikes, gear recommendations,
or activities to try on the trail?