Take ’em or leave ’em but these are my tips for hitting the trails with your kiddo(s).

1. Don’t call it “hiking”.

You’re better off calling it adventuring or exploring. Hiking sounds like work and that may be just enough to deter some kids before even starting.

2. Find somewhere interesting to hike! 

Find a spot with a cool lookout, waterfall,  or swimming spot. Just make sure it’s kid friendly though before you tackle it. You don’t want to end up with your kids scaling a cliff with no guard rails.

3. Bring lots of snacks!

Always bring more food than you think they’ll eat. I’ve also found it’s a gamechanger to keep extra snacks/ water in the car so when you finish your hike you’ll have a happy drive home.  Nobody enjoys hiking while hangry. I’ve even bribed my youngest son with a gummy every so often down the trail to keep his interest!

5. Let them help navigate and decide on trails.

Teach them to read the trail map (bonus that it’s a good life skill). My boys have so much fun leading us through the trail and looking for signs/symbols as we go. It also helps to give them a rough idea of how long the hike will be so that they know what to expect – there’s nothing more disheartening for a kid who thinks they’ve finished to realize they’re only halfway done! Another fun way to navigate is use your phone’s GPS and a tracking app (like MapMyRun) and track your distance and route. If you’ve got a kid who is leery about hiking, letting them be the phone holder. That may be just the ticket for a successful hike.

4. Prepare for changing weather!

Before you even leave the house, check footwear! My youngest decided he was going snow hiking in Crocs the other day! The ‘appropriate footwear’ part of a child’s brain seems to develop late! Check the weather forecast before you go and be ready for a few different weather scenarios. It may be hot when you start out but then it could change fast if you’re changing elevation. If swimming is involved, don’t forget a small towel or change of clothes if you have a kiddo who hates tromping home in soggy clothes.

6. Make it fun!

Play games, sing songs (so dorky, I know) or do a scavenger hunt! You could have them bring a notebook to journal/ draw what they see, a camera/ phone to take pics,  or a magnifying glass/binoculars to check out the scenery/wildlife.

7. Find a big stick.

A big hiking stick (or poking stick) makes almost every kid a little happier. 

8. Slow it down.

Don’t expect to finish in record time. Just because a trail says 3 hours… that does not usually mean 3 hours with kids. Plan for frequent breaks. It’s so easy to forget how much work their little legs are doing.

9. Bring friends.

Change up the dynamic and bring some pals along for the trek! The bonus with this is that kids are way less likely to whine or complain in front of their buddies. Plus, they’ll have so much fun they will forget about the work involved.

10. Don’t sweat it!

Go into it expecting dirty clothes,  small injuries (blisters, slivers), and potential crabby moods. There have been so many times that my boys do not share my appreciation for the beautiful place that we’re exploring. Try and remember what it’s like to be a kid. Be positive, laugh things off and add in some fun!


If you’re looking for some great hiking spots, check out my recommended Day Trips!

Do your kids enjoy hiking? Do you have any other tips to add? Please comment below!

Happy exploring!