Are you planning a family nature hike this summer or fall?
Hiking together as a family is a great way to make memories, enjoy screen-free time together, and learn more about nature. Learn more and grab your free More Time Outdoor Time Tracker pack down at the bottom of this post. ⬇️
Before you go, there are a few things you should be on the lookout for.
Knowing these things lets you get the most out of your hike, and everyone will have a more enjoyable experience.
Planning your Nature Hike
Depending on where you live, there are probably a few options for nature hikes near you. Do some research (check out All Trails) to find a hike with the right level of difficulty for you and scenery that interests you.
For example, if you live near the beach, you might want to find a hike with coastal views. If you're near the forest, you could find a hike with deciduous and coniferous trees and maybe even local wildlife. This could make a good forest schooling experience!
You'll also find different difficulty levels when it comes to nature hikes. If you're a beginner or hiking with kids, you might want to find an easy trail that is well-marked and doesn't have too much of an incline.
If you're more experienced, you could find a more challenging nature hike with rougher terrain. This worked well to get our family together outdoors when our big kids were teenagers.
What to Bring on Your Hike
When you go on a nature hike as a family, it's important to be prepared.
Create a hiking packing list. And make sure to pack plenty of water and high energy snacks (try pemmican) for hiking. Also, pack a first-aid kit, and a map of the area.
Encourage your kids to bring a hiking backpack with their own wilderness kit resources.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing that won't restrict your movement is also a good idea. And if your family enjoys hiking, investing in good quality hiking gear for kids is wise.
You might also want to bring a camera or binoculars to take pictures and enjoy the beautiful scenery. In our family, we each bring our own set of binoculars. In fact, we found the best compact binoculars for hiking came with the girls' Think Outside Boxes . Use our code THINK10 to save on your first subscription.
Once you have your hike all planned out and your gear is packed, it's time to set off and enjoy the great outdoors!
5 Things to Look for on a Family Nature Hike
Here are five things to look for on a nature hike.
1. Animals
Look for signs of local wildlife. You might see animals such as deer or moose while you're hiking.
Be sure to keep your distance from the animals, as it's not a good idea to disturb or approach them.
You might see some animals in their natural habitat going about their day if you're lucky.
See if you can spot the following:
- Birds
- Squirrels
- Mice
- Snakes
- Turtles
- Lizards
- Rabbits
- Insects
You will likely find evidence of wildlife, even if you don't see any animals. Tracks in the mud or snow, chewed leaves, or feathers are all signs that animals have been in the area.
Droppings can also give you clues as to what animals have been around. Different animals leave different types of droppings, so see if you can identify which animal left them.
You might even find animal homes, such as nests and burrows. Don't forget to look up! And remember to write about your observations in your nature journals.
2. Plants
There is so much to see from the plant kingdom when going on a nature hike. Look for different types of trees, flowers, and shrubs. Be sure to take note of any poisonous plants in the area to avoid them.
Try to spot many different types of plants, like:
- Trees
- Bushes
- Grasses
- Ferns
- Flowers
- Moss
Depending on your location, you could add urban foraging to your nature hike. You might even try foraging with kids. Just remember to practice foraging safety and respect private property notices.
3. Rocks and minerals
Rocks and minerals are a fun thing to look for when hiking. You might find some that are interesting to look at or even rare. There are different rocks and minerals, so see if you can identify them as part of your outdoor nature activities and hike.
You might find:
- Quartz
- Feldspar
- Mica
- Limestone
- Obsidian
While looking at rocks, see if you can spot any fossils. Fossils are the remains of plants or animals preserved in rock. They give us a glimpse into the past and can tell us a lot about the history of life on Earth.
4. Fungi
All sorts of fungi can be found on a nature hike. This includes mushrooms, puffballs, and lichens. Be sure to look closely at these organisms, which are often very beautiful. Some are even edible!
Some common fungi to look for include:
- Mushrooms
- Puffballs
- Lichens
- Slime molds
5. Clouds and weather
Lastly, be sure to pay attention to the clouds and the weather. This can help you predict when a storm is coming or if it will be a beautiful day.
Observe the:
- Clouds
- Wind
- Temperature
- Precipitation
These categories can tell us a lot about the current weather conditions and what to expect in the near future.
Or arrange a night hike and look at what you can see in the night skies.
Documenting Your Nature Hike
Don't forget to document your nature hike! It's always fun to reflect on memories and see changes over time.
Do this by taking pictures, writing in a journal, or making a video. By documenting your hike, you can relive the experience and share it with others.
Looking for preschool nature activities? First, get your children excited to hike by reading the best nature books together.
Then start a nature hike scrapbook. Remember to add to it whenever you head out on a new adventure.
Safety Tips for Nature Hikes
Now that you know what to look for on a nature hike, here are some outdoor safety tips to keep in mind.
- Stay on the trail. This will help you avoid getting lost and will also protect the environment.
- Wear the proper clothing. Remember closed-toe shoes, long pants, and a hat.
- Bring plenty of water. You should drink about one liter of water for every hour you're hiking.
- Pack some snacks. They will help you stay energized during your hike.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Look out for animals, plants, and rocks.
- Don't hike alone. It's always best to hike with a friend or family member.
- Tell someone where you're going. This is important in case of an emergency.
- Bring a first-aid kit. It will come in handy if you or someone else gets injured.
Leave No Trace Principles
Lastly, be sure to follow the Leave No Trace principles. These include:
- packing out what you pack in
- staying on the trail
- respecting wildlife
- leaving rocks and plants as you found them
By following these principles, you can help protect the environment and ensure everyone can enjoy nature hikes for years.
Now that you know what to look for on a nature hike, get out there and explore! Enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery while learning about the amazing natural world.