Tyke hikes: Experts offer tips for hitting the trails with kids and turning family treks into lasting memories

Hiking with children has become a growing staple of family life, as parents seek outdoor time that blends education, exercise and memory-making. Experts say success on the trail hinges less on a perfect plan and more on meticulous prep, flexible pacing and plenty of kid-forward ideas. Andrew Koehn, a camping specialist at REI Co-op in Lynnwood, Washington, emphasizes preparation: bring everything you need, pack snacks, check the weather and, crucially, get your child excited about the experience before you set out. Pamela Brown, director of communications at the Appalachian Mountain Club, expands the basic must-haves into what she calls the “Ten Essentials,” a compact checklist that travels light but covers essential contingencies. She names plenty of water and snacks, paper maps and a compass in case a phone loses signal or battery, plus an ultralight tarp, matches and a firestarter, an extra layer, a first-aid kit, a multitool and duct tape, sunglasses or a hat, and a headlamp. Brown also urges hikers to consult a high-quality guidebook for the route, snap a map photo at the trailhead and check in with a naturalist at the visitor center to confirm trail conditions. Safety discussions should start before the first step, Koehn adds, especially with children who need to understand they must stay in sight.