Top Tips for Hiking with Kids

My eldest son’s proudest moment was getting to the summit of Ben Nevis aged 7 years.

He hadn’t done particularly large amounts of hiking before that (though had done some). But he was adamant he wanted to have a go and his determination alone got him up and back down again (well the incentive of a McDonald’s in Fort William afterwards is probably what got him back down again).In all, I’ve hiked hundreds of miles with my eldest (now 9) and my middle son (now 7) has recently taken to hiking too. My youngest is 4 and autistic so likes a little walk but hasn’t been doing too many big hikes as yet!Anyway, with three sons and my own love of hiking, here are my top tips for hiking with kids.

If they’re tiny, take a hiking carrier

If they’re old enough to walk but not old enough to walk a lot, take a hiking carrier!My youngest (now 4) was out with me all the time in the hiking carrier when it was tiny (from being just a few months old). As soon as he could walk, I would be sure to let him walk a little bit here and there – just as much as he could handle. And this got him used to be outside in all sorts of weather and got him used to walking on all sorts of terrain.

Make sure they want to

Don’t force them to hike. Hiking should be fun and enjoyable and when you feel as though you’re being dragged against your will, it’s really easy to make it something that the kids just grow to despise.

Get their help planning the route

I find my eldest is so much more engaged with where we are hiking when he has been involved in the planning. We often sit together and plan on AllTrails.

Incorporate Scrambling

For the little keen climbers, incorporating some age appropriate levels of scrambling can be a fun “playgound-esque” break from the actual hiking.My son first scrambled when we did Birchen Clough up to the Trinnacle near Dovestone.Since then he’s done much more scrambling including Hall’s Fell Ridge to Blencathra.He’s keen to do much more and loves a ridge. But I don’t want to take him on anything too exposed yet. As the parent, we have to feel comfortable in their abilities.Scrambling can almost bring an element of the playground into a hike though and I find it goes down well with all my children.

Let them go off the beaten track where it’s safe

A great waymarked footpath is superb and makes any hike with children a lot easier. But if you find your little ones’ natural sense of exploration takes over and they want to go and see something off the path, why not let them?As long as it is safe and permitted (i.e not at a cliff edge or in an area where they ask you not to talk off the path for conservation reasons) then encourage them to explore.

Add some “quests” for younger children

When my eldest son was younger, we would set challenges such as things to find or try and spot on the walk. This kept him engaged even if he were tired.

Level up your snack game

My son swears he was powered up Ben Nevis by Haribo and I’m inclined to agree. If there’s ever a time when I don’t get as fussy about their sugar intake it’s when they’re out on big hikes.Yes, I pack a balanced lunch and things with slow release energy. But I’m also just fine with letting them have their favourite sweet treats to help them up the hill!

Stop for lunch

If you’re hiking for a while, then stopping for a packed lunch isn’t just a great opportunity to refuel, but also acts a milestone in the journey. I like to agree with my children where we will stop for a packed lunch and they look at that stop point as a milestone for sure.

Make sure they’ve got the right footwear

I often see families out hiking and the parents are wearing sturdy hiking boots, while the kids are in trainers. And yes, comfort is absolutely key. But making sure they’ve got the right footwear is just as important as making sure you have. My eldest has been through a number of brands but now swears TrollKids are the most comfortable ones he has worn. My middle son loves a pair of Mountain Warehouse ones.So it won’t be the same for every child. But if you’re buying online make sure you’ve measured their feet first and maybe even involve them in shopping for the shoes too.

Get them bags!

Encouraging them to carry their own essentials from an early age doesn’t just reduce the amount you have to carry but helps them to become accustomed to carrying extra weight and packing sensibly. My sons don’t carry all of their own gear but they do each carry a hiking bag when we go out.There are lots of options and premium brands like Osprey do also have kids’ backpacks.If you’ve got one close to home, it might be worth a gander in Decathlon too!

Have them carry their water in a hydration bladder

Bags with space for a hydration bladder are a real win in my view. Not only do childre start to understand the weight of the water they carry, but hydration bladders encourage regular sipping as opposed to drinking nothing for a while and then gulping the lot.The downside is not being able to easily see how much they are drinking. But in my view, the convenience of a hydration bladder outweighs the negatives and it means they don’t need to take their bag off or ask you when they want to drink.

Seriously, even more snacks

Take twice the snacks you think you will need.How do children eat so much?

Increase distances over time

Don’t start with a huge long distance hike. Gradually get longer and longer. And depending on their age, share stats like elevation and distance with them so they can measure their progress.

Aim for something to see

Whether it’s a mountain summit or walking to a specific playground or even just getting to a spot to see the sunset (my middle son’s preferred target) having something to aim for specifically is really helpful, in my opinion, for encouraging children to hike.

Let them rest often

Let them rest when they need to. I honestly believe that the single most important thing for children hiking is enjoyment. And when you discourage them from resting so you can get done quicker, this can make it really unpleasant and unenjoyable.

Allow plenty of time and then more on top

Tying in well to the rests, I always find that even when I overestimate the time I need when out hiking with my children, I rarely overestimate it enough! They always want more rests or to stop and look at something.Make sure you have allowed loads of time.

Encourage them to record their hikes

A journal is great! And even potentially a camera so they can take photos of the views they enjoy and the things they see out on trail.

Hiking with kids is ultimately about:

• Enjoyment
• Involvement
• Snacks

As long as they’re having fun, feel involved in the planning and have plenty of snacks, I’ve found hiking with my children to be an incredible way to spend time together.