How to Encourage Kids to Hike

Hiking can be a fun outdoor activity for both adults and children. Not only do you get exercise, you get to experience the wonders of the great outdoors. Of course, when it comes to hiking with kids, the hike needs to be seen as fun, instead of a laborious chore. Nothing's worse than having an unhappy child along on a hike. This is especially true if the hike is long. There are some things you can do to ensure that everyone, including children, is having an enjoyable adventure on the trail.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Allow the children to study any maps you have of the hike. By getting them involved in the activity, they're more likely to find it fun, instead of a forced walk. Study how long the hike is, what you might see on the way and any other thing associated with the particular trail that might spark their interest.

Step 2

Choose a hike with your children's capabilities in mind. You don't want to force a 6 year old to hike a 5-mile trek. Make sure to take your children's age, size and physical abilities in mind, when choosing your hike. You don't want to have to end up carrying someone else to get back to the start.

Step 3

Get your children some hiking gear of their own, so they'll feel more connected to the activity. If they have their own items such as a backpack, water bottle, compass, camera and hiking stick, it will make the hike seem much more like a special adventure. Choose items that they'll be able to carry themselves and aren't too big or bulky. If purchasing hiking shoes for the kids, don't make the hike be the first wearing. As with any pair of new shoes, make sure they're comfortable and worn, before you head out on the trail.

Step 4

Bring one of your children's friends along with you. Then your child will have someone other than you, to share the adventure with. Together, they'll be able to experience the new adventures, making the hike that much more fun.

Step 5

Stop along the hike and enjoy the scenery. You can miss so much in the woods by not pausing to take a look around. This will give the children not only a moment to rest, but to explore the wildlife, plants and terrain they're hiking through. You can even stop and have a bite to eat. If you make the hike seem like fun and help with the exploring, the kids will most likely have a better time.

Article Written By Joyce Starr

Joyce Starr is a professional writer from Florida and owns a landscaping company and garden center. She has published articles about camping in Florida, lawn care and gardening and writes for a local gardening newsletter. She shares her love and knowledge of the outdoors and nature through her writing.

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