Hit the Trail: Why Kids Thrive on Outdoor Treks

Celebrating National Take a Hike Day with dirt, roots, and real-life discovery.

Every year we celebrate National Take a Hike Day, and there’s no better excuse to ditch the screens, lace up some sneakers, and follow the call of the trail. Whether you're wandering a city path, schoolyard loop, or a forest trail lined with squirrels, hiking gives kids more than just fresh air - it gives them freedom.

Why Hiking is the Ultimate Outdoor Classroom

Forget whiteboards and Wi-Fi. Nature’s classroom has tree stumps for desks and rustling leaves for ambient sound. When kids hit the trail, they’re doing more than walking, they’re engaging all five senses and building real-world skills like:

• Navigation – Learning to follow a map or trail markers
• Observation – Spotting animal tracks, odd-shaped leaves, or tiny mushrooms
• Problem-Solving – Figuring out how to cross a stream or climb over a log
• Resilience – Finishing a hike, even when legs get tired or weather turns tricky

It’s the kind of learning that sticks, because it’s earned with every step.

Health Benefits: More Than Just a Walk

Hiking is like a health boost disguised as an adventure. Here’s how kids benefit:

• Mental Health – Nature walks reduce anxiety and improve focus
• Physical Fitness – Improves heart health, coordination, and endurance
• Confidence & Independence – Builds self-trust as kids lead the way or conquer a hill
• Vitamin D – Sunshine supports strong bones and healthy immune systems

And don’t underestimate the power of fresh air to clear little minds. Even a short 20-minute walk can help reset a grumpy mood, spark curiosity, or open the door to meaningful family conversations.

Links to read more:

Frontiers in Psychology – “Nature Exposure and Positive Mental Health”

A study showing correlations between time in nature and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in youth.

Harvard Health Blog – “6 Reasons Children Need to Play Outside”

Explains that sunlight exposure is key for Vitamin D production, which supports bone development, immune function, mood balance, and healthy sleep

Hike Your Own Hike

You don’t need mountains or a National Park pass to get started. Some of the best adventures begin in the backyard, school playground, or neighborhood path.

Try this:

• Plan a mini hike to a favorite tree, park, or lookout
• Let your child carry the map or draw their own!
• Pack snacks and make it a picnic mission
• End with a journal sketch, leaf collection, or story about “what we saw”
  
  

A Few Wild Life Favorites for Trail Time:

• Magnetic Compass Kit – Learn direction-finding, no GPS required
• Eco-Bamboo Magnifying Glass – Examine bugs, bark, and cool rocks
• Ranger Bead Craft Kit – Turn steps into survival-style pace counting
• Find New Roots Foraging Bag – Perfect for nature treasures on the go

Whether you’re following your nose, the dog, or a squirrel, every hike is a chance to connect with nature and each other. So get outside, get a little lost, and find something wonderful along the way.

🗺️ Happy trails, adventurers!