hiking games

  • HIKE, HOLIDAYS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Valentine’s Day Outdoor Activity: Nature Heart Hunt

    Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and that typically means a whole lot of love and hearts! Let’s embrace the hearts and invite nature to be our valentine this year. Today, Creative Team member, Katie Fox, an RV-living roadschooling mom of 2, takes us on an outdoor nature heart hunt. She shows us how we can take this love-filled holiday outside and enjoy time together as a family, connecting with each other and nature. Let’s all go hunting for nature hearts!

    Nature Heart Hunt - Outdoor Valentine's Activities for Kids

    “Keep close to Nature’s Heart…” – John Muir

    Hearts aplenty

    It’s the time of year when many of us get crafty with heart shapes and spend time with our children making cards and decorations to show friends and family how much we care. If you are looking for ideas, these heart-shaped seed bombs are amazing! Or, maybe, we are busy (or our kids beg us) and we buy pre-made decorations and boxed valentines for our children to complete on their own. There’s no shame in saving your sanity and buying Valentines with your child’s favorite character.

    But, no matter how your family prepares and celebrates, Valentine’s Day is the time of year when kindness and love shine through. This is important. Many holidays focus on giving, but Valentine’s Day is tied to the heart. Indeed, the holiday’s focus is entirely about love and kindness. It doesn’t have to be romantic love, either. It can be about the love you feel for your family, friends, and neighbors.

    You do not need to buy into the commercialized element of the holiday to spend time with loved ones focused on connecting, being kind, and your love for each other. And today, I’m sharing with you a fun outdoor activity for the entire family. Going on a nature heart hunt is the perfect way to spend some time outdoors exploring and have a little adventure with the kids. 

    how to find nature hearts

    Valentine and heart fun facts

    In fact, connection and love are essentially where the heart shape and holiday stem from.

    I am a lover of history and learning new things, so naturally, I delight in finding reasons to look into why things are the way they are. For instance, why is the heart a symbol of love? Why does the heart shape occur in nature? Who was Saint Valentine? And why is this holiday named after him? 

    These are just a few examples of the questions that ran through my head as I began to brainstorm writing this nature heart hunt post. I won’t share all of the new facts I learned after diving down this rabbit hole of information (the amount of information may overwhelm you, as it did me), but here are the most interesting discoveries.

    Valentine's Day Outdoor Activity - Nature Heart Hunt

    The heart as a symbol of love may actually find its origins in nature!

    Ivy leaves, lily pads, and silphium leaves (an extinct ancient North African plant) are all heart-shaped, and their respective cultures connected them, in some way, to fidelity or reproduction. Over time, the depictions of these plants in art may have morphed from heart-shaped leaves to simply the heart shape.

    The heart shape connection to love may come from anatomy drawings dating back to the Middle Ages.

    Since the heart organ has long been seen as connected to human emotions, the heart-shaped drawing of the organ eventually began to represent love.

    Saint Valentine and his role in the love-filled holiday is equally uncertain.

    Some say Saint Valentine did not agree with a law forbidding young men from marrying (in hopes of making them more battle worthy), so he performed marriage ceremonies in secret. However, others believe Saint Valentine was another (of the dozen or so who held the name Valentine) martyred man altogether.

    The heart shape’s prominence in nature was a difficult one to find information on.

    The only thing that even suggested the reason for the occurrence of this shape in nature, referred exclusively to the leaf shape. It proposed the heart shape enabled the plants to obtain more sunlight.

    The holiday was likely invented by a poet!

    Geoffrey Chaucer, who often combined or altered traditions in his poems, wrote Parliament of Foules in 1375 and suggested that on the day February 14th birds and humans should come together and find a mate.

    “For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne’s day / Whan every foul cometh ther to choose his mate.”

    Hearts found in nature

    Now, you might be thinking, where are some good places to start hunting for nature hearts? This is a great question and the answer is simple. Pretty much everywhere outdoors! Check out these ideas to get you started on your nature heart hunt.

    • Clouds
    • Rocks
    • Leaves
    • Puddles
    • Fungi
    • Lichen
    • Tree bark
    • Shadows
    • Animal spots
    • Tree cavities
    • Animal tracks (think deer hooves or dog prints)
    • Cactus limbs
    • Shells
    • Tree stumps
    • Cracks in mud or sidewalks
    • Snow mounds
    • Tree branches
    • Flowers
    • Black walnuts (look inside)
    • Graffiti or murals

    Outdoor Valentines Activities for Kids - nature heart huntnature heart hunt with kids - Valentine's Day Activities

    Hunting for nature hearts

    The first rule in nature heart hunting is that there are no rules in heart hunting. There is absolutely no wrong way to go hunting for hearts in nature, so your heart hunt can be anywhere and any way you want. My family started going on nature heart hunts a couple of years ago. I cannot remember where I got the idea, but it stuck and we love it. So, whoever you are who shared this idea, thank you!

