As a mom on-the-go with my kids, I have a few tricks up my sleeve to keep my kids happy while out and about. One of our favorite ways to connect as a family, and with nature (which we know is SO important for kids), is to go on a mini-hike. Check out some of my tips for making hiking with kids manageable and enjoyable for all!

On-the-Go and Connected with Nature: Hiking with Kids

As a stay-at-home mom, there are days that we need to get out of the house. There are also the days that we are so busy and running around that we need to slow down. In both of these scenarios, nothing is better for our souls than a quick nature walk.

Hiking with kids can prove to be a bit of a challenge, because inevitably someone will need to be carried. But, there are a few ways to keep kiddos engaged and happy on a nature walk.

The Right Snacks

I don’t know if there is anymore more important that packing snacks and water when out and about with kids! On a nature walk, snack bars, fruit and water keep us going. CLIF Kid bars are perfect for throwing in my bag and taking with us. Additionally, they keep us going and are quite tasty. (My husband and I love that they can double as snacks for mom and dad too ;))

The new CLIF Kid Zbar Filled were our bars of choice on this hike! As the first and only organic, soft-baked bar with nut butter filling, they kept even my 2 year old hiker on the move! And, they are filled with the good stuff, like oats and nut butters, and are free from ingredients like high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors.

The Right Hike

Choosing the right hike for your kids is crucial. Despite your desires, knowing their limitations will benefit you all. We like to have the feel of a hike (dirt, plants, trees, trails, etc) without the strenuous trek. Plus, we keep it short. This accomplishes my goals all while keeping the hike manageable for kids.

Variety is the spice of life…and a good hike. When checking out trails, find some with a range of scenery. If you can find mini hills, open area to run, or some running water, this can reset whiny kids quick. And, don’t forget to stop and explore these places! Give yourself, and your kids, time. Time to notice and wonder about the world around them, deepening their connection with nature, and with you!

A Freebie Scavenger Hunt!

Bringing along a nature scavenger hunt is another great trick for hiking with kids! Look for very basic objects such as leaves and sticks, and mark them off as you go. Kids will eat this up, and feel a giant sense of accomplishment upon completion. Check out the one that we use, and print it below for free! It’s great for little kids because it’s simple and doesn’t require reading.

This also gives you a chance to assign some ‘roles’ to the kids as well! My kids love to be ‘Adventure Finders’, it’s a very official title 😉

Click here to download the nature scavenger hunt.

Enjoy the Outdoors with Kids

Hiking with kids, going on nature walks, or just engaging in some outdoor activities is excellent for a number of reasons, and also gives kids the opportunity to practice mindfulness. Enjoy as they revel in the beauty and wonder of the great outdoors, fill up on some tasty Zbar snacks, and enjoy hiking with kids!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.