The Best Day Hike Packing List for Kids in 2025

Last Updated on 22 July 2025

As a parent who has navigated countless trails with my little ones, I can tell you that the difference between a magical family adventure and a complete meltdown often comes down to one thing: the correct preparation.

Packing for a day hike with your kids isn’t just about throwing a few snacks in a bag. It’s about anticipating every scraped knee, sudden downpour, and that “I’m bored” moment that could derail your outdoor adventure.

Whether you’re tackling gentle woodland paths or conquering more challenging terrain, having the right gear can transform your family hike from stressful to spectacular.

Let’s read on to find out what you need for the ultimate day hike packing list for kids.

A man and young boy walking through a wooded area. Day hike packing list for kids. Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash — Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

Essential Safety Gear for Kids’ Day Hikes

I first learnt about the importance of a day hike packing list for kids when we were halfway up a trail in the Peak District. My youngest had tripped over a tree root and grazed her knee, and was not a happy bunny! It was one of our earliest walks, and I realised I wasn’t as prepared as I should have been when it came to first aid.

Someone putting a plaster on their finger. Photo by Diana Polekhina on Unsplash — Photo by Diana Polekhina on Unsplash

First Aid Kit Tailored for Children

After that, I completely revamped our approach to children’s outdoor equipment.

Here’s what we include in ours:

Child-sized bandages and gauze
Antiseptic wipes (alcohol-free for sensitive skin)
Instant cold packs for bumps and bruises
Children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen
Tweezers for splinter removal
Emergency blanket for shock or hypothermia
Emergency whistles

Visibility and Identification

When creating your day hike packing list for kids, pick bright colours such as neon yellow, orange, or red for the outer layers they wear. When hiking with your children or by yourself, you want to wear something easily identifiable in case weather conditions change.

Child identification is important as well. I use waterproof wristbands and include the following information:

Child’s name and age
Our mobile numbers
Emergency contact details
Any medical conditions or allergies

Sun Protection Essentials

Don’t underestimate how quickly kids can burn at altitude or on reflective surfaces. We always use factor 50 sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-protective sunglasses. I also bring sunscreen with me, and we reapply every few hours.

Clothing and Footwear Essentials

A woman and young child walking together through a field. Photo by Michael Blum on Unsplash — Photo by Michael Blum on Unsplash

The Layering System That Works

For any family starting on their hiking adventures, it’s all about the layers when you’re exploring the great outdoors. Here’s what we use when creating our day hike packing list for kids.

Base Layers: Your Secret Weapon

Moisture-wicking base layers are ideal for our family’s hiking gear. Cotton kills comfort, as they say. Think merino wool or synthetic materials because they:

Pull sweat away from the skin
Dry quickly when they do get wet
Don’t smell after a few hours (bonus!)
Stay warm even when damp

Mid-Layers for Temperature Juggling

Kids are like little temperature yo-yos, boiling one minute, shivering the next. That’s why insulating mid-layers are a good idea for your family day hike essentials. Fleece jackets or lightweight down vests are great options because they’re easy to stuff in a pack when not needed.

I always pack one extra mid-layer per child because someone always “forgets” theirs at the car park.

Waterproof Outer Shells

Don’t go cheap on waterproof jackets. When you and you’re family are relying on something to keep you warm, you need to invest in the right gear. To save money, buy them in off-season sales.

A young child wearing hiking boots. Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash — Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Footwear That Won’t Let You Down

Children’s hiking boots are another important purchase to consider, especially for older kids. Your day hike packing list for kids should prioritise comfort over everything else. Blisters can turn a lovely family outdoor activity into absolute torture.

Here’s what works:

Properly fitted boots with ankle support for rough terrain
Sturdy trainers for easier paths (they’re often more comfortable)
Always broken in before the hike, never new boots on trail day
Waterproof if possible, but breathable too

The Sock Situation

You should always bring extra socks. Wet feet lead to blisters, blisters lead to tears, tears lead to everyone having a rubbish time. I pack at least two spare pairs per child.

Merino wool socks are brilliant as they cushion feet, wick moisture, and don’t smell even after a full day’s hiking.

Weather-Appropriate Accessories

Hats and gloves might seem obvious, but these are items often forgotten. I’ve done it plenty of times! Even in summer, temperatures can drop quickly at altitude or when clouds roll in.

