How to Get Kids Excited for Hiking: Fun Tips and Trail Games

Let's Get Those Kids Stoked To Hike!

Hiking with young kids can feel daunting for many parents. You might worry about whining, boredom, or the need to constantly stop for snacks and breaks. But here’s the truth: hiking can be an incredible family adventure that creates lasting memories and helps your kids develop a love for nature. With the right approach, your little ones will be asking, “When’s our next hike?” instead of dragging their feet.

Let’s dive into how to make hiking exciting for kids and explore some kid-friendly trail games and tips to keep their enthusiasm high.

Why Hiking is Great for Kids (and Parents!)

Hiking isn’t just about getting outside; it’s about bonding, learning, and exploring. For kids, it offers:

• Physical Activity: Helps burn energy and keeps them healthy.
• Nature Discovery: Sparks curiosity about plants, animals, and the world around them.
• Confidence Building: Accomplishing even short hikes boosts their self-esteem.

For parents, it’s a chance to unplug, bond, and share your passion for the outdoors with your children.

How to Get Kids Excited Before the Hike

The success of your hiking adventure often starts before you hit the trail. Here’s how to build anticipation and excitement:

1. Involve Them in the Planning

Let your kids feel like part of the adventure. Show them photos or maps of the trail and talk about what they might see (e.g., waterfalls, birds, wildflowers). Allow them to help choose snacks, pack their own small backpacks, or pick a toy to bring along.

2. Start Small

Choose short, easy trails to ensure their first experiences are positive. Trails with points of interest—like a lake, creek, or cool rock formations—are great motivators.

3. Get Cool Gear

Kids love feeling like explorers. Mini backpacks, binoculars, or a kid-friendly water bottle can make them feel special and engaged.

4. Set Expectations

Explain that hiking is an adventure, not a race. Let them know it’s okay to take breaks, look around, and enjoy the journey.

Fun Trail Games to Keep Kids Engaged

Kids thrive on fun, and turning your hike into a playful experience can keep them motivated. Try these easy games:

1. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Before the hike, create a list of things they might see (e.g., a red leaf, a bird, a mushroom, or a cool rock). Kids will love checking items off their list as they go.

2. Trail Bingo

Print out bingo cards with nature-related items and give them stickers or crayons to mark their finds. The first one to get bingo earns a fun reward, like choosing the next snack break.

3. I Spy

A classic game that never gets old. Encourage kids to look closely at their surroundings and take turns spotting things for others to guess.

4. Storytelling Walk

Create a story together as you hike. Take turns adding sentences to make it silly, adventurous, or even spooky (but not too scary!).

5. Animal Tracker

Bring along a basic animal-tracking guide and see if you can identify tracks, scat, or other signs of wildlife. This adds an educational element to the fun.

Tips for Keeping Kids Happy on the Trail

Even with games and excitement, there are a few key strategies to ensure your hike goes smoothly:

1. Pack Plenty of Snacks

Hungry kids are grumpy kids. Bring a mix of healthy and fun snacks—think trail mix, fruit, and maybe a treat like gummies to keep them motivated.

2. Dress for Comfort

Make sure they’re wearing comfy shoes, weather-appropriate layers, and a hat if it’s sunny. Bring extra socks for wet feet and sunscreen for exposed trails.

3. Take Breaks

Don’t rush the hike. Stop to rest, explore interesting spots, or let them splash in a stream if the opportunity arises.

4. Celebrate Small Wins

Cheer them on when they reach a trail marker, a cool view, or even a halfway point. Positive reinforcement goes a long way.

Inspiring a Lifelong Love for Hiking

Getting kids excited for hiking isn’t just about the hike itself; it’s about creating positive associations with being outdoors. Here are a few ideas to inspire their love for nature:

• Create a Trail Journal: Let them draw pictures or write about their favorite parts of each hike.
• Introduce Nature Books: Read kid-friendly books about hiking or wildlife.
• Bring Friends or Siblings: Having a buddy can make hikes more fun and social.
• End with a Treat: Whether it’s a favorite snack or a stop for ice cream, giving them something to look forward to can help motivate them to finish the hike.

Final Thoughts: Adventure Awaits!

Hiking with young kids may take extra planning and patience, but it’s so worth it. The joy of seeing their faces light up when they discover a cool bug or reach the summit of a small hill is priceless. With games, preparation, and a positive attitude, you can turn hiking into a beloved family tradition that grows with your kids.

So grab your gear, pick a trail, and get ready to share the magic of hiking with the next generation. Happy trails!

Be sure to check out our article Inspiring the Next Generation of Hiking Stewards to learn more about involving your kiddos in the great outdoors!