Great books to get kids exciting about hiking (and even camping!)

Get kids interested in hiking by having them read
about it. Photo courtesy of adwriter/Photoree.

To get children excited about going on a day hike, you may want to consider reading them a book about nature and hiking.

There are a number of good books to choose from; here are a few I recommend:
g “My First Hike,” by Catherine Maria Woolf – This board book is great for toddlers. It tells the story of a child reluctant to hike with grandpa but after going discovers it’s a lot of fun.
g “Molly Goes Hiking” by Radlauer – Another good book for toddlers and preschoolers, in which the little girl Molly leaves her comfort zone of the house for a great hiking adventure by way of her backyard.
g “Kids Go Wild,” by Sarah Burke – A brother and sister practice “Leave no trace” on their wilderness camping adventure in the Canadian Rockies. Good for preschoolers through early elementary age kids.
g “Buck Wilder’s Small Twig Hiking & Camping Guide: A Complete Introduction to the World of Hiking & Camping for Small Twigs of All Ages” by Tim Smith and Mark Herrick – For preschoolers through grade 3, with colorful pictures this book is a basic introduction to these outdoor activities.
g “Let’s Go Hiking: Boys’ Life Series” by DK Publishing – Though aimed at boys, this book for elementary age children will inspire your kids to hit the trail by taking readers to waterfalls, mountaintops, swimming holes and more.

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