***This article, Hiking with Kids contains affiliate links.
Buying through these links help support this website.
Hiking with kids (at least my crew) can be tough. They complain and whine when the trail gets tough, and even sometimes when it isn’t.
Hiking is an activity I love. I crave being in nature to see sights you can’t otherwise see from the road. So if I want to hike, I need my kids to get on board!
My goal this summer was to get my kids to enjoy hiking so we can keep doing it forever. I would say we made significant progress. We went to 9 National Parks and hiked at least once in everyone.
By the end of the summer my oldest and second both agreed that they liked hiking. My 3-year-old asks “Can we do that again?” I have one kid who still says, ‘It’s oooo-kay,’ But she’s young so I’m still hopeful!
Even though they like to be in nature and can find enjoyment in hiking, sometimes getting through those tough, long stretches can be challenging.
So I’m sharing the best ways keep kids moving and help everyone be happy.
Tips for Hiking with Kids
Hike with a Carrier
| K'tan Wrap for Baby | Front or Back Carrier for Babies | Backpack for Toddlers | Piggyback Rider for Preschoolers |
|   | | |
| $49.95 | $44.95 | $169.00 | $114.00 |
| Buy K'tan Wrap | Buy Baby Carrier | Buy Backpack Carrier | Buy PIggyback Rider |
When you are hiking with an active toddler or 3-year-old you want to bring a carrier. There will be many times when the kid wants to hike. But if you really want to make any significant progress you will need to carry them.
For babies, I love to hiking in a wrap that is easily packed. The K’tan was my favorite, but here are many options
My favorite option for bigger toddlers is the Piggyback Rider. This is a lightweight bar that hangs around your waist. The toddler can easily step on and off the bar, which gives them a piggyback ride without you having to hold their legs. They can see over your shoulder and be part of the hike. This gives you your arms free to help other kids or keep your own balance as you hike.
Make Everything a Game
We count steps, play ninja warrior course, play freeze on rocks, or anything else that keeps the kids moving. Usually the kids are pretty good at coming up with the games, but have one in your back pocket just in case. We played the ground is lava and you could only step on the dirt if dad was counting. Once he got to zero you had to be on a rock or log.
Get them Talking
I asked my son to tell me all about his minecraft world. He hiked 1/2 mile without one complaint because he was too busy talking. Normally it is a bit of a chore to listen about his world he’s created, but I had plenty of time on this hike, and he was happy to have my ear.
Spend One-on-One Time
Focusing on each child individually helps them to feel heard and loved. Even my oldest boy enjoys holding hands and we walk the trail (its won’t last long so I’m treasuring it!). Walking up a trail is the perfect time to talk to, laugh with and get to know each kids more. Plus, it gives the other kids time to be lost in thought and in the beauty of nature.
Sing Songs
Remember those chants and songs you sang as a child? Teach them to your kids.
Listen to Music
Many times we hit the hiking trail to leave behind technology and unplug. But sometimes, I power song is just the right thing to keep the kid moving. Be aware not to disturb others on the trail who may have come seeking peace and solitude. Perhaps a pair of Airpods can help you both enjoy the same song without bothering others.
Find a Favorite or the Biggest (but leave it there!)
Kids naturally love to find sticks, rocks, flowers or giant pinecones. Make it a competition to find the smoothest, biggest, smallest, or whatever you can think of. Make sure to always leave the items on the hike to not disrupt what nature is creating and leave more for the next hikers.
Eat Power _____.
What ever you have to eat, call them “Power ….sticks or bars or gold” Then when you take a break this food will not only rejuvenate their body, but also their mind. Our favorite is “powersticks” which are baby carrots. They are cool and crunchy and refreshing on a hike.
Hand over the Camera
Let your kids take the photos of this trip. Make a book of their artwork and memories. You’ll love seeing what catches their eye. The kids will love creating art and seeing nature in a different way.
Cameras for Kids
| Youngest Kids | Grade-Schoolers | Tweens | Teens | Action Video Camera |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  |   |   |   |   |
| $30 | $70 | $63 | $384 | $37 |
| Buy Toddler Camera | Buy VTech KidiZoom | Buy Point and Shoot | Buy Olympus Tough | Buy Action Camera |
Plus, you might actually come home with a photo of you… or better yet, with your spouse! If you are worried that the camera may get damaged, use a cord to hang it around their neck or wrist. Use an old phone and get a cheap point-and-shoot for the kids.
