{"id":18824,"date":"2023-05-31T00:02:49","date_gmt":"2023-05-30T21:02:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/safalkids.ee\/lastega-matkama-mida-teada\/"},"modified":"2025-03-03T13:55:14","modified_gmt":"2025-03-03T11:55:14","slug":"hiking-with-kids-what-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/safalkids.ee\/en\/hiking-with-kids-what-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Hiking with Kids \u2013 What to Know?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Planning a hike with kids? Safal KIDS had the pleasure of gathering <\/span>expert tips<\/b> from <\/span>Liisi Peets<\/b>, a nature guide from <\/span>Loodustaju O\u00dc<\/b> in South Estonia. Liisi organizes nature hikes, conducts bird counts, and photographs the wilderness. She loves spending <\/span>hours in the forest<\/b>, often covering just a few kilometers at a time.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Being in nature is the best stress relief – for both kids and adults!” \u2013 Liisi Peets<\/span><\/p>\n

From hiking with her own child to leading countless guided walks, Liisi has learned what works and what doesn’t. Here\u2019s how to make hiking <\/span>an enjoyable experience<\/b> rather than a stressful one, so you’ll want to do it <\/span>again and again!<\/b><\/p>\n

Olen nii enda lapsega looduses k\u00e4ies kui ka oma retkedel pannud t\u00e4hele asju, mida sooviksin sinuga jagada, et looduses k\u00e4ik laste ja perega poleks \u00fcks stressirohke ettev\u00f5tmine, vaid nauditav kogemus, mida korrata veel ja veel.<\/p>\n

1. Time \u2013 more is better!<\/b><\/h1>\n

One of the most important factors in hiking with kids is <\/span>time<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you think your hike will take <\/span>one hour, double it<\/b>. If you <\/span>don\u2019t have time<\/b>, <\/span>skip the long trek<\/b> and <\/span>just explore nature near home<\/b>.<\/span>
\n<\/span>Rushing through a hike, constantly checking the time, and urging kids to move faster <\/span>takes the fun out of it for everyone<\/b>. Instead, let kids <\/span>explore at their own pace – <\/b>stop for breaks, look around, and simply <\/span>enjoy being in nature.<\/b><\/p>\n

Hiking isn\u2019t about racing through the forest – it\u2019s about <\/span>experiencing it!<\/b><\/p>\n

2. Snacks \u2013\u00a0 happy belly, happy hiker<\/b><\/h2>\n

A <\/span>hungry child = zero motivation<\/b>.<\/span>
\n<\/span>Bring plenty of <\/span>snacks<\/b> that your child actually enjoys. Some great options include:<\/span>
\n<\/span> * Carrot sticks, apples, pears, bananas<\/span>
\n<\/span> * Egg sandwiches or crackers<\/span>
\n<\/span> * Nuts, raisins, dried fruit<\/span>
\n<\/span> * Small treats or energy bars<\/span>
\n<\/span>* <\/span>Water is a must – for both kids and adults!<\/b><\/p>\n

If your child isn\u2019t used to hiking, <\/span>use small rewards<\/b> as motivation. Try this trick:<\/span>
\n<\/span>Ask, <\/span>“Do you see that big tree\/stream\/sign ahead? Let\u2019s walk to that, and then you\u2019ll get a little snack or surprise!”<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>This method helps <\/span>gradually increase their stamina<\/b>, and over time, they\u2019ll <\/span>enjoy hiking on their own without needing extra motivation.<\/b><\/p>\n

If your child <\/span>gets tired<\/b>, it\u2019s okay to carry them for a short stretch – but set clear <\/span>limits in advance<\/b> so they <\/span>know when it\u2019s time to walk again.<\/b><\/p>\n

3. Make it a game!<\/b><\/h2>\n

Kids don\u2019t experience nature the same way adults do. To <\/span>make hiking fun<\/b>, turn it into a <\/span>game!<\/b><\/p>\n

