Hiking with a 3yo is basically just a slow walk where they stop every 2 seconds

Nov 261 min read

Took my 3yo and 8yo on a "hike" last weekend. Used the term loosely because we covered about 1.5 miles in 2 hours. The 3yo had to investigate every rock, every stick, every bug we passed. The 8yo kept asking if we were almost there. I was sweating in places I didn't know could sweat. But also my 3yo held my hand the whole time and said "this is nice, daddy" so I guess it worked? Just have to accept it's not gonna be an athletic experience lol

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Comments(10)

PPete L.Regularjust now

The 1.5 miles in 2 hours thing is so real with young kids. They're not interested in "getting somewhere," they're interested in everything they see. And honestly that's the better way to hike with a 3yo - expectations lowered, time expanded, just let them soak it in. The fact that your 3yo was engaged the whole time means it worked.

TTerry O.Regular1d ago

The 8yo "are we there yet" energy while the 3yo is examining sticks for 5 minutes is the core parenting experience. Bridging those different speeds is basically everything.

JJason K.New Dad20h ago

The sweating in unexpected places with a 3yo who moves at 0.75mph is so specific and so true. But the fact that he was genuinely interested in everything means he was engaged. That's actually better than a "real" hike.

IIan P.Regular16h ago

This is peak hiking with littles. You're not actually hiking, you're slowly moving through nature while they investigate every single thing. The 8yo wanting to know if you're there yet while the 3yo stops for bugs is the actual experience. Sounds like a win honestly.

NNeil C.New Dadjust now

Sweating in places you didn't know could sweat = hiking with kids accurate. The emotional labor of moving two different-paced humans through a trail is its own workout.

GGrant C.Regularjust now

1.5 miles in 2 hours with a 3yo is actually realistic hiking math. People think it's gonna be a trail experience and it's really just "slow walk where toddler explores." But yeah, those investigations matter to them.

DDrew H.Regular7h ago

But also - 2 hours in nature with your kids is still a win even if you barely moved. The 3yo's wonder at every rock is worth more than hitting the 3-mile mark.

AAl G.Regular3h ago

This is why you bring snacks and have no timeline expectations. Let the 3yo lead sometimes, let the 8yo speed ahead and circle back, just be in it. Those are the hikes they remember.

SSean A.Regularjust now

Did your 3yo actually have fun or was he just being a kid and stopping constantly? Curious if he'll want to go again or if that was enough nature for a while.

KKevin P.Regularjust now

Your 3yo investigating everything is the actual point though. You're not covering distance, you're experiencing the woods through their wonder. Totally different hike but not worse.