Seek plants, animals and Insects with the iNaturalist App
This tip is can be helpful, but it can also slow the hike down considerably, so use when appropriate. We love an app called Seek by iNaturalist. You take a photo of any plant, animal or insect and the app will find the exact species name. It takes a running collection of everything you’ve found and will tell you when you ‘discover a new species’. There are different challenges to complete. My husband and son are in competition to have the most species. They even spend time taking photos around grandma’s house.
Take Long Breaks to Play
If you see a stream, pond, cool bouldering area or something that peaks the kids interest, stop. Allow them to play for a significant amount of time. I sometimes get impatient when hiking to get to the destination, but often what the kids remember and cherish are the slow moments fully immersed in Nature.
Track your Progress
If you know the trail ahead of time, you can let your kids know exactly what to expect and how long it will be. If you don’t know the trail, a watch that tracks steps or gps distance is helpful to a couple of my kids. They love to show how far we’ve come and we can usually push to a certain mile point before taking breaks. We like to use my Runkeeper app to show the time and distance and pace of our hikes.
It might also help to see where we are headed on a map app. If you download a map of the area from google, you can see your position in relation to where you are going.
Destination Delight!
Get a fun treat that only those who complete the hike (without complaint) get. Sometimes we have a half way fruit by the foot or something they usually don’t get.
Typically, we bribe them with an ice cream stop after the hike. This can be difficult to keep your promise if you are in the middle of no where so have a back up plan if needed.
Hiking Products to Boost Moral and Motivation
Water Backpacks
Kids love to feel independent and be able to carry their own backpack with water and a snack. These options are slim and sleek. There is a large water bladder, and a small pocket for a snack or 2, but not much else to weight the kids down. We use these on bike rides, hikes, and even just park trips. They love to have water whenever they choose. and I like not hearing the whining for water every few seconds! Plus, with so many backpacks, we are sure not to run out of water!
Hiking Shoes
I have always hiked in my old running shoes which have worked just fine. But this summer I finally bought my first pair of hiking shoes! Let me tell you, they are awesome. They are designed with a heavy and stiff sole to weather any rocks or mud I encounter and help me not to roll my ankle. My husband’s pair is actually made for getting wet and easily pours water right out of it and dries quickly. I can now say that having a pair of hiking shoes does help the hike to go smoother.
My husband and I both have shoes from Merrill.
I haven’t yet invested in Kids hiking shoes, but if mine help me hike with ease, I’m sure the kids will love a pair too. Plus, putting on a shoe specific for a hike is sure to get them motivated to accomplish the task.
Shoes that can get wet are essential for hikes to a lake or waterfall. Make sure they still have good thick soles so their feet aren’t in pain on longer hikes
Wic away sweat and moisture without causing blisters with Hiking socks
| Hiking Pants/shorts | Hiking Pants/Shorts | Hiking Shoes | Water Backpack |
|---|---|---|---|
  |   |   |   |
| Buy Boys Hiking Pants | Buy Girls Hiking Pants | Buy Hiking Shoes | Buy Water Backpack |
Get the Kids Involved
Binoculars
kids love to be curious and explore. These binoculars can help!
Watch or Fitness Tracker
Help kids to measure steps or hiking activity. My kids love to ask how much longer or how far we’ve come. This summer I gave them their own measuring devices and they have been thrilled to watch our progress along the way.
Airpod Dupes for kids
While I will never spend the money on actual airpods for my kids, I do like being about to listen to something together without bothering other people with our music or podcast. These dupes are 1/4 the price and work just as well. This way you can afford to replace them when they are inevitably lost.
Go Hiking with Kids!
If you couldn’t tell by the photos, our hikes have lead us to incredible lakes, waterfalls, viewpoints and even volcanoes. I love to immerse myself and my family in nature and reconnect with the earth. Take these tips and get out there with your family. You will never regret time spent outdoors!
Leave a comment for you favorite Hiking Hack so we can all have longer, more enjoyable hikes with our family!
If you are hiking, chances are you are headed to a National Park. Don’t miss Everything you Need to know about National Parks with kids.
If you are hiking with kids, here are some of our favorite places to hike:
- The Best Hike in Rocky Mountain NP
- Top ten Hikes in Arches NP
- 5-day Trip to Colorado Springs
- Olympic National Park
- Sequoia National Park
- Top Sights on the Hawaiian Islands
Fly by the Seat of our Pants contains affiliate links. When you buy through the links it helps keep this website running, at no extra cost to you.
1 Comment
Pingback: Best Places to Visit in Utah – American SW Obsessed