Get out there!
Hiking with kids is not nearly as daunting as it may seem when you’re prepared and confident! This abbreviated guide details some helpful things to know about preparing for your next outdoor adventure with your kids.
The first hike is always a learning experience, and every hike after will become easier, and less stressful.
Here are some tips for creating a great first experience:
- Choose a short hike
- Plan around the weather
- Start early in the day
- Pack the night before
- Go with a friend if you can
- Let someone know where you’re going, and when to expect you back
- Bring enough water
- Take filling snacks or lunch
- Add a fun activity (this Free scavenger hunt printable is great for desert hikes!)
- Be present (no phones except for pictures!)
- Take lots of pictures (this guide teaches you how to get the best photos of your kids)
- Know when to turn back
- Bring a first Aid kit (learn how to make your own here)
Useful things to have in a basic hiking first aid kit:
- Variety of band-aids
- CAT tourniquet
- Roll of gauze
- Nonstick gauze pads
- Tweezers
- Ointment
- Sunscreen
- Trauma sheers (scissors)
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Photo by Clément Proust on Pexels.com Choose a hiking trail
Things to consider when choosing a hike suitable for your group.
What are the ages of the children you plan to hike with? Younger kids in the 1-3 age range may need to be carried throughout the hike, or need a slower pace. Since I hike with multiple age ranges simultaneously, I have my younger ones hike the first quarter to half mile. Then I plan to carry them in a hiking backpack or baby carrier the rest of the way. Kids in the 4-6 age range usually have strong gross motor skills and can hike themselves. If it’s your first hike, choose a short one. Work your way up to longer hikes regardless of age.
What hiking skill level do the kids AND parents have? If everyone isn’t at the same level, select a hike that suits the person with the least experience. You don’t want to get stuck out in the wilderness due to poor planning! Elevation gain should be a huge consideration as well. Just because a hike is short in distance does not mean it’s easy! Ask me how I know this… For your first few hikes, choose a trail with a smaller elevation gain.
How long is the hike going to take? Start early in the morning if you can, I stress this point especially in hot climates! Being out in the heat with kids is a risk you should never take! Plan for the hike to take longer than you think it will. Like an hour or more longer. My kids always enjoy stopping to smell the flowers or stacking some rocks on the side of the trail. Observing nature is fascinating for all ages. Make it a fun experience by not feeling rushed.
Is the trail open and do you need a pass to enjoy it? You can check if a hiking trail is open by looking up the trail on maps. Another option is to look at apps like AllTrails or government sponsored websites like The National Forest Service. Some trails require a pass. However, there are many ways to obtain those as well as receive free or discounted passes if you qualify. Make sure to look that info up before heading out to a trail. Nobody wants to be figuring out how to buy a pass at the trail head with kids in tow.
What time of year is it? Some hikes are better for different seasons. Higher elevation hikes may have snow or ice in winter or spring, while desert hikes may not be suitable for summertime.
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Photo by Clément Proust on Pexels.com Choose a hiking trail
Things to consider when choosing a hike suitable for your group.
What are the ages of the children you plan to hike with? Younger kids in the 1-3 age range may need to be carried throughout the hike, or need a slower pace. Since I hike with multiple age ranges simultaneously, I have my younger ones hike the first quarter to half mile. Then I plan to carry them in a hiking backpack or baby carrier the rest of the way. Kids in the 4-6 age range usually have strong gross motor skills and can hike themselves. If it’s your first hike, choose a short one. Work your way up to longer hikes regardless of age.
What hiking skill level do the kids AND parents have? If everyone isn’t at the same level, select a hike that suits the person with the least experience. You don’t want to get stuck out in the wilderness due to poor planning! Elevation gain should be a huge consideration as well. Just because a hike is short in distance does not mean it’s easy! Ask me how I know this… For your first few hikes, choose a trail with a smaller elevation gain.
How long is the hike going to take? Start early in the morning if you can, I stress this point especially in hot climates! Being out in the heat with kids is a risk you should never take! Plan for the hike to take longer than you think it will. Like an hour or more longer. My kids always enjoy stopping to smell the flowers or stacking some rocks on the side of the trail. Observing nature is fascinating for all ages. Make it a fun experience by not feeling rushed.
Is the trail open and do you need a pass to enjoy it? You can check if a hiking trail is open by looking up the trail on maps. Another option is to look at apps like AllTrails or government sponsored websites like The National Forest Service. Some trails require a pass. However, there are many ways to obtain those as well as receive free or discounted passes if you qualify. Make sure to look that info up before heading out to a trail. Nobody wants to be figuring out how to buy a pass at the trail head with kids in tow.
What time of year is it? Some hikes are better for different seasons. Higher elevation hikes may have snow or ice in winter or spring, while desert hikes may not be suitable for summertime.
Fun activities you can plan on a hike
- Story time
- Have a picnic
- Build a shelter
- Do a nature scavenger hunt
- Draw or paint
- Make a nature craft
- Have a photo shoot
- Play a game
Packing for a hike
One big step towards getting out there is to have your hiking gear ready to go! Most hikes with kids don’t require nearly as much gear as you would think.
Bring a backpack for each kid if they are old enough to start carrying one (around 3-4 years old). Here is a great starter backpack if you’re looking for one [link]. This backpack has a water reservoir, which makes carrying water easier and fun for kids. I’ll always add their lunches and/or snacks, a small toy to bring along, and whichever activity to the individual backpack. I always aim to keep it light, so they don’t struggle carrying it.
I also bring a larger backpack or baby carrier backpack for myself so I can carry all the extras. Things I always have packed
- Water
- First aid kit
- High protein snacks
- Mini shovel
- Ziploc baggies for any trash
- Navigation/map of the area
This list is not all inclusive and should be adjusted based on the specific hike.
Most of all, have fun!
Make the hiking experience fun for both you and your smaller companions. Getting outdoors has so many awesome benefits. Once you start, it becomes addicting!
Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this blog post, check out my other posts on all things mom life!
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