How To Keep Kids Interested in Hiking

One way to keep kids interested in a lengthy adventure, such as hiking, is to find ways to reward them. The rewards don't have to be expensive, or even tangible. When we hiked past the 300 mile mark of the Ice Age Trail, I gave the girls a pile of stickers (something they love) and let them pick one sticker for each 100 miles we had walked.

The girls got really excited and loved getting some new stickers, especially since they were all outdoorsy and interesting to them. They're looking forward to the next 900 miles so they can each choose nine more stickers from the pack of 50 I bought online.

Sometimes we reward them with a favorite snack on the trail, or some play time at a playground when we pass one (which costs us nothing but really raises their spirits). It's important to keep kids interested in whatever adventure you're having, and planning for some small rewards can easily accomplish this goal, and keep them looking for new goals to reach for.

Don't forget to head over to YouTube to check out Bristol and Piper's reward, and their reactions to the stickers!