Hiking with a Toddler: Tips & Tricks

Hiking is something Johnny and I did together before starting a family, and it's something we always knew we would do with our boys. While it's not easy, there are some little things I've learned the last few years that make it more manageable - the most important, I think, being to lower your expectations. Hiking with kids isn't going to feel the same as a solo hike or a hike with your partner or friends. The distance and pace will likely be slower. But I have found just being in the fresh air drastically reduces my stress. Being in nature calms me and my kids. Maybe it will for you, too.

Weather: Make checking the weather at the start of your week part of your routine. I just Google "weather in Charlotte this week" to get the quick forecast. Doing this will help you plan your adventure. What day will you go? What time of day? For how long?

Hiking Carrier: If hiking with a child 2 and under, a hiking carrier is key. We have the Luvdbaby but there are many on the market. Just depends on how much you want to spend really. You'll also find these at a children's consignment shop or Facebook Market place for half the price. The main factors to check are the weight - how much does your child weigh? Also consider if you want a little compartment for milk/diaper, and if it has a beltband which helps lift the weight off your back and more onto your hips.

Quality over Quantity: Be realistic in setting distance goals. We often don't hike over a mile, as that is all my four year old can do before tiring. Be ok with turning back. You want your children to fall in love with the outdoors, so start small and be attentive to their needs.

Clicker: We purchased this clicker one Christmas and it gives Declan a "task" as we hike. He can count people we pass on the trail, or bugs, or butterflies. It's easy to clear out and start a new count, and light enough that it doesn't become a burden to carry.

Nature Finds Scavenger Hunt: We look for different animals and plants depending on the season. Sometimes I will make him a scavenger hunt on cardboard; other times, we just look as we go.

Examples: wildflowers, berries, deer prints, spiderwebs, acorns, pinecones, brightly colored leaves, frost/dew, bugs, snakeskins, rocks, moss

Protection: Hats provide sun coverage but even more importantly, in the woods, protection from ticks. I use the spray sunblock in the warmer months, obviously. I usually keep a small First Aid bag in the sack part of our carrier with just a bandaid, lollipop, tissues/wipes, and one diaper.

Snacks & Water: I pack light food that isn't messy or difficult to eat, and water is usually in one Nalgene bottle for us to share. Things like Goldfish and Veggie Straws are easy to pack and may be what you need at the turnaround point, or the fuel to continue going. Don't pack things like pouches or multiple water bottles.

Binoculars: Keep these in the car so you can easily grab them. Declan wears these almost everywhere we go. He likes to look ahead on the trail, at birds, and airplanes.

Cultivating Awe (Hunt, Gather, Parent, Michaeleen Doucleff)

This book has changed how I parent. One tip I've learned from it (and there are many) is of you predict a tantrum is coming or if it is in full swing, focus your eyes on something in nature that will delight and awe them. This really works. Just yesterday on a hike, Declan claimed he was too tired and I could sense he was about to break down. I noticed some interesting tracks in the mud. They looked like horse hooves, but they kept disappearing and then coming back. This began our quest to find the "ghost horse." It switched his thinking and we finished the hike.