If you or someone in your life is a hiker, then you will likely have some tips that would be useful to other people planning to get out and explore the great outdoors.
Here are 10 of our favorite tips for hiking with kids.
Plan Ahead
When planning a hiking trip with kids, be sure to consider the weather and terrain. Hiking in hot weather can be tough on children, and if there’s a chance of rain or snow, it’s important to pack appropriate clothing. If your destination is remote, make sure you have detailed directions so you don’t get lost. And always take frequent breaks to give your kids a chance to rest and cool off.
Keep Kids Active
Planning a hike with kids can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to keep them active and moving while they’re out in the wilderness. Here are some tips to make hiking with kids more enjoyable:
- Choose a Safe Trail – Make sure the trail you choose is well-maintained and free of dangerous obstacles. Hiking trails can be steep, rocky, or slippery, so aim to find one that’s appropriate for your children’s ages and abilities.
- Bring Plenty of Water and Snacks – Plan on bringing plenty of fluids and snacks for the whole family, especially if you’re hiking in hot weather conditions or during busy times of the day when other hikers are likely to be passing by.
- Encourage Physical Activity at Home – Start a hiking routine at home by making sure there are hills in your backyard or a local park available for your children to explore on their own. This will help get them excited about hiking later on when they actually go out on the trails with you!
Get Outside
One great way to get outside and hike with kids is to take a nature walk. There are many trails in local parks that offer beautiful views of nature. Hiking is also a great way to develop endurance, agility, and strength. Make sure to pack plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, hats, and sunnies for your outing.
If you don’t have access to a park or want to venture further afield, consider hiking on trails in your neighborhood or nearby city park. You’ll see more signs of human activity which means there is probably someone nearby who can give you help if things go wrong. Finally, always be aware of weather conditions and dress appropriately for the climate you’re visiting – whether that means packing rain gear if it’s raining outside or bringing along an extra layer of clothing if it’s cold outside.
- Eat Well – When hiking with kids, it’s important to eat well and have plenty of snacks. Here are some eating tips for hiking with kids:
- Plan Ahead and Bring Food and Drink – Hiking is a great way to get your family exercise, but you don’t want them to break out into hunger pangs halfway up the trail. Planning ahead and packing snacks will help avoid this issue.
- Make Sure the Food Is Safe for Kids – When hiking with kids, it’s crucial that all of the food you bring is safe for them to eat. This means avoiding things like raw eggs, sharp objects, hot foods, and high-sugar snacks. You can carry oatibix cereal and combine it with some of your kids’ favorite toppings to make a fun and nutritious snack. Also consider chocolate energy bars with nuts and berries.
- Keep an Eye on Their Energy Levels – If your child seems tired or cranky during the hike, make sure they’re getting enough sustenance. Provide sufficient water and snacks as needed to keep them happy and energetic throughout the adventure!
Pack for Success
Before you set off into the wild, ensure that you carry the necessities to ensure a trip where you’re prepared for any situation that may come your way. When you hike up hills or mountains, you would likely be far away from civilization, so you would not want to be stranded and helpless, especially if children are in the picture. You might even plan to spend the night at a campsite. If that is the case, you would need to carry a lot more items with you. These would include tents, sleeping bags, change of clothes, a cooking pot and some smokless logs (if you are planning to cook your dinner there), and more. You should include all necessities based on a well laid out plan to avoid any unnecessary hassle.
From basics like snacks, drinks, and enough toys to keep children entertained, to tactical equipment that could be useful in the trek, make sure you do a top-down brain storming session to not miss out on anything. If you’re going on a shorter hike or if the terrain is easy, you may not need as many supplies. However, if you’re hiking in an area with difficult terrain or long distances between points of interest, it’s important to have plenty of supplies at your disposal. Here are some ideas for packing supplies for hiking with kids::
- Water bottles and snacks – Make sure there are enough water bottles and snacks for everyone at your party. The weather can get hot and thirsty hikes can quickly turn into battle zones.
- Picnic baskets – Bring along a small picnic basket filled with food and toys for when you stop for lunch or dinner. This will help keep the kids busy while you take care of business.
- Hiking sticks – Hiking sticks can come in handy for keeping tired little feet moving. Plus, they make great props for posing for photos!
- Non-perishable food – Make sure to bring along food that can be eaten cold or at room temperature, like sandwiches or fruit bars. This will help keep the little ones happy and healthy during long hikes.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is essential when hiking with kids. Make sure to bring plenty of water and choose a route that doesn’t require a lot of uphill climbing or steep descents. If your child gets thirsty, give them a drink every few hours. And if they start to feel lightheaded or dizzy, stop and rest until they’re feeling better.
Pack the Right Gear and Clothing
When packing for a hike with kids, it’s important to think about the weather and terrain. Make sure to pack gear that will keep them warm and dry, as well as clothes that can be easily washed if necessary. For example, wearing jeans instead of shorts in cold weather can help keep them warm without having to layer up. Pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and enough food and water to last the hike. And always be prepared for an adventure!
Know Travel First Aid and Safety Protocols
There are a few things you can do to make hiking with kids safer and more enjoyable. Make sure you know the first aid and safety protocols for hiking. First, always have a first aid kit on hand. Include bandages, gauze, scissors, and tape. If your child falls down a ravine or gets hurt in any other way, be prepared to help them out. Be prepared for emergencies by having an emergency whistle with you and knowing the location of local hospitals. In the event of an accident, don’t try to do too much at once; get your child calm and reassure them that everything is going to be okay.
Leave a Plan in Case of an Emergency
If you’re traveling with kids, be prepared for anything. Create a leave-a-plan document in case of emergency so that you’re not scrambling if something happens and you can’t get back to your room or campsite. Include the addresses of trusted friends or family who can help care for your kids if necessary, as well as contact info for local hospitals or rescue services. Include information about your itinerary, including relevant landmarks, so that someone can easily find you if necessary.