There’s something magical and inspiring about watching your kids out in nature. Give them nature, a stick, and a some freedom, and you’ll see imagination come to life. If you’re thinking about hiking the trails, the beach or wandering in the mountains with your kiddos, here’s a bit of encouragement and practical advice I’ve picked up from our own muddy-boot, rock-collecting, bug-chasing adventures.
1. Keep It Simple, Keep It Fun
For younger ones, don’t overdo it with distance. Choose short trails with interesting features—streams to splash in, rocks to climb, or muskegs to wander into. A successful hike isn’t measured by miles covered, but by the curiosity along the way.
2. Let Them Lead
If your little guy wants to stop and inspect every little bug found or build a fort out of sticks, let him. The outdoors is not just exercise and burning energy—it’s exploration. Giving them the freedom to take the lead helps build confidence, observation skills, and a love for the outdoors.
3. Pack Smart (And Light)
Essentials for hiking with little ones:
Water (a must)
Snacks (nothing motivates like a snack reward)
A small first aid kit
Wipes or a small towel
Sunscreen and bug spray
A change of clothes in the car or even two (just trust me)
Let them carry their own little backpack with light items—it gives a sense of ownership and adventure. You can include things like their snack, kids binoculars, sunglasses, or their hat & mittens.
4. Teach as You Go
Nature is the best classroom. Talk about the different animal tracks they notice, the types of trees towering over them, the bright colored berries, and how to read trail signs. Kids love to learn when it feels like discovery instead of instruction. Even letting them help plan the days adventure gives them a sense of ownership and excitement.
5. Leave No Trace (Start Them Young)
Make it second nature to pick up trash, respect wildlife, and to take care of their surroundings. Teaching stewardship of the outdoors starts with our smallest steps. You’re not just raising a hiker—you’re raising a protector of nature.
6. Be Patient with the Pace
This is one of the most important. Little legs means slow going. Expect stops, zigzags, and lots of “look at this, Mommy!” Instead of rushing towards the destination, soak in the moment. These are the memories both of you will treasure. Rushing them along creates a sense of urgency and stress in them, that lingers into your next adventures. Let them take their time and you will begin to notice things around you hadn’t before. You too will begin to new views, plants, trees, and creatures you may have never acknowledged along a trail you’ve hiked hundreds of times.
7. Celebrate the Journey
End each hike and adventure with a little celebration—a high five, an “I’m proud of you” moment, a silly dance, a photo at the trailhead. Let them feel like the hero of their adventure story.
Final Thoughts:
Hiking with kids isn’t always tidy or quiet. It’s muddy boots, soaked raingear, scraped knees, and five million questions. But it’s also deep breaths, big laughs, and the joy of discovering the world again through their eyes.
So slip on your boots, grab your little explorer, and head outside. Those little feet won’t be little forever.
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