If you’ve ever started a family hike full of optimism only to be met with complaints, whining, or outright resistance, you’re not alone. Hiking with kids is rewarding…it builds confidence, resilience, and a love for nature. But, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Today, North Carolina mom of four, Courtney Fleet, shares what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to getting kids excited to hit the trail. In this post, she shares practical hiking tips for families that will help you prepare, prevent meltdowns, and keep your kids motivated from trailhead to summit.
Why Hiking with Kids Matters
We all know how important it is for kids to spend time outside. Sunshine and fresh air can lift moods and reduce stress. Running, jumping, climbing, and hiking help growing bodies stay strong and coordinated. Nature invites kids to explore, be curious, and use their imaginations. When they face challenges outdoors — like climbing a tree, balancing on a log, or reaching a summit — they build confidence, resilience, and perseverance.
Research shows that children who spend time outside also tend to focus better, think more creatively, and work more cooperatively with others. Above all, time in nature helps kids feel connected to the world around them, which benefits their overall mental and emotional health.
All of these advantages are exactly why you’ve decided to take your kiddos on a hike! But before you go, here are my hard-earned lessons on how to deal with the inevitable bumps along the way.
Learning to Hike with Kids: A Journey in Patience
I’ve loved hitting the trails for as long as I can remember, so when I became a mom, I knew I didn’t want to set that passion aside. But hiking with kids has a definite learning curve. That first hike with my oldest daughter felt like such an achievement — but as she grew and her abilities changed, I had to adapt.
Through practice and repetition, we both got better. We learned that every stage brought new challenges and new joys. By the time our second, third, and fourth daughters joined the family, we’d hiked all over the East Coast and had a much better sense of which trails suited us, what to wear, what to pack, and — most importantly — how to keep going even when moods dipped.
These early lessons shaped the way we hike today and helped me discover tricks that boost motivation, keep energy up, and (mostly) prevent whining.
So, if you are a mom who loves the outdoors and wants to bring your kids along, it is doable- I promise! Here are ten main tips I have learned that might help make your next (or first!) family hike a whole lot smoother. (Hint: most of the effort starts before you even hit the trail.)
Tip #1: Prep Everything the Night Before
If I don’t gather our gear the night before, we’ll never get out the door on time. Prepping ahead means a smoother start and more time on the trail. The night before, I set out:
- Backpacks
- Snacks and water bottles
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- First aid kit (If you’re wondering what to include in your kit, our Hiking Safety & First Aid 101 post walks you through exactly what to pack for both kids and adults.)
- Socks, shoes, and hats
- Diapers, wipes, and baby carrier (if needed)
- A post-hike picnic lunch
Getting everything ready in advance makes departure quick and stress-free. It also prevents the slow build-up of whining while kids wait around for you to pack. For a complete checklist of the must-have items to bring on every hike, check out our 10 Essentials for Family Hiking guide.
Tip #2: Pack More Snacks Than You Think You Need
This one is non-negotiable: snacks are essential for hiking with kids. A hungry child on the trail can quickly derail even the most beautiful hike. While at home, I might limit snacks to teach patience, the trail is different. Out there, snacks keep everyone’s energy (and mood) up.
I pack hearty, filling options: think granola bars, trail mix, fruit, or cheese sticks. And I always bring more than I think we’ll need. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that no one ever complained about having too many snacks on a hike.
Tip #3: Let Kids Be Part of the Process
Even though I handle most of the planning, I make sure my girls have ownership over parts of the hike. They might:
- Pack their own backpack
- Choose their snacks and water bottle
- Help plan our picnic
- Pick the car music playlist
- Choose which games we play on the trail
If we’re not locked into a specific route, I’ll even let them vote on which trail to take. This involvement gets them invested, builds excitement, and makes the hike feel like a shared adventure rather than something they were dragged into.
Tip #4: Choose Trails with a “Wow” Factor
Kids hike better when there is a fun feature to look forward to – a waterfall, an expansive view, a creek to splash in. Whatever the destination, be sure to have a “thing” they are working toward. They will be much more agreeable to keep moving than to just “walk for the sake of walking.”
Whenever I find a good hike online or read about one on a blog, I save it to my phone. Over time, I have built a running list of trails I can choose from when I need inspiration or want to match a hike to my kids’ energy level.
Tip #5: Build up Gradually
Start small. Local walks, short loops, or just some time on a nearby park trail can go a long way toward creating future hikers. Kids of all ages are capable of long hikes, but they build endurance and confidence through practice, just like we do. Put in the ground work by increasing their tolerance and distance gradually.
Take it from someone who thought her first hike as a mom of two should be six miles. Since I had always carried baby #1 in a hiking pack, miles were never a barrier. When baby #2 joined us, I wrongly assumed I could keep up my same mileage. Needless to say, I had to rethink which trails I picked moving forward.
(Spoiler: we did not make the summit that day.)
If you’re navigating the trails while expecting, our Hiking While Pregnant article has practical tips to keep you safe, comfortable, and confident outdoors.
Tip #6: Keep Expectations Low (And Expect Some Whining)
Keep your expectations simple, especially in the beginning. If your kids complain along the trail, don’t let that deter you from trying again. Whining is normal (don’t let it discourage you).
I started hiking with my girls when they were very young, and even now, after years of hitting the trails, they can still get whiny. So, when they whine, don’t take it personally.
