Last week I took my kids on not one, but TWO hikes. By myself. I did this once last summer and now that they’re both older I plan on doing these little day adventures more often. Last week we got a break from the rain and I had a pep in my step and an extra ounce of courage. I decided to go for it and load everyone up for a hike. And both times it was a success. These photos are all from our hike to Latourell Falls. The kids had a great time, we got fresh air, and any exposure to hiking is a win in my book. Growing up in the midwest, hiking was not something we really did. It took me until my mid-20s to appreciate it and understand all that it could offer. I’m hoping that by giving my kids early exposure to hiking, they’ll grow to love it like I do. Or at the very least have fond memories of hiking. Living in the PNW definitely makes this easier.
5 Tips For Taking Your Kids Out Hiking By Yourself
Let The Kids Know The Plan
The day before hiking I let our older child know that the next day we’d be going hiking. He loves hiking right now, so this was good news for him. When he woke up that morning, he knew that we’d be getting ready to leave right after breakfast and that he should change into his base layers for hiking.
Go Somewhere You’ve Been Before
Each time I go hiking I’ve picked a place that I know has a crowd and that I’m pretty familiar with. There is nothing worse than trying to figure out where you’re going with two small kids in the backseat who are anxiously waiting to get out of the car and asking when we’ll be there. I also never want to hike where I know I’ll be all alone. Usually I gravitate towards trails that are more remote when C is coming. But when it’s just me and the kids I always pick a popular hike.
Snack Snack Snacks
We bring snacks on the trial and have a special snack when we finish the trail. We love these snacks so much that I buy them in bulk. If you use the code “MARIA” you’ll get 20% off which is a great deal. (Random code, I know. But it’s from someone I follow on IG.) We’re almost done with our box and I’ll be placing another order soon. I love this cooler when it’s just myself and the kids. I’ll make pb&j sandwiches which they love and don’t get very often. Typically because we are at a popular trailhead, there are picnic tables all around. I’ll get to the trailhead around 10am, we’ll hike, eat an early lunch around 11:30, and then head home and be back at our home by nap time.
Short Hikes Are Best
I find that the perfect distance for the age of my oldest child is right at two miles. It’s long enough where it feels like an actual hike and by the time he’s over it, we’re done! I also recently switched my hiking baby carrier to a Deuter which has been a game changer for me. I plan on doing a full review of which one we picked and why I switched (my husband still uses our old Osprey).
Bring Friends!
I love inviting other moms and their little kids along with us. It’s fun for A to have a friend to hike with, and of course any chance I can get to have time with a friend outside is a win. What’s better than a play date with epic views of waterfalls?
