5 tips for planning an exciting hiking adventure with kids | Traveler by Unique
But what if we told you there is a way to get them outside? How about going on a hike with your lovely spouse and kids?
There are several benefits of spending time in the sun and activities like going on walks, running, cycling and getting fresh air are crucial for children’s development and health. And what could be a better way to get them unglued from their screens other than going on a family hike?
In this article, we are going to cover some of the tips that will help you plan a successful family hike with your kids.
1. Expectations VS reality
Before we begin. Caution!
It's great news that you have decided to take a hike on the trails with your spouse and kids. But it's important to know that not everyone will stay jolly all day. You might face some challenges. Most kids have dramatic meltdowns while hiking which could be because of a number of reasons like being bored, tired, etc. Your kids might turn mean and cranky and when this happens, take a break. It's important to remember not to push your kids too hard and be easy on them while hiking.
2. Choose a trail carefully
You might be used to the challenging trails where you usually go for a hike. But remember, your kids are new to this. It's important to select a trail that is kid-friendly. Starting with an easy trail can be a good idea. You can easily find hundreds of children-friendly trails on the Internet to plan your little adventure.
3. Let the kids wander a bit
What's the point of spending time outdoors if you the kids are not exploring? This is one of the most common mistakes most parents make. They are just too cautious when it comes to giving kids some space.
Whenever you stop to take a break, give your children a chance to explore the surroundings. Not only this will give them a break but will also engage them in activities other than hiking. Don't get us wrong. We are not advocating letting kids explore all day. It's ok to remind them from time to time to keep moving. Making a game out of the whole situation will not only keep them motivated to move but also will make the hike enjoyable.
4. Pack the nutritional bars and lots of water
Kids might have small appetites, but they do get hungry frequently. And therefore it is recommended to pack their favorite snacks they enjoy munching on. But make sure these snacks are healthy and pack all the nutrients. If you don't want to feed your kids store-bought energy bars, you can make some healthy chocolaty bars at home and hand them one whenever they get hungry. You can also pack some homemade chips, nuts, trail mixes for some light snacking. Also, make sure you carry enough water to keep them hydrated.
5. Don't forget the first aid kit!
We all know how the kids are. They run, they fall and they hurt themselves. Especially when they are with their siblings or other kids. You just never know what might get them all excited and what can get them bruised and scratched. Hence keeping a first-aid kit will help you help your kids better in unpredictable situations. Make sure you carry bandages, sterile gauze dressings, cleansing wipes, antiseptic cream, painkillers, and scissors.
And most importantly, keep the hiking experience fun-filled. Even if your kids start throwing tantrums or break down in the middle of the hike, resolve the situation and move on. Going on hikes with children might be a challenging task and you might face a lot of situations demanding your attention during the hike. But the whole experience can be extremely awarding as you'll get to spend a lot of quality time with your children.