    You may be surprised to know this, but the heart shape naturally appears in nature everywhere! There are literally hearts all around you! Once you start looking, you will notice them all the time. And if you are anything like me, you will begin to snap a photo each time, too. As a result, you may develop quite a collection of nature heart photos. 

    nature heart hunt

    Eye spy – the heart-shaped version

    Hunting for hearts is such a fun and easy outdoor activity. It’s basically iSpy (eye spy?) where you’re only looking for hearts. You can play this on any hike, walk, or outing. A nature heart hunt is perfect for kids of all ages (and adults). It can easily keep my young children engaged and moving forward on our outdoor adventures. So far, each and every time I suggest we hit the trail and search for hearts, my kids are 100% committed instantly! Certainly, this activity will fail me one day, but for now, I am enjoying hunting nature hearts with my children.

    I search for heart-shapes right along with them and show them any I see. I always make sure to give them an opportunity to point them out first. My 3-year-old enjoys spotting the heart-shaped rocks, tree cavities, and lichen. Whereas, my 6-year-old usually dedicates his time to finding heart-shaped leaves or plants.

    nature heart hunt - how to find hearts all around you

    Find them or make your own

    Do you want to know the best part about this particular nature heart hunt activity? We almost always find several examples, even if they are not perfect. And, if for some reason we don’t find any nature hearts. we simply make our own! It’s super fun to make a heart shape using a few pieces of nature nearby on the ground (leaves, sticks, flowers, etc.) and the kids consider it a complete success! 

    Outdoor Hiking Games for Kids - nature heart hunt

    Love actually is all around

    Hearts are literally all around us. They are in the sidewalk cracks, tree bark, playground equipment, leaves, rocks, and clouds. Most importantly, all of these things are available in most outdoor environments and all are great places to find those hidden hearts. You don’t need to go far or anywhere fancy for your nature heart hunt because love is all around, wherever you are!

    So, as this love-filled holiday draws closer, take your family outside (a park, playground, neighborhood walk, trail hike, or any other adventure) and go hunting for nature hearts. It is easy and fun and will fill your heart with happiness. 

    Have you ever found a heart in nature?

    “When you realise Earth and Heart are spelled with the same letters, it all begins to make sense.” — Unknown author

    About the author

    Katie lives in a tiny home on wheels and travels full-time with her two mostly wild children, tech-minded partner, two well-traveled pups, and adopted pet snail. As they wander the North American continent, Katie explores as much as possible, with a particular fondness for the adventures her family enjoys in state and national parks. When not trekking through the outdoors, Katie enjoys baking, homeschooling, consuming mochas from local coffee shops across the continent, practicing her photography skills, and soaking up as much knowledge as she can.

    As an advocate for families exploring the great outdoors, Katie co-founded a Hike it Baby branch in her hometown in Northern California and tries to encourage families to get outside whenever possible. Katie has a Master’s degree in human development from the University of Missouri, Columbia, but her passion is really history and humanities (which is coincidentally what her Bachelor’s degrees are in). She currently volunteers on the Hike it Baby National team as a contributing blogger.

    You can find more from Katie online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @familyinwanderland
    Website: http://www.familyinwanderland.com
    Facebook: @familyinwanderland
    RWMC posts: Katie Fox

  • NATURE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, WINTER

    Winter Nature Walk Ideas for Kids

    Exploring nature outdoors with kids doesn’t have to stop when the weather turns cold! Winter is a great time to get outside, get active and create memories with your family. There are so many great benefits of getting outdoors with your kids during the cold winter months. We’ve got a huge list of great winter outdoor activities for kids, and today we’re doing a deep dive into one of them. The absolutely fantastic Jemma (UK mom and teacher) of Thimble and Twig is here sharing ideas for taking a winter nature walk with kids.

    What to do on a Winter Nature Walk with Kids

    Winter is wonderful

    Even though some of nature is sleeping, it’s fun to watch the changing seasons and there’s still so much to learn about nature during the winter. It’s fun for kids to think about why animals hibernate and what’s happening to the trees. And to top it all off, winter is really beautiful! Ice crackling underfoot, sculpted snowflakes and the little glimmers of green leaves and red berries beneath the frost. If you’re looking for ways to get your kids out and about this winter, here are some great ideas for a winter nature walks with kids.

    how to explore outside with kids in the winter

    Things to do on a winter nature walk with kids

    There are so many great things to do while on an outdoor winter nature walk with kids. Sometimes our nature walks are completely unstructured, giving us the freedom to explore and play at our own pace as we want. But other times (particularly with younger kids), we like having planned activities to do on our nature walks. This keeps the little ones occupied and entertained.

    Make a mandala

    There are still lots of greenery around during winter to make some gorgeous mandalas. Making a winter nature mandala is a lovely outdoor activity for kids to create in our garden or whilst on a woodland walk. Use leaves, twigs/branches, pinecones, grass and anything you naturally find in your area. Try adding red berries or moss for some added extra color.

    Penny hike

    A penny hike is a good way to keep kids interested on a long hike and actively looking forward to your progress. Before you begin, assign heads to left and tails to right (or visa versa) and then every time you arrive at a junction – flip your penny to decide whether you’ll turn left or right on your walk. Kids will love being in control of your destination and not knowing ahead of time which way you’ll go!