My hiking with children tips always include packing:

Sun hats for UV protection
Warm hats for temperature drops
Lightweight gloves
Buff or neck gaiter for wind protection

Hydration and Nutrition Planning

A navy blue, black, and white water bottle leaning against a rock. Photo by Bluewater Sweden on Unsplash — Photo by Bluewater Sweden on Unsplash

Water Bottles That Work

I’ve found that children aged 4-8 do best with 500ml bottles with easy-squeeze tops or built-in straws. My eldest prefers hydration packs.

Here’s what we’ve found works for us:

Toddlers (2-4): Sippy cups or bottles with straws with secure lids and bright colours
School age (5-10): 500ml bottles with measurement markers
Teenagers: Hydration packs or insulated bottles they’ve chosen themselves

We’ve also found the following pointers helpful when it comes to maintaining hydration levels:

Little and often beats chugging large amounts
Flavoured water encourages more drinking
Set regular drink reminders (every 20 minutes)
Watch for early dehydration signs (grumpiness, headaches)

We also include electrolyte replacement in our family day hike essentials.

I avoid the super-sugary sports drinks and go for:

Coconut water (kids love the taste)
Electrolyte tablets designed for children
Homemade trail mix

A slice of brown bread with peanut butter spread on top, covering with slice bananas. Chia seeds are sprinkled on top and on the side are peanuts lined up. At the top, is a peeled banana. Photo by Kashish Lamba on Unsplash — Photo by Kashish Lamba on Unsplash

Energy-Boosting Snacks

The trick with family hiking snacks is finding things that won’t turn to mush, melt, or make everyone thirsty.

My go-to energy boosters include:

Dried fruit and nut mixes
Oat-based energy bars that don’t crumble
Cheese strings (surprisingly resilient)
Apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning
Homemade flapjacks wrapped individually

Meal Planning for Longer Adventures

When your day hike packing list for kids needs to include decent meals, you need to think smartly. Sandwiches are obvious, but they’re not always practical. I love peanut butter sandwiches, but they often end up as a squashed mess by the time I want to eat them.

For extended family outdoor activities, I pack:

Wraps with cream cheese and ham (less likely to leak)
Pasta salad in sealed containers
Hard-boiled eggs (protein powerhouse)
Individual portions of hummus with veggie sticks

Your day hike packing list for kids should prioritise foods that travel well, provide sustained energy, and appeal to young palates.

Navigation and Communication Tools

A compass on a wooden table. Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash — Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Communication and navigation tools are fun items to include in your day hike packing list for kids. My children love carrying their maps and compasses when we’re out exploring new trails, as it gives them the sense that they’re leading the adventure. They’re also a great way of teaching kids to read maps. My eldest daughter loves being the navigator, and it’s amazing how much more engaged kids become when they’re actively involved in route-finding rather than just following along.

Child-Friendly Maps and Compass

For different ages, I pack:

Picture maps for toddlers (showing trees, streams, bridges)
Basic trail maps for school-age kids with clear symbols
OS maps for teenagers ready to learn navigation skills
A simple compass that works (not those toy ones)

Teaching Kids Navigation Skills

Getting children involved in navigation transforms hiking with children tips from passive following to active engagement. Even young kids can learn to spot landmarks and follow simple directions.

I start with:

Identifying obvious landmarks (big rocks, distinctive trees)
Following coloured trail markers
Using the sun for basic direction finding
Counting steps between waypoints

A neuroscience study from Emory University found that the brain region supporting map-based navigation is activated in children as young as five-years-old.

GPS Devices and Smartphone Apps

A smartphone showing different apps on the screen. Photo by William Hook on Unsplash — Photo by William Hook on Unsplash

Here’s the thing about relying on your phone for navigation during hiking with children: batteries die and signals disappear. I learned this lesson the hard way during a hike before I had children. Now I always carry a dedicated GPS device as a backup, and I download offline maps to my phone beforehand.

The best apps for family hiking safety include:

OS Maps (brilliant offline capability)
AllTrails (great for finding family-friendly routes)
What3Words (fantastic for emergency location sharing)
Gaia GPS (more advanced, but excellent for longer hikes)

Two-Way Radios for Older Children

Two-way radios give older kids independence while keeping them connected to the group. My eldest loves having her radio so she can talk to us through it.

