| With a little planning and forethought, hiking with children | | | | Snacks: Bring plenty of both. Fruit and salty snacks are |
| can be a fun and rewarding experience. Hiking is a | | | | best (although sometimes candy works as a good |
| wonderful way to help them develop a love and | | | | motivator). Try to avoid bringing snacks laden with |
| respect for nature, stimulate their imagination and | | | | sugar and caffeine. They cause spikes (then crashes) |
| encourage them to stay active.Even Snoopy Hikes: A | | | | in energy levels and tend to promote |
| great way to introduce children to the idea of hiking is | | | | dehydration.Matters of Safety. Know the basics of |
| through stories featuring their favorite animated | | | | administering first-aid. Allergic reactions to insects or |
| characters. Several great children's books about hiking | | | | plants can turn urgent quickly. Keep children on the trail |
| are available: "Curious George Goes Hiking," "Take a | | | | and within your site at all times. Steer them clear of |
| Hike Snoopy," "Berenstain Bears Blaze a Trail," and | | | | poisonous plants, steep ledges, overhangs, and |
| "Sheep Take a Hike," just to name a few. The stories | | | | potentially dangerous falls. A small, travel sized first aid |
| give you an opportunity to talk about expectations | | | | kit is great for short hikes in the event of accidental |
| before leaving home and give you something to refer | | | | scrapes or insect bites.Essential Gear: Wet wipes are |
| to on the trail.Where to Go: Start small children on | | | | great for cleaning and double as toilet paper if |
| short trails over easy terrain. In terms of ability, children | | | | necessary (bring plastic bags to carry them home). |
| can cover about 1 mile for every year they are in age. | | | | Always carry a compass and map, a flashlight, |
| They may not want to hike that far, but they probably | | | | waterproof matches, bug dope, sunscreen and a |
| have the ability to do so. Short attention spans are | | | | whistle.Opportunities for Fun & LearningHiking provides |
| kept busy on trails occupied with activities along the | | | | the perfect opportunity to instill in children a love and |
| way (rocks to climb on, water to splash in, etc.). Older | | | | respect for nature that will last a lifetime. Singing camp |
| children are often motivated by the promise of | | | | songs (quietly) or designing a simple nature scavenger |
| something at the end a trail like a scenic vista or | | | | hunt is a great way to engage their minds and teach |
| waterfall. Don't forget to plan for bathroom breaks and | | | | them about the environment. Give them disposable |
| rest stops along the way.Clothing and Footwear: | | | | cameras and let them take pictures for a scrapbook |
| Ideally, children (like adults) should be prepared for any | | | | or have them carry a nature journal to write in or |
| weather and dressed in layers. They should also have | | | | draw things they see. Don't forget to educate them |
| access to suitable rain gear. Properly fitting hiking boots | | | | about trail etiquette and the importance of leaving |
| or tennis shoes are a must to avoid sore and tired | | | | plants and animals undisturbed. |
| feet. Leave open-toed shoes at home.Water & | | | | |