Getting the kids out this summer!

Once June shows up I start getting excited - out comes the calendar and I start wating for the days to fly by so school is out. Then I know summer is here and so is mid week hiking. No crowds and lots of time spent with my son Ford!

A recent article in the Seattle P-I newspaper covered taking babies and young kids out. It has a lot of good points.

For more information, check out Washington Trail Associations page on children. WTA has collected a lengthy list of articles and resources for getting out.

So how do you get the kids out? Well, just take them! Don't overplan on the miles or what will be accomplished. For most kids you can base their mileage on their age. Now some kids will be able to go much farther or will pout after a couple yards. Like with anything, kids will take to hiking if you start it simple, make it enjoyable and go often. 

Let your kids help plan once they are out of toddler years. Have them pick snacks, have them help pick the hike. Once a child is past 4 years old they can carry their water, snacks and extra gear in a well fitted kids daypack.

If you live near any National Parks like we do take them there and sign up for the Jr. Ranger Program! Once they finish the program (you can even mail the finished programs back in) they hand out a badge for the park. This is an awesome summer idea and a great way to decorate a backpack. You might also look into your local state and county parks if they have similar programs. Some State Parks will have interpetive centers as well, aimed at kids. REI and other outdoor retailers often run programs to get kids outdoors.

This summer make it a goal to get out at least twice a month if you can with your kid(s) on the trail. Even if all you can do is a local trail due to rising fuel costs, by all means do it!