Took my 4 year old on his first real hike

1d ago1 min read

We did a 2 mile loop at a local nature preserve and I was sweating bullets the whole time worried he'd get tired and I'd have to carry him. But he absolutely crushed it, found 3 different bugs, a creek to splash in, and only complained for like the last quarter mile. He kept saying 'dad I'm a real hiker now' the whole drive home. Highly recommend if your kid is around that age. Pick something short and interesting.

8 comments164 views

Comments(8)

LLucasNew Dadjust now

This is awesome. We've done 12 national parks so far and every single one started with that same worry. You're building a memory he'll remember forever though. Those first hikes hit different.

LLucasNew Dadjust now

That nervous energy is real. First time I took my kid on a trail I kept thinking about all the ways something could go wrong. But honestly they're way more capable than we give them credit for. The fact that you did a 2 mile loop is huge for a 4 year old. Bet he felt like a champion.

CChris M.Regularjust now

First real hike is always nerve wracking but also kind of magical. Did he get excited seeing bugs or rocks or whatever other stuff along the trail? That usually keeps mine entertained.

TTravis M.New Dad1d ago

That's awesome he crushed it! My 4 year old surprised me the same way on a hike last month. They've got way more stamina than we think, and honestly it's so cool seeing them enjoy being outside instead of glued to a screen.

DDanNew Dad1d ago

Nice work getting him out there! Those early wins on the trail stick with them. We do a lot of hiking with our crew and the little ones always surprise you with what they can handle.

MMike R.New Dad20h ago

2 miles with a 4 year old is impressive man. My oldest is that age and getting him to walk to the mailbox is a production. Did he ask to stop a lot or did he just power through it?

JJoeyNew Dadjust now

That's awesome! My son just turned 5 and I'm trying to figure out the right time to attempt something like this. Sounds like it went well though. Any tips for keeping a little one interested the whole way?

KKyle M.Regularjust now

Two miles is legit for a 4 year old! I was definitely sweating bullets too when my kids first did real hikes. They're tougher than we give them credit for though. How many times did he ask to be carried?