Hiking With Your Kids

I know that I don't have any kids of my own, so what am I doing writing a blog about hiking with kids? Well, the simple answer is I sometimes still am a kid on the inside! Just because you aren't a kid anymore doesn't mean that you can't enjoy a little playtime while out for a hike! Below is a list of things that I have found that can keep your kids or you entertained while out for a hike/camping:

• Nature Bingo

Supplies Needed: Bingo Card (You can make your own or these from sunset.com are pretty good)

Paper

Clipboard (Optional)

Marker/Pencil

You can play this game as you go on a hike or as the day goes. I know that some people have even laminated these cards and will use dry erase markers so they can use the same cards over again. You can also do bingo as a scavenger hunt or do it as a photo scavenger hunt.

• Stargazing

Supplies Needed: Star Walk 2 App (Apple & Android)

Telescope (If you already have one)

Star Chart

You are going to want to find an open area where you can see an expansive sweep of the sky. It will take your eyes 20 to 30 minutes to adapt to the darkness, so try to minimize the use of light. Check with the state or national park you are visiting, a lot of the time they will have star parties for you to take in. Some the best dark sky parks in Texas are: Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, and Copper Breaks State Park.

• Cooking

Supplies Needed: Whatever you are cooking

Recipe Card

This is just like cooking at home but more exicitng. Let the kids pick out the recipe at home and when you go to the grocery store give them the list and let them go pick out all the ingredients needed for the recipe. When it is time to cook the meal let them do it all on their own (unless they need some supervision), that way they can take pride in the entire meal. (Plan this ahead of time when you are making this meal, it might take longer then expected.)

These are just a few of the things that I have noticed can be fun for the kids or even adults when out hiking or camping. I would like to hear what you do to keep your kids or adult kids entertained while out camping. Leave a comment below with what you love doing?

"Cheers"