“The best memories are made in hiking boots!”
Transform your family adventures with our comprehensive guide to hiking with kids! Learn tips, safety essentials, and fun trail activities that will make your family hikes memorable and enjoyable. Perfect for parents seeking outdoor family bonding.
“The best memories are made in hiking boots!” I’ll never forget the moment I took my son hiking for the first time, it was also my first time hiking, so we have learned together and struggled together (the struggling is more on my part), it was like he found his passion, we have since incorporated my youngest and for him that first hike was also the best time he’s had in his life.
You’ll find statistics that will tell you basically, “The family that hikes together has happier kids” and it makes sense, I don’t think we’re meant to be between four walls, don’t get me wrong I love my four walls but I’ve come to an important realization while hiking and witnessing my kids boundless energy and everything they’re able to accomplish, “How can I expect them to be calm and collected indoors if they have all this energy stored up?”. But let’s be honest: hiking with kids isn’t always perfect trail mix and beautiful views. Sometimes it’s dealing with tired legs and “Are we there yet?” every five minutes! Don’t worry – I’ve got your back with everything you need to know about making family hikes not just manageable, but absolutely incredible!
Essential Preparation: Before You Hit the Trail
A lot of the success of a good experience outdoors is done before you hit the trail with a little bit of research, choose the right trail for your kids abilities, for this I would advise to use the All Trails app, it will find trails near your location, categorize them as easy, moderate and hard, it will let you know the length of the trail and the elevation gain, as well as if it is a loop, out and back or a point to point trail.
Loop trails start and end at the same location and follow a single trail or multiple trails to form a loop.
Out-and-Back trails start and end at the same location and follow a single trail or multiple trails to an end point and then return along the same route.
Point-to-Point trails start and end in different locations. These routes are often part of a multi-day hiking or backpacking trip or segments of a long distance trail such as the Pacific Crest Trail.
You have to consider the trail that fits your outing, for tryout I would recommend the Out and Back trail type just because you can decide at any point when to turn back and it will likely be safe both ways, the same could be said for the other ones except sometimes it is more difficult to go back to your starting point depending on terrain, I remember one time I had a huge headache during a point to point trail, it wasn’t a very long trail but it was challenging and I couldn’t head back to where I started (it was supper slippery and prone to rocks falling, it was only for heading down into a valley), I was glad it was just me and my teen boy, I remember I had to take a nap and plenty of electrolytes before continuing.
It’s always a good idea to check the weather, maybe you want to skip a hike on a heat wave or deep rain; you’ll also want to create an outline schedule of wake up time, departing time and starting the trail time, this is especially helpful if you want to avoid the mid-day heat or dusk.
You might be wondering, What can my child carry on a hike?, it depends on his/her age and the degree of independence he/she has, it’s a great time to begin those independent habits; whether it’s an empty backpack, a backpack with just lunch and a toy, water, lunch and a toy or their rain jacket, first aid, water and lunch, make sure it’s comfortable and light; a great idea is to take it for a stroll in the park with what they plan to carry and see if they can manage.
The build up to the hike is almost as important as the hike itself, for my kids this is their checklist and packing their gear, for others it might be looking at pictures from trail reviews, or planning the “pit stops” for lunch and it is important to highlight and talk to your kids depending on their age about possible changes to a plan, I do not know about your kids, but I have a super flexible and adaptable one and a “But you said….”, “We were supposed to do this first”, ” I was really looking forward to…” one, I always tell them “Life does not go according to plan”, “It’s part of the adventure” and “Misadventures make the funniest anecdotes”, I find these pre-talks often help a lot when plans need to change and is useful for any other non-hiking plan.
Teaching basic trail safety rules (Hiking Safety with Kids)
Ok, this is a biggie, hiking safety when going outdoors with kids is essential, and a lot of it begins before stepping outside, talk to your kids about safety before the trail, you want their attention on you and not distracted by the bird and the excitement, I’m not saying you shouldn’t talk to them about it on the trail, but on the trail is the living, breathing application of what you talked about earlier; and remember repeating lessons is expected, just because you told them once doesn’t mean you won’t have to do it again, and again, and again (don’t be discouraged, I can still hear my dad telling me not to step on oil stains in every parking lot, he must’ve told me thousands of times growing up, but I did learn in the end….)
Important safety rules for every trail are:
- Stay on the trail, don’t go off exploring other areas.
- Be in sight of your parents.
- Don’t jump into puddles!, you never know how deep the water is (learned this the hard way my son jumped into one between two huge rocks and it was waist deep which at his height, it was about a meter deep, I was about to do the same and was completely surprised about the depth), teach them to test the water depth.
- Always wait at forks.
- Never, ever ever play hide and seek!
- Never climb around waterfalls.
- Do not get near any wildlife, respect their environment
- Have them carry a whistle, remember three short blows are to ask for help, hand in hand with this tell them the story of “Peter and the Wolf”.
Gear Essentials for Family Hiking Success!
