Top Tips for Hiking with Children – What to Pack and How to Keep It Fun

If you’ve ever attempted a family hike and ended up carrying three jackets, two half-eaten cereal bars, and one very tired small human… you’re not alone 😅

Hiking with children can be magical, muddy, and mildly chaotic – but with a bit of prep, it can also be one of the most rewarding ways to spend time outdoors as a family. Whether you’re heading out for a woodland wander or a countryside climb, here are our top tips for making it a great experience for everyone – plus a handy packing list of what to take with you.

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1. Pick the Right Route

Choose a trail that matches your child’s age, stamina, and interest level. Flat, circular walks with something to “do” – like spotting animals, throwing stones in a stream, or hunting for tree faces – work best for younger kids.

👉 Try one of our family-friendly walk reviews for inspiration!

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2. Layer Up (But Keep It Light)

Children get hot, cold, muddy, wet and dry again – often within the same ten minutes! Go for lightweight, breathable layers that are easy to peel off and stuff in a bag.

• Waterproof outer layer
• Fleece or hoodie
• Quick-dry t-shirts
• Spare socks (always!)

Bonus tip: A small backpack of their own makes them feel like a real adventurer – even if you end up carrying it five minutes later.

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3. Snacks Are Your Secret Weapon

Snacks are the difference between a joyful nature walk and a full-on meltdown in a muddy field. Pack a few “energy bursts” like:

• Homemade flapjack or cereal bars
• Dried fruit or trail mix
• A special treat (a little bribery goes a long way on hills – trust me!)

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4. Make It a Game

Turn the walk into an adventure, mission, or quest. Here are some ideas:

• 🕵️‍♀️ Scavenger hunts (find 3 different leaves, a feather, a round stone)
• 🐾 Animal tracks or bug-spotting challenges
• 🏞 Play games as you walk

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5. What to Pack for a Hike with Kids

Here’s a basic kit list we use on every family hike:

✅ Essentials:

• Water bottles
• Snacks or packed lunch for longer walks
• Wipes or tissues
• Plasters/blister plasters
• Waterproof jackets
• A small first aid kit and Sun cream
• Hand sanitiser
• Bin bag or dry bag for muddy gear
• Charged phone (ideally with OS Maps or AllTrails app)

✅ Extras (optional but useful):

• Cap / woolly hat (depending on the season)
• A magnifying glass or mini binoculars
• Nature ID cards or a scavenger hunt sheet
• Spare layers
• A picnic blanket

Top tip: Keep a “go bag” prepped with essentials so spontaneous walks are less effort!

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6. Adjust Your Expectations

It might not be the epic 10-mile ridge walk you had in mind. That’s okay. If your 3-mile stroll turns into an hour of bug-hunting and log-balancing, count it as a win.

The real goal? Making happy outdoor memories and raising little humans who want to spend time in nature.

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Final Thoughts

Hiking with children might take longer and involve more snack breaks than you’re used to – but it’s worth every step. With a bit of prep, a pocket full of flapjack, and a willingness to slow down, you can turn even the simplest trail into a big family adventure.

Got a favourite hiking tip or must-pack item? Drop it in the comments!