Hiking with Kids

One of our favorite activities to do with the kids is to go on a hike! We are fortunate that there are so many great hikes in the LA area that are fun for the kids. Some feature amazing views, waterfalls, and even a chance to see the Hollywood sign up close! Recently, I took the kids to Malibu Creek State Park and we had a blast! They were able to wear their swimsuits and take a dip in one of the natural springs. We brought this microscope that they got for Christmas and they had fun searching for bugs and looking at flowers up close!

When we go hiking I always make sure that we are well stocked on snacks, we bring plenty of water, bug repellant, lightweight turkish towels for hiking & swimming, sunscreen, and wear the right shoes! I know preparing for an all-day hike with kids can seem overwhelming so I rounded up some tips and tricks to make sure a day spent outdoors is a memorable one!

If you are looking for ideas of other activities to do with your kids this summer here’s a post I put together of our favorite things to do as a family! We also try and lean as much into a tech-free summer (we have plenty of movie nights too). Here are some of our favorite toys and games that my kids have been loving.

Tips for hiking with kids:

Start Easy and Interesting: Choose short, easy hikes with exciting features like lakes, streams, or waterfalls to keep kids engaged.
Focus on the Experience: Let kids explore at their own pace, even if it means frequent stops to examine nature.
Plan for Extra Time: Allow for plenty of time so kids can fully enjoy discovering and examining their surroundings. We love to bring a microscope and journal so the kids can document and see nature up close!
Pack Essentials and Extras: You can never be too prepared! We always bring tons of snacks, water bottles, sunscreen, bug-repellant stickers etc.
Dress in Layers: Ensure everyone has appropriate clothing! I always make sure the kids have a light outer layer like this windbreaker.
Take Breaks: Take frequent breaks for snacks and drinks to keep kids energized and happy.
Rotate Leadership: Let kids take turns leading the hike to make them feel important and maintain a manageable pace. My kids have been loving reading maps so we take turns following the arrows and picking which paths to take!
Make it Fun: Organize games, scavenger hunts, and look for signs of wildlife to keep the hike entertaining.