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#164711 - 04/06/12 11:14 PM Hiking with your kids - go for it
minorth Offline
newbie

Registered: 07/09/11
Posts: 6
Loc: Michigan
Just had a great overnight with my two youngest kids. It was a short out and back, about 2.5 miles each day. My son is 9 and my daughter is 11. It was the second time I have taken my son and the first trip for my daughter. The night was cold at 35 degrees but we had warm enough bags and an extra blanket.

I don't have much experience backpacking myself so for me the key is to keep it simple. We went close to home, just a two hour drive to the Manistee National Forest. A short hike, only about 2.5 or 3 miles each day. The terrain was easy but there was natural beauty to keep them interested. We walked past three lakes and camped near a lake. We saw a pair of Bald Eagles on the hike out. Most importantly both kids felt like they accomplished something.

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#164713 - 04/07/12 03:12 AM Re: Hiking with your kids - go for it [Re: minorth]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Hooray for you and your kids! Anyone who is willing to take his/her kids out is contributing a considerable amount not only to the future of backpacking but to the future of wilderness and keeping kids in touch with the natural world!
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

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#164714 - 04/07/12 06:46 AM Re: Hiking with your kids - go for it [Re: OregonMouse]
Gershon Offline
member

Registered: 07/08/11
Posts: 1110
Loc: Colorado
Sounds like a perfect trip.

_________________________
http://48statehike.blogspot.com/

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#165024 - 04/17/12 09:47 AM Re: Hiking with your kids - go for it [Re: minorth]
finallyME Offline
member

Registered: 09/24/07
Posts: 2710
Loc: Utah
Excellent. I am planning something similar this summer.
_________________________
I've taken a vow of poverty. To annoy me, send money.

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#165167 - 04/21/12 07:42 AM Re: Hiking with your kids - go for it [Re: minorth]
Paulo Offline
member

Registered: 01/27/11
Posts: 158
Loc: Normally Pacific Northwest
That's awesome. Memories they can keep forever.

Sounds like a beautiful area too.
_________________________
Without a doubt, the hardest thing of all in a survival situation is to cook without the benefit of seasonings and flavourings. - Ray Mears

http://theoutdooradventure.net

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#173228 - 12/22/12 12:55 PM Re: Hiking with your kids - go for it [Re: minorth]
Backpackhavn Offline
newbie

Registered: 12/18/12
Posts: 13
Loc: Texas, USA
You are doing your kids a big favor to get them to love the outdoors. Some of the best memories I have is camping with my family!
_________________________
May every hiking and camping experience be a fun adventure!

http://backpackhavenblog.com
http://www.backpackhaven.com/Home.html

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#185022 - 05/12/14 04:40 AM Re: Hiking with your kids - go for it [Re: minorth]
ZAPH Offline
newbie

Registered: 05/12/14
Posts: 3
That is so cool i have been wanting to get my little nicee and nephew to come with me for a hiking trip. they keep asking me to take them now ill consider it after reading this. thanks

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#185032 - 05/12/14 04:02 PM Re: Hiking with your kids - go for it [Re: ZAPH]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Zaph, welcome! There are lots of great articles on the home page of this site, including an excellent article on backpacking with children by Penny S.
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

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#201585 - 08/23/18 12:25 AM Re: Hiking with your kids - go for it [Re: minorth]
wildnfree Offline
member

Registered: 09/29/17
Posts: 25
Loc: Phoenix, Az
Sounds like a great trip. Hiking and camping are great ways for kids to enjoy the natural world and get out of the Nintendos and smart phones.

Keep up your great work!

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#203646 - 11/11/19 07:41 AM Re: Hiking with your kids - go for it [Re: wildnfree]
carlj Offline
newbie

Registered: 11/08/19
Posts: 7
Never tried hiking with my son before.

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