What Age can my Kids Start Hiking?

If you're a parent, the answer to this question is undoubtedly important to you. You want your kids to be able to experience all the wonders that nature has to offer, but you don't want to put them in danger. So what's the right age for kids to start hiking? 

Hiking With Toddlers?

The answer to this is very much dependent on how much carrying you are prepared to do. It is possible to take toddlers hiking but you will be carrying them the vast majority of the way. Three year olds can manage to walk up to two miles in theory, but sometimes the challenge is even getting them past the front door, especially if it is not the nicest of weather outside!   

Four to Seven Year Olds

Hiking gets easier and more productive as the children get older and experts in child development believe that children can easily manage somewhere between 2-4 miles between the ages of four and seven. It is important to remember that children are curious and want to stop and look at things along the way, so a strictly linear yomp from point A to point B may not be possible. It is important to factor that into your planning and not to get frustrated when they find something of interest. 

Eight Plus

Children over 8 years of age should, on average, be able to walk between 6 and 10 miles. This is an average figure though and your own child may be on the upper or lower end of this, depending on both their fitness levels and enthusiasm for the hike. 

Be Prepared

It is important to ensure that they are correctly kitted out in terms of clothing and footwear for the task at hand and also that they stay hydrated. Remember that they have shorter legs than yours and therefore have to take more steps to keep up, so try to walk at a pace that is comfortable for them. 

It is worth noting that children are also able to carry rucksacks on the hike but that they shouldn’t be carrying any more than fifteen percent of their own body weight. They are still growing and developing and can’t carry as much as adults can, relative to their size and weight. 

The preparations can be fun but can also be full of valuable teachable moments. Discussing what to put in the backpacks allows for talking about the importance of hydration and of food for a slow release of energy along the way.

Hiking with children can be a great way to get outdoors and explore new terrain, but it’s important to consider the child’s age and ability before heading out on a more strenuous hike. Younger children may find shorter or easier hikes fun and manageable, while older kids can probably handle more difficult trails with proper preparation and supervision. 

Ultimately, it is up to the parents to make the final decision about when their kids are ready for more challenging hikes. By doing a little research ahead of time and engaging with your kids, you should get a good idea of what is possible. 

Photo by James Wheeler on Unsplash