Outdoor recreation with toddlers and preschoolers can be challenging. But it’s important to teach them to appreciate and enjoy and love the natural world. They won’t do this unless you show them that you will take the time, no matter how old they are, to be out there. If you want them to love the outdoors as much as you, then you will need to invest the time now and adjust your plans to include them, to cultivate their emotional, spiritual, and physical needs.
Toddlers and preschoolers are different than babies and older kids. They are a unique age group. Babies can be strapped on your back easily enough. Older kids and teenagers won’t tire as quickly and their minds can take in more of the science and joy of the natural world. Toddlers and preschoolers are stuck between where their minds are blossoming with interest in the world around them, but their bodies haven’t quite caught up with the physical demands. To accomplish a successful outdoor trip with this wonderful age group, a few important facts should be kept in mind.
Four Ideas to Keep in Mind
First, your excursion will not be as long as you’d like it to be. On the hiking trail, they will want to turn back about half way to the point where you want to turn back. It’s best to compromise between their turn back point and yours. Don’t push on to your turn back point unless you particularly enjoy cranky kids. Be prepared for the inevitable shoulder ride, which can be a bonding time and also a great time to discuss the nature around you.
Don’t pack too many activities into one day. With this age group, everything you plan will take longer than it did by yourself. For example, it will take time to get them in and out of car seats. If diapers are in the picture, then remember that it will take time to change them. They will likely fall asleep in the car after a physically taxing day. These car naps will most likely be right at a time when you were planning to stop for another activity. Consider carefully if the rest or the activity is more important. It will vary. Be flexible and willing to keep the number of activities low and simple.
Second, keep the sightseeing to a minimum. Same idea as above: they will get bored with it before you will. Toddlers and preschoolers are active people. They need to move their bodies. Trails, paths, stairs, and playgrounds are all good places. They’ll get bored standing around looking at stuff (no matter how beautiful or inspiring they are).
Be ready for random exceptions, of course. During a recent hike on the Oregon coast, we came across a large banana slug. My preschooler was fascinated by the slow moving animal and was content to linger there on his haunches, just watching it. In this case, it ended up being us, the parents, who encouraged him to keep moving along the trail.
Third, bring plenty of food! An important principle in all situations with this age group is always have snacks and drinks for in between meals. Especially when they are spending different energy by hiking a trail, plenty of snacks and drinks can stave off crankiness and buy you more time to get to the next activity or meal. We’ve found various types of granola bars are good options for the vitally important snacks. Raw vegetables, bread, and nuts can be good, too. This age group loves to feel they are growing up, so put the snacks into little plastic snack bags (one bag for each one). That way they have their own bag that they have power over: they can eat out of it when they want and learn to open and close it by themselves.
Fourth, know your kids. As their parent, you will know your own children best. Keep their personalities in mind and create an excursion that will balance everyone’s interests and quirks.
It's an Investment
Taking toddlers and preschoolers for outdoor excursions may not be as convenient or fun during these years, but bear with it and go anyway. Go a lot. As they grow up with these outdoor activities, they will eventually learn to love them as much as you. And someday, you will be able to take them on that extra long family hike that you dream about.
Eugene Kearl - Husband & parent, writer, editor, outdoor enthusiast, gardener, map artist, teacher, etc. Exploring life to find the good.
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