Teaching Kids Bushwalking

Teaching Kids Bushwalking: How to Explore Responsibly and Have Fun!

Hiking with your kids through the Aussie bush can be one of life's most rewarding experiences. Watching their eyes widen in wonder as they spot wildlife or marvel at a huge gum tree makes every adventure special. But teaching kids how to hike responsibly is just as important as packing snacks or choosing comfy shoes. Today, we want to share some practical tips on how to introduce your kids to bushwalking while instilling respect for the environment.

Start with the Basics: Respect Nature

Kids are naturally curious. They want to touch, pick, and sometimes even taste everything around them! It's essential to gently teach them why we should leave things as we find them. Here are a few kid-friendly phrases we use to explain:

• "We look with our eyes, not our hands."
• "Let’s leave this here so other animals and hikers can enjoy it too."
• "We're guests in nature's home, so let’s be polite guests."

You can also bring along a small notebook or camera to encourage kids to draw or photograph interesting finds instead of picking them up. This helps keep memories without harming nature.

Stick to the Track

Explain why it’s important to stay on designated trails. Kids often don't realise stepping off the track can damage plants and disturb wildlife habitats. We like turning this into a game:

• "Let’s pretend the ground off the trail is lava, and we have to stay safely on our path!"
• "Can you lead the way and show me how we stay on the trail?"

Encouraging kids to notice trail markers or signs can also make the hike feel like a fun treasure hunt, adding excitement to staying on the path.

Pack In, Pack Out

Teaching kids the Leave No Trace principles early on sets a lifelong habit. Have each child carry their own small backpack and explain that they're in charge of any rubbish from snacks and water bottles. Praise their efforts at keeping nature clean:

• "You're such a responsible bushwalker!"
• "The animals say thank you for keeping their home tidy."

Try making rubbish collection a friendly competition—whoever picks up rubbish left by others gets a small reward or special badge. It’s a fun way to reinforce good habits!

Quiet Voices, Open Ears

Kids get excited (and noisy!), which can be fun. But it's also important to occasionally stop, be quiet, and listen to nature. Have quiet moments to spot birds, listen to rustling leaves, or discover animal tracks. Whispering about what you hear turns the hike into a special experience.

You could even play a quiet game: "Who can hear the most different bird sounds?" or "Who can spot a wallaby first?" It encourages attention and patience.

Teach Safety Basics

Bushwalking is an ideal time to teach kids basic safety skills. Show them how to read simple maps, discuss what to do if they feel lost (stay still, blow a whistle, call out clearly), and how to recognize and avoid common dangers like snakes or poisonous plants. Keep it simple and reassuring, reminding them you're there to guide and protect them.

Lead by Example

Kids learn best by watching you. If you show respect for the environment—staying on tracks, collecting rubbish, being quiet near wildlife—your kids will naturally follow your lead.

Celebrate and Reflect

After each bushwalk, take time to reflect on the adventure. Ask your kids about their favourite moments, something new they learned, or something they're proud of. Sharing these reflections deepens their connection with nature and encourages positive attitudes for future hikes.

Make it Fun!

Above all, bushwalking with kids should be enjoyable! Play games, sing songs, and celebrate small achievements (like spotting a kookaburra or finishing the trail). These experiences build a genuine love for nature and create lasting family memories.