| You enjoyed going for long walks and hikes when you | | | | identify plants, birds, animals and interesting landscape. |
| were younger but you got married and along came | | | | Your kids will ask questions so you will need to brush |
| the children. As parents introduce and help your | | | | up on information yourself or make a game of it by |
| children to love the outdoors. It's inexpensive, healthy | | | | bringing a guide and having the children identify the bird |
| and can be great family fun for you and the kids. | | | | or plant. Some children may choose to start a leaf or |
| When hiking with children there are a few things you | | | | rock collections but ensure they learn to respect |
| need to consider: | | | | nature and not pick all the flowers such as trilliums. |
| Tip 1 Distances - You are going to be hiking at slower | | | | Tip 5 Trail Games - Help the children to love the |
| pace for much shorter distances. Start with easy | | | | outdoors. Keep things interesting by having them point |
| walks and progress to more challenging hikes or even | | | | out odd looking trees or rocks. Make up your own |
| backpacking trips as the children get older. Don't push | | | | games like skipping rocks across lakes, climbing rocks |
| them too hard at first so that they resent hiking but | | | | or making little boats. Some kids like bring own toys, |
| help them to appreciate their achievement in hiking | | | | such as a favorite stuffed teddy bear but do not bring |
| further each year. | | | | their favorites along because they might lose them. |
| Tip 2 It's not the details - For children when hiking it's | | | | Tip 6 Hike Safe - Watch out for fallen logs, slippery |
| small scale thing that are important. Slow down and | | | | sections, when climbing rock, along riverbanks and |
| see the nature, the great views and scenery won't be | | | | lakes. Teach them not to taste the mushrooms and |
| as important to them. | | | | how to recognize poison ivy and other dangers. Give |
| Tip 3 Frequent Breaks - Hike for a half hour and take | | | | each child a whistle to blow in emergencies and tell |
| 15 minute break. During the break have a snack, stop | | | | them what to do if lost in woods. |
| and view a interesting plant, or a little local exploring by | | | | Tip 7 Plan Your Hike - Taking insect repellent, a first aid |
| climbing a rock. Be sure to bring lots of treats such as | | | | kit and sunscreen are essential. Dress kids in bright |
| energy bars, chocolate, trail mix, fruit and something to | | | | colors so they can be easily seen and have them |
| drink. And a picnic lunch during your hike can be really | | | | wear a sun hat. You can even give them a small pack |
| fun and an event long remembered. Remember to | | | | sack to carry light items to make them feel part of the |
| take all garbage home with you and ensure the | | | | experience. |
| children learn the importance. | | | | Have fun on your family hike and help your children to |
| Tip 4 Teach Your Kids - Help your children them to | | | | love the outdoors as much as you do. |