How to Go Hiking with Children

It is fun to get out in nature with the family. It provides some quality alone time and a good dose of important exercise. Hiking with your children is a wonderful thing. However, hiking with children can have some serious drawbacks. Below are five tips on how to have a safe and enjoyable hike with children.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Children
• Place to Hike
• Backpacks
• Snacks and water
• Maps

1. Wear proper clothing and shoes on a hike. For short hikes, sneakers or cross-trainers will probably suffice. For longer hikes, however, both adults and children will benefit from properly fitting hiking boots. Children will complain readily if their collar is too tight or their waistband rubs their belly. Long pants thick enough to deter thorns and insects are a must for hiking children.
2. Get a hiking stick for everyone. Hiking sticks can help with balance and support on tricky hiking trails. When hiking with children, provide hiking sticks that are the right size and weight for them. Hiking sticks can either be found wooden branches that are smooth and sturdy, or manmade, purchased varieties. The hiking stick for children should be narrow enough for them to grip and not to heavy.
3. Plan the hiking route before heading out. Plan to hike in a loop that will take you back to the car or campsites, or hike half the distance out and half back. When hiking with children, it is a great idea to map out the route with them beforehand. They will enjoy following the map and knowing how far they still have to go.
4. Pack fresh water and snacks for the hiking trip. The most important thing to carry along when hiking with children is plenty of water. You could also bring sports drink. When hiking with children, it is also a great idea to bring fun snacks that can be carried along. GORP (good old raisins and peanuts), or trail mix is the ultimate hiking snack. Dried fruit, peanut butter crackers, and granola bars are other good choices. Hiking with children takes a lot of energy, and healthy carbohydrates give a burst when you need it.
5. Pack a first aid kit. Of course, adults can also be injured, but small children are more susceptible to cuts and scrapes. A small injury may make a child feel as if they cannot go on. An adult ready with the first aid kit will keep the hiking day more pleasant for children.

Tips & Warnings

• Always bring lots of fresh water.
• Do not push your children for speed or distance.
• Know poisonous plants, insects, and animals.