Smiling adult and child outdoors with backpacks in a forest setting.

Mountain hiking with children

Hiking with children is a simple way to explore nature together. With playful breaks, shorter stages, and small adventures along the way, the journey becomes just as memorable as the destination. Here are tips to make hiking with children both fun and safe.

Mountain trails can include challenging sections and elevation changes, which children often find both fun and exciting. Take plenty of breaks to keep everyone going throughout the day. Along the way, you and your family can build a simple shelter, have a barbecue or take a dip in a mountain lake. A good idea is to divide the day into two outdoor sessions – go back to prepare lunch, or eat at the restaurant at a mountain station if you’re staying near one. That way, the children will have renewed energy when you head out again.

You can create a sense of involvement by letting children try things they’re not used to from home. Use a map and GPS, explain where you are, where you’re going and what you see. It can also be nice to make use of early mornings or evenings now and then. For example, you can hike in the late summer light or head out early to experience nature waking up. Bringing a bird guide, a plant guide, binoculars and a magnifying glass is a great way to let children explore nature.

Safe mountain hiking with children

The sense of freedom grows when you feel safe in the mountains. That’s why it’s always wise to learn a bit more about mountain safety. Remember that mountain weather can change quickly – always check the forecast before heading out. You should also know how to navigate using a map and compass, even when following marked trails. Make it an activity the children can take part in! Read our guide to mountain safety.

Stick to safe trails when hiking. Never cross fast-flowing or deep water with children, and avoid taking them onto ledges, narrow ridges or steep snowfields.

It’s important to respect the powerful forces of nature and the changing mountain weather. At the same time, there’s no need to worry if you’re well prepared.

Allow plenty of extra time for your hike

Having enough time is key to a successful trip. It helps you avoid stress if it starts to get dark or if the distance feels too long. It’s also good if you, as an adult, still have some energy left when everyone else is running low. Your knowledge and experience as an outdoor person make it easier to support others. And if you start to lose motivation yourself, there are ways to handle that too – take a break, have a snack, go for a swim or let the children play for a while. Try to prevent negative factors like hunger, fatigue and cold before they even become an issue.

Carry small children in a baby carrier or child carrier

Very young children, up to about one year old, are best carried in a baby carrier on your front. The carrier should provide good support for the head and neck. When using a baby carrier, you can often still carry a backpack yourself.

Children over one year old can be carried in a child carrier on your back. A child carrier works well once the child can sit steadily, and up until they weigh around 15–20 kilos, when they can walk on their own. Make sure the carrier is comfortable for both you and the child. With a child on your back and extra gear to carry, there will be less room for your own equipment, so it helps to have company who can carry additional items.

When carrying children on your front or back, it’s important to prioritise safety. Avoid summit hikes, rocky terrain and slippery areas. In both baby carriers and child carriers, you also need to ensure good blood circulation in the child’s arms and legs. Take frequent breaks and let the child change position, walk a bit and move around. Since you’re active while the child is sitting still, they may feel colder than you, especially in spring and autumn. On warm summer days, make sure they don’t get too hot. Bring a good hat, or choose a child carrier with a built-in sunshade that can be folded up.

From around the age of five, children can hike on their own

From about five to six years old, children can usually manage walking on their own. How far and how fast they go will of course vary, but expect anywhere from one to fifteen kilometres depending on age and mood. Without focusing on distance, you learn to enjoy being outdoors together. On tougher days – with hunger, bad weather, a cold or mosquito bites – the pace will be slower. So make sure to allow plenty of time for play! Along the way, you can have a barbecue, build a simple shelter, or take a swim in a small mountain lake or from a rocky shoreline. Make sure children only carry a small backpack with light packing.

Play and have fun along the way

There are many ways to create the right conditions for a wonderful mountain hike with the family. First and foremost, make sure you walk together with the children – not behind or ahead of them. Bring a tennis ball or another small, lightweight toy. Pack a terrain-friendly soft toy that can be “fed” freeze-dried meals and get dirty from play. Maybe you can invite your child’s best friend along? It can also be fun to have a small project to work on during evenings and breaks. If the children are old enough to handle a knife, they could carve their own walking stick. Nature offers plenty of materials perfect for crafts.