We did a 4 mile loop at a local nature preserve. The 6 year old complained for like the first mile and a half but then he found a walking stick and suddenly he was fine. My 9 year old didn't put his phone down until we were actually on the trail lol. Made it the whole way though and we saw a deer. Everyone slept great that night. Definitely doing this again.
4 miles with kids that young is impressive dude. Getting them outside and moving is half the battle, and sounds like you nailed it once he found his groove.
Love this. We just started doing more family outdoor stuff and the walking stick trick is gold. Kids need that little something to hold onto, literally and figuratively.
That walking stick moment is everything right there. My 6 year old does the same thing, one small thing clicks and suddenly the whole hike becomes an adventure instead of a chore.
This is awesome. Getting them outside early and showing them it's fun sets them up for a lifetime of this stuff.
That first mile complaint is so real. My 6 year old does the exact same thing. We've learned to just power through it because once they hit their stride they actually start having fun. Did yours eventually get into it?
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4 miles is solid for a first hike with that age. I always pack way more snacks than I think we'll need and let them pick what we do on the way back. Like if they want to stop and look at bugs for 20 minutes, we look at bugs.