Summer is here and the feeling of needing to get out of the house is stronger than ever after the year we’ve all had. But what’s there to do that doesn’t involve a ton of other people around? That’s where the great outdoors come in.
I’m one of the biggest believers in getting kids outside. I strongly believe it is very important for their mental and physical development. The outdoors is our family’s happy place. The last few months have been hard on us with various closures, but things are finally starting to open up again, even with limitations.
So, what do you do outside when playgrounds are closed, beaches are limited access, and zoos and aquariums are struggling to stay open?
How about a hike?
Here are 8 tips you need to know about hiking with your kids.
- Look before you go.
In the time of COVID, some parks are open only if you have a reservation. Some parks are closed indefinitely. Some trails are closed for maintenance. Some are only partially open. Do some research before you go so you can avoid any problems that may come up.
- Keep your distance.
Social distancing isn’t only for people. It’s for other things too, like bears and poison ivy. Or, if you live in the desert like I do, you may see rattlesnakes and scorpion weed. Learn the signs of bears, or other dangerous animals, that may be in the area to be safe. Just because a trail is well-traveled doesn’t mean the animals won’t come by.
- Think of safety.
Take a basic first-aid kit with you. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but just a few essentials to get you by just in case. You might also want a small pocket knife or an emergency blanket depending on nighttime temperatures. I know you’re not planning on sleeping overnight out in the wilderness, but these things happen. The little weight of carrying them with you is very much worth it, especially in the time of an emergency. And don’t forget the sunscreen!
- Always bring extra water.
It’s better to have extra water than not enough. Hydration is very important. It’s very easy to get distracted between keeping an eye on your kids and actually trying to enjoy the hike yourself, that you won’t realize how much you’re sweating or if you are thirsty. Also, avoid dehydrating drinks like coffee or energy drinks while on your hike.
- Will the kids actually hike?
Is your child walking yet? Will you have to carry them on most of the hike? If so, you’re not going to carry them hiking the same way you do around the house. When we first started taking our son hiking, he was a baby. My husband would carry him in our Osprey Poco. Yes, it’s expensive, but as often as we used it, it paid for itself many times over. It was my second favorite piece of outdoor gear I’ve ever purchased! We can’t recommend it enough. Now that our son is four, he’s too big for it, but he can easily hike over three miles of our favorite five-mile trail himself, and it takes a lot longer than when we used to carry him. There are many stops to check out various critters (from a distance), fallen trees, or whatever catches his interest, so plan for extra time.
- Stop at the trailhead.
At the trailhead, there might be some posted information about your hike. This might include trail difficulty, new hazards that have popped up like a large fallen tree you will have to get around, or recent wildlife sightings to be on the lookout for. You might even see a book there filled with people’s names and information. This is a trail register and it is a safety precaution. It helps the authorities if there happens to be an emergency. It will tell them where you are, where you are going, and how many people are in your group. Some of these trail registers will ask for personal details like your address. You don’t have to give any information out that you aren’t comfortable with. Also, you might want to consider using your first initial only instead of your whole first name if that makes you feel more comfortable. Don’t forget to sign out when you are done.
- The Park Ranger is your friend.
If there’s a ranger station in the area you plan on hiking, stop in for a visit! Most ranger stations have tons of info about the area, what animals to look out for, maps of trails, and maybe even some free Smokey the Bear goodies for your littles! Talk to the ranger. They likely know their way around this area better than they know the way around their own house. Bonus tip: if there’s a restroom in the ranger station, use it. This may be the last “real” restroom you see for a while.
- Pack it in, pack it out.
It’s the #1 rule of true outdoor lovers. And if you feel like doing a good deed, and being a great example to your children, you can even clean up the litter you see along the trail.
Happy hiking!
Follow along with Claire and all her motherhood adventures on Instagram @fromcoffeetocarrots.
