Our Top Tips For Epic Hiking With Kids

A pleasant walk is often the perfect way to see the sights on vacation, and most kids will enjoy the journey. In fact, hiking is one of our favorite things to do as a family when traveling. Just remember to keep the kids and their needs in mind and set aside plenty of time while out for your stroll.

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Many parents find that the idea of hiking with young kids challenging. Thinking their kids may be easily distracted, tired, or hungry. But with a little planning and some creativity, we know from experience that hikes can be a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family.

We have hiked in many places of the world with our kids and these hikes often makes for some of the most memorable parts of our trips.

Some of the places we have hiked with our kids are:

• The coastline of Algarve, Portugal
• Fern forests and volcanos of New Zealand
• Mountain trails in the French Alps
• Gorges and volcanoes in The Azores, including the highest peak of Portugal – Mount Pico at 2,351 m/7,713 ft.
• Fjord and mountain trails in Norway – including the majestic Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen)

If you are looking for things to do on your next vacation, it’s time to start planning those outdoor adventures! If you’re like us, you love nothing more than a good hike with the kids. But if you are unprepared, hiking with kids can sometimes be less than epic.

Here are our top 16 tips for making hiking with kids enjoyable for everyone

1. Choose your trail carefully. When you’re hiking with kids, it’s important to pick a trail that’s not too long or too difficult. You want to make sure everyone enjoys the hike and nobody gets too tired or cranky. A great way to find the perfect trail is to ask around or check online for recommendations. Once you’ve found a few trails that look promising, do a little research to make sure they’re kid-friendly. If your child is under five, look for a short and relatively flat trail – or one where you can carry them. You may also want to consider avoiding crowded trails on weekends or holidays.
2. Start early. Getting an early start on your hike is always a good idea, but it’s especially important when you’re hiking with kids. This will help ensure that you have plenty of time to complete the hike without anyone getting too tired or hungry. Plus, it’s just nice to enjoy some peace and quiet before the crowds arrive!
3. Allocate for plenty of time in your schedule. Toddlers will enjoy exploring at their level – poking in the dirt, pointing out flowers and spider webs, basically getting muddy and having a blast. Preschoolers will also enjoy exploring at their own wandering pace, though some will balk if the path gets too rough.  Encourage them to find their own way over rocks and trees, and they’ll feel right at home.  They might even want to stop and splash through streams or rain, or collect leaves or pine cones. Don’t pressure them into hurrying up, just try to move along at their speed. 
4. Pack snacks and drinks. This one goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway – make sure you pack plenty of snacks and drinks for your hike! We like to pack a mix of healthy and not-so-healthy snacks, so everyone stays happy (and fueled) throughout the day. And don’t forget the sunscreen!
5. Take breaks often. Hiking can be tough, even for adults, so it’s important to take breaks often when you’re hiking with kids. Let them play at each rest stop, and don’t be afraid to turn back if someone isn’t feeling up for it. The most important thing is that everyone has a good time – even if that means taking it slow and easy. If your child starts to get tired, take a break! Find a shady spot to rest and let them have a snack or drink.
6. Be prepared for emergencies. No matter how well you plan, there’s always a chance that something could go wrong on the hike. Be sure to bring along a first-aid kit and know how to use it. It’s also a good idea to let someone else know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. And on the less serious side of things it’s a good idea to bring along a change of clothes in case of spills or accidents.
7. Stay safe: Make sure your kids stay close to you and that they know what to do in an emergency. Teach them how to call for help and how to find their way back to the trailhead if they get lost.
8. Make sure that your little ones are mindful of wildlife and educate bigger kids about the local fauna. Insects might not appreciate the visitors, and larger animals might challenge the family for entering their territory.
9. Leave the stroller at home! Unless you know that the whole route is paved, you will get annoyed with trying to push the stroller on small rocks or an uneven surface.
10. Bring a carrier if you have toddlers or infants. Sometimes, the safest and most convenient place for a kid is up off the ground, in a carrier, a backpack, in daddy’s arms or on the shoulders, where they can’t get hurt or lost. For longer hikes with a toddler, a good baby carrier – like this ergonomic one – is almost a necessity.
11. Set a good example: Children are more likely to enjoy the hike if they see their parents having fun and being positive. Talk about beautiful views on the way and point out interesting things you see.
12. Make it fun: Hiking with kids can be more enjoyable if you make it interactive. Play games, look for plants or animals, and encourage your children to explore and ask questions. You can also bring along books or other educational materials to help your kids learn about the natural world.
13. Bring some entertainment well suited for walking. We have often brought a small portable speaker allowing us to listen to music or a story. If your child is likely to get bored on the hike, bring along some small toys or games to keep them entertained. Again, a favorite book can also be helpful in keeping little ones engaged.
14. Plan for something nice and relaxing after your hike. As kids tire, and grumble about sore feet, it might help to remind them of the cafe or ice cream shop at the end.
15. Make it a competition. We have gifted our kids with Fitbit activity trackers and always make a prize – like getting to choose the restaurant for the night, a movie or an ice cream – for the member of the family that has the most steps by the end of the hike. This keeps our kids very motivated throughout the hike!
16. Last but not least, don’t forget to bring a camera on your hike! This is a great way to document your adventure and create lasting memories of your time together as a family. It can also serve as a bit of entertainment on the way if your kids get to take some shots themselves. We recommend a tough and sturdy camera like the Olympus Tough as it’s both waterproof and shock proof.

Final words

Hiking with kids takes a little bit of planning and some creativity, but it’s also a lot of fun! By following our simple tips, you can make sure your next hike is one where everyone has a great time – kids included!