spring time fun:tips for hiking with kids

[blueaguave]

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Kids are not ideal candidates to be top-notch hikers. They’ve got short legs, low endurance, get bored easily and can drink their weight in water (or Kool-Aid for that matter). But if you want to get the children out of the house for a day and make their hike (and yours) enjoyable, here are a few tips to consider next time you hit the trail:

*Select an easy, brief hike. Keeping the children interested for more than a mile or two is difficult. And if the hike is strenuous, you’ll never get them to try it again.

*Begin early, not during the heat of the day.

*Stop frequently. Let the kids set the pace.

*Bring plenty of water and snacks. They’ll need it for energy and it gives them a distraction along the way.

*Dress the children properly. Each should dress in layers so they can add or take off clothes if it gets cool or hot (and it will). Bring along a polarfleece pullover or a sweatshirt in case it gets real cold.
*Make sure their shoes give solid ankle support and have good grips. Tennis shoes are fine but if you can afford hiking boots, they’ll work better. Thick dry socks are important for a good hike too. Bring extras in a daypack because it's inevitable that if you pass a stream or a lake or if it rains, the kids will stomp in the water and soak their socks. Socks that wick away moisture are ideal.

*Bring along insect repellant. Mosquitos and horseflies and no-seeums can turn a great hike into a disastrous one.

*Raingear. Bring panchos or rainjackets for each child.

*Bathe the kids in sunscreen. The sun and UV rays are intense in the outdoors and at high altitudes. Try to make the kids wear caps or hats for further protection. Sunglasses add another level of protection against the sun and any wayward limbs.

*Include something fun to keep the interest going -- like fishing.

*If the kids are big enough, let them carry a daypack. If not, strap a fanny pack to their fanny. This makes them feel involved in the activity. Don’t let them overload the packs or you’ll be carrying the pack back out, but if they can stick their own pocketknife or water bottle in the pack, they’ll have a more complete experience.

*Have distractions for them. Collect wildflowers or butterflies or small rocks. Teach them how to use a compass, read a map. Study mushrooms growing in fallen logs or moss growing on trees and rocks. Have them identify animal tracks. You might even carry along walkie-talkies and play with those.
Bring along a camera to capture the event. Let them take a picture or two as well.

*Keep your children close to you. Don’t let their natural instincts of wandering off or running ahead take hold. There are too many dangers.

*Pack a first-aid kit and know how to take care of someone if they get hurt or ill.

*Hike with more than one adult. There is safety in numbers, and it’s easier to keep up with each child that way.


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[cata5]

Sounds fun! Good idea for something to do and good tips to make it a good experience.