Kids are pros at finding the one thing they don’t like about any situation. Pool? Water’s too cold. Ice cream? Scoop’s not big enough. Gorgeous waterfall? They didn’t want to see a waterfall that day. Stay the course. With time, hiking becomes something they look forward to; something they accept as part of their family rhythm.
Tip #7: Don’t Panic if the First 30 Minutes are Rough
It usually takes a little time for at least one of my kids (typically the same one) to get on board with that day’s hike. There might be whining as we pack the car, moping during the drive, a mini meltdown at the trailhead, or dramatic resistance in the first few steps. But here’s the thing: she does this at home, too. I would much rather parent a tantrum out in nature than in the confines of four walls.
And you know what? Once we’ve started hiking – especially with a fun game or treat along the way – she’s off running, laughing, singing, and genuinely enjoying herself. Remember that not all kids are enthusiastic about plans they didn’t make, but a little strategy, some silliness, and a snack or two go a long way toward turning that around.
Pro tip: If you have a little one still in a carrier, this might cause some level of frustration from an older child. It is not unusual for there to be jealous sibling complaints from the one who must walk while her sister gets to ride. I have learned to calmly coax the grumpy walker (with the tips listed here!) until she finds her stride. And she always does.
Tip #8: Be Prepared to Stop. Often.
While I prefer to hike at a strong pace when I’m on my own, I have found that hiking with kids means stopping often along the trail. Like, a LOT.
An ideal throwing stick, a creepy crawly creature, a glistening spider web, a balance beam log, the perfect rock – these are the kinds of things that stop my girls in their tracks. If I continue on ahead, or prod them to start up again before they are ready, I have prevented them from enjoying their hike their way.
We are out there to discover and enjoy all that nature has to share. What better way to bring learning and fascination into your hikes than to spend that time observing and interacting with the world around you? Those stops to examine nature often become the moments they talk about most afterward.
Pro Tip: One fun way to make the trail more engaging is to create your own gear. Our DIY Hiking Sticks for Kids project is a favorite for giving little hikers a sense of ownership and adventure.
Tip #9: Add in Some Fun and Spontaneity
Nothing says hiking has to be boring or serious (or quiet). Silly songs, trail games, mini races, and the occasional sugary bribe can be total game-changers in getting your kids excited about the task at hand and distracted from the boredom/ frustration/ fatigue/ add-your-feeling-here/ that they may otherwise be experiencing.
One of our favorite hiking games is spotting the next trail blaze. We identify these early in the hike to emphasize trail safety and to keep us on track, but finding them also becomes a fun, ongoing challenge: who can spot the next blaze, can you jump up and touch it, how many have we found? This keeps them engaged in an activity AND keeps them moving in the right direction.
Racing from blaze to blaze, shadow to shadow, or tree to tree also highlights their competitive sides and allows them to use their muscles differently than the trudge of a slow walk.
While I am a health-conscious mom, I have been known to say “Skittles make miles,” and I stand by it. Rewards, incentives, treats – call them what you want – they work! Whether it’s a Skittle after five more blazes, a snack at the next sitting log, or a promised reward at the destination, these little motivators create positive associations. Personally, my summits are always more satisfying when I savor a specific treat I saved for the top, so why not let your kids experience the same satisfaction?
And do not underestimate the power of singing! It is a great way to keep minds busy and lift moods in the process. Dredge up those old Girl Scout tunes or call-and-repeat songs from childhood and put them to use! These boisterous sing-alongs will someday be among your kids’ favorite hiking memories.
Tip #10: Don’t forget to Plan for the Drive Home
Do you have little ones who still need an afternoon nap? Pack items that are ready to pull out once you start your return trip. I like to maximize our time on the trail, so we usually don’t head home until after we eat our picnic lunch. Then my girls settle into their car seats with a few naptime essentials – blankets, lovies, soothing music – to help them rest their bodies as we make our way back home.
Start Small, Stay Consistent, Make It Fun
If hiking with your kids is something you haven’t tried yet, but you have always wanted to, consider this your nudge! Start small, but start. Bring a friend- or four! (I even started a monthly Mama and Toddler Hiking Group!) Trying something new with other like-minded moms makes the experience more fun, helps keep you motivated, and gives you support when things get tough. It is also a fabulous way to get all of you and your kiddos outside – enjoying each other’s company and the great outdoors at the same time.
If you’re new to the trails, our Beginner’s Guide to Hiking with Kids covers everything you need to know to plan, prepare, and enjoy your first family hiking adventure.
Although planning and executing a hike with your family can take some work, it is SO worth it, as you will see in the eyes of your children as their bodies and imaginations have the freedom to run wild. Try out these tips (plus any others that work for you) as you tackle each new trail. Make these moments and memories your own. I will see you out there!
About the Author
Courtney is a wife, mama to four fearless adventurers, and a physical therapist turned business owner. A runner, biker, hiker, camper, and backpacker, she thrives in the great outdoors and believes in its power — both for healing and for building community. She leads monthly Mama & Toddler hikes through North Carolina’s scenic trails but doesn’t hesitate to whisk her daughters away on spontaneous adventures, solo. Her travels, both near and far, have deepened her love for nature, and she finds endless joy in watching her girls discover the world with wide-eyed wonder. She credits their confidence and resilience (and her own) to time spent outside and enjoys encouraging families that childhood is best lived outdoors and that parenting is a little easier when you do!
Follow Courtney on Instagram: @happytrailsandponytails