Nature Trail Tips for Kids

Sometimes when we bring our kids along for little “adventures” we forget that their attention spans are different than ours and that their little legs may not be able to handle as much exercise as an adult’s. Because of this, and other issues that might arise, we’ve gathered a few tips to keep children interested and make sure they enjoy their hiking experience.

Kid-Friendly Hiking Tips

Always keep children in view - never let them run ahead of you.

Keep children hydrated and well fed. Be sure to bring snacks and water. Consider adding a little piece of watermelon or fruit to the water if your children prefer something with a little more flavor versus sugary sodas of juice boxes.

Bring along additional entertainment. Remember, a child's interest may wander. In addition, if you are planning an extended trip, it is important to have a fun activity for your kids to partake in as you travel to and from your destination.

Take advantage of educational opportunities along the hike. Trail guides, bird watching, and Q&A sessions centered around environmental issues are all great ideas. Be sure to keep the learning light and fun. Reward points and make a game out of it!

Have a safety plan in place before you hit the trail. Bring along whistles for each family member in case you get separated and make sure they know to use them. Agree upon a meeting place in case anyone gets lost and make sure each child has a copy of a map marked with any agreed upon meet-up spot and important safety stations (such as a ranger's hut). Brightly colored clothing can help make your kids easier to spot and pick out of a crowd or wooded area, and will help emergency officials find them if they do wander off.