We have been hiking with our two daughters 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 kids. Here are some tips for having a pleasant time.
When hiking with children, it is important to choose a trail appropriate for their age and abilities. Look for trails with shorter distances and less elevation gain, and consider the difficulty of the terrain. Trails with lots of rocks or steep drops may not be the best choice for young children. Check out our article on easy hikes for beginners and our page on hiking with kids for ideas.
Before you go hiking with children, make sure you have all the necessary equipment. This includes appropriate clothing and shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, a first aid kit, plenty of water and snacks, and a map or GPS device. In the past, we have also given our children a whistle necklace to wear around their neck. Although they’ve never gotten lost or needed to use them, they feel pretty good wearing them, and it gives them a bit of confidence knowing what to do if they should get lost.
If your kids are new to hiking, start with shorter, easier hikes and gradually work your way up to longer, more challenging trails. This will help them build their confidence and stamina, and will also give them the opportunity to learn more about the natural world around them. As they become more comfortable, you can start to introduce more difficult terrain and longer distances.
Involving children in planning the hike can help build excitement and anticipation for the trip. Let them help you 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 journey.
Going on a hike with friends can make the experience more fun and enjoyable for children. Consider inviting other families with children to join you on the hike. It can also be a great way to introduce your kids to new friends and get them excited about future hikes. I’ve found that it also reduces the whining 🙂
It’s important to set realistic expectations for your children when hiking. Don’t expect them to walk 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 keep them from feeling too tired or overwhelmed.
Teaching children the principles of Leave No Trace can help instill in them a sense of responsibility and respect for the natural environment. Teach them to put away all trash and trash, 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 children experience. See our article on Leave No Trace principles to learn more.
Playing games can help kids stay engaged and interested in hiking. Consider playing games like “I Spy” or “20 Questions” along the trail. You can also invent your own games or treasure hunts based on the natural setting. This can help turn hiking into a fun and interactive learning experience.
When hiking with kids, it’s important to take frequent breaks to rest, hydrate, and refuel. Children 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 success as a family. It can be as simple as saying hello or taking a group photo at the trailhead. You can also plan a special treat or activity to reward your children 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 don’t hesitate to bribe our children when the going gets tough. We call them adventure points. A child slips and scrapes his knee: 30 adventure points. We’re halfway through the hike and she’s feeling terrible: “Get to the top and you’ll earn 20 adventure points.” » Then exchange them 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.