I have logged a lot of miles hiking with little kids. My daughters have trekked all over the Pacific Northwest—sometimes on their own two feet, sometimes riding in a carrier. And as a mom who has weathered toddler meltdowns and reluctant preschoolers and little kids who just don’t want to hike anymore, I’ve learned a few tips along all those trails.
Yes, hiking with little kids can be challenging, and you won’t get to go at your pre-children pace. But hiking with little kids is also rewarding and super fun!
Learn from my many trips to plan a fun hike for the whole family—and avoid those mid-trail tantrums.
Tips for hiking with little kids
- Give them the map. Pick up a brochure at the trailhead, print a map of the trail or hand them the hiking book. Kids love to navigate—and they’ll feel so grown up pointing out where you are on the map (even if they’re completely wrong!).
- Let them choose the route. If you don’t have a specific destination in mind, let your kids pick which direction to go when there’s a fork in the trail.
- Go at their pace. Hiking with little kids means you’ll be going slowly much of the time. You will probably have to stop and investigate every interesting leaf, and that’s ok. Start the hike with the expectation you won’t get far so you’re not frustrated when you’ve only made it a quarter-mile.
- Engage their senses. Ask your kids what they hear, feel and smell in addition to what they see. They’ll learn to tune into the world around them without the distractions of the city.
- Take breaks. Little legs have to take more steps than you or I, so they get tired! Make stops a part of your hike before they get to tantrum mode.
- Give them a camera—with a limit. Set the timer on your phone for a few minutes, then hand it over with the camera app open. They’ll love taking pictures just like they see you doing. You may end up with a keeper—or just a bunch of blurry close-ups of dandelions. And either way, you’ll discover what captures their interest and imagination.
- Play “I Spy.” Playing a game that involves them in their surrounding is fun—and it can distract them when they’re getting cranky or tired.
What tips and tricks do you use when hiking with little kids?
PS – If you’re looking for kid-friendly hikes in the Portland area, you might like Camassia Natural Area, the Old Salmon River Trail and Little Zigzag Falls.
How sweet! I don’t have any kiddos yet, but I look forward to the day and being able to explore outdoors. What are some of your favorite hikes in the PNW? I’m always looking for new ones!
Hi Hillary! I really love Camassia for a super-easy in-town hike. Anything in the Gorge near Multnomah Falls is gorgeous, of course; weekends are too crowded for me, though. I’m hiking Dog Mountain on Monday—the wildflowers are going crazy right now!
These photos are too cute! So excited it is hiking season! (I am a big whimp and don’t like the stomping through the mud and rain kind of hiking 😉 )
I hear you! Hiking in the sun—or at least on an overcast day—is much nicer than tromping through the rain and mud!
I think hiking might be my favorite form of exercise, and the best part is it’s free! Love that you’re enjoying your little ones to get out there and explore. Sounds like fun for the whole family. 🙂
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Oh, me too! We are so lucky to live in a part of the world that has such abundance of hiking trails.
That is awesome!!! I didn’t hike with my parents growing up so a few years ago when my husband and I started exploring hikes around our area I felt like I was discovering a whole new, wonderful world. It would be great to bring kids along!!
I didn’t start hiking until later either. My kids have grown up with it though and love it!
The tips are great, but I have to admit, I was distracted during most of the post by the beautiful shots you included!!!!
Aw thank you! I don’t usually bring my nice camera on hikes with me (it’s just one more thing to carry) but when I do I def notice a difference in the shots I get.
this is so cute! I just took my little one on her first hike, in the carrier, and she squealed and blew raspberries the whole time. I don’t know if she enjoyed it but I am using it as a precursor to many more future hikes. are you not excited for summer?!
Yay, first hike!!! So glad it was a hit. And yes, I’m thrilled for summer, especially after the last few days of sun!
You are awesome! This is all very useful advice. My kids aren’t super “little” anymore 🙁 but this still applies. I’ve never thought of the map idea. I love it. Going to try it on our next hike. I think they’ll get a kick out of being the navigator!
Ack, our kids are getting so big! I hope your not-so-littles enjoy being navigators. 🙂
These are great tips! I remember hiking with my kiddos when they were little – it can be such a challenge, but it is so worth it! I’m thrilled that our weather is finally starting to brighten so that the trails will dry out some. It’s been a soggy spring.
Man, it has been semi brutal! But the weather is making me want to be outside ALL THE TIME.
It looks like fun adventure. These are excellent tips. I wish I would have had these when my kids where small.
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It was a lot of fun! Thanks for the comment 🙂
I love, love, love this! I haven’t done enough of this! I love the reminder to engage their senses — so often, we just get out and go without “stopping to smell the roses,” if you will, while it is completely innate and normal for them. “I Spy” is a go-to for me any time I need to distract the kids and pass some time. Thanks for these great tips. I think I’ll plan a hike!
Oh I so hear you! I get frustrated as much as the next mom when my kids take like 10 years to go a few steps. But you’re right, it is natural for them to do that at their age!
Very actionable advice for hiking with the kids. It is true, the outdoor is great for the development of the kids. And they will never forget these moments with mom and dad.
Thank you Gioko! I know my kids will treasure our time outdoors together.