Hiking With Children

[hydethebeef]

Hiking with children can be really nice. When I hike with my youngest I find that I stop to smell the roses more. I also find myself teaching about hiking and nature. Sometimes I don't realize how much I know.

[sailorman]

I agree, there are times when I want to hike alone, but there are other times where I feel enriched by having the kids with me. It is nice to see nature through their eyes.

[Grandpa]

Blessed here because I have a herd of grandkids that love hiking and backpacking. It is a joy when they can come with.

[charley]

I have had some of the best talks with my kids when we were hiking.

[Malarkey]

Is there anything better than hiking with your kids, but not when they are too small since can be a pain to manage? The best is the age where they can appreciate the knowledge you will give them.

[Pathfinder1]

Hi...


My parents used to take me on long hikes to strange places, but I always found my way back home.

[SunnyDay]

Hiking with kids really is a joy. I think it's just important to remember that it's a fun hike and not a forced march. Kids have a lot of energy but not always the best stamina.

[Miley]

I think kids and hiking, can go either way. It all depends on the personality of the child. I was babysitting my cousin's kids, and decided to take them on a small hike. One kid loved hiking and exploring, while the other complained the whole time.

[dinosaur]

Well, I hiked my nephew around my land. He's three and he hung in there and didn't complain. After walking up and down hills and climbing up some 75 degree hillocks, he got tired. He kept trying to go but I could see he wasn't up to it. So I lifted him into my arms and carried him the last half mile to get to my cabin.

I was proud of him and told him so. What he did was fall asleep on the bed while I lit the fire and prepared dinner. He woke up, ate dinner and he fell asleep again. The next morning all he could talk about was going on another "venture" (his word for adventure).

I love that kid.

[ponderosa]

We had our four year old on cross-country skis for the second time last week. She was able to go once the end of last winter. She was starting to get the kick-and-glide thing, and making it down small hills without falling every time. "Look at me, I'm gliding and sliding and riding on my skis!" It was awesome. Meanwhile, the 2 year old being pulled in the kid trailer was crying, "Let me out! I want to ski!" until she fell asleep.
She'll start learning next winter. They both got to stomp around in the snowshoes they got for Christmas. And they play "going hiking" at home as often as they play "house." I love those little outdoorsy babies.