    Hansel and Gretel walk

    Remember how Hansel and Gretel used breadcrumbs so they didn’t lose their way? Kids will love leaving a trail for themselves so they can follow their way back! You might want to use flour as opposed to breadcrumbs because any dogs may ruin your route back otherwise!

    Matchbox challenge

    Do you always have pockets full of sticks and stones that your kids collect? A sweet activity for little ones that helps them observe nature more carefully is to give them a matchbox to collect their nature treasures. Having to choose only tiny things to pop into their matchbox helps them examine nature with more of a keen eye. Plus, you won’t end up with a backpack full of huge rocks or giant branches!

    ideas for winter nature walk with kids

    Cloud chart

    Winter has some spectacular sunsets and the cloud formations in the sky during the day can form in beautifully interesting ways. Kids will enjoy examining the clouds and making a few observations. Try at different times of day to identify the following:

    • Height: Where in the sky the cloud typically occurs (low-level, mid-level, or high-level)
    • Color: The color of the cloud
    • Shape: The form the cloud typically takes
    • Weather: Draw the weather that occurs with the clouds

    Start a nature journal

    Nature journaling for kids is a lovely activity that helps expand your child’s creativity and curiosity by helping them record their observations. They can write, draw or even paint their nature adventures and nature finds. Here are loads of great ideas and tips on how to start a nature journal with kids.

    If you’re unsure of what kind of nature journal to use with kids, here’s a lovely nature journal for kids that’s easily printable and includes 21 activities to help your kids explore nature and have magical outdoor adventures.

    Examine snowflakes with a magnifying glass

    If you’re lucky enough to have snow in the winter, let the kids see what the snowflakes look like up close. They truly are magical and unique! Catch them on a dark cloth or dark glove and observe them up close and personal. The kids could even draw them in their nature journal. Another idea is to study icicles. Have the kids figure out how and why they form? Measure them over the course of a few days and see how they change.

    Take a footprints walk

    Going on a footprints walk is all about being observant of the things around you. This one is great on a snowy day. All you need to do is look for footprints in the snow or mud and try to identify who/what made them. How many can you spot? Use an animal identification book to track them back to their owner.

    Go on a senses walk

    What does winter sound like? How does winter feel? What smells do you smell in winter? Can you paint winter? Can you taste the snow? What sounds remind you of winter? Go on a walk and see how many senses you can engage.

    Things to do on a winter nature walk with kids

    How to warm kids up on a winter nature walk

    Kids can get chilly on winter walks, which makes them unmotivated. In order to keep them moving, one of my favorite things to bring with us on a winter hike is a flask of hot chocolate. This is great for warming kids, up but also for motivating them to the next stop.

    As for warm clothing, thermals are really useful in winter. Separate layers are essential for trapping the air and keeping the skin dry and warm. Woolly hats are also an essential item on a long cold walk. With the majority of your body heat escaping from your head, the best way of ensuring that your kids are as toasty and comfortable as possible is to pop a hat on them. Gloves are also necessary for little hands. The best kind of ones are ski gloves that don’t get wet even when your kids are collecting treasures or playing around with snow. Usually, wool gloves get too wet when kids are playing, so it’s best to keep their hands snug with waterproof ski gloves.

    Things to take on a winter nature walk with kids

    As I mentioned, a flask of hot chocolate is wonderful on winter walks! You might also like to take a basket/bag to collect things, notebooks or nature journals; pens and watercolour paint tins are also good for making notes and drawing pictures. Kids might like binoculars or a magnifying glass to look through. A kids’ identification book for birds or bugs is also useful.

    Happy winter wandering!
    We hope this has helped you plan some fun winter walks!

    About the author

    I’m Jemma and I live in London, England with my husband and 4 kids. My all-time favorite thing to do is take photos and capture memories of my family. I’m on a mission to ensure parenthood doesn’t rush by so quickly by creating mini family outdoor adventures and hopefully some big adventures too one day! I’m a mum to four and an English teacher to many; my passion for storytelling, adventures and nature crafts is packaged up into my blog http://www.thimbleandtwig.com. You can also follow along on our adventures on Instagram @thimbleandtwig.

  • FAVORITE GEAR, HIKE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Hiking With A Toddler

    Hiking with kids of any age is always an adventure. But, hiking with a toddler (age 1-3) presents its own set of unique challenges and obstacles. However, we believe that hiking with our kids, even in those difficult toddler years, is incredibly beneficial, rewarding and (dare we say) fun! Whether you’re hiking in national parks or on local trails close to home, making the extra effort to go hiking with a toddler is worth it and sets your family up for years of amazing adventures together. We’re here to help you get started and answer all your questions about hiking with toddlers.

    How to go hiking with a toddler

    Hiking has always been a favorite activity for our family. Long before we had kids, my husband and I loved to hike together. We like challenging ourselves, discovering new places, and that feeling of getting immersed in nature. Once we had kids, we didn’t want our adventures to end and decided to bring the baby on hikes with us. At first, we stuck to trails close to home and used a baby carrier. It slowed us down a little, but we didn’t mind. He slept in the carrier or happily took in the sights, kicking and cooing along the way. But then, he turned into a toddler and everything changed!

