Recently, we spoke with 15 nature-enthusiasts. They provided their best advice on how to have a great hike with children. Amongst the group were bloggers, podcasters, an author, an elementary school teacher, a corporate VP, and a barista. All were either grandparents or parents. Read on to discover the top 20 tips for hiking with kids, courtesy of the experts!
Top 20 Tips
- Preview the route on YouTube or Vimeo. Watching a video of another hiker’s trip in advance is a great way to review the terrain and conditions.
- Research the trail via a map from the organization that manages the property or use All-Trails or Tripadvisor before you go. You’ll need to know the length of the hike. Trails within the same park can vary greatly in length. One podcasting-mom told us that she set out for a hike, unprepared for the long and rocky trail she encountered.
- Be flexible with your plans. You may trek 10-feet or travel a mile further than you expected. Your child may stare at insects for 10 minutes or throw rocks in the water for an hour. One mother stated. “…it’s almost a guarantee that nothing will go as planned!”
- Hike near streams or small waterfalls. Kids love to stop and play in the water, and who can blame them? One parent said that their child loves to seek out tadpoles and little critters.
- Speaking of water, bring extra clothes. You’ll need a dry outfit on hand if your child gets wet.
- Always encourage your kids to do a little more. One knowledgeable mom said, “And be prepared to carry them when they fail, but don’t tell them they failed.” She then added, “Thank them for trying.” Another parent agreed, saying: “Let them try. Kids don’t know what amazing things their bodies are capable of unless they try.”
- Dress for the occasion. Wear hiking boots (or very sturdy shoes), use a hiking pole, and have your child bring a backpack. Also, make sure all hikers are wearing clothing suitable for the climate. Weather can quickly change. As one mom stated, “If they get too cold or hot it will be a trip you will remember.” While another mentioned, “In the winter, make sure you have the proper layers (wool base layer, middle fleece layer, and an outer waterproof layer, like a snowsuit).
- Adults in the group should encourage curiosity. Always be ready to ask and answer questions.
- Set guidelines and parameters before beginning your hike. One parent stated that, for example, “…if they are going to go off the trail, they need to let the [chaperones] know” or stay within eyesight.
- Use a buddy system. Older kids, especially, like to be independent. Utilizing this system allows your child to retain independence while also having a safe option.
- In the same vein, give the kids some control. Allow them to set the pace and make some choices. The teacher clarified that it is important to give kids options within the boundaries of what you consider appropriate and acceptable. So you might ask, “Do you want to take the trail to the waterfall or the pond?” or “Do you want an energy bar or dried fruit with your water?”
- Carry a disposable, resealable bag. You’ll want to make sure that you are a role model in practicing Leave No Trace (LNT) principles. If you have a baby or toddler in tow, this is especially necessary, considering the child is probably still in diapers.
- If you are hiking with a toddler, strap on a sturdy, specialized kid’s hiking-backpack. Kelty and Osprey manufacture good products. These bags come with plenty of storage and maybe even a canopy for hikes without shade! One blogging-mom confessed that it was so comfy for her child that he fell asleep in it while they hiked.
- Keep children engaged. A parent/guardian admitted that the more she and her son usually discuss the experience while hiking, the more they both enjoy it.
- Use an off-road GPS app. AllTrails, Komoot, and Gaia GPS receive good reviews and are free to download.
- Be prepared with safety essentials. These include wipes, hand sanitizer, a first-aid kit, and bug spray. One mom said that she has even brought along an emergency blanket.
- Pack water and snacks. A no-brainer, right? Well, we all forget sometimes, so it bears repeating
- Take breaks. Someone may need to stop because their legs are tired or they’re just feeling hungry. That’s ok. It will also give you time to chat, reflect, or just cuddle!
- Bring your cell phone, wallet, and keep your keys safe. Consider using a lanyard, keychain wrist coil, or maybe even a fanny pack! Ok, confession time. This tip is mine. Last year I took a hike through pretty woodlands in a local preserve. As I finished the hike and approached a small parking lot, I noticed a gent pacing outside his car. While he fretted and paced, a mobile locksmith fitted him with a new key. I thought to myself, “That’s going to be me someday.” You can bet that I now take better precautions!
- Have fun! Hiking with children can result in terrific family bonding time. You may find that you’ll get to know your kids even better.
Have you heard about the new book, “Folly and Molly Take on the Appalachian Trail?” It’s a fictional rhyming book about two twins who take on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, a northbound thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail.
References
The following people submitted tips for this story: Sacred Averill, BeBoldLittleOnes, Margie DQ, Sarah Enquist, Kate Grover, Angelica Kajiwara, Chad King, Carly Lemire-Lake, Monica Mokes, Kristina Riehle, NCTrailmom, Felicia Kemp, Andy VanPutte, and Texas Family Camping
Photo Credits
RV Mama: Survival Guide for Life in the Rig; Jennifer Miller
About the Author
True Hunter is a pseudonym for Kathy Rusch. Kathy adoped the name in honor of her maternal, British grandmother. For several years, True (a.k.a Kathy) wrote travel and career articles for Demand Studios. You can still find a few published on the AZ Central, Careertrend, Gone Outdoors, and USA Today web sites.
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