Five Things To Do Before Hiking With Kids This Summer

Find an Appropriate Trail:

Research local trails on All Trails. You’ll find information about the trail length, elevation, and route type. All Trails will even tag hikes as “kid friendly”, which is a great place to start. Keep your expectations low as far as mileage. You can always increase your hikes as your kids get stronger and more confident. We’ve found that 2-3 mile hikes are appropriately challenging and enjoyable for our family. My two year old will happily hike for about a mile before he wants to be held. As for elevation, 100-400 feet is typically comfortable for beginners. Find a trail that has appropriate terrain for little feet to navigate. Hitting the trails with young hikers isn’t the best time for drop-off cliffs or slippery rocks. One of the best ways to gather this information is by reading the reviews. Once you’ve decided on a spot, take screenshots or photos of the trail map so you can easily refer back to it. 

If step one feels overwhelming, start where you feel comfortable. Walking around local parks and paved walking trails is awesome, too! You may also consider joining a hiking group. We participate in a homeschool group called Wild + Free. We meet bi-weekly and hike locally as a group. It is an awesome community for building friendships, finding kid-friendly trails and getting encouragement. There are plenty of other hiking groups out there, many of which you can find on Facebook. 

Check the Weather:

The outdoorsy world will tell you that there is no such thing as bad weather. Your kids would disagree. If you’re hoping to spend more time outside this summer, do it at times when your little one will be most comfortable. When starting off, it’s best to choose day’s that have mild weather. Be ready to adjust your plans based on the temperature, wind, and precipitation. 

In the summertime, this might mean hiking in the morning to avoid the warmest part of the day. If it’s going to be hot, plan for plenty of shade, rest, and water. If you’re lucky, you may have some local creeks, rivers, or lakes that can be awesome places to explore, splash, and cool off. 

Dress For the Hike:

You likely have everything that you need to feel comfortable in your climate. You don’t need to buy any special clothing if you’re staying local. Consider what protection you’ll need when getting dressed. You may be tempted to wear t-shirts and shorts, but don’t forget about sun protection and ticks. There are clothing options that are airy and comfortable that also cover more skin. If rain is a possibility, pack a light raincoat and extra socks. 

The most important thing you can do is ensure your kiddo has comfortable shoes to wear. Broken-in tennis shoes have been the best for my kids. Sandals have been the culprit of too many blisters for us, but your mileage may vary. While I have purchased hiking boots for my kids, they often choose their tennies instead. 

Pack All the Essentials:

Prepare Your Child:

Explain to them what you’re doing and discuss any appropriate boundaries. Even the littlest of children can absorb a lot of information when you narrate the day. Tell them what they need to wear, how long the car ride is, and who they’re hiking with. Talk about the importance of safety and your expectations. You can share anything that you might see on the hike and what you’ll do afterwards. My eldest loves to run the trail. He’s allowed to run ahead, as long as he can turn around and see me. If I yell for him, he has to stop and wait for me to catch up. We like to finish our hikes with a picnic lunch and time at a nearby playground. 

Lastly, have fun and enjoy these moments of motherhood! Even with all the prep-work, nothing with kids goes exactly as planned. Don’t get discouraged if it takes a few hikes for you and your little one to enjoy the whole experience. Celebrate the little wins and have fun along the way, even if your ‘trek’ is only a quarter of a mile.