In this blog post, I am sharing 10 hiking activities for kids that will keep them entertained on the trail!
If you’re planning a family hike, the last thing you want to worry about is keeping your kids entertained. But don’t fret – there are plenty of ways to make sure everyone has a good time on the trail!
In this blog post, I am sharing some family-friendly (and fun!) hiking activities for kids to keep them engaged while you’re out on the trail. I’m so thankful for other mamas in my support system who also encourage their kids to get outside. It helps a ton!
Here in Kansas, we have access to many great national parks, state parks, and general walking trails in our immediate local area. We also have taken advantage of hikes in other areas we’ve visited, like on our family vacation to Tennessee!
Not only does it help me get my kids out of the house, but it’s also a low-cost activity that the whole family can enjoy. All you need is to get to the trail and pack some food you can eat. (Let’s be real… kids always think they need snacks, and it makes it more enjoyable for all!).
There are so many benefits when you can get out and hike for kids and adults too.
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Why Is Hiking Important For Kids?
Many parents I talk to would agree that their kids do not spend enough time outside. Nowadays, kids can be glued to their mobile phones and tablets and disconnect from nature. Hiking is a great way to get your kids outside, get fresh air, and into nature. Plus, it’s a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy.
Here are other reasons I like to get my family out on hikes!
- It helps my kids learn more about the outdoors and nature.
- The exercise is good for all of us.
- It’s a great way to bond as a family.
- It teaches my kids self-reliance and resilience.
- And it helps them understand the value of hard work and persistence.
Now, you can’t just give your kid a water bottle, stick them on a hiking trail, and expect them to have a good time. Because let’s face it, it’s a lot of walking, even on short hikes.
I have learned from experience that for my kids to have a good hiking experience, thereby letting us parents have a good time, too, it’s a good idea to plan some fun hiking activities for kids that will keep them entertained on the trail!
The good news is there are plenty of ways to do this. Here are ten ideas you can steal that work on any trail!
10 Hiking Activities For Kids (That Work On ANY Trail!)
#1 – Scavenger Hunt or Treasure Hunt
What’s good about this idea is it works for kids of all ages. Whether you’re hiking with young or older kids, they can enjoy this hiking activity!
It works by creating a list of small objects that can be found on the trail. It could include rocks, leaves, wildflowers, etc. Depending on the age of your kids, you can make it as simple or detailed as you’d like.
You can give them a little prize once they have found all the items on the list. An easy idea is getting ice cream after the hike. Besides, then you can grab ice cream for yourself, too. That’s a win for everyone!
In certain parks, you could even organize a treasure hunt. Just hide items around the trail before you start your hike, and make sure it’s safe for kids to find them. My kids would think finding treasure on the trail is the best thing since sliced bread.
#2 – Trail Games
If you’re looking for simple activities you can do while walking, since many of the other ideas on this list will require you to stop and start a lot, consider playing some trail-friendly games.
Here are some different hiking games you can play next time you’re on the trail.
- Follow The Leader – Pick one person to be the leader, and everyone else follows them around the trail in a single file. To keep it interesting, switch up the leader now and then.
- I Spy – One person picks an object nearby and says, “I spy something beginning with the letter ____.” Everyone else has to guess what it is.
- The Alphabet Game – See who can name a different animal, plant, or item that starts with each alphabet letter.
- 20 Questions – One person thinks of an animal, plant, or thing, and everyone else asks yes/no questions to try and guess what it is.
- Would You Rather? – One person picks an object nearby and asks, “Would you rather ____ or _____?” Everyone can then take turns picking which one they would rather have.
- Name That Tune – Everyone can take turns singing their favorite songs, and then everyone else has to try and guess the song’s name.
#3 – Map Reading
While hiking, we like to use the opportunity to teach our kids about navigation. We’ll give them a trail map, and they can try to follow it as we walk or take turns leading the way.
You can also make a game out of it by having them identify landmarks or other points of interest along the route and then letting them mark it on the map.
Whatever the case, it’s a great way to teach your kids valuable navigation skills!
And don’t forget to bring a compass with you, just in case!
#4 – Bird Watching
If your kids love animals, bird watching is a great way to entertain them on the hike. All you need is a good pair of binoculars and a bird guide.
As you walk, watch for different birds and other wildlife. Have your kids try to identify the birds based on their size, color, and calls.
