Things To Remember When Hiking With Kids

As a recreational pursuit, hiking has few peers.

It is healthy, great exercise, allows you to commune with nature, and it is free. And to top it all off, it can be a fantastic family outing. You can teach your children at a very young age to appreciate nature and the importance of hiking as a lifetime activity. But before taking a hike with the kids, stop and consider a few factors that will help ensure that the outing is enjoyable for all parties involved.

First and foremost, you must always protect your children. One of the dangers which slips past many parents is skin damage from the sun. Always lather your little ones up with an appropriate SPF sun screen to avoid a burn. You might also contemplate buying children’s clothing that has built in sunscreen.

If you are going to be carrying a child on the hike, it is very important to find a lightweight and comfortable baby carrier. There is nothing worse than being miserable when you are supposed to be enjoying a hike.

Before leaving on your journey, check the little ones shoes to verify that they fit well and are comfortable. Keep in mind that children grow very quickly so if you haven’t been on a hike in a while, they made have outgrown their walking shoes.

Be prepared to keep your child engaged during the hike. Shop around the web for interactive hiking kits. These are guaranteed to keep children excited while learning a great deal during a hiking trip.

Lastly, remember to bring plenty of food and drink. Hot, hungry children can be more than a little cranky and it is always best to be prepared.

If you love hiking, consider making it a family activity. Most families spend very little quality time together and too much time indoors. Take advantage of the great outdoors and start hiking!