Like children and adults, all needs to spend quality time outdoor at least occasionally. Spending time outdoor greatly effects one’s mood, health, and self-awareness. Breathing in the fresh air really opens wholeness of oneself. Disconnecting from the technology will refreshen and relax our bodies and minds. Spending quality time with our young ones is needed, and hiking with children can bring challenges but after few attempts and tries, it will be worth it in the end. Here are 5 benefits of hiking with children and Trekology (2021) will explain further below:
1. Provides Quality Family Time
The page articulates spending time with family and their children during the hike as quality and meaningful. As many trails may not offer good connection to the phones or tablets, it can offer real conversation and learning about each other. And this will escalate and create a bond. The “stillness of the nature” will provide the safe ground of conversation with the children.
2. Opportunity to Connect with Nature
As mentioned above, the nature can be the third space or a person. It is there as they walk along the trail. And it is meaning and relationship making opportunity for children and family with the nature. Children has to experience the nature to understand and gratitude the nature.
3. Exercise
Of course, the best reason why we should go out and hike with our children is exercise. Children needs to exercise. And having the loved ones beside will encourage and give energy to move forward or to rest at the right time. It will provide learning about their body by exercising. When their heart pounds faster, breathing in and out correctly matters, and focusing to the trails to avoid falling or accidents.
4. Hiking can be Educational
Almost every time, children pops questions while hiking. Why, what, where, who, and when questions will arise. These are educational moments and having families to answer or let nature answer these questions are memorable and essential. Having curiosity is the key. Perhaps walk slowly or faster to have more questions develop or answers done.
5. Exposure to Wildlife
When we talk about wildlife, it may be a trip to local Zoo. Nature is the wildlife. There are many that we cannot control. Go for a hike or a simple walk-around a small trail during every season to see the incredible wildlife. There is more wildlife than you think in your local nature. “children who grow up hiking gain an appreciation for wilderness as they become older.”
Reference:
5 Benefits of Hiking with Children. (2021, March 24), Trekology. Retrieved May 13,, 2021, from 5 Benefits Of Hiking With Children – TREKOLOGY