A family hiking vacation can be more than just physically challenging, but with the right preparation it can be a wonderful experience. Because you'll likely have to incorporate children's needs into your plans, there are a few considerations that you must make before setting off.

It's as much about the destination as the journey:

While adults may be used to planning hiking trips that have consistently beautiful trails but that may not have a distinct goal or end-point, this will prove disastrous with most children. While it's great to help your child appreciate the local flora and fauna and to show them the small, beautiful, details along the way, the trip will likely be easier on the whole if there are daily (if not hourly) goals to reach: a gorgeous cliff, a swimming pond, a wild horse pasture, or a waterfall. Try to plan accordingly, unless, of course, your child's favorite question is "are we there yet?".

Difficulty level of the hike:

Obviously, children are usually not as willing or able to complete challenging hikes. Before going to you chosen destination, make sure to get as much information as possible about the trails. National Park trails may be paved: great for the elderly, but worse for that toddler who falls down ten times a minute. Most other trails will be fairly natural, although this could mean flat, well packed sand, snow covered even in summer, or full of 5-foot tall boulders that must be scurried up or around. For most popular destinations, you should be able to get very good information about the trails: avg. rate of elevation gain, challenege level, and potential points of interest along the way (cool peaks, old foundations, historical markers, etc...). Before beginning your hiking vacation, try taking your child for an easy, but long, walk and see how they react. You'll realize very quickly what sort of a physical challenge they're prepared for.

Where to stay?

Camping, to most children, is like an adventure mixed with a fort. It can be the perfect choice to pitch a tent, start a fire, roast some marshmallows, and enjoy the outdoors. However, because many trails require that you make it to specific camping areas before bedding down, you'll want to make sure this will be feasible. After all, if you'll have to carry your kid for the last 3 miles or risk sleeping in an illegal area, the vacation will start to turn sour very quickly. For many, it will be a better choice to camp in a central area and take short day hikes- that way you won't have to push your child's limits, and if only some of you want to go for that twilight hike to see some animals, the rest can set up camp without worrying too much how far you've gotten ahead.

And to bring?

Of course, with children you'll want to be certain you've brought the right supplies. Safety supplies are incredibly important, and if you're unsure if your child is allergic to bees or to poison ivy, be sure to bring lots of benadryl and calamine lotion. Changes of clothes are also very important, and be prepared for your child to get mud, blood, or algae-filled water on their clothes: don't bring their Sunday bests. Also remember that your child will probably balk if they have to carry their own pack with anything more than snacks in it, so pack lightly. Speaking of snacks: don't forget them.

All in all, this will be a great trip, but it will be even better if you keep your child's needs, as well as your own, in mind throuhgout the planning process.

Learn more about this author, Jessica Sullivan.
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