From age appropriate shoes and clothing, to sunscreen and water, the proper gear can make or break your hike, make sure you have the essentials and a bit more without being overpacked, you’ll find everything you need in our 12 Essentials for Hiking With Kids.
Making Hiking Fun
Make it fun!, maybe with a scavenger hunt, singing a song, taking the opportunity to bird watch and add a little educational side to your hike, asking them why they think an animal is this color or that? Do they think it is to better hide from predators? How would they choose a good rest stop? a good lunch stop? Remember a happy half-mile hike that leaves your child excited for more is far better than a challenging trek that makes them dread the next adventure.
Managing Common Challenges
Dealing with tired kids on a hike… Every parent knows that dreaded moment when little legs start dragging and the “I’m tiredddd!” chorus begins! But here’s the thing about tired kids on the trail – it’s not just about physical exhaustion. Sometimes it’s boredom, hunger, or simply the need for a change of pace. I’ve discovered that having an “energy emergency kit” works wonders! Pack a small bag with their favorite trail mix, a lightweight toy (like a small stuffed animal), and what I call “surprise boosters” – special treats or activities they only get on hikes. When fatigue hits, try the “just to that tree” game, where you set mini-goals with small rewards. Another game-changer? The “energy points” system, where kids earn points for each section they walk without complaining, redeemable for special trail privileges like being the leader or choosing the next rest spot.
Encouragement and rewards will work wonders and way better than “keep moving!” Remember if you get a tantrum it probably stems from being overwhelmed or out of control, when you start to notice more whining, stop and rest, have them drink water eat a snack and reset. Giving kids small choices throughout the hike (“Should we take the left trail or right trail?”) can help prevent emotional explosions.
Nutrition and Hydration on the Trail
A happy hike comes from a happy tummy, whether you have toddlers or teens, you don’t want hangry kids so be prepared with kid friendly snacks that are low in sugar (to avoid a sugar crash) and are energy boosting and filling (peanut butter or almond butter anyone?), this will depend on what they like, now is not the time to make them eat asparagus or try sea weed unless they already like it, I mean, you could, they might be hungry enough to try it but don’t make it your only snack. Plan a snack time after reaching a milestone, “When we get to the top of this hill…”, it will motivate them and enjoy the accomplishment more.
Hydration requirements for children The more intense the activity, the more water your needs to drink. A moderate hike in moderate temperatures may require about half a liter of water per hour, while strenuous hiking in high heat may require one liter or more per hour. Always opt for more water than you think you might need, most kids except maybe toddlers will be able to carry a hydration pack which will have their water, if you hike where you can find water sources then don’t forget a water filter.
Building Hiking Stamina in Children
“The secret to successful family hikes isn’t just about moving forward – it’s about knowing when to stop! “
The most important aspect of building hiking stamina isn’t physical – it’s mental! Set your family up for success by adjusting your expectations to match your child’s current abilities, not where you think they should be. Some days, your young hiker might surprise you with endless energy; other days, they might struggle with trails they’ve conquered before. That’s completely normal! Focus on making each hike enjoyable rather than achieving specific distances or times. Celebrate the fun moments and discoveries more than the miles covered. Build their confidence gradually, and you’ll be amazed at how naturally their stamina develops!
Age-appropriate trail length– As parents, we often get excited about introducing our kids to hiking, but rushing into long trails can quickly turn enthusiasm into exhaustion! Here’s the truth: building hiking stamina in children is like planting a garden – it requires patience, consistent care, and the right conditions to flourish. Start with the “5-minute rule”: kids can typically hike about 5 minutes for every year of their age. So your energetic 4-year-old? They’re probably good for about a 20-minute stretch before needing a break. But don’t let these numbers discourage you! By gradually increasing distance, choosing engaging trails with natural rest spots (like that perfect climbing boulder or fascinating stream), and making the journey itself the adventure, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your little hiker’s endurance grows.
The secret to successful family hikes isn’t just about moving forward – it’s about knowing when to stop! Strategic rest stops are your best friends when building hiking stamina in kids. Look for natural features that double as entertainment: large rocks for climbing, shallow streams for splashing, or meadows perfect for wildlife watching. I’ve found that planning stops before they’re needed works better than waiting until your child is already tired. A good rule of thumb? Plan a 5-10 minute break every half hour for younger kids, adjusting as they build endurance. Make these stops count by incorporating fun activities like nature photography, snack time, or even a quick game of “I Spy.” This way, breaks become an exciting part of the adventure rather than just a pause in the journey.
Remember, the goal isn’t to reach the summit – it’s to raise kids who love the outdoors! Whether you’re tackling your first family nature walk or planning a challenging day hike, success comes from preparation, patience, and plenty of snacks. The trails are waiting for your family’s footprints, and now you’re equipped to make every hike an adventure worth remembering. Ready to start creating those magical outdoor moments with your kids? Lace up those boots, pack those extra snacks, and hit the trail – your family’s next great adventure awaits!