Tips for Hiking with Kids
Last week I shared some of my family’s favorite snacks to take along when we go exploring outdoors. But then I got to thinking about all of the other tips I’ve learned over the years. We have only been here in Texas for about six months and we’ve started visiting the many local and state parks in our area. When our kids were younger long hikes or day trips were difficult, but now that they are older and we don’t have to carry along so much we have the freedom to explore more. Here are some of my favorite tips that we’ve learned along the way!
Choose the right hike. Before you head out on your adventure, be sure to do a little research. Make sure the hike is not too long, or the trail is not too difficult for your child’s age. Also be sure to take into consideration recent weather. Has it rained recently? If so, there may be muddy or slippery areas that could be dangerous for your children.
Bring lots of water. I highly encourage everyone to invest in a hydration pack. If you don’t know what that it, it’s a backpack with a large reservoir of water and an attached tube for drinking. This is so much easier to carry than multiple water bottles. Most of these packs have several pockets to carry other belongings, so an additional pack is not necessary. Hydration packs are available in adult and kids sizes so no one has to share water and everyone can carry their own snacks, clothing, etc.
Pack snacks. If your kids are anything like mine, they are hungry all day long. When we’re out exploring and burning energy, we need to choose the right snacks to refuel. We like to pack non-perishable items such as pretzels, crackers, beef jerky, dried fruits, and nuts. Small fruits such as apples or oranges are also good choices. I don’t like to bring trail mix or granola bars that have chocolate chips or candy in it because they can melt if left in the pack on warm days.
Be flexible. As with most events your kids are part of, expect that nothing will go as planned. Kids love to explore. They will likely want to stop several times during the hike and climb rocks or trees. Even though this takes time away from the trail, it can be a great learning tool! Talk about the many types of trees there are on the trail, or try to identify the animals tracks you see.
Dress thoughtfully. If you start your hike early, you will likely need a light coat, gloves, or even a hat. But as the sun rises the layers will come off so be sure not only to wear clothing that can easily be folded up small, but also remember to leave room in your pack to store these items. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear not only for walking, but also for climbing. Lastly, I always have my kids wear pants – even in the summer. It protects their legs not only from the sun and cold, but also from potentially poisonous plants they might brush up against.
The links below are affiliate links. For more information, please view our Disclosure page.
