Taking toddlers hiking is a great way to introduce them to adventure, build endurance, and spark a lifelong interest in fitness and the outdoors. But parenting toddlers is no walk in the park. With some careful planning though—and managed expectations—taking your littles for a walk in the mountains can actually be an enjoyable adventure for the whole family.
For a peaceful excursion (well, as peaceful as anything with toddlers ever is), test out these tried and true tips for how to hike with toddlers.
1. Set Expectations
If you have a two or three year old at home, you probably already know that any adventure with your kid can quickly turn from treasured family memory into a tantrum for the ages. When it comes to hiking with toddlers, you’ll save yourself a lot of stress by keeping your expectations low. If you’re mentally prepared for an epic meltdown 100 feet into your hike, you won’t be too frustrated or disappointed if it happens—and if your little buddy stays interested, engaged, and happy for the first mile or more, even better. Always be prepared to turn around and head back to the car at any point if necessary.
2. Prepare Your Child
Along with setting your own expectations, it will pay off to help your toddler know what to expect if you haven’t gone hiking together before. Set your tot in the child carrier backpack the day before and walk them around the house or neighborhood so they can get used to it. Talk up the hike; let them know that they’ll see trees, rivers, birds, dogs, sticks—maybe pull out your phone and show them photos of the trail. It’s also helpful to take a few walks around the block together to build up your toddler’s stamina and introduce them to the idea of walking just for fun.
3. Pick the Right Trail
We’ve found that the best hiking trails for toddlers fit these criteria:
- Not too steep
- Shady and not too exposed
- Interesting features along the way: streams, aspen trees, waterfalls, caves, etc.
- Well maintained trail without too many tripping hazards such as rocks or branches
It really doesn’t matter how long the trail is. Just keep hiking as long as your toddler stays happy and as long as everyone has stamina and interest; making it to the end of the trail is just icing on the cake.
4. Pack Supplies
This tip is probably a given for toddler parents, who already know that no trip out of the house is complete without a juice box and a baggie of goldfish crackers. You’ll want snacks plus plenty of water for your child on the hiking trail to keep them hydrated and happy. Offer them water regularly; they might be having too much fun to recognize they need extra fuel.
Along with food and water, bring a simple first aid kit, a hat for your toddler, diapers and wipes if they aren’t potty trained yet, plus some doggie bags for packing out stinky diapers.
5. Encourage Exploration
The mountains are filled with new textures, colors, sounds, sights, and smells. Let your toddler wander and explore—you will probably move at a glacial pace, but at this age hiking is more about the journey than the destination. Bring the child carrier, but first let your child walk as much as they have stamina for. They will probably wander around the trail, walking slowly, getting fixated on rocks and sticks. Let your kid throw leaves and rocks into streams; invite them to touch the bark on trees, pick wild flowers, and look for squirrels.
When your toddler runs out of energy or if you get to a steep or rocky section, invite them to ride in the child carrier backpack. Some children are nervous to ride in backpacks, but after burning some energy and getting their wiggles out, they’ll be more willing to accept a ride.
6. Bring a Child Carrier
Speaking of child carrier backpacks—a carrier is essential to a happy hike with toddlers, babies, and young children, especially on longer hikes.
There are several types of child carriers that work for hiking, including:
- Wraps and slings: Best for hiking with newborns up to three months or so.
- Soft-structured infant carriers: With padded straps and a thick waistband, these carriers are great for hikes with babies and young toddlers that are too young to walk on their own on a mountain trail. Some carriers allow the baby to face forward or ride on your back—if your baby fits your carrier’s weight and age requirements, we recommend this option so your baby can enjoy the scenery
- Metal frame child carrier backpack: These backpacks are designed for hiking with toddlers. They disperse the weight across your hips and shoulders and can accommodate children up to about 50 lbs
For toddlers and young preschoolers, we recommend the metal frame carriers. Don’t plan on using it the whole hike, other than to pack your snacks and supplies—35 lbs of toddler on your back can get really heavy. Let your child wander and explore independently, and save the carrier for when they’re ready for a ride.
Hiking with toddlers can sometimes be challenging, but it is a great way to enjoy nature together as a family, and to foster a lifelong taste for outdoor adventure.
Ready to plan your next family hike? Visit us at Pando Refitters to pick up any gear you need or to exchange tips and advice with our staff.