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Tips For Hiking With Children
A pleasant walk is often the perfect way to see the sights while traveling in an RV, and most kids will enjoy the journey. Just remember to keep the kids and their needs in mind while out for your stroll. Toddlers will enjoy exploring at their level–poking in the dirt, pointing out flowers and spider webs, basically getting muddy, and having a blast. Don’t pressure them into hurrying up, just try to move along at their speed. They’ll tire soon enough, and when that happens, a good baby carrier–especially a comfortable backpack–will almost be a necessity.
Kind of Trails
Find an appropriate trail. If you have a younger child, choose a shorter hike or find a trail that has benches along the way where they can take breaks. For older kids, find a trail that is challenging enough to keep them interested but not so difficult as to be frustrating or dangerous.
Encouraging Them
Preschoolers will also enjoy exploring at their own wandering pace, though some will balk if the path gets too rough. Encourage them to find their own way over rocks and trees, and they’ll feel right at home. They might even want to stop and splash through streams or rain or collect leaves or pine cones. A diaper bag with a change of clothes or ponchos might come in handy on these trips.
As kids tire and grumble about sore feet, it might help to remind them of the cafe or ice cream shop at the end of the hike. Be mindful of wildlife. Insects might not appreciate the visitors, and larger animals might challenge the family for entering their territory.
Hiking with children is a great way to engage them in the outdoors, teach them about nature and help them develop their sense of adventure.
Here are some tips for hiking with children:
- Bring snacks and water for the child. You can also bring snacks for yourself if the child isn’t old enough to carry things.
- Pack a first aid kit and know how to use it before you go on your hike.
- Bring sunscreen and bug spray. Make sure everyone is wearing sunscreen and bug spray before you head out on your hike, especially if you live in an area where there are mosquitos or other bugs like ticks that carry diseases like Lyme disease or Zika
- Bring something that will keep the child occupied for a bit like books, toys, or games.
- Pick an easy hike that has a lot of flat terrains if you have small children who tire quickly or who have difficulty walking long distances.
