If you love hiking and are thinking of adding kids to the mix, then you are in the right place! With preparation (and patience), hiking with kids is totally doable and great for you and them!
I’ve been hiking trails all over the USA with my family for 15 years. We started with newborns in baby carriers, but now we have teens who can strap on their hiking boots and outpace me. We’ve experienced hot, sweaty walks, cool, windy ones, and even a few rainy and snowy hikes. I want to share what I’ve learned so you can enjoy the trails and stay safe with kids, regardless of their age or mobility.
Keep reading to learn about hiking with kids, the best times to go, and the essential clothes and gear for a fun and safe adventure on the trails.
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Table of Contents
- Hiking With Kids Fun Facts
- Be Flexible – The Most Important Tip for Hiking with Kids!
- What Age to Start Hiking with Kids
- Gear for Every Hike with Kids!
- How to Avoid Bug Bites
- Wildlife Safety Tips When Hiking with Kids
- Hiking vs. Nature Walks
- Trail Conditions Can Be Unpredictable
- Pay Attention to the Weather
- What are the Best Seasons to Hike with Kids?
- A Note on Hiking Gear for Kids
- Do You Need a Hiking Baby Carrier?
- What Kind of Footwear & Socks Do Kids Need to Hike?
- What are Basic Kids’ Hiking Clothes?
- Fun Gear for Hiking With Kids
- Happy Family Hiking!
- More Hiking Resources:
Hiking With Kids Fun Facts
- Family hikes = real talk, silly moments, and memory-making magic.
- Nature’s curveballs? Perfect for turning kids into problem-solving pros.
- Safe space for testing limits—just enough risk to grow, without the danger.
- Hiking helps kids tackle life’s bumps and come out stronger—no bubble wrap needed.
- Sneaky safety lessons: gear, footwork, and trail smarts without the lecture.
- Let them crush that hill or carry their pack—they’ll feel like little adventurers.
- Hiking boosts that “I’ve got this” confidence for tackling life’s challenges.
- Tough trails build tough minds, teaching them to handle stress like champs.
- Let them lead the way—creativity sparks when they’re in charge.
Be Flexible – The Most Important Tip for Hiking with Kids!
Hiking with kids takes a special kind of patience and understanding. Remember this is supposed to be a fun and boosting experience, not a punishment or stressor… of course some trails are stressful for reasons that don’t have anything to do with the kids at all.
Little legs can get tired, kids of all ages burn a million times more calories than their parents and are often hungry by the time you’ve walked 10 feet from the trailhead, and kids’ emotions, especially toddlers’ and teens’, can shift from thrilled to miserable in minutes seconds.
Keeping all these things in mind, know when to:
- Call it quits
- Break out the snacks
- Begin a game of I-Spy
- Start a silly sing-a-long or badly sing the only lyrics you know from your teens’ favorite Kpop song
- Rest on a log
- Crack open a beer (kidding, but…)
Don’t be too hard on yourself or the kids if you only make it to the trailhead sign before you have to leave. This is the season of life you are in. Just be glad you made it there in the first place and turn the hike into a scenic drive or a way to get to the bookstore a or fun shop or…home where you just put your feet up and reset because hopefully the littles are napping and the teens are back to their music and headsets.
What Age to Start Hiking with Kids
Some people might think I’m crazy, but we hit the trails with our kids when they were newborns and we kept on going. We even camped with newborns.
Now, that doesn’t mean you need to start them that young. Only you know when you and your kids are ready, but I want to encourage you to start them young.
When they are babies, you can just carry them around and don’t have to worry about their legs getting tired or them getting into anything. But watching your chubby-legged toddler waddle down the trails is a lot of fun and a great way to tire them out.
And as they get older, everything changes and sometimes teens don’t want to go. I usually get them on the trails for my birthday and Mother’s Day as their gift to me. And of course, bringing friends along always makes hiking more fun for older kids.
Gear for Every Hike with Kids!
No matter the hike, the following things are absolute must-haves. Later on I’ll share about footwear, clothing and more.
Water
Top off those water bottles or water bladders. Staying hydrated is critical for hotter days and high exertion.
Consider a portable water filter. If you run out of water on your trek, you can always filter the water you find. I tested one and wrote about it here.
Sun Protection
Wear sunscreen or protective clothing to prevent sun damage to your family’s skin. Do this even on cloudy days and on cooler days. Those UV rays can cut through the clouds and moisture.
Lip balm with SPF protects lips and keeps them nice and healthy all year, including crack-free on cold days.
A brimmed hat and sunglasses can help protect little faces and eyes from the sun.
First Aid
It’s also a good idea to have a first aid kit. We have had several over the years. The trickiest thing about a kit is remembering to check the contents for expiration dates.
How to Avoid Bug Bites
Nothing is more annoying (and potentially dangerous if you or your child has allergies or the bug is carrying disease) than bug bites!
Whether it’s mosquitos, no-see-ums, horseflies or ticks, you’ll want to protect yourself with repellent.
We use Off! Deep Woods Repellent. It’s gross, but not as gross as searching for ticks all over your body and your family, or huge welts, or illness.