Fun hiking challenges:<\/b>
\n<\/b> * Walk <\/span>backward<\/b> for a short distance<\/span>
\n<\/span> * Take turns <\/span>guiding each other blindfolded<\/b>
\n<\/b> * Play <\/span>statue<\/b> – when the leader turns around, everyone must freeze<\/span>
\n<\/span> * <\/span>Hide and seek<\/b> (stick close to avoid kids wandering off)<\/span>
\n<\/span> * Imagine <\/span>“forest guardians”<\/b> have placed obstacles (tree roots, rocks) on the path – kids must jump over them to “escape”<\/span><\/p>\n

Collecting <\/span>leaves, pinecones, or firewood<\/b> for a small campfire also keeps little ones engaged.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Clothing \u2013 layer up!<\/b><\/h2>\n

Weather might be <\/span>unpredictable<\/b> – you might start your hike in winter and finish it in summer. <\/span>Layering is key!<\/b> Instead of one <\/span>thick<\/b> jacket, use <\/span>multiple layers<\/b> to adjust as needed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spring, Fall & Winter Essentials:<\/b>
\n<\/b> * Wool <\/span>base layer<\/b>
\n<\/b> * Wool sweater or hoodie<\/span>
\n<\/span> * Waterproof <\/span>snowsuit or jacket\/pants<\/b>
\n<\/b> * Hat, <\/span>double-layered gloves<\/b>
\n<\/b> * <\/span>Wool socks & waterproof boots<\/b><\/p>\n

Summer Hiking Gear:<\/b>
\n<\/b> * <\/span>Light, long-sleeve shirt & long pants<\/b> (protection from sun, insects, and scratches)<\/span>
\n<\/span> * <\/span>Light hoodie & jacket<\/b>
\n<\/b> * <\/span>Cap or sun hat<\/b>
\n<\/b> * <\/span>Hiking shoes<\/b><\/p>\n

Always pack:<\/b>
\n<\/b> * <\/span>Bug spray<\/b>
\n<\/b> * <\/span>Sunscreen <\/b>(yes, even in the winter)<\/span>
\n<\/b> * <\/span>Band-aids for small scrapes<\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

5. Choosing the right trail<\/b><\/h2>\n

For beginner hikers, start with <\/span>short, familiar trails<\/b> close to home<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

If your child resists hiking, <\/span>let them choose<\/b> between two routes: <\/span>“We\u2019re going to the forest! Would you like to go on trail A or trail B?” <\/span><\/i>When kids <\/span>feel included in the decision<\/b>, they\u2019re <\/span>more excited<\/b> to go!<\/span><\/p>\n

Once they get used to it, <\/span>try longer hikes<\/b> – or switch up the experience by going at <\/span>different times of day<\/b> (early morning or evening with headlamps for extra adventure!).<\/span><\/p>\n

For extra excitement, <\/span>explore off-trail areas<\/b> in small loops before returning to the main path.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

6. Connect with nature<\/b><\/h2>\n

Encourage kids to <\/span>listen, observe, and explore.<\/b><\/p>\n

Try <\/span>listening pauses<\/b>:<\/span>
\n<\/span> Stop for <\/span>30 seconds – <\/b>what sounds can you hear? Discuss which were <\/span>closest<\/b> and <\/span>farthest away<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Look for <\/span>creatures near a river<\/b>.<\/span>
\n<\/span> * <\/span>Smell flowers<\/b> – which is the nicest?<\/span>
\n<\/span> * <\/span>Press an ear to a tree<\/b> – can you hear a woodpecker tapping?<\/span><\/p>\n

If kids want to <\/span>break sticks or climb trees<\/b>, explain <\/span>why it\u2019s important to respect nature<\/b>, especially in spring and summer when birds may be nesting in hollow logs.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Final thoughts<\/b><\/h2>\n

These tips <\/span>apply to adults too!<\/b>
\n<\/b>But the m<\/b>ost important part of hiking is <\/span>being present in the moment and enjoying nature together.<\/b><\/p>\n

Have fun exploring!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Liisi Peets<\/b>
\n<\/span>Nature Guide, Loodustaju O\u00dc<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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