Hike it Baby Kitsap Peninsula is a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting families to nature with birth to school age children. They have lots of experience getting outdoors with kids, and they're sharing their best tips with Macaroni Kid Kitsap!
Prep for Success - Getting things ready the night before so there isn't a time crunch is a necessity when on a nap schedule. Make sure to have a change of clothes, including shoes, for each kiddo. Puddles and getting wet are a standard here in Kitsap so having a spare allows for more yes to adventure! Don't forget your first aid kit either. Try swapping out those plain brown bandages for fun character ones!
Get the Gear - Having rainsuits and boots on hand allows you to get out no matter the weather. To save money buy in the off season for the next year, check out local gear swaps, consignment stores, consignment sales, and the local children's items facebook pages.
Snacks, Snacks, Snacks - Bringing snacks and a drink is a necessity with children. Sometimes the pace of the hike is slower than expected and a hungry child is a cranky child. Granola bars, cheese, dried fruit, crackers, and jerky are all great options.
Sometimes it's OK to Slow Down - If you find yourself saying "Hurry up, let's go!" the whole trip just to make your destination, probably no one is having a good time. It is great to have a goal, but really it's about the journey and experience. It helps to keep the developmental stage of your child in mind when deciding on where to hike. Early walkers are not going to get very far because they are too busy exploring anything that catches their eye, whereas preschoolers can go 2-3 miles if they are motivated.
Make it Fun - Collect "treasures" along the trail in a bucket, then have your child pick out one special treasure to bring home. Bring a pair of binoculars or a magnifying glass to search for birds or bugs. Nature scavenger hunts are another fun and easy game along the way and there are lots of printable ones on Pinterest.
Go with Friends - Having similar aged children can help them be more motivated to keep going. Invite family members and friends, join in on a hike hosted by a Hike it Baby volunteer, or even host your own with the group!
If you are interested in joining in on some of Hike it Baby's planned outings to these trails and many more check out their Facebook page and website. The family friendly hikes happen almost every day throughout the county and beyond.
