1. Steps Challenge

Arm everyone with a pedometer and make your outing a competition to see who takes the most steps. As you hike, think about the winning walker’s prize. (Ice cream, maybe? You've earned it!)

2. Scavenger Hunt

Jot down a list of things that can be found in nature and have the kids check them off as they stroll. Birds, trees, rivers, and leaves are all great entries. If you are not feeling creative, here are some pre-made printables.

3. Walkