Family Life Fun Family Activities Outdoor Activities Take a Hike! 8 Family-Friendly Tips Get out your comfy walking shoes and gather your family for a fun and fitness-filled walk. Here's how to make sure kids of all ages have fun out on the trails. By Parents Editors Published on July 13, 2010 Share Tweet Pin Email 01 of 09 Fun, Foolproof Family Hikes Fancy Photography/Veer Any time is a terrific time to take a hike. Some tips for kid-friendly treks, from Best Hikes With Children in Utah author Maureen Keilty. 02 of 09 Make Sure Shoes Fit Jason Lindsey Try on hiking boots for comfort and fit before you go. 03 of 09 Getting Ready Bill Hopkins Let your kids help prepare for your hike by making trail mix, filling water bottles, and studying maps. 04 of 09 Choose an Easy Route Jason Lindsey Choose an easy route so even the youngest hiker can say, "I walked the whole way!" Most younger children can handle a two-mile hike -- and you may be surprised to see how far older kids walk! But for your first-time out on the trails, start with a gentle mile. 05 of 09 Stop to Smell the Flowers Jason Lindsey Point out wildflowers, waterfalls, and birds' nests along the way. 06 of 09 Invite a Trail Buddy Peter Krumhardt Let your child invite a friend. She'll have more fun -- and be less likely to complain. 07 of 09 Follow the Leader John Noltner Give everyone -- even the youngest trail-goers -- a turn as the hike leader. 08 of 09 Stay Hydrated Fancy Photography/Veer Make frequent stops for water and snacks. 09 of 09 Positive Reinforcement is Key! iStock Praise patience and playfulness early and often. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit