Games to Play While Hiking with Kids

Hiking with kids can be an incredible way to bond as a family, explore nature, and get some fresh air. However, keeping little ones entertained and motivated on the trail can sometimes be a challenge. Long stretches of walking might lead to complaints of boredom or tired feet. That’s where games come in! Turning your hike into an interactive adventure can make the journey just as exciting as the destination. Here are some fun, easy-to-play games that will keep your kids engaged while hiking.

Turn the Trail into a Treasure Hunt

One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep kids excited on a hike is to turn it into a treasure hunt. Before you head out, create a list of natural “treasures” for them to find along the way. These could include specific types of leaves, rocks of a certain color, pinecones, or even animal tracks. Bring along a small bag or container for them to collect their finds (just be sure to follow “leave no trace” principles and only take items that are abundant and allowed).

To add an extra layer of fun, you can create a story around the treasure hunt. Maybe they’re pirates searching for hidden loot, or explorers on a mission to catalog the forest’s wonders. Encourage them to use their imagination as they search. Not only does this game keep them entertained, but it also helps them pay attention to their surroundings and learn about nature.

For older kids, you can up the ante by turning it into a scavenger hunt with clues. Write down hints about where to find certain items or landmarks, and let them figure out the puzzle as they go. This adds a problem-solving element that can keep them engaged for miles.

Play “I Spy” with a Nature Twist

“I Spy” is a classic game that works wonderfully on a hike. The natural setting provides endless inspiration for things to “spy.” To play, one person picks an object they can see and gives a clue, such as “I spy with my little eye something green.” The other players then take turns guessing what it is.

To make it more educational, encourage kids to focus on specific elements of nature. For example, they might spy a type of tree, a bird, or a particular flower. You can even bring along a small field guide to help identify plants or animals they spot. This game not only passes the time but also sharpens their observation skills and fosters curiosity about the environment.

If you’re hiking with a group, you can turn “I Spy” into a competition by keeping score. Each correct guess earns a point, and the player with the most points at the end of the hike wins a small prize (like choosing the next trail snack!).

Create a Story as You Go

Hiking provides the perfect backdrop for collaborative storytelling. Start a story with a simple opening line, like “Once upon a time, we were hiking through an enchanted forest…” Then, take turns adding to the story, with each person contributing a sentence or two. Let the tale take unexpected twists and turns—maybe you encounter a friendly dragon or discover a hidden waterfall.

To tie the game to your surroundings, encourage the kids to incorporate things they see on the trail into the story. A gnarled tree might become a wizard’s staff, or a stream could be a magical river they need to cross. This game sparks creativity and helps kids feel more connected to the environment around them.

Count and Compete with Step Challenges

Kids love a good challenge, and a step-counting game can turn walking into a fun competition. If you have a fitness tracker or pedometer, set a goal for the number of steps to take before the next break. If you don’t have a device, you can count steps manually for short bursts or estimate based on time.

Alternatively, create mini-challenges along the way. For example, challenge them to take 100 giant steps like a dinosaur or 50 tiny steps like a mouse. You can also play “Follow the Leader,” where one person leads the group and decides how to walk—hopping, skipping, or tiptoeing—for a set distance. These activities break up the monotony of walking and add a playful element to the hike.

Sing Songs and Make Up Rhymes

Never underestimate the power of a good song to lift spirits on the trail. Classic hiking or camping songs like “The Bear Went Over the Mountain” or “Sweetly Sings the Donkey” are great choices. If your family has favorite tunes, belt those out as you go. Singing together creates a sense of camaraderie and can help distract from tired legs.

For an added twist, make up your own hiking rhymes or chants. Start with a simple rhythm or beat, and let everyone contribute a line. It could be about the trail, the scenery, or even the snacks waiting at the end. This activity is not only fun but also a great