Hiking with Small Kids: Here are Some SuperMom Hacks for a Fun Summer Day
Summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy nature with your family, but hiking with small kids can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, with a little preparation and some mom hacks, you can make your next family hike a fun and stress-free experience.
Choose the Right Trail
When planning a hiking trip with small children, choose a trail that's easy and fun for their age and ability level. For example, if it is the beginning of summer, and you’ve just started to hike, look for trails that are relatively short, flat, and have interesting features like some sort of water (ponds, small creeks, or even a waterfall) or interesting trees etc. Remember to check the weather forecast and bring appropriate clothing and gear for everyone.
Pack Plenty of Snacks and Water
Hiking can be a lot of work, especially for little ones. Make sure to pack plenty of snacks and water to keep everyone fueled and hydrated. Small snacks like granola bars, trail mix, and fruit are great options that won't take up too much space in your backpack. We try to have a special treat for the halfway point, e.g. chocolate. It lifts their spirits and gives them energy for the way back.
Bring a First Aid Kit
The list wouldn't be complete if we wouldn’t add a First Aid Kit. Our GoKits are made for families on the trail. Lightweight and compact, is packs everything you might need for all the small accidents that can happen on a hike with kids (or anywhere, for that matter ;-) ). It includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, medical tape, scissors, tweezers, tick removers, nosebleed plugs, moleskin (for blisters), and so much more. And our Kit has enough space to add any medications your child may need, such as an inhaler or Epi-Pen.
Make it a Game
To keep kids engaged and interested during the hike, make it a game. Challenge them to find certain types of plants or animals, or give them a scavenger hunt list to check off as they go. This will help make the hike more interactive and fun for everyone.
Take Plenty of Breaks
Remember that hiking with small children can be tiring, so make sure to take plenty of breaks along the way. This will give everyone a chance to rest, hydrate, and take in the scenery. Plus, it's a great opportunity to snap some family photos!
KEEP>HAVING FUN
One more tip to add to the list is to go in with low expectations. It's important to remember that hiking with small children can be unpredictable and may not always go as planned. By going in with low expectations, you'll be less likely to feel disappointed if the day doesn't go as smoothly as you hoped. Instead, focus on enjoying the experience and being present in the moment with your family. Remember that the goal is to have fun and make memories, not to complete a specific trail or reach a certain destination. By keeping a positive attitude and embracing the adventure, you'll be able to make the most of your time on the trail.
In conclusion, hiking with small children can be a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors and create lasting family memories. With a little preparation and these hacks for SuperMoms, you can make your next hiking trip a fun and stress-free experience for everyone. Just remember to choose the right trail, pack plenty of snacks and water, bring a first aid kit, make it a game, take plenty of breaks, and KEEP>HAVING Fun. Happy hiking!
