With the current climate forcing families to find alternative ways to burn off energy and enjoy the great outdoors, it may come as little surprise to find that hiking has enjoyed a surge in popularity. It’s a simple enough routine for adults; strap on some boots, grab a bottle of water and you’re set. But how do you do it if you’ve got kids in tow? More to the point, how do you keep them interested? Here are some pointers.
Involve Games
Play is as much about learning as it is about having fun. Build some simple games into your hike; hide and seek, ‘I spy’ and chase (within safe conditions!) are all great for keeping kids interested.
Let Kids Bring their Favourite Things
Every kid has a favourite ‘thing’ of the moment; whether its girls cardigans, boys’ remote control cars or a comfort blanket, they can’t go anywhere without them. Let your kids know that their favourite things can come with them. They’ll feel safer and will ultimately enjoy the hike a lot more.
Build Kids’ Attractions into Hikes
Unfortunately a pretty view or a chance to ‘get away from it all’ seldom resonates with children. They want some sort of reward at the end that they can see and enjoy. Kids are all about experiences that they can immerse themselves in. Instead of enjoying a vista at the top of the hike, there are other places you can go. A hike along a coastal path or around a lake, where kids can finish up by playing in the sand or swimming, is much more memorable for kids. Trekking over some hills near a theme park? Equally brilliant. There are so many ways that hiking and kids’ attractions can be combined at little cost as well.
Take Weather Appropriate Clothing!
If it’s winter, packing plenty of girls cardigans, boys thermal leggings and, of course, your own padded clothes are commonsense moves. However, they are often overlooked. Similarly, waterproof clothes are crucial. No child is going to want to go on a hike again if they remember that the last time they went, they got soaked through. In the summer, pack light but also ensure that kids are appropriately covered They burn much quicker and will do everything they can to avoid a repeat performance!
Know Your Limits
Do not start embarking on massive hikes if your children are not up to the task. Getting back to the car or the bottom of a hill is ten times harder if your children are worn out from an excessive hike. Make it fun, but make it manageable!
In summary, it may sound like a lot of planning is needed, but it really isn’t. Be sensible and plan ahead, but there really is no need to overthink it. Hiking should be something that comes organically and naturally as you navigate hills, creeks and whatever else nature has to throw at you. It’s a great way to get children engrossed in nature and enjoying everything the world has to offer.
