Hiking trips do not have to be put on hold simply because you have children. Hiking trips with the family can be just as enjoyable, if not more so. The key to hiking trips with children is to plan ahead of time.
Consider the various types of weather you might encounter when planning a family hiking trip. Although it may be pleasant and sunny when you arrive at your destination, the weather can quickly change. Pack clothes that you can layer so that you can add and remove layers as needed. Pack hats for yourself and the kids, as the sun can harm your eyes and burn your scalp.
Depending on your footwear, a family hiking trip can be enjoyable or painful. Check that your children’s shoes are comfortable and do not pinch their toes. Before you go on the big hike, take your kids on some short hikes. You’ll know if your children’s shoes pinch them or cause blisters ahead of time. You don’t want to be forced to carry a child back from a hike.
For the family hiking trip, bring plenty of high-protein snacks. Allow your children to carry small backpacks containing their own snacks and a water bottle. Make sure they’re snacks that your child will eat, as hungry kids can get irritable quickly.
When going on a family hiking trip, bring plenty of water. Children are easily dehydrated, so they will need to drink a lot of water. Children can wear a hydration pack or carry their own water bottle in a back pack.
Begin your hiking trip with your family early in the morning. By dark, try to either set up camp or return to your car. Hiking at night can be dangerous because you run the risk of getting lost. When night falls, predatory animals stalk their prey.
Take your time when hiking with kids and let them explore. Children lack the self-discipline required to hike at a fast pace. Keep in mind that children’s legs are shorter than adults’, so they must move twice as fast to keep up. They also have a short attention span and prefer to play. Allow them to pick flowers, chase lizards, and watch birds if you have the time.
Teach your kids about the dangers they’ll face on a hike. Teach them how to recognize poison oak and ivy, as well as spiders and snakes. Children should be warned about the dangers of walking near cliffs. If children know what to look for, they can be advocates for their own safety. Everyone returns home safely after a fun family hiking trip.