Hiking with Kids? Start Here
Hiking with kids requires a little extra preparation, but the right gear can make all the difference. These family hiking essentials help keep little adventurers comfortable, hydrated, protected, and excited to explore, so you can focus on making memories instead of managing meltdowns.
KEEN Newport H2 Water Sandals
When you're hiking with kids, footwear matters. The KEEN Newport H2 is one of our favorite summer adventure shoes because it combines the breathability of a sandal with the protection of a hiking shoe.
Whether the trail includes streams, mud, playground stops, or unexpected puddles, these durable water sandals are built to handle it all. The closed-toe design helps protect little feet while the grippy outsole provides traction on wet and uneven terrain.
Osprey Poco Child Carrier
Some family hikes are a little too long for little legs. The Osprey Poco makes it possible to keep exploring when toddlers need a break, giving parents a comfortable way to carry young adventurers while staying hands-free on the trail.
With a supportive fit, built-in sunshade, and thoughtful storage for snacks and essentials, it's one of the most trusted child carriers for hiking families. If hiking is a regular family activity, this is an investment that can open up miles of trails you might otherwise skip.
JAN & JUL UPF 50+ Sun Hat
A good sun hat is one of the easiest ways to keep kids comfortable on the trail. The JAN & JUL Sun Hat provides UPF 50+ protection with full neck coverage, helping shield little adventurers from long days in the sun.
It's lightweight, quick-drying, and designed to stay put even when kids are running, climbing, and exploring. We especially love that it packs easily into a backpack when it's not being worn.
YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Cooler
When you're hiking with kids, snacks are non-negotiable. The YETI Hopper Backpack Cooler keeps drinks cold, snacks fresh, and leaves your hands free for everything else that comes with family adventures.
Unlike traditional coolers, the backpack design makes it easy to carry on the trail, to the beach, or through the park. The magnetic closure provides quick access for snack breaks, while YETI's durable construction is built to handle years of outdoor use.
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Stickers
Nothing ends a family hike faster than a swarm of mosquitoes. These DEET-free mosquito repellent stickers are an easy way to add a little extra protection without sprays, lotions, or complaints from kids.
Infused with plant-based essential oils and available in fun designs, they're simple to stick on shirts, backpacks, hats, or strollers before heading out for the day. We love tossing a few into a hiking backpack for parks, trails, camping trips, and summer evenings outdoors.
gofindit Scavenger Hunt Card Game
One of the easiest ways to keep kids engaged on the trail is to give them a mission. The gofindit Scavenger Hunt Game turns an ordinary hike into an adventure by encouraging kids to search for colors, textures, shapes, and objects in nature.
The compact deck slips easily into a backpack, making it a simple addition to hiking trips, camping weekends, beach days, and road trips. It's a favorite for helping little hikers stay curious, active, and excited about exploring the outdoors.
Nocs Provisions Standard Issue Binoculars
Kids notice everything on a hike—birds, bugs, squirrels, and distant trail markers. A compact pair of binoculars turns an ordinary walk into an adventure and encourages curiosity about the natural world.
Nocs binoculars are durable, waterproof, and designed for outdoor use, making them perfect for family hikes and camping trips.
Adventure Medical Kits First Aid Kit
Whether you're heading out on a family hike, road trip, camping weekend, or just spending time outdoors, a well-stocked first aid kit is one of those items you'll be glad to have when you need it. The Adventure Medical Kits First Aid Kit is thoughtfully organized, making it easy to quickly find supplies for cuts, scrapes, blisters, and other common outdoor mishaps.
We also like keeping one in the car year-round so it's always ready for impromptu adventures.
