Hiking With Young Children
Our family loves to be outdoors. One of our favorite family activities is hiking. However, it can be a challenge with young children like ours. Little legs get tired fast but their little minds don't forget that feeling for a long time. Which means they can protest the next time hiking is on the activity list. After several years of coaxing little feet over many many miles of hiking trails and after a recent trip to Vermont with a few hikes, I have a few tips to help you get your little ones on the trail.
- Pick an appropriate hike. We don't try to push our girls through a 6 mile hike with 2000 feet of elevation gain. It just won't be fun for anyone. Start with shorter flatter hikes for the youngest and inexperienced hikers in the family. Hikes with great scenery or interesting stops - ponds, creeks, waterfalls. Plant the love of hiking with fun hikes to get them hooked.
- Involve them in the planning. Go through the hiking book or website as a family. Read about the the different trails: length, difficulty, and scenery. Choose the hike as a family and then go over the trail route.
- Wear appropriate gear. Get your little ones a pair of hiking shoes. The biggest benefit is the improved traction that comes with hiking shoes. They will provide more stability as they are jumping around loose ground and wet rocks. Comfy socks. Weather appropriate clothes - think layers if it isn't hot.
- Consider a kids Camelbak backpack. These are the backpacks with the water system built into the backpack. The kids will be able to carry their own water and snacks and always have water available without you having to stop and get it from your bag. Plus, they feel like big kids because they are carrying their own supplies and who doesn't like picking out a new backpack? Pro-tip: Keep these bags packed light. They will wear it longer during the hike and it will be easier for you to carry when they inevitably ask you to do so!
- Snacks. Snacks. Snacks. Snacks. Even if you leave on your hike right after breakfast or lunch the kids will get hungry. Bring some granola bars, apples, or other healthy snacks for the trail. Remember to pack out any garbage.
- Treats. Treats. Treats. We usually bring a pack of M&Ms that are a great motivator when they start to get tired and fussy. A few pieces along the trail with a small handful at the top of the trail and the end can do wonders to keep the whining to a minimum. A smoothie, ice cream, or milkshake on the way home is well deserved.
- Let the kids lead the way. You are not getting to the end of the trail any faster than your children can get there. So, let them lead the way. They will love being the lead explorer. Most trails are marked with markers or stone cairns. Teach them what to look for and let them find the way. This will boost their confidence and keep their minds off of how tired they might be feeling.
- Photos. Take lots of pictures along the trail and especially at the top so they can show their extended family and friends.
Now get out there on the trail and explore the great outdoors!
