How to Keep Kids Engaged and Entertained on the Trail

How to Keep Kids Engaged and Entertained on the Trail

Hiking with kids can be an incredible way to bond as a family, get fresh air, and build confidence in little adventurers. But let’s be real—keeping them engaged on the trail can sometimes feel like herding cats. Whether you're dealing with a short attention span, complaints of boredom, or the ever-dreaded "Are we there yet?", having a few tricks up your sleeve can make all the difference. Here are our top tried-and-true ways to keep kids entertained and excited during your next hike.

1. Turn the Hike Into a Game

Kids love a good game, so why not bring that energy onto the trail? Try these fun options:

• Scavenger Hunt: Make a list of things to find—certain flowers, animal tracks, unique leaves, or even different colours in nature.
• I Spy: A classic game that encourages kids to observe their surroundings.
• Counting Animals: We ask them at the start what animals they’re hoping to see today, and we count the animals we see. 
• Geocaching: If you’ve never tried it, geocaching is like a real-world treasure hunt using GPS. Many trails have hidden caches waiting to be found!

2. Let Them Lead the Way

Kids love feeling in charge, and letting them lead (even if you have to guide from behind). It gives them a sense of adventure and autonomy. You can even give them a small map or compass to make it feel official. If you’re using GPS, show them the screen, and point out the route you’re taking. 

3. Create a Story Together

One of our favourite ways to keep kids engaged is storytelling. Take turns adding to a story as you walk, using what you see on the trail as inspiration. We once wrote a story about a lizard who tried to jump on our drone because she’d always dreamed of being a pilot, and had finally found an aircraft small enough for her to fly. You’d be surprised at how fun it can be and how quickly the stories get easier to create - and how imaginations soon run wild!

4. Take Snack Breaks (and Make Them Fun!)

Snacks are crucial for happy hikers! Instead of just stopping to eat, make snack time an event. Find a cool rock to sit on, have a “trail picnic,” or let kids make their own trail mix before the hike so they have something to look forward to. Kids often seem to have endless energy on hikes, but then crash really quickly. Taking regular small breaks can help maintain energy levels (not to mention happiness levels) for everyone.

5. Encourage Exploration

Let them climb a fallen log, skip rocks in a stream, or inspect an anthill up close (as long as it’s safe!). Teach them about what they’re looking at, or the area you’re hiking through. Giving kids time to explore makes the hike more enjoyable for them—and honestly, seeing nature through their eyes is pretty great too.

6. Bring Binoculars or a Magnifying Glass

A simple pair of binoculars or a magnifying glass can turn an ordinary walk into an adventure. It's amazing how fast moods can lift when they hear a "Oh wow! Look at this!" Kids love getting a closer look at birds, insects, and interesting plants along the way. 

7. Sing Songs or Tell Jokes

Singing silly songs or telling jokes keeps spirits high. You can even make up your own “hiking song” or have a joke contest along the way.

8. Let Them Earn a “Trail Badge”

If your kid thrives on a challenge, create a little reward system—nothing fancy, just a fun way to acknowledge their efforts. “You made it to the waterfall! You earn the Explorer Badge!” You could even bring stickers or small patches to give out at the end.

9. Give Them a Hiking Journal

A simple notebook can become a special hiking journal where they sketch what they see, write about their adventure, or collect leaves and small mementos. It makes each hike feel like part of a bigger adventure.

10. Choose Kid-Friendly Trails

This one is key! A too-long, too-steep trail can zap the fun out of a hike for kids. Choose trails with interesting features like waterfalls, caves, or boardwalks to keep them engaged.

Final Thoughts

Hiking with kids is all about balance—giving them space to explore, keeping them engaged, and making sure the experience stays fun for everyone (including you!). A little preparation goes a long way in turning a simple walk into a memorable adventure.