Hiking with Kids: Tips and Packing List for Day Hikes
Is your goal this year to spend more time outdoors hiking and exploring with your children? We all are well intentioned but sometimes it can be a struggle to get everyone out the door.
One of my jobs, in my other life (prior to marriage and kids) I led backpacking and caving trips with at-risk youth as a Recreational Therapist. Part of my job was to plan trips and I learned quickly it was crucial to be prepared. Here are the best tips I’ve gathered over many years of leading hiking trips, as well as hiking with my four children.
REWARD SPOTS
Picking the right hike is essential, especially when you want to foster a love for hiking. We like to chose hikes that have reward spots. So what exactly are reward spots? Well, basically they’re anything that will peak a child’s interest and give your hike a purpose. Some examples include: overlooks, bridges, creeks, lakes, or playgrounds. Another good idea, if possible, choose loop trails so that the entire trail is new, instead of out and backs.
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DAYPACK
Having a hiking day pack stocked and ready has made hiking so much more manageable for our family. Instead of running around trying to collect items before we leave, I leave my day pack in my vehicle ready to go. It’s been a game changer. All I need to do is refill our water bottles and grab the stash of granola bars or snacks to load in the backpack. A decently priced pack for day hikes is the TETON sports, which is lightweight, durable and includes a water hydration pack & rain cover.
One step up in price point, quality and comfort is the Osprey Skimmer Daypack. This roomy backpack has a reinforced back which is padded and ventilated for comfort. It has quick stow compartments that and can hold those jackets or water bottles your kids hand off to you. The pack has a ton of nifty and thoughtful additional features too.
Interested in outfitting your child with their own pack to carry. The Osprey Daylite Kid’s backpack is a great option that is functional and affordable. This way your child can carry their own water bottle and essential snacks.
One of the key ways I make hiking with kids manageable and less stressful is keeping my daypack stocked. You may be wondering what are the essential things needed? Here is list of items I keep stocked in my day hiking pack with links for convenience. Some of the items are also great ideas if you are hiking in remote areas or for longer distances. These are items that I have found to be valuable during day trips with my four children.
Essential Packing List
Map
Hand Sanitizer
Wet wipes
Chapstick
Water Bottle
Snacks/Granola bars/ Trail Mix
lifesavers hard candy for low blood sugar or to help motivate children
Optional/Recommended
Deck of cards
Emergency blanket
Whistle
Matches, lighter, flint
Rain poncho
Field guides
Would you like a free printable version of this essential Day Hike Packing List? Simply click on the button to download your free printable version. It’s great to have so you can keep your daypack stocked and easily refill supplies when needed. Hopefully this list will increase your confidence in the outdoors since you will be adequately prepared no matter where you are.
DISCLOSE YOUR LOCATION
Prior to leaving, make sure to let your spouse, friend, or relative know where you will be hiking and what time you left. Simply sending a quick text giving your whereabouts is so helpful. I’m often guilty of forgetting, so I’ll recruit my children to help remind me.
BRING SNACKS & WATER
Some of our favorites include: granola bars, trail mix, fruit leathers, and clementine’s. I also like to keep some lifesavers or gummy candy for an emergency. It doubles for aid if someone’s blood sugar is low or if you have an unwilling child that needs a little extra motivation.
Looking for a fun activity prior to hitting the trail, try making these Snack Necklaces. They are a hit with both children and adults. Curious, you can read the full post on how to make DIY Snacklaces.
Always bring water even if it’s only for a short distance. Our favorite lightweight water bottles are Contingo. Although on hot days, we bring stainless steel Yetis with ice.
DISTANCE
Don’t focus on the distance. Let me repeat, don’t focus on the distance. Take your time to explore. Sometimes we hike less than a half mile because my children are stopping to examine a wildflowers or balance across a log. In our fast pace society what a wonderful gift we can give our children to slow down.
