Hiking with Kids!
Hiking is a great way to get outdoors and also spend some quality time with your family. Further to that, it can also be a good opportunity to teach your kids about nature and wildlife. And while hiking with kids can definitely be a challenge sometimes, especially if they’re young, we want to share some of our top tips on how to make hiking with kids as fun and as memorable an experience as possible.
1 - Start small
When hiking with kids, it's important to start small and choose trails that are appropriate for their age and abilities. Choose a hiking route that is relatively flat and not too long. You can then gradually increase the difficulty of the trails you’re picking as your kids get older and more experienced.
2 - Plan ahead
Before heading out on a hike with your kids, it's important to plan ahead. Make sure you have enough food, water, and clothing for everyone. Also check the weather forecast and use that to choose a day where the weather is good. Also consider bringing a map or a GPS device so you don't get lost.
3 - Involve your kids in the planning process
To get your kids excited about the hiking adventure, it’s a good idea to involve them in the planning process. Let them help choose the trail you’ll take, help them to pack their own backpack, and let them pick out what snacks you’re going to bring along. All of these little things will help to give them a sense of ownership and make the experience more enjoyable.
4 - Take breaks
When hiking with kids, it's important to take frequent breaks. Remember that kids have shorter attention spans and also shorter legs, so they may get tired quickly. Make sure you take breaks to rest, hydrate, and enjoy the scenery. You can also use the breaks as an opportunity to teach your kids about the nature around them.
5 - Bring snacks and games
Kids also by nature get hungry and bored easily, so it's important to be prepared for this and bring snacks and games with you. Pack snacks that are easy to eat on the go, such as trail mix, granola bars, and fruit. You can also bring games like scavenger hunts or nature bingo to help keep them entertained.
6 - Safety first
When hiking with kids, safety should be your top priority. Make sure everyone is wearing appropriate footwear and clothing. Take the time to teach your kids about the dangers of the outdoors, such as poisonous plants and wild animals and also make sure your kids know what to do in case of an emergency.
Hiking with kids can be a really fun experience and by following these small, easy to follow steps you can be sure everyone also stays safe and creates memorable experiences that you and your kids will cherish for years to come.