How to Hike Safely – Tips For Kids

When you are camping hiking is a natural activity. As the kids get older they can wander around the campgrounds and, at some point, start hiking trails themselves. Here are some hiking safety tips to keep hiking memorable and safe.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Make Noise When Hiking
   
   When you are hiking around the campground or on the trails make sure that you are making noise. This way you will not unintentionally scare an animal. If you do see a wild animal stand still, do not run or move quickly, and look in to their eyes. They are as afraid of you as you are of them.

2. 
   Hiking Trail - Watch where you step.

   Hiking Trail - Danger Lurking
   
   When hiking on trails, or forging your own path, be aware of fallen branches, rocks, and logs. These areas are natural habitat for snakes. Have a walking stick (which is a branch from a tree) and poke the area, before stepping over it or in to it, to ensure the area is snake-free. If there is a snake do not touch it and move away from it quickly.

3. Hiking and Water Do Not Mix
   
   If you have told other campers that you are going on a hike do not go into any type of water. There are many types of little ponds and streams in nature and they are not like going into a swimming pool or a lake. So many things can go wrong in these natural water areas and you do not want to take the chance of getting involved with something you were not prepared for.

4. Hiking Safety When Lost
   
   When you are not sure where you are and feel that you have strayed too far do not turn around and think you are going back the same way you came. The best thing to do is to stop hiking and stay where you are. Since you told other campers you were going on a hike, when you do not come back to the campsite they will come looking for you.

5. 
   Hiking Safely through beautiful plants.

   Hiking Safely – Look and Do Not Touch
   
   There are many wildflowers and other plants that may be new and unusual to you. Your curiosity may lead you to want to pick the flower or touch the leaves. If you do not know what it is, do not touch it. Poison ivy, poison oak, and many other beautiful plants can be poisonous and cause a rash, irritation, and itching. Look and do not touch.

6. Hiking and Camping Safety - Flying Hazards
   
   When you are outside you are in their territory. Mosquitoes, flies, bees, and a host of other insects are abundant while camping and even more so when hiking on a trail. Bring bug repellent with you and, if allergic to bites or stings, the proper medicine so you are prepared.

Tips & Warnings

• When you go camping hiking in the great outdoors is a great past time. When you are prepared and understand some of the hazards you will hike safely and create great stories and memories.

Resources

• How to Family Camp on a Budget
• How to Have Fun Family Camping

[evgnspaces]

on 8/22/2009 Good things to know about hiking safely if you are not used to the outdoors wilderness.

[jull14]

on 5/18/2009 A wonderful article, thanks for sharing your knowledge. Hiking is sometimes dangerous but with the right information it can be a wonderful sport to do.

[athome]

on 5/17/2009 My kids have been hiking with me since they were babies, and now my oldest son is a Master Hunting Guide in Alaska.

[klnygaard]

on 5/17/2009 great ideas on how to keep kids safe on hikes

[jseven]

on 5/16/2009 Very helpful tips for hiking! Thanks. :)