All in Fun...

After our last blog post, Matt and I received questions about how to get the kids excited about hiking.  How to keep them moving on the trail?  Aha!  The million dollar question!  Fortunately, Matt and I realized early that our end goal with family hiking trips is to have a great time, and to instill in our kids the love of backpacking and hiking.  Hopes of 25 mile days on the Pacific Crest Trail would not create a backpacking lover out of a four year old.  So what to do?

My first recommendation is to be realistic of the kids' hiking abilities.  No more 25 mile days.  A low mileage day of 2-4 miles (depending on altitude change) will keep the kids energized and enthusiastic.  It gives them plenty of time to do the things kids love to do...  Stop and look at lichen on rocks, throw a frisbee around, or play a game of catch with a tennis ball.  Let them play in the dirt, let them smell the flowers, and let them inspect the bugs on the ground.

Secondly, be sure to bring plenty of good food.  This is huge!  Hot chocolate in the morning to drink is a must.  Fruit leathers are always great.  And then there is the s'more dilemma.  How do you do s'mores if you are backpacking in an area where open fires are not allowed?  Well, have no fear.  We found a great recipe for S'more Bars from Martha Thompson, the Director of Guest Relations, at the Dave Ramsey Show.  Look at the Recipes page above for details.

Speaking of food, there are some things that you might take for granted, until you actually try it with kids.  One of those things is eating cereal out of a bowl while you hold it in your lap.  Little kids can't do this.  After much frustration, we have decided to go with some sort of breakfast bar for the kids.  You can make them at home or buy them at the store...  Whichever.  Just making it easier for the kids makes it more fun.

And fun?  What is more fun than a little water.  Kids love playing in the water.  Jumping in puddles...  Throwing rocks in a stream...  Scrambling on the rocks.  Let them.  Just try to take their shoes off before they get them soaked!

And last but not least, I have said it before, you have to know when to fold 'em.  If something is not quite right to ensure your kids will love the trip, you might just have to bag it.  If the forecast calls for rain, it might be wise to postpone the trip.  Same thing for sick kids.  Heck, I have been known to hitch-hike back to the car when we have gotten in over our heads with a trip.

So let your kids be kids.  Let them take their time.  Let them have some fun.  And let them love backpacking!

We will see you on the trail!

Mama Bear