Hiking with a toddler - tips for motivation

Don't get me wrong: Hiking with a toddler is wonderful, absolutely beautiful. It's fascinating to watch how little ones perceive nature, carefully examining every stone and discovering it. But for us parents, it can also be quite exhausting if we're not making enough progress or if the children are pursuing their own agendas and goals. That's why in this post I'm sharing our tried-and-tested tips for keeping you motivated while hiking with a toddler.

You can read here why playing outdoors is so important for children.

Plan enough time for walking yourself.

Children walk very slowly. Not because they can't walk fast, but simply because there's so much to discover when hiking in the woods or mountains. This is perfectly normal and wonderful. Therefore, it's advisable to plan enough time for the hike so that the toddler can walk independently and explore nature.

Choose adventure trails and children's hiking trails for hiking with a toddler

So-called adventure trails are designed and created for children. These children's hiking trails feature special activity and play stations, guaranteeing that boredom is never an issue. The most beautiful adventure trails for children that we have hiked so far are in the Eifel National Park in Germany, in Melchsee-Frutt in Switzerland , in the Berchtesgaden region (Magic Forest) , and in the Käfertal valley near Zell am See in Austria .

Collecting things is fun!

Children always need something to do, even on a walk through the woods or park. And if there isn't an adventure trail or children's hiking path nearby, educational games can help keep little ones entertained.

With our printable egg carton template, children have an exciting task. During a walk in the woods, they can fill the egg carton as much as possible with all the forest treasures shown. A piece of bark, a clover leaf, a flower, or a particularly beautiful stone: while searching for all these objects, children will examine the forest very closely. And who doesn't know this? Children love collecting things on walks. With the egg carton, they also have the opportunity to organize their collection and only take home what will fit.

Trick 17 – Building bridges while hiking with a toddler

And if walking alone isn't fun at all, there's a little trick that works really well for our daughter: One adult walks a little way ahead and stands with their legs spread wide on the path, and the child walks under the bridge. Meanwhile, the second adult stands a little further ahead, forming the bridge, and so on, alternating between the two. This is incredibly fun, especially for toddlers (1.5-2.5 years old), and it makes even boring hikes quickly pass the time.

Choose a hiking route along a stream or river when hiking with a toddler

Our daughter doesn't usually like sitting in the carrier for long. But when we hike by a waterfall or along a river, she's completely enchanted and utterly relaxed. No wonder, since water has an almost magical attraction for small children. So, if you're looking for some peace and quiet in the back, you should choose a hiking trail along a river, stream, or waterfall for your next outing.

Plan enough play breaks when hiking with a toddler.

Even if your toddler is in a carrier or stroller while hiking, they'll need a break now and then to explore, eat, drink, or play. Making a fire and roasting bread on a stick is certainly a highlight, but it's not possible everywhere. Take a close look at your hiking route and keep an eye out for attractive spots for a play break. We have some delicious vegan recipes for your hikes here.

Keep an eye out for birds and squirrels.

There's much more to discover in the forest than just stones, twigs, and acorns. Keep an eye out for squirrels, birds, and beetles. Who will spot a squirrel first?

You can read more about Our Forest ABC here.

Balancing on fallen logs or throwing stones into the water

Even our almost two-year-olds love it. Off the beaten track, there are often fallen tree trunks to balance on, or even a lake or stream where you can throw stones. The forest and mountains are a giant adventure playground, not just for children. Keep your eyes and ears open, and you'll experience all sorts of adventures while hiking with a toddler.

You can also find game ideas for rainy weather on our blog.