8 tips for hiking with kids

is crucial. Make sure you have enough. Experts recommend about a liter per person per hour. When your water is half gone, it’s time to head back.

the necessities. In addition to water, make sure you have sunscreen, a hat, close-toed shoes with good tread, sunglasses and snacks.

it fun. Unless it’s fun, kids can get bored or feel like they’re on a forced march. Choose a scenic trail and go on a scavenger hunt for certain plants, animals or funny-shaped rocks. Bring binoculars or a compass, even a kite to fly at the summit, to make it more interesting. Take pictures they’ll remember.

out easy. Experts said there’s really no minimum age for hiking if you follow common sense. When kids are young (under 5), start with short nature trails with little or no incline.

them grow into hiking. When they’re school age, let kids carry small things like snacks in little backpacks. When they’re more experienced, you can take them on longer hikes or trails that are more challenging than flat nature loops.

trails with a payoff. Kids need to feel like they’re getting to something: a great view, a pond, boulders to climb on, etc. Sunsets can be the payoff, too.

out of the extreme heat. From late May through September, don’t hike during the heat of day. It’s just too easy to get dehydrated during the summer months. Instead, try a sunset hike, a guided night hike or a very early morning hike.

kids on the trail. Don’t let young kids run off the hiking trail or get too far ahead of the group. An experienced hiker needs to be in front, watching for snakes or other dangers.