Tips For A Fun Hike With Kids
Hiking is a great way to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and clear your mind of worries. An appreciation for the hiking lifestyle is a lifelong gift you can give to your kids. First impressions while young are critical, so it is crucial to make sure kids have fun on their hikes. Here are some ways to make hikes with your kids a fun experience to remember!
Take it slow.
Kids are bundles of energy, but unfortunately, they do not have much stamina compared to adults. Make sure their interests and endurance are ready for the hiking trail you have planned. Prepare for extra resting spots to avoid tiring your kids out. Tired kids can get into a bad mood which stops them from having fun on the trail. And take it slow to allow kids to examine the wilderness around them at their own pace!
Let your kids bask in the nature around them!
Inform and educate.
One best way to get your kids to appreciate the hike is to engage their minds about the wonders and importance of the nature and environment around them. Tickling their curiosity makes the trail less of a tiring walk and more about experiencing and seeing firsthand things they learned! Tell your kids about the different animals, plants, or landmarks to look out for to make them more attentive during your hike. Educating them about natural wonders like the Angel Falls in Venezuela, the world’s highest waterfall, and the strange animals in the Amazon jungle is sure to pique their interests. Additionally, encouraging them to actively participate in the tour, if the park you are visiting offers one, will keep them engaged.
Nature, hiking, and learning go hand in hand.
Plan hiking games.
One way to pass the time with your kids and keep them entertained is to play some games on the trail! Spying for curious plants and animals is a great way to keep them looking around their surroundings. Word games are also easy to play on the trail. Fun conversations and games will keep their mind from thinking about the time and their tired legs.
Word games and stories are a fun way to bond on the trail.
Bring hiking snacks.
Good food is perfect for keeping their energy up during the long hike and raising their spirits! Ensure that your snacks are healthy and tasty for the boost they need. Trail mix and sandwiches are perfect hiking snacks that are easy to prepare and pack. Granola bars and fruits are also quick and good sources of energy. When your kids are starting to get a bit bored or winded, give them a bit of chocolate or candy to pick them back up!
Tasty treats can bring the whole family together!
Prepare well.
A bad experience can leave a mark in your kids’ minds, so making sure they have enjoyable experiences on their first hikes is crucial. Be doubly prepared to keep your kids comfortable, avoiding any cause of headaches. Grab the best easy pop-up tents that will give the whole gang a good rest if you are going on a multi-day hike. Always pack extra clothes, food, water, and other hiking essentials. Travel guides and GPS devices can come in handy in a pinch and entertain your kids. Lastly, teaching your kids about safety whistles will create more peace of mind for their safety on the trail.
A good night’s sleep is vital to avoid grumpy kids.
Hiking is a priceless activity for the whole family. It is a bonding experience great for everyone’s physical and mental health! One of the most important things to remember is to show that you are having fun! Enthusiasm is infectious, and if your kids see that you are having so much fun, your energy will radiate to them.
Now, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, plan your routes, and prepare for a memorable hiking experience with your young ones!