I did a post with a couple tips on hiking with young children a little while back. It was more on keeping your kids comfortable then entertaining them so I thought I would do a new one with some tips and tricks on hiking with children!
I am not above tricking my children into forgetting how many miles they have been walking!
I want them to enjoy their time outside not dread it!
Here is a list of ways I “trick” my children into enjoying long walks/hikes:
1. Play I spy! This has been a game changer for me. The boys love playing it! We play it in stores, on walks, and on hikes.
It is easy also! Just find something odd say it out loud and see who finds it first! Then it is their turn to do the same.
2. Give them a map.
For some reason kids just really like to look at maps! If you have a GPS device that is even better!
3. Give them a compass and teach them how to use it.
4. Bring along animal/plant identification charts
I really like the laminated ones I found at a nature center!
I recently found these also though and really want to get them!
5. Have a special treat waiting at the car/house, or if you are walking try to walk to a place you can buy something for them. I love actually going somewhere when walking instead of just going in a circle! We walk to the park, walmart, or a gas station often. The boys actually ask to go to them even though it is a five mile round trip!
You could also bring a special treat with you.
6. Do a nature scavenger hunt! I just did one while up visiting family in Minnesota and all the kids loved it!
We did the Nature Bingo I found here.
7. Tell stories.
I actually learned this from reading Little Woman! You start a story and then they have to continue it. It is so much fun and keeps their mind off the fact they are walking! It does take a little work to teach them how to do it if they have never done it before but it is worth it!
8. Lastly pick a fun location! One with lots of animals, fun bridges, or rocks to climb!
Also the Mary K. Oxley Nature Center and the RSU conservation Trail.
I hope this post helps make hiking more fun for you and your kids!
Great tips. Thanks for sharing.
Love this!!! I find that when my kids are scrambling over rocks (as opposed to straight hiking) they also do really well. Love the compass and the scavenger hunt too. Totally going to have to try some of these!
Thanks for stopping by! I hope they help! I have a passion for helping kids enjoy hiking.