How to Hike with Kids

Hiking with kids can be exciting, fun and educational. With the right gear and preparations, you can enjoy hiking with kids, even smaller ones. Preparing properly is the key to a successful hiking trip. You can easily establish hiking as a fun family tradition and a hobby that your children will take with them into adulthood. Follow these simple steps to prepare for a hike with your kids.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Snacks
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Water
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• First aid kit
• Comfortable shoes

1. Wear the right clothing. Put hats on your kids to keep the sun out of their eyes. They should wear weather-appropriate clothing. Take into account temperature, wind and rain. Make sure they wear comfortable shoes.

2. Take the right gear. Even preschoolers can carry small backpacks that fit their small frames and can contain water and snacks. Take a variety of healthy snacks that you know your kids will eat.

3. Take plenty of skin supplies. Sunscreen and insect repellent should be applied before you leave. Be sure to reapply, especially if it is hot and the kids are sweating. Carry a first aid kit that has bandages and antiseptic spray.

4. Choose the right trail for your family. Take into account the ability of your kids. If they struggle, they will not enjoy the hike and will not want to go the next time. You should rest every 30 minutes.

5. Set a good example. If your children see you enjoying yourself on a hike, they too will love it. Be sure to teach them to respect the environment and take all trash with you. Teach them to notice small details of nature that we are often too busy to appreciate in our everyday life.

Tips & Warnings

• Drink plenty of water.
• Be sure someone knows where you are going and when you expect to return.

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