Tips for successfully hiking with kids

From a young age we’ve taken our kids on long walks, so luckily they are usually pretty agreeable when it comes to doing challenging hikes - however there are always off days, so here’s a few tips to make things go as smoothly as possible!

• Preparation is key

Make sure the kids know what to expect, when there will be breaks, how long the hike will be, what animals, birds, plants or sights to watch for.

• Track your progress

Try to pick up a trail map or information booklet if there is a visitors centre nearby (this can double as an educational tool also) or follow markers so they can count down their progress and see the end.

Binoculars or a camera can be a good distraction and keep the interest level in the activity

• Be prepared for changes in the weather!

Wear layers that can easily be peeled off or put on - we have a car full of spare hats, rain jackets and jumpers, just in case.

• Water, water, water!

Always pack much MORE than you think you will need.

We use hydration backpacks for the kids so they have constant access to water, it saves us being weighted down with it and there’s no need to slow down or stop and lose momentum just to get a drink.

I also pop ice cubes in to keep the water cold longer, for the adults we can’t live without our insulated water bottles - keeping water cold for up to 24 hours is great on a hot day.

• Let them take turns being the “LINE LEADER”

With two competitive children, nothing motivates ours more than being in charge of leading the way!

Just the responsibility of being in charge can boost the mood and enthusiasm.

• Pack lots of fruit and low sugar / high energy snacks

Foods like protein balls and fruit are good for energy and rehydration and bribery if needed

Check out the link to my favourite protein ball recipe

• Pack tissues and hand sanitiser

Kids have a habit of needing the loo at the worst times so its better to be safe than sorry

• Bandaids / first aid

Try to always have a few bandaids and stingose (anti - sting cream) packed

• Start early

This one is obvious, but one we aren’t great at. Kids are generally more energetic earlier in the day and if you are in a warm destination, getting started before the full heat of the day will conserve energy and motivation.

• Fly nets

So this is maybe more applicable to some places, but these have definitely come in use whilst hiking in Australia.

Click here to see some of our favourite hikes within Australia