Tips To Get Your Kids Excited About Hiking
Hiking bonds you with nature, doubles as exercise, and relieves your stress. It makes sense that you want your kids to experience the activity’s joys as well! However, not every child jumps at the idea of wandering through trails and forests. If you want your kids to get excited about hiking, these tips should help!
Let Them Choose the Trail
Kids love to feel included in decision-making, so why not empower them to pick the trail? Offer a few options that are kid-friendly and age-appropriate. Keep in mind that trails with waterfalls, awesome rock formations, or scenic views are especially exciting for young explorers.
Show them pictures or maps of the trails to build their curiosity. When children have a say in the plan, they’ll feel more invested in the adventure and might even surprise you with their enthusiasm.
Prepare Fun Games and Facts
Kids usually don’t think walking is all that exciting, so you’ll want to prepare some exciting games and facts for the trail. This way, you can turn your hike into a discovery-filled game!
Consider planning a scavenger hunt, where kids look for specific leaves, rocks, or wildlife. You can also learn interesting facts about the plants, trees, or animals you might encounter on the trail and share them along the way. For instance, “Do you know why pinecones can float in water?” or “Did you know that some mushrooms glow at night?”
These fun tidbits not only spark curiosity but also transform your hike into an educational event. Making the experience fun and engaging in this way is especially important if you’re hiking with young children who can be easily distracted and restless.
Don’t Forget the Snacks
Snacks are the ultimate morale booster on any family hike. Pack a variety of their favorite foods, along with some healthy options that will fuel their energy. Sugar-free trail mix, granola bars, and fruit are all great options that also work to inspire healthy eating in your kids.
Make a point to stop at a scenic spot for a mini picnic. Keep the kids hydrated, too, by bringing fun, reusable water bottles or juice packs. Hiking is better when it involves delicious pit stops along the way!
Bring Their Friends Along
Everything is more fun with friends! Inviting your kids’ friends on your hiking trip can make it feel more like a fun hangout than a workout. Plus, kids feed off each other’s excitement, leading to more laughter and entertaining moments. When hiking feels like a playdate, kids will have a blast and look forward to the next outing.
Planning Ahead
Organizing a hike for a crew of kiddos is more complicated than for only your own. Just make sure to include everyone in the games, activities, and snack time.
Plan a Fun, Lazy Activity Afterward
Your kids might get more excited for a hike if they know it’s going to end with a trip to the movies or a something else lazy and fun. Knowing there’s a reward waiting at the finish line will power your little ones through the adventure and end the experience on a sweet note. Plus, it gives everyone a chance to unwind and reflect on the fun they just had.
If your kids don’t jump at the opportunity to hit the trails, that’s okay. They might not ever share your passion for outdoor exploration, but these tips are likely to get your kids at least a little more excited about hiking. Best of luck!
