If you’re looking for a way to get the whole family outdoors, hiking can be a fun and rewarding activity. However, it’s important to consider your little one’s skills, experience, and energy level before deciding where to go. Choosing the best hiking trails for kids can make all the difference between an enjoyable family adventure and a day that leaves everyone ready to head home early.
Despite what you may think, the best hiking trails for kids aren’t necessarily the shortest or easiest ones. A relatively flat trail can still feel endless if there’s nothing along the way to hold their attention. Waterfalls, lakes, wildlife, bridges, overlooks, and other interesting sights can give kids something to look forward to while encouraging them to keep exploring.
Finding the best hiking trails for kids ultimately comes down to knowing what your child can handle and what will keep them interested. Trail length and elevation matter, but you’ll also want to consider the terrain, weather, available facilities, and opportunities to stop and explore. Before you lace up everyone’s hiking boots, here are a few tips that can help you choose a trail the whole family can enjoy.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Hiking Trail for Kids
Every child is different – not just when it comes to ability but also when it comes to interest. What works for a 10-year-old may be far too challenging and boring for a newly walking toddler who only wants to look at rocks or trees.
With that in mind, here are a few factors to consider when looking for kid-friendly trails:
- Experience: Kids who have hiked before may be more comfortable walking for extended periods, while beginners may need more rest stops.
- Elevation gain and Distance: Steep trails can quickly become exhausting, even if they are short. Younger children may need flatter trails or ones with little to no elevation gain.
- Terrain: Rocks, roots, stairs, and river crossings can be more difficult for kids and young children compared to adults.
- Weather: During warmer months, look for trails with plenty of shade to help keep kids cool and comfortable
- Facilities: Family hikes are much easier if there are restrooms and places to eat along the way.
Tips for Choosing the Best Hiking Trail for Kids
Look for an End Destination
Having a mission or something exciting to see at the end of the hike can be just the motivation your little one needs to push through. This could be a waterfall, lake, mountain hut, or even just a playground. You can entice them even more by having extra play time or a favorite snack waiting for them in the end.
Have a Backup/Escape Route
As a parent, you know that things don’t always go according to plan. The best hiking trails for kids are the ones that have an escape route for when things go south. Choose routes where it’s easy to turn around or leave the trail if your child becomes tired or overwhelmed.
Plan Around the Child’s Best Time of Day
You know best when your child is the happiest and most energetic. We recommend planning the hike around that time of day, rather than starting when they are hungry, tired, or approaching nap time. For some kids, this could be in the morning (after a good night’s rest) or later in the day (when there is lots of energy to burn!).
Bring Snacks
Packing plenty of water and easy-to-eat snacks is a must for your trip. Not only do you want them to stay hydrated and fueled up for the journey, but offering snacks can be a useful incentive to get them to reach the end or a certain scenic spot. These packable hiking meals will keep them full and satisfied before, during, and after your outdoor adventure!
Dress for the Outdoors
You can’t plan a hiking trip without packing comfortable clothing that’s suited for the best hiking trails for kids. This goes for parents and kids! A durable pair of hiking boots, breathable layers for changing weather, and sun protection are all important things to have. If there’s rain in the forecast, you’ll also want to have a waterproof rain jacket to help everyone stay dry.
Related: Best Fall Gear Picks for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Read Reviews Online
Some trail descriptions are vague and may not always give you the full picture. If you can find reviews online (from parents, especially), this can give you a better sense of what to expect while you’re out. Keep an eye out for comments that mention rough terrain, shade, bathrooms, stroller access, and how long the trail actually takes with kids.
Come Up With Games and Activities
If your little one has a short attention span, turning the hike into a game can keep them interested. Here are a couple of fun ideas to make the journey feel like part of the adventure:
- Nature scavenger hunt: Make a list of things for them to pick out along the way
- I Spy: Take turns giving clues about what you see on the trail
- Animal spotting: Encourage kids to look (or listen) for birds, squirrels, insects, or other wildlife creatures.
- Storytelling: One person starts with a character and setting, and each family member adds to it during the hike.
- Follow-the-leader: Take turns deciding how to walk for a short stretch (backwards, giant steps, hopping, etc.)
Related: Family Camping Checklist: Everything You Actually Need (and Nothing You Don’t)
How Long Should a Hike With Kids Be?
There isn’t one ideal hiking distance that works for every child. Age can give you a general idea of what to expect, but experience, energy level, terrain, elevation, and even the weather can affect how far your child is comfortable walking. If you’re trying a new trail, starting with a manageable distance can help you figure out what works for your family without pushing little legs too far.
