Hiking with kids can mean chaos, tears (from both you and them), complaining, and very little actual enjoyment. But it does not have to be that way. Family hikes can also be incredibly enjoyable, rewarding, funny, and a great bonding experience. The difference often comes down to one thing: preparation.
After many trial-and-error hikes with my own kids, I’ve put together my top 15 practical hacks that make hiking with kids easier, more fun, and a lot more successful.
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Gear & Packing Hacks
1. Protect your Snacks: Use a hard case, such as a Tupperware, a pencil case, or I love these hard zipper cases because they fit nicely in a hiking backpack. This helps make sure your snacks, like crackers, granola bars, and fruit, don’t get smashed. As all moms know, good snacks prevent grumpiness!
2. Freeze water bottles: Place a couple of water bottles in the freezer the night before. Frozen bottles double as ice packs and keep water cooler longer, helping prevent overheated kids. I keep 2-4 water bottles in my freezer at all times for those spur-of-the-moment outings.
3. Have a DIY Kid-Friendly First Aid Kit: I have created a first-aid kit must-have list here to help ensure you don’t miss anything. Keep this in your hiking bag to make sure you are never without it.
4. Pack a small blanket or tarp: Have a small blanket or tarp like this one always in your hiking bag. When hiking with kids, you will always want to stop for an impromptu picnic or play time in the dirt. Having a blanket with you will give you an area to relax on. It will also serve the purpose of extra warmth if you are hiking in colder weather and need an extra layer.
5. Let your kids have their own backpack: Kids love having their own backpack when hiking. My kids love packing their own snacks and water bottles. Plus, you know they will be picking things up along the way, with their own pack, they get to carry it, not you. For a guide on the best hiking backpacks for kids, check out this post.
Comfort & Safety Hacks
6. Apply Sunscreen and Bug Spray Before Leaving the House: Get sunscreen and bug spray done at home so you can start hiking right away at the trailhead. This avoids parking-lot chaos and keeps kids moving.
7. Attach a Whistle to Every Child’s Backpack or Shirt: Teach your kids the “Three blast rule.” Only use the whistle in times of need, and blow it loud and strong three consecutive times. Hiking with kids is a great opportunity for teaching kids life skills. Having their own whistle is not only a safety measure, but teaching them proper trail etiquette and to only use the whistle when needed teaches them responsibility and how to withstand temptation.
8. Mark Kid’s Clothes with Your Phone Number: With a small label or fabric marker, put your name and phone number in your child’s clothing for peace of mind.
9. Pack These 10 Essential Items: Water, Snacks, Sun protection, Lightweight Jackets, Mini First-aid Kit, Navigation App that works offline, Flashlight. For a more comprehensive hiking packing list read this post.
How to Make Hiking with Kids Fun & Engaging
10. Turn the Hike into a Game: Create a scavenger hunt or list for the kids to spot different items along the hike. Take turns being the “Navigator” of the hike by having each child be the leader of the hike. Another game we love to play while hiking is taking turns making up stories about things we see on the hike. We all take turns adding onto the story, kids love it!
11. Give Each Child a Job: Have each child be responsible for something on the hike, such as being the photographer, reading the map, distributing snacks, spotting wildlife, etc.
12. Use the 10-Minute Rule: Hike for 10 minutes, then take a quick break. Let each child choose the activity—snacks, rock climbing, water break, dirt play, or simply resting.
13. Bring Surprise Trail Treats: Bring a small surprise on each hike, such as a candy to suck on while hiking, a sticker (bonus if it is hiking related), or a special “trail token” they earn at milestones. This can be a fun thing they add onto each hike you do, such as adding a sticker to their water bottle that represents each hike.
Practical Trail Hacks
14. Use Trekking Poles or Hiking Sticks: If you are in a place that allows, have your kids find their own sticks to help them hike “better.” If not, there are great options for trekking poles, such as these. Kids feel confident and “official” when using them.
15. Save Battery with Airplane Mode & Online Maps: Oftentimes, hiking is done in an area with spotty service. Make sure your battery doesn’t die in case of an emergency by putting devices in airplane mode. It is also a good idea to have a backup charger in your hiking bag just in case.
Bonus Hack: Let your kids get dirty, collect rocks, build with sticks, and explore whatever captures their imagination. These moments are what they’ll remember most. It doesn’t matter how far you hike or whether you reach your planned destination—what matters is spending time together outdoors.
Hiking with kids becomes easier over time, especially as they grow more familiar with the trail experience. They may complain or resist, but keep going. The more you hike, the more enjoyable it becomes for everyone.
I’d love to hear your favorite family hiking hacks. Share them in the comments below.