Family Hiking

• Check the Hiking trails. Find out which is the most family-friendly. Know the hiking terrain, and even the kind of animals or plants that may be encountered on a trail. There are a lot of websites out there that offer information on hiking trails, and you may also ask friends who have gone on hiking trips before for tips.


• Stack up on the necessary food. Hiking takes a lot of energy, so be sure to bring a lot of water to prevent dehydration. Snacks that are rich in carbohydrates are perfect, too, because they restore energy and satisfy hunger without the heavy bulk that slows down hiking. Some examples are granola bars or fruits. It’s important to bring food on the trip because the kids can get hungry or thirsty, and that may result to exhaustion and even crankiness.


• Bring clothes for all types of weather. Dress the kids in bright colors, so they can be easily spotted amongst the trees and vegetation on the trail. It may also be helpful to wear extra layers so you wouldn’t have to pack the clothes. It may be sunny out the first time you go, but it may also rain later on. It’s best to be equipped for every kind of weather that may come, so pack coats and caps for the kids. The environment may be harsh, so you may want to put on sunscreen or insect repellents as well.


• Be aware of your surroundings. Constantly keep track of the other family members—especially the kids—and ask them how they feel. Are they worn out, hungry, or thirsty? You may take breaks every now and then to make sure everyone’s rejuvenated enough to hike the rest of the way. Taking little time for rest may cause too much fatigue, and it will make the trip torturous especially for the kids.


• Keep the conversation going. The family’s isolation from common distractions like the television and the computer will give you all a chance to talk and bond. Talking about the things you see on the trail—and what you may see, like a beautiful lake or a great view of a natural setting—will also keep each other motivated.


• Introduce to children the value of keeping the environment as clean as possible. Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints. Teach them how to be responsible hikers.


• Playing educational games while taking the hike is a great idea. Ask the kids to name the plants, animals, and insects that they will see along the trail. For some youngsters, you can teach them how to use the compass or other essential skills in trekking.

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