Hiking with three kids under 8 tips?

Aug 4·1 min read

My wife wants to do a family hiking thing next month. I'm trying to figure out how to make this not miserable. Do I bring a stroller, backpack one of them, or just accept we'll go 2 miles max and call it a win? Looking for realistic advice from guys who have actually done this with young kids not Instagram families. Also what snacks actually work and don't leave your pack sticky.

4 comments179 views

Comments(4)

CChris M.RegularAug 4

We did this last summer with our three and honestly the key is low expectations and lots of snacks. We picked a short trail, like 2 miles max, and made it a treasure hunt situation so the kids felt like they were on an adventure instead of just walking.

DDavid R.RegularAug 5

Would recommend starting with something really short and close to home. Build up to the longer stuff. And backpacks for them, even if they're empty, makes them feel like serious hikers.

LLucas M.RegularAug 4

Pack way more snacks than you think you need. Seriously. Hangry kids on a trail is a nightmare scenario. We also did a practice walk around the neighborhood first to see how long the youngest could actually go before complaining.

BBrian M.RegularAug 4

Three kids under 8 is ambitious but doable. Get them involved in picking the trail so they're invested. We brought a portable speaker and let ours pick one song to listen to on the hike which somehow made the whole thing feel special to them.