If you're wondering what parents can do with their kids outdoors, hiking ranks near the top.
It's cheap. It builds confidence. And it gets everyone off the couch. But most parents don't realise one thing before they start hiking with kids…
Heading into the woods unprepared ruins an otherwise fun outing fast.
The solution? A little planning goes a long way — and with proper gear and forethought, family hikes are among the most rewarding outdoor activities around.
Here's what's inside:
Why Family Hiking Is Booming Right Now
How To Pick The Right Trail For Your Family
What To Pack (& What To Leave Behind)
The Right Gear Can Make Or Break Your Trip
Essential Safety Tips For Hiking With Kids
Why Family Hiking Is Booming Right Now
Truth: Hiking is popular right now.
About 63 million Americans went hiking last year, beating out every other outdoor activity tracked by the Outdoor Industry Association. Household participation among families with kids? Hit a 66% participation rate last year — the highest rate on record.
More families are spending time outdoors than ever before.
It only makes sense. With hiking, you don't need a membership, pricey facility, or bulky equipment. All you need is fresh air, good views, and your family.
Boom.
How To Pick The Right Trail For Your Family
This step is overlooked by nearly every family who hikes for the first time.
And it'll ruin your day.
Choosing the wrong trail — one that's too long, too difficult, or too exposed — is the easiest way to end up with irritated kids and stressed parents. Instead, ask yourself these questions before booking your trail:
How old are your kids? Your toddlers should max out around 1-2 miles. But school-aged children can handle 3-5 miles depending on elevation and terrain.
How much elevation gain? Beginners should look for trails with less than 500 feet of elevation gain.
Are there shady areas and water sources? Trails that are exposed and lack water will drain everyone's energy faster — especially younger kids.
Is the trail heavily trafficked and well-marked? 65% of hikers prefer trails that are clearly marked and maintained, and when it comes to hiking with kids, this category is non-negotiable.
Want to make this research easy? Download the AllTrails app. Filter by "kid-friendly" trails and read through the reviews before you decide. Parent-to-parent trail reviews are the most useful.
What To Pack (& What To Leave Behind)
Got heavy packs? Don't.
They're a problem on family hikes. They slow the group down and morale plummets by mile 2. Instead, keep it simple. Here's what matters:
Water. You'll need more than you think. Bring at least a half litre per person per hour you plan to hike.
Snacks. String cheese, fruit, trail mix, granola bars. Kids eat small snacks all day — a hike isn't different. Keep energy levels consistent by feeding frequently.
First aid kit. Band-aids, blister pads, antiseptic wipes. Bring a small kit that covers the basics.
Sunscreen and insect repellent. Apply before leaving the parking lot.
Lightweight rain shell. Carry one packable layer that blocks wind and water. You can often find these at trailheads for cheap.
Fully charged phone. Download the trail map before leaving home so you can access it offline.
All other suggestions — big books, bulky toys, etc — will only weigh down the bag and create opportunities for kids to complain.
The Right Gear Can Make Or Break Your Trip
This might be the area where most parents cut corners.
They show up to hikes in sandals, sneakers, and cotton t-shirts. Then they wonder why everyone hates hiking.
The biggest gear-related investment to make for family hiking is proper athletic apparel and footwear. Here's what everyone in the group needs:
Proper shoes — Trail runners or hiking boots with ankle support and grip. Flip flops, slides, and flat sneakers have no place on a hike.
Athletic apparel — Workout gear that wicks moisture and dries quickly. Cotton retains sweat and causes painful chafing. Avoid at all costs.
Layering pieces — Everyone should have at least a base layer shirt, mid layer hoodie, and packable rain and wind shell.
Kids-sized packs — Invest in kids' hiking packs that are properly fitted. Little ones love having their own pack to carry water and snacks.
You know where to find all this? The expert staff at the sporting goods store in Concord, NC can help find the right shoes, moisture-wicking apparel, and properly fitted gear for every member of the family — including infants and toddlers who are the hardest to fit.
Don't blow this step. The right gear can be the difference between a 5-mile hike that feels too easy and a 2-mile trek that feels like a slog.
Safety Tips Every Parent Should Know
Parents have one job on family hikes — safety.
Luckily, hiking is one of the safest outdoor activities with predictable dangers. Once you know what to look out for, hiking is as safe as it comes. Seriously. Keep these tips in mind:
Stick to the trail. Virtually all hiking injuries occur outside of designated trails.
Hike down carefully. This tip is repeated for a reason — 75% of fall-related hiking injuries occur on the way down. Take your time and use hiking poles if you have them.
Set a turnaround time. Before you start hiking, decide what time everyone turns around — not when everyone is tired — regardless of distance hiked.
Tell someone your plan. Let a family member or friend know where you're hiking, which trail you'll take, and when you plan to return.
Keep little ones in your sight. Trails become narrow, switchbacks obstruct views, and kids run. Move slower than you think you need to.
Check the weather. Mountain and forest climates can change dramatically in under an hour. Check the forecast regularly throughout the day.
Talk isn't enough, right? Here's a simple hiking checklist that covers all the above.
The Final Word
With kids, hiking trips don't need to be extravagant.
Nor do they need expert experience. They do, however, require planning, the right apparel, and carefully selected trails that match your group's ability level. Meet those criteria and you'll have kids begging to go hiking before you've even taken your boots off.
Need a quick refresher? Here's what you learned:
Choose your family hiking trail wisely. Consider young age ranges and ease of trail.
Keep packs light. Everyone walks faster. Everyone has more fun.
Invest in quality athletic apparel and footwear.
Hike down carefully and set a group turnaround time before starting.
Hiking families that plan accordingly are the families telling stories about their favourite parts of the trail on the car ride home, not counting minutes until they get back.
Cheers to hikes like that.
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