Basics to Hiking with Kids

We enjoy a ton of outdoor activities with our children. We have been taking our kids really hiking since the beginning of this year. We have even took them hiking to go see the Solar Eclipse this past Monday. Our children are younger, but it still can be done because we have figured out a method to our madness.

Basic to Hiking with Kids

Before we get started, I took a photo of this Guide to Responsible Hiking at Amicalola Falls State Park that is important no matter if you have children with you or not. Besides picking up after yourself and not leaving trash (which is just polite wherever you go), there are key points that you should always follow.

1. Let someone know you are hiking.

2. Never hike alone in case of injury.

3. Have a plan

4. Stay put if you are lost. (If you followed rule #1, then someone will find you.)

And now on to my list of basics:

1. Hydration. Whether you have a quality backpack and stock pile it with water bottles or you decided to go with a camelback back pack, staying hydrated is your number one priority.

2. Snacks. Making sure your children (and you) stay fueled for exerting so much energy is your second priority. We like Turkey Jerky and Clif Bars (or other power bars). They are pretty light weight to tote around, they won't melt or make hands too messy, and everyone in our family likes them.

3. Travel. If you have a little one like I do with little legs, you might want to invest in a quality infant carrier. I have talked about this before in my post about Camping Essentials. We have a Lillebaby Air Flow. I have had quite a few carriers with my children. I have also tested out and tried a few more than that, but my favorite has been this carrier because it is light weight and breathable.

4. Quality Shoes. You and your kids need quality shoes if hiking for an extended amount of time is going to work. My husband and I bought new running shoes back in the spring to help us on our weight loss journey, but they have been great for hiking.

5. Sunscreen. This might be a no-brainer, but did you know a tan doesn't mean a healthy glow, but it actually means damaged skin? Every skin care product I buy whether it be facial moisturizer or even concealer has some SPF in it. Recently, I was introduced to Coola Suncare and was sent their 50 SPF Guava Mango Sunscreen as well as some other products through Moms Meet for us to try out. First thing I noticed was how amazing it smells. The next I noticed was how lightweight and there is no greasy residue, and it left my sling feeling hydrated.

Ingredient Benefits:
- Algae Extract: Helps to improve the production of skin’s collagen and promotes skin firmness and tone.
- Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe Vera) Extract: Long-prized for its healing, anti-inflammatory and cell renewing properties, Aloe Vera Extract is instantly hydrating and healing to skin.
- Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Fruit Extract: Powerful antioxidant rich in Vitamin C to help fight and protect against environmental damage.
- Cucumber Extract: Known for its healing properties, it is anti-inflammatory and soothing to skin.

COOLA Sport SPF 50 Guava Mango Sunscreen Spray is available for purchase at Sephora, Ulta and Nordstrom, as well as at coolasuncare.com. My readers can save 20% off site wide with code Chastain20 until 9/30/17.

Have any questions? Feel free to ask below.
What are some of your hiking essentials? Did I miss anything? What do you think of quality sunscreen?

I received this product for free from Moms Meet to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

2 comments

Jessi Housel3/02/2018 10:17:00 AM
Our family is all about hiking too! We do it year round when the weather permits. I worry more about having bugspray than sunscreen because where we hike is pretty heavily wooded.