    Toddlers have a mind of their own. They’re often assertive and stubborn, opinionated and demanding. They’re learning what they like and how to assert their independence. These are good things, but they can certainly make any activity much more difficult. After three kids (the youngest still squarely in the toddler years), we’ve learned how to hike with a toddler so that it’s enjoyable for everyone. In this post, we’re sharing our top tips and tricks for hiking with toddlers.

    Tips for Winter Hiking with Kids & Toddlers

    Choose the right trail

    Choosing the right trail for your toddler is half the battle. Before you attempt a hike with kids, you’ll need to do a bit of homework to make sure the trail is safe, not too long and enjoyable for the little ones. Be realistic about what kind of hikes you can do with a toddler and what is safe/best for your little hiker. Not only consider the length of the trail, but make sure the hike’s not too steep or has lots of uneven terrain. Stay away from unprotected sheer cliffs, mud, swift rivers, etc. For your first few hikes with your toddler, try a short flat paved trail. As your kids get older and more experienced, you can add tougher and longer trails to your hiking adventures.

    If you’re not familiar with the trails in your area, there are plenty of resources where you can ask questions and find answers. Travel guides and local websites are great. The AllTrails app is also very helpful and provides information such as trail length, elevation and difficulty. Plus, there are detailed maps and you can search your area for “kid-friendly” trails. If you’re hiking in national or state parks, ask the rangers and park employees for advice and recommendations for appropriate trails.

    What to wear when winter hiking with kids

    Dress for the occasion

    When hiking with a toddler, make sure you dress them in appropriate clothing for the season and weather. If you’re hiking in the winter, we recommend layers. Start with a warm base layer, then add on from there. Your toddler may get warm if she’s running around, hiking on her own and playing. At this point, you can remove layers so she’s comfortable. However, if she gets tired and needs to be carried, she may cool off and need to put the layers back on. For winter hiking with a toddler, we also recommend a warm hat that covers ears, mittens, wool socks, and waterproof shoes. Toddlers can’t resist a good mud puddle and nothing will ruin a hike quicker than cold wet feet!

    Games to play when hiking with kids

    Shoes matter

    Speaking of the proper shoes, they matter when hiking. Toddlers in particular benefit from wearing proper shoes when hiking. We know it may seem like a waste of money to buy hiking shoes for toddlers when they’ll outgrow them in a few months. However, sturdy shoes with good treads are essential for a successful hike. Cold feet, uncomfortable shoes or blisters will kill a child’s enthusiasm for hiking.

    For winter hiking with kids, we love the waterproof and insulated boots from See Kai Run. They’re seam-sealed and waterproof, with thermoplastic rubbles soles for maximum grip on wet and snowy terrain. They have a 3M Thinsulate thermal lining to keep feet extra warm in cold weather. Because of the thicker lining, we recommend sizing up at least one full size (or even 2 sizes) for a proper fit with thick socks, allowing extra wiggle room for toes.

    When investing in good outdoor gear for kids, we also recommend buying gender-neutral gear, so that you can hand down gear and clothing among siblings without issue. This has saved us a lot over the years, as kids tend to outgrow seasonal gear much quicker than they can wear it out. Particularly when you get good high-quality products like these See Kai Run boots.

    Best Kids Hiking Boots & Shoes

    Invest in a good backpack or carrier

    And since we’re talking about gear, we also recommend bringing along a quality backpack carrier when hiking with toddlers. Very rarely will a toddler be able to finish a hike completely on their own. At some point, you’re probably going to have to carry him. When this inevitably happens, you’ll be super grateful for that carrier or hiking backpack.

    When just getting started hiking with a toddler, we started out using the ErgoBaby carrier. For short hikes with small kids, this worked out great. However, as our toddler got a bit bigger and our hikes got longer, we upgraded to a structured hiking backpack. There are lots of options out there for quality hiking backpacks and you should definitely try a few of them out at the store to decide which one you like. We highly recommend the Osprey Poco AG carrier. It’s got an anti-gravity suspension system with a lightweight aluminum frame and a mesh harness and back panel to keep you cool and comfortable.

    Hiking with toddlers - advice for parents

    Make your toddler walk

    While carriers are great, make sure you let your toddler down to walk and explore as much as they can! One of the best things about hiking with a toddler is watching them explore the area around them. For kids, hiking is less about getting somewhere than having fun and playing along the way. The more your toddler can walk/hike on their own, the stronger they get and longer they’ll be able to go the next time. And if you don’t rush them or force them down the trail at your speed, they’ll be much more excited about your next hike.

