I often get asked how we introduced hiking to our kids? We get compliments all the time on the trails, DMs, and elsewhere. We are often applauded by other hikers for introducing exploring outdoors to our children as much as praises on their reluctance and energy for the outdoors.
Truth is, it is, was, and has not always been pretty. The kids don’t always want to hike. They don’t always want to be out under the hot sun or in cold windy conditions, walking miles, waking up super early, or deal with long car rides; but when we get out there, they always find the best in the day, and end up enjoying and are thankful they got that opportunity.
We started exploring with our kids when they were toddlers, but kept it short and simple. Overtime, we gradually increase the length and difficulty of the terrain as they got a bit older. It was important to us as parents to introduce the outdoors to our children at an early age.
There are simple things we have done to help get to where we are. These tips for starting out on your journeys with your little and not so littles will help! Note that this post is not about packing essentials, gear, or safety guidelines. That will be another post!
1. Start Local
Tip #1 and best tip! When starting out on any new hobby or venture, you always want to start small to ensure it’s what you had envisioned. Well, the same thing with hiking and outdoor adventuring. Start small by starting local.
Explore further into your local parks and the trails readily available. Local parks are perfect for introducing outdoor adventures to children of all ages. They are a short distance from home, and often diverse in landscape.
The short distance from home is important when introducing hiking because long drives to the destination can be exhausting for everyone. If the kids only make it a couple hours at the park, it’s ok to head home. The day won’t feel wasted in comparison to if you drove hours away, spent $100 on gas (because yes, gas is expensive these days!), just to spend a couple hours exploring.
Local parks are also a great place to teach the safety and etiquette of hiking, and being in nature with wildlife because you know them well.
2. Be Consistent
Don’t go once, and then not go again for a month or more. Like a diet, you have to be consistent to make it stick.
It’s important to develop a routine for constant exposure. It helps to introduce and increase the likelihood of enjoyment and appreciation for the outdoors. Small children usually tend to enjoy the outdoors and love the idea to freely explore. Older children, when just introducing tend to need more push and routines. As new adventurers, make it a habit to go out at least once a week even if it is to the local trails or park for 1/2 hour. Every few weeks, go a little further and longer. Keep at it until you feel ready for a full day adventure.
Go with a plan, even an itinerary so everyone stays on their toes at every turn.
3. Check Weather Conditions
Weather conditions will make or break an experience. Not only that, but safety is key. Knowing possible weather conditions and being prepared should always be the top priority before leaving the house.
When it’s too warm or hot, it can be unbearable and uncomfortable to really enjoy any experience outside. I have found that outdoor adventure during the hot summer months are always best when hiking near water that is safe to swim, or has some shade like groves of trees even if it’s sparse through out the trail. Most preferable of course is having that large body of water to dip into and cool off as the reward.
Opposite of hot, is cold and freezing temperatures. Whether there is snow, ice or none, cold weather can be undesirable if you are unprepared.
Tips:
- Check forecasted weather
- Layer up! Wear synthetic or wool material that are moisture wicking. Never wear cotton as cotton will soak up sweat and water.
- Bring extra clothing. You can always leave them in the car to change into at completion of your trip.
IMPORTANT: This post does not cover safety guidelines for gear and hiking preparedness. It’s imperative you educate yourself, and are well prepared for the conditions of your hike. This includes weather conditions you should avoid or be extra prepared for in order for you and your family to be safe. Always pack the 10 essentials for every hike regardless of length.
4. Give Rewards
Some may find it unethical, but sometimes to get the kids started on being more outdoors, especially older kids, you may need to bribe them. Forcing them outdoors in the early stages is beneficial because it is the ultimate introduction to all things earthy. It encourages or forces them to explore new things, and find enjoyment in nature. Kids will learn and acquire new skills, see and learn about new creatures, plants, and other species. Within time, they will appreciate their feet hitting the ground more.
Now, I know this may not work for every child. It worked for my kids, and thought you may benefit from this tip as well. We force our children outdoors. We begun exploring new places, do new activities, and they learned to appreciate the new environments. Without the option to not go, they were forced to find enjoyment wherever we went. Within time, it became something they looked forward to. It’s where they didn’t know they would enjoy it since they never got to experience it kind of ordeal. Of course, my kids naturally love the outdoors and the activities we indulge in, but they also like to just lounge at home on the Nintendo Switch. Finding a balance for screen time comes at a very crucial time, and we won’t debate it, so do what works for you!
But, not all rewards have to be bribes! That is correct. Most of our rewards are what is at the end of the hike! This includes swimming holes, waterfalls, scenic views, beaches, and more. These were and are the biggest rewards that we all look forward to. To be able to breathe in that fresh air on a deep breath, and feel that huge accomplishment is the best reward.
5. Bring Snacks
Snack and drinks are essentials to every adventure. Not only do they feed the hungry bellies, but they keep everyone happy!
Sometimes we use favorite snacks as a reward too. After all, they deserve it.
Pack your favorite snacks whether it be fresh fruit, granola, fruit snacks, or even some potato chips. Our favorite is fresh fruit, trail mix, beef jerky, fruit snacks, and a bag of hot Cheetos. We usually leave larger meals for the return to the car.
On days where we hit the drive or trail quite early, we pack a tad bit more for a mini meal. Hello boil eggs! Sometimes, even rice!
6. Wear Comfy Shoes
Last but not least is to wear comfortable shoes. Good comfortable shoes will make a hike more enjoyable not to mention safe.
The type of shoe fit for your adventure will greatly vary on the terrain. For many hikes we’ve gone on, my kids wore only sneakers. Sneakers are great for trails that are mostly flat, dirt, and paved. Sneakers commonly do not have great grip so they can pose a danger when on uneven grounds especially granite boulders. Sneaker provides no stability on rocky especially granite boulders, and muddy grounds.
You may be tempted to buy a size larger because children grow out of shoes real fast, but don’t! Too large of shoes will leave too much space for injuries as well as clumsier bodies.
Some communities have swap centers or shops that sell used but good condition outdoor gear. I typically would not recommend buying used shoes unless you get to try them on. You want to ensure the soles are in great condition, and the inside of the shoe still have cushion. Worn out shoes are not comfortable! For us, we like to purchase kids shoes for hiking from our local Big 5 Sporting Goods store. Big 5 sells comfortable shoes at affordable prices. We have found shoes for $20! With these prices, if they no longer fit after 1 hiking season, it’s ok to move on.
Hope you find these tips helpful. Be sure to share with all your friends and families.
Happy Travels!
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