Once you’ve completed your first hike, pat yourself on the back. You’ve done a lot of work but have taken the first step into a larger world for both you and your children.

To keep kid’s enthusiasm charged, “review” the hike in kid-friendly ways. While you really can’t do this with infants, most toddlers and older kids will enjoy it. One post-hike game/activity you might consider is Make like a Tree and Leaf.

Before setting out on the hike, give each child a small paper lunch bag or a re-sealable plastic bag. During the hike, have them collect small leaves. Green leaves will work best.

After returning home, have each child color a brown tree trunk with branches on a piece of construction paper. Next, have children arrange and then glue leaves to form the trees crown.

Materials: Small paper lunch bag or a re-sealable plastic bag, white construction paper, brown color or marker, glue

Ages: 3-6

Learn about more than a hundred other hiking diversions for kids in Hikes with Tykes: Games and Activities.

By Rob Bignell

Author Rob Bignell is an avid hiker, long-time editor, and former infantry grunt. He's scaled summits almost two miles high, crossed America’s driest deserts, and walked beneath trees soaring 15 stories over his head. Now he shares his hiking experiences with you to ensure you and your family enjoy the perfect day hike through his various hiking guidebook series - "Best Sights to See," "Hittin' the Trail," "Headin' to the Cabin," and "Hikes with Tykes."

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