    How to get kids to like hiking

    Pack a bag

    When hiking with a toddler, you need to make sure you bring all the proper and necessary supplies for a successful trip. You’ll not only need to pack hiking supplies, but you’ll need regular “toddler supplies” like diapers, wipes, etc. Here’s what we usually pack in our bag when hiking with a toddler:

    If your toddler is strong-willed and independent (aren’t they all?), try giving them their own small backpack to carry. Not only will they love feeling helpful and grown-up, but it’ll lighten your load. Put a few of your child’s essentials in their backpack, along with a small toy or lovely. Keep it small and light – you can add more once your toddler gets bigger and stronger. Pack the bag together so that your child figures out what he/she needs for hiking, knows where it is and will know what to pack for future hikes. This is also great for when your toddler finds a particular rock or leaf they love and can’t live without. If she wants it, she has to carry it!

    For more info on what to pack when hiking with kids, check out our full list of hiking essentials for families. 

    Pro tip: Keep additional snacks, water and a full change of clothes in the vehicle for the return. You don’t want to carry it all, but there’s a good chance they’ll be wet/muddy/thirsty/hungry when you return to the car.

    Don’t skimp on the snacks

    You should never underestimate the power of snacks for a toddler! Just the word is magic and can get a toddler to do just about anything. When hiking with toddlers, use snacks strategically and wisely. Bring along some fun snacks that you normally give them. That way, when they need a little extra motivation, energy or excitement, you’ve got something special. Also, if they absolutely LOVE hiking snacks, they’re going to be much more willing to go hiking again!  Stop often for snacks along the way and again when you get to your destination. That’s a good place to have a bigger snack or even lunch.

    Some snack ideas my toddlers have loved are apple sauce pouches, yogurt melts, granola bars, fruit snacks or roll-ups, freeze-dried strawberries, pretzels, crackers with peanut butter, frozen grapes, apple slices with caramel sauce, cereal, bananas, Goldfish, trail mix, mixed nuts, granola, etc.

    Best snacks for hiking with kids

    Play games

    My kids love exploring the area around us when we hike, but when they (inevitably) get bored or need some extra motivation, we play games as we hike. Fun games have the ability to turn a boring monotonous activity (walking on a trail) into a fun adventure. You don’t need anything other than your imagination to come up with a fun hiking game.

    Here’s a list of a few of our favorites:

    • Follow the Leader – Young kids and toddlers really love Follow the Leader. We all take turns being the leader on the trail and everyone behind the leader has to do what he/she does. The leader chooses to do things like walking backward, whistling a song, skipping, weaving like a snake, flying like a bird, grapevine walking, hopping, etc.
    • I Spy – We take turns “spying” something and give a clue (“I spy something yellow. I spy something that’s triangular.”) The person who spies the correct thing goes next.
    • Scavenger hunt – Scavenger hunts are really fun for kids of all ages to play and work great on hikes. You can either print off a list/pictures of things you want the kids to look for on their hike or just tell them. Set them up for success by making sure the things on the list will be present on your hike. Include some hard and some easy to find items. They can be specific items (find a bee, red flower, mud puddle) or more abstract (find something soft, something that makes noise).
    • Alphabet game – If you have older kids that know how to spell, you can go through the alphabet and try to find something that begins with each letter. A is for aspen tree. B is for branch. C is for caterpillar.
    • Timed trials – Never underestimate the power of a timer for toddlers. They are all about doing things fast and faster. If your toddler’s having trouble getting down the trail, tell her that you’ll time how long it takes for her to get to the next bench/stump/marker. Then pick the next thing and try to see if she can beat her time! You may even end up with a record-breaking hike!

    Geocaching

    If you have a smartphone with you, try geocaching on your hike! There are tons of fun caches hidden along trails that give kids an extra incentive to keep going and find treasure. We’ve got a great beginner’s guide to geocaching with kids post if you’ve never tried it.

    Tips for Winter Hiking with Toddlers

    Have a destination in mind

    Going on hikes with a predetermined destination in mind gives kids a goal for the hike and helps keep them going. When hiking with toddlers, start with easy hikes that have a fun destination for them, like a creek to explore, a waterfall, a pond where they can skip rocks or a meadow where they can see cows.

    If there’s not a natural destination on your hike, create one! You can do this by choosing a spot to call the destination before hitting the trail. When you get there, break out a picnic lunch or a special snack. Your “destination” can be just a place to stop and play for a while or having a treat! The destination doesn’t have to be anything fancy or super exciting, but just knowing that they have a goal and something to look forward to at the end (or mid-point) of their hike will help keep toddlers motivated to move.

    Choose the right time

    Consider your toddler’s schedule before planning any day hikes. Most toddlers need at least one (if not two) naps a day, plus lots of frequent small meals and snacks. Try to schedule hikes around your child’s schedule to prevent meltdowns, hangry tantrums and over-tiredness. Make sure to bring snacks and water to fuel your child. If your toddler gets too tired, try putting them in your carrier. Our little ones loved napping in the carrier on hikes, which lets the rest of us spend more time on the trails.

