Spending time outdoors is more than welcome in this day and age when we are overburdened with the workload and the constant flashes of the small gadget. Spending time with kids is even more priceless. Hiking represents a genuinely fantastic activity to get some much-needed fresh air, boost up your general fitness and agility, and spend some quality time with your loved one in nature. Even if taking kids hiking may be an unpredictable activity, since they can get tired and bored quite often, there are a few nifty ways to make it a fun adventure for the whole family. And here is how.
Take your Kids Hiking: Tips to Make the Adventure Fun for the Family
Have reasonable expectations
Expect the unexpected. Before you head out on your adventure, remember to have realistic and reasonable expectations. Don’t push them too hard, but also don’t let them drag along too far behind. Make it feature-friendly, sing catchy tunes, and play guessing games. The most significant bit is picking an exciting trail with picturesque scenes, streams, forests, caves, and waterfalls along the way. Let them roam around freely and explore the wilderness in their way.
Get prepared
Just like for any other hike, get adequately and mindfully prepared and equipped. If you strive to get the most out of your fun and engaging family adventure, you must prepare a few essentials. Find the perfect shoes that will fit perfectly, make them feel comfortable, and won’t trip or fall that easily. Then get wet wipes, tissues, extra bottles of water, a camera, binoculars (for the up-close experience), and a first aid kit (for just-in-case scenarios). Learning some key safety tips for being outdoors is essential.
Snack up
Never go on any trip or hike without some snacks. Engage your kids into hiking by telling them that snacks are only allowed once you reach a particular milestone. As you are coming to an endpoint like a lake, marvelous cliffside, or scenic view, treat them with treats for a “job well done.”
Opt for healthy snacks that don’t contain too much sugar; otherwise, you will have cranky and all-over-the-place kids. Healthy snacks like graham crackers, nuts, dried fruits, and granola bars are a great choice.
Arm yourself with patience and games
Kids get bored pretty fast, and if you are in the middle of nowhere, you need to address the situation. First of all, be patient and calm at all times. Kid’s moods tend to change often, so arm yourself with patience and incorporate some riveting and entertaining games.
Next up, have a plan for some games. One of our favorite ways to get the kids excited to get out in nature is planning a hiking scavenger hunt. By playing various games and laughing it out, you will fix any problem that may arise.
Dress smart
When you take your kid hiking, expect a lot of dirty clothes at the end. Depending on the weather, know that they’ll be jumping over puddles, crossing over streams, going through mud, sitting on the grass, therefore get prepared for a smart dress-up system. This means layers.
If you go hiking during spring or summer, bring only an extra T-shirt, shorts, or socks in case their feet get soaked in water. If you opt to hike during the colder months, layer up wisely. Mornings are chilly, but once you get immersed in your hike, you can heat up quickly.
Stay positive and mindful.
A productive hike aims to keep kids happy, active, and energized at all times. Make it fun by singing, playing word games, or challenges like “Climb the hill in 5 minutes.”
Praise your kids’ achievement by telling them how well they are hiking and give them positive reinforcement. Stay cheerful, don’t let any obstacles slow you down. In the end, be mindful of nature and leave no trace behind.
Take your Kids Hiking
Don’t let this adventure be a once-a-year thing. Go hiking once a month if possible to get your kids out in the fresh air and away from electronic gadgets.