Hikes with children can be an absolute highlight for everyone. But this requires good preparation and, of course, the right route. So that you can enjoy your time in nature and your children experience an unforgettable adventure, we have collected numerous tips and tricks for you.
We'll introduce you to the must-haves and show you what you need to bear in mind when planning. This way, ALL family members are guaranteed to get their money's worth. The little ones will experience a feeling of boundless freedom, while the grown-ups can relax and recharge their batteries. Are you ready for adventure hiking with your children?
Clothing and equipment for hiking with children
The right clothing and equipment play a major role on hikes with children. Even if the little ones consider one or two things to be superfluous and prefer to just start walking: You should only set off with the right equipment. Otherwise, there's bound to be a lot of fuss.
The right equipment for hiking with children
The right equipment for hiking with children is not really that different from a tour for adults. To help you keep an eye on everything, we have put together the equipment for you here. What you need:
Backpack: To be able to carry luggage for children and adults comfortably, the backpack should be as large as possible but still light. Our lightweight mountain rucksack for example, offers enough space for your luggage.
Water bottles: They form the basis of every hike. Because you can't stop off everywhere along the way. Above all stainless steel water bottles are a good companion. They are ultra-light, unbreakable and free from harmful substances.
Snacks: As hiking trails can sometimes be strenuous for children, you should pack enough food and drink. In a stainless steel lunch box you can transport sandwiches, fruit and vegetable sticks sustainably.
First aid kit: Of course, it's nice if it doesn't have to be used. Nevertheless, a first aid kit with bandages should not be missing when hiking with children. A rescue blanket has proven itself many times over.
Sun cream: Sun protection is an absolute must-have, especially in summer. Skin-friendly products with a high sun protection factor reliably protect children's sensitive skin from sunburn.
Sun hats: Sun hats offer excellent protection from sunstroke on sunny stretches. Even in supposedly cooler temperatures, they should not be missing when hiking with small children.
Sunglasses: They protect children's sensitive eyes (and your own) from UV light. Make sure they are of good quality. Cheap goods are often more appearance than reality.
Mosquito spray or cream: These products are indispensable, especially near bodies of water. Even in forests, the pests can be found near puddles and pools.
Hiking poles: Telescopic walking poles give hikers of all ages maximum surefootedness and support. In our blog post "All about hiking poles - a guide for beginners" we introduce you to the different models. Here you will also find lots of tips and tricks on how to use them.
Maps and a compass: these two items may have been forgotten these days, but they should definitely not be missing on a hiking vacation with children. A compass in particular has a magical attraction for the little ones and provides an extra dose of adventure.
Handkerchiefs and wet wipes are not only a must when hiking with small children. They are also a must for older children. - Whether it's for blowing their nose or quickly cleaning their hands.
Bin bags: Bags for garbage are also indispensable on tours in untouched nature. After all, you never know when you'll find the next garbage can.
Hiking clothing for children
If you want to explore hiking trails with children, you not only need the right equipment, but also functional clothing. This includes:
Comfortable hiking boots provide perfect support on all paths and protect delicate children's feet from blisters. How you can prevent blisters on your feet in this article.
Clothing adapted to the weather offers the best possible protection from rain and wind. Good functional clothing should not be underestimated in summer either. Ideally, it should be breathable and temperature-regulating, like our merino clothing for adults.
Headgear protects against moisture and UV radiation. In summer, you should all wear a sun hat to avoid sunstroke. In fall and winter, a merino hat provides excellent service.
Hiking socks made from merino wool ensure optimum comfort. They have a temperature-regulating, breathable and odour-inhibiting effect. So nothing stands in the way of a hiking vacation with children in Germany and the like.
Rainwear should protect you from the wet and be breathable at the same time. Hardshell jackets have proven to be particularly effective. In summer, they can be complemented by quick-drying functional trousers. In cold weather, on the other hand, rain trousers are a good choice.
Where can I find hiking trails for hiking with children?
Many parents ask themselves whether "normal" hiking routes are suitable for children. In principle, the answer is "yes". Of course, you should choose a route that is suitable for your children's fitness level and also has something to offer.
In summer, streams and small lakes are an ideal destination. The tourist information office in your region will have lots of great ideas for you.
Hiking with children in the Black Forest
The Black Forest offers numerous opportunities for hiking with children. Annis Schwarzwald Geheimnisse is very popular with older children. There are numerous puzzles to solve here. The fairytale trail in Bad Wildbad is particularly recommended for hiking with small children.
