Tips for Walking with Children

Being outside in the nature allows your little ones to feel, hear and experience the great outdoors! It's a perfect way to spend some quality time together as a family and can also help to improve our mental and physical health.

So grab your LHW hat and get walking, there's a wealth of beautiful places waiting to be discovered right on your doorstep! Here are some tips to get your little ones out and about:

Be prepared! 🍓

Bring the snacks! Children are nearly almost always hungry so a supply of snacks and drinks is always handy to help persuade/bribe your little ones to keep on walking! Some sturdy shoes or wellies are vital, especially once the weather is a little colder. A basic first aid kit is also useful to have, just in case!

Get them involved 🗺️

Get the older kids involved and engaged! Hand over some control and let them decide on the route. A great opportunity to teach some basic map reading skills, you can also let them navigate the walk.

Make it fun and engaging 🐦‍⬛

Try and incorporate something interesting to look at, it could just be a tree that can be climbed or walked on, or some animals to spot. Find a bench you can stop at and watch the birds. Try some games out while walking such as scavenger hunts, I spy or pooh sticks. Basically, make hiking fun and your children will grow up enjoying a good walk.

Age appropriate 🌳

Don’t try and attempt too much, particularly with young children. You don't want them to see the walk as hard work, more fun. Never make the walk sound boring or a bit too much like hard work. Instead call it an adventure, a mission or a hunt. You see, that already sounds so much more interesting!

Bring the right kit 🎒

Remember to pack appropriate footwear and clothing depending on the weather. Weather can change unexpectedly and the last thing you want are cold, unhappy children. Cold Winters day? Complete your children's outfit with a warm and protective hat. Hot Summers day? Don't forget your LHW Sun Hat!