Uphill at any cost? No, because then the hiking fun for children is over very quickly. Children naturally have other priorities and their interest in climbing a peak must first be awakened. Even monotonous paths rarely arouse enthusiasm. With a few simple tips, however, the hiking sourpuss won't even come to the fore. Once the little ones have discovered the fun of hiking, there's no stopping them and it's guaranteed to be the best hiking holiday or day of your life.
1. arouse anticipation
Get the kids excited about what's in store for them. You can use children's books or apps to prepare together and arouse their interest. A tour book is a great way for older children to write down what they have achieved. Be happy for them when they proudly present their tours afterwards.
2. start the tour calmly
Pack your rucksack the night before. This way you won't forget anything and the hiking day can start without a hectic morning right after a hearty breakfast. Adjust the speed to the children's steps and take a light carry-cot for the little ones just in case.
3. the kids‘ own rucksack
Many children love to carry their own backpack. A healthy snack, a small water bottle and a light rain jacket can easily fit in it. Even your favourite cuddly toy can accompany you on the hike. The backpack should fit snugly and not be heavy. Carrying a heavy rucksack is and remains the parents' lot.
4. the journey ist he reward
It is not the metres in altitude or the kilometres covered that count. Too much ambition in planning can end in tears. For orientation, we can give you the following rough-and-ready rule: adults can manage 200 metres of altitude in 45 minutes; for a three-year-old child, this distance has to be considered a day's hike. Four-year-olds can manage around 400 metres of altitude per day, we recommend tours of up to four hours maximum, and at primary school age they can manage five hours and a maximum of 600 metres of altitude, depending on their fitness. Nevertheless, stay flexible on the way. It is sometimes better to choose a variant spontaneously than to rush through a planned route. Plan enough time for breaks. A break highlight can be a Kaiserschmarrn in an alpine hut or mountain inn.
5. nature is an adventure playground
Root-covered paths in forests are wonderful adventure playgrounds. Water has an immense attraction for children. Watercourses or mountain lakes are wonderful hiking destinations (don't forget your reserve clothing!)
Theme trails or nature trails with interactive stations to participate and try out are exciting and educational at the same time. Let the children experience their adventure. Grass stains on the trousers and minor scrapes are all part of the experience.
6. treasure hunt, geocaching & co.
Geocaching is a wonderful way to focus on a goal and push the effort of the hike into the background. Once the joy is awakened, there is no stopping most kids. Other games such as balancing, hide and seek or to play tag also help to cover a distance without the kids consciously noticing the distance covered. Be creative and find your favourite games to play with your kids on the move.
7. it’s better to hike in good company
Invite your children's best friend on a hike. They will chat and fool around and the time will fly by. Besides, exploring and playing games with friends is more fun than with adults.
8. role reversal
Betty (6) and Tom (7), tourleaders. Why not put the kids in charge of the compass and the map? They will take the task very seriously and proudly lead the way. When the little hiking guides are the first to reach the summit cross, they will be beaming with joy.
9. when hunger calls
Hiking and the fresh mountain air will make you hungry. Even if you plan to stop in a mountain hut for a bite to eat along the way, take plenty of extra food with you in your rucksack. Sandwiches and refreshing fruit are good snacks to tide you over until you reach your destination. Provide approx. one
litre of liquid per person. Very important: plan some food for the way back.
10. sustainable hiking
Finally, a few tips for sustainable hiking. Use public transport as often as possible. Most hiking areas are easy to reach by public transport. A cable car ride is also an experience and takes you to the starting point of the hike, which in most cases is not accessible by car anyway. Pack your food in butter paper instead of plastic wrap or aluminium foil. Refillable water bottles are light and environmentally friendly. Snack boxes are also ideal, as they protect fruit from bruising, for example, and are a good place for any rubbish on the way back. With the right care, both the drinking bottles and the snack boxes will last for many years. The environment and the mountains will thank you for it!
Family-friendly hikes in Hafling-Vöran-Meran 2000 in South Tyrol