Hiking is one of the best ways for families to stay active together and make new memories. But hiking with kids isn’t exactly a “walk in the park”, and sometimes it can feel more like a full-scale expedition!
With a little preparation, however, you can turn every outdoor outing into an incredible adventure. You don’t need to be an expert rambler or trailblazer either, so long as you’ve got the right mindset and the willingness to try, you’re already well on your way.
In this blog, we’ll share 6 tips for hiking with kids, including what to pack, wear, when to go, and how to make hiking fun and safe for the whole family. Plus, we’ll highlight how our kids’ camps are the perfect time to go hiking during the half-term and summer holidays!
6 Tips for hiking with kids
No matter their age, taking children into the great outdoors is such a rewarding experience. Therefore, it’s important to set expectations and plan ahead to keep things smooth and as enjoyable as possible. Here are our top 6 tips for a successful family hike.
1. Choose family-friendly trails
When it comes to hiking with kids, picking the right trail can make all the difference! For new parents with toddlers (or babies), consider local, shorter hiking trails closer to home. This could be a nearby park, woodland, or countryside route with wide paths, clear signage, and minimal elevation gain.
Beginning with local hikes also means you can easily head home if your kids’ energy levels dip. Overall, this helps to build your child’s confidence, maintain morale, and set a positive tone for all future hikes. For older children and teens, you can gradually explore longer or slightly more challenging routes, perhaps incorporating minor inclines or varied terrain to further develop their endurance and navigation skills.
Bonus tip: Look for family-friendly trails that include points of interest like streams, bridges or open fields to keep young hikers engaged and make the experience feel like an adventure, rather than just a long walk.
2. Dress appropriately
Come rain, snow, or shine, the UK weather is notoriously unpredictable, making dressing appropriately key for an enjoyable hike with the kids. Let’s start with layers. These are a must for adjusting to temperature changes throughout the day, so be sure to wear a breathable base layer, a fleece for warmth, and finish with a waterproof coat or jacket.
Next is study, comfortable footwear. While trainers are fine for flat, dry paths, any elevation or mud requires boots with decent ankle support and lugged soles for grip — no one likes walking in soggy socks and shoes! Don’t forget a hat for spring/summer and a beanie and gloves for the winter.
Bonus tip: Always pack a spare change of clothes, including socks, t-shirts, and trousers. Muddy puddles and unexpected rain showers can “dampen” the fun quickly, but having a fresh set of clothes on hand means less fuss and more smiles.
3. Pack the right gear and supplies
Parents often wonder what to pack for hiking with children, but there’s no need to splurge on specialised equipment. A small backpack with items like a basic first-aid kit, wet wipes, hand sanitiser, and a map, or a fully charged phone, is a great starting point. Depending on the length of your walk, you might also include a lightweight blanket or even a carrier for younger children who may tire along the way.
Other essentials include suncream, insect repellent, and a reusable bag for any litter. Having the right supplies means you’re ready for unexpected situations, whether it’s a scraped knee, fatigue, or a sudden change in weather. It also gives you added peace of mind knowing you have everything you need for your little trekkers. At our adventure holiday camps, we teach children the importance of packing smart and being prepared — skills that build independence and self-reliance!
Bonus tip: Don’t forget food and drink! Bringing plenty of water and small, energy-boosting snacks like fruit, nuts, or granola bars is crucial for preventing mid-hike meltdowns and keeps kids fuelled up for the trail ahead.
4. Hike early in the day
“The early bird catches the worm”, as the saying goes, and it also applies to hiking. Mornings bring cooler temperatures and a sense of freshness that helps everyone start the day right. Kids are usually more energetic earlier in the day, which means more enthusiasm for exploring and play.
It also gives you plenty of time to park up, beat the crowds, and complete your walk at a relaxed pace, without feeling rushed. Plus, early morning hikes provide you with lovely, quieter moments, like the chance to spot wildlife (deer, rabbits, or birds), as well as enjoy more peaceful, serene views before the trails get busy.
Bonus tip: Finishing your morning hike by the early afternoon leaves you with plenty of time for a “debrief” over an ice cream or a pub lunch, and it guarantees you aren’t rushing to get back before dark.
5. Take plenty of breaks
The journey matters just as much as the destination. That’s why taking regular breaks is vital for children and adults alike to rest, recharge, and stay motivated throughout the hike. They don’t have to be long, just a few minutes to sit down, have a drink, a bite to eat, or even to explore something interesting nearby. If a child says they are tired, let them recharge their batteries for another mile.
What’s more, frequent breaks help prevent fatigue, reduce the likelihood of tantrums, and allow families to take in their surroundings or simply listen to the sounds of nature. They also give children a sense of control and involvement, as they’re not being pushed too hard or overtired by the end of the day. This is a great opportunity for impromptu games or learning about all the plants and animals they spot.
Bonus tip: Use break times wisely to check for hotspots, adjust layers, or freshen up. Even small tweaks like tightening laces or putting on a jacket can make a big difference in comfort and prevent discomfort from turning into frustration.
6. Make it fun and engaging!
The whole point of a hike is to have fun in the beauty and wonder of nature! Instead of just walking from A to B, turn it into a game and let their imagination run wild. Games like “I spy,” scavenger hunts, or “bingo” help keep boredom at bay. Technology can be a great ally here too. Use an app like Geocaching (via a smartphone or GPS device) to find hidden “caches” in the woods.
Or, set mini challenges such as reaching the next landmark or spotting certain wildlife (e.g., a deer or squirrel). Once they’ve found everything, they’ll come away with a real sense of achievement. Finally, every so often, let your kids take the lead in choosing the path or setting the pace to fuel their curiosity and make the hike feel even more exciting.
Bonus tip: Encourage children to create little stories about the animals or trees they spot, or to draw interesting sights along the trail. Singing songs or making up rhymes as you walk also keeps spirits high and makes even longer stretches feel like part of the adventure.
Go on an outdoor adventure with PGL!
We hope these tips on hiking with kids have been helpful! If your child is looking to learn new skills and spend more time outdoors, then check out our May half-term camps!
Designed for 8 to 16-year-olds, Kids Camps offer exciting outdoor adventures, thrilling multi-activities, and opportunities to make new friends while exploring nature safely and confidently.
We have activity centres across the UK, so you can be sure there’s a school holiday camp near you. Take a look at some of our fantastic locations below:
North Yorkshire, Newby Wiske Hall
Book now, or get in touch with our friendly and experienced team today!
