This past weekend, my sister was traveling to New Hampshire and invited my family to attend.  My husband and I lived on the seacoast of New Hampshire for several years and I miss it terribly, so I jumped on the chance to visit New Hampshire.  We stayed in the White Mountains.  Fall foliage in the mountains, it doesn’t get much better then that! This was a great trip.  We went to the Squam Lake Nature Center one of the days.  I highly recommend it if you are traveling in New Hampshire.  We also did some hiking.  I wish this was a post about how I was completely prepared to go hiking with toddlers, but it is more like, I went hiking with  toddlers and here are some things I probably should of done kind of post. 

 I am so proud of my kids, my niece and nephew.  They did a great job.  My 2-year-old walked a lot of it and my 4-year-old did the whole hike.  We actually thought we were doing a walk, but it turns out it was a hike.  When some boulders are involved and you end with an amazing view, that is a hike.  My kids loved it.  This makes my heart full because I love hiking, being out doors and hope to pass this along to my kids.  So, here are some lessons learned about hiking with toddlers.

Hiking with Toddlers

1.Go slow

This is actually something that I talk about a lot and just shared in my post about a mindfulness walk with kids.  Your little ones can’t go that fast and nor do they want to.  They have short legs.  It is just impossible for them to go fast.  Also, they want to stop and look at the rocks, sticks, bugs, whatever.  This is actually a good thing.  We rush to much.  Learn from your kids.  Go slow and enjoy it.

2.Let go of expectations

If you are expecting that your kids will walk the whole way, enjoy the hike completely, please just let that go.  Chances are you will hold your kid.  If you are going to put any expectations on the hike, expect to hold your kid at some point.  Maybe have enough adult/child ratio so that you don’t have to hold more than one.

3.Bring snacks and water

Kids get hungry and need energy, so make sure they eat.

4. Tell your kids they are doing a great job

Encourage your kids along the way.  They need that. 

5. Look up the hike and make sure it is appropriate for hiking with little ones

Remember to always be safe. Know you can turn around if you need to.

I have attached another helpful article about hiking with toddlers here.  Being outdoors does a lot for our own happiness.  Connecting with nature, breathing the fresh air just helps one feel better.  Getting out and creating these memories with your children will be something that you both can hold on to.  I hope everyone gets out and enjoys the beauty this fall. Below are some pictures from our hike.  Not the best pictures, but I am glad I have some from this day.

Trying to get 4 toddlers to take a picture is impossible

 Be Happy,

Jessica Lynn