Tips for enjoying hiking with children: an unforgettable experience
Introducing children to the world of hiking can be a rewarding experience for them as well as for adults.
The contact with nature, the physical exercise and the opportunity to explore together turn each hike into a unique adventure. In this article, we give you the best tips for hiking with children and turning them into little mountain lovers.
Choose routes adapted to their age and level
Not all trails are suitable for small children. Opt for short routes, with flat terrain or low difficulty. Look for attractive destinations for them, such as waterfalls, viewpoints or natural play areas.
Examples:
– Oneta Waterfalls Route (Asturias): Easy and short, ideal for enjoying lovely scenery with the family.
– The Cares Route (Asturias-León): Although it is longer, you can do just one easy section. The cliffs and the river will fascinate the children.
– El Caminito del Rey (Malaga): With the safe walkways, it becomes an exciting adventure for the little ones.
– The Covadonga Lakes Route (Asturias): A light hike with spectacular views and the possibility of spotting cows and horses.
– The Monasterio de Piedra Route (Zaragoza): Full of waterfalls and lakes, perfect for keeping the kids motivated.
Remember to check the characteristics of the route beforehand and make sure it is suitable for children.
Make it fun
Children enjoy it more when hikes include playful elements. You can organise games such as looking for leaves of different colours, identifying animals or collecting curiously shaped stones. You can also give them a little ‘mission’, such as finding trail signs or learning the names of some plants.
Including an adventure narrative, such as imagining you are explorers in search of treasure, can make the hike even more exciting.
Prepare well
Preparation is key to ensuring an enjoyable experience:
– Appropriate clothing: Dress children in layers to accommodate temperature changes and make sure they wear waterproof children’s hiking boots.
– Lightweight backpack: Include enough water for everyone, healthy snacks such as fruit or nuts, sunscreen and a light jacket. Add a change of clothes in case they get dirty or wet.
– Basic first aid kit: Take disinfectant, bandages, plasters, sting cream and some children’s painkillers.
– Map or GPS: Teach them how to read it to get them involved in navigation.
Involve them in the planning
Make children feel part of the adventure by allowing them to participate in decisions such as choosing the route or packing their backpacks. Let them carry a small camera to capture special moments or draw what they see in a notebook.
You can also have them plan the snack or picnic that will be enjoyed during the hike.
Take frequent breaks
Children often need more breaks than adults. Schedule stops at interesting places such as viewpoints, streams or shady areas. During these breaks, hydrate well and offer snacks to restore energy.
Use the breaks to explore nearby nature: looking for insects, watching birds or even throwing stones into the water can be fun for them.
Be flexible and positive
Be aware that children can easily become tired or distracted. If necessary, adapt the pace or reduce the length of the walk. Keep a positive attitude and motivate them with comments like ‘Look how far we’ve come’ or ‘You’re doing great! The key is to make them remember the walk as a fun experience and not as an obligation.
Encourage respect for nature
Take the opportunity to teach them to be responsible with the environment. Encourage them to pick up their rubbish, not to pull up plants and to respect the animals they meet along the way. You can explain why it is important to take care of ecosystems so that more people can enjoy them.
Introducing children to hiking not only has great physical and emotional benefits, but also strengthens family bonds. With a little planning and a positive attitude, every hike will be an unforgettable memory.