Take Me Outside
If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder... he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in. - Rachel Carson
Getting kids to fall in love with being in nature is a major part of what the Kids in Parks program and TRACK Trails is all about. However, it is important to remember that it is just as easy to make your child hate nature as it is to make your child love nature. Here are some important tips and suggestions that can help you ensure your child has an adventure in nature that will foster a desire to return.
Tips & Suggestions
Planning the Hike
When you are planning to take your child/children on a hike it is important to remember that the hike is for them, and not you. Although we may love a fast paced long hike with tons of elevation gain and loss while bagging multiple peaks, a hike like this will only spoil the experience for the child. Instead:
Modify your idea of a hike:
You may not make it to your planned destination - that inspiring overlook or amazing waterfall; you may not even make it a half a mile, but that does not mean the hike can't be packed full of adventure. Be prepared to modify your hike based on the comfort level of the children. If you do, next time they'll be excited to make it to that special spot. If you don't, they may not want to even come next time.
Choose the right trail:
Choose a short trail with minimal elevation gain and loss, lots of things to do and see, and one that is safe. Choose a TRACK Trail. However, remember that even if you choose the right trail, you may need to modify your plans to meet the needs of your child.
Dress for success:
All the proper planning in the world won't help if you don't dress your child properly. As soon as a child becomes uncomfortable his/her enjoyment will stop. Maximize the enjoyment by wearing appropriate clothing for the weather. And, be prepared for the weather to change.
Also, proper footwear is important. I've seen more than one pair of flip-flops destroyed on the trail and the owner hobbling back to the trail head with one flip-flop in hand and the other on foot. They don't need to have hiking boots, but sturdy shoes are best.
Pack properly:
Packing properly can make a hike with kids more enjoyable. Have water or a snack in your pack. Bring a jacket, dry socks, or even a change of clothes in case the weather changes drastically or kids get wet. And, having items in the pack (guidebook, journal, discovery kit, camera, etc... ) that help make the adventure more meaningful are important. Of course, don't forget the first aid kit, flashlight, matches, insect repellent, sunscreen, etc... You can check out a TRACK pack at the Visitor Center to help you get started.
Less is more:
The first time you go for a hike, go for a short one. Leave your child wanting more, not exhausted. A child 5-7 years old can walk ½ a mile comfortably.
On the Hike
Even though the hike may not be long in terms of distance, there are plenty of things that can be done to make the hike as adventurous as possible. You will have a successful hike with your children if you can make it an adventure filled with discoveries. Since children find almost everything in nature to be an adventure, you won't have to go too down the trail to make it happen.
Engage their senses:
Discoveries can be found all over the trail. Brush leaves out of the way and look for insects, watch pollinators interact with flowers, touch the bark of various trees, listen to the calls of birds, etc... There is no limit to the amount of things that can be discovered in nature. To help with the exploration, bring a kids guidebook or magnifying glass. And, most importantly let them share their discoveries with you as you share discoveries with them.
Take time to observe:
Encounters with nature can be extremely educational and meaningful. Make sure you take time to observe. From watching a centipede cross the trail to learning the names of trees based on the bark, connections to nature can be made through observation.
Be patiently excited:
Kids can find an adventure in everything - a stick, a rock, a bird, a bug, etc... Even though they may stop every two seconds to look at the next coolest thing they ever saw, be patient. Being patient and getting excited about what they are excited about will only aid in their desire for more encounters in nature.
Walk a mile in their shoes:
While walking a mile or two may not seem like that far to adults, to little kids - depending on age and experience - it can be too far. Remember, their little legs don't cover as much ground per step as ours; and for that reason it is important to not out pace them. Let them set the pace and guide their journey. Make the first hike short in distance, but long in adventure.
Rest before rest is needed:
As soon as kids get tired, their experience and joy begins to diminish. To prevent them from getting tired, take rest stops before they are needed. And, compliment them about what a great job they're doing before they begin to complain about the distance walked or the steepness of a hill.
Other Tips and Tricks
Here are some other tips and tricks to make sure the hike is as meaningful as possible.
Hike with a buddy:
While it is always a great experience to spend time in nature alone with your children, sometimes bringing one of their friends along will make their trip more fun. Playing with friends, children can take their discovery experience to new levels. Plus, it is a way to introduce other children to nature.
Check the checklist:
Adventures in nature are more fun if it is a game. Develop checklists along the trail to aid in the discovery. Examples would be counting the number of mushrooms you find, the number of birds you hear or the number of different trees you see. Or, you could simply pick up a TRACK Trail brochure and use it to guide the exploration.
No time to be bored:
Keep kids interested with activities along the trail. Play games, count, touch, listen to, and smell things along the trail. The more senses you engage, the richer the experience will be for you and your kids.
Have fun!:
If you're not having fun, then your kids won't be having fun. If you're not going to have fun walking one mile, they are not going to have fun walking one mile. Kids are the masters of reading body language; don't spoil the fun by sending the wrong signals.
– unknown
- John Burroughs
