Ann Arbor and the surrounding area has so many lovely walking and hiking trails, and the summer is the perfect time to go exploring with your family. But there are some important considerations to keep in mind before you bring your little ones on the trails with you. Read our suggestions to have a safe, fun time with your family!
Start slow
Keep it simple and low-stakes for your first several adventures. Do a short trail, or a trail where turning around would be easy. It’s better to end early, wanting more, than be too ambitious and make your child wish it was over.
Follow their pace
Maybe your child wants to make it to your destination, or maybe they want to stop and explore a lot along the way. Keeping it fun for them means following their lead. Us adults can be so focused on the end goal that we forget the journey is the most important part for kiddos.
Pack tons of snacks and water!
Bring more snacks and water than you think you’ll need. If your child is old enough, they can carry their own water bottles or hydration bladders.
RELATED: Day Trips and Weekend Getaways: Summer Travel for Your Family
Prepare for the weather
Dress your child in layers, and check the weather in advance. If there’s a possibility of rain, you’ll want to bring a raincoat; if you’re hiking when the UV is high, you’ll want to bring a hat and sunscreen.
Protect against bugs
Ticks are prevalent right now. Stay safe by staying on the trail, wear light long sleeves and pants tucked into socks, and consider treating clothes with repellent or permethrin. (It’s not recommended to use repellent on babies). Do full body scans and take a shower or bath after hiking.
Try out their hiking shoes beforehand
To avoid blisters and discomfort, have your child wear comfortable shoes that they’ve worn before.
Be prepared
Think about everything you might need on the hike. Consider items your children frequently uses; maybe you’ll want to bring wet wipes or toilet paper (with a plastic bag to pack it out); maybe you’ll want to bring chapstick.
Play games
There are lots of games you can play on the trail. You can do a scavenger hunt–consider looking for various colors, textures or sizes. You could watch for birds, search for scat, or identify flowers with a field guide.
Teach stewardship of the land
Make sure to “pack in, pack out” your trash, and talk about it to your kids. Consider bringing gloves and a small garbage bag or large ziploc bags so they can pick up any trash they see on the trail.
Take it one step farther
If your child is playing with sticks or stones, consider putting them back before you leave. If your child digs a hole at one of your breaks, fill it back in before you keep hiking.
Go frequently
Hiking is a fantastic way to experience nature as a family. Consider making it a monthly, or even weekly, occasion. Barton, Bird Hills, and the Arboretum are some fantastic areas to check out in Ann Arbor.
What are your favorite places to hike in the area with your family? What tips help make your hikes go smoothly?
