Get Your Kids Hiking!

Photo Courtesy of Jeff Alt.

"Take my kids hiking? I have trouble enough getting them off the couch!"

Many parents struggle with getting their children interested in the great outdoors when the Internet and video games are calling. That's why author Jeff Alt, hiking expert and father to two enthusiastic young hikers, has written Get Your Kids Hiking (Beaufort Books), a comprehensive and fun guide that shows parents how to get even the most reluctant child excited about outdoor exercise and exploration from a young age.

Get Your Kids Hiking is loaded with everything you need to know to hit the trail with kids; from gear to simple proven techniques that will make your hike safe and fun. Written both the novice and the seasoned hiker in mind, Jeff Alt provides all the information you need to take your child out on the trail. 

5 Great FAmily Games to Play When Hiking or Camping Overnight

From Get Your Kids Hiking by Jeff Alt

1. Play animal charades. Do your best animal imitation and everyone has to guess what you are.
2. Tell stories to one another, both real ones and pretend ones.
3. Make up songs.
4. Turn on sky TV. At night, go out to a meadow or clearing and enjoy the stars.
5. Come up with your own trail name or work together to name each other. Long-distance hikers often acquire a fictitious name based on something that happened on their journey or a personal characteristic. What would your trail name be? Be nice. The names may stick! When I [Jeff Alt] hiked the Appalachian Trail, I earned the trail name "Wrongfoot" after placing my insoles in the wrong boots and suffering from painful blisters.