How Far Can Toddlers Hike?
Toddlers may be perfectly happy walking part of a trail, but don’t expect them to maintain an adult pace or stay focused on reaching the end. They may want to stop to inspect rocks, watch bugs, pick up leaves, or simply take a break.
For younger toddlers, consider choosing a shorter trail where you can easily turn around when they’ve had enough. Bringing a child carrier can also give you a backup option if those little legs get tired before you make it back to the trailhead.
How Far Can School Age Kids Hike?
School age kids may be ready for longer hikes, especially if they’re already used to spending time outdoors. Instead of choosing a trail based on mileage alone, consider how difficult those miles will actually be. A longer, relatively flat trail may be more manageable than a shorter route with steep climbs and challenging terrain.
You can also gradually increase the distance as your child becomes a more confident hiker. Pay attention to how they feel during and after each trip, then use that experience to help you choose your next family adventure.
When Should You Turn Around Early?
Reaching the end of the trail doesn’t have to be the goal of every family hike. If your child becomes unusually tired, uncomfortable, overheated, cold, or upset, turning around early may be the better choice.
Weather and trail conditions matter, too. Unexpected storms, extreme temperatures, fading daylight, or difficult terrain can all be reasons to head back sooner than planned. Leave yourself enough time and energy for the return trip rather than waiting until everyone is exhausted to turn around.
Related: Best Hiking Boots for Kids That Will Survive More than One Season
How to Tell If a Hiking Trail Is Kid Friendly
A trail labeled “easy” isn’t automatically a good choice for every child. Before heading out, look beyond the difficulty rating and consider the specific features of the route. The best hiking trails for kids generally match your child’s abilities while giving your family enough flexibility to stop, rest, and explore along the way.
Check the Trail Length and Elevation Gain
Mileage only tells you part of the story. Elevation gain can make a relatively short hike feel much more difficult, particularly for younger children or kids who aren’t accustomed to hiking.
Check both the total distance and elevation gain when comparing trails. You’ll also want to determine whether that elevation is spread gradually throughout the hike or concentrated into a few steep climbs.
Look at the Terrain and Trail Surface
A smooth dirt path and a rocky mountain trail can have completely different difficulty levels even when they’re the same length. Before choosing a route, look for information about rocks, exposed roots, loose gravel, mud, stairs, and other terrain your child may need to navigate.
Recent photos and reviews can be especially helpful here. They can give you a better idea of current trail conditions and whether the route looks appropriate for your child’s age and experience.
Check for Drop Offs, Water Crossings, and Other Hazards
Look for potential hazards before deciding whether a trail is right for your family. Steep drop offs, slippery rocks, river crossings, narrow paths, and areas with limited barriers may require much closer supervision or make a particular route unsuitable for younger kids.
Conditions can also change throughout the year. A shallow creek during a dry period may look very different after heavy rain, which makes checking current trail conditions an important part of planning your hike.
Find Out Whether the Trail Has Shade and Rest Areas
Shade can make a big difference on warm, sunny days, especially when you’re hiking with younger kids. Look at trail descriptions, maps, and recent photos to see whether the route travels through wooded areas or leaves you exposed to direct sunlight for long stretches.
It’s also helpful to know whether there are benches, picnic areas, restrooms, or other convenient places to take a break. Even if there aren’t designated rest areas, a trail with plenty of safe places to stop can give kids time to rest, have a snack, and recharge before continuing.
Related: Backpacking With Kids: How to Plan a Beginner Trip
The Best Hiking Trails for Kids and the Whole Family
When it comes to choosing the best hiking trails for kids, parents should consider their child’s individual abilities, experience, and interests. The right hike should offer enough of a challenge to make the adventure exciting without leaving kids exhausted or frustrated halfway through. Interesting sights and plenty of opportunities to stop, explore, and take breaks can make the experience even more enjoyable.
The time of year can also affect which trails work for your family and what you’ll need to bring along. Winter hikes may require warm layers and cold weather gear, while spring adventures often call for lighter layers, waterproof clothing, and sun protection. Conditions can change quickly outdoors, so check the weather and current trail conditions before heading out on even the best hiking trails for kids.
Most importantly, don’t worry about covering the most miles or reaching the hardest destination when choosing the best hiking trails for kids. Finding the best hiking trails for kids is all creating an outdoor experience that makes them excited to come back and do it again! Pack the right hiking essentials, leave plenty of room in your plans for breaks and unexpected discoveries, and enjoy the chance to explore somewhere new together as a family.
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