    Tired and cranky toddlers are a force to reckon with and can ruin a perfectly lovely outing at the drop of a hat. Do you best to choose the right time to hike with your toddler, but know that meltdowns are going to eventually happen, no matter how much planning you do. Give yourself (and your little one) grace and patience. If your toddler melts down on the trail, do your best to calm her down and get back to your car. Don’t worry, it’s happened to all of us! Hang in there and try again another time.

    kids outdoor activities and tips

    Go slow & explore

    Whether you’re hiking to a destination or if you’re just hiking for the fresh air and sunshine, make sure you go slow and let your toddler explore along the way. When my kids started hiking, sometimes it would take us an hour or more just to go half a mile. While this was initially frustrating to me, I learned to embrace the pace and take pleasure in hiking with kids. Consider the trail from their perspective and find joy in the reprieve from going 1000 mph.

    Before you even leave your house, be prepared to go SLOW and take your time on the hike. Little kids love stopping along the way to look under rocks, find the perfect stick or throw rocks in a puddle. Setting yourself up for a very slow hike will keep you from getting frustrated or antsy. Be prepared for a million questions, a very slow pace and lots of stopping along the way. While going at your toddler’s pace won’t get you very far, it will do wonders for your child’s imagination and give you the chance to answer questions about nature and connect with him/her.

    End with encouragement

    At the end of your hike (and along the way), make sure to give your toddler praise for doing such a great job. Compliment their pace when keeping up. Praise them for things they find/spot along the way. Celebrate when they finish a hike, no matter how long it took. Making them feel like a million bucks when they finish a hike is a sure way to get them to want to do it again. Toddlers love praise and a sense of accomplishment. Be sure to tell them how proud you are of them, how hard they worked and how far they went.

    kids outdoor activities and tips

    Winter hiking with a toddler

    Winter weather adds a whole new complexity to hiking with a toddler. Winter hiking can feel a bit harder than hiking in other seasons, just because of the added gear, layers and precautions you have to take. However, we highly encourage you to push through those, because winter hiking with kids is so incredibly beneficial to them. Not only will they get the fresh air, sunshine and exercise they need in these long dark winter months, but they’ll see things they can’t see any other time and hopefully (eventually) develop a love for all seasons for their unique personalities.

    A few safety tips when winter hiking with a toddler: (1) keep an eye on the weather and be aware of winter warnings and advisories; (2) always tell someone where/when you’re going and when you’ll be back; (3) bring extra layers, extra gloves and extra socks; (4) take your fully-charged cell phone with you on hikes; and (5) warm treats on a cold hike are delicious! Consider packing a thermos of warm chicken noodle soup, oatmeal or hot apple cider.

    What’s your best advice for hiking with a toddler?

     

    * Photos by the amazingly talented Tiffany, mountain mama of three (+) from Texas. Find more of her gorgeous images at @dear.wildlings.
    * For more tried, tested and practical info on this topic, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Hiking with Kids.

  • HIKE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    A Beginner’s Guide to Hiking with Kids

    Lately, I’ve received a lot of questions about how to get started hiking with kids. Parents want to know how old kids should be when they start, what to pack, where to go and how to motivate their kids. I’m here to provide some answers! My husband and I have been hiking with our kids since the time they could walk. Actually, we started well before that with babies in carriers! We’ve definitely learned a thing or two about hiking with small kids over the years. Hopefully, this post will inspire you to get out on the trail with your kids, no matter what age they are.  If you have a question that I don’t answer, please leave it in the comments below and I’ll respond.

    Benefits of hiking with kids

    Hiking is such a wonderful way to get children outdoors, immersed in nature and burn some of that boundless energy. It can teach them so much about their surroundings and instill an appreciation for nature deep in their soul. Hiking can build confidence, foster independence and encourage curiosity in children. It gives them opportunities to explore your local area, learn about local plants and animals and other natural teaching opportunities. Hiking can help push kids out of their comfort zone and accomplish something they can be proud of. Plus, hiking provides a distraction-free environment for quality time with your children…and what could be better than that?

    benefits of hiking with kids

    Easy or hard hikes?

    Depending on the parent’s definition of hiking, it can be one of the first or last outdoor activities that parents want try with their kids. If a parent thinks hiking is merely a walk through the woods, they’re probably more inclined to try it than a parent that views hiking as scaling steep mountains. Luckily, hiking is both of those things and everything in between.

    Hiking can be done nearly anywhere and (a lot of times), you don’t need any fancy gear or very much experience to do it. However, there are a few things you should know/do before you go to ensure you have the best possible experience. The more fun the kids have hiking, the more likely they (and you) will want to do it again. We’re here to set you up for hiking success, which we hope will lead to even more outdoor adventures for you and your kids.

    tips for hiking with kids

    When to get started hiking with kids

    There’s no perfect age to start hiking with kids. The perfect age is RIGHT NOW. You can get kids started hiking any time, from baby to teen. I think a lot of parents will tell you that it’s always beneficial to start them young, but that’s certainly not always the easiest. Every age has its own difficulties to consider and challenges.

