Tips & Tricks

JUST STARTING OUT OR LOOKING FOR A LITTLE ADVISE? HERE ARE SOME TIPS & TRICKS FOR HIKING WITH SMALL CHILDREN:

• PACK WATER BOTTLES. I wasn't sure I would list this one, because it's so obvious. Ultimately, I decided it's too important to overlook, so here you have it. Hiking a mile or two might not be very strenuous for you, but those little bodies of theirs are working twice as hard, and getting at least twice the workout. They need to keep hydrated to stay strong and energized. 
• PACK SNACKS- LOTS OF THEM! Load up on snacks, but make sure they're the right kind {granola bars, dried fruit, trail mix, etc.}. You want them to pump them up with more energy, not drain them of it. Part of the fun is getting to munch along the way. When our children were still toddlers, they popped a raisin every time they needed a little "super power" that sent them sprinting off with renewed vigor. 
• TAKE BREAKS- OFTEN. This is important for keeping little ones motivated and happy. Remember, you want them to do this again another day. If you wear them out completely, you'll have a hard time getting them to agree to it again.
• START SMALL. The first hikes I took mine on were short walking paths at some local parks. Then, we graduated to a 1.5 mile waterfall hike at a state park, before tackling the longer ones. I know it seems like a waste to spend the time and energy prepping and driving only to spend a short time hiking, but you have to start somewhere, and it'll be worth it in the long run.
• GIVE THEM SOME RESPONSIBILITY. In our preparations for a hike, my kids are responsible for retrieving their hiking sticks and packing their own snacks and water bottles. If we pack a lunch, they help me with that as well. They are more excited to eat/use items that they helped prepare, and make the hike and snack breaks that much more enticing {it's the little things}. We also purchased each of them a backpack {we found ours at REI} for carrying their own food and water.
• LET THEM GET AS DIRTY AS THEY WANT. It's all part of the fun. Plan for dirt, mud, and water. Generally, we save any water exploring for on the way back, so they aren't hiking in wet shoes. Bring a plastic bag for dirty shoes and pack extra clothes for the drive home. 
• GIVE YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME. Don't rush it. They need to be able to explore and discover along the way.
• MAKE IT FUN!! This is obviously the most important with kids. It needs to be enjoyable. Find hikes that offer something to do other than strictly hiking. We often stop along the way to check out plants, trees, stumps, bugs, waterfalls, unique rocks, etc. Provide them with as much variety as you can to keep them interested and having fun!
• LAST BUT NOT LEAST- DON'T FORGET YOUR CAMERA! You'll regret it if you leave it behind- trust me.

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