Hiking with kids can be an incredibly rewarding experience, fostering family bonding, a love for nature, and an active lifestyle. But let’s be real, without the right approach, it can also turn into a meltdown-filled adventure you won’t want to repeat.
So, how do you introduce your children to hiking without the whining?
Whether your dream is to one day conquer epic trails as a family or simply get through a half-mile walk without complaints, we’ve got you covered.
At Wyld Peak, we believe in raising the next generation of outdoor explorers, and this guide will help you do just that.
12 Essential Tips for Hiking with Kids
First Hikes: Pick Something Guaranteed (Almost) to Be Successful
The goal is to ‘teach’ your little trekkers that hiking is fun! Pick a hike that is shorter and easier than you think they can do (without being boring). Choose a safe trail with a rewarding feature like a waterfall, lake, or scenic viewpoint to keep kids motivated. Not sure where to start? We’ve put together a list of Top Day Hikes in the USA: Best Trails Under 10 Miles, perfect for families looking for scenic and beginner-friendly trails. Check it out here!
Special Considerations for Kids’ Safety on the Trail
Even on a well-traveled trail, there are risks to be aware of. Always check the weather before heading out, and plan for the hike to take at least three times longer when hiking with kids.
Wildlife is another major factor, know what dangerous animals are in the area. For example in California, mountain lions and rattlesnakes are a concern. While mountain lion attacks are rare, they can be deadly, and warnings often advise extra caution for children under 12.
Poisonous plants are another hidden danger. Learn to identify them and know how to treat exposure. Poison oak, for example, contains an oil that can cause a nasty rash. One common mistake? Taking a hot bath after a hike. The heat opens your pores, allowing the oil to spread across your whole body. Trust me, that’s a lesson you don’t want to learn the hard way, ask me how I know!
1. Choose the Right Trail for Your Family
Start by considering your child's age, endurance, and experience level. Not every trail is family-friendly, so research routes that match your child’s abilities.
- For toddlers & young kids: Stick to flat, short trails with minimal elevation gain.
- For energetic kids: A hike with gentle slopes and fun features like waterfalls or bridges can keep them engaged.
- For older kids & beginners: Look for trails under two miles with a scenic destination, like a lookout or lake.
Pro Tip: Avoid trails with steep drop-offs or tricky terrain if your child is prone to wandering or running ahead.
2. Make the First Hike a Guaranteed Success
The first impression matters! Pick a short, scenic, and engaging trail with a rewarding end goal, a creek, waterfall, or cool rock formation.
- Keep it shorter than you think they can handle to build confidence.
- Plan for breaks, snack stops, and time to explore.
- Save challenging trails for later when they’re more comfortable.
Success on the first hike sets the tone for future adventures!
3. Keep Kids Engaged & Motivated
Kids can lose interest quickly, so turn the hike into an adventure.
- Play trail games: "I Spy," scavenger hunts, or counting how many cool bugs or birds they see.
- Let them be the leader: Kids love feeling in charge, so let them take turns leading.
- Tell fun nature facts: Make learning about trees, rocks, and wildlife exciting.
Pro Tip: Give them a "hiking mission" whether it's finding the biggest leaf, spotting animal tracks, or taking the best nature photo!
4. Use Positive Reinforcement & Encouragement
Confidence is everything. Praise their effort and achievements, no matter how small.
Instead of just saying, “Good job,” try:
🗣 "Wow, you hiked all the way to the big rock, your legs must be so strong!"
🗣 "I love how you're helping your little brother on the trail!"
If they start to struggle, remind them of their earlier success:
🗣 "Remember how you climbed that big rock at the start? That was amazing!"
Encouragement makes all the difference in their hiking experience.
5. Let the Kids Set the Pace
As adults, we often want to reach the destination as fast as possible, but kids see hiking differently.
- Let them explore at their own speed (yes, even if that means stopping to examine every rock).
- Give them choices on when to rest, snack, or take pictures.
- Keep the mood light, funny photos and silly poses can turn a slow hike into a memorable one.
Hiking isn’t just about getting to the end, it’s about enjoying the journey.
6. Pack Special Hiking-Only Treats
Hiking should feel like a special occasion, and what better way to do that than with exclusive trail snacks?
Some fun, energy-boosting ideas:
🍏 Apple slices
🥜 Trail mix (add something fun like mini marshmallows or chocolate chips)
🍫 A surprise candy bar to split at the top
Food motivates everyone, including adults!
7. Kids Should Carry Their Own Gear
Even young kids can carry their own water bottle or a small backpack.
- For toddlers, a clip-on water bottle is perfect.
- For older kids, try a lightweight hydration pack (they love the sip tube!).
This helps them feel independent and responsible, while also saving your back from carrying everything.
8. Expect (and Embrace) the Dirt
Hiking and getting dirty go hand in hand. Let them splash in puddles, climb logs, and embrace the mess!
- Pack a change of clothes for the car ride home.
- Bring extra socks if your hike includes stream crossings.
Pro Tip: Keep a small towel and baby wipes in the car for post-hike cleanups.
9. Be Prepared for Scrapes & Falls
Trips and tumbles happen, it’s part of the adventure.
- Pack band-aids and antiseptic wipes in a small first-aid kit.
- Set realistic expectations before you start:
🗣 "Someone might scrape their knee today, and that’s okay! We have cool band-aids, and you’ll be good as new."
This prepares them mentally and prevents meltdowns over minor injuries.
10. Do a Quick Pre-Hike Briefing
Before hitting the trail, go over basic safety and expectations:
✅ Stay on the trail (no wandering off!)
✅ No running on rocky paths
✅ Keep an eye out for cool nature finds
✅ Pack out all trash
A quick "trail rules" talk makes the hike smoother for everyone.
11. Teach Respect for Nature
Instill a love and appreciation for the outdoors early on.
- Encourage them to notice tiny details, cool moss, weird bugs, colorful leaves.
- Practice Leave No Trace: Explain why we don’t pick wildflowers or disturb wildlife.
- Show gratitude: Point out the beauty around you and remind them how lucky they are to experience it.
Hiking isn’t just exercise, it’s a way to connect with our world.
12. Celebrate Every Hike!
After your adventure, relive the highlights:
🎉 "Remember when we saw that huge bird?"
🎉 "I can’t believe you made it to the top, you're a hiking pro!"
🎉 "That was the BEST snack spot ever!"
Even if there were struggles, focus on the wins. The more positive the memory, the more they’ll want to do it again.
Final Thoughts
Hiking with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right mindset, preparation, and patience, you’ll be raising future adventurers in no time!
Remember: It’s not about distance or difficulty, it’s about fun, exploration, and creating memories together.
So grab your gear, lace up those hiking boots, and hit the trails as a family!
🏕 Looking for eco-friendly hiking gear? Check out our collection! Every purchase plants a tree 🌱🌍