I never have and never will claim to be a parenting expert. Honestly, I probably make more mistakes in parenting than many. But somehow, we got this one pretty right. Magically, we are raising some really great hikers. Our boys are currently 4 and 7 and they have been avid hikers for a couple years already. Our youngest was tackling 3 mile hikes when he was 3 years old. He is now up to 4 mile hikes at the age of almost 5. This may be just dumb luck but there are a few things that we have done that I believe helped make our kids realize that this was something they would enjoy.
Plan trips to stunning destinations
Our boys have hiked around Sedona, Moab, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Lake Powell, Telluride, and so many more beautiful places that I think it helps them keep going. They know that they can see amazing things on these hikes so it keeps them interested.
Start as you mean to continue
Don’t start the hike with the understanding that if the kiddo gets tired, they will be carried. If they understand that is just not an option, they wont go into the hike expecting this and everyone will survive.
Start with loop hikes or hikes with a definite destination that needs to be reached
- Don’t just set the expectation that you are going to just hike up this trail for a bit and then turn around when littles get tired.
- Get them excited to reach that end goal and then make a big deal about it when you do. Stay at the top of that mountain and enjoy the view! Or bask in the waterfall at the end of the trail.
Buy them their own hiking gear and teach them how to care for it
- We bought the boys their own mini Camelbacks to pack their own water for the trail. We have also invested in a set of trekking poles that they share.
- Set the expectation from the beginning that they are meant to carry their own gear on the trail and they might just surprise you.
- It also helps that SO many people along the trail compliment our boys on having their very own gear and how professional they look as they climb up mountains.
Focus on good conversations with your kiddos during the hike
This is such a great time to ask them questions about life and learn a little more about who they are becoming as human beings. Your kids will love the undivided attention they get from you on the trail.
Always take snacks
Its amazing how far this tip gets us sometimes. And its really great when they can take ownership of the snacks by packing it in their Camelback to carry on their own.
We recently took a 2 week trip around Southern Utah and the boys were still asking to go hiking up to the end.