Getting outdoors as a family is one of the best ways to create fun-filled memories you’ll cherish forever. San Antonio has a handful of kid-friendly hiking trails that are perfect for your family, whether you are seasoned hikers or mentally preparing for your very first expedition. Here are a few tips for your family hiking trip!
Pack lots of water…but let them carry it!
Be sure to pack enough water for each family member. Get water bottles for your kids to carry; you can even buy kid-sized hydration packs if you’re braving a longer hike together. You can also pack some salty snacks to replenish your electrolytes.
Stop and smell the pinecones.
Try not to focus too much on finishing the hike at record speed. Little bodies walk slower and get tired faster. Enjoy the hike, and let your kids stop along the way and enjoy the nature. Things that may seem ordinary to you are still magical to them. Let them stop to pick the flowers, smell the pinecones, and examine all the weird bugs.
Be flexible.
As hard as it can be to not have expectations for how the day should go, we highly recommend trying to go in with a flexible mindset. If your kids get tired before you reach the end of the trail, don’t stress! Enjoy the hike, no matter how far you get. When parents are flexible, it’s easier for kids to go along with the flow. If they see you having a blast during the hike, chances are they’re going to be having a blast, too.
Start small.
If your family hasn’t hiked together before, start with short hikes. San Antonio has a lot of shorter trails that are great for beginners and little ones. Here are a few of them:
- Main Loop to Vista Loop to Fern Del Trail (2.4 miles)
- Hillview Nature Trail Loop (2.9 miles)
- Hillview, Red Oak, and Cedar Flats Loop (2.6 miles)
- Water Loop (1.5 miles)
Hiking together is a great way to stay active as a family and teach your kids healthy habits at a young age. Happy hiking!