Tip 2: Hiking

Hiking sounds intimidating. It implies you need gear, training and a vast knowledge of outdoor places.  It is reserved for the most outdoor savvy among us. In reality, you are just walking.  Yes, probably a little more involved than walking down the sidewalk, however, it is much more fulfilling and offers kids both a challenge and reward for their efforts. So how do we begin?

Start Easy

Pick a trail that is both nearby (short drive) easy in terms of mileage and elevation change. Most online guides will provide an overview of the trail and give details such as distance and elevation. Many will also provide a “rating” of the trail difficulty, often on a scale from easy to very difficult, and even as “family friendly”.  Start off with a short, relatively flat, and “easy” trail. What distance?  Most kid’s age 5+ can easily hike 1-2 miles on a flat trail with little difficulty. You know your child best and can make the best selection based on your child.  When in doubt, choose the lesser distance. Your goal is to make their first trip the best experience possible, and incite excitement for future hikes.

Gear

You will need some basic items with you on your first hike:

1. A small backpack to carry essentials such as snacks and water.
2. Water bottles or various hydration for everyone.
3. Food or snacks and water sufficient for the time you will invest.
4. A small kid’s or family first aid kit.
5. Good footwear and socks. Note that you likely do not need hiking specific boots or shoes on your first few hikes, however, you should ensure your child has sturdy footwear that can withstand the abuse of rocks and dirt, as well as equip them (and yourself) with good socks that will dry quickly and provide comfort.

Snacks

In my experience, snacks are key in hiking with kids.  They can be used as motivation and reward (we will have a snack when we get there), a mid-hike boost when kids get tired or bored, and provide needed nutrition and energy on the trail for both kids and adults. You know what your kids prefer and what gets them excited. If the food packs well and is easy to carry, bring it along. You will be glad you did.

In hiking many miles with my young children, I have never encountered a hike where they could not physically complete the trail. I have observed situations where they mentally felt they could not, or did not want to do so. Keep in mind that kids get bored easily.  Keeping them engaged mentally is the biggest challenge of all. Before setting off, look for hikes that have interesting points along the way or a reward at the end, such as rivers, waterfalls or great views.  Create some games to play along the way. And yes, stop and get out the snacks. Keeping your kids engaged in the middle of a hike can make the difference in their experience and will give them confidence that they (and you) can complete greater distances next time.