What to Take on a Hike with Kids

We rarely hike more than two miles with our little ones, so this would change if you have older kids or are doing longer hikes. As we progress on this trip and the kids get more used to hiking, we will increase our distance. We also don't have babies, so don't need to bring all of their necessities anymore.

While we have a day-hike backpack, I prefer a drawstring backpack for this. Our car is never more than, say, a mile away, and we aren't gone for more than two hours, so we don't need much.

I don't bring the full first-aid kit, but I do make sure I have neosporin and bandaids with me at all times. The kids are always falling and they really like bandaids. They run and climb a lot, which is what makes hiking fun for them, but there are rocks and tree roots and downed trees to climb and scrape yourself on. A kiss and a bandaid usually makes this better, and then you can continue on the hike.

I always carry at least one bottle of water, and two if it's going to be a slightly longer hike. Drinking water keeps everybody hydrated, and it's also entertaining. Make sure your bottle doesn't leak if you are putting it inside the bag. We have one LifeStraw that has a carabiner clip that I can hook onto the pack's strap and the kids like to help by carrying water bottles, too.

Snacks are also good, and a necessity if you are close to meal time or on a longer hike. I usually pack trail mix with nuts and M&M's. If it were just me, I'd also add raisins or dried cranberries, but I'm the only one who's really a fan of these. Granola bars, goldfish crackers, pretzels, and apples are also popular.

I usually also throw a plastic grocery bag and a change of clothes in the bag, preferably one that would fit either kid if necessary. We rarely need these, but it's nice to have just in case there's an accident or someone ends up wet or muddy.