I use them for:

Allowing faster hikers to scout ahead safely
Keeping groups together on wider trails
Teaching emergency communication skills
Making the whole experience more adventurous

The key is setting clear rules about when and how to use them. Their range varies depending on terrain, so test them before you rely on them.

Route Planning and Sharing

When you’re preparing your day hike, make sure you share your intended route with someone reliable before leaving. This is what we include:

Planned departure and return times
Alternative routes we might take
Emergency contact numbers
Car registration and parking location

I use a simple WhatsApp message with a screenshot of our route. It takes two minutes, but could be lifesaving if something goes wrong.

Backup Navigation Methods

A paper map showing different landmarks. Photo by Stephen Monroe on Unsplash — Photo by Stephen Monroe on Unsplash

Unfortunately, technology fails, which is why backup navigation is essential. I’ve learned to never rely on just one method.

My backup system includes:

Paper maps in a waterproof case
Traditional compass
Written route notes with key landmarks
Photos of trail junctions on my phone
Emergency contact card with grid references

Communication During Emergencies

Your day hike packing list for kids should include a communication plan that everyone understands. We practice our emergency procedures regularly, including:

What to do if separated from the group
How to use emergency equipment
Key phrases for radio communication
When to stay put versus when to move

The most important thing I’ve learned about navigation and communication tools is that they’re only useful if everyone knows how to use them. Practice at home, test equipment regularly, and always have multiple backup options.

Weather Protection and Gear

Rain falling on a red and yellow umbrella. Photo by Mayukh Karmakar on Unsplash — Photo by Mayukh Karmakar on Unsplash

Before leaving your house, make sure you have the correct weather protection as part of your day hike packing list for kids. When we first started hiking as a family, I found out that my “waterproof” jacket wasn’t as waterproof as I thought when we got caught in a downpour on the South Downs.

Rain Gear

After that, I changed our family hiking gear approach to wet weather.

Essential rain protection includes:

Waterproof jackets with taped seams (not just “water-resistant”)
Overtrousers
Waterproof covers for rucksacks
Spare dry clothes in waterproof stuff sacks or bin bags
Quick-dry towels for emergencies

The key is breathability as well as waterproofing. Kids work up a sweat hiking, and if their jacket doesn’t breathe, they’ll be soaked from the inside out.

Wind-Resistant Accessories

Windproof outer shells (separate from rain jackets)
Neck gaiters or buffs to prevent heat loss
Lightweight gloves
Warm hats
Emergency bivvy bags for extreme conditions

A young woman hiking uphill wearing a red bandana on her head. Photo by Vlad ION on Unsplash — Photo by Vlad ION on Unsplash

Seasonal-Specific Equipment

Your day hike packing list for kids needs to adapt with the seasons. What works in summer won’t work in winter, and vice versa.

Spring/Summer additions:

Insect repellent (midges are annoying in Scotland)
Cooling towels and extra water
Lightweight emergency shelter
First aid for stings and bites

Autumn/Winter essentials:

Insulated layers and spare gloves
Emergency bivvy bags
Hot drinks in thermos flasks
Headtorches with spare batteries
Microspikes for icy conditions

Emergency Shelter Options

This might seem excessive for day hikes, but this is something I always carry. We had to use an emergency bivvy on Dartmoor one autumn to keep the kids warm while we waited for the conditions to improve. Surprisingly, they didn’t mind and thought it was part of the adventure.

Lightweight shelter options:

Group emergency bivvy (fits whole family)
Lightweight tarp with guy lines
Emergency space blankets
Bothy bag for wind protection during breaks

Temperature Monitoring Tools

Kids don’t always recognise when they’re getting too hot or cold. I use a simple outdoor thermometer clipped to my pack, plus I’ve learned to watch for early warning signs.

Signs to watch for:

Excessive sweating or shivering
Changes in behaviour or energy levels
Complaints of being too hot/cold
Skin colour changes (pale or flushed)

Read more: Budget Family Camping Tips: 18 Money-Saving Hacks in 2025
Read more: The 8 Top AI Fitness Trackers for Camping in 2025

Age-Specific Packing Considerations

A toddler in a backpack carrier on their dad's back while hiking. Source: Canva — Source: Canva

Baby Hiking Necessities

Taking babies hiking might sound like extra work, but it’s brilliant when done right. I loved taking my children hiking when they were small and getting them out enjoying what I like doing. Before you do, your day hike with babies requires planning.

