Hiking and Camping with Kids

Children measure a hike by whether it was interesting rather than by how far it went. Trips that succeed are built around that, with distance treated as a byproduct rather than a goal, and with the safety habits taught early enough that they become automatic.

1. 1

   Set distances by attention span, not fitness

   Most young children can walk further than they will want to. A rough starting point is a mile or so for a toddler on their own feet, two to three miles for early school age, and five or more by around ten — with enormous individual variation. Plan an out-and-back so you can turn around whenever it stops being fun.

2. 2

   Make the trail the activity

   Destination-focused hiking works badly with children. Stream crossings, rocks to climb, bugs to look at, and things to collect and put back are the point. Budget twice the time you would alone and treat stops as the plan rather than an interruption.

3. 3

   Give every child their own light

   This is the single highest-return item for a first overnight. A headlamp turns the dark from something frightening into something to explore, and it is a genuine safety item. Let them choose the colour and let them control it.

   Choosing a headlampOptions light and simple enough for children

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4. 4

   Teach the lost-child habits from day one

   Stay put if separated, hug a tree, and make noise rather than wandering. A whistle on every child's jacket, and the rule that three blasts means help. Take a photo of each child at the trailhead so you have exactly what they are wearing if it ever matters.

5. 5

   Manage temperature and food constantly

   Children lose heat faster than adults and are worse at reporting it. Layer them, check hands and ears at stops, and feed them more often than feels necessary. Most trailside meltdowns are hunger, cold, or tiredness rather than defiance.

   What to wearLayering that works for small bodies

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6. 6

   Start with an easy first overnight

   Somewhere close to the car, in good weather, with a short walk in. A first trip that goes well produces a child who wants to go again, which matters more than any distance covered. Bail-out capability makes the whole thing lower stakes for everyone.

Rough Distance Guidance