You can also use more natural repellents and oils. I have found a few that worked well against mosquitoes, but they didn’t protect me from other biting bugs or ticks.
Wearing long sleeves and long pants and treating the material with permethrin is another option.
Wildlife Safety Tips When Hiking with Kids
- Give wildlife plenty of space
- 100 yards from bears and wolves
- 25 yards from other wildlife
- Hike during daylight hours
- Stay aware of your surroundings – watch and listen
- Make noise while hiking – easy peasy with kids
- Never feed wildlife
For your kids’ safety, it’s important they understand how to stay calm during wildlife encounters. Familiarize yourself with the local wildlife before hitting the trail so you and your kids are prepared.
Even though our kids have grown up hiking, we still have a safety chat before every adventure. We’ve had our share of wildlife run-ins, and they’ve done a great job of staying cool, staying aware, and keeping a safe distance.
Gear to Protect You and Your Kids From Wildlife
Whenever we hit the woods as a family, we bring bells, walking sticks, and bear spray for extra peace of mind.
Bells
Bells help make sure that wild animals know you’re coming—the last thing you want is to surprise them.
Our bear bells attach easily to shoes, backpacks, or clothing with hook-and-loop fasteners. You can silence them with a built-in magnet so they don’t jingle before you’re ready to hit the trail.
Sticks and Bear Spray
Walking sticks and bear spray can serve as protection if you ever feel threatened by wildlife. Just be cautious with bear spray—it can backfire and irritate your own eyes if the wind isn’t in your favor.
Hiking vs. Nature Walks
Whether the trails are easy and flat or hard and steep, I call them all hikes.
Some folks might disagree, thinking of mountains along cliffs as true hikes and disregarding paths that double as logging roads.
You’ll know if your kids are ready for rugged mountain trails or if sticking to the easy, flat, wide paths is a better choice. Just know that they all count as hiking in my book! I encourage you to call them hikes for your own well-being and your kids’ too—celebrating where you are instead of feeling pressured to tackle the hardest, longest trails.
Trail Conditions Can Be Unpredictable
Trail conditions follow the same patterns – there’s a dry season, rainy season, bug season (is that a thing?), etc. Even though they follow these cycles, many elements can throw them off. For example, the trails may become muddy in the typical dry season, and all the wetness leads to more biting insects.
Sometimes, storms and conditions like hurricanes or fire that impacted the trails have long passed, but the effects are still seen on the trails. Damage is often due to habitat loss, structural damage, and/or flooding.
Always check before heading out to hike to make sure the areas you plan to explore are open. State park, Forest Service, and National Park Service websites are always very good at posting closures, alerts, and important information. If you can’t find it on a website, call.
Pay Attention to the Weather
Monitor weather conditions on the day of the hike and remain flexible and willing to cancel in case the weather turns. You do not want to be out on the trails with your kids when the weather is dangerous.
I’m not talking about light rain or cold snowy trails, I’m talking about stormy weather.
Even during the hike, keep any eye on the weather and check the radar often. If conditions start to change, call it quits!
What are the Best Seasons to Hike with Kids?
This is a tricky question because different states and regions have different weather patterns.
The most obvious answer is to avoid seasons with extreme weather and temperatures.
Hiking in Florida means avoiding summer mid-day hikes. If you’re visiting in the summer, I recommend early-morning and evening hikes, making sure to stay hydrated and keeping the hikes easy and short.
On the other side of the country, in Washington State, summer hiking is amazing, with the height of winter being the season where weather extremes can become dangerous.
A Note on Hiking Gear for Kids
Before discussing hiking gear for kids, I’d like to address a few things.
How to Save on Kids’ Hiking Gear
Hiking gear is expensive, and the dollars can really add up since kids outgrow clothes and shoes so quickly.
The best way to save on kids’ hiking gear is to shop for discounted items (like REI Outlet or Amazon) or used gear ( at REI or Facebook Marketplace).
When our oldest outgrew his gear, we passed them down to our youngest. And once she outgrew the items, I would hand them down to other outdoor-loving families.
You don’t always need hiking-specific gear either—plenty of everyday items can work just as well on the trail.
Do You Need a Hiking Baby Carrier?
Yes, if you love hiking and are expecting a baby or already have one.
We used one (almost exactly like this one) for our kids. We had one with the largest weight capacity because carrying a 30+ pound toddler in your arms will wear you out quickly. Having them on your back is much easier. Once our kids outgrew the pack, we sold it.
Even if you have one who is interested in walking and running, they always get tired on the trails. The backpack carrier lets your toddler nap or rest their legs while you continue your hike.
New baby carriers for hiking typically start in the $80 range and can go up to the $500s. I never had one that was that expensive—my cheaper one worked really well for me. Always do some research on the best ones for your needs and consider older close-out styles or used ones to save money.
What Kind of Footwear & Socks Do Kids Need to Hike?
All you need to get started are closed-toe, sturdy walking shoes and comfortable socks.
Once you and your kids start hiking more, especially in muddy or rough terrain, I recommend getting waterproof hiking boots or hiking shoes. They are made to protect feet and keep them dry (for the most part—at the very least, drier than in regular shoes). They typically have good traction, too, which can be useful on the trails.
