Hiking as a family is one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors, and best of all, it’s an activity that can be adapted for all ages and abilities. If you’re ready to start exploring the trails, doing some research, and showing up prepared can make the whole experience more enjoyable for everyone. There’s no need to rush the process; start conservatively to make this an enjoyable hobby that everyone wants to do for years to come.
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Build interest
Before you head out for your hike, get the whole family involved in the planning. Toddlers and babies might just be along for the ride, but older kids, tweens, and teens can give input on what they’d like to see (e.g. wildlife, amazing views, or rock scrambles). Consider taking longer walks around the neighborhood or on flat paths to test everyone’s endurance and hiking shoes.
Plan your route
When planning your route, try to think realistically about everyone’s abilities and attention span. If your crew has never hiked before, look for a trail with minimal elevation gain and easy-to-follow paths, such as carriage roads. If you’re looking for more of an adventure, a website like AllTrails can give you an idea of the difficulty and provide tips and photos from recent hikers.
Bring the right gear (& snacks)
For short, flat hikes, a pair of closed-toe sneakers will do the trick, but if your family will be tackling steep or slippery terrain, consider investing in hiking boots or trail shoes. These often have extra-durable exteriors, higher collars for stability, and larger lugs for traction. You’ll also want to watch the weather forecast and pack layers and maybe even rain gear. And of course, snacks can be a lifesaver when your kiddos’ energy starts to flag. Pack some treats like dried fruit, gummy worms, or fun trail mix to dole out when everyone needs a pick-me-up.
Be prepared
A day on the trail doesn’t always go to plan, so it’s smart to prepare for any potential obstacles like bad weather or a wrong turn. While digital maps and websites are convenient, cell service isn’t a guarantee, so a paper map is a must-have for unfamiliar trails. You might also consider bringing along a first aid kit, an extra layer of clothing, and insect repellent. If you have any flexibility in your schedule, take a look at the weather forecast before you head out – shifting your hike by a day or two to avoid something like thunderstorms can make the whole outing more relaxing.
Make it fun
The best way to make a family hike more fun is to take the pressure off – don’t stress about how fast or how far you go; instead, try to engage everyone’s senses to pass the time and minimize whining. Listen to bird calls, notice different types of trees and plants, or try to identify any animal tracks you see. Mix things up by letting everyone take turns being the leader, play a game of “would you rather,” or if moods take a nose dive, dig into that bag of candy!
About the Author
Megan is a runner and writer who resides in upstate New York. She is a former collegiate runner and regularly competes in marathons. Megan uses her personal experience in competitive running to review fitness equipment and write running guides.
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