How to Hike With a Toddler and Have Fun

Hitting the trails with your toddler can be a great adventure or it can be an absolute nightmare. Having a good time while hiking with young kids is all about keeping them entertained. Bring along a few simple items and your toddler will want to go hiking every weekend. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Egg carton
• Paint
• Magnifying glass
• Magnets
• Paper plate
• Water filled spray bottle
• Note card
• Clear tape

1. Always plan short trips, at least to start out with. Your toddler will want to spend more time exploring than covering distance.
2. Bring along a backpack carrier in case your toddler doesn't want to walk or the trail has a difficult section.
3. Get an empty egg carton and paint the bottom of each compartment with a different color. Challenge your kids as they hike along to find different souvenirs that match the color.
4. Use a magnifying glass to look at simple things like a leaf vein or mites on a decaying log. It's like going for a treasure hunt.
5. Put a little soil on a paper plate and run a magnet across it. See if little iron bits dance around and are attracted to the magnet.
6. Fill a spray bottle with water and gently spray different things. See how they change color.
7. Make a homemade soil slide by cutting a 1/2-inch square in a note card. Cover the hole with a piece of clear tape. Press the sticky side against the soil and use a magnifying glass to look at the individual components of the soil.