Games and Activities for Kids on the Trail

Written by: Bryna Campbell

Sometimes, when our son is dragging his heels on a trail, we turn to games and fun activities to try to help motivate him. The kinds of games we choose depend on his specific mood (“I’m bored” is a different than, oh, say, wanting to get off the trail).

These kinds of games take the hike out of its adult-centered orbit into something that centers our son, and that can have the effect of reshaping the entire experience.

​Here are a few other favorites activities that have also worked pretty well. ​If you’ve ever subscribed to our monthly packets or tried out one of our kid centered projects, maybe you’ve seen us sneak some of this into the work. ;)

Walking/Running like an Animal
This particular game works really well for the preschool set, especially if you join in (never too old to get a little silly right?). On flatter trails, this might involve an animal race (gazelle vs cheetah, go!). Sometimes, it's more fun for your child if they tell you to walk like an elephant…or duck…or penguin and see what happened.

Playing “I Spy”
A game of “I spy” can get a little silly when you’re in the middle of the woods and your kid says “I spy something the color green.” But it’s also a great way to engage with the environment around you and a great way to empower kids. Give it a try, and see what distinct colors you find!

Feeling and Smelling Different Evergreen Needles
We first became really interested in the sensory aspects of conifer trees after picking up the book The Hidden Life of Trees and learning about the diversity of scents in the middle of a forest. This quality is so distinctive that we make regular feature in the Field Guides we make for the monthly subscription packets. For many kids, sensory engagement can be a central tool through which to build meaningful connections.

Studies also show that humans tend to prioritize sight over other senses, so this kind of exploration is also a good way stimulate the brain in new ways. If you try this, first make sure you’re not touching an evergreen tree and not something agitating such as a stinging nettle or poison oak. Then, carefully rub the needles between your fingers to release the scent and then smell.

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How does nature spark your child's imagination when they're out on the trail?  We love hearing other ideas for engaging kids!