How to handle nuisances on trail when day hiking with kids

While the trail may be a different place than the living room, kids still will be kids. That means you’re going to run into some of the same problems that you do at home – noisiness, sibling rivalry, complaining. In addition, the trail offers its own unique opportunities for behavior problems.

Once kids understand the rules of the trail, however, behavior usually isn’t an issue. Typically, there are enough sights along the way to grab their interest, and they’ll enjoy the freedom that being in the great outdoors offers. Should they misbehave, though, keep an even temper. You don’t want to become a behavioral problem yourself on the trail, or you’ll just turn them off to hiking.

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