If you’re looking for a fun family activity that gets you all outside and moving, consider hiking! Hiking can be a great way to exercise, explore nature, and spend time with your loved ones.
But if your kids are like most, they may not want to go on a hike. It can be hard to get them excited about something that seems like a lot of work! On top of that, planning a hike with your kids, finding the right trail and to make sure they enjoy can make you very anxious as a parent.
We enjoy hiking as a family.
But I`ll admit that it can be tough to keep the little kids entertained on long hikes.
Either they get bored fast, start whining or throwing tantrums, or they get too excited and run off ahead. In the end, us parents are the ones left feeling exhausted.
If you`re struggling to make hiking fun for your kids, don`t worry, we have some tips and tricks that will help.
In this blog post, we’ll give you 15 tips and tricks on how to make hiking fun for kids. With a little preparation and creativity, hiking can be an enjoyable experience for the whole family!
Hiking with kids can be a great way to bond with your family while getting some exercise and fresh air. By following these tips, you’re sure to make some great memories together out on the trail.
With a little planning and effort, hiking can be a fun experience for the whole family. And who knows, your kids might even start to enjoy it as much as you do!
We hope these tips and tricks help you make hiking more fun for your kids!
Here are 15 tips and tricks to make Hiking fun for Kids:
1.Find the right trail.
Not all hiking trails are created equal! Some are more challenging, with steep inclines and rocky terrain. Others are fairly flat and easy to walk on. When you’re choosing a trail, be sure to consider your kids’ ages and abilities. You don’t want to overwhelm them with a hike that’s too difficult, but you also don’t want them to be bored on a trail that’s too easy.
2.Give them responsibility
One way to make hiking fun for kids is to let them lead the way. If they see that you’re trusting them to be in charge, they’ll feel a sense of pride and responsibility. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should let them run off into the woods by themselves! You should still be close by in case they need help.
3.Make a game out of it
Make it a counting game or a scavenger hunt. Kids love games, so turn your hike into one! Make a list of things they can look for along the way, such as different types of leaves, rocks, animals or birds. Keep track of how many they find, and see who can find the most at the end of the hike.
4.Sing songs
Sing songs while hiking with your kids. Songs like “what do you see” is a fun way to encourage kids to walk and look out for things in the nature they see. We love this song and sing them during all our road trips and hikes.
5.Let them carry their own supplies
You can give them a small backpack to carry. This will make them feel like they are helping with the hike and carrying their own supplies. Ofcourse, if they start to get tired, you will have to carry everything, so be prepared for that!
6.Carry enough snacks and drinks
Pack a picnic lunch. Hiking can be hungry work, so be sure to pack plenty of snacks and drinks for your kids (and yourself!). A picnic lunch is a great way to break up the hike and give everyone a chance to rest.
7.Let them carry their toys or books
Bring along some toys or books. If your kids are young, bring along some of their favorite toys to play with at the picnic lunch stop or books to entertain them. Older kids might enjoy bringing along a Frisbee or football to play with along the way. Or even a scooter if they are too tired to walk.
8.Take breaks
Take breaks in between. If your kids are getting tired, take a break! Let them sit down and rest for a few minutes, or let them play in a nearby stream. It’s important to listen to their bodies and not push them too hard.
9.Be prepared with a stroller or a carrier
Take a stroller or a carrier if necessary. If you have very young children, you may want to bring along a stroller or a Baby carrier. This way, they can take a nap or rest while you continue hiking.
10.There is no rush!
Don’t rush! One of the best parts about hiking is taking your time and enjoying the scenery. Don’t worry about getting to the end of the trail quickly. Instead, take your time and enjoy being outdoors with your family.
11.Walk at your kids` pace
Hike at their pace. Kids have shorter legs than adults, so they may need to walk at a slower pace. This is perfectly fine! Let them set the pace and enjoy the hike at their own speed.
12.What a Good job!!!
Say encouraging words. If your kids are struggling, offer encouragement! Let them know that you’re proud of them for trying something new and tell them how good they’re doing. A little positive reinforcement can go a long way.
13.Perfect end destination
Have a fun end destination. Choose a destination that will be fun for your kids, such as a playground, waterfall or stream. This way, they’ll have something to look forward to at the end of the hike.
14.Group hike is always fun
Plan hikes with friends and/ or family. Hiking with friends can be a great way to make it more fun for kids. They’ll have someone to talk to and bond with on the hike, and they may even be more motivated to keep going.
15.Don`t stop!
Go often and make it a habit. The more you hike, the more your kids will enjoy it! They’ll start to see it as a fun activity that they can do with their family and friends.
Remember, hiking should be fun for everyone involved. If your kids are struggling, take a break and offer encouragement.
By following these tips, you’re sure to make some great memories together out on the trail.
Get out there and enjoy nature with your family. A little planning and creativity can make your hike, a fun and rewarding experience with your kids. So get out there and explore nature together!
Do you have any other tips on how to make hiking fun for kids? Share them in the comments below!
Gururaj
Good Ideas 💡