6 Things to Remember When Hiking with Your Kids

Lots of things get put on hold once you have kids. Hiking doesn't have to be one of them! Both you and your children can make incredible memories on the trails, even if the adventure only lasts thirty minutes. 

Whether you're new to hiking or just about to take your kids out for their first hike, there are six things you need to remember. 

The most important rule of hiking as a parent is setting your expectations. Hiking isn't about getting from point A to point B, or at least it isn't anymore. It's about exploring the trail and all the little bunny trails your kids might find. 

With that in mind, here are a few tips to keep hiking kid friendly.

First, pick a short and scenic hike. Children get distracted easily. Keeping them both interested and giving ample time will ensure time for investigations and, best of all, memories!

Second, dress your kids in layered, bright-colored clothing. The layers will allow you to adjust to their needs, and the bright colors will help you keep track of them as they run around. Be sure to pay attention to how they're feeling. You might be cold, and they might be burning up. So keep an eye on them!

Third, bring plenty of snacks and drinks. As a parent, you may already have this down to a science. However, it's always good to remember that high-energy foods are important to pack along with plenty of water or other hydrating fluids. Kids aren't always aware how hungry or thirsty they are when exploring a new area. Remind them to eat or drink as necessary!

Fourth, keep them safe with something like a safety whistle. Some kids will be able to carry a small pack with snacks and a child sized bottle of water. This pack would be a great place to store a safety whistle. If not, you can attach these to a zipper pull on a jacket or other clothing. 

Remind them before hiking to blow three times when they can't find "mom or dad." Naturally, some kids will understand, and others won't right away. While this is our recommendation, Use your own discretion the best safety practices to use with your kids.

Fifth, allow the kids some control, according to their age and abilities. Decisions make it feel like it's their own, little adventure more so than they tagged along. Here are some ideas of what they could help control: 

• the walking pace
• which trail to do down (given off of options you've preselected)
• where or when they want to stop for lunch
• what games to play or songs to sing (teach them or make up a song to make it more fun!)
• what they want to learn (for example, if they show interest in a compass or map or reading trail signs, start teaching them at their level)

Finally, remember to have fun and be flexible. Kids are small, lovable agents of chaos. If you're not a new parent, you probably know this. Things will happen that you didn't plan, or maybe they won't ever want to do it again because its "dumb." Don't be afriad to change your plans if the weather or their smiles go sour. Keep a Plan B, and don't be afraid of the unexpected!

At Bomgaars, we want you and your family to have the best time in the outdoors as possible. Here are some items to help you along the way.