Because life is a journey and we all need a friend.
“Their too young. . . it costs too much. . . we have no time!” Excuses that are holding you back from adventuring with your family. We’ve been there too but we now have at least 3 good reasons why you should dust off your hiking shoes:
Now, before you think that your kids are going to cheer you on in this endeavor, think again! Here are some responses we’ve had around the Hall household.
Here are the tips to prepare for any trail with any kid in any season!
3. Are you just now breaking your kids into hiking? Pick the trail well. It’s best to have a trail that has pit stops every couple of miles. In Nepal, there were tea spots so the kids could have a quick refreshment, bathroom break, and refill the water. Many trails in U.S. National Parks offer shorter trails that loop back to water refill stations. These are wise choices for beginning with kids.
4. Consider a guide!
But commentary aside, no-one really says “I wish I didn’t go hiking with my kids!” Unless . . .well, you lose one. Anyways, like that’s going to happen!
Back to the tips! After scaling the Annapurna’s with 8 small children, hiking the South Rim of Grand Canyon with 3 babies, and trekking more national parks than I can count, I will now call myself an expert (and tired). The final tip comes from these moments:
5. Be flexible! Especially in groups. Some may be ready to take on an extra day but others may be done. Be willing to change your plans so that the experience is enjoyed by all. Nature should be healing and challenging. There are moments to push and moments to back off. Be wise in choosing your time for each.
If your heading on a hike soon, you should check the best hotel prices here: Click
With these tips in mind, take on your first challenge and don’t forget to check out the latest apps to assist you on your next journey.
Best Hiking Apps by Atlas and Boots Bloggers
Comment here and tell us your favorite trails with kids and some of your good and bad moments on the trail with kids!
Great tips! Those tea spots & bathroom breaks sounds awesome!
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Jasmine, it is. It helps make a difficult climb rewarding. Thank you for stopping by.
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Ha Ha, this was hilarious because it was soooo accurate! We had the same responses at the same ages with our two kids! Now those two grumpy, reluctant hiking teens are off on their spring breaks rock climbing some of the toughest bouldering and top rope sites in the western half of the US! My point, hang in there nature loving parents. The kids are listening to you through the ear buds!
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Thank you!! Your kids give me hope. I love nature and want to pass that passion on. Thank you for the encouragement.
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This has become my favorite activity.
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Me too! Thanks for commenting.
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This is great! My most treasure memories were hiking with my father! love the suggestions.
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Thank you! My greatest childhood memories were also with my father tent camping. It reminds me how important it is to give kids the attention they need.
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I always pack my children’s backpack whenever we hike together. I make it as light as possible. So instead of plastic bottle I use roadeavour collapsible water bottle. It’s lighter and a space saver.
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Perfect tip!!
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I have not even considered the teenage years!! Thanks for shedding light on that aspect of parenting.
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