Can 3-Year-Olds Go Hiking? (The Definitive Guide)
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When outdoor enthusiasts have children they will undoubtedly want to bring their children along for some of the less adventurous and less strenuous trips. It makes sense that you would want to expose your children to an outdoor lifestyle given the many benefits. However, we all know that bringing kids does require a bit more planning and patience. As babies morph into toddlers, seemingly overnight, they start to venture out on their own and explore. Around the age of 3 is when your little one might be ready for a real adventure which, begs the question; can a 3-year-old go hiking?
Yes, a 3-year-old can go hiking. Choose a shorter trail with minimal elevation gain to enjoy a day hike with your toddler. Be prepared to carry your child as they may become tired from the hike and no longer able to hike on their own. Bring a child carrier backpack in the event your child needs to be carried. This will make traversing the trail easier and more enjoyable for all parties.
Child carrier backpacks typically have a max weight of 48 lbs. Most toddlers, ages 3 and under, will weigh less than 38 lbs while toddlers between the age of 3 and 4 will typically be under 44 lbs. Keep in mind that some child carrier bags have pockets for hiking storage so be sure to include everything you pack within the bag in the total load weight. Here are some great options you can find on Amazon.
Planning a Hike with a Toddler
When planning the hike be sure to review the elevation gain and total distance of the trail you want to hike. The total mileage should be under 5 miles and the total elevation gain should be less than 500 feet. Remember, you will probably be carrying your child for part of the hike so you will want a trail that is not too strenuous. Here are some other tips for planning a hike with a toddler:
Consider playing a nature scavenger hunt with your child
Bring extra snacks and water
Bring a safety whistle for the child to use if they somehow become lost
Bring a children’s hiking set if you are inclined to keep them occupied
Keep your child engaged by asking relevant nature questions i.e. What color is the flower? What kind of animal do you see?
Think about bringing a child leash for extra precaution
Choose a familiar trail
Bring sunscreen, hat, and other day hike items. Check out the Ultimate Summer Day Hike Checklist here.
Bring a first aid kit as seen in our post about making vs buying a first aid kit
If your little one is still wearing diapers bring a few extra just in case
Review your safety rules and precautions with your child
How to Dress a Toddler for Hiking
Seasonality and climate will determine proper attire for a child. It is always best to err on the side of caution. Even in warmer months bring long sleeve shirts and pants for your child. The extra material will provide sun protection and protect them from annoying mosquitos. If they get warm, they can always remove layers.
Keep the material light and if possible rated with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). Choose merino wool materials or synthetic fibers over cotton. Cotton does not wick away sweat nor does it dry very fast. It is also a notoriously bad insulator. You will be better served using merino wool materials and synthetic fiber apparel designed for outdoor activities.
In the winter, bring extra layers of clothes and socks. Remember, your child may not hike the entire time and could become cold when nestled in a child carrier backpack. Some items you should bring include:
Merino wool or polyester socks, longjohns
Base layer shirt made from wool or polyester
General long sleeve top
Fleece jackets or down jacket
Fleece pants or snow pants
Proper shoes or boots. If necessary, use fleece-lined boots to keep their feet warm. An extra pait of socks will help if the boots are not insulated.
Bring beanies and mittens to keep other extremities warm
Pro Tip: Look for gear that is gently used or hand-me-downs. Try to find apparel that is a little larger than what is needed so it can be used for more than one season.
After the Hike
After you round up your day hike be sure to ask your little one what they thought of the experience. What did they like and what did they not like. This will help you prepare for your next trip and make the experience that much more enjoyable for your child. This is a crucial time in their development and exposure to experiences such as hiking will aid in their development. Also, remember to bring plenty of food and liquids to leave in a cooler in the car so when the hike is over you and your child can rehydrate and refuel.
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When the weather warms up so too do the trails of America and now is a good time to review the day hike checklist for the hot summer months. Download the PDF checklist at the end of this article to use for your future day hikes.