Jeff Alt, an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast, offers great tips and strategies for families to head outdoors. In addition to walking the 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail, Jeff Alt has walked the 218-mile John Muir Trail with his wife, and trekked across a 50-mile path of Ireland with his wife, young daughter, and extended family. He and his wife emerged from the church doors on their wedding day with backpacks. His son was taken on his first hike at 8 weeks.
Check out his advice for getting the kids outside.
Best Tips for Teaching Your Kids to Enjoy Hiking
“Getting kids outside is more important than ever,” says outdoor enthusiast and author Jeff Alt. “TV, computer and video game addictions are replacing outdoor play time and contributing significantly to the national obesity epidemic! Get the kids outside!”
Start Early-Develop A Routine:
- Start hiking with your newborn.
- Let the child lead. This helps you focus on what they’re interested in and keeps you from leaving them in your dust.
- Take a family walk once a day.
Prepare your family for your adventure:
- Research the destination & activity.
- Maps, guidebooks, websites, local experts, rangers, lectures.
- Choose a trail that offers easy access to domesticated amenities. Be a parent, not a Sherpa.
- Check into transportation options. Have a plan for what to do if you need to get off the trail.
- What kinds of wildlife can you expect? Will water be available? What are the weather and terrain like? Avoid hiking in freezing temperatures, lightning storms, and extreme heat.
- Get everyone fitted into boots and packs.
- Clothing- NO COTTON! Dress in layers (synthetics, fleece, wool, and waterproof breathable items).
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- Rain jacket
- Hat
- Shirt
- Socks
- Shorts/pants
- underwear
- Deet Free bug repellant
- Children’s sunscreen
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- Train before you go. This will help you adjust to carrying the pack, and your child will acclimate to the routine.
- Bring plenty of water.
Think Food – Think Fun:
Pack your kids favorite snacks to encourage your kids to eat and stay energized.
Bring items that are easy to prepare or ready to eat.
- Freeze-dried meals
- Pasta/rice/beans
- Foil-wrapped meats such as tuna or chicken
- Dehydrated fruit and veggies
- Sliced apples, grapes, bananas, carrots
- Energy bars or granola bars
- Peanut butter
- Cheese and sausage
- Bagels, tortillas, crackers, candy bars, nuts
- Oatmeal and dried cereals
Learn First Aid and be prepared for trail emergencies:
Carry a first-aid kit, and brush up on child first aid and CPR. Learn about the dangers of hypothermia, and monitor children for signs. Pack your child’s medication.
Learn how to use a compass and map or GPS. Learn how to make a shelter. If you get lost, make yourself as visible as possible. Place a bright item (e.g. item of clothing or gear) in the open. Make distress signals and make noise. If you brought a cell phone, see if it works. Leave a copy of your itinerary with a friend or family member.
Keep the journey fun:
Whatever animal or rock your child takes interest in, stop and explore with them. Talk to your child about what you’re seeing. Label the animals, rocks, trees, and flowers. Tone down your mileage goals to the comfort level of your child.
Engage older children with trip planning, animals, local history, or anything that applies to what they are learning in school.
Let your older child bring along a friend.
Entice the computer kids with gadgets (e.g. GPS, pedometers).
More on Jeff Alt:
Alt is a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA). His adventures have been featured in media nationwide including: ESPN, Hallmark Channel, the AP, CNN-Radio, NPR, and more. Alt’s award-winning books, A Walk for Sunshine and A Hike for Mike, have been reviewed in Library Journal, Chicago Sun Times and more.
For more information visit www.jeffalt.com
