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One of the best ways to make family memories is by hitting the trail together. Hiking gives kids a chance to explore nature, burn off energy, and discover things they simply can’t experience indoors. Whether you’re visiting a national park or hiking a local nature trail, having the right gear can make the difference between an unforgettable adventure and a stressful afternoon. These are our favorite hiking essentials that help keep kids safe, comfortable, and excited to explore.
1. Osprey Child Carrier Backpack
The Osprey Poco SLT Child Carrier Backpack lets you comfortably bring toddlers along on hikes they aren’t quite ready to tackle on their own. With a built-in sunshade, secure safety harness, and ventilated design, it keeps both parent and child comfortable on longer outdoor adventures.
2. Kids’ Hiking Backpack
The Fjällräven Kånken Mini Backpack is a durable, lightweight daypack that’s perfectly sized for kids or as a compact carry bag for family adventures. Its water-resistant Vinylon fabric, comfortable shoulder straps, and timeless design make it ideal for hikes, sightseeing, theme parks, and everyday travel.
3. Reusable Water Bottles
Staying hydrated is one of the most important parts of any hike. Insulated water bottles keep drinks cold and encourage kids to take frequent water breaks.
4. Kids Wool Hiking Socks
The Anlisim Kids Merino Wool Hiking Socks help keep little feet warm, dry, and comfortable during hikes, camping trips, and cold-weather adventures. Their thick cushioning adds extra comfort inside hiking boots, while the six-pair pack makes it easy to keep fresh socks ready for longer family trips.
5. Merrel Hiking Shoes
The Merrell Trail Chaser Kids Shoe is a lightweight hiking shoe that provides the grip and support kids need for trails, playgrounds, and everyday adventures. Its durable construction and comfortable fit help young hikers stay confident on everything from family walks to national park hikes.
6. Keen Water Sandals
The KEEN Newport H2 Water Sandals are built for active kids, offering excellent traction and toe protection for hiking, creek crossings, and days at the beach. Their quick-drying materials and secure fit make them a versatile choice for all kinds of family outdoor adventures.
7. Trekking Poles
These 100% carbon fiber trekking poles provide lightweight stability and reduce strain on your knees, making long hikes and uneven trails more comfortable for the whole family. Featuring comfortable cork and EVA foam grips along with quick-adjust flip locks, they’re easy to customize for hikers of different heights and pack down compactly for travel.
8. Kids Sun Hat
A lightweight sun hat helps protect faces and necks from harmful UV rays. Wide-brim styles offer the best coverage during sunny hikes.
9. Sunscreen
Even shaded trails can expose families to plenty of sunlight. Apply sunscreen before starting your hike and bring a travel-sized bottle for reapplication.
10. GPS Navigator and trail map
The Garmin eTrex 32x is a rugged handheld GPS that provides reliable navigation on hiking trails, in national parks, and on other outdoor adventures—even without a cell signal. With detailed topographic maps, GPS/GLONASS support, and long battery life, it’s a dependable tool for exploring with confidence.
11. Kids CamelBak Hydration Backpack
The CamelBak Mini M.U.L.E. Kids Hydration Backpack helps young adventurers stay hydrated on hikes, bike rides, and family outings without needing to stop for water bottles. Its lightweight design, comfortable fit, and 50-ounce reservoir make it easy for kids to carry their own water and a few trail essentials.
12. Bug Spray
Mosquitoes and ticks can quickly ruin a family hike. A kid-friendly insect repellent helps everyone stay comfortable while exploring the outdoors.
13. Fjällräven Skule 28 Hiking Backpack
The Fjällräven Skule 28 is a comfortable, durable daypack with plenty of room for hiking essentials, extra layers, snacks, and water for a full day on the trail. Its ergonomic shoulder straps, ventilated back panel, and multiple storage pockets make it a great backpack for family hikes, travel, and everyday adventures.
14. Small First Aid Kit
Minor cuts, scrapes, blisters, and splinters happen on almost every family adventure. A compact first aid kit lets you handle small injuries without cutting the hike short.
15. Compact Rain Ponchos
Mountain weather can change quickly. Lightweight rain ponchos are easy to pack and can keep everyone warm and dry during an unexpected shower.
16. Binoculars
The Occer 12×25 Compact Binoculars are lightweight and easy to use, making them a great choice for family hikes, national parks, road trips, and sightseeing. Their clear optics and compact design let both kids and adults enjoy wildlife and scenic views without adding much weight to your backpack.
