Basics of day hiking with kids

Basics of day hiking with kids

Before setting off on any trail you will have to plan and pack, this guide is to help with the basics.

We have joined Scouts SA on many hikes and they teach basic to advanced outdoor survival skills that are invaluable.

Especially in South Africa, families have become afraid of hiking because of unfortunate incidents and terrible people.

I hope that this basic guide will equip and inspire you to get out there and give it a try because we really do have some beautiful scenery and wildlife that’s worth experiencing. Let’s take back our trails!

BEFORE THE TRAIL HIKE

Start small and local.
For your first hike, try to choose something close to home or your holiday rental. You can gradually build up to adventures and hikes further away.

Let them help plan the hike this will help them feel invested & involved. What do they hope to see? What would they like to do?

Check the weather prediction for the dates and times you will be hiking so you can know what to expect.

Choose a hike that is mostly flat, easy and not too long (15-30minutes) you can also gradually increase this over time. The kids will set the pace so keep it enjoyable and do-able which will make them feel accomplished and eager to do it again.

Check with nature conservation if you need a permit to hike that route.

Ensure you know what time the trail opens and closes- and do not hike at night unless it is safe to do so and you are experienced.

Read reviews of the hiking trail and assess the safety and security of hiking in that area. Some trails are safer than others.

Join a hiking network App or group and go in a large group if possible.

Always tell a family member or friend where you will be hiking and when they should expect to hear of your return.

Don’t announce on social media where and when you will be hiking especially if you are going alone.

Save emergency numbers to your phone.
Mountain rescue
Fire and rescue
Hiking Network
Family/Friend

Ensure you have enough airtime/data & battery power.

WHAT TO PACK

What you pack will depend on the time of year and location of your hike but some important things don’t change.

Water – bring enough for everyone for before, during and after the hike.

Life straw – fantastic emergency water filter

Bug spray – I like to use Peacefull Sleep

First aid kit – the thing I use most in that kit is calesthetic cream, an absolute must for cuts, scrapes, itching, chaffing and bug bites.

Trail map or guide – know where you’re starting, where you going to and any alternative routes.

Toilet paper – ‘cos you know leaves just dont cut it for me 🙂

Teatree Wet wipes – so great for freshening up and disinfecting.

Snacks – things like trail mix, carrots, bananas and muffins are great but you can be so creative here.

Camera – if you can, give older children their own camera to take pictures of the things they find beautiful – this will make them aware of appreciating the beauty around them in a different way.

Carry pepper spray and personal security items and keep them easily and quickly accessible.

Whistle – on a lanyard around your neck or attached to your backpack.

Have a charged cellphone to make emergency calls if necessary.

Children will want to all carry a backpack too but pack their bag light, adults carry the heavy stuff.
Line backpacks with a rubbish bag to keep them waterproof.

Proper sun protection, sunscreen with at least spf30, sunglasses and a hat. We also like to use a buff to protect the neck.

Proper footwear like hiking boots or closed shoes with proper ankle support, cushioning and traction – its no fun slipping, getting blisters, stubbed toes or sprained ankles.

Appropriate clothing.
Long socks or hiking trousers will help prevent ticks (which like to hang around on the tips of long grass – just waiting for juicy you to walk past) from getting to your legs. Pack a light jacket (sweater) and raincoat in case the weather turns cold.

A comprehensive list of backpack essentials will be in a follow up post. Nature is unpredictable but you can be well prepared. Packing correctly has saved many people’s lives

AT THE TRAIL
Orientate yourselves, look for landmarks and trail facilities like a visitor centre & toilets if you are in a park.

Set some basic rules for example

1.Stay on the trail and 2.Stick together 3.Don’t let strangers get close to you.

Take plenty of snack and water breaks.

Play I spy or a similar game to unwittingly keep them looking out for potential threats like scorpions and snakes.

Look for things in a 360° panorama from birds and clouds in the sky as well as mushrooms under logs and tiny flowers. Express your own curiosity at all the wonders of nature, this will teach your kids where and how to look for these little splendors.

So with some simple planning, prepping and packing hiking can be a really fun affordable healthy family activity. Wishing you and your family many happy hours and memories made on the trails!

Just remember to…
Take only photo’s and leave only footprints.
***DISCLAIMER: THIS HIKING GUIDE IS VERY BASIC STARTING POINT – PLEASE BE CERTAIN TO CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL LOCAL HIKING GUIDE FOR COMPREHENSIVE ASSISTANCE.***