10 Hiking Essentials for Kids: What We Pack for Family Hikes

Hiking with kids sounds dreamy—sunshine, smiles, a little fresh air. But if you’ve ever found yourself halfway up a trail with a whiny toddler, a missing snack bag, and a kid insisting they “don’t wanna walk anymore,” you know the dream can turn very real, very fast.

We’ve been doing family hikes since our daughter was born. Our son is now three, our daughter is seven, and we’ve logged over 100 hikes — from stroller-friendly forest paths to muddy switchbacks in Gatineau Park and beyond. We’ve made all the rookie mistakes so you don’t have to — and this is our tried-and-true list of hiking essentials for kids.

This guide isn’t just another checklist — it’s what we actually pack, from the sunscreen our toddler doesn’t scream about to the one snack that ends every meltdown. Plus, we’ll sprinkle in some funny fails and favorite gear that’s made outdoor time a little more peaceful (and a lot more fun). Whether you’re brand new to hiking with kids or just looking to streamline your pack, these essentials will help you plan smarter, walk happier, and snack more often.

Best Kids Hiking Backpacks (That They’ll Actually Want to Wear)

Once your little one is old enough, giving them their own backpack can be a total game-changer. Our daughter was so proud the first time she wore hers—it made her feel like a real explorer. The key? Keep it light, comfy, and easy for them to manage.

Our picks:

• Mountaintop Kids Backpack – Lightweight, durable, and fits tiny backs without overwhelming them. Ours has survived everything from muddy trails to being used as a makeshift pillow during snack breaks.
• Osprey Daylite Kids Backpack – Roomier for older kids, with side pockets for water bottles and enough space for that “rock collection” they need to bring.

💡 Mom tip: Our kids are way more likely to use their water bottles, hats, or snacks when they’re in their own bag. Ownership = enthusiasm.

Top 10 Hiking Essentials for Kids

These are our non-negotiables. Add or adjust based on trail length and weather—but if we forget any of these, we feel it fast.

1. Water (Bring More Than You Think)

There’s nothing worse than a thirsty kid mid-hike. Even on cooler days, they burn energy like popcorn in a microwave—and complain even faster if their mouths are dry.

💧 Our go-to: We LOVE our Owala water bottles – Easy for little hands (even one-handed!) and actually keep water cold for hours. No spills. No whining. Total win.

2. Snacks. Then More Snacks.

Toddlers ask for snacks 10 minutes into a car ride? Hiking is no different. Snacks solve everything: boredom, fatigue, sibling squabbles, and morale breakdowns.

We bring a mix: bars, energy balls (these ones are our family favorite!) fruit leather, crackers, and yes, something sweet for trail rewards. I stash a couple “emergency snacks” in my own bag too. (For them. Definitely not for me.)

🍌Tradition: Scenic snack break! We find a log or rock with a view, and the kids refuel while we all pretend we’re National Geographic adventurers.

3. First-Aid Kit (Even on Easy Trails)

Kids trip. They get “owie” bites. Sometimes they lick moss. (Just mine?) A compact first-aid kit lives permanently in our hiking bag.

🧰 Must-haves: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, kid scissors. Add themed bandages (Spiderman or Elsa)—they heal faster. It’s science. Probably.

4. Sunscreen (Even When It’s Cloudy)

Yes, even in the shade. Spray sunscreen is our go-to for wriggly kids mid-hike. We use lotion at the trailhead for full coverage.

☀️ Our fave natural kids’ sunscreen – No tears, no rashes, and it actually stays on through sweaty climbs and mud fights. If you prefer sunscreen sticks for your kids, here are the top 7 most safe and reliable ones!

After testing many, these are our favorite sunscreen for kids – perfect for protecting their sensitive skin ☀️

5. Hats (You’ll Regret Forgetting Them)

Protect their little faces, ears, and necks. Trust me—your kid will complain less with a breathable hat than without one.

🧢 We love Sunday Afternoons kids’ sun hats. They’ve got that longer neck flap and actually stay on during “I’m a dragon” sprints.

6. Bug Spray (Because Mosquitoes Love Baby Skin)

We’ve walked through mosquito clouds that would terrify grown men. Bug spray = essential.

🦟 We usually go with OFF!’s clean feel one. It’s gentle enough for both toddlers and big kids, and keeps bites to a minimum without the chemical stink. These mosquito patches are also extremely popular with parents (but I haven’t tried them yet).

7. Swiss Army Knife (For the Grown-Ups)

We carry it. Not the kids. But it opens snack wrappers, trims bandages, tightens straps, and has saved many a gear crisis. Here’s the one we have!

🔪 Also makes you feel like a backcountry boss.

8. Compass (Because Getting “A Little Lost” Happens)

Most family trails are marked—until they’re not. A pocket compass helped us get un-lost once, and now it’s part of the fun. Our daughter loves “navigating.”

🧭 Bonus: great way to teach trail awareness and basic survival skills in a fun way.

9. Trash Bags (Be a Trail Hero)

We pack our own out—and often clean up others’ too. It’s easy to teach “leave no trace” when your kids see you doing it.

♻️ Use extras for muddy socks or gross diapers if needed. (Ask me how I know.)

We always pack a diaper bag dispenser with small scented trash bags. It doesn’t take up a lot of space and always useful!

10. Good Shoes (That They Don’t Fight You On)

Footwear makes or breaks a hike. Our 3-year-old used to insist Crocs were “faster”—until we found these comfy machine-washable toddler shoes that he actually asks to wear. Now, both our kids have these comfy shoes!

No blisters. No tantrums. Just happy feet.

Hiking with a Baby: Extra Essentials for Trail Time with Littles

Bringing a baby? You can definitely still hike — just pack a few extra things to keep everyone sane.

🍼 Bottles or breastmilk
👶 Diapers & wipes
🧸 Comfort item (soother, blanket, etc.)
🗑️ Scented trash bags (a must for diaper changes mid-trail)
🧍 Baby carrier or stroller with trail wheels

We’ve done plenty of hikes with our son in the carrier and our daughter leading the way—it’s a workout, but so worth it.

Bonus Items (Not Essential, But They Spark Joy)

If you’ve got the room and your hike isn’t too long, these add fun and magic:

📸 Kid’s digital camera – Turns every hike into a “photo mission”
🦅 Binoculars – For bird spotting and squirrel surveillance
🎙️ Walkie-talkies – Make siblings feel like secret agents
🌧️ Poncho – Clutch when you get surprise rained on
🧦 Spare socks – Non-negotiable, honestly
🧺 Picnic blanket – Ours folds into a pocket and gets used every time

Final Thoughts: Pack Light, Snack Often, Have Fun

Hiking with kids is never “just a walk.” It’s an unpredictable, snack-fueled adventure—and some of our best family memories have been made mid-hike with muddy shoes and big smiles.

Stay flexible. Keep it fun. And be just prepared enough that you feel like a wilderness pro (without dragging a suitcase up the trail).

Got a kid-approved hiking item we missed? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for gear that saves sanity!