hiking with kids

Tips and Tricks: Hiking with Kids

Do you love hiking and would you like to discover nature with your children? In our region, there are countless possibilities and many routes that won’t let your kids get bored! We have put together a list of some of the more exciting walks in our area and some tips and tricks to keep your children happy.

 

 

Variety is key


Children need variety! If you just tell them to walk up a hill, they won’t be happy for long. So make sure you choose a route that is exciting and full of little adventures: walking trails with special discovery trails for children, with opportunities to observe animals, or even with suspension bridges or waterfalls are a good choice. Overcoming obstacles or small climbing units will add to the variety and, depending on the age of the child, spending the night in a hut can also be a motivating factor.

At the same time, the route should not be too demanding. You can find your ideal family tour on the Internet, at tourist information offices or at Alpine clubs. We have a few tips for you if you want to go walking with your family in our region (Links are mostly in German, you might need to translate or ask if some offer tours in English):

 

hiking with kids

 

 

Walking with alpacas/llamas

What could be better than watching animals? Touching them and even walking with them! In Grainau, next to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, this is a reality: you can hike with llamas and alpacas and two dogs are always with you as well. There are short and long walks, some of which are suitable for strolleys, and private tours are available on request:

→ Here you’ll find the alpacas and llamas

(Link in German)

 

Hiking with donkeys

In Pähl, in Garmisch’s neighbour district Weilheim-Schongau, you can go donkey trekking. There are day and multi-day tours in the region, but children should be at least eight years old:

→ Donkey Hiking

(Link in German)

 

Geocaching: Like a mini treasure hunt

There are several geocaches hidden around Garmisch-Partenkirchen for all ages. All you need is a mobile phone and the geocaching app or a GPS device and off you go on a quest:

→ Go Geocaching

(Link is in English, but the descriptions are in German, need to translate before or ask at the tourism office)

 

Beautiful walks for young and old

Komoot has a collection of hikes in and around Garmisch that are suitable for children. Lakes, ruins, small peaks – many of them can be done with a strolley, all of them with a baby carrier:

→ Hiking with your kid

(Link in German but with a map)

 

The classic destinations

Of course, the classic destinations are not to be missed: The entire Zugspitze region offers numerous possibilities for hiking with children. You can find a selection and a good overview here:

→ The classic destinations 

(Link in English)

 

Overnight stays in mountain refuges with children

Would you like to take the little ones up into the mountains and spend the night in a real mountain hut? The German, Austrian and South Tyrolean Alpine Associations’ initiative “Mit Kindern auf Hütten” (With Children in Huts) presents destinations that are particularly suitable for families – and for all ages:

→ Mountain refuges with kids

(Link in German)

 

hiking with kids

 

 

tips: What equipment do you need when hiking with children?


For the little ones: a kid carrier

Not all baby carriers are the same. As with other outdoor equipment, there are a few essential functions and features to look for when buying a child carrier. First and foremost is a good carrying system with an adjustable back length, good padding and a comfortable seat with footrests for the little ones. You also need plenty of space to store all your walking gear. Extras such as a sun canopy and rain cover will protect the children from the sun, wind and weather and are highly recommended.

→ Read our blog post on how to find the right child carrier.
 

 

 

Clothing and sun protection

Sun protection is always important, especially in the mountains. For extra protection, wear long clothing and a cap or hat with neck protection. If your child is in a carrier, wear something warmer as he or she will not be moving much. What is always advisable: Have something with you to cover your child!

Children who are already walking need appropriate outdoor clothing, preferably made from functional materials such as T-shirts and sweaters, trousers, fleece and rain jackets. A pair of hiking shoes is also essential. Depending on the child, a separate (small) backpack may also be useful.

 

 

 

 

Tricks: Hiking with children


Resting is important

Even if your little ones don’t have to walk, it’s still important to take regular breaks. You should plan a break of about 10 to 15 minutes every hour. Make sure they have something to drink and a snack to eat – and some sweets can help keep them going.

 

Progress through play

If there are long stretches that are not so exciting, games can help. These can be classics like “I see something you don’t” or “I’m packing my suitcase” or any game you know. Children can also play the role of your guide, pointing the group in the right direction and telling stories, or going out to look for certain items – like a nature scavenger hunt. Small dams can be built by streams and a stone-throwing competition against the parents can be held at the nearest river. Of course, it’s best if the best friend comes along. Everything is twice as much fun together.

 

hiking with kids

 

 

Patience, patience

With children, you can’t rely on the times given in the guide books – double the time. Stressing your children out and rushing them up the mountain will only lead to frustration on both sides. Children need time to explore nature and often cannot keep up with the pace of adults.

 

 

If you would like to learn more about hiking visit the pages of:

→ Backpack Guide: How to pack the right way

→ Forget blisters with the right pair of hiking socks

→ Hiking and Trekking Poles: Faithful Companions in the Mountains

 

Fotos: Vaude, Attenberger