Hiking with toddlers can be a wonderful bonding experience & can be fun for the whole family! These toddler hiking tips can help make your treks more enjoyable for everyone!
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The toddler stage is so much fun! Toddlers love to be independent and start to develop little personalities.
They are like little sponges, taking everything in and learning so many new things. It is fun and exciting to watch them grow and develop.
Toddlers can also be very headstrong and a bit difficult at times, so taking them out and about can pose challenges or feel overwhelming and stressful.
But I think getting out and doing fun things together as a family is worth it, despite the challenges! I am guessing you feel the same way if you are reading this.
Traveling, hiking, and going out and about with toddlers and small children takes planning, practice, flexibility, and determination, but it is worth the effort!
Benefits of Hiking with Young Children
Hiking is so good for kids! They get fresh air and time to be active and play in the dirt.
Hiking can be a great bonding experience and often offers uninterrupted time to talk and spend time together as a family.
Kids can learn so much during a hike. They can learn about the weather, nature, and the environment around them. They learn practical life skills and learn to appreciate nature and the simple things in life.
Once older kids start doing more of the hiking independently, it teaches them to work hard and persevere. They learn that they can do challenging things without giving up.
Getting exercise and spending time outside is great for the whole family, both physically and mentally! Teaching your kids to love the outdoors and being active through hiking is so worthwhile!

Tips for Hiking With Toddlers
1. Practice Going on Walks & Hikes Often
Make hiking and going on walks a habit for your toddler. Try to get your little one used to not having to be constantly entertained by screens or toys.
After cold midwest winter months when we aren’t out on walks or hikes as often, my toddlers are always whinier the first few times we get out again.
While this is frustrating, a little persistence and putting up with the whining pays off and it gets MUCH better as they get used to it again. Practice makes progress!

2. Set Expectations Ahead of Time
Talk to your toddler about what you will be doing as you’re driving to the trailhead or getting ready to head out on a walk or hike. You could even talk about it the night before during bedtime.
Discuss what the hike will be like and talk about some things you might see.
Establish whether your toddler will be hiking (on his/her own) or riding in the carrier or if there will be a combination of both.
Setting expectations and discussing some of the hike details ahead of time is a great way to limit potential meltdowns and get your toddler excited about the adventure!

3. Pick a Strategic Time to Go Hiking
Try to avoid times that you know might be rough for your toddler. Maybe your little hiker tends to be fussier or happier at certain times of the day.
Some toddlers might be good at sleeping on the go, while others might have a meltdown when attempting to hike during naptime.
You know your child best, so decide if there is a certain time of day that might make the overall hiking experience more enjoyable for all of you.

4. Invest in a Good Carrier
A good hiking backpack carrier can be a game-changer. If you and your little one are both comfortable throughout the hike, it will be a much more enjoyable experience.
We use a variety of carriers throughout the infant/toddler stage. The Boppy Hybrid Wrap Carrier is my favorite for the newborn/infant stage. Once my babies are older and like to face out or be carried on my back, we use the Ergobaby Omni360.
We have two different toddler carriers (we use this type of carrier from around age 18 months/2 years to age 4/5 years).
We have an Eddie Bauer carrier which was a hand-me-down from family and the Osprey Poco Child Carrier Backpack. I find the Eddie Bauer one to be much more comfortable. Everyone hypes up the Osprey Carrier, but both my husband and I agree that it hurts our neck and isn’t very comfortable. 🤷🏼♀️

5. Be Prepared!
Familiarize yourself with the trail before the hike. Make sure you know the route, distance, and difficulty level. AllTrails is a great resource for up-to-date trail info, conditions, and maps.
Having everything you need, as well as having the whole family dressed comfortably and appropriately, will help make your hike go smoothly.
How to Dress Your Toddler
- toddler hiking shoes – regular tennis shoes are fine too, but hiking shoes offer more traction
- breathable, comfortable clothes
- comfy socks
- Toddler Sun Hat
- Base layers and winter gear for cold weather
Dress your toddler in layers and consider packing extra clothes just in case!
What to Bring
- water bottles – our all-time favorite for kids
- more water than you think you’ll need
- mini first aid kit
- diapers/pull-ups
- wet wipes
- sunscreen – this is our fav
- bug spray
- hand sanitizer
- Camelbak mini mule hydration backpack – a fun and useful accessory for your little hiker!

6. Bring Lots of Snacks!
This probably could have gone in the “Be Prepared” section, but I thought it deserved its own category because snacks can be lifesavers!
Feed your toddler plenty of snacks throughout your hike (whether you’re going on longer hikes or short distances)- keep your little one full and content!
Hiking Snack Ideas for Toddlers
- granola bars
- fruit & veggies (apples, oranges, bananas, carrots)
- freeze-dried fruit
- pouches (this invention for pouches is genius)
- trail mix
- cheese stick
- goldfish/other crackers
- beef jerky
- gummy worms
We like to bring this spill-proof snack cup along when we are on the go.
7. Take Breaks Sooner Rather Than Later
Don’t wait until everyone is grumpy, hungry, or overtired to stop and take a break. Give those little legs plenty of opportunities to rest.
Take frequent snacks/drinks/rest breaks. Give your little one some time to play.
Know when it is time to stop pushing. It is not a failed hike if you don’t make it very far or have to take frequent breaks.
Each time you hit the trails and spend time in the great outdoors with your toddler it’s a win no matter how far you make it.

8. Be Patient & Flexible
Be realistic about what you can do with a toddler. I wouldn’t attempt to do a hike that is too long or difficult. Expect your pace to be slower and plan for extra time.
Choose your battles and try to have an open mindset. Plan for the unexpected, and adjust accordingly.
Going into the hike with patience and a positive attitude will help make it more enjoyable for all!

9. Make it Fun!
Try to make the experience as fun and engaging for your toddler as possible!
Sing songs! Point out and talk about the things you see along the way. Tell stories. Play games, like I Spy, going on a bear hunt, ABC game, etc. Have a scavenger hunt.
Let your younger toddler get out of the carrier and walk even if they are painfully slow. As long as you are in a safe area and you encourage them to keep moving forward, you will still make progress!
It’s a great learning opportunity for your toddler to practice staying on the trail and continue moving forward.
Once you get to your destination, give your little hiker some time to play and explore before heading back. Play in the dirt, pick up sticks and rocks, and let them climb around.
It might help to give a time warning when you are getting ready to head back. For example, “We will play for 3 more minutes and then we are going to hike back”.
Give your toddler lots of praise when they stop playing and either get back into the carrier or start heading back along the hiking trail. Don’t feel bad about using snacks as extra encouragement if needed. 😉

I hope this list of tips for hiking with toddlers was helpful! I hope you feel inspired to go hit the trails & have a great time on your family hike!