Are you planning to take young kids hiking? You may want to have some sort of plan ready to keep them entertained, as kids do not always enjoy long walks – especially if it’s under a hot sun. Here are twelve tips for hiking with children that we’ve found will make your hike much more enjoyable for all.
1. Be sure you have some energy stops in mind, such as a lunch stop.
2. Having more than one child on a hiking trip is ideal. If you only have one child of your own, why not let them bring along a friend. This way they can keep each other entertained throughout the hike.
3. Let the child be a leader of the hike for a while, by rotating every so often. This is a good way to keep the walk fresh, and will avoid boredom.
4. Plan a picnic halfway through the hike. Find a nice spot to sit down and take a break. After the children take a break, they will be re-energized and ready to get right back on the trail.
5. Bring necessary items such as a first aid kit, snacks, sunscreen, and the children’s favorite toy, an extra set of clothing, bug spray, anti-bacterial wipes, and lotions.
6. Play verbal games along the way or ask the children to collect odd-looking stones or other items.
7. Provide them with a map, so that they feel they are participating fully in the hike and can refer to the map along the way.
8. Take frequent rest stops. Keep in mind children will walk at a slower pace, but still may tire easily.
9. Give them a throw-away camera to take pictures of creepy bugs or other wildlife they may see along the way. They can then incorporate the pictures into the family scrapbook.
10. Stop by a lake or a stream so the entire family can either take a dip or simply become refreshed from sitting by the cool water.
11. Familiarize yourself with the area ahead of time, and as you walk along the trail point out different sights or facts to the children.
12. Make it an adventurous trip for them by pre-selecting items to watch for along the trail and call it a treasure hunt or a scavenger hunt.
Remember, the time you spend on these hikes are the stuff that memories are made of, and who knows, when your children grow up, they may go on hikes with their own children.
