Thank you Brainiac™ Kids for sponsoring this post. Brain food kids want to eat!
Hiking with kids can be challenging and honestly overwhelming. There’s so many things to consider before you head out, that’s why I created a list of 10 Tips For Hiking With Kids. From taking breaks, to packing the right snacks like Brainiac™ Kids applesauce, I share all my tips on how I make hikes enjoyable for both the little ones and myself.
1. Pick a Hike or Trail Everyone Can Do
First and foremost, to have a successful hike with kids you need to make sure you pick a hike or trail that everyone in the group can do. My 3 1/2 year old insists on walking by herself, so we always need to make sure we pick a fairly flat terrain.
Don’t forget to consider the length of the hike, nothing worse than having a little one get tired halfway through and then having to carry them the rest of the way.
2. If Available, Pickup a Trail Map
If you’re at a National Park or trail that has a map or guide available, grab a copy. My kids love to look at maps of where we’re going and what’s to come.
3. Bring Along Plenty of Snacks & Water.
The first thing my oldest asks the second we leave is whether or not I brought snacks! You know they’re going to be asking, so make sure to pack plenty of snacks and water for everyone. Not all snacks work well on hikes, that’s why I love to bring along Brainiac™ Kids applesauce.
Brainiac™ Kids applesauce is available on Amazon.com and comes in 3 flavors: apple, strawberry and cinnamon. Both my girls love the strawberry flavor! They also love the easy grab and go pouch, and I love that they fuel kids’ growing minds with foods they love to eat. Their new applesauce is the only snack that includes essential brain fueling nutrients that every kid needs in their diet – but isn’t getting enough of. It’s the perfect snack for a hike.
4. Pack Lightly
My daughter loves to bring along her backpack, as well as a couple toys. However, we try to limit what they bring as much as possible and make sure to pack the essentials since most hikes end with my husband or I carrying everything. So, keep that in mind when packing.
5. Find Hikes with a Reward or Goal
Try to find a hike or trail with an end goal. For example, if your hike ends at a waterfall, river, or lake they’ll love it. Hiking to a peak is also another great option, kids love to be able to look around and see how far they’ve come.
6. Stop to Have a Snack Break
Make a point to stop, take a break and have a snack. I think this is my girls favorite part. We bring a blanket or towel and stop and enjoy a snack or two.
What’s great about Brainiac™ Kids applesauce is that with each 3.2oz. pouch, kids are getting as much omega-3 DHA/EPA as a 1 oz. of salmon and as much Choline as 2 cups of broccoli. That’s awesome considering it’s a quick snack they love to eat!
7. Assign Tasks or Jobs to Each Kid
Giving each kid a task or job keeps them focused and motivated. They can be simple like looking out for bugs or squirrels. Or for older kids, they can lookout for certain types of plants. Having a task helps keep them alert.
8. Take Plenty of Rests & Water Breaks
Make sure everyone stays hydrated with plenty of water breaks. If your kids are like mine, that means every 10 minutes!
9. Stop to Enjoy the View
Don’t forget to stop and enjoy the view as well as to stop and smell the flowers . I try to teach my kids how amazing nature is and to have an appreciation for it.
10. Finally, Know When it’s Time to Call it Quits
As I mentioned in tip 1, make sure to consider the length of the hike. I know the signs for when my girls are starting to get tired, so that means it’s time to turn back. A 30 minute hike typically means 30 minutes each way, so keep that in mind.
It’s Giveaway time!
5 winners will win prize packs valued at $50. It runs from 1/24 – 2/1. Enter below by following the brand on Instagram. Winners will be randomly selected and notified the first week of February, 2020.
Must be Age 18+, US resident only, & Only one winner per household. See full Terms & Conditions below.
So, how do you make hiking with kids successful? Have any more tips I can use? Let me know below, and go order Brainiac™ Kids applesauce on Amazon.com today!
Enjoy!
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