You think of children and summer vacations, and immediately associate them with the bathrooms at the pool or the beach, maybe also with ice cream, walks, cultural visits, and especially with a lot of family time. However, it is also a good time to bring nature closer to the little ones, taking excursions through the mountains.
However, a number of safety-related considerations should be taken into account, such as avoiding the hottest hours, choosing the route or preventing accidents.
There is no minimum age at which to go hikingNow, if the little one is less than 3 years old, you will probably have to carry it in an 'ergo' type backpack (for me it is the funniest option) or a rigid one of those that we usually see when we go out to the field and meet families who they take their young children.
And obviously there is no maximum age, although after 10 years your children will begin to be more selective with their hobbies. It is logical that you like Nature and want to spread your enthusiasm to the whole family; but you must also respect the tastes of children, or at least alternate the activities you propose with theirs. After all, contact with the natural environment is usually very beneficial, but so is the happiness of knowing that your parents take you into account.
Hiking with children: the preparation.
You should prepare the route in advance: you can do it if you know the place well, Although nowadays you can consult many blogs and websites specialized in excursions with children and they will help you to plan your trip well.. Secondly, if the children are under 14 years old, it is worth calculating the times and the distance to travel well, because for them it is exasperating that it becomes night while you are walking, or walking more than they can do due to their physical condition which is more limited than yours.
And speaking of times, in any season you must take into account the departure time: for example in summer the routes should start at 7 in the morning or at 6 in the afternoon (in order to avoid a possible heatstroke), that conditions the distance to travel, but it is that when they are still small (less than 10 years old) they may not be able to walk more than 8/10 kilometers.
Equipment and provisions for the excursion.
You will need a small backpack for each one in which you will put a cotton cap and a large visor (if it has ear and neck covers, the better), a pair of socks and a spare T-shirt, and also if you anticipate a drop in temperatures in the area , the time or the place, a very light jacket. Try that each one also has a bottle of water, a piece of fruit, and the elements they prefer to make the stay in the mountains a unique occasion: compass, magnifying glass to look at insects, their children's map, etc.
In addition, adults will have to carry provisions for the meals that you are going to make, and more water. I recommend sandwiches, fruit, nuts (only for over 5/6 years to avoid choking) or cereal bars. Make room in the large backpack for a hand kit containing gauze, disinfectant, plasters, small scissors, pain reliever in case they have a headache, aftersun, insect repellent and ointment to reduce inflammation in case they sting; and above all sunscreen cream with UV filter. Put 2 or 3 flashlights if part of the way back is when it is getting dark, and the plan of the place if you do not know it. Make sure your mobile is fully charged.
The best footwear for walking is the mountain one, but some sneakers can be used for hiking in an accessible place that is not too steep. Always try to make it special, especially if you have thought that your family will practice this activity frequently. The best clothes are those that are comfortable for them and breathable; With regard to the latter, a fine cotton fabric sometimes breathes better than one that has been specifically designed, because synthetic fibers can give heat.
What do you need to walk in the mountains with children?
Well, in addition to preparation, you need prudence, patience and respect for the needs of the little ones. I do not know the ages of each of your children but there are 4 children who walk often, others 5 who are distracted by each flower and each little animal; there is the 8 kilometer one who runs 7 kilometers without protesting and holding on, and the 10 one who protests a lot because he got up early. A family outing has to be pleasant for everyone, it is not about what you want to do, but about what they can get to..
Never stop thinking about their safety, use common sense to explain to them that they do not approach ravines, that they do not climb more than their abilities allow them, and that they do not play at throwing stones (these are just examples that can serve as guide). TOtake the opportunity to convey the idea of respect for the natural environment.
Remember that there is also the option of having a picnic if you don't feel like walking a lot, here we gave you ideas.