When we first became parents, there was a bit of a worry that this new role was going to prevent us from continuing our passion for getting outside, especially hiking. Luckily, we’ve found that even though it has changed, it’s also still very doable for us to do, even now as a family of four… even with an infant and a toddler, and now with two toddlers. Luckily, we’re going through the bumps in the road for you guys, so we can pass this info on to you!
One thing we’ve learn is that each year of toddlerhood looks very different than hiking with an infant. And just like not every baby is the same, not every toddler is the same. Some will want to be out of a carrier sooner than others, some can or will hike further than others, some will want to dig in the dirt more than others, etc. So, I have a lot of different tips to hopefully help make your experience hiking with your toddler as easy and enjoyable as possible.
Our Tips for Hiking with a Toddler
Have the Right Equipment
It’s impossible to have the best hiking day possible without having the right gear. This is true even without kids, but it feels like it becomes even more important as you have kids along for the ride! For me, this starts with how you’re planning on hiking with your little: are they walking or riding?
Up until our daughter was about 2 and a half and we still had her riding along for 80% of the hikes we do. Liam is now two and he’s still in his carrier the vast majority of the time as well.
For this, we have our Dueter Kid Comfort. This is the carrier that works best for us (read our review on it here) but we know that not everyone is the same. So, if you’re unsure of what would feel best, find an REI, or local outdoor store, near you, load it with some weights and carry it around the store. If your kiddo is hiking on their own, be sure you have shoes that will keep their toes safe and give them support. Charleigh has these hiking boots that are absolutely wonderful because she is now hiking up to 7-mile-hikes with me only carrying her or piggy backing for at-most 3/4 of a mile of that.
Snacks Are A Must
Obviously, snacks are very important for anyone hiking, but even if you’re the one putting in the work for your kids to have the views, they still need snacks too! Just make sure that you think ahead with snacks and drinks that are easy to consume for them and easy for you to carry.
Snacks we love to bring on hikes: Fruit pouches, yogurt pouches, peanut butter crackers, pb&js, raisins, beef jerky tender bites, dehydrated fruit strips and fruit!
Bring Plenty to Drink
I always try to bring these little cups because they close and are super easy for them to drink from. I like to fill them with ice water, that way it stays cool through the hikes and they’re easy to refill from our water bottles. I will also bring a gatorade or juice box that I can pour into their cup as well. Just be sure to bring enough water for all the members of your hiking party.
Keep Your Kiddos Safe from the Sun
I try to keep sun hats or ball caps on them, but they don’t always stay on their little heads, so I’m always sure to put sunscreen on them. My go-to is to use this sunscreen stick because it’s so much easier to apply to their wiggling little bodies. The hat I’ve had the most success with is a Junior Ranger hat because it makes them feel like little park rangers.
Let Your Toddler Go At Their Own Pace
It’s easy to think you’re going to hike at the same pace that you would or did without kids, but your toddlers are their own people, they have their own interests and those things are going to catch their attention. If you want them to truly love getting outside with you, lean into that. Embrace it. We’re working more and more on this to ensure that when we say we’re going hiking, they’re excited to come with us.
Realistic Note – this is going to be hard. It’s hard to go at the pace of toddlers as they can be very easily distracted and you’ll take a lot more breaks than you normally would. This can be hard. Be patient with your toddlers, but also be patient with yourself if you rush your kids through a hike. Sometimes you’re simply going to lose your patience.
Come to Terms with the Fact that They Will Get Dirty
If Charleigh doesn’t at least have super dirty hands by the end of a trail, she has not had fun. Her favorite things to do are pick up sticks, mess in the dirt and “cook” at overlooks. She gathers a pile of whatever is nearby: leaves, pine needles, rocks, etc and stirs them with a stick – it’s pretty freaking cute. But it is messy. If you don’t want that in your vehicle, I’d recommend having an extra change of clothes back in your car at the trailhead.
Choose Hikes that Feel Realistic to Do with Your Toddler
This is something I learned the hard way. I may not be able to do these crazy 5-7 mile strenuous hikes with a 2-year-old or 3-year-old who has their own personality and their own interests. This becomes especially more important once they’re at the point that they are walking. You have to be much more mindful of the hazards of trails like stream crossings, steep inclines and drop offs. That said, depending on how much your kid hikes, you might be surprised at what your kid is capable of. Charleigh is on trails all the time so when we were in Moab she tackled Devils Garden, Corona Arch, and Delicate Arch trails on foot.
Don’t Do a Hike You’re Not Prepared to Carry Your Kid Back Out Of
The number of times that Charleigh has been going strong on-foot only to poop out near the end of the trail and need to be carried the whole way back are innumerable, especially before the age of 3.5. So, I learned very, very quickly that I can’t take on trails that I can’t carry her out of. Liam is starting to be on foot a lot more this hiking season and I’m expecting to have to carry him out a lot. One of us will still hike with a Deuter this season, for sure.
Come Up with Some Nature “Activities” for the Hike
Ask questions about what you’re seeing. Make or buy a scavenger hunt. Let them touch things: trees, pinecones, rocks, etc. Sniff flowers, point out birds. Ask them to mimic noises they hear in the wild. All of these things will deepen the connection with nature, help them pass the time, and enjoy their time in nature. It’s all part of the joy of raising my children wild!
Don’t Underestimate Your Kids
Only you know your kids. Are they good at listening to instructions? Will they hold your hand if you tell them to? Do they have trail experience? Do they have good balance? If the answer is yes to all of these things, they might be more capable of bigger, longer hikes. Charleigh was ready for some really big hikes in Moab at the age of 3.5. Liam is more free-spirited and doesn’t always like to hold my hand when I tell him to (he’s currently 2) so we will see if he’s ready for as big of hikes at that age or not. Like I said, only you know your kids, but letting them take the lead might mean that they surprise you.
Of Course, As Always, Pack The Necessities
Diapers, extra panties, wipes, bags to store dirty things, an extra outfit… The things you’d have in your diaper bag for toilet situations and snack situations are just as important on trails. Just be sure to have plenty of bags to pack out any trash your kiddos create along the trail – never leave your trash on the trail.
Don’t Forget About Yourself
Be sure to take care of yourself. Don’t forget that you’re also taking this hike. Bring all the supplies you need for a hike too. Plenty of water, snacks and proper footwear/clothing. You can’t help your kids if you’re not taking care of yourself.
I am firm believer that your traveling experiences, your adventures and your hiking days don’t have to be over when you have kids. Whether they’re infants, toddlers or even older kids. We have had to make sacrifices in the type of trail we take on or the number of miles we tackle, but we’re certainly not sacrificing the amount of time we’re spending outdoors. Here’s to giving our children the gift of empowerment, education, experience and a nature connection.
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