10 Tips on how to hike safely with young children
Hiking tips for moms on the go!
As spring weather brings more sunshine, now is the best time to soak up the sunshine with your kiddos!
If you are hiking please remember to remain 6 feet apart from other hikers. You can find up to date Solano County social distancing guidelines here.
Feeling like a game? Play our Healthy Family Fun: Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Gets Kids Walking! Enjoy and remember to stay safe on your walk!
 | 1. Planning a day hike with the family? Number one on our list is to pack a snack! Every hiker gets hungry in their travels and it's crucial to maintain energy levels. Look for snacks high in proteins and low in sugars like these No-Bake Trail Mix Peanut Butter Balls. Plus, they require no refrigeration which saves on space! | |
 | 2. Keep your little ones cool! Children overheat quickly much faster than adults and it's crucial to stay cool especially when the weather gets warmer! Learn how to make a sponge necklace to keep your kiddos cool here. |
 | 3. Protect your kiddos from the sun! This goes hand in hand with staying cool but the right sun gear is crucial! Plan to bring a sunscreen designed for babies and kids (fewer chemicals the better, right?) with an adequate SPF. Check out how to choose an SPF here. Alos wear sun gear such as a hat, shades, or even an SPF shirt for fair-skinned children. |
 | 4. Wear the right shoes! We all love those jelly shoes that have made a come back from the days I was a kid (say hello to the 90s!) But if your kids are going to walking you want to choose a sturdy shoe with firm soles for support. You don’t need boots for a toddler; sneakers are fine. Make sure your kiddos know how to lace up! |
 | 5. Do bring a first aid kit! Be sure to include insect repellent (as needed). Scrapes and boo-boos are part of the child hiking experience! This cute and portable first aid kit is a great craft and can be used for other small organization projects. Be sure to avoid tall grass as it is a perfect place for rattlesnakes and ticks to hide! Check out this article on how to avoid ticks while hiking/camping. |
 | 6. Be sure to pack Extra water: Beyond the minimum expectation. Little ones need water (or formula) when hiking and it's always great to have some with you or extra in the car when you get back to avoid dehydration. Kids don't like water? To avoid sugary hydration drinks - try this fruit infused water! Kid tested and approved! |
 | 7. Wear Bright Colors When Hiking With Kids. When hiking with kids, you want to be able to spot your kiddos from anywhere. You can also make it easier on your kiddos – as they can spot you quickly and prevent them from being lost. This is especially true in a leafy-bushy forest environment. You can use this tie-dye kit to make your own bright tie-dye shirts. |
 | 8. Establish Trail Rules: To ensure safe hiking experience there are four essential trail rules. Go over them both before getting into the car and before hitting the next adventure.
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 | 9. Safety bands are always a good idea in case your little one gets lost or anything happens to you. These contain the child's name, emergency contact info, name of parents, special instructions “if you find my child”, and sometimes even allergies, medical condition. |
 | 10. Take breaks and often. Leave time for exploration with toddlers. And enough time for snack and water breaks. And remember, it’s about the journey, not the destination. |
Check out the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Updates and Resources page to be aware of up to date shelter-at- home policies and check out what trails are open here. |
