Once your kids start approaching their teen years, it’s normal to start wondering how to make hiking more fun, keep them engages, and when you can begin going on longer hikes. Some families are ready to take their first backpacking trips at this age.
In general, at ages 9-12 children are ready for longer hikes of up to 10 miles or so. If your tweens are new to hiking, they will have to build endurance for longer distances, but with practice they are usually capable of hiking the same trails that adults can handle. Children of this age may also be ready for overnight hiking trips.
How to Hike with Your 9-12-Year-Old
Nine- to twelve-year-old kids can be one of the most fun ages to hike with. They are old enough to enjoy longer trails, can carry more of their own supplies, and are often eager to try new things and be adventurous.
Children of this age are often ready for a challenge, and with practice and time to build up their endurance, can hike most average trails. They are ready to hike longer trails up to 9 or 10 miles and can also tackle strenuous trails. I usually avoid trails that are both long AND strenuous or steep. I don’t push my children too hard, but if they enjoy hiking this is the age to start pushing them a bit past their comfort level. They will be so proud when they accomplish hard things!
How Much Can my 9-12 -Year-Old Carry in Their Backpack?
The average 9–12-year-old, who weighs 60-90 lbs., should not carry over 10 lbs. It is recommended that your child not carry more than 10-15% of their weight. As your children get used to carrying and get more experienced at hiking, they can begin carrying more weight but should not carry over 15-20% of their weight on shorter hikes and less on long hikes.
Keep in mind that most packs weigh between 1-4 lbs. when they are empty. In addition, most children will also carry their own water bottle. 1 liter of water weighs over 2 lbs. Our teens usually carry water, their snacks, and a sweater in their packs. They also have a few lightweight survival items such as band-aids, a lighter, and a multi-tool or pocketknife.
How well a pack fits is a big factor in how much your child will be comfortable carrying. If you want your child to be willing to carry more weight, you will have to shop for and find a well-fitted pack. Our children start out with hip packs when they are younger and start using backpacks when they get more experienced. For some reason, pack fit is common topic of conversation among adult hikers, but the fit of children’s packs is rarely mentioned and is just as important.
How to Prepare Your Tween for Longer Hikes
If you are ready to start working toward longer and more strenuous hikes, one of the best ways to begin is by walking more often. This can be done through regular hikes, such as a weekly weekend jaunt, but there are other ways to prepare as well.
You don’t have to be doing an official hike to get exercise and practice walking. Spending time walking through a local mall, the zoo, or even around your neighborhood or a park are all good ways to stay in shape. One the weekends, practice taking longer and longer walks or hikes. Don’t forget to bring packs on some of you practice walks, especially the longer ones, so you are training under the conditions you will be hiking in.
As with any physical activity, preparing mentally is half the battle. Most tweens are confident and sure of themselves, and ready to take on any challenge. Others, however, are worried or not sure they’ll have fun. For these children, preparation and gradual practice is even more important. If they have done a 3-mile hike, they will not be so worried about trying a 5-mile hike. Helping them choose a backpack, supplies, and have input as far as the actual hike can also help them be excited and mentally prepared.
How to Make Hiking Fun and Interesting for a Tween
When hiking with older elementary age and middle school kids, adventure and interest is the most important thing. Boulder-scrambling, tree-climbing, stream-wading, wildlife-spotting, mountain-scaling adventure will make this age love hiking. Many children of these ages love having new challenges like climbing higher, running faster, and walking farther.
They are ready to start having more independent adventures, and once they know a bit about navigation and what to do when lost, we allow them to start playing and exploring out of our sight. Give your kids whistles to wear around their necks with the stipulation that they only be blown in emergencies or if they are lost. Other skills kids will enjoy mastering include building fires, cooking outdoor food, and foraging for (edible!) wild berries. (Our kids have a rule that they can’t eat anything unless I have verified it as safe. Don’t do this unless you are sure of your skills!)
Try finding hikes that include fascinating things to see. Historical features such as forts, cliff dwellings, or battlefields are more interesting than plain scenery. Wildlife is always a hit, especially exciting wildlife like bison or alligators. A waterfall kids can walk under or rocks they can climb can also be an adventurous reward at the end of a hike.
Preparing for the hike properly can help your children look forward to it, as well. Let them be part of the process. If your children think they will be bored on a long hike, let them help choose the kind of hike and where you are going. Let them help come up with things to do on the trail and help shop for snacks. After a long hike, come up with a fun treat to share. We often stop on the way home for ice cream cones!