17. Kids’ Nature Field Journal
The Outdoor Explorers: Take A Hike Field Journal encourages kids to observe nature, record their adventures, and stay engaged on the trail through fun activities and stickers. It’s a great companion for hikes, camping trips, and national park visits, helping create lasting memories while fostering a love for the outdoors.
18. Kids’ Compass Guide
The Kids’ Compass Guide makes learning basic navigation fun with colorful illustrations, quizzes, and hands-on activities that encourage kids to explore the outdoors. It’s a great way to build confidence and outdoor skills while adding an educational element to family hikes, camping trips, and nature walks.
19. Compass
Even if you primarily use your phone for navigation, a compass is a fun tool to introduce kids to basic outdoor skills. It also encourages curiosity about maps and directions.
20. Kids Headlamp
The EverBrite Rechargeable Headlamps keep kids’ hands free while hiking, camping, or exploring after dark, making evening adventures safer and more fun. With multiple lighting modes, a comfortable adjustable fit, and rechargeable batteries, they’re perfect for family camping trips, night hikes, and reading in the tent..
21. Cooling Towels
Cooling towels provide quick relief on hot summer hikes. Simply wet them with water and place them around your neck to stay comfortable during breaks.
22. National Park Passport Book
If your family enjoys visiting national parks, a passport book lets kids collect cancellation stamps from every park they visit. It’s an inexpensive souvenir that often inspires families to explore even more parks.
23. Kids’ Compass Guide
The Kids’ Compass Guide makes learning basic navigation fun with colorful illustrations, quizzes, and hands-on activities that encourage kids to explore the outdoors. It’s a great way to build confidence and outdoor skills while adding an educational element to family hikes, camping trips, and nature walks.
24. Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
The Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets offer a simple, DEET-free way to help keep mosquitoes away during hikes, camping trips, and evenings around the campfire. Individually wrapped and easy to wear, they’re a convenient option for both kids and adults on family outdoor adventures.
25. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter lets you safely drink from streams and lakes when clean water isn’t available, making it an essential addition to any hiking or emergency kit. Lightweight and compact, it’s easy to pack for camping trips, backpacking adventures, and family outdoor excursions.
26. Animal Track Pocket Guide
The Pocket Guide: Outdoor Survival is a compact reference packed with practical tips for handling common outdoor situations, from navigation to emergency preparedness. Small enough to fit in a backpack or pocket, it’s a valuable resource for hikers, campers, and anyone looking to build confidence in the outdoors.
27. Emergency Whistle
This emergency survival whistle gives kids an easy way to signal for help while hiking, camping, kayaking, or exploring the outdoors. With a built-in compass, thermometer, and lanyard, it’s a lightweight safety tool that’s easy to keep within reach on every family adventur
28. Leatherman Multitool
The Leatherman Wingman is a versatile multi-tool that combines essential tools like pliers, knives, screwdrivers, and scissors into one compact package for camping and hiking trips. Its durable stainless steel construction and pocket-friendly design make it a reliable companion for quick repairs, campsite tasks, and everyday outdoor adventures.
29. Kids Polarized Sunglasses
The RIVBOS Kids Polarized Sunglasses protect young eyes from harmful UV rays while reducing glare during hikes, beach days, and other outdoor adventures. Their flexible, durable frame and included strap help them stay comfortable and secure during active family outings.
30. Lightweight Picnic Blanket
A compact picnic blanket makes lunch stops much more enjoyable. It’s also perfect for relaxing at scenic overlooks, waterfalls, or mountain lakes after finishing a hike.
Continue Planning Your Family Adventure
✔️Family Camping Essentials– Our complete family camping packing list so you don’t leave anything important behind.
✔️ Camp Cooking Essentials – Discover the cookware, utensils, and campfire gear that make cooking easy and enjoyable at the campsite.
✔️ Camping Gear Upgrades – Explore our favorite gear upgrades that add comfort, convenience, and make every family camping trip even more enjoyable.
✔️ Camping Games for Kids – Keep kids laughing and engaged with screen-free games, campfire activities, and outdoor adventures
Final Thoughts
Hiking with young kids isn’t about reaching the summit—it’s about spending time together and enjoying the journey. Pack plenty of water, snacks, and a sense of adventure, and don’t be afraid to stop often to explore, skip rocks, look for wildlife, or admire wildflowers along the trail. Some of our family’s favorite memories have come from simple hikes where the destination wasn’t nearly as important as the experiences we shared together. With the right gear and realistic expectations, you’ll be ready to create lasting family memories on every trail you explore.