10 Tips for hiking with the Kiddies

story by Karin Tyler, Seattle, Wa.

            There are many of us that go through life with hopes and dreams of seeing the great unknown. Visiting the vast corners of the earth and exploring its beauty. Then there are others of us that have visited one of those areas in the great unknown, this to be known as Parenting. As much of a delight it is to be a parent, we would all like to be able to share even more of our lives with our children. Many of us can take our children with us out into the wilderness, others maybe afraid and some petrified to do so. Hopefully this little shed of light will help some of you get out of the house and into the woods a little more often.

           In this day and age it seems much easier to turn on the TV and let the home viewing baby sitter take charge. Many of our kids learn at an early age to come home and turn on the TV. I am not without fail there. I am a single parent with a 5-year-old daughter. There are definite times when the television and toys can fill a little time. However I really try to get away from that, and get outside, taking my girlie with me. I would like to share with you some of the things that we do that help us to get off the couch and stay active.

            Instead of just jumping in the car and heading for the mountains as we once did when young free and single, you need to be a little more prepared when bringing the kiddies. There are things that you normally barely think about for yourselves let alone someone else. This is at many times the very reason why we end up leaving the kids at home with a grandparent or just not go hiking at all. I encourage everyone to take another look at their situation and see if there might be times when we can introduce our kids to the great outdoors a little more often.

Here are your tips

1. Start early in life – it’s never to late to start, but if you can take them hiking right out of the tummy it’s a much easier adjustment for both of you. It also aids in mom’s and dad’s recovery as well. Your child will learn to appreciate being outside and not get so glued to the interior walls of the home.

2. Do a little research – There are several books that are designed for hikes with children. I encourage you to take a look at them. Hikes that have waterfalls, rivers, and lakes are always good places of interest. Try to stay simple, their little minds I don’t think can comprehend the vast views and scenery that we might appreciate, don’t worry they will get there.

3. Pick short hikes or walks – at least for your first few times out. You want to build and have the confidence in yourself that if you had to carry this little one back to the car, you could. Our personal average attention/energy span that we have built up to, is good for about tops 3 miles round trip. Note that part of that time (a good mile or so) she is on my back or shoulders.

4. Note the times of day – Many times it is easier for little ones that have to stay in a backpack to be able to sleep during naptime. Maybe a little easier for you as well, less active movement to carry. When a child is awake in a backpack, it turns your 15 to 30 pound pack into a crazy fun house ride while you are trying to keep your balance on the trail. For kids that are walking and older – its good to be able to take them when you know they are most active, not near a nap time, lunch or at the end of a long day. You want them to exert their energy, you don’t want them to exert your energy and have to carry them home.
5. Gear, snacks and supplies – Must bring foodstuffs and plenty of water. Make it easy; don’t bring a full meal deal. There are usually good school snack like items that can be brought along. Don’t forget an extra diaper or two, if applies. Also sun screen and wet wipes, those are good no matter what the age. Shoes and clothing are a couple other items you need to keep in mind. If you are doing the hiking (carrying them) they may get cold. If they are doing the hiking, they will probably get warm. So make sure you dress them accordingly. Shoes – tennys are good. Investing in hiking boots for a walk in the park so to speak isn’t always necessary at this point. Can be quite expensive while their feet are quickly growing. However boots can be handy and a good idea when going on some tricky, rocky hikes. Extra set of clothes is always best. Even if you don’t want to carry them on the hike, put some in the car. Kids will get wet, muddy, sweaty at any chance they can get. They can be at least comfortable on their way home while awaiting the alleged bath.

6. Make use of the facilities – Definitely take your child potty before you take to the trails. Nothing like being in the middle of a hike when your little one has to go and they aren’t to excited about going potty over a downed tree. Actually the way we broke that was one weekend at the ocean. She had to go so so badly, there was no bathroom in site. So we made the best of it. Had her sit like in a chair over the sand, holding on to her little legs just like so – and it worked! She went! And now she looks for any opportunity to go in the great outdoors.

7. Let them go – If they can walk, “let ‘em go”. Let them expend their energy not yours. Let their little minds soak in their new surroundings and take in the fresh air. They soon will be playing in the dirt and discovering all kinds of places to run, bugs to pick up and sticks to play with. It won’t take long for their initial burst of energy to ware off. They will soon be walking by your side or leading the pack in perfect pace. However, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, keep a close eye on them. There are many plants and hazards out there that can be dangerous and/or fatal to a young person.

8. Watch their little bodies – remember what it was like on your first hike of the season. These tiny little growing bodies are going to get tired and sore. So make sure you don’t push them beyond what their little limitations can take them. Note the next day. They will probably sleep in and might be a little stiff so don't take them out to do a marathon that day.

9. Make dinner plans - If you can, you, yourself make plans for after the hike. Usually this little outing in the hillside will wipe the young ones out and they will sleep like a bear in hibernation. I try to at the very least get my girl to bed early and take a little time for myself or pick up the house.

10. last but not least…don’t make it a big hassle – For you or them. If you start out with problems and headaches you or your child will end up hating the thought of hiking. And if you don’t feel comfortable taking them on a formal hike, just take them out to the river, walk a trail or go to the park. My little one at times would rather watch An American Tail on TV then go “hike”. But if I tell her I want to go up to the falls and climb around on the rocks, she is running in to put on her hiking boots. She loves to climb on the rocks at the bottom of Snoqualmie Falls or along the logs at lake Talapis. She at many times will say “I’m leading this one, is that ok?, but you can help me if I fall or get lost.” Crazy kid.

Most of all though, remember to do it. Start slow, let it be fun and easy. Getting out  the door of the house is most of the hassle. But if you can do it, Go for it! The things seen and learned at an early age, sets the pattern for their life to come. Kids love to run free and be active, why not motivate them to stay that way. Keep them from becoming couch potatoes in a TV generation. Teach them to explore their wooded surroundings in the outside world and venture into their great unknown.

story by Karin Tyler, Seattle, Wa. 12/02