article & photos by Kara Schwalbe

Sometimes hiking with kids requires adjusting expectations. Other times it calls for rebranding. You might just need exciting snacks and an activity or two up your sleeve. If you’ve been hoping to hit the trails more often with your family, here’s how to shift from “are we there yet?” to “let’s keep going!”

ADJUSTING EXPECTATIONS

Whether you’re an experienced trekker or a casual stroller, remember that hiking with kids is about the experience, not the destination. To make sure they want to go back again, focus on their enjoyment rather than your total miles.

• Quality Over Quantity: Time spent outside together is a win, regardless of how far you actually travel.
• The Comfort Rule: Do your best to prevent a child from becoming too hot, cold, thirsty, hungry, or tired.
• Harness Imagination: Kids discover wonder and fun in the smallest details; a “boring” rock can become a dragon egg with the right story.
• The Backup Plan: If your kids are young, always bring a carrier, even if they insist they can walk.

Other honorable mentions: Norm’s Island, Riverfront Park, Two Moon Park and Acton Recreation Area.

TRAILSIDE ACTIVITIES:

KEEPING THEM ENGAGED

When attention spans waver, pull these ideas out of your pack:

• Scavenger Hunt: Use ours or create your own. Don’t forget a crayon! Look for our curated scavenger hunt here:
• Sights, Scents, & Sounds: Turn it into a sensory game. Look for tracks or “scat” (animal droppings) to play nature detective. Can they find the smell of sagebrush or juniper? Can they hear a distant train or meadowlark?
• The Junior Navigator: Let your child “lead” using a simple paper map or a tracking app on your phone. Being in charge of the turns keeps them moving forward.

GETTING OUT THE DOOR

Sometimes the hardest mile is the one between the couch and the car. If just the word “hiking” triggers a meltdown, try rebranding it as an “adventure” or an “exploration.” Make it special with “trail-only” gear, like their own binoculars or a dedicated backpack filled with “power snacks” (extra chocolate chip cookies or fruit snacks usually help). By fostering a love of the outdoors early, you aren’t just burning off energy; you’re creating family memories that last a lifetime.

7 PRINCIPLES LEAVE NO TRACE

It’s never too early to teach your kids about the Leave No Trace Principles.

1. PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE
2. TRAVEL & CAMO ON DURABLE SURFACES
3. DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY
4. LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND
5. MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTS
6. RESPECT WILDLIFE
7. BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS

Originally printed in the April 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Check this article out in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

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