Tips for Hiking With Kids

by Jessica Palmer

You know what? Life gets a bit boring when you’re indoors all the time. Now that restrictions have eased, this is a great opportunity to get outdoors and start exploring our beautiful National Parks on foot. Here are my tried and tested tips for hiking with young kids!

Allow Plenty of Extra Time

Hiking with kids means stopping for snacks, drinks and a rest more often. Kids walk a lot slower than adults, and due to the extra weight when carrying them, you will walk a little slower as well. They will also want to stop and look at every flower, mushroom, animal poop and stick they see.

Invest in a Good Carrier

Your carrier will make or break your hiking experience with kids. Sometimes they will hike KMs without complaint, and other times they will only manage 200 metres before declaring their legs are tired. My personal favourite carriers are the ErgoBaby, the Kathmandu Karinja carrier and the Piggy Back Rider.

Make it Fun and Feature Friendly

This is as easy as playing games and talking when you walk. See who can spot the next trail marker first or see who can spot the next animal poop. Did you know that wombat poop is cube-shaped? I know, it’s gross! But young kids seem to like tidbits of information that involve bodily functions.

Ensure the trail is not boring for them by choosing a trail that involves a swimming hole, waterfall, or rock-hopping across a river.

Hiking into the Overhang at Cania Gorge

Jessica Palmer

Let Them Have a go

Let them have a go when it’s safe to do so. Your kids will surprise you! When my eldest was four years old, he scrambled up quite a steep section on a hike in Tasmania. Letting him do this and achieve it really boosted his confidence.

Pack Lots of Snacks

Even if your kids have just eaten a three-course meal and you are only hiking for 40 minutes, pack snacks and drinks! Homemade bliss balls cleverly renamed as ‘‘power pellets’’ will give your kids super hiking powers when they are lagging.

Adjust Your Expectations

The reality of hiking with kids is that you won’t be able to hike for as far or long. Don’t be disheartened though! It’s surprising what can still be achieved and how many awesome destinations are out there. Aim for hikes that are packed full of features in a short distance.

Pack Light

You are carrying twice as much with a child. Twice as much food, drinks and most likely even your child at some point. Anything that is not necessary can stay at home. Your back will thank you later! Footwear You don’t wear uncomfortable shoes for hiking so don’t expect your kids to. Make sure they have a comfortable pair of sneakers and good quality socks.

Give Them a Camera

Young kids love being given the important job of taking photos! Try the Nikon Coolpix W150 or the Fujifilm Finepix XP140. A Go-Pro on a head strap is a lot of fun for kids too. They are all waterproof, shockproof and can be used by the whole family.

Rock hopping across a creek at Carnarvon Gorge

Jessica Palmer

Go on a Scavenger Hunt

Download the Geocaching App for your phone and go on a treasure hunt. More information on Geocaching can be found in an article I wrote for Lonely Planet. (Link can be found in the magazine version of this article).

Alternatively, create a checklist before you leave that kids can check off along the way. Take Proper breaks Take the time to actually sit down, rest your feet and have a proper rest. Kids have lots of energy, but their batteries still need recharging. Sitting on a fallen log and munching on treat biscuits can also be kind of fun!

Wildlife Spotting

Look for animals, tracks, burrows and insects etc. Talk about them! It’s a great opportunity to learn new facts. Many national park websites have a list of flora and fauna you can expect to see in the area.

Know When to Call it Quits

If the weather turns bad or the kids are just too tired, don’t feel bad about ditching the plans for something easier. This is supposed to be fun, remember!

Let Them Play With Sticks

They are great for walking, poking, sword fights and spiderwebs. For a lot of kids, it’s one of the few times they are allowed to wave a stick around without getting into too much trouble. Just make sure it’s not too pointy and lay down some ground rules!

Hiking with the Piggy Back Rider in Vietnam

Jessica Palmer