Hiking is more than just a physical activity; it's an opportunity to bond as a family, explore
nature, and create lasting memories together. While hiking with kids of different age groups, from toddlers to teens, may seem like a logistical nightmare, it's a rewarding experience that can be enjoyed by everyone. I'm Katie, and I've been hiking with kids for over 15 years, and helping introduce children and families to developing a deep connection with the outdoors. In this post we'll explore the challenges and joys of hiking as a family, covering the unique aspects of hiking with toddlers and the exciting adventures you can have with your older kids.
Embracing the slow... and the curious!
When embarking on an outing with your tiny one there's a few considerations to take into account, so we've created the acronym EXCITE
E - Expectations, manage them and don't expect your new hiker to blaze on for 5 miles! Plan on going slow, stopping often, and constantly encouraging.
X - Explore, let them take their time to check out all the rocks, plants, and bugs along the way. Practice identifying them along the way and you'll be an expert in no time! (We suggest the app Seek)
C - Carry, be sure to have an option to give a tiny legs a break from trekking. It's also a good idea to carry them if there's an exposed or dangerous areas along the trail.
I - Invent, come up with games to keep them moving. We like "Red light, Green light" and will often mix in different colors, i.e. Purple light means they have to dance hike.
T - Trail, if you're not hiking with older kids, choose toddler friendly trails that don't have a lot of elevation gain or may be wider than the average mountain trail. It gives them space to test out their hiking legs and get their sillies out.
E - Essentials, be sure to bring extra wipes, diapers, a ziplock bag (it'll trap the smells from a dirty diaper!), snacks, a carrier of some sort, as well as water, layers, sunscreen, and bug spray. Pro-tip: if you're in need of a mobile changing station, a backpack is great! Use the side that goes against your back to keep them comfortable and off the ground while you're changing them.
It's hard to slow yourself down if you're used to hiking solo or with other adults, but it's very rewarding to experience nature through tiny eyes. You'll learn a lot about world by taking a minute to slow down and really experience it with your tiny hiker!
Fostering a love for nature. Getting your older kids want to hit the trail.
If your kids are school age, whether it's elementary or high school aged, involve them in the process of planning and packing for a hike. Have them carry their own pack with essentials like layers, snacks, water,
compass, sun protection, light source, knife, and a first aid kit.
Planning: Ask them what elements they want in a trail (views? waterfalls? rocky terrain to navigate?) then let them help pick the route so they can mentally prepare for the distance they're going to cover. I've learned my kids don't want me to tell them "it's another half mile" when there's actually two miles left!
Educate: The trail is a great place for hands-on learning. Teach them to tie knots, identify plants/ animals/ insects (we still suggest the app Seek), how to read a map and compass, how to filter water, first aid basics, how to start a small fire (and put it out!)... there's a lot to learn and it's a great chance for parents to either learn these skills too or refresh their skillset by teaching it to their offspring.
Challenge: Older kids enjoy a challenge. Find trails that may require some route
finding through boulder field, have some scrambling through scree field, cross rivers in the water, navigate a fixed rope section of trail... the challenges are endless and the more obstacles there are, the more they'll love it.
Leave No Trace (LNT): It's never too early to start learning LNT principles. (If you don't know the LNT principles, check out this article from the National Parks Service here.)
Capture Memories: Let your kid snap the photos of their hike. You'll be surprised at some of the things they notice and shoot from the trail. You may even get an epic photo taken of you!
But what if you have toddlers to teens?!
My suggestion? All of the above! My kids are currently ages 3 - 15 and we all hike the same trails together! Sometimes they're easy loops that the littlest runs the entire way and other times they're trails up at 12,000' mountain. We still manage expectations for pace and how much we'll have to carry the youngest, but we make it fun and we make it work! There's a few principles we practice to get us all out though:
Safety first: Safety is paramount, it doesn't matter age or skill level, we always set out with the intention of getting everyone home in one piece. This means bringing proper clothing, good footwear, a first aid kit, and ensuring everyone stays hydrated.
Team work makes the dream work: A large part of a successful outdoor experience is getting everyone to work together. It's the ultimate team building experience. Have siblings partner up as "trail buddies", get your kids to look out for each other, and encourage them to talk to other hikers they encounter.
Celebrate achievements: Whether it's your older kids first summit or your toddler's first hike without being carried. Everyone should celebrate what they accomplished that day, helping make hiking a positive experience!
Be Flexible: Sometimes the trail is going to win. You may get rained out halfway through, the trail may be "more" than what you anticipated for the day, you may find that the water source you had planned a refill stop at has run dry... OR you kids just may not be having it that day! Be flexible and adapt to what nature is throwing your way. The journey can be the adventure- just lean into it!
Hiking as a family is a transformative experience. It can help alleviate the stressors of work-life and help diminish depression teens may be ex
periencing. It can help build confidence and coordination in kids, and it helps get everyone connected in person and off screens. It's a chance to disconnect, strengthen family bonds, and create memories of challenges you've faced together. Gear up, hit the trails, and savor the family time spent outdoors!
Happy hiking!