A family hike is a wonderful, healthy way to spend time together. There are so many lessons you can teach your children when you are exploring the natural world. More importantly, there are many memories that you can create together when you are out on the trail. To keep those memories happy, it is important to be prepared for the unexpected when you hit the trail with your family.
A Plan
Especially if you are hiking with younger children, it is critical that you plan out your trip ahead of time. It is easy to find information online about well-maintained trails. You can share information about what your children might see as well as talk about some of the possible hazards along the way. One helpful feature to find is a trail difficulty rating. A trail through the mountains will be much harder and take longer than a flat trail around a lake. You can also plan some options for distance. Many trail systems have side trails that can turn a long loop into a shorter loop. If the day is not going as well as you hoped, you can shorten the distance and head back home.
Water
It is always smart to carry a good supply of water. Your children can carry their own canteens. As a parent, you should carry an extra supply. According to Boohoff Law, children don’t have a good sense of when they are dehydrated, so parents should make sure they get enough. For younger children, you might want to have mandatory water breaks every twenty minutes on the trail. Looking for places to refill canteens should be another part of your planning for the day. Many trails mark water-filling stations or springs. If there are none convenient to the trail, you will want to increase your supply.
Healthy Snacks
A long hike requires a lot of energy. Children are going to get hungry along the way. Fortunately, according to Wildland Trekking, there are many fun and healthy options for trail snacks. You want to have a mix of carbohydrates and proteins, so snacks are both energizing and satisfying. A mix of nuts, chocolate candies, and raisins are a classic trail snack. Granola bars are a simple way to provide an energy boost. If you are not traveling too far, fresh fruit like apples is also a good choice. It is best to eat whole fruits so that hikers have the hunger-satisfying fiber along with the energy from fruit sugars.
Prepare for the Weather
The weather can change unexpectedly when you are on a trail, especially if you are hiking above the tree line. On the day of your hike, pay attention to local weather forecasts. Be sure to bring appropriate gear in case the weather changes. A lightweight rain poncho will not take up much room in your pack. If you are in the mountains, even in the summer, you will want to bring a sweatshirt or light jacket. A sudden drop in temperature can make for a miserable day.
It is great to get back to nature on a family hike. While hiking is generally a low-risk activity, you should always be ready for surprises on the trail. With a little preparation, you can make a lasting family memory.
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