Backpacking is not just for grown-ups; kids can enjoy this fantastic activity too! Experiencing nature is one of the best ways a family can bond and have an excellent time together. It’s also a great opportunity for kids to learn and appreciate Mother Nature and influence them to grow up with the desire to help make the world a better place.
But how do we get started? How can we make backpacking an enjoyable experience for the whole family? Well, look no further than these excellent tips that will help you do just that:
Extra clothing
Children are naturally curious and love to explore their environment. You can expect them to get dirty and wet in the process. Make sure you anticipate and bring enough clothes so they can change when needed. Bring the usual things like tissues, sanitizers, wipes, a map, a flashlight, medications, and a whistle to call for help in situations where someone may be stuck or injured. These are just some essentials you will need to bring to maximize your safety. Make sure you’ve done enough research, so you are prepared to handle any situation.
Set up some activities your kids will enjoy
Every kid loves a good treasure hunt. If you can put in the extra effort, you can try to leave clues around for them to find that will lead to an ultimate prize! With some research, there are also lots of games, trivia, and other fun things you can find on the internet that your kids might love. Be creative!
Make everything simple
Please keep it simple, at least in the beginning. You don’t want to choose a too complicated or grueling route and discourage your kids from hiking the next time. Take it slow and maybe up the challenge every time so they feel accomplished and look forward to the next hike!
Rest is essential
Hiking is tiring, so ensure you keep an eye on your kids to gauge their energy levels and then take breaks when needed. Take some time to replenish your energy with snacks and drinks prepared for the trip. It’s also a good idea to ask them if they would like to keep going or need to take a breather. Allowing them to choose can help them improve their decision-making skills.
Practice cleanliness
It is a great time to teach your kids how important it is to take care of the environment. Make it a point not to leave any garbage behind.
Let your kids know when they’re doing great
Sometimes, you will notice them pushing on when they’re tired, or maybe they make an observation and discover little things about their environment. Tell them how awesome they are for their hard work or discovery. It will help build their self-confidence and self-esteem and be better equipped to handle difficulties later in life.
All in all, backpacking is an excellent way for a family to spend time together. There are many things kids can learn from this experience, such as being disciplined, following instructions, overcoming adversity, and taking care of nature. I encourage you to give it a shot!
