Hiking has always been one of my favorite ways to enjoy nature. When my nephew was 5 years old, I started hiking with him. I began hiking almost every day with him. We started with short hikes, just a mile or two, and slowly worked our way up to 8-10 miles.

Now, at 10 years old, my nephew can hike more than 8-10 miles on his own. I love sharing these adventures with him, and watching him grow confident and learn new things is even more rewarding!

Yes, you might need to make some changes and be patient, especially at first, but it’s totally worth it. Hiking with kids is a fantastic way to spend time together, enjoy fresh air, and stay healthy and happy. 

Here are 10 steps to follow when hiking with kids:

Choose an Easy and Fun Hike: 

When starting out, pick a hike that isn’t too long or hard. Remember, for kids, it’s all about the experience, not how far you go. Try to find a trail with something exciting to see, like a lake, stream, or waterfall. This gives them a fun goal to reach. And if your child wants to stop and explore the ground or look at plants, that’s okay—let them enjoy the adventure!

Take Your Time: 

Kids are natural explorers, and they’ll want to check out everything they see. That’s one of the best things about hiking! Make sure you plan plenty of time so they can enjoy discovering the wonders of nature.

Be Prepared: 

No matter who’s hiking, always pack the 10 Essentials, like water, snacks, and a map. For kids, add extra things like wet wipes, a magnifying glass, a camera, and safety whistles (and teach them how to use them). Be ready for anything!

Dress Smart: 

Bring layers of clothing so your child stays warm or cool, depending on the weather. Don’t forget rain gear and extra clothes in case they get wet or muddy. Good shoes are important too, whether it’s sandals or little hiking boots.

Plan Snack Breaks: 

Hiking uses a lot of energy, and tired kids can get cranky. Bring plenty of snacks and drinks, and take breaks often. You can make it fun by saying, “Let’s walk to that big tree and then have a snack!” This keeps them moving and happy.

Let Kids Lead: 

Kids love to feel in charge, so let them take turns leading the hike. It makes them feel important and helps set a pace they can handle. Just make sure to switch leaders so everyone gets a turn.

Make It Fun: 

The key to a great hike is keeping it fun. Play games like spotting signs of animals or counting different kinds of flowers. You could even create a scavenger hunt with things to find, like something big, small, or bumpy.

Praise Their Efforts: 

Give your kids lots of positive feedback. Tell them how awesome they’re doing, how strong they are, and how great they’re hiking. This boosts their confidence and makes them want to keep going!

Respect Nature: 

Teach your kids to take care of nature. Bring a bag to collect trash and make sure to clean up any messes you make. Show them that it’s important to leave nature just as you found it, so everyone can enjoy it.

Hike Often: 

Make hiking a regular family adventure. Try to go at least once a month. With so many trails and things to see, hiking is a great way for kids to get outside and enjoy nature. Whether it’s in a city park or deep in the wilderness, every hike is a new adventure!

Know When to Stop: 

It’s great to encourage your kids to challenge themselves, but it’s also important not to push them too hard. If your kids aren’t enjoying the hike or are having a tough day, be ready to change plans or even call it quits. It’s better to spend time at a playground and have a fun, positive experience than to end the day with tears and bad memories.