    On the one hand, babies are relatively easy to hike with. For short hikes, all you really need to do is put them in a wrap or backpack carrier, strap on your shoes and go! Most babies love being outdoors and close to a parent. However, hiking with babies can be intimidating for beginners and new parents and logistically difficult depending on how much you need to pack to feed, clothe and diaper them. The good news is that every hike with your baby will get a bit easier. You’ll soon figure out what you need and what you can leave in the car. The hard part is just getting out of the house in the first place.

    tips for hiking with small kids

    Hiking with toddlers

    Hiking with toddlers is a bit easier and more difficult, simultaneously. Personally, I think this is the hardest age to hike with (see above) Toddlers can walk on their own (less for you to carry), but they usually can’t go very far and tire quickly. Some toddlers also have very strong feelings about what they wear, where they go and how things are done. They wear out quickly and aren’t easy to coax when you’re ready to move. Meltdowns on the trail will happen, but trust us, it does get easier. If you check your expectations at the door, hiking with toddlers can be done successfully. After the age of 4, hiking with kids gets much easier!

    how to choose the right trail when hiking with kids

    Choose the right hike for kids

    One of the most important things you can do when starting to hike with children is to choose the right hike. In order to set them up for success, you want to choose a hike that won’t be too long, difficult or dangerous. If your kids are small or you’re just getting started, don’t overestimate how much they can do. While they seem to have endless energy, hiking will take it out of them in a whole new way. Choose a short trail with easy terrain. Paved trails are great for little ones and unstable walkers who have a tendency to trip over things. There’s a lot to look at other than where their feet are going. Expect a few spills and plan accordingly.

    As your kids get older and more experienced, you can do longer and more difficult hikes. With school-aged kids, we love going on hikes with rocks/boulders to climb, creeks to play in and more rugged terrain. The kids like the challenge and are extra proud of themselves when we get to the end of a hike. Don’t be afraid to challenge them! They might surprise you with how well they do and quickly they catch on. But also don’t be surprised if you end up carrying one of them for a while if they’re having trouble keeping up. You just never know!

    Also, consider choosing a hike that has a destination or goal to get to (a creek, waterfall, lake, swimming hole, or picnic area). Kids are motivated by the end reward. Give them something to look forward to and strive for.

    hiking with kids - dressing in layers

    Dress appropriately for your hike

    The right clothing and shoes will go a long way ensuring your hike is a success. Nothing will make your kid hate hiking more than being uncomfortable in their clothing, too hot/cold or getting blisters on their feet from wearing the wrong shoes. Layers work great for kids so they can adjust the amount of clothing to the outdoor temperature. Tennis shoes with socks are great for hiking, but not so great if they get wet or dirty. Consider bringing a back-up pair or some water shoes if you know they’re going to jump in the creek the first chance they get!

    And be sure to keep a set of dry clothes in the car for each kid to change into before getting in their car seat to go home. I can’t even tell you how many times my kids have ridden home naked because I forgot to restock after our last adventure!

    beginner's guide to hiking with kids

    Hike early

    The best time of day to go hiking with kids is usually in the morning. Everybody’s energy level is full and you can beat the heat of the day by getting an early start. Kids are usually at their most hyper in the morning, so taking a morning hike gives you a breather and lets them channel their energy productively. While I can’t guarantee it won’t happen, there’s usually less whining and fewer demands to be carried in the morning than if you go later in the day as the kids get more tired and cranky.

    Plus, the earlier you start, the fewer people you’ll have to deal with out on the trail. And getting an early start means you won’t have to rush the kids through their hike to make it back before dark.

    best tips for hiking with kids

    Let your kids set the hiking pace

    When you first start hiking with your children, let them take the lead. Hiking with kids is very different than hiking with adults and you have to go at their pace or they’ll hate it. Children walk much slower and need lots of stops and time to explore. If your kid is more interested in climbing rocks and chasing butterflies than making it to the next mile marker, that’s ok! It may take you two hours to walk a half-mile, but at least you’re outside having fun! Be patient with them and always give yourself WAY more time than you expect to take. And just remember, the goal when hiking with children is not to get to a destination, it’s about the journey.

    beginner tips for hiking with kids

    Let them explore

    Giving your kids plenty of space, time, and independence to explore out on the trail will help them fall in love with hiking and nature. Try to find trails with interesting features or have a lot of varying terrains. Natural elements like creeks or rivers, waterfalls, boulders or caves will keep kids entertained and occupied. In addition, bridges, stairs, rock formations, boardwalks, ladders, and fallen logs can encourage adventure and imaginative play while you’re hiking. As long as these things are all safe for your kids to play on (and permitted in the area), allow them ample time to play and explore off the trail.

    tips for successful and fun hiking with little kids

    Trails are teaching opportunities

    Use hikes as a way to teach them about their surroundings and how to respect the environment. Teach kids which plants to avoid and which are safe to touch. Point out the stingy, itchy, scratchy plants, so they know to stay safely away from those. If you’re not sure, get a book at your local library or download a plant ID app and learn together! Take in all the nature you see around you on your hike. Identify flowers by their colors and trees by their leaves and bark. Look for animals, bugs and birds. Pay attention for animal tracks on the ground.

