Top 5 Hiking places, Kids Hiking Shoes, Kids Hiking Backpack and Benefits: A Comprehensive Guide on Kids Hiking in USA
Why kids need Hiking?
National Wildlife Federation says that;
“Our kids are out of shape, tuned out and stressed out, because they are missing something essential to their health and development; connection to the natural world.”
The weather is changing and parents are busy with activities or their jobs and children are busy in studying. The camping life that included all the activities was outdated like the smoke that would result from the fire that is extinguished by school: chalk and electricity. Spending time under nature has for instance been considered as an activity, which should be relegated to the background by most. Some might probably argue that children of the present generation do not seem to be in touch with the environment and maybe the need for greens much more now than ever. It is as if the children and adults do not understand the concept that the wild holds great value, and this has made it difficult to explain its importance. But of course, outdoor lovers can help solve this problem better by encouraging families to venture outdoors more frequently in things like camping and canoeing, hiking and other fun outdoor activities. The values that hiking offers due to the physical activity as well as the information which is available with sight can prove to be valuable lessons to kids they never learn from.
This article describes not only about the benefits of kids hiking but also it will cover the basic needs or preparation for your kids to get ready for hiking, such as which, kids hiking shoes, kids hiking backpack will be suitable etc. After reading this article, you will be able to sort out all the basic questions regarding kids hiking in the same manner as you found all your desired goods at one grocery store.
Kids friendly places for hiking in USA
Where should kids go for hiking and outdoor adventure?
We have enlisted some of the famous places in the USA for kids hiking, and let them explore the nature!
Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota
Let us begin with something more familiar and less distasteful, something that is somewhat within our grasp. There are not many people who could remain indifferent to this marvel of sculpture found in South Dakota – the Mount Rushmore.
Lower Yosemite Fall Trail at the Yosemite National Park in California
Nevertheless, most of the hikes in the Yosemite National Park involve steep, tiring and tough terrains; however, the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is one of the best for children. Even though the trail is relatively short, the elevation gain is only 50 feet thus making it very easy but the scenery one gets to see when on this trail is just awesome.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado
At the east of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, one will find the tallest sand dunes of the country. They provide a joyous interest for children and other people who like to be called kids as the whole field can cover up to 30 square miles and the specific towers even if they serve as slides are more than 700 feet tall.
Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming
Another place, which comes highly recommended by the Native Americans and a place worth a visit to hike, is the northeastern Wyoming, which is regarded as a very spiritual place by the locals. Devils Tower stands at 867 meters tall and is a creation of a solidified magma of an old volcano and the very first national monument of the United States of America received in 1906.
Bear Mountain Loop Trail in New York
Yet, one and half-hour drive outside New York City is the Bear Mountain Loop Trail; it might be somewhat more challenging for the climbers along the steps and rocks closer to the top of the trail. Kids and even dogs can complete the hike with no issues, and enjoy the priceless reward at the end: The attractions included breathtaking scenes of the Hudson River were can refer to the amazingly beautiful sight of the Hudson River.
Kids Hiking Shoes
The essential and foremost necessity for hiking is the long and steady walk. During this adventurous journey, it is crucial to stay active and fit. Therefore, you need to wear such shoes, which should be comfortable and make your hiking easy. In such junctures, you cannot wear sandals, heels, pumps, slippers etc. for hiking shoes as if sneakers and joggers will be the best choice. You should know about such sneakers and joggers, which are comfortable and helpful for long walk, hiking and strong enough to charm your adventure. For your ease, we are describing some of the reasonable shoe brands, so that you can welcome your hiking within the boundary of reasonability. You can find best kids hiking shoes on following brands;
Vivo barefoot Primus Sport III
Main Features
Sizes: Toddlers (5-8), Preschool (9-11.5), Kids (12-13, 1-3), Juniors (4-6)
Available in green, black, blue and rainbow colors
Can be washed with Hands
Where found: https://www.vivobarefoot.com/
Xero Prio Kids
Main Features
Sizes: 12-13, 1-4
Purple, blue, gray, green and black colors are available
Can be washed with Hands
Where found: https://xeroshoes.com/
KEEN Little Kids’ Targhee Sport Vent
Main Features
Offered sizes: 8-13
Blue, gray and black colors are available
Can be washed with Hands
Where found: https://www.amazon.com/
Merrell Little Kid’s Trail Quest Jr.
Main Features
Offered sizes: 5-10
Available colors are blue and black
Can be washed with Hands and also machine washable
Where found: https://www.amazon.com/
Columbia Little Kids’ Trail storm
Main Features
Offered sizes: 8-13
Black, gray and pink colors are available
Can be washed with Hands
Where found: https://www.amazon.com/
Kids Hiking Backpacks
Kids hiking bag pack is an essential companion for young explorers. In which they can keep their water bottles, snacks, first aid kit, extra clothing and some other necessary goods.
Kids do not need special backpacks for hiking and camping. But a durable and fun-to-wear pack that makes it easy to stay hydrated on the go can make a world of difference for their enthusiasm—which every parent knows is key to actually moving down a trail. You can find these kids hiking backpacks on various online websites and in stores.
Where found: https://www.amazon.com/
Benefits of kids hiking
Physical fitness
It benefits children physically by enhancing their health by improving cardiovascular fitness, aerobic capacity for distance, balance, and body control. Stepping on the trails often will help in preventing obesity and keeping several obesity-related illnesses away.
Exposure to nature
Hiking introduces children to self-directed adventure and gives them sense of freedom run wild. This fun ensures the children respect nature through playing in natural habitats, a factor that makes them good stewards of the environment.
Embracing Vitamin D
Outdoor activities such as hiking also ensure that children get a chance to possibly get some sunlight making their bodies produce vitamin D, which is very important for bone health and immunity boosting. Outdoor activities, in conjunction with assuming healthy eating habits, should be part of the growth of every child.
Cognitive development
Play in nature is beneficial to a child’s adaptive development because it sparks his/her curiosity and challenges the child with physical exploration. Hiking can also promote their problem solving skills and critical thinking skills as well as enabling them to make important decisions throughout the hike.
Social skills and teamwork
If children are taken for hiking, they are able to associate with one or several other children through a family or friends group outing. They learn to use their words, organize themselves, and effectively collaborate to fight challenges or to accomplish tasks that were set before them.
Improved attention and focus
Being in stimulus rich outdoor settings has been attributed with enhanced concentration span and lesser manifestations of ADHD. Hiking predisposes children to being present, to not only being aware of their surroundings but also actively noticing them.
Self-confidence
After completing challenges and tasks of hiking kids, gain a sense of achievement and self-confidence regarding their capabilities.
Healthy Habits
Hiking is a great way to get physically active and might bring up a passing interest in getting fitness that will have beneficial outcomes when the kid is grown up.
Conclusion
Outdoor activities such as hiking should be encouraged among children so that they get to learn the virtue of exploring the world, playing interactive games to enhance their motor skills, ability to think critically, and social and emotional well-being.
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