Tips on Hiking With Children
By Steve H.
When I want to do some serious hiking; I mean pushing myself to go at a faster pace,
scrambling up mountainsides, down & back up over rolling hills, climbing over & navigating around fallen trees, taking another
step every time my leg muscles scream for me to stop; I make sure I'm not taking young children along with me. There's hiking and
then there's hiking. Most of you who enjoy a rigorous pace of hiking & backpacking know what I mean. But there's another side
to hiking, a side which though is a little bit more laid back, can be fun & fulfilling just the same. It's hiking with children.
This article is meant to give just some pointers on hiking with children, and doesn't cover every important aspect of this enjoyable
activity. These are just some suggestions when bringing children out for a day hike.
Before going out, make sure you check the
weather report & plan for the temperature. If it's a bit chilly out, make sure that each child is dressed accordingly. Wearing
several layers, hats & gloves if needed, will help them enjoy it more if they're warm enough.
Look at a map to determine
a loop hike to take, or choose a simple there-and-back route.
Bring plenty of water & snacks. Nothing kills a good time or
activity like a hungry, growling stomach.
Let the age level of the children dictate the terrain you'll be hiking. Be sure to
have some ups & downs, but nothing too strenuous. Most children love challenge, at least to a certain degree, and a hill with
some rocks & trees to grab hold of as they climb upwards can be fun. It's been my experience that some children enjoy the climbs
the best, while some others love going downhill.
Have a destination in mind, as well as a half-way point. Children are goal-oriented,
believe it or not, and look forward to reaching an appointed objective or destination. Set a time when you want to stop for an extended
rest. This can be for a picnic or just hanging out & taking some pictures of everyone. Bring a favorite food or beverage of theirs
that can only be had upon reaching the mid-point. Once the half-way point is reached, a feeling of satisfaction will fill their hearts
as food fills their bellies. After a rest, the next goal will be to get back.
If possible, have the children bring along a friend. Of course the number of friends is optional and, depending on how many are going,
you may not want each child to bring a friend. This can cause the group to grow to be too large to control.
If available, bring
a map of the area you're hiking, and refer to it from time to time. Maps have always interested me, and although they may not understand
every aspect of the map, it's a good introduction for them to learning to read a map. Looking at a map and understanding where you
are in relation to the grid gives an altogether different perspective to the hike.
If you or another adult knows anything about
plants & trees or animals & their markings, make a point of sharing this knowledge with the children. Ask them what they know
about these things, as children always enjoy being asked to share what they know with adults.
Teach children to be aware of their
surroundings. Tell them to be observant of the landscape around them, natural landmarks & the trail conditions as well. These
are skills that if learned & practiced will follow them all their lives, even influencing them in more far-reaching areas.
Finally,
have an end goal in mind. Take them all out to dinner at their favorite restaurant or for ice cream. Associate other enjoyable activities
with hiking.
This has been just a brief collection of suggestions when it comes to bringing children hiking. We all know that
children are the future, the future of everything! One step in making sure that our trails of today are secure & protected for
the future is by teaching children the importance of those trails & in being outdoors. Children must learn the importance of nature.
Get out & hike, but next time, bring along some children.