Here’s what I pack:

All-weather baby carrier with rain cover
A few nappies and wipes
Whatever you need to feed your baby
Extra clothes
Baby sunhat and factor 50 sunscreen
Portable changing mat

Toddler-Specific Gear and Carriers

Toddlers are tiny chaos machines with legs, and your day hike packing list for kids needs to reflect this reality. They can’t carry much, they get tired quickly, and they have zero concept of “we need to keep moving.”

This is what we include for our toddler:

Lightweight carrier or hiking backpack for when their legs give out
Extra nappies and wipes, if they’re not potty trained
Comfort items like a favourite teddy or blanket
Sippy cups with secure lids
Snacks cut into tiny, manageable pieces
Complete change of clothes (they will get filthy)

The carrier situation is important. Invest in a hiking carrier with good back support and storage compartments to make your hiking journey easy.

School-Age Children Items

This is where things get interesting. Kids aged 5-11 are desperate to be independent, but still need loads of support. It’s a delicate balance in your family hiking gear planning.

I give my children their small rucksacks containing:

Their water bottle
Personal snacks they’ve chosen
A small first aid kit they can access
Whistle on a lanyard
Simple map of the route
Their headtorch

The key is making them feel responsible whilst ensuring they’re not carrying too much weight. Generally, children shouldn’t carry more than 15% of their body weight.

Teenage Hiking Essentials

Teenagers are a completely different area. The trick is getting them invested in the planning process for a family day hike.

Teenage-specific considerations:

Let them choose their gear (within reason)
Give them navigation responsibilities
Pack extra food
Include charging packs for phones
Respect their need for independence
Pack blister treatment

A woman and young child walking through a wooded area. The woman is walking in front. Photo by Vitolda Klein on Unsplash — Photo by Vitolda Klein on Unsplash

Adapting Pack Weight for Different Ages

Age-appropriate weight guidelines:

Toddlers (2-4): Comfort items only, maybe 1-2kg maximum
School age (5-10): 10% of body weight maximum
Teenagers: Up to 20% of body weight for fit kids
Adults: Their bags plus whatever’s left

Motivation Strategies by Age

Different ages need different motivation techniques in your family hiking tips arsenal. What works for a six-year-old might not for a teenager.

Toddlers: Games, songs, frequent stops, promise of treats
School age: Adventure stories, nature challenges, responsibility roles
Teenagers: Photography projects, navigation challenges, choice of routes

Safety Considerations by Age Group

Age-specific safety measures:

Toddlers: Reins or wrist straps, constant supervision
School age: Buddy system, clear boundaries, regular check-ins
Teenagers: Emergency procedures, communication devices, trust with responsibility

Gear Maintenance and Age-Appropriate Tasks

Teaching kids to look after their outdoor equipment builds responsibility and ensures the gear works when needed.

Age-appropriate maintenance tasks:

Young kids: Cleaning water bottles, packing snacks
School age: Checking torch batteries, organising their pack
Teenagers: Full gear checks, route planning assistance

The key with age-specific packing is remembering that hiking safety for families isn’t just about having the right gear; it’s about having the right equipment for the right person at the right stage of development.

Your day hike packing list for kids should grow and evolve with your children, just like they do. What worked last year might be completely wrong this year, and that’s normal. The goal is to build lifelong outdoor enthusiasts, not create perfect little hikers overnight.

Final Thoughts on Day Hike Packing List for Kids

Creating the perfect day hike packing list for kids might seem overwhelming at first, but with planning and the right gear, you’ll be setting your family up for incredible outdoor memories. Remember, the goal isn’t to pack for every possible scenario; it’s about being prepared for the most likely situations whilst keeping your pack manageable.

Start with the essentials we’ve covered, then gradually add items based on your family’s specific needs and hiking experience. The most important thing is getting out there and exploring nature together.

Ready to plan your next family adventure? Grab your checklist, pack your bags, and hit the trails! Those magical moments are waiting for you and your little explorers!

For more outdoor inspiration, check out our related guides:

Happy hiking!

Have you found this day hike packing list for kids guide useful? What things have worked on your family hiking adventures? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Post on X

Save