A Child in Nature, as a Child in Years: A Mother’s Guide to Hiking with Young Children

The rustling of leaves underfoot, the magical sense of discovery, and the bonding it creates — hiking as a family can be one of the most rewarding experiences. We have all been witness to the huge popularity in hiking in recent years. But you are likely reading this as someone who has found solace in outdoor spaces.

A young child standing in a field, considering conquering the mountains behind them

Navigating early motherhood while also maintaining your connection to nature AND extending this wonderful experience to your children can seem overwhelming. As a mother, it’s not just about the physical benefits, but also the lifetime of memories we’re creating with our little ones. Here are some tips that might help you grow yours and your children confidence in the outdoors together.

Choose the Right Trail

At first, you might try something very small. A short stroll in the woods or along a river. Depending on the age(s) of your little ones, pick something that wont be a big challenge for them and cause unnecessary stress on you either. With HiiKER, you can search for the perfect trail by distance and by difficulty. And if you’re good with a map, you can create your own route using the planner.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Ensure you know your route and pack everything you and your little ones. This includes; Snacks and water, sturdy and comfortable footwear, Rain gear and warm layers (even if it is warm out), more snacks and water and the all important baby wipes (use not limited to babies!). Remember to Leave No Trace!

Mother and child walking though a foggy forest holding hands

Check out our blog on packing for a day hike. While you’re definitely going to want to add in the extra bits and pieces that every mother uniquely packs for their kids, this should help guide you with the basics.

Make It Fun

Turn the hike into an adventure. Set up a scavenger hunt, encourage them to photograph nature, or let them lead the way with a compass. Remember, it’s not about the destination, but the journey!

Mother and daughter being responsible hikers and cleaning up the trails

Another activity can be cleaning up… Ok, hear us out! Cleaning up trails can be a fun activity! Educating kids while they are out enjoying nature AND contributing to a better experience for others, can be a rewarding experience.

Educate and Engage

Use this time to teach your children about nature, wildlife, and conservation. This helps them appreciate the environment and understand the importance of protecting it.

There are some other great apps out there like Picture this, which enables you to take a photo of a plant and find out everything about it. Use this as a fun way to educate your little ones (and yourself).

It’s also a great opportunity to teach some basic navigation and map reading skills. You can use the available maps on HiiKER to show where you currently are and the features nearby.

A child in nature, as a child in years: A Mother’s Guide to Hiking with Young Children

Child looking at a printed map

Why not print out your route so that your child has a copy for their adventure. Take regular stops along the way to test your kids on where they are on the map!

Ensure Safety

Teach your children about trail etiquette and safety. Stick to the trail, respect wildlife from a distance, and carry a whistle for emergencies.

Map reading and navigational skills are fundamental to safety while hiking and in the outdoors. Teaching them the basics of map reading will help them grow more confidence in the outdoors and take on their own adventures in the future.

Encourage but Don’t Push

HiiKER child Co-Founder Katelynn Ferris Hamilton enjoying a bit of r&r in her hammock on the trail

Little legs tire easily. Regular breaks, slow pace, and lots of encouragement work best. It’s okay to turn back if your children have had enough.

Find a community

There are some amazing communities around the world that invite mothers to organised events. This is a great way to learn these skills and gain more confidence when bringing your little ones into the outdoors.