How Everyone Can Enjoy Family Hiking Trips

Hiking with Kids

Hiking with kids is one of the most rewarding experiences—you get to watch them discover nature, build confidence, and develop a love for the outdoors. But let’s be honest, it can also test your patience. Kids don’t always move at an adult’s pace. They stop to inspect every rock, get tired halfway through, or just decide that they really need to strip off all their clothes and jump in the creek - and before you know it, you’re waist deep in water, having had no time to take off even your boots, trying to wrangle a slippery six-year old back to dry land… Or is that just us? If you’ve ever found yourself fighting frustration while hiking with little ones, you’re not alone. Here’s how to embrace a slower pace and actually enjoy the journey.

1. Adjust Your Mindset

The first step? Shift your expectations. When solo hiking, often our goal is how much distance we can cover, or how fast we can complete the trail. A hike with kids is not about speed or distance—it’s about the experience. If you go into it thinking, This is going to take longer than I’d normally hike, and that’s okay, you’ll find it easier to stay patient. Let go of the idea of “getting to the end” and focus on enjoying the trail as it unfolds.

2. Plan for Extra Time

Whatever the estimated time for a hike, add at least 50% more when hiking with kids. A 2-hour hike? Plan for 3. This removes the pressure to rush and lets you fully enjoy the moments of exploration and discovery.

3. Let Them Take the Lead

Kids love feeling in control, and letting them set the pace makes the hike more enjoyable for everyone. If they want to stop and look at a bug, let them. If they feel like running ahead, give them that freedom (within safe limits). When they feel in charge, they’re less likely to resist the hike.

4. Turn the Hike Into an Adventure

Instead of focusing on “getting to the destination,” make the journey itself exciting. Try these ideas:

• Scavenger Hunt: Give them a list of things to find (a feather, a yellow flower, a heart-shaped rock).
• Storytelling: Make up a story as you walk, using things you see along the way as inspiration.
• Trail Challenges: “Can you hop to that tree?” or “Let’s see who can find the coolest stick!”

5. Take Breaks (and Make Them Fun!)

Frequent breaks aren’t just necessary for little legs—they’re also a great opportunity to reset the mood. Find a cool rock to sit on, have a snack picnic, or let kids splash in a creek. Instead of seeing breaks as delays, think of them as part of the adventure.

6. Pack Plenty of Snacks and Water

A hungry, thirsty kid is a cranky kid. Make sure you have a variety of snacks and plenty of water. Bonus tip: Use snack breaks as motivation—“Let’s hike to that big tree, then we’ll have a snack break!”

7. Be Flexible with Your Route

Sometimes, the best decision is to turn back early. If the trail is too challenging or your child is just not feeling it, it’s okay to call it a day. A positive hiking experience is more important than pushing through to the end. Knowing your child’s limits on how far they can hike goes a long way in planning which hiking trails to take!

8. Keep a Positive Attitude

Kids feed off your energy. If you’re frustrated, they’ll pick up on it. Instead of focusing on the slow pace, remind yourself why you’re there—to spend time together, enjoy nature, and create memories. Celebrate the little wins—“Wow, you climbed that rock all by yourself!”—and keep the mood light.

9. Use a Carrier for Young Kids

If you have a toddler who wants to walk but tires easily, a child carrier can be a lifesaver. Let them hike as much as they want, then carry them when they need a break. This helps avoid complete meltdowns mid-trail.

10. End on a High Note

If possible, finish the hike before full exhaustion kicks in. Ending on a good note makes it more likely that your child will be excited for the next hike. Offer lots of praise—“You did an amazing job today!”—and maybe even a fun treat at the end.

Final Thoughts

Hiking at a child’s pace requires patience, but it also opens up a whole new way to experience the trail. Slowing down lets you notice the little things, appreciate the wonder in your child’s eyes, and truly enjoy the adventure together. After all, hiking isn’t just about reaching the destination—it’s about the moments along the way.