12 Essential Tips for Hiking with Kids
How to Prepare for A Safe Hike
With the March equinox approaching, it is time to start planning outdoor activities. Soon, days will be long enough, and it is my favorite time of year to go hiking with my kids.
I did not grow up in an outdoorsy family. In fact, I don’t ever remember a single outdoor exploration with my family. Despite this, I often turn to nature to recharge. When I became a parent, I gave up mountain biking and thought my days of hiking were behind me. Little did I realize how manageable it really is. In the spirit of inspiring parents, I wanted to share a list of ways to make the outdoors easier to navigate with kids. Here I will provide a packing list and practical tips to make your hike safe and enjoyable. I have lived in Colorado and Washington — both amazing places to hike, and now in Arkansas, a very big biking city. Along the way, I have learned a thing or two about being prepraed for hikes with kids. Happy hiking!
Here are some tips for navigating the outdoors with kids:
- Start Small. Just get out there on your first try. On the weekend, do a small walk on an accessible trail, your neighborhood, or a park. You will begin to start a pattern of positive reinforcement. For us, it started with a green belt behind our home. We made a place called the “Secret Garden.” It was an adventure for the kids, but it was just around the corner from our house, and really just a field filled with wild flowers. But by activating their imagination, it seemed more grand to them. In their child-like minds, it seemed much more extensive. To this day they still keep the memory.
2. Plan & Scope out the hike first.
With kids, you do not want surprises in the wilderness. Be sure to study the trail online. I stick to easy-level trails. If I find a trail along the road, I make sure to study the trail head guide to ensure it is suitable for them.
Remember to bring a means of navigation; even the easiest trails can lead you to get lost (a compass, GPS device, phone, or for more advanced hikes, a Personal locator beacon or altimeter watch).
Always tell someone staying behind what trail you will be exploring or post it on social media.
The trail head or website will often tell you the trail’s difficulty and give important information before you head out if the trail is suitable for kids.
One trick is to take a picture of the trail map at the beginning of the trail with your phone, but remember to back up; your phone might die. This saved us one time from avoiding a loop that was unexpectedly closed.
3. Always Bring Water. No matter how small the hike is, come prepared with ample water. There are several ways to bring water depending on the type of outdoor activity. If you are doing different activities or several hikes in one day, you might want to stow a cooler in the car.
We used to take several water bottles. For longer hikes, we finally upgraded the kids to hydration packs. The kids prefer to carry a light backpack, and it makes it easier for them to stay hydrated. We bought our hydration packs off-season during the winter at Cabella’s. Either way, try to buy this off-season or at a member’s club. They are an excellent investment!
4. Make a Sun kit. Bring sunblock, hats, and sunglasses. I put a bag by the door and have it ready to go. I keep sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats in one “ sun bag” so it is easier to remember versus reminding each person individually. I did a graduate project on sunscreen once, and the sun is more damaging for younger kids — as most of the damage to the skin is done early on. Be sure to use an appropriate sunscreen — I recommend a mineral variety from my research on types of sunscreen. And don’t forget to reapply it as needed.
5. Keep a first aid kit in the car & throw it into your hiking bag when you arrive. I always keep a first aid kit in the, but I like to have a separate, more complete one that is specific for hiking. You keep 2 (one in the car with basic Band-Aids and a more complete kit for the hiking bag).
As a mom, I find it best to bring this because if you are far from a doctor, you have some basic things to help the situation. REI provides a very good first aid kit list, which you can put together your own. You can alternatively find a pre-made first aid kit for hiking at a sporting goods or camping store.
6. Don’t forget special items. Pack anything your child might need for the hike the day before — snacks, hygiene items, wipes, tissues, etc. Any items you normally need may come in handy at different times, so take a mental note of items you might need. If your child has an allergy, don’t forget the Epi-pen or other medications you might need.
7. Decide what type of insect repellant to use. We lived in upstate NY, and during our time there, Lyme ticks were a big problem. My daughter had to go on antibiotics due to a possible infection when she had a tick. So, I do take bug control very seriously. Yet, I do not let it interfere with our enjoyment of the outdoors.
EPA has a search tool that allows you to search for the best type of control based on the type of bugs and other factors. In addition, Consumer Reports provides a “Bug Insect Repellent Buying Guide” based on ratings based on tests of top products.
See your doctor and ask for their suggestions if you have any concerns, especially if you have an infant, are pregnant, or have specific skin concerns. Below is some info from the CDC on control for ticks from their website:
“Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. EPA’s helpful search tool can help you find the product that best suits your needs. Always follow product instructions, especially with children. Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months old. Do not use products containing OLE or PMD on children under 3 years old.”
If you are concerned about chemicals, there are alternatives to Deet, but do your research; not all products are created equal.
8. Shower within 2 hours of coming back from the outdoors.
According to the CDC, “ Showering within two hours of coming indoors has been shown to reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease and may be effective in reducing the risk of other tickborne diseases.”
As a general rule, we put all of our gear directly in the laundry room and put our things in the dryer when we get back. We try to leave the washer empty before we head out. If you do find a tick, follow the CDC’s directions for removal. You can bring a tweezer in your first aid kit in case.
9. Bring Healthy, energy-packed Snacks.
You can bring things like granola bars, nuts, fruit, or high-energy snacks (think high in protein). I usually put all the food in a large bag so you can toss all used wrappers and fruit skins to return home. You can bring a separate bag for trash.
Remember, you should leave no trace in the wild and pack everything you bring with you- even fruit skins, etc.
10. Keep a change of clothing/socks/underwear in the car.
I always keep an extra set of clothing in the car for hikes. I have had them get wet or muddy on trails, so I find it is easier just to come prepared. For the older kids, I generally don’t do this unless it is a longer hike and they plan on swimming or doing a particular activity.
11. Plan for weather. Remember it because it is so important!
Be sure to check the hourly weather patterns before you head out. Pack things like ponchos or rain jackets. If you live in a rainy area, it is wise to keep a small set of ponchos in your backpack in case the rain starts. They take up minimal space and little to no weight. Be sure its not too cold or hot for your planned hike; always consider the length and difficulty and account for issues that might arise with unexpected weather.
12. Bring Extra socks. Keeping a pair of extra socks in your backpack for the kids and yourself is never a bad idea in case their feet get wet. Wet socks can ruin your feet and make the next day horrible. This is the rule that my husband learned in the Army.
Take care of your feet, and they will take care of you.
Finally, remember to enjoy the moment! It can be very fun to do a hike with kids, and they learn so much by going out in nature. The memories will last a lifetime.
Thank you for reading!
I write three Medium publications:
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