Let’s face it, not every kid likes to hike. And even the kids who do can get tired, bored or have an off day every now and then.
So how do you keep the whining and complaining on the trail to a minimum? Here are some things that worked for us this summer.
Go with a group.
This is easily the most effective way to keep the kids engaged and having fun. It seems that even at the tender age of 5 ½, kids complain far less when others are around.
Bring tasty snacks and fun water bottles.
The lure of treats is a strong one. When the troops get restless, we take a snack break. Because we take snacks on the trail that we don’t enjoy anywhere else, eating them is extra special. We also designate certain “special” water bottles as hiking bottles. Works like a charm with the little explorer, who drinks a ton because he loves that his bottle looks just like mine.
Explore the surroundings.
It’s not always safe to veer off trail, but if it is, take advantage of the opportunity. While in Yosemite, we went “rock climbing” on boulders on the way to Lower Yosemite Falls, hopped on tree stumps at the Marisposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and chased butterflies alongside the trail to Chilnualna Falls.
Give your kid a camera.
Okay, I admit I haven’t tried this one myself. But the friends we traveled with in Yosemite frequently let their daughters snap away. I love how it got the kids taking a close-up look at everything – from flowers to tree bark to butterflies and acorns. Plus, the pictures that result are pretty entertaining.
Gear up.
The big explorer brings along a whistle and his compass on most of our hikes, along with his favorite hat. To him, these things make our adventures “real.” I’d also highly recommend a good stick and a magnifying glass, cause you never know when you might want to go fishing or get a good look at a cool bug.
Rely on some old standards for entertainment.
You’d be surprised how much fun a game of “I Spy” can be when you’re hiking. Look for cloud shapes, colors, bugs, almost anything works. Or try hide-and-seek with school-age kids who love running ahead of the group to hide, then wait to be discovered or jump out to scare you.
Go on a treasure hunt.
When treasure is at stake, even older kids perk up. Earlier this summer, we tried geocaching, which is a high-tech treasure hunt that requires a GPS and some basic navigational skills (letterboxing is a simplified version I’d also love to try). If you prefer to keep it simple, a nature scavenger hunt can be done anywhere. Create a list of items to look and listen for, smell and touch. Armed with a to-do list, most kids will venture far further than they you might expect.
How about you – how do you keep your kids enjoying hikes when you’re outdoors?
Thanks for sharing, Shari! Kids love having their own gear when they hike.
There's a super cute toddler backpack at http://campingkiddos.com/camping-gear/exploring/toddler-day-pack/ It looks like it's for 1-3 year olds. Great ideas!
That's what I've heard. I've got to try it!
Letterboxing is SOOOO fun even without kids. My nieces love to come along with us and find the treasure box and put the stamp in our book. I recommend trying it!
@Crystal: Love the idea of a small backpack for the little guy. You'll have to let me know what you decide on. LandEnd has some great options for little ones.
Great suggestions! Snacks are key with young children, aren't they?<br /><br />I'm on the lookout for a mini, light-weight backpack for Shane. Something he can carry a snack in, and some "explorers tools" (I was thinking a little magnifying glass, or a small "bug house" and insect net). Then when he gets a bit older, I was thinking about adding a little nature
@Michelle: Yay to you for leading a hiking with kids group! I agree kids learn a ton more from each other than we even know. I love watching little ones explore & enjoy nature together.
Great post Debi! I love your tips and ideas! We can't wait for cooler weather, that's when we're able to get back on our local trails. I love the idea of bringing a camera, my little is so into that right now, I could see him doing that…as well as being surprised by a favorite snack he normally doesn't get! <br /><br />And you're so right with group hiking for any age! I
@Michael: I love that! It ensures no hike will ever be unrewarded!<br /><br />@Juliet: We love snacking & walking, too! And a candy hunt – now that's a treat! 🙂
Great advice – thanks Debi!<br /><br />If you have children that dislike the walking process and use snacks as a place to linger, what can sometimes work is providing snacks that can only be eaten when walking! This is useful when getting from A to B is a must.<br /><br />I do have an old friend who's dad used to walk the route beforehand, hiding candy en route or attaching it to a tree or
Patrick is always on the look out for bugs and birds, and is very excited when he spots something!