Hiking is one of those rare wholesome activities that does it all — educates, relaxes, and entertains while underscoring the importance of the physical activity. And that’s not all it can do! Indeed, a growing body of research suggests time outside can help kids improve focus and concentration while building confidence, teaching responsibility, and enhancing physical and mental health.
Oh yeah, and did we mention nature can be plain-old fun for the little ones? Naturally, these facts make hiking a favorite pastime for parents and kids.
Like any activity we do with our children, outdoor exploration does come with some safety considerations you need to be aware of to ensure everyone has a safe, enjoyable time on the trail. From unexpected weather to minor injuries, you never know what Mother Nature might throw your way, and that’s part of the fun!
In this safety guide to hiking with kids, we’re going over a few tips to ensure every foray into the woods is a safe one, from wearing safety ID bracelets to brushing up on some key survival skills.
Load Up on Snacks and Water
As a parent, you already know keeping the snacks and beverage supply stocked is essential to a good day no matter what you’re doing, and that’s especially important when you’re being active. Make sure to fill the backpack with ample H2O and high-protein snacks.
Pack a Small First-Aid and Emergency Kit
Teaching your kids about wilderness survival starts with knowing how to handle an emergency. Be sure to pack a small first-aid and emergency kit filled with all the basics, including first-aid essentials, a flashlight, stormproof matches, a fire starter, an emergency blanket, extra food, a map, a compass, and an emergency shelter.
Ideally, you’ll never need any of these supplies, but it’s important you have them just in case, and you teach your kids how to use them.
Wear Emergency Alert Bracelets
Whether your child has a medical condition such as diabetes, a severe allergy, or you simply want them to be as safe as humanly possible, consider having them wear ID bracelets. Available in an assortment of kid-friendly styles, medical bracelets for kids provide crucial information that could be life-saving in the event of an emergency.
They also provide emergency contact information in case they get lost.
Prepare Your Pup for the Trail
Want to take your four-legged family members along for a stroll? The whole family needs exercise, and active pups can burn a ton of energy out on the trail. Just remember to think a bit about canine safety before heading out. Be sure you’ve got a reliable leash and plenty of water.
Teach the Principles of Leave No Trace
The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace can help lay a strong foundation of nature stewardship early on. Although they primarily focus on respect for and preservation of nature, the principles are also crucial to the safety of those enjoying nature.
For example, the first principle — plan ahead and prepare — can help minimize injuries and accidents that may occur due to weather, trail hazards, etc.
The sixth principle, respect for wildlife is an important safety guide when hiking with kids. It’s also crucial to emphasize this for the safety of youngsters.
Make the Trail a ‘No Phone Zone’
Ban technology on your hikes except for when absolutely necessary, such as when referencing maps or calling for emergency help. Of course, taking a no-tech hike is great because it helps keep little ones immersed in nature. It’s also a safety tactic because it keeps hikers more aware of their surroundings and the terrain.
Dress Like an Onion
The beauty of nature is that it’s unpredictable, which is why it’s so important to teach kids how to dress for anything. Emphasize the significance of dressing like an onion. That is, layer up!
Layers are important because they provide protection against all threats, from wind and rain to the harsh sun. Before taking your young ones out, you should definitely invest in some solid base layers for kids. Don’t forget to pack a raincoat if precipitation is in the forecast!
Test Your Hiking Gear at Home
One of the most common rookie mistakes made by novice hikers is setting out for a long trek wearing brand-new gear, especially boots. Because they’re so durable and hard-wearing, hiking boots often take a while to break in and conform to your foot.
When they’re not broken in, they can rub in all the wrong places and cause blisters and serious discomfort, slowing you down and putting you at risk of injury on the trail. Make sure to take a few strolls through the yard or neighborhood to break them in.
Talk About Trail Hazards
Ensure your kids know what to look out for and how to identify potentially hazardous plants and animals. Some of the most common trail hazards to highlight to your kids are ticks, poison ivy, poisonous snakes, and stinging insects.
Not only should they know how to identify these threats, but they should also know how to respond to them with the appropriate first-aid.
Teach Kids What to Do If They Get Lost
Turn every hike into an opportunity to teach kids how to respond in the event of an emergency. Although you should always emphasize the importance of staying with your group, it’s also vital you explain to your children how to respond should they find themselves lost in the woods.
The most important thing to remember here is you should stop walking as soon as you realize you’re lost, make as much noise as possible, and try to put out something brightly colored.
The basics of wilderness survival, such as how to start a fire or build an emergency shelter, can be life-saving in an emergency. And can be taught to bigger kids as part of a lesson on what to do if they get lost.
As a parent, you want to raise responsible stewards of the Earth who grow up to safely enjoy the many riches of our natural world. The information gotten from this safety guide to hiking with kids ensure your little ones forge a strong bond with hiking early on, so they carry it with them for the rest of their lives.
