How to Get the Whole Family into Hiking and Camping

Simple ways to spark curiosity, build confidence, and enjoy the outdoors together

Getting your family involved in hiking and camping isn’t just about fresh air and open skies — it’s about creating lasting memories, building self-reliance, and fostering a shared respect for the natural world. With the right approach, you can turn screen time into trail time, and busy weekends into meaningful adventures. Here’s how to make the outdoors more accessible, exciting, and enjoyable for the whole family.

1. Start Small and Local

You don’t need to head straight for the backcountry. Begin with short local hikes or overnight stays at nearby campgrounds. Choose flat, well-marked trails and locations with simple amenities like bathrooms, picnic tables, or fire rings to build comfort and confidence.

2. Let Kids Help Plan

When kids feel involved, they feel empowered. Let them help choose the trail, pick out snacks, or pack their own gear. Show them how to read a map or weather report, and they’ll start developing their own outdoor curiosity and decision-making skills.

3. Make it Fun, Not Fast

Avoid turning hikes into endurance tests. Let kids explore along the way, stop to climb a rock, or follow a bug off the trail (safely). Bring binoculars, a plant ID guide, or a nature scavenger hunt to make the journey more playful and engaging.

4. Focus on Comfort First

Happy campers are warm, dry, and well-fed. Invest in a quality tent, comfortable sleeping bags, and reliable lighting. Pack extra snacks, warm layers, and backup clothes. A little comfort goes a long way in creating a positive first experience.

5. Teach Leave No Trace Early

Introduce kids to responsible outdoor habits right from the start. Explain why we pack out trash, stay on trails, and respect wildlife. Turn it into a game — “can you spot any litter to clean up?” — and they’ll feel part of something bigger.

6. Share Simple Survival Skills

Kids love learning how to build a fire, filter water, or identify animal tracks. Teach these skills in a fun, hands-on way that builds their confidence and awareness without overwhelming them. It’s a great bonding activity, too.

7. Bring the Right Gear

Choose lightweight, eco-friendly gear that’s easy to use and carry. A small backpack, kid-sized sleeping bag, and solar lantern can help them feel like a real adventurer. Keep things simple — functionality matters more than flash.

8. Be Flexible and Go With the Flow

Sometimes plans change. Weather shifts, attention spans shrink, or things take longer than expected. Stay relaxed, adapt when needed, and celebrate the experience, not just the outcome.

9. Celebrate the Wins

Every trip, no matter how short or small, is a success worth celebrating. Talk about what they saw, what they learned, and how they helped. These positive reflections turn into lasting memories and fuel future adventures.

10. Keep Coming Back

The outdoors becomes more familiar — and more loved — with each trip. Build a routine of nature walks, weekend hikes, or seasonal camping trips to keep that connection growing year-round.

Outdoor Roots Start Early

At Everloam, we believe in raising the next generation of conscious explorers. Whether it’s their first trail or their first time sleeping under the stars, giving kids a safe, exciting introduction to nature builds skills and values that last a lifetime.

Explore Together, Grow Together

Our family-friendly hiking and camping gear is designed to support these shared moments. Durable, sustainable, and easy to use — because when the right gear meets the right mindset, everyone belongs outdoors.

Explore more. Impact less. That’s the Everloam way.