I want to hike with my kids when they’re older so we’re starting now to create habits and family traditions. Hiking with young kids isn’t always easy, especially at first!
1. Get your kids a hydration backpack
Water is very important when you are hiking. If you plan on hiking often, I would recommend getting each of your kids a hydration backpack. We have one camelbak and one hydration backpack from Sam’s Club. You can find them at your local sporting goods store or on Amazon here.
Not only do I know they have the water they need on the hot trails, but the kids feel so cool. Their hydration packs are like their uniform for success. They ask to go hiking now so they can wear their awesome packs!
2. Pack Unique Snacks & Let the Kids Choose
Another idea for making hiking fun is by planning unique snacks! We always take the basics – fruit snacks, apple sauce pouches and granola bars. But the kids know that when we hike, we get to bring trail mix too. It’s the perfect trail snack. On the morning of the hike, I get down our snack basket and have the kids choose 2-3 snacks each and add them to their backpacks.
3. Play Trail Games
Sometimes hiking can get boring for kids. Their bodies hurt. They aren’t too excited about the views. Distract them from the heat and the pain by playing trail games. I spy is an easy game for all ages. You can mix it up with other senses – I hear, I smell, etc. Other ideas: Play Tag, Follow the Leader, Sing Songs, Tell Stories, etc!
4. Start Small & Don’t Expect to Summit
The first time you hike with your young kids will probably be MISERABLE. It’s best to start small. Hike around the trailhead then go back to the car. Go up one big hill, then back down. Baby steps until they are ready to go all the way!
5. Have A Back Up Plan
Aka bring a hiking backpack or some extra shoulders to help when the kids can’t go another step. The first time we hiked this summer I ended up carrying Piper (almost 4) on my back for a good portion. After some snacks and water, she got out and hiked the rest of the day. Be prepared to help your kids out with extra breaks or a lift.
EASY HIKES IN NORTHERN UTAH
Tony’s Grove Lake
- Tony Grove Nature Trail is a 1.2 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Logan, Utah that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
- 59′ Elevation Gain / Loop
- Logan River Trail is a 5.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Logan, Utah that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
- 567′ Elevation Gain / Out & Back
- Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area is a 1.2 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Logan, Utah that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.
- 157′ Elevation Gain / Out & Back
Bonneville Shoreline
- Bonneville Shoreline Trail: Canyon Entrance Park to Green Canyon is a 3.9 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Logan, Utah that offers scenic views. The trail is good for all skill levels offers a number of activity options. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
- 593′ Elevation Gain / Out & Back
MODERATE BUT WORTH IT
Wind Caves
- Wind Cave Trail is a 3.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Logan, Utah that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
- 1000′ Elevation Gain / Out & Back
Wellsvilles
- Wellsville Mountains is a 11.1 mile point-to-point trail located near Mendon, Utah that features a great forest setting and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from May until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
- 4655′ Elevation Gain / Out & Back
PIN IT FOR LATER!
Hiking with Young Kids | Best Family Hikes in Utah for Families and Children
Kylee started Kylee Ann Photography 9 years ago, and has since grown from a one woman amateur show to a full associate team. We shoot 50-75 weddings a year, and thrive on kindness and service. After a year of teaching Intro to Photography at the local technical college, she discovered that helping other entrepreneurs create thriving businesses is what fires her up! She hosts semi-annual Kylee Ann Sleepovers all over the US, speak at conferences and teach online courses about running a small business and marketing.
August 7, 2018
Kylee Maughan
