Embracing Adventure with the Littlest Explorers
Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of questions from parents wanting to know how to start hiking with their kids. They ask about the best age to begin, what to pack, where to go, and how to keep their little ones motivated. As a parent who has been hiking with my own children since they could walk (and even before that with baby carriers!), I’m here to share what I’ve learned over the years.
My husband and I have always loved exploring the great outdoors, and we were determined to pass that passion on to our kids. From the moment they could toddle along, we’ve been taking our little ones on hiking adventures, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience. Sure, there have been a few challenges along the way, but watching my kids discover the wonders of nature and gain confidence with each hike has made it all worthwhile.
Hiking is such a wonderful way to get children immersed in the great outdoors, burning off that boundless energy, and learning about their surroundings. It can teach them so much – from respecting the environment to building independence and curiosity. And let’s not forget the quality time you get to spend together, free from the distractions of everyday life. What could be better?
Starting the Hiking Journey
There’s no perfect age to begin hiking with kids – the best time is right now! Whether you have a newborn, a toddler, or a school-aged child, you can get them out on the trails. Each age comes with its own unique joys and challenges, but with a little preparation, you’ll be setting your little ones up for hiking success.
Babies are relatively easy to hike with for short distances. All you need is a good carrier or wrap, and you can strap them on and go. Most babies love being outdoors and snuggled close to a parent. However, new parents may find the logistics of packing for a baby a bit intimidating at first. But trust me, it gets easier with every hike!
Toddlers are a whole different ball game. On the one hand, they can walk on their own, which means less carrying for you. But on the other hand, they tire quickly and can be, well, a bit stubborn about where they want to go. Meltdowns on the trail are inevitable, but don’t let that deter you. If you go in with realistic expectations and a good sense of humor, hiking with toddlers can be a blast.
Once kids reach the age of 4, hiking gets much easier. They have more stamina, can walk longer distances, and are generally more cooperative. This is the age when you can start challenging them with longer, more rugged trails and really spark their sense of adventure.
Choosing the Perfect Hike
One of the most important things you can do when starting to hike with kids is to choose the right trail. You want to set them up for success, so don’t overestimate their abilities, especially when you’re just getting started.
Look for short, easy trails with gentle terrain. Paved paths are great for little ones and those still working on their balance. As your kids get older and more experienced, you can start tackling longer, more challenging hikes. But always be prepared to carry them if they start to struggle.
Another great tip is to pick trails with a destination or goal in mind – like a creek, waterfall, or picnic area. Kids love having something to look forward to and strive for, and it can really help keep them motivated.
According to Run Wild My Child, “The more fun the kids have hiking, the more likely they (and you) will want to do it again.” So, focus on finding trails that will capture their imagination and let them explore to their heart’s content.
Packing for the Adventure
Proper preparation is key when hiking with little ones. Nothing will ruin the experience faster than having an uncomfortable, hungry, or thirsty child. So, let’s talk about what to pack.
First and foremost, water and snacks are essential. Little ones burn through fuel and get dehydrated quickly, so be sure to have plenty of both on hand. We love packing fruits, nuts, bars, jerky, and maybe even a little chocolate (for mom, of course!). If your kids are old enough, let them carry their own snacks and water bottles – they’ll feel so grown up and responsible.
Clothing and footwear are also crucial. Dress your kids in layers so they can adjust to the temperature, and make sure they have sturdy, well-fitting shoes. Bring a spare set of clothes for each child, too, in case of mud puddles or other unexpected surprises.
And don’t forget the first aid kit! While we hope nothing bad will happen, it’s better to be prepared for scrapes, bites, or sudden weather changes. Pack the essentials like bandages, antiseptic, and any necessary medications.
As the Wild Bunch Desert Guides advise, “Water is essential” when hiking in the desert, and the same goes for any outdoor adventure with kids. Make sure you’ve got enough to keep everyone hydrated and happy.
Embracing the Journey
The key to successful hiking with kids is to go with the flow and let them lead the way. Children have a much slower pace than adults, and they’ll want to stop and explore every interesting rock, flower, or bug they come across. Embrace that sense of wonder and curiosity, and use it as an opportunity to teach them about their surroundings.
As Chelsea from Run Wild My Child explains, “The goal when hiking with children is not to get to a destination, it’s about the journey.” So, don’t stress about reaching the end of the trail – focus on making the most of every step along the way.
Engage your kids’ imaginations by pointing out wildlife, plants, and natural features that catch their eye. Teach them to respect the environment and leave no trace. And don’t be afraid to let them take the lead, whether it’s choosing the direction or taking turns carrying the map.
Most importantly, make it fun! Sing songs, play games, and celebrate their accomplishments, no matter how small. The more enjoyment they get out of the experience, the more likely they’ll be to want to hit the trails again and again.
Preparing for the Unexpected
Let’s be real – hiking with kids isn’t always a smooth, carefree adventure. There will be challenges, from meltdowns to unexpected weather. But with a little foresight and adaptability, you can handle anything that comes your way.
As Chelsea from Las Vegas shared, you have to be prepared for the unique hazards of hiking in the desert, like cactuses and critters. And even in the mild Scottish Highlands, you’ll need to be mindful of sudden weather changes and plan accordingly.
The most important thing is to know when to turn back. If your little ones are clearly overwhelmed or the conditions become unsafe, don’t hesitate to call it a day. There’s always another time to try that trail again. And remember, a “successful” hike isn’t about reaching the end – it’s about the memories you make and the skills your kids develop along the way.
Embracing the Adventure
Hiking with kids may sound intimidating at first, but I promise, the more you do it, the easier it will become. Every time you make the effort to get your little ones out into nature, you’re giving them the opportunity to fall in love with the great outdoors.
Sure, your first few hikes may not go exactly as planned, but that’s all part of the adventure. Embrace the challenges, laugh off the mishaps, and focus on creating those special memories together.
Before you know it, your wee ones will be seasoned hiking pros, eagerly awaiting the next outdoor expedition. And you’ll have the privilege of watching their confidence, curiosity, and appreciation for nature grow with every step.
So, what are you waiting for? Lace up your boots, pack your bags, and get ready to explore the wild wonders of the Scottish Highlands with your little ones in tow. The adventure of a lifetime awaits at Loch Ness Shores!
