Hiking with Kids

GORP
The Great Outdoors Recreation Pages are a great resource.
The Trail Guide section has suggestions for hikes in the U.S., Canada, and around the world.

thebackpacker.com
The Destinations section at this website is building a list of reviewed trails, by area.

National Parks With Kids
Lots of great places to hike or camp with families. 

Top 10 National Parks
Suggestions  at the Escape to National Parks website, which also has tips,  guidebooks, and a trip-planning service.

If you want to go family hiking/backpacking with an outfitter, check this Hiking/Backpacking article at Family.com, which highlights American Wilderness Experience, and the Sierra Club.

• watch the pacing-- and don't push too hard!
• take lots of rest breaks.
• let kids be kids: give 'em some time to get sidetracked off the trail.
• bring plenty of snacks.
• bring plenty of drinks-- kids dehydrate fast.
• freeze drinks beforehand
• bring bandaids!
• check for blisters: often kids don't notice they're gettng one.
• take along a frisbee or a ball.
• always have an end-point, or a next resting point, they can look forward to.
• pack light, with layers.
• bring the sunscreen, extra socks, and camera.
• only drink bottled or treated water.

Outdoors With Kids
Great tips, from G.O.R.P.

Make Backpacking More Enjoyable for Kids
Suggestions at thebackpacker.com.

Taking Children Outdoors
Expectations, Safety, Discovery...

You Are In Bear Country
From Parks Canada.

What Do You Do With Wildlife?
From the National Wildlife Federation: Why not to feed wildlife.

More Links
Including health cautions, such as poison ivy, snakes, sunburns, and Lyme Disease.

• reflect what the child is feeling ("You're really pooped!" or: "The other kids have run way ahead!")
• acknowledge the child's frustration
• try solving with fantasy ("What if we could fly a spaceship to the end of the trail?")
• give the child a chance to find a solution ("Well, we're in a pickle. How are we ever going to get to the lake?")

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk

-- for more about balking and other family trip hazards, 
see Avoiding Tantrums, at Travel With Kids