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  • Home
  • Raising Outdoor Kids
    • Cooking & Crafting

      How to Make Birdseed Ornaments for Wild…

      November 27, 2020

      Raising Outdoor Kids

      Beautiful Spring Picture Books for Children

      March 28, 2020

      Raising Outdoor Kids

      Playing in Nature Protects Our Children During…

      March 17, 2020

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      50+ Spring Nature Activities for Kids of…

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      How to Make a Willow Nature Crown…

      July 2, 2019

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    • All Alberta British Columbia Lower Mainland Northern Interior Okanagan
      British Columbia

      Hiking and Camping with Kids at Kokanee…

      July 30, 2018

      Okanagan

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      December 1, 2017

      British Columbia

      Family-Friendly Adventures on BC’s Sunshine Coast

      November 8, 2017

      British Columbia

      A National Park Reserve in the South…

      November 3, 2017

      Okanagan

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      November 1, 2017

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      Hiking Spion Kop with Kids in Lake…

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      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

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      British Columbia

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

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      Rock Climbing with Kids in Jasper National…

      August 8, 2017

      Alberta

      Family Adventures in Jasper National Park: 10…

      July 26, 2017

      Alberta

      Shaw’s Point Resort

      August 6, 2015

      Alberta

      Apiaries in Northern Alberta

      August 5, 2015

      Alberta

      St. Isidore, Alberta

      August 4, 2015

      Alberta

      The Hoodoos

      July 29, 2015

      Alberta

      Royal Tyrrell Museum

      July 28, 2015

      Alberta

      Bow Valley Campground

      July 27, 2015

      British Columbia

      Hiking and Camping with Kids at Kokanee…

      July 30, 2018

      British Columbia

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      December 1, 2017

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      Family-Friendly Adventures on BC’s Sunshine Coast

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      A National Park Reserve in the South…

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      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

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      Hiking Spion Kop with Kids in Lake…

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      Visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in…

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      Biking the Stanley Park Seawall

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      Exploring Deep Cove and Quarry Rock Trail

      July 25, 2016

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      July 22, 2016

      Lower Mainland

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      July 20, 2016

      Lower Mainland

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      July 18, 2016

      Lower Mainland

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      April 19, 2014

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      September 1, 2016

      Northern Interior

      McMillan Creek Regional Park

      October 8, 2015

      Northern Interior

      Ferguson Lake Nature Reserve

      October 6, 2015

      Northern Interior

      Eskers Provincial Park

      October 5, 2015

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      Autumn in Northern British Columbia

      September 28, 2015

      Northern Interior

      Wildflowers in Northern British Columbia

      June 6, 2015

      Northern Interior

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Backwoods Mama

Canadian Adventures

6 Tips for Winter Hiking with Kids

February 2, 2017




Winter is a time for sledding, skating, skiing and snowshoeing! But what about hiking? Hiking might not be the first activity that comes to mind when deciding which winter activity to do with your kids, but it’s actually a lot of fun to do in the winter. So from our family to yours, here are six tips to help you get outside and enjoy the magic of winter hiking. Happy Hiking!

1. Dress in Layers.

Dressing for winter hiking can be a finicky thing. It’s winter so we like to bundle everyone up before stepping out into sub-zero temperatures. But hiking is hard work and generates a lot of body heat. When our bodies get too hot we start to sweat and if sweat can’t evaporate (think: thick winter gear) clothes get wet. Wet clothes are a big problem because as soon as we stop and take a break (think: hiking with kids!) that dampness makes our body cool down quickly. The solution is to dress everyone (parents and kids) in layers! Long john, pants, snow pants or wind-proof pants, long sleeve shirt, fleece, windproof jacket, tuque (winter hat), gloves, warm socks. You get the idea.

2. Take “Layer Breaks”.

When starting on a family winter hike everyone might feel a bit cold. It’s winter after all, but once you start walking it might not be long before everyone begins feeling warm. Remember sweat is not our friend in the winter so stop regularly for a family “layer breaks”. Check in with everyone to see whose gear needs adjusting. Kids, especially younger ones, need help with regulating their temperature. Unzip coats, remove hats or if kids are cold add layers back on.

3. Don’t forget water and snacks.

When it’s cold we can easily forget the need for water but even on a short hike it’s important to bring along. Hiking in the winter is hard work, sometimes even more so with the extra weight of snow gear and deep snow. Without fail someone will be thirsty. Bringing snacks on a hike with kids is also important, it give kids (and adults!) that extra energy boost (and motivation boost!) to continue adventuring. For winter hikes it helps to bring snacks that are easy to eat with gloves on such as dried apples, granola bars or even jerky.

4. Bring a sled.

A sled can make winter hikes go from tolerable to awesome. Younger kids get tired quickly while trudging through snow and carrying kids in the winter is no easy task. A sled is the perfect solution for these problems. I try to encourage my youngest to hike as much as he can before taking a sled break so that he stays warm. A sled is also fun to have if you come across some little hills along the way.

5. Pick a familiar trail.

If winter hiking is a new activity for your family start with a trail that you’re familiar with, or one that’s clearly marked. Snow and ice can transforms trails in amazing ways but it also can cover footpaths making them more difficult to follow.

6. Keep it fun!

Winter transforms trails into magical places. All that snow and ice opens up so many possibilities for fun and adventure. Instead of walking down a trail, try sliding and rolling down (if it’s safe), inspect the ground for fresh animal tracks, admire frozen ponds and waterfalls and enjoy the magic of winter!

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6 Tips for Winter Hiking with Kids was last modified: December 30th, 2018 by Josée
Family HikingHiking TipsKidsWinterWinter HikingWinter Hiking Tips
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1 comment

Mike January 11, 2020 at 6:00 am

This was a helpful set of reminders and the pictures were a treat. We finally anticipate some snow here in SE Michigan and we have a plan for a family hike at the end of January. This set of reminders will help.
M

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