Discover the Good Life Together on the Trail
Family Hiking is Great Parenting
Family hiking is one of those exhilerating activities you can do as soon as your children are able to walk, or be carried in a child-bearing backpack. The first hikes can be short, just around the block, but then can extend as the hikers become older and more adept at keeping up.
Hiking together as a family can continue for a lifetime, eventually becoming generational as grandkids enter the family. New places can be explored, and can be found in any part of the country or world you currently inhabit.
There are some suggestions to make a family hike successful.
- Only allow cell phones to be used for sending pictures of the hike
- Work together in selecting and planning the route
- Plan and compile what will go in your pack, including snacks and other items
- Keep the hike fun and investigative
- Make lunch an enjoyable tradition
- Take great pictures. Make a photographic story when you get home
- Safety and comfort must always be a concern. There is no fun in blisters that ruin the day or a painful bruise that diverts your attention.
Some items need to be standard on your family hike.
- every person gets a whistle for signaling
- an adult always stays with the slowest hiker
- always use sunscreen, a hat and UV blocking sunglasses
- insect repellent is a must
- drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
- bring energy snacks
- Remember, take what you need, leave what you don’t.
Layered clothing is a necessity, both for unexpected weather changes and your own changes as you are hiking. Make sure you have excellent footwear. Sandals are NOT for hiking.
Be aware of various plants such as poison ivy and poison oak that should be avoided.
Most of all, enjoy the hike. Don’t get overtired. Stay within your stamina limit. Enjoy the process, and the next time will be even better.