Is Hiking with Kids Worth It? Here’s the Honest Truth
- jenniferlaceybaker
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Absolutely—1000% yes!
But fair warning: it’s not all sunshine and summit views.
Raising resilient kids is a lot like climbing a mountain. The rewards come later, but in the moment, it takes steady effort—and a lot of patience. When we ask our kids to face discomfort or keep going when it’s hard, of course they push back. That’s normal.
But those moments...The ones where they dig deep and pull from a place they didn’t even know existed...That’s where confidence is built.
And there’s nothing more powerful than watching your child rise to a challenge—not because they did it, but because they’ve found the courage to keep going when they thought they couldn't.
Yes, you’ll likely face meltdowns, snack negotiations, and the occasional piggyback ride (while your own legs are on fire). But on our recent family hike up Mount Swansea, there were also summit smiles, sibling bonding, and self-esteem boosts that made it all worth it.
Read on for honest reflections, helpful tips, and family hiking inspiration—from parents who love the trail and kids who are learning to love it too.
Hiking with Kids: The Real Story Behind Our Family Hike Up Mount Swansea
Mount Swansea is a well-loved hike near us. It’s not the longest trail my husband and I have tackled—when our daughter was two, we hiked Poon Hill, a five-day trek in Nepal that still ranks as my all-time favourite holiday—but back then, Ruby was carried most of the way.
This time, things were different. This trail tested both our kids in new ways. It stretched their limits and challenged their beliefs about what they were capable of.
The Swansea trail is roughly 12 km return with 850 meters of elevation gain—and while it’s doable for families, it’s definitely no walk in the park.
It took the better part of an hour for our youngest to get his hiking legs. He asked to be carried repeatedly. Surprisingly, it was our daughter who stepped up—literally. As a gymnast, she’s strong. And he’s deeply loved. She carried him for a hundred metres before setting him down.
That’s when I remembered the wise words of Chilli Heeler from Bluey: “I’ve noticed your legs don’t get as tired when you’re having fun.” So we found a rock face, challenged the kids to climb it, and everything shifted. From there, our 4-year-old was fully engaged.
Meanwhile, our 9-year-old made it most of the way up with enthusiasm—until just before the summit, when emotions hit hard. She refused snacks, and with the clock ticking, we debated calling it a day.
Earlier in the hike, when complaints were still lighthearted, my husband and I jokingly said that hiking was our “gift” to the kids—something they’d appreciate when they’re older. But standing 100 meters from the summit, our daughter clearly saw this as punishment.
Still—she persevered. She was tired. Frustrated. But too close to quit. And with ample encouragement from us, she powered her way to the top to finish what we had started.
That moment? Pure pride. The kind that lingers long after your boots are off.
On the descent, everything lightened. The kids were energized and happy. They had done something hard—and they knew it.
Trail Tips for Hiking Safely with Kids
Before we set off, I made a quick video about trail etiquette and safety. These are the basics we always cover with our kids:
Trail right-of-way (yield to uphill hikers or bikers)
Staying on the path
Bear spray: how it works and why we carry it
Making noise in low-visibility areas
We also talk about Leave No Trace hiking: pack out all trash, and if we find litter, we pick that up too. Nature stewardship starts early.
How to Keep Kids Motivated on the Trail
Snacks and storytelling always help—but on this hike, a simple trail game made all the difference: Numbers in Nature Eye Spy.
We challenged the kids to find shapes that looked like numbers in the landscape—and they spotted a 9 and an 11. (Yes, 9-11 side-by-side sounds like a coded cry for help, but I promise: this hike had more ups than downs!)
Games like this turn attention away from tired legs and toward the present moment.
Hiking Games for Kids: Numbers in Nature Eye Spy
Here’s how to play: take turns finding shapes in nature that resemble numbers or letters. Think tree branches, shadows, rocks, clouds—anything goes.
We love this game because it slows our pace, sparks observation skills, and invites imagination.
Nature journaling is another great way to slow down and connect with the wild world around you. Never tried it? Download this 4-page sample from my A Walk in Nature Journal: Recordings of a Wild Child. It’s a kids' journal designed to make outdoor time more engaging and meaningful.
What to Bring (and Expect) When Hiking with Kids
Smart packing can mean the difference between a meltdown and a magical memory. Here’s what we never hit the trail without:
Water for everyone (plus extra)
Easy snacks (hard-boiled eggs, granola bars, sandwiches, apples)
Layers for changing weather
Hats
Mini first-aid kit
Bear spray + holster
Binoculars
Nature journal or scavenger hunt sheet (optional but fun!)
Small surprise or reward for reaching the summit
And most importantly: flexibility.
Some days, you won’t reach the top. That’s okay. Hiking as a family means adjusting to what’s best for the group. No child—or parent—left behind.
Final Thoughts: Let the Kids Lead (Even When It Gets Messy)
There was a moment when the kids scrambled up a small rock face like mountain goats. I followed—heart pounding—pretending to be braver than I felt.
But standing up there with them, looking out across the valley, I was struck by how far we’d come. Not just in distance—but in confidence.
Family hikes are messy. Loud. Occasionally tear-filled. But they’re also rich in lessons, resilience, and connection.
Sometimes, the best views really do come after the hardest climbs.
📬 Let’s Keep Exploring Together
Subscribe for more real talk about raising resilient kids, nature-based learning, and outdoor adventures for the whole family.
🧭 Bonus: You'll get my free guided nature walk straight to your inbox!
Comentarios