Adventure hiking with children in the Allgäu
Adventure hikes for children are also a top priority in the Allgäu. In addition to a barefoot trail in Bad Wörishofen, the family hiking trail in Bad Hindelang with its play stations offers plenty of space for great adventures.
Circular hiking trails in the Harz Mountains
The numerous circular hiking trails in the Harz Mountains for children and adults make outdoor enthusiasts' hearts beat faster. Here, the little ones can explore the dandelion discovery trail in Drei-Anne-Hohe, cross the labyrinth in Braunlage or take part in a lynx hike in Bad Harzburg.
5 tips for hiking with children
Hiking with children strengthens family cohesion, strengthens the bond with nature and is an ideal health prophylaxis for young and old. To ensure that the excursion or hiking vacation with children in Germany and Austria is not a failure, comprehensive planning is required in advance.
1. choose child-friendly hiking trails
The condition of the hiking trails is not only important when hiking with a small child. Even if you want to hike with older children, the right path is the goal. This should offer as much space as possible for little explorers and not include too many inclines so that the little ones don't lose interest.
2. relax, recover and enjoy: planning breaks
Every tour is not only physically but also mentally exhausting for your children. After all, all the impressions have to be processed. That's why sufficient breaks are important not only for toddlers, but also for older children.
As there aren't benches everywhere along the way, a picnic blanket gives you a certain degree of independence. You could also relax together in a meadow or clearing and enjoy a tasty snack.
3. fun and games along the way: creative ideas for an exciting hike with children
It doesn't always have to be the big adventure hike to turn time in nature into an unforgettable adventure for children! There are also plenty of natural materials for free or creative play along the way. From
- Sticks,
- Stone,
- Cones and the like can be used to build great works of art or play tic-tac-toe.
If there are several children, you can also play memory with the natural treasures or create a sound map. To do this, the children sit down with their eyes closed and listen very carefully: what sounds can they hear away from the noise and hustle and bustle?
Expert tip: All these games train the senses and provide an extra dose of fun and relaxation.
4. stick bread and co.: Sufficient energy for little hikers
Fresh air makes you hungry - no question about it. This makes it all the more important to replenish energy stores every now and then. In addition to healthy snacks such as fruit and vegetables, stick bread is a great adventure for all children.
The dough is easy to transport in a thermal lunch box. It is skewered onto sticks on the spot and cooked over an open fire.
But be careful! You should only make a campfire in designated areas to avoid forest fires. However, experience has shown that barbecue areas can be found on many hiking routes.
5. safety first: Protection from the sun, ticks and falling rocks
No matter how adventurous your little ones are, we adults are still responsible for their safety when hiking with children. For this reason, children should not run ahead in rough terrain. When hiking in the mountains with children, you should also take specific safety precautions to keep them safe.
Protection against heat and ticks is also a top priority on all tours. Use tick repellent and avoid extensive tours in high summer temperatures.
Conclusion
Adventure hiking with children is actually possible almost anywhere and at any time. However, spending time in the great outdoors and in the countryside will only be an unforgettable family outing for everyone if the conditions are right. In addition to the right equipment and tasty food, it is the destination that determines whether the tour will be a highlight. So be sure to choose varied trails for your hike with children.
These should have as little incline as possible and have a lot to offer in terms of scenery. However, it doesn't always have to be spectacular routes to awaken the children's love of hiking. With nature games, even a hike in the adjacent forest can be a great place for your children.
FAQ
What equipment do I need for hiking with children?
The right equipment is essential for hiking with children. You will need a rucksack so that you can carry your luggage comfortably. Water bottles, snacks and a first aid kit are also essential. Sun cream, sun hats and sunglasses protect against UV radiation, while mosquito spray or cream protects against annoying insects.
Hiking poles ensure sure-footedness, and handkerchiefs and bin bags are handy for on the go. Hiking clothing, such as comfortable hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing and merino wool hiking socks, round off the equipment.
Where can I find child-friendly hiking trails?
There are numerous child-friendly hiking trails that are ideal for families. In Germany, for example, the Black Forest, the Allgäu and the Harz Mountains offer many options. When choosing a route, make sure that it is suitable for your children's fitness level and interests. The local tourist information office can often give you good suggestions for child-friendly hiking trails.