hiking as a family and holding hands
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3 Reasons You Need to Hike More as a Family

Do you go on hikes as a family? I know it’s hard to break away from the electronics and it sometimes feels like there’s too much work to do inside to get out of the house, but it’s important to set aside time for an outdoor activity like hiking as a family. I’m making an effort to hike more with my family this Summer, and am sharing some key reasons you should too (along with a Northside shoe giveaway)!

This post was created in Partnership with National Park Trust and Northside. All opinions are mine alone. Photos by Sincerely Me Photography.

Looking at S point to something on our hike

Quality Time

Quality time with the kids isn’t always easy — everyone has busy schedules and different interests! But when you’re hiking as a family, you’re spending tech-free time together, which allows everyone to be aware of their surroundings, to actually talk to each other, and to be present in the same experience. Whether you go on a short trail hike or a long and windy rugged hike, everyone is sure to remember the cool tree or animal you saw.

Family Wellness

Getting outside together is important for a family’s well-being. Kids need a certain amount of fresh air and greenery for playtime, and it helps maintain a peaceful heart for parents. Hiking, in particular, is a fun way to get outside and get in a great workout while having fun adventures as a family! When you’re hiking, everyone is working together to decide which way to go and how to be safe. Our family just got some new Northside hiking shoes so we’ve been exploring some of the undeveloped terrains around our home and plan to check out great local and nearby national parks for the best family hikes.

hiking as a family and holding hands

Too many kids spend most of their time inside (I know my daughter does when I have weekend deadlines or just can’t seem to get out of the house with the baby) so the National Park Trust created Kids to Park Day— an annual event when National Parks are free to the public to encourage families to get outside more. I’m hoping to visit Yosemite for a little hike with the kids to celebrate. This year’s event is on May 20 and if you register saying that you pledge to get outdoors for the big day on the Kids to Park Day website you’ll be entered to win a whole lot of cool outdoor gear! Around 30,000 people have already pledged to participate on May 20th and local communities are creating fun events to celebrate.

3 Reasons You Need to Hike More as a Family

Active Learning

Instead of reading about different types of plants and animals, the kids can learn about them by seeing them in person! Bring along info about what to expect and keep an eye out for on the trail (many parks have this info at the visitor’s center) and a hiking log or adventure journal to keep track of all the new things the kiddos have learned about and seen.

Jump start you family’s hiking adventures with a free pair of Northside of hiking shoes! Simply follow the below giveaway widget’s instructions to comment on this post and follow me on Pinterest to enter (mandatory) then see the other ways you can get extra entries!

Kids to Park Day 2017

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74 Comments

  1. James Jenkins says:

    We live near foothills where Mt. Baldy seems so close that I could just walk out the door and be there. I am working up my hikes until I can safely try to reach as high as you can go on its hiking trails. These hiking boots will put me tht much closer to my goal.

  2. Kristen Patton says:

    I love hiking with the hubby and pup. I haven’t had much time to get out lately with moving and finding a new job, but now that I am finally settled, I am looking forward to getting out and in shape again!

  3. amanda whitley says:

    i like to go hiking with my family to get outdoors and explore nature

  4. We like to go to the trails in the park.

  5. Jennifer H. says:

    We like to go to the park.

  6. I LOVE Hiking it is for me to cleanse my day and mind!!! I love to walk

  7. We have a State Park right by our house and go hiking a couple of times a week. The dogs enjoy it as much as we do!

  8. Tabathia B says:

    It sounds like a great bonding experience for my family

  9. ashley meyer says:

    to get more active and enjoy nature

  10. Rachael DeBates says:

    id go hiking with my son and boyfriend!

  11. Denise Johnson says:

    I love going hiking with my family, exploring nature, and taking lots of photos. It’s a great way to spend time together and it helps beat anxiety too.

  12. Jennifer M. says:

    I want to go hiking to get my dog and kids outside. Enjoy nature! unplug from electronics.

