10 tips for hiking with kids

Apr 28

When you go hiking with young kids, you get to experience the magic of discovering nature all over again.

It’s a golden opportunity to create beautiful memories, expand their understanding of the world, and build self-confidence. However, hiking with children is a very different animal than getting outside with adults.

Here are 10 tips for hitting the trail with kids.

Pick the right trail

A pre-tween might struggle on a path that a preschooler flies up. Regardless of age, start with easy hikes on wide trails with minimal elevation gain before trying more challenging trips. Choose a trail that appeals to their interests — beavers, caves, or suspension bridges, for example. (My new book, Best Hikes and Nature Walks With Kids In and Around Southwestern British Columbia, has 55 trails for your consideration.)

Be flexible on the destination

Lower your expectations. You may or may not reach the lake at trail’s end. Hiking with young kids really is about the journey, not the destination.

Reduce your speed

Curious kids will stop to investigate every puddle, slug, or spiderweb. Have a closer look and delight in their discoveries.

Take lots of breaks

Shorter legs require more steps to cover the same distance. If you never had any use for park benches and picnic tables, you’ll appreciate their value now.

Bring food the kids will eat (and plenty of it)

Prevent the hangry child. Frequent snacking (and drinking) will help keep kids’ energy levels and spirits up. Now’s the time to pull out the chocolate chip cookies. Pack a picnic for lunch. Be sure to carry extra water.

Pack a full change of clothes

Kids have a propensity to get wet, and a cold kid is an unhappy kid. Bring warm layers and rain gear too. A toque, mittens, and windbreaker are lifesavers on a windy summit. Avoid cotton — just like adults, kids need proper footwear and quick-dry clothing. Don’t forget the wet wipes and, if applicable, extra diapers.

Be prepared to carry everything

While bringing more than sufficient supplies is a good idea — not to mention binoculars and other optional items — you don’t want to overdo it. After all, a tired kid probably won’t want anything heavier than animal crackers and a favourite stuffy in their backpack. Keep in mind that circumstances may call on you to carry an exhausted or injured kid out of the woods.

Keep your distance from drop-offs and wildlife

Hold on to young kids in steep terrain and around cliffs and swift water. Don’t approach or feed wildlife. Stay together to reduce the likelihood of a bear attack or getting lost. Carry bear spray and use it to repel aggressive wildlife.

Talk about safety

Pack the 10 essentials and leave a trip plan with a responsible person — and include the kids as you do. Teach kids the four rules of AdventureSmart’s Hug a Tree and Survive program:

Tell an adult where you are going

If you are lost, “hug a tree” and stay put

Keep warm and dry

Help searchers find you by answering their calls

Give kids a mission

Look for the perfect walking stick or magic wand. Search for hollow trees. Try to spot something in each of the primary and secondary colours. Go geocaching. Bring a teddy bear for photo ops along the trail. Make it a scavenger hunt. Have fun!

Stephen Hui is the author of Best Hikes and Nature Walks With Kids In and Around Southwestern British Columbia, a new guide to 55 hiking trails.

His first two books, 105 Hikes and Destination Hikes, were #1 B.C. bestsellers.

Learn more: 105hikes.com

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