It’s OK for kids to get dirty on the trail!

Photo courtesy of Great Sand Dune NPS.

Expect kids to get dirty on a day hike. It probably means they’re having fun. Avoid the problem in part by dressing them in clothes that you don’t mind they get dirty.

To keep them “cleaner,” watch so they don’t lean against tress with pitch or sap in them during rest stops. To prevent them from spreading their mud and sand to your vehicle, bring a complete change of clothes that they can slip into when the hike is done.

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.