Hiking is a strenuous, challenging, yet so rewarding leisure pursuit enjoyed by millions of people every year. Having young children should not be considered a barrier to this very worthwhile hobby.
As an activity, it allows you to spend time and bond with your family outside the usual day to day routine at home, whilst keeping fit and healthy. Where else can you get to see beautiful scenery other than in the countryside? The advantages to a day of hiking with your children are many but there are a few things you should consider when hiking with kids.
Make it fun!
For grown-ups, the fun of hiking is derived from the activity itself; but children will need a bit of encouragement and entertainment along the way. Offer them a welcome distraction by making a game out of your journey along the hiking trail. If you have planned your route in advance (or already know it well) you could task them with spotting landmarks. Or you could take a rounders set, a football or a kite for when you reach a wide open space.
Take snacks and drinks
Carry a variety of drinks and healthy, high-energy snacks with you on your hike to keep your kids hydrated and energised. If you are planning a long hike, make sure you take regular breaks. In the summer it is especially important to ensure the young ones are taking on enough liquids to stave off dehydration.
First Aid
Keep a first aid kit stocked with basic items in your backpack. Things like antiseptic cream and plasters will come in handy should the children get any cuts or grazes. It is not unusual to have little slips or trips when scrambling in rocky terrain or walking along muddy paths. Whereas adults can more easily ‘shake themselves off’ if they take a tumble, children will be more affected by them.
Some basic knowledge of first aid could prove helpful, if only for your piece of mind. Keep a fully charged mobile phone with you in case of an emergency.
Be prepared – dress well!
“There’s no such thing as wrong weather – just wrong clothing.”
Hiking and scrambling, although tremendous fun, can be a messy affair. Rain, wind and mud are things that shouldn’t deter you from embarking on a rambling adventure. However, being unprepared attire-wise could lead to you or your children feeling rather uncomfortable if forced to walk round the rest of the trail in cold, wet clothes. Having water tight, sturdy and comfortable walking boots is an absolute must. Hiking for hours put a lot of stress upon your feet and bad footwear or boots that do not fit correctly will leave you with killer blisters. This will certainly take the shine of you or your child’s experience.
It might be a good idea to keep a change of clothes for the children, should there be a sudden downpour or if they slip over in mud.
Planning your hike is important, particularly when taking young children along for the adventure.
Bear in mind your child’s level of hiking skill when mapping out your route. And have fun!
With thanks to Thomson Al Fresco for this sponsored post, who specialise in family camping holidays and own over 40 holiday parks throughout continental Europe.
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Hi and welcome. I'm a freelance travel and lifestyle copywriter and editor, with a passion for the great outdoors. This is my personal blog all about getting out in the fresh air and reconnecting with our green spaces and countryside.
