by Jason Adair

With PE programs forever shrinking, childhood obesity rates forever rising, and technology always cutting into quality family time, it seems like the world is against raising healthy, active kids who can pick their parents out of a line-up. One surefire way to remedy all of these problems is with a family-friendly physical activity that’s good for all ages, and hiking is just that.

Also known as “walking around outside,” hiking fits any family budget and any fitness level; it gives parents and kids a good dose of the outdoors; and something about rambling around just raises your odds for good heart-to-heart moments.

The only problem with hiking is that it’s not candy or video games; hence most children are not inclined toward it. The following list of tricks for hiking with the family will help everyone enjoy their time on the trails without tears or use of the phrase, “death march.”

1. Bring Lots of Snacks.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve all just eaten in the car on the way, odds are someone is going to get hungry or thirsty by the time you get twenty-five meters into your hike. Having a good stash of healthy snacks and drinks will undermine the most basic cause for childhood grumpiness, low blood sugar.

2. Plan on Stopping. A Lot.
I know when my five year old gets out on the trail, we need to stop every five minutes to take a water break, have a snack, or maybe just throw rocks down a hillside. In the beginning this drove me crazy and made both of us miserable. But when I finally accepted this as part of the journey, things suddenly got easier. I also became markedly better at skipping rocks, but how could I not, what with all the practice and being cheered on by a five year old boy?

3. Play games.
Einstein once said, “The energy of an adult plus their determination plus appropriate footwear is no match for the vigor of youth.” We all know that kids have more energy than us, the trick is to bend it to our will, and playing games on the trail will do just that. My son, who can’t walk ten feet without feeling tired, has shown several times that he can run a full mile if it’s a race. Granted this does mean that I have to run with him, but isn’t exercise and fun what this is all about? When it’s sunny, we have a variation of this game wherein we run in the sun and walk in the shade. If you’re looking for something less run-y, there’s always “20 Questions” or “I Spy.” The point is to take their minds off their feet. Once you make that happen, the walking suddenly becomes as fun as the game.

4. Hike around Water.
No matter what time of year it is a trip down to a river or lake is going to introduce an element of fun into the hike. In the summer it’s a great chance to kick off your boots and cool your feet. In the winter it’s one of those great opportunities for a good snuggle as you stand on the shore and imagine how cold it would be to get in. (And let’s face it, there are never enough opportunities for good snuggles.) Year round, water is a great place to observe wildlife and throw rocks, preferably not at the same time.

5. Be Willing to Make Deals.
Once out on the trail, parents are faced with the supreme challenge of bringing them all back alive. Sometimes, due to lack of sleep, trail injuries or bad tempers, this means giving in to shoulder rides, piggyback rides or even cocoa (or ice cream or a small toy) on the way home. Some say it’s bad to bribe kids who are having a melt down with treats, but, as Pavlov once said, “Early childhood hiking experiences determine how kids will feel about hiking later in life.” And cocoa is so tasty after a hike.