Make Hiking Fun for the Entire Family

Hiking with a young family can be a challenging adventure. If you are taking kids who love to hike, the fun is part of the process. But one of the biggest complaints I hear from fellow campers/hikers is that the kids get bored, turning what should have been a fun day of adventure and exploration into a chore.

If the kids aren't enthusiastic about a traditional hike, there are ways to make the experience one they'll love. Try some of these ideas:

+Be sure everyone is wearing appropriate clothing and shoes. Nothing spoils a hike faster than the wrong shoes or uncomfortable clothes.

+Create a scavenger hunt from a nature guide book or website. Be sure you have the right information for your particular area. Include leaves, nuts, and insects (as long as they aren't dangerous).

+If the kids are squeamish, take a camera along for a 'picture hunt.'

+Take a tree, wildlife, or plant identification book along and see what you can identify.

+Tell stories while you hike - kids love to hear and make their own stories.

+Bring hydrating drinks and snacks - a bag of trail mix will keep little hikers energized.