Why Hiking is Worth It & Is a Fun Family Activity
Few things bring more joy than a day of fun family hiking. It’s one of our favorite weekend activities — packing a simple lunch and heading to a local trail becomes more than just a walk; it’s a mini adventure filled with laughter, exploration, and connection. Hiking is a great way to combine outdoor time with quality bonding, and it’s an easy, low-cost way to create meaningful family fun.
Letting the kids choose the trail and lead the adventure adds to the excitement and builds independence. While hiking with young children can come with its fair share of chaos (like most parenting moments), it’s also incredibly rewarding. Watching your kids explore, get curious about nature, and grow in confidence creates some of the happiest memories.
Our goal is to help you embrace the wild and wonderful reality of hiking with kids and turn it into a fun family tradition that everyone looks forward to.
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1. Choose the Right Trail for Family Fun
Choosing the right trail is essential when hiking with young kids. Aim for trails that are:
- Short and mostly flat
- Filled with interesting features (streams, waterfalls, bridges)
- Safe and easy to navigate
Be sure to check elevation gain — anything over 1000 feet may be too strenuous for little legs. Use apps like AllTrails, Gaia GPS, or state park websites to find kid-friendly options with helpful reviews and photos.
Also, be mindful of the trail environment. Steep cliffs, rough terrain, or areas known for large wildlife can make you feel constantly on edge. Choose a trail where you feel relaxed and can let your kids explore safely.
2. Pack Smart for a Smooth, Fun Family Adventure
Bring the essentials: water, snacks, wipes, sunscreen, and a small first-aid kit. Check the weather beforehand and dress appropriately. Don’t overpack — especially if there’s a chance you’ll end up carrying your child or their backpack.
We usually let each kid carry a light backpack with their own water and snacks. One parent carries a more comprehensive pack with extras, so the other parent is free to carry the kids (or the kid’s backpack). Wearing the right shoes and clothing makes a big difference. For help with gear, check out our full guide: [Hiking Gear for the Whole Family].
Download our printable Hiking Gear Checklist to make prep easier!
3. Add Extra Family Fun to Your Hike
Let go of the destination-focused mindset. Hiking with kids is all about the journey:
- Stop and play in the dirt
- Let them collect rocks and sticks
- Explore freely
- Climb on Rocks
Make it a game: bring our free printable Nature Bingo, play “I Spy,” or gather nature items for crafts at home. Give them a notebook and colored pencils to create a nature journal.
Our kids’ favorite part? The snack or picnic break in the middle of the trail — plus time to draw in their journals.
4. Plan Around Kids’ Rhythms
Time your hike around naps and mealtimes. A tired or hungry toddler can turn a pleasant hike into a meltdown marathon.
Be flexible with goals. If you don’t reach the end of the trail, that’s okay! Focus on the experience. The more you go, the more your kids will enjoy hiking.
Hiking with toddlers involves frequent stops, carrying them at times, and managing lots of random treasures in your pack. As they grow older, involve them in planning. Let them choose the trail, lead the way, and learn about the local plants and wildlife.
One of our kids’ favorite things to do is find a trail, research what plants and animals will be there, and find them as we hike.
5. Capture the Fun Family Memories
Don’t forget to document your adventure! Snap plenty of photos — and make sure you’re in some of them too. These moments make great scrapbook memories, and it’s fun to look back as your kids grow and tackle new trails.
6. Keep Family Fun Safe and Easy
Always let someone know your hiking plans, even if it’s a nearby trail. Check the weather and avoid hiking during storms or when there’s a risk of flash flooding.
Teach kids basic hiking safety:
- No running
- Stay away from edges
- Respect wildlife
- Be courteous to other hikers
Make Hiking a Fun Family Experience
It won’t be perfect — and that’s okay. Focus on fun, curiosity, and connection. Over time, hiking will become something your kids love and look forward to.
Want to raise outdoors-loving kids? Check out our post on [Creating an Outdoors Child].
We’d love to hear about your family hikes! Share your stories in the comments or tag us on Instagram @adventure_ready_families.