5 Reasons to Hike with Your Kids

For any season and day, it is a good time for a hike. One of our favorite local spots for a family-friendly hike is at Canada Hill, a small long stretch of hilly trail, accessible by foot.

Below are five reasons to hike with your kids. There’s no better time than now, and you can also pledge to take your child out to hike in any park on weekly basis. You won’t regret it, and maybe you’ll witness some of these benefits.

1. Exercise

A growing body of research shows that spending active time outdoors is good for our health – and that goes for both kids and adults. A light hike offers beneficial cardiovascular exercise. A simple trail hike can offer kids opportunities to traverse rocks, navigate exposed roots, and climb over rocks, building balance and agility.

“Do no underestimate your child's ability to finish the hike. Not for a single moment, cause he might beat your record any time!"

2. Build self-confidence

On the trail, away from cars and other dangers, children are guided and free to roam.

“I did it!” we heard children joyfully exclaim sometimes, as they trekked up a hill or devised a strategy to cross a stream or a branch in their own way. Children can made their own choices, tested their limits, and accomplished what they set out to do.

3. Exposure to wildlife

We do encounter numerous local plants and insects, including a beautiful mini pitcher plant. There is nothing like the wonder of nature to peak a child’s curiosity, forging powerful lifelong connections with the natural environment.

4. Practice “Leave no trace”

This is a chance to educate our children about plastic waste, human behavior, and also why there were water bottles and other litter left by others in woods along the trail. It is a great opportunity to talk about why we do not leave our trash in the park, and what happens to the litter that is left behind.

5. Unplug together

We all know that kids spend a lot of time using digital media, and it is true for adults as well. Adult also struggle with the urge to frequently check email or social media. Heading out for a family hike is a great way to take a break from your devices and connect with each other and the outdoors for a while instead.

Do you want to hike with your family? Are you looking for someone or somewhere to start off?

Join us now!