How to Start Hiking with Young Kids (and Actually Have Fun)

There’s something magical about watching little legs conquer a trail, hear a bird call echo through the trees, or spot the first wildflower of the season.

But starting to hike with young kids can also feel intimidating — what if they get tired? What if you forget something important? What if it’s just… not fun?

Good news: you don’t have to be a hardcore outdoorsy family to have amazing hiking adventures. With a few smart strategies, a little patience, and a focus on fun, hiking can quickly become one of your favorite ways to make memories together.

Here’s how to get started — safely, happily, and stress-free. And if you need help making outdoor time a regular thing? Grab our WOW Moments Guide — 12 unforgettable family outings (one for each month), packed with connection, not pressure. Download your free copy.

Start Small and Focus on the Journey

One of the biggest mistakes new hiking families make is aiming too big, too fast. Your first few hikes should be short, flat, and forgiving — think 1 to 2 kilometers max, with little elevation gain.

It’s not about how far you go. It’s about building a positive experience where your child feels proud, curious, and excited to come back for more. Celebrate small milestones (“We made it to the big rock!”) and focus on the wonder of the trail itself, not the distance covered.

(Need ideas for easy first hikes? Check out our 10 Easy Hikes in Ontario Perfect for Young Families!)

Pick Trails with Built-In Adventure

Choosing the right trail can make all the difference. Look for hikes with exciting features — a waterfall, a boardwalk, a cool bridge, or a giant tree to explore. Trails with visual payoffs naturally keep kids motivated.

Before you go, build some excitement by talking about what they might see.
“Today, we’re going on a treasure hunt for waterfalls!”
“Let’s see if we can find the biggest tree in the forest!”

(If your family loves water features, you’ll also love our 10 Stunning Waterfall Hikes in Ontario and our Canadian Waterfall Hikes for Families!

Pack Light — but Pack Smart

You don’t need fancy gear to get started, but a few basics will make your hike smoother and safer.

Bring:

• Comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good grip (no flip flops!)
• Plenty of water and easy-to-carry snacks
• Weather-appropriate layers (even on warm days, trails can be cool)
• A small first aid kit (for bumps and bug bites)
• Wipes or tissues for messy moments

Make It Fun, Not Forced

The goal isn’t to march from Point A to Point B — it’s to enjoy the journey together.

Let your child lead the way for a while. Make up silly games like “trail bingo” (find a pinecone, a squirrel, a flower). Bring binoculars or a magnifying glass and let them become little trail detectives.

Some of your best hiking memories won’t come from reaching a summit — they’ll come from laughing about the stick your child insisted on carrying the entire way.

Plan for Breaks and Little Detours

Expect your hike to take longer than it “should” — and that’s okay. Young kids naturally want to stop, explore, and investigate. Allow time for rock collecting, puddle stomping, bug watching, and snack picnics in unexpected places.

Building these little pauses into your rhythm helps everyone enjoy the day without feeling rushed or frustrated.

Teach Safety Gently

Safety is crucial — but it doesn’t have to feel scary or overwhelming for young hikers. A few simple, easy-to-remember rules go a long way:

• Stay on the trail.
• Always stay where you can see Mom or Dad.
• No running near cliffs or fast-moving water.

Choose well-marked trails in popular areas when starting out. As your child gains experience (and common sense), you can gradually move into more rugged adventures.

(If you’re hiking with babies or toddlers, you might want to check out our Stroller-Friendly Trails in Ontario too!)

Focus on Core Memories — Not Perfect Days

Hiking with young kids will rarely be perfect.
There will be mud. There will be complaints. There will be unexpected weather changes, snack shortages, or a lost sock or two.

And yet — these are the stories your family will tell for years.
The memories you’re building aren’t about perfect trails or Instagram-worthy photos.
They’re about wonder, resilience, laughter, and learning together.

Every hike, every stumble, every “are we there yet?” builds something far more important than kilometers covered — it builds family connection.

Final Thoughts

Hiking with young kids isn’t about doing it perfectly. It’s about being together, seeing the world through their eyes, and making memories that feel as big as the sky above the trees.

Start small. Stay curious. Keep it joyful.

The best family memories are made outside — one little adventure at a time.

You only get one chance to live this life with your kids.

Let’s make it count — outside.
Join the Paddles and Packs newsletter and unlock our members-only collection of free planning tools, guides, and resources.
They’re designed to help your family get outside more often — and with less stress.

Join & Get the Collection →

Related Posts You’ll Love

• 10 Easy Hikes in Ontario Perfect for Young Families
• 10 Stroller-Friendly Hiking Trails in Ontario
• 10 Family-Friendly Day Trips in Ontario

Want to save this for later? We’ve made it easy for you to Pin this image to your Hiking Pinterest board.