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There are many places to hike in my area, but we haven't done it for a while. With a small baby, I just haven't had the organizational skills (or the strong back to carry her in a backpack) to get something going. However, this time of year always reminds me of hiking and enjoying the leaves and the cool weather. Many people feel that hiking is just for older kids, but if you follow certain guidelines and scale things down, children as young as age 3 can hike and have a great time, making hiking with kids a fun family activity for all ages.

Children under 4 can walk on their own for up to a mile (more with practice). They should rest for a minute or two every 15 minutes. Limit any backpacks to no more than 15 percent of their weight. I've found that a waist pack or fanny pack works great for the youngest one. Older children, ages 5 to 8 should rest every 45 minutes or so and can usually cover anywhere from 2 to 4 miles. Children older than 8 can handle a casual hike, and the more experienced kids can blow the adults away!

Pick a trail that is relatively flat, with some interesting terrain. It's OK to have a few challenging sections on the trail, but overall it should not be too tough. Most trails are ranked by difficulty, so choose one that is on the lower end.

As far as what to bring, think of the basics. Water in a sports bottle tops the list, along with sunscreen (you can still get burned in the autumn). Insect repellant is a good idea depending on your area, and sunglasses help if it's a bright day. A small snack, like a granola bar, often makes rest stops fun and gives kids a little energy boost.

Most important is hiking gear. Never allow your children to hike in sandals, not even those open toe sports sandals. There are too many rocks, thorns and loose dirt, making things really uncomfortable. They should wear good tennis shoes with thick socks. As far as clothing, remember that layers are the ticket. That way, as things heat up the clothes come off. A jacket is especially important this time of year.

Finally, review the rules of the trail. Discuss litter and garbage issues before leaving. If the child gets separated from the group, make sure they understand to stay put. Make them understand that it is easier for rescuers to look for them than for the child to look for rescuers. Many parents purchase small whistles to wear around the neck so that children can signal if they are lost.

For fun things to do during a hike, see one of my entries on Nature Walks. Most of the ideas can apply to hiking as well. Happy hiking!

15 Minute Moment
Collect shoes from everyone in the family that are in good condition but too small and donate them to a local charity.