Because the Best Memories Are Made Outdoors - Safely!

Spending time on the trail with your kids isn’t just good exercise, it’s a chance to unplug from screens, connect as a family, and explore the world in real time. But if you've ever had a hike derailed by sore feet, snack shortages, or “Are we there yet?” meltdowns, you know preparation is everything.

We’ve been hiking as a family for over eight years now. When we first started, our youngest was just a year old. These days, our oldest is 14, and we’ve experienced every stage from toddler tantrums on the trail to teen eye rolls at trailheads. One thing I’ve learned? No matter how much you plan or prepare… always expect the unexpected.

Our Wildest Family Hike: A Bear Encounter to Remember

Let me share one unforgettable experience that taught us this lesson in a big way.

A few summers ago, we were staying near West Yellowstone and planned a hike with another large family in the area. Between the two families, we had 14 people on the trail, plenty of noise and movement, which usually means you’re less likely to encounter wildlife like bears. We weren’t newbies to bear country either. We had all taken bear safety courses, carried bear spray, and taught our kids exactly what to do in case of a bear encounter.

Feeling confident, we set off on a short trail just on the edge of town that looped into Yellowstone National Park. Within the first mile, we passed a woman with a dog (side note: dogs aren’t allowed on most national park trails, but that’s another conversation). She looked shaken. She warned us that she had just seen a bear, possibly a black bear, but said her dog scared it off. We thanked her… and then kept hiking. Mistake number one.

I shrugged it off. “We’ve got bear spray. We’ve got 14 people. The kids aren’t exactly quiet. We’re good!”

We stopped about halfway to have a snack when the rain started. Not ideal, but manageable, honestly, the kids were having fun with it. But then, BOOM! Thunder cracked overhead, and that was a game-changer. The kids freaked out. We got them calmed down and kept going.

Here’s where mistake number two happened: the kids were up front together, and all the adults were at the back. Normally, we hike with an adult in front and one at the rear, both with bear spray ready. That day, we got a little too comfortable.

Suddenly, one of my daughters came running toward me, pale as a ghost. “MOM, THERE’S A BEAR!”

At first, I couldn’t see anything. Then, two cubs darted across the trail ahead. And where there are cubs, there’s a mama. Sure enough, moments later, she appeared.

It was a grizzly.

Everything after that happened in what felt like slow motion. I looked around to count the kids. All of them had instinctively run, except for one. My youngest. The one who knew not to run because we’d taught her that. But that also meant she was standing out front, alone.

We locked eyes. She looked at the bear, then at me, and made the decision to run to me. At the exact same moment, the bear bluff charged.

Now everyone was screaming, yelling "Bear! Bear! Go away!" The grizzly rose up on her hind legs, just 30 or so feet in front of us. My husband acted fast, he had his bear spray out and started spraying. That snapped me back to reality. I reached for mine, trying to grab it while my kids were clinging to me. I managed to spray too, though part of me hesitated, I was thinking, what if I need it again? (Yes, your brain does weird things under pressure.)

We backed up slowly, yelling and keeping the spray between us and the bear. Finally, she had enough. She turned and ran off to follow her cubs.

It was an adrenaline rush like no other.

We were experienced hikers who had done almost everything "right," and still, we got caught off guard. Thankfully, everyone was okay. A few of us got a face full of bear spray (not fun, but we survived), and we walked away with a serious reminder:

Even when you’re prepared, nature doesn’t follow the rules.

That hike gave us a deeper respect for the wilderness, a renewed commitment to safety, and a story that none of us will ever forget.

That experience was a powerful reminder that while hiking with kids can be an amazing adventure, it also comes with its fair share of surprises. Over the years, we’ve learned so much from what to pack to how to keep things fun (and safe!) on the trail. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting out with your little ones, these tips are designed to help you feel more confident, more prepared, and ready to create unforgettable memories, minus the bear encounters!

Here are 10 essential tips for hiking with kids that we've picked up along the way:

Building Future Trail Lovers

The key to hiking with kids is not distance, speed, or conquering peaks, it’s creating an experience they’ll want to repeat. With the right preparation, realistic expectations, and a sense of wonder, hiking as a family becomes a cherished activity that teaches resilience, observation, and respect for nature.

We started small and over the years we have done multiple 10+ mile hikes with our kids. We’ve hiked on beaches, in the mountains, the desert and beyond. One winter we spent at Death Valley and I calculated over 300 miles hiked. Anything is possible with a little practice and preparation. Now is the time to start dreaming of all the trails you would like to hike with your family!

So grab your gear, round up the crew, and hit the trail, your next great family memory is just a few steps away.

FREE Printables

To help make your family hikes even easier, I’ve included two free downloads just for you! One is a Family Hiking Essentials Checklist to ensure you don’t forget a thing, and the other is a Kid-Friendly Trail Activity Sheet to keep the little ones engaged and entertained along the way. Feel free to print them out and take them on your next adventure!