    And just as importantly, teach children to leave no trace. Always take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints. Take all your trash to a trash can or home with you and leave none on the trail. If you have older kids that can safely pick up trash they find on the trail, encourage them to clean up after others when you’re out hiking.

    best tips for hiking with kids

    Play to their strengths 

    As the parent, you know your kid better than anyone. Consider their personality and strengths when planning your hike and play to those to make it enjoyable for them. If your child loves being the leader, let them walk up front and lead the way. Give one kid the job of reading the map and choosing which direction you’ll hike. Have a kid that needs extra motivation? Give him the role of the encourager/cheerleader to get everyone else motivated. Let your voracious snacker choose when and where you’ll stop for snacks. Have a singer? Let her pick the songs you’ll sing along the way. Give your artistic/creative kid control of the camera and have him document the adventure. It’ll be fun looking back at those images and seeing the hike from his perspective.

    hiking with kids

    Know their weaknesses

    Along the same lines, watch for their signs to head off any issues before they happen. Watch for signs that they’re getting tired and know when it is time to head back home. Exhausted kids are more prone to accidents, so be aware of their energy level. If you have a child that gets tired easily or gives up quickly on adventures, bring a carrier and expect that going into the hike so you’re not disappointed.

    Pay attention to their cues to avoid meltdowns before they start. Children can have meltdowns over all kinds of thing: exhaustion, boredom, injury, frustration, jealousy, etc.  If you have little ones, it’s like to happen. But it doesn’t have to end your hike. Address the situation and move on quickly. Children can feel your stress and anxiety, so don’t sweat the small stuff and try not to dwell. If you have to turn around and go home, that’s ok!

    how to go hiking with kids

    Play games, all sorts

    Hikes are a great opportunity to really get to know your kids and have some really wonderful conversations with your child. If you keep their minds engaged while they’re hiking, you’ll get more miles out of them and it’ll go by in no time at all. Here are a few simple games you could play while you hike that lets you get to know your kids and their amazing imaginations:

    • Play “I Spy” with a variety of clues (something red, something that eats worms, a place where an animal lives, etc.)
    • Play “Would you Rather” with everyone taking a turn asking and answering (Would you rather live in a place with a lot of trees or live in a place near the ocean? Would you rather be funny or smart?)
    • Use hikes as an opportunity to have more intimate conversations about their friends and school or their accomplishments and struggles
    • Help your kids work through some math word problems without them realizing it’s studying! (If we hike 0.75 miles west, then 0.5 miles north and then hike back, how far did we go in total and in which directions?)
    • Let your kids get creative by asking them open-ended questions (Describe your ultimate birthday party. If you could create your own holiday, what would it be like?)
    • Teach your kids your favorite silly camp songs and sing along the way.
    • Do a nature scavenger hunt on your hike (there are tons of free printable ones on Pinterest) or pick 5 items to look for before you begin the hike. Winner gets a prize!
    • Geocache one your hike! You’d be amazed at how many caches are hidden along popular hikes and perfect for little ones to find. If you need a primer on geocaching, we’ve got a great Beginner’s Guide to Geocaching with Kids on the website!

    best snacks for hiking with kids

    Bring snacks on your hike

    Food and water are imperative to have on hand when hiking with (or without) kids. Little ones burn fuel and get dehydrated quickly, so stop frequently for breaks. Hiking burns lots of energy for kids and adults, so it is important to replenish it regularly with nutritious food and lots of water. We like fruits, nuts, bars, jerky, granola bars, graham crackers and maybe a little chocolate (for mom). If your kids are old enough to carry their own packs, let them make/carry their own snacks and water bottles, too. They’ll feel extra responsible having their own gear and refreshments. (Although you should definitely supervise to keep them from eating it all in the car before you even get to the hike! Speaking from experience.) Small treats also make handy bribes if you need to coax a kid to do just 10 more minutes!

    what you need to know before you go hiking with kids

    Be prepared

    We hope nothing bad will happen out on the trail, but it’s best to be prepared for anything. This could mean a scraped knee, an insect bite, or a sudden change in the weather. Make sure you pack your first aid kit with the standard supplies and any medications you may need. Hopefully, you won’t ever need anything more than a band-aid, but better to be prepared. Also consider packing bug spray, sunscreen, poncho, spare, cell phone and a map. And before you go, always let someone know where you’ll be hiking.

    For more info on what to pack when hiking with kids, check out our full list of hiking essentials for families. 

    beginner's tips for hiking with kids

    Take a friend hiking

    Allow your child to bring a friend along on a hike and double the fun. Having a buddy there to play with and talk to will make any hike more enjoyable for your kids. The kids will challenge and encourage each other to keep up and the miles will fly by. Bonus points if another adult comes along as well! If you don’t have friends that enjoy hiking, check out a local Hike it Baby branch and go on a group hike.

    how to have fun hiking with kids

    Hike often

    While hiking with kids may sound intimidating at first, the more you get out on the trails with your kids, the easier it’ll get. Every time you make it a priority to your kids out into nature gives them an opportunity to fall in love with it. Your first hike (or even your first 10 hikes) may not go according to plan, but they’ll be an adventure and fun. Give it a shot! Get outside!

    games to play while hiking with kids

    More resources for hiking with kids

    If you’re interested in more great content about hiking with kids, be sure to check out the following posts:

    What’s your best advice for hiking with kids?