I love being outside, exploring new places, and especially hiking; but after having two kids, I felt restricted. I still wanted to hike, but I didn’t know if it would be “worth it,” considering all the planning, packing, and overall preparation that would go into a family hike.
Ultimately, after starting (very) small, we built up to longer hikes, and now hiking is an activity our entire family loves. Of course, it didn’t come easy, there were (literal) peaks and valleys to get us where we are today, but I can say definitively that encouraging your children to find joy in hiking is worth it.
Here are five tips for hiking with kids:
Play Games
We don’t do this for every hike, because it wouldn’t be as exciting, but you can create games on the fly, let your kids invent them, or prep in advance. I find that my children are incredibly creative when they’re in nature. One recent game they created is “Bridge Guard.” They make a password at each bridge and we (the grownups) have to figure it out to cross the bridge. If you have the time and energy, I’ve had great success in “Egg Hunt” hikes, even when not in Easter season! Just hide a few eggs along the trail before the hike for the kids to find.
Embrace Nature as a Playground
Imaginations really come alive outdoors. On our hikes, sticks become magic wands, logs become bridges, and tree stumps transform into podiums for giving speeches. As much as a I want to continue on and finish our hike, allowing time to slow down and fully embrace nature brings more meaning and memories to our time together.
Pack with Intention
A few kid-friendly hiking must haves: snacks, water, first-aid kit, change of clothes/towels if there is water involved, and a safety alarm. I have several items that I don’t bring every time, but when I do, the kids love them: butterfly nets, bird identification book, binoculars, bug catcher, compass, sketch pad with crayons, shovels. Research where you’re hiking, so you can decide what is best to bring. I also suggest that the kids carry their own backpacks starting around age 5. This opportunity for independence provides them power in deciding what they will pack, and it also takes some (literal) weight off your shoulders.
Plan an End Point
When we first started hiking, I would go out without any goal in mind, other than to be outside and make it as far as possible. While that worked for a while, I’ve found now that it’s crucial for me to have a destination in mind. This works for us so I can answer the kids when they ask, “how much longer,” or “when can we stop.” If I have an actual place like, “the creek,” or “the playground,” or “the next mile marker,” the kids are satisfied with the answer, and they are more inclined to stay motivated to reach the end point.
Keep Expectations in Check
Will you hike 10 miles the first time you take your kids out? Probably not. Will your kids complain and need snack breaks along the way? Probably so. Altering your expectations – not necessarily lowering them – will keep joy in the experience. When we first started hiking, my main goal was to be outside with the kids. From there, I set goals based on time, starting with 30 minutes. I did not even deduct time for snack breaks, so we could meet our goal! I do not recommend setting mileage or incline hiking goals for family hikes until you’ve been hiking as a family for at least a year. Just like any habit, you have to stick with it and look for progress, even when it may not seem like there’s been much.
Years ago, I strapped my baby in a carrier and held my 4-year-old’s hand as we “hiked,” the paved trail at Rockwood Park in Chesterfield. Last week, that baby, who is now 6-years-old and his 10-year-old sister enjoyed a family hike at Mountain Read in Roanoke, a challenging 4-mile hike with strenuous inclines. I must say, yes, it’s “worth it.”
Get started with these kid-friendly hikes around RVA! If you like hiking with your kids in the area, you might end up seeking more nature-inspired thrills in our great big beautiful state! Check out Brandy’s guide to outdoor adventure in Virginia in RFM, on stands now.
Use this map as a resource as your family explores hikes around RVA!
