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Struggling to keep your little one engaged during longer walks? Check out our top five tips to make hiking more enjoyable for the whole family!

1. Pick the right route Family hikes should work for everyone, not just the adults. Choose a trail that suits all ages and abilities so no one feels left behind and everyone enjoys the journey.
2. Pack plenty of snacks Hiking builds big appetites! Bring along some favourite treats and make snack time part of the adventure, something to look forward to along the way.
3. Let kids explore Kids are natural explorers and want to pick up and touch everything. This is one of the greatest things about hiking, there’s so much of the natural world for kids to discover, so make sure they have time to enjoy everything. 
   
4. Scavenger Hunts Get creative with scavenger hunts! Challenge your children to find items like leaves longer than their little finger or sticks shaped like specific letters. You can also use pre-prepared lists or print off our free scavenger hunt resources from our Nature Club content. You can join our free Nature Club HERE
5. Litter Picking Make a game out of keeping nature clean by bringing along gloves and a bag to collect litter during your walk. Your children will love the instant gratification of making a positive impact on the environment.
   
6. I Spy: Classic but effective! A simple classic that never fails. Adapt it for younger children by using colours instead of letters and use your surroundings fields, beaches, or even roadside walks.
7. Add a splash of water fun Water has magical powers to rejuvenate tired hikers! Whether it's a lake for feeding ducks, a stream for paddling and racing sticks, or a muddy puddle for jumping, water adds an extra element of fun to your hike.
8. Don’t forget the sticks Sticks are endlessly entertaining, perfect as walking staffs, for building dens, or playing games like Pooh sticks when you find a bridge. 
9. Dress Appropriately The weather can change quickly, so pack for all conditions think waterproofs, layers, and sun protection. And don’t forget plenty of water to keep everyone hydrated along the way.
   
10. Make it fun! The key to hiking success is to keep the kids motivated and having fun!  Create games that you and your children can play out on a walk, and have them find things that are bumpy, smelly, small, big, living, wet…the list goes on!

Have fun, you can enjoy fresh air and sunshine while exercising in the great outdoors. Make your walk fun for the whole family with the above tips. We hope these ideas help make your hiking adventures more enjoyable! Don't forget to gear up with outdoor wear and accessories before you head out.