Kayla Mathieu5 tips and tricks to make hiking with kids a success!
Hiking with kids can be a delightful adventure, yet it presents a unique set of challenges compared to solo or adult-only hikes. Preparation before embarking on the trail can prevent much stress and annoyance. As a family well-acquainted with hiking, we’ve compiled our top five tips and tricks to ensure your hike with the kids is a success and enjoyable experience for everyone!
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When Hiking with Kids, Bring Snacks and Plenty of Water
Remember to pack snacks! Emphasize it however you like, but snacks are a must. Like my kids, yours might claim they’re starving the moment they hit the trail. Water is essential. A backpack with a water bladder is convenient for less hassle and tracking. Carry a good supply of lightweight, portable snacks; trail mix and small snack packs are our favorites.
Carry a Small Backpack
My husband and I each carry a small backpack. We pack snacks and water, allowing one of us to look after the children while the other is occupied. Besides food and water, I carry Chapstick and a portable battery charger with a phone cord, ensuring that I’m not worried about my phone’s battery if we get lost or injured. It might seem minor, but having a charger allows me to use my phone’s flashlight or send emergency messages if needed. Colton has a first aid kit with a range of supplies and a tourniquet. Additionally, we bring raingear in case the weather changes.
Carrying a backpack also serves as additional storage. Often, children choose to take along items on the trail that aren’t necessary. For instance, my son enjoys taking his Rubik’s cube wherever he goes. Rather than dispute the necessity of a trivial item on a hike, I allow him to bring it. Then, once he recognizes it’s not needed, I simply store it in my backpack, preventing any arguments or unnecessary tantrums.
Carrying a backpack while hiking with kids is crucial for disposing of waste properly. When you stop for a snack, the wrappers need to be stored somewhere. A fundamental principle of hiking and enjoying the wilderness is ‘Leave No Trace,’ which means you should not litter or disturb the natural environment. The motto is to ‘Take only pictures, leave only footprints.’ Since trash cans are usually absent on hiking trails, keeping your wrappers in your backpack until you can dispose of them properly is advisable.
Quality Hiking Shoes
On your family hiking trips, you’ll often hear your kids say, “I’m hungry” and “My feet hurt.” To make hiking a regular family outing, consider investing in quality hiking shoes for your children. With the right footwear, they might still grumble, but they’ll be less prone to blisters, injuries, or losing a shoe in the mud. And if you manage to find waterproof hiking shoes for kids, you’ve struck gold!
Quality hiking shoes are crucial for both kids and parents. Waterproof shoes come highly recommended, as you never know when you might encounter a situation that challenges keeping your feet dry. I have a pair of Skechers waterproof hiking shoes that I absolutely adore!
Wear Layers
Dressing appropriately for the weather is key. It’s easy to remove layers, but without a jacket, you may end up with cold, unhappy children. The starting point of your hike might be warm, but temperatures can drop, particularly at higher elevations. If the children get too warm, simply pack the jackets away in your backpack to have them ready for when the temperature dips. Additionally, ensure base layers are moisture-wicking to prevent sweating and chafing.
Pick a Short, Kid-friendly Trail and Take Frequent Breaks
It’s crucial to research trails in advance to ensure they’re suitable for children. The last thing you want is to be halfway through a 10-mile hike, navigating boulders on a steep cliff with young children. Even if the trail is well-known, it’s not worth the risk. Remember, children have limited endurance, so plan for regular breaks, including snacks and hydration.
Bonus Tip When Hiking with Kids:
When hiking with kids, ensure everyone uses the bathroom before starting your hike, as it is uncommon to find a bathroom along the trail.
I always pack a small empty sack or puppy potty bags to used for garbage. Some trails have cans and some don’t. It can keep the backpack clean as well as those layers the kids have already shedded!
That’s a great tip! Thanks for sharing!