  13. Jennifer Williams says:

    The best form of exercise is outdoors IMHO! Get everyone away from the screens. 🙂

  14. I would like to go hiking to see beautiful sights and stay in shape.

  15. Love hiking and being outside!

  16. JenniferAnne says:

    I like hiking because it gets us out in the fresh air and sunshine and the kids like to collect nature-type stuff along the way!

  17. I’d like to go hiking to let my sons see more of nature and for us to get some much needed exercise.

  18. Sandy Bonesteel says:

    I would like to go hiking because I used to be so active, but over the years have not been so active.

  19. Cindy peterson says:

    Hiking is a great way to stay in shape and also see wildlife.

  20. Rebecca W says:

    My kids love to hike in the summer, and we enjoy being outdoors and seeing new things.

  21. carol clark says:

    i like the adventure i like the air i love the challenge

  22. Austin H. says:

    It’s great exercise and I love being in nature. Nice especially when it’s not too hot.

  23. AnnaMarie says:

    I always kick myself that I don’t buy some hiking boots. I love that this company has kid sizes too! What a great find!

  24. doug gerard says:

    I need to go to help me lose some weight! 🙂

  25. Melissa Cunningham says:

    I really enjoy hiking. I have a few reasons why I enjoy hiking, Hiwever the most important reason for me would be mental. With 4 kids and work my life is hectic, stressful and hiking lets me pause all of that and I enjoy the relaxation of nature.

  26. I love hiking. After being inside all day I need to be outside

  27. Kim Niland says:

    Hiking is great exercise and beautiful scenery

  28. There’s a beautiful park near me that I would like to explore–thta’s why I’d like to go hiking

  29. Darcy Koch says:

    Hiking is one of my pleasures. I like the thrill of climbing the rocks and reaching the top of small hills. I also love nature and being out doing this I get to see lots of it.

  30. I would like to go hiking to get my kids out of the house and to get exercise.

  31. I recently discovered my love for hiking in an attempt to wear out my toddler. Not only did I find that I enjoy the scenery and peacefulness but bonus it actually did wear out my toddler!

  32. Hiking gives us a chance to explore new places and have an adventure that is good exercise, too!

  33. kayla sheehan says:

    we like to go hiking and plan to take the boys soon, because it’s wonderful to get out in the fresh air, sun and to be surrounded by nature.

  34. I love getting out there and walking different nature type of trails and hiking would be perfect. I love being outdoors and getting exercise.

  35. Jillian Too says:

    I love hiking because it’s the perfect way to spend active time outdoors with my family.

  36. We enjoy geocaching, so hiking is a lot of fun for us.

  37. It’s great exercise and something the dogs really enjoy, and also very destressifying for us all.

  38. I would like to go hiking to help myself get back into shape! I love to be out in nature and spend time with my family, so what better way than to hike? We went twice last year, one an easy trail and another that was almost too advanced for me. I need to stick to the easy trails for a while! lol

    1. I’m hoping to get back in shape by hiking, too! So much better than working out indoors on a machine 🙂

  39. I have been looking for hiking shoes. You read my mind!

  40. It’s the best way to redirect my mind from the things that normally take up my attention.

  41. Dana Rodriguez says:

    I have always loved hiking since I was a little girl. My dad was a photographer and I loved going with him to take photos. Not only is it good exercise but you appreciate the beauty of nature.

  42. The views is always amazing and it is great exercise

  43. laura bernard says:

    I love going hiking and bonding with my family!

  44. Heather w says:

    We love hiking & camping! This summer I am hoping yo take my boys to Zion so this would be perfect for it!

  45. We went hiking all the time as a family growing up and they are some of my favorite memories! Now my husband and I still hike all the time – it is one of our favorite activities!

  46. Never thought I would love hiking with my hubby, and sister and mom when I’m with them. Have to get my kids started!!!

  47. I like hiking with my family because we get to discover new things and see new places together. Also there is something calming about being outdoors without a ton of people around. Definitely a great place for a refresher before getting back to the daily grind.

    1. Great reasons Michaelyn! The outdoors is definitely calming, it’s so nice to get out and de-stress in nature.

  48. We actually don’t get to go hiking very much but we would like to. I love seeing all the trees, flowers and breathing fresh air!