by Jobie Weetaluktuk

Created on: March 05, 2008

Hiking with children can be a lot of fun, rewarding, and difficult. You can even expect to experience all of that in one hike. You can even go on hikes that are challenging to yourself and a challenge in regards to your children. Being responsible for children on a hike can be a real challenge, so there are things that you should know. If you have children, you already know most of these challenges.

You don't have to compromise your hike
Just because you have children doesn't mean you have to compromise your hike, unless you are an extreme hiker. You may have to limit yourself to the skill and endurance of the child. I've gone on some of the most challenging hikes with children. Those would be in the Canadian Rockies, trails on the west coast, and the Presidential Ranges in New Hampshire.

You can go on great day hikes, even if you have to carry the child partway. My wife has even gone on challenging hikes with a baby on her back. From the weight perspective, it may not be so different as having a backpack on your back but hiking with an infant child is a big responsibility.

Kids are quick , curious
Kids can be incredible curious and quick. They can get into dangerous situations without realizing the potential gravity of their actions. You have to be vigilant and sharp with kids. They can get carried away by excitement or become so engrossed by something that they could get left behind without anybody realizing it. They can also wonder off and not realize they are not on the trail path. You need to tell them when what they are doing could be risky. If they persist in going wayward, you will have to lay down the law. Loosing a kid in the wilderness can be very stressful.

Hydration and nutrition
Make sure your kids are taking water, food, and snacks at the refreshment breaks. This is important for stamina, good humor, and making the best of the hike. Most kids will crave food or snacks during hikes. That is very much part of the great outdoors experience.

Kids can get tired
When children don't eat, they will get tired and cranky. Even if they do eat and drink well enough they will still get tired from the fresh air and strenuous activity. A good half hour lunch break with a little siesta in the sun or shade might be a good idea. Then you will be in good condition to tackle the rest of the hike.

Kids can get bored
Not all children are enthralled by the great outdoors. Some children are already city slickers or techno geek in interests by a young age.

Children are fashion conscious
You need to know that children are fashion conscious. So much so that they will forgo function for fashion. For instance they will wear skater-shoes instead of hiking boots. They might also take the Spiderman backpack instead of the more suitable sports-back.

Children love adventure
Going for a hike is a great adventure. It could be something a child will enjoy doing for the rest of his life. You can motivate a child by inspiring the imagination. You can make games of discovery. This is also a great opportunity to talk about trees and the biodiversity of nature. Even better, you can let the child take the lead and share their knowledge. It is something they love to do.

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