My wife and I have always hiked with our kids. Well, they’re grown up now and one’s in the army. I’m not sure we did everything right. Maybe we pushed them too hard. Maybe we didn’t stop often enough to enjoy the wildflowers. I don’t know.
- Image via Wikipedia
What I do know is that hiking with them and teaching them to love hiking and nature was the right thing to do, mistakes and all.
Here are a few tips for keeping young kids happy on the trail.
1. Dress them properly with footwear and clothing that fit well and that are appropriate for the season, the weather and the terrain. Use layers to help them cope with whatever weather might develop on the way and through the day.
2. Let each of the kids lead for awhile, taking turns. It will give them a sense of importance.
3. Stop often to rest their young bodies and to enjoy the surroundings. If they take an interest in something along the way like flowers, a tree, an insect, or a stream, stop and enjoy the object of interest as a family.
4. Help them tune in to nature. Talk to them about what you see, hear, smell and feel. Take along a good nature guide to help you identify and learn about the ecosystem.
5. Start the day with a nourishing breakfast and plenty of liquids to get their motors warmed up.
6. Keep your kids hydrated. Supplying each one with a hydration pack and teaching them to drink often will help keep their muscles and organs working in tip-top condition.
7. Give them high-energy snacks along the way to help them keep up their energy and positive outlook. Let them eat small snacks often.
8. Take your time and let the slowest child set the pace for everyone.
9. Let each kid bring a friend. They’ll motivate each other to push on.
10. Help your kids learn to love and respect the wilderness.
11. Be flexible and allow changes in your plans and objectives.
Get outdoors and trekking (slowly) with your kids, whether it’s in a city park, a county park or in the high country of a national park.
by Richard Davidian
Tired of paying full price for outdoor gear?
Click here now for the latest REI deals.
———-
We welcome comments. Please join the conversation.
Please subscribe to our RSS Feed for more great outdoors tips and issues (top right corner).
Learn to identify edible wild plants with Edible Wild Plants Cards.
Follow me on Twitter for more great outdoors tips and issues.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Great tips Richard. I especially like the last three. Let friends and the wilderness inspire! A great resource specifically on this subject can be found at CampingBlogger.Net. Thanks again!
Mike Childress´s last [type] ..The Backwoodsman Magazine
Ever take a harmonica on a hike? Great idea! Check out the top seller at http://www.BackyardBrand.com
{ 6 trackbacks }