12 Fun and Easy Tips to Get Your Kids to Enjoy Hiking
12 Fun and Easy Tips to Get Your Kids Hiking More
Let’s be honest—getting kids off the couch and onto the trail can be a bit of a mission. But once they’re out there, something magical usually happens: they get curious, adventurous, and maybe even a little wild (in the best way). Hiking with kids doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, it can become something your family looks forward to every week. Here are 12 easy tips and tricks to help turn your little ones into happy hikers!
1. Start Small (Like, Really Small)
Let Them Set the Pace
If you’re at all like me you have some grand plans, but don’t expect your kids to tackle a 5-mile trail on day one. Begin with short, flat hikes—maybe even just a half-mile loop. Let them explore at their pace and build confidence little by little.
2. Make it a Treasure Hunt or Game
Turn the hike into a game! Create a scavenger hunt with things to find: a pinecone, a bug, or something blue. You’ll be amazed at how much farther they’ll walk when they’re on a mission. Need more ideas, here are 15 hiking games and activities to try on your next outdoor adventure.
3. Let Them Be the Leader
Kids love taking charge. Let them “lead” the hike, pick which way to go (safely), and feel in control of the adventure. It gives them a sense of ownership and keeps them engaged.
4. Bring All the Snacks (Seriously)
Hiking burns energy, and hungry kids equals cranky kids. Make sure to pack a variety of snacks—something healthy, something fun, and maybe a little treat for motivation. Bonus tip: pull out snacks when enthusiasm dips. Try out these fun snack necklaces for your next adventure- kids love them.
5. Don’t Call it a Hike
Change the name. Sometimes kids have a bad association of the word hike. Instead, say let’s explore, let’s visit a lake or go on a an adventure.
6. Give Them a Job
Kids love responsibility. Let them carry the map, take photos of your adventure, or be in charge of spotting the trail markers. These simple roles keep them focused and invested.
7. Dress for Adventure
Let kids wear comfy clothes that can get dirty. Bring layers in case the weather changes, and don’t forget hats and sunscreen. If they’re not comfortable, nobody’s having a good time and guaranteed you’ll hear about it.
8. Pick a Trail with a “Wow” Factor
Choose hikes with something fun at the end or a reward spot: a waterfall, a big rock to climb, a lake to toss pebbles into. Having a cool goal gives them something to look forward to.
9. Invite a Friend or Two
Everything’s more fun with buddies. Invite another family or your child’s friend along. Hiking becomes less about “the walk” and more about social time with a side dose of nature thrown in.
10. Go at Their Pace
Stop to look at bugs. Climb the downed tree. Throw a hundreds of pebbles into the creek. It’s truly about the journey, not the destination. Let them lead the rhythm, even if it’s slow.
11. Pack a Change of Clothes in the Car
Children are drawn to water, mud and dirt. Be prepared with a change of clothes so they can ride home dry and clean if your adventures turn a little messy.
12. Celebrate the Adventure
After the hike, make a big deal out of it! Talk about what you saw, what they did well, and maybe grab ice cream on the way home. Make hiking feel special and worth celebrating. Often we will take our water bottles and give a “toast” to what we loved on the trek. They stay hydrated and we celebrate the highlights.
Hike near a WOW spot
Final Thoughts
You don’t need fancy gear or long drives to get kids into hiking—just some creativity, patience, and the right attitude. Remember keep it fun, flexible, and focused on connection rather than distance. Before you know it, you’ll have a tiny trail buddy asking, “When can we go hiking again?”
Happy trails, little explorers! Follow Discovering Anew for more US family travel, camping and hiking recommendations.