You’ll want hiking socks to go with trail shoes and boots. I’ve tried to wear regular socks with my hiking boots to save some money and ended up with a callus on my big toe! My foot was sliding around my boot and that toe was rubbing. Once I switched back to hiking socks, my foot stayed put, and I didn’t have any injuries.
I recommend your kids try the footwear in-store with an expert. You want to make sure they are a good fit, and it’s always nice being able to try out different styles at a store.
Our Favorite Hiking Footwear and Socks
| Item | Brand | Comments |
| Hiking Boots | Keen | Youngest wears and loves these Technically for boys, but my daughter uses themBuy on sale |
| Hiking Sneaker | Merrell | I wear these kids’ sneakers Protect feet Leave ankles exposed |
| Hiking Socks | Smartwool | Moisture-wicking Cushioning They keep feet happy |
What are Basic Kids’ Hiking Clothes?
In general, the type of clothes that you need when hiking with your kids depends on where you are and when you are going.
A good rule of thumb is to layer. Less layers when it’s warm and more in cold and windy conditions.
Hiking Pants
Hiking pants are lightweight and have built-in sunblock (UPF 50+), moisture-wicking properties, and good pockets.
Our favorite hiking pants convert into shorts. They aren’t cheap, but they are well worth the investment. They are also water-repellant and have tons of pockets. And yes, they sell these for adults, too.
Here’s another pair of hiking convertible pants. We have not owned these, but the reviews seem pretty good.
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Hiking Shirts
Who doesn’t love a good hiking shirt with sunblocking and moisture-wicking abilities? These shirts are also good for any outdoor activities with your kids. So, if the price seems a little higher, remember they can use them off the trail, too.
Base Layers
Base layers are a must when hiking in the winter or during cold weather. They will keep your kids warm, dry, and comfortable.
Kids might already have some things in their closet that may work. If you’re not sure where to start, check out this article: “How to Choose Base Layers” from REI.
Outerwear
There are so many jackets and coats to choose from, but I recommend a 3-in-1 jacket. There’s typically a cozy inside layer that zips into a water and wind-proof outer jacket.
This type of jacket makes it easy to shed layers as needed. You can pick and choose which layer you wear and when. It will be the only jacket your kids need.
What we Wear
In Colorado
Layers, layers, layers.
Summer – light layers because the temperature can drop quickly, especially with elevation increases.
Winter – a warm and cozy base layer that’s also moisture wicking, with a layer on top of that that will keep wetness out. Outerwear can be a 3-in-1 jacket that has a fleece jacket zipped into a moisture-wicking windbreaker material. Gloves, hats, and wool socks.
In Florida
My kids wear lightweight tops and bottoms.
When it’s hot, we often wear shorts and short-sleeved tops.
We add a fleece layer on top and long pants during the colder months. Dressing in moisture-wicking layers is a good idea because the morning starts cold but can heat up quickly.
Looking for tips on hiking Florida with kids? Click here!
Fun Gear for Hiking With Kids
So far, we have kept everything pretty serious, so let’s toss in some fun stuff!
Nature Exploration Kit
One of the hardest things about hiking with kids is keeping them engaged. If you have some exploration gear, it can really make for a delightful hike with happy kids.
Easy to bring exploration gear:
- Net
- Binoculars
- Bug collector container
- Magnifying glass
- Compass
Bring a drawstring bag to keep it all together and make it easy to carry. Of course, there are some pre-packed with a bunch of hiking goodies. Just know that you might want to hide the flashlights and whistles that come with some of these.
Hiking Journal
If you have a child who likes to journal, consider a hiking journal. They can use it to log their hikes and document animal and plant sightings. Your kids can start filling it out before heading out and continue recording when you stop for snacks or lunch or on the way home.
Scavenger Games
When my kids were little, I always made a scavenger hunt sheet for each of them. It helped extend our hikes and made them fun.
Looking for premade ones? Check out this free downloadable PDF I made or you can buy this scavenger hunt with cards and a carrying bag.
Play I-Spy
Probably the simplest game you can play is I-Spy and it’s a good game for teens too.
Our kids are now teens, and we still play this game. Sometimes, the kids get really creative with this one. The best thing is it’s free!
Happy Family Hiking!
Give your kids plenty of time to just be kids during the hike. Let them pause to check out flowers, bugs, or whatever catches their eye. If they need a break, take a moment to relax, crack some jokes, or talk about all the cool things you’ve seen so far. And don’t stress about the dirt—kids love getting messy. The clothes will wash, but the memories and smiles will stick around.
More Hiking Resources:
- Guide to Hiking in Florida With Kids
- A Guide to Hiking Florida with Dogs
- Hiking Essentials: Your Guide to the Must-Have Gear for a Successful Hike
- Stay Hydrated on the Trails: Discover the Best Portable Water Filter for Hiking
- Discover the Wild Side: A Guide to Hiking in Florida
- Escape the Crowds: 9 Gorgeous and Inexpensive Family-Friendly Hikes in Colorado
- From Theme Parks to Nature Trails: Central Florida’s Best-Kept Secrets for Family Hikes