Preparing Your Route

Before setting out, study the map and pick shady trails for a cooler summer hike. Keep in mind that kids aged 3-4 walk at 1-2 km/h and need frequent breaks, so adult time estimates won’t apply. Plan for extra time to enjoy the hike stress-free. Always check the weather—don’t hesitate to postpone if it’s bad, as children are more sensitive to cold. Choose routes with shelters for longer breaks, and avoid cable cars or gondolas, which can cause decompression issues for little ones. Keep the adventure fun and safe for everyone!

Find Your Happy Pace

Start with short, easy walks, and gradually increase difficulty as your child gets the hang of it. Avoid high altitudes (over 2,000m), and adapt to your child’s abilities:

  • 0-18 months: No limits since you're doing the carrying, but keep the hikes short for breaks and movement, and limit sun or cold exposure.
  • 18 months-3 years: Kids may want to walk some but tire easily. Plan short routes (100-300m elevation) and bring a carrier for naps.
  • 4-7 years: Aim for hikes with 400-500m elevation and 6-7km distance, adjusting based on your child's age and independence.

Preparing Activities

Give your kids a "mission" during the hike to keep them engaged! Many tourist offices offer maps with orientation circuits, letting children find marked locations as they follow the trail. If no circuits are available, use trail markers to let them guide the way.

For younger kids, turn the hike into a treasure hunt by creating a list of items to find—sticks, stones, flowers, pine cones, or leaves. Let them add to the list for future hikes! Older kids can even collect items for a herbarium, making the adventure both fun and educational.


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