Hiking with Kids

Infants

As long as you can still carry the kids, you can traverse similar distances as you might without them. The only thing to remember is that you’re going to have to make regular rest stops so the little ones can move around too.

3 years and older

As soon as the kids can walk themselves, this should influence the entire planning process of your Tour. For these little adventurers, enjoying nature is not a high priority: they want to explore! Naturally, conquering peaks is nowhere near as important as enjoying the long way up, making fun little rest stops along the way a must, be it a playground or a petting zoo. After around two to three hours, you can bet on the kids being done. In this case, it often helps to distract them with stories of the forest, what lies beyond the next bend or behind the door of a hut up ahead. When the kids have a reason to peek under stones or to play guessing games about the flora and fauna they’re passing on the way, they automatically forget that they’re walking. So get creative!

In their first year

As long as they’re still small and light, it’s often the best idea to carry them along in a baby carrier or a wrap. This tends to be the most comfortable way to carry the little ones long distance—and the kids love it, too. During rest stops, let them wriggle around on the ground to stretch their little limbs.

Infants to 2 years old

At this age, it depends whether they are happy to sit in a carrier. If so, good for you: The little ones can read, sing or do whatever they feel like, while you can walk happily along at your own tempo. Consider stopping once every hour or so, however, as your child is going to want to stretch their legs every once in awhile, too.

Many kids insist on moving by themselves. In this case, it’s important to adjust your own tempo and not to give your child the feeling that they need to walk faster. As soon as tiredness takes over, just remember: they might actually enjoy being carried now—especially when the trail is a pretty one!