Planning Your Next Hiking & Biking Trip
Outdoor Trips with Kids
Trail travel with kids can turn into one of the most memorable experiences your family ever shares. Fresh air, wide-open spaces, and a break from screens can do wonders—but let’s be honest, taking kids on a hiking or biking trip isn’t always easy.
The good news? With the right planning, a trail trip—whether it’s an overnight adventure or a week-long journey—can be just as fun for your kids as it is for you. Below are simple, practical tips to help you plan a trip that keeps everyone smiling from start to finish.
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Choosing the Right Trail Destination for Kids
The success of your trip often starts with picking the right trail. Not all trails are created equal—especially when kids are involved.
Look for shorter distances and gentle elevation changes
Choose loop trails when possible (kids love new scenery instead of retracing steps)
Check for rest areas, water access, or bathrooms
Consider paved or crushed gravel trails for biking trips
Have a nearby town or easy exit option just in case
A simple trick? Give your kids two or three trail options and let them help choose. When they feel involved, they’re more excited before the trip even begins.
Planning a Kid-Friendly Itinerary (Less Is More)
One of the biggest mistakes families make with trail travel with kids is trying to do too much.
Plan shorter daily distances than you would for adults
Build in plenty of breaks for snacks and exploration
Include one or two “highlight moments” each day (a lake, bridge, scenic view, etc.)
Keep your schedule flexible—kids don’t always follow the plan
Sometimes the best parts of the trip happen when you slow down and let kids explore instead of pushing to the next mile marker.
Making Trail Travel Fun for Kids
If kids are having fun, everything else falls into place. The key is to turn the journey into an adventure—not just a walk or ride.
Create simple “missions” (find a cool rock, spot wildlife, reach the next bend)
Let kids take the lead on parts of the trail
Celebrate milestones like reaching halfway or finishing a climb
Bring along fun extras like binoculars or a small journal
Another easy win? Bring a small stash of reading material for downtime at camp or during longer breaks. Light, fun books—especially joke books—can be a huge hit after a day on the trail.
This is a great spot to pack something like a Travel Jokes Gift Book or other lighthearted reads from the Ralph Lane collection. Kids can take turns reading jokes aloud, which often turns into one of the most memorable (and funniest) parts of the trip.
Keeping Kids Entertained on the Trail
Even the best trails can feel long to kids. Keeping them engaged makes all the difference.
Play simple games like I-spy, counting challenges, or storytelling
Take “exploration breaks” to skip rocks or look for insects
Rotate activities to keep things fresh
Let kids take photos or document the trip
It also helps to have a go-to entertainment option when energy dips. A small book tucked into a backpack can work wonders. Joke books, short story collections, or even a few favorite paperbacks give kids something to look forward to during rest stops.
Having a dedicated “trail entertainment kit” with a couple of Ralph Lane books—like a Travel Jokes Gift Book or similar titles—can turn a tired moment into a laughing break that resets everyone’s mood.
Safety Tips for Trail Travel with Kids
Fun is important—but safety always comes first when planning trail travel with kids.
Set clear rules: stay together and stay on the trail
Teach basic awareness of trail markers and surroundings
Pack essentials: water, snacks, layers, and a small first aid kit
For biking trips: helmets are a must, along with visibility gear
Have a simple plan in case someone gets separated
Preparation builds confidence—for both kids and parents.
