Hiking with Young Kids

Prepping for a Hike with Three Kids as a Therapist

What We Bring:

  • Snacks and waters

  • Extra socks (it’s helpful to keep a whole change of clothes in your trunk in case your kids like to get muddy)

  • First Aid Kit for real & exaggerated injuries. “I sprained my ankle, you have to carry me!!!!” :spots a butterfly and sprints away::

  • Hiking backpack carrier for our 2 year old. We have a hand-me-down Osprey bag that is amazing but they are pricey and I know you can find them secondhand.

  • Mindfulness Skills (See below: “I Spy a Hike!”)

  • Patience

What we leave home:

  • The expectation that no one will whine.  

  • The assumption that no one will say, “It’s not fair that he doesn’t have to walk!!”

  • The idea that no one will claim they can’t walk but then runs around the house as soon as we get home. 

  • The belief that it has to be perfect to be worth it.

Low expectations, people. That’s the key to success here. If you think you’re getting your workout in for the day, you’re wrong. If you think you’re going to make it to the summit in one fell swoop and breathe in the calm and serenity of the nature around you, think again. But for us the pros way outweigh the cons and it gets easier every time. This goes for any big outing with kids. Bring lots of snacks and meet your kiddo where they’re at. My middle could do without our weekly hikes but we’ve fallen into a rhythm of playing “I spy” with different colored flowers. That’s something she is into so it makes the trek more enjoyable for her and creates a moment of connection for us instead of me dragging her up a mountain. Take it from me, trying to convince a cranky child that “this is fun,” doesn’t work. Be creative and invite your child into a special moment with you. They may not care about hiking (or whatever you’re out doing) but they care about being with you and that’s what these outings should be all about. 

This past weekend we went to Coyote Ridge Natural Area in Fort Collins, CO and it was perfect for all ages! Get out there this summer and do some exploring while you make memories with your kiddos.

I Spy a Hike!

Mindfulness has been a buzzword for a few years, but it’s still a good one! Mindfulness is simply noticing where you are, what you’re doing and how you’re feeling, without judgment (that last part is key!). It’s helpful when you’re feeling frazzled and need some grounding. Try a Mindfulness exercise that uses all your senses, with a little game I call, “I Spy a Hike!”

Take a few deep breaths to start and then tune into what you see, hear, feel, smell and even taste. For bonus points turn inward and notice what you’re feeling inside your body! Recently, my family of five played this game while we were exploring Gateway Natural Area in Bellvue, CO, just north of Fort Collins. And while you are in the area, stop by Morning Fresh Dairy Farm for some coffee or ice cream at the Howling Cow Cafe.

 
 
Sarah DeLuca