Know your child’s limits, start with shorter distances and gradually build up. Like anything, we need to develop the muscles physically as well as the child’s interest level. Alltrails.com is a wonderful resource to find family friendly trails. If you’re local here is a helpful post, Kid-Friendly Hikes near Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Bringing a child carrier on trips is a necessity. We personally love the Ergo carrier with lumbar support, which straps around the waist but can easily be stuffed in a daypack. You only get one back and it’s worth it to get something supportive and comfortable. I continue to bring it on hiking trips in case little toddler legs get tired.
One trip I forgot the carrier for my baby and, of course, like momma’s are known to do, I had had to improvise. I carried my 10 month old inside my son’s school backpack! It wasn’t ideal, but it worked!
TRAIL MAP
Grab a map at the trail kiosk, the ranger station, or print one off prior to setting out. Let your children challenge themselves by deciphering the map. Personally, my children love to hold their own maps and track our progress. In a pinch, another option is to screen shot the map on your phone, although ideally you shouldn’t rely on your phone incase of poor reception or if your battery dies.
POCKET TRAIL GUIDES/ APPS
Learn together. Once you begin to identify plants, trees, and animals, the mysteries of nature become fascinating. We love these laminated tri-fold pocket guides. They are lightweight, inexpensive, and don’t overwhelm my children with too much information. Plus they are spill proof and come in a range of different topics including: trees, North American birds, animal tracks, wildflowers, mushrooms, and seashells. There are even specific ones for your state, like Michigan trees and wildflowers.
Recently, several Michigan State Parks have started providing explorer packs you can utilize for the day. Check with your local or state parks if they participate in similar programs.
Another option, to help identifying plants and animals in nature, is to download an identification app on your phone. We use the free app Seek by INaturalist. Just take a picture and it will identify the plant or animal.
PROPER CLOTHING
hiking in Guide Pro Pant by Eddie Bauer
Footwear is key. My children and I hike in comfortable athletic shoes for most day hikes, unless the weather is wet, rainy or snowy and then we bring along boots. We avoid sandals, unless they are closed toe.
For short day hikes, the number one tip for clothing is to dress in breathable layers so that you can take off or add clothing if needed. Let’s be honest, children grow so fast it can be difficult to invest in quality hiking clothes and boots. My children and I try to wear athletic clothing and long pants if tick season is bad. Ideally avoid cotton and jean materials, which hold onto moisture and leaves you chilled in cold weather and sweaty in hot temperatures. Choose athletic clothing made of polyester, nylon or wool. Bring an extra stash of clothes in the car because inevitably someone will get muddy or cold.
Now parents, I’d recommend to go ahead and invest in some quality clothing for yourself. One of my favorite hiking pants are guide pro pant by Eddie Bauer and guide pro shorts. I also hike in Ziya unwind joggers frequently.
Backpacking at Wilderness State Park in Guide Pro Shorts
Ticks and mosquitoes
One of the annoyances of being outdoors is ticks and mosquitoes. The trick is to stop ticks before they become attached, look for products with Permethrin like in Swayer Insect repellent , which treats clothing and gear. If you’re searching for a mosquitoes spray without DEET, try Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Spray, Although the smell is strong it is worth it to not be tormented by mosquitoes. It can also be beneficial to carry a tick remover in your backpack and vehicle. Doing daily tick checks before bed or after a long hike is always a good routine to start. Here is information about the 5 most common ticks and the signs and symptoms of untreated Lyme disease, like the bullseyes mark on your skin.
Don’t forget protection from the sun by wearing hats, sunscreen and sunglasses. We chose a natural mineral base sunscreen by blue lizard for sensitive skin.
Closing Thoughts
The most important tip of all is to just get outside and hike. The more you go, the more you will learn what works for you and your family. We would love to hear your tips and tricks. Follow Discovering Anew for more outdoor adventures, Midwest Trip Guides. Make sure to save and pin this for later. Happy Trails.
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