The Joys of Hiking with Kids

(and Carrying Them, Too!)

There was a time when heading into the great outdoors was an act of liberation and showing off. The sun on your face, the smell of pine in the air, the thrilling crunch of boots on gravel and dirt—pure bliss. Then you had children, and suddenly, nature became a slightly different experience, one filled with the haunting cries of "I'm tiiiiired!" and "Are we there yet?", and that's just me in the parking lot, the kids will start a little later.

Taking kids on a hike, especially long ones, is an endeavor that blends the seasoned hiker's love for the trail with the stark realization that everything takes ten times longer with children in tow. Gone are the carefree days of setting your own pace—now, you must factor in snack breaks, emotional meltdowns, and the occasional spontaneous protest against the very concept of walking. There's the sheer wonder of introducing them to breathtaking landscapes, the unexpected discoveries (like the 17 varieties of pebble they will insist on bringing home), and the glorious exhaustion that comes from getting fresh air and exercise. But there's also the reality that young children—especially those aged two and up—have the stamina of a wind-up toy and the persuasive skills of a hostage negotiator when they decide they no longer wish to use their legs.

A Day in the Life of a Hiking Parent

Of course, that is not how it starts. The hike begins with enthusiasm. Your children, sensing an adventure, sprinting ahead, leading you to believe that this will be a pleasant, energetic, stress-free outing. This illusion is shattered all too soon when one child flings themselves onto the ground, exhausted from their overzealous start. You sigh, tighten your grip on the "everything but the kitchen sink" bag, and prepare for the real challenge of the day- the bargaining!

You find yourself haggling like an unlicensed car salesman. "If you walk for five more minutes, you can have a granola bar! Ten more minutes and I'll give you a piggyback ride! Fifteen minutes and I'll let you pick the movie we watch tonight!" By the time you reach the halfway point, you have become a human pack mule, carrying one child on your shoulders while holding hands with another, all while lugging your backpack, laden with those "essential" items.

Finally, you reach your destination—an awe-inspiring overlook, a serene waterfall, a quiet meadow. The children, momentarily distracted from their grievances, brighten up. They marvel at the view, splash in the water, chase a butterfly. You take a deep, contented breath, absorbing the moment. It's totally worth it.

The Top Moments of Joy

1. The Wonder of Discovery – Seeing nature through a child's eyes is magical. Every stick is a sword, every rock a rare collectible, and every stream an opportunity to soak themselves thoroughly despite your explicit instructions otherwise. They may start the day bitterly lamenting that they weren't at home watching cartoons, only to transform into the happiest and most enthusiastic explorers alive.
2. Forced Digital Detox – Kids (and parents) are freed from the clutches of screens, allowing for actual conversations, questionable riddles, and the inevitable barrage of "What's that?" directed at every single plant, bird, and cloud formation. Heads are up, phones are away, and we wonder if we are far enough from the parking lot to start greeting the other hikers yet.
3. Endless Energy (at Inconvenient Times) – While they may refuse to walk on a perfectly flat, pleasant path, the moment they see a large boulder next to the cliff edge, they become elite climbers. Their ability to find dangerous things to scale is both impressive and occasionally terrifying.
4. Unexpected Bonding Moments – Whether it's helping them across a wobbly log or sharing the last granola bar like you're lost explorers on the brink of starvation, hiking fosters teamwork and resilience (usually yours more than theirs), and marvelous memories, and a lasting closeness from a shared experience.

The Top Moments of "I could have stayed in bed"

1. The Great Carrying Conundrum – One seasoned hiker parent recalled the day their toddler and preschooler both decided they were "done" with the trail. With one in a carrier on their back and the other balanced precariously on their shoulders, they muscled their way up the final stretch of a ridge, channeling their inner superhero. Remember, kids don't understand physics or spinal health.
2. The Snack Demand Economy – Children, who normally eat like birds at home, will morph into ravenous, bottomless pits the second they step onto a trail. You will pack enough snacks for a small army and still be met with "Is that all we have?" after 15 minutes.
3. Tiny Bladders, Poor Timing – There is no such thing as a child who needs to pee in a convenient location. It will always be at the most awkward moment, in a place where cover is minimal and the chances of an unsuspecting passerby are maximized.
4. Unpredictable Mood Swings – One parent recounted how their child spent the first half of a hike bitterly lamenting that they weren't at home watching cartoons, only to transform into the happiest explorer alive once they found a particularly exciting tree to climb. Hiking with kids is an emotional rollercoaster, and we all love rollercoasters.
5. The Packing Burden – Between extra clothes (because they will get wet/muddy), snacks, first-aid kits, and emergency plush toys (which cannot be left behind lest the child crumbles emotionally), you will find yourself carrying more gear than a seasoned mountaineer.
6. The Never-Ending Questions – Nature is a classroom, which is wonderful, except when the questions get out of hand: "Why is the sky blue? Why do birds fly? Do bears like people? What happens if we get lost? What happens if you get eaten by a bear? Will you still be my parent if a bear eats you?"

Final Thoughts

Hiking with kids is an adventure in every sense of the word. And hey, there's always next weekend.

Read our Article: The Great Carrying Conundrum (coming soon)