Hiking With Kids

With some preparation, hiking with kids can be easy and fun. Here are a few ideas to make that happen:​

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• Let them have some control. Allow your kids to make some decisions along the way, such as which trail to take or where to stop and eat lunch. This not only teaches early leadership skills, it allows them to have a lot of fun.

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• Be flexible: Remember, you are out there to have fun with your kids, not to train them for the military. If they want to hang around an area, or a trail is too hard for them, don't shy away from changing the plan.

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• Set the rules before you go: Decide on a meeting place, and lay down some ground rules. Every kid is different, and the rules might be different in one family or another, but it is important to have them.

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• A Whistle: It's a good idea to have your kids carry a whistle when out in the woods. They can use it if they get lost or "can't find Mom or Dad." Remind them to stay put if they need to use the whistle, because it will be easier to find them. The sound of a whistle travels much farther then yelling, and whistles are generally inexpensive and worth having.