Checklist for a hike with children

Planning a hike with your child(ren)? This is a checklist for a successful adventure. A hike with children is completely different than one with two. You suddenly have to think about completely different things. That's why this checklist is so important if you want to experience the ultimate adventure as a family.

🧭 1. Choose a child-friendly route

• Distance & elevation gain:
  Allow for a maximum of 8–12 km per day for children aged 6–10 years, less for younger children.
  Also pay attention to elevation gain — climbing takes a lot of energy.

• Surface:
  Avoid slippery rocks, loose stones, or narrow mountain trails. Choose well-marked routes that may offer access to mountain huts or campsites.

• Inspiration:

  • Netherlands: Veluwe, Drents-Friese Wold, Utrecht Hill Ridge

  • Belgium: High Fens, Ardennes

  • France/Switzerland: Via Alpina (short stages), Tour du Mont Blanc (part)

🎒 2. What do you bring?

A good balance between light weight and sufficient comfort is crucial.

Basic equipment

• Backpack (15–30 liters for children, 40–60 liters for adults)

• Trail Magik Child Carrier ( The Hailey Outside is my favorite)

• Lightweight tent or tarp (or mountain hut reservations)

• Sleeping bag & sleeping mat (warm enough for the season)

• Rain gear, wind jacket

• Sturdy hiking boots or trail runners

• First aid kit + blister plasters

• Navigation (map, compass, GPS, phone with offline maps)

For children specifically

• Favorite cuddly toy or small toy

• Snacks and small rewards (raisins, nuts, cookies)

• Warm clothing layer – children cool down faster

• Children's headlamp or mini flashlight

• Possibly walking sticks in children's sizes

🥾 3. Practice beforehand

• Take short day trips on weekends with a full backpack.

• Teach children simple mountain hiking rules (such as: “stop when you want to look”, “keep each other in sight”).

• Test new shoes and materials well in advance.

🌦️ 4. Think about the weather and safety

• Check the weather forecast daily.

• Teach children what to do in rain, thunderstorms, or if they get lost .

• Always take extra water, snacks and an emergency bivouac with you.

• Wear sun protection (cap, sunscreen, sunglasses).

🍝 5. Food & Drink

• Plan meals that are quick to prepare (couscous, instant pasta, oatmeal).

• Let kids help cook — it makes it more fun!

• Water filter or tablets for natural water.

🌙 6. Overnight stay

• Tent: Teach children to help set it up.

• Mountain hut: check if there are family rooms or children's menus .

• Keep the bedtime ritual at home (reading, cuddling) as consistent as possible.

❤️ 7. Make the adventure fun!

• Let children read maps or look for route signs .

• Tell stories or make up assignments along the way (“find 3 different leaves”).

• Bring a small nature journal or camera.

More about trekking with children?

Want to learn more about hiking with kids? Or get inspired for a longer hike with your child? Then follow @ik.wil.hiken on Instagram. You'll find all sorts of information about hiking with kids, as well as tons of inspiration.