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Hiking and Paddling for Kids

Getting kids hooked on outdoor recreation helps them grow to be physically active. Hiking and canoeing are sports they can start as preschoolers and enjoy for a lifetime.

For small children, don't set lofty goals like climbing to the top of a mountain. Begin gradually with a short hike to collect different kinds of leaves or a canoe ride to spot turtles and other aquatic life. Be flexible about your plans, and let your child's curiosity and tolerance be your guide.

Hiking

Children can begin hiking adventures as soon as they can walk or earlier if carried in a baby backpack. Hiking strengthens the legs, the heart, and the lungs. It provides a fun form of fitness for the whole family.

Starting Out

For short legs, take short hikes in parks or on nature trails with relatively flat terrain. With older kids or teens, you can head to the hills and count up the miles.

Planning

Plan hikes with exciting destinations—a panoramic view, a waterfall, or a lake for swimming. Pre-teens and teens can take part in planning the trip. Let them choose a destination, map out a safe route, and help pack the necessary supplies.

Safety Tips

Canoeing

Younger children can enjoy the ride in the canoe. As children get older, they can start paddling, which builds upper body strength. Be sure to select paddles that are the appropriate length and weight.

The Boat

For stability and room, pick a long, flat-bottomed boat. Children can sit in the center or, if small, in the bow in front of an adult. When they start to paddle, they can rotate between the bow and stern to learn how to propel and steer the boat.

In an open canoe, you will want to protect your belongings. Use a dry bag for food, a first-aid kit, and extra layers of clothes. Waterproof packs that float are also available.

Starting Out

Start with short outings on quiet water—small lakes, ponds, or slow-moving rivers. Older, more experienced children, can try rivers with stronger currents or even white water.

Planning

Plan to stop to picnic and give everyone a chance to stretch their legs. Choose a spot where you can safely climb in and out of the boat.

Safety Tips

What to Wear

Layers

For any outdoor activity, wear multiple layers like short-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and jackets, which can easily be peeled off or added. Avoid pure cotton, which can make you cold and miserable when wet. Cotton blends, wool, and fleece provide better insulation.

Hot and Cold

Keep in mind that children overheat and cool down faster than adults. Also remember a child carried in a backpack or sitting on the bottom of a canoe is likely to be colder than hikers or paddlers.

Rain

Bring along rain gear just in case, and wear a hat with a brim to protect against sun and bugs. Sunglasses with UV protection are also a good idea around water and at high altitudes.

Hiking

For hiking, wear walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots that have plenty of room for the toes. Break in new boots at home before venturing out on a hike. Wear 2 pairs of socks to help prevent blisters.

Canoeing

For canoeing, wear sport sandals or water shoes to protect against sharp rocks or broken glass.

What to Bring Along

RESOURCES:

American Canoe
http://www.americancanoe.org

Adirondack Mountain Club
http://www.adk.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

Parks Canada
http://www.pc.gc.ca

REFERENCES:

Choosing an insect repellent for your child. Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/pages/Insect-Repellents.aspx. Updated March 1, 2017. Accessed October 2, 2017.

Swimming safely in lakes, rivers, and streams. American Red Cross website. Available at http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4240225_LakesRivers.pdf. Published 2010. Accessed October 2, 2017.

Sunscreen FAQs. American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: https://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/prevention-and-care/sunscreen-faqs. Accessed October 2, 2017.

Top 10 safety tips. American Canoe Association website. Available at http://www.americancanoe.org/?page=Top_10. Accessed October 2, 2017.

Last reviewed September 2017 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael Woods, MD