You can also get creative and make a game out of it. For example, you can have a competition to see how many different kinds of birds your kids can spot on the hike. Or you can play bird-watching bingo and see who can spot all the birds on the list first.
This is a great way to get your kids interested in some of the wildlife around you!
#5 – Finding Animal Tracks
Next up on our list of fun trail activities is looking out for animal tracks.
While not all kids find bird watching exhilarating, most kids love seeing tracks that indicate some animal was nearby recently, especially if the animal is something big!
Bring a guidebook to help you identify the animal tracks in the area, and then your kids can try and find them on the trail. It’s a great learning experience for all ages.
#6 – Learn About Wild Edibles
If teaching your kids about nature and survival skills is your thing, learning about wild edibles is a great way to do it!
Wild edibles are plants that can be eaten and used for medicinal purposes. Most of these plants are safe to eat, but you should always identify them correctly before consuming them. It will be imperative to ensure your kids know they should check with you before they eat something.
Learning about wild edibles not only teaches your kids some valuable survival skills but it’s also a great way to add some excitement to your hike!
Some local edibles to Kansas you might find are spearmint, mulberries, sand plums, & dandelions. There are a lot more as well; we’ll just need to do more research.
#7 – Geocaching
Geocaching is a modern-day treasure hunt using GPS coordinates. You can find geocaches worldwide, in national parks and some local neighborhoods!
So, why not take this activity into your hike with you?
You can use a GPS app to find the nearest geocaches and then embark on an adventure! It’s a great way to entertain and engage the kids during your hike.
Plus, you might find some fun and interesting items along the way!
#8 – Create An Imaginary Story
I don’t know about you, but my kids have the wildest imagination. I can’t even fathom half the things they come up with.
A fun way to encourage this creativity on the trail is to have them create an imaginary story about the area you are hiking. They can be adventurers looking for lost treasure or signs of a yeti.
Whatever the case, it’s excellent practice for their imagination and something they can develop as they hike.
#9 – Photography
There are other ways to encourage creativity in your kids while out in nature, and that is giving them a camera they can use to take pictures. My kids have VTech cameras, which are very durable when dropped! Highly recommend.
Be warned; you’ll likely have to take many pictures along the way!
Encourage them to take pictures of interesting things they find, and then you can create a scrapbook or photo album when you get home.
It’s also a great way to get your kids interested in the outdoors and appreciate nature’s beauty.
#10 – Keep A Nature Journal
Finally, help your kids start their very own nature journal. Not only does this give them a way to capture things they want to remember, but it also adds an activity they can do during your hike.
If your kid likes to draw what they see, pack a couple of pens in their backpack that they can use. My kids love collecting things on the trail and putting them into their journals. And if your kid is taking pictures, they can also put their favorite ones into their journal! Grab this mini printer to print pics right from your phone. We have it and love to print as we go!
Fun Things To Put In Your Kid’s Hiking Bag
In addition to those hiking activities for kids, there are some things you can include in your kid’s hiking bag that can help to keep them entertained!
A Magnifying Glass
Give your kids a magnifying glass to look around and examine details on the trail. They can use this to closely examine rocks, tree trunks, moss, flowers, etc.
Pair Of Binoculars
Binoculars are great for kids, especially if they are bird-watching. They can use binoculars to better look at the birds and then identify them.
A Slingshot
If you are in an area where it is allowed, why not let your kids bring a slingshot for safe fun?
A Frisbee
Frisbees are great for running around and playing in open spaces, like when you’re out on a hike! Play with them during water breaks or while eating lunch.
Activity Book
If you’re setting out on a longer hike, bringing an activity book for the little kids can be a wonderful way to keep them entertained during rest breaks. You might even be able to find some activity books all about nature they can use.
A Nature Field Guide
Finally, a pocket guide is also great for your kid’s bag. It will help them identify birds, plants, insects, and more they see on their hikes.
With these hiking activities and things to bring along, your kids will have a fun and entertaining time out on the trail! After all, hiking is just as much about having fun as it is about enjoying the outdoors.
So, before you set out on your next family hike, ensure you have everything you need to keep your little ones entertained!
Best Child-Sized Backpacks
P.S. – Looking for the best child-sized backpacks that your kids can use to go hiking with? Here are some popular options among other hiking parents!
Ensure the backpack you choose has a spot to keep their water bottles since staying hydrated is one of the most critical parts of hiking!
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I hope you and your family enjoy these hiking activities for kids on your next hike! If you have any other ideas to share, you can add them to the comments below!
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