Think You Can’t Trek With Preschoolers? This Will Change Your Mind
Tips to make trekking fun for preschoolers
- Keep It Short. Slow Down, See More
A 2-3 hour hike is ideal to keep preschoolers engaged. Distance becomes relative. A hundred toddler steps can feel like an expedition.
Be okay with pacing yourself. It is, in fact, an invitation to slow down and observe the world through their eyes. Their fascination with the minute details reveals wonders we adults tend to overlook.
- Choose the right trail
Look for short, well-marked trails with gentle gradients and plenty of shade. Look for diverse elements on the trail to keep children curious—bridges, rocks to climb, a huge rock, or streams to hop over.
A trail that's too easy can lead to boredom, while one that's too steep or long can wear them out quickly. Aim for a route that offers rewards along the way—butterflies, birds, or a nice view at the top.
- Pack plenty of water and healthy snacks
Pack enough water to stay hydrated. Snacks keep your toddler energised and motivated. Snacks also help in morale boosting if children get tired or cranky on the trail.
Choose snacks wisely and deploy them strategically at regular intervals. "Healthy, sweet snacks are ideal for hikes. Salty snacks will make children more thirsty. Consider peanuts (chikki), raisins, or nuts like almonds coated in chocolate," recommends Shachi Tripathi, Programme Designer at InSOUL.
- Get smart gear, not more gear
Focus on well-fitting shoes and perhaps a small backpack for their own treasures. Tools like a magnifying glass can be surprisingly engaging.
- Avoid rigid schedules and planning
Preschoolers operate on their own internal clock. Have a plan and schedule, but don’t feel the need to adhere strictly to it.
Let’s say, your plan is to reach the top of a hill. Chances are, things might not go according to plan. Prepare for several stops enroute – to rest, to play, to observe, and look around.
Be ready to move when children have quick bursts of energy and rest when they decide to power down.
Summing up
It is a myth that preschoolers cannot trek. At InSOUL, we’ve had some of our most memorable programmes on day hikes with preschoolers.
What’s important is designing a trek to meet their developmental needs, harnessing their innate physical and mental superpowers in the outdoors.
