How to plan for a day hike with kids!

A common question I get is, how do you get out the door with all three kids and handle them all on a day hike? Well, it's actually all about time management and having the right mindset. I can't stress this enough. I usually plan at least a few days in advance where I want to go and what that entails. If it's an hour drive, then I need to make sure we wake up at least two hours before we plan to be at the trailhead. So that means mentally preparing the kids the day before. When the kids are mentally prepared for what's happening later that day and the next day, everything usually tends to go smoother. So, we talk about what we are doing and prep their clothing based on the weather making sure to pack extra change of clothes just in case of any muddy adventures.

We pack our backpacks the night before with water, snacks, lunch, journals, and pencils, so all we have to do in the morning is get dressed, have breakfast, and get situated in the car. I like to have the kids pack their own backpacks so they can get excited about what adventures they will have the next day. When my girls were toddlers we had the small Camelbaks with a smaller hydration bladder and it was big enough for them to pack a snack or two along with a few items to keep them busy. Now that they are older, the backpacks are upgraded, but they still love having their own to collect rocks, carry maps and feel like little guides on the trail leading the way!

Make it fun by bringing binoculars! My kids loved having them and enjoy them for bird watching and to look for all kinds of other animals on the trails.

Don't forget snacks, snacks, and more snacks! The more snacks you pack, the happier they'll be. Snacks can make for some fun games like using pretzel stick to make shapes. These were always a win on our hikes, and no matter how many you bring, you'll be surprised how somehow they all finish, and you'll never regret bringing too much. One of our favorite snacks to bring along is pancakes – filling, delicious, and protein-packed, but when things get really hard and you really need some quick pick-me-up for the kiddos to finish that hike or to help with tantrums, then lollipops are a great idea. We try to get the sugar-free Zollipops or Trader Joe's Fruit Wrap. Your child's favorite snacks and candy should always be brought along as a last resort – or occasionally a first one!

If you are new to hiking and you want to get out on a day hike, then definitely start small. Don't worry about putting in the miles with the kiddos at first. Choose a hike that is relatively short and easy so that it is a positive non-stressful experience for everyone, which ensures it'll most likely happen again and always remember to be flexible! Sometimes you may do all of the planning and prep and get to the trailhead and your toddler isn't having it and doesn't even want to get on the trail. In this case I like to have backups in my car such as sand toys, scooters, frisbees etc. because sometimes you do end up spending your time at the head of the trail playing with random things out of the trunk of your car. It may feel like a failure, but the point here is to get outside with your littles and it's all about baby steps. Being okay with the plans not falling through is so important because having that flexibility takes off the pressure and makes the outing go more smoothly. Next time you make the trip, they'll be more likely to venture further from the parking lot.

Hasan and I hanging out right by the trailhead because on this day we just didn't make it on the trail but, guess what? My kid is more likely to want to go outside again and hopefully enjoy the trails next time!

Always a great idea to have sand toys in the car because you never know when the occasion may arise where you wish you had them in the trunk of your car!

Remember, not even the planning has to be perfect! Just take baby steps and get outside, and you will learn as you go what works and doesn't work with your family.

I hope these tips inspire you, mamas, to get your kiddos out in nature, exploring, learning, and appreciating the outdoors!

Happy Hiking!