Family hikes are a great way to introduce and help your children to love the outdoors. It is inexpensive, healthy activity and can be great family fun for you and the kids.
Important Tips on Family Hikes
Consider Your Hiking Distances – On family hikes you will want to walk at slower pace and for a much shorter distance. Start your children with easy walks and progress to more challenging hikes or even backpacking trips as they get older. Don’t push the kids too hard at first or they might not enjoy family hikes, but help them to appreciate their achievement in hiking further each year.
It is not the details – Children look at things on a smaller scale, it is not the grand scale of thing that is important. Slow down and enjoy nature.
Take Frequent Breaks – You will need to take more frequent breaks during your family hikes so walk for a half hour and take 15 minute break. During the break have a snack, stop and view a interesting plant, or do a little local exploring by climbing a rock.
For your picnic lunch be sure to bring lots of treats such as energy bars, chocolate, trail mix, fruit and something to drink. Ensure your children learn the importance of taking care of the planet and taking out all the garbage.
Teach Your Kids – Help your children them to identify plants, birds, animals and interesting landscape. Your kids will ask many questions so you might need to brush up on information yourself. You can make a game of it by bringing a nature guide and having the children identify the bird or plant. Some children may choose to start a leaf or rock collections but ensure they learn to respect nature and not pick all the protected flowers such as trilliums.
Trail Games – Help the children to love the outdoors. Keep things interesting by having them point out odd looking trees or rocks. Make up your own games like skipping rocks across lakes, climbing rocks or making little boats. Some kids like bring own toys, such as a favorite stuffed teddy bear but do not bring their favorites along because they might lose them.
Hike Safe – Watch out for fallen logs, slippery sections along the trail, when climbing over rocks, along the shores of riverbanks and lakes. On your family hike teach them not to taste the mushrooms and how to recognize poison ivy and other dangers. Give each child a whistle to blow in emergencies and tell them what to do if lost in woods.
Plan Your Hike – Taking insect repellent, a first aid kit and sunscreen are essential. Dress kids in bright colors so they can be easily seen and have them wear a sun hat. You can even give your kids a small backpack to carry light items to make them feel part of the experience.
Have fun on your family hike and help your children to love the outdoors as much as you do.
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