Think You Can’t Trek With Preschoolers? Think Again

Certain characteristics of children between ages 3 - 6 are labelled “challenging.” Being outdoors together is especially viewed as an exercise in endurance and patience (for the adults, that is).

The challenges? Children's short attention spans. Short bursts of energy. Wobbly steps. They have “too many questions" and "too much energy."

What if we told you this isn’t necessarily true? The very things adults see as hurdles make preschoolers perfectly suited for short, focused hikes and nature walks.

Reasons Why Preschoolers Are Naturals On Short Treks

1. Low centre of gravity

Young children are more surefooted than we give them credit for. Their low centre of gravity shouldn't be a cause for concern.

More often than not, this is what gives them remarkable natural stability, even on uneven paths. Young children tend to walk on trails with confidence, a feat most of us struggle with.

If children fall, they get up, dust themselves off, and keep going. It isn't a problem until the adults start fussing.

2. Short bursts of energy and attention spans

A preschooler's short bursts of energy - often seen as a hindrance - are perfect for “micro-adventures." At the Indiahikes School of Outdoor Learning (InSOUL,) we typically break a hike down into small, exciting segments:

• Celebrate reaching a grand-looking tree
• Walk to a giant rock that looks like a puppy
• Stop at a puddle
• Walk past a village

Trekking with very young children need not be a relentless uphill slog. Frequent, enthusiastic stops to investigate the surroundings make all the difference.

3. An innate fascination for the world without fear

A glistening beetle, a frog, a unique leaf, the texture of moss – are sources of endless fascination for young children. These are far more compelling motivators than the promise of reaching a summit.

If there's one thing young children can teach us, it is lessons in courage. These tiny adventurers have no fear of bugs, spiders, or worms on the trail. A preschooler's curiosity makes the trail a constantly engaging sensory experience.

Tips to make trekking enjoyable for preschoolers

• Keep It Short. Slow Down, See More

A 2-3 hour hike is ideal to keep preschoolers engaged. Distance becomes relative. A hundred toddler steps can feel like an expedition.

Be okay with pacing yourself. It is, in fact, an invitation to slow down and observe the world through their eyes. Their fascination with the minute details reveals wonders we adults tend to overlook.

• Choose the right trail

Look for short, well-marked trails with gentle gradients and plenty of shade. Look for diverse elements on the trail to keep children curious—bridges, rocks to climb, a huge rock, or streams to hop over.

A trail that's too easy can lead to boredom, while one that's too steep or long can wear them out quickly. Aim for a route that offers rewards along the way—butterflies, birds, or a nice view at the top.

• Pack plenty of water and healthy snacks

Pack enough water to stay hydrated. Snacks keep your toddler energised and motivated. Snacks also help in morale boosting if children get tired or cranky on the trail.

Choose snacks wisely and deploy them strategically at regular intervals. "Healthy, sweet snacks are ideal for hikes. Salty snacks will make children more thirsty. Consider peanuts (chikki), raisins, or nuts like almonds coated in chocolate," recommends Shachi Tripathi, Programme Designer at InSOUL.

• Get Smart Gear, Not More Gear

Focus on well-fitting shoes and perhaps a small backpack for their own treasures. Tools like a magnifying glass can be surprisingly engaging.

• Avoid Rigid Schedules And Planning

Preschoolers operate on their own internal clock. Have a plan and schedule, but don’t feel the need to adhere strictly to it.

Let’s say, your plan is to reach the top of a hill. Chances are, things might not go according to plan. Prepare for several stops enroute – to rest, to play, to observe, and look around.

Be ready to move when children have quick bursts of energy and rest when they decide to power down.

Summing up

It is a myth that preschoolers cannot trek. At InSOUL, we’ve had some of our most memorable programmes on day hikes with preschoolers.

What’s important is designing a trek to meet their developmental needs, harnessing their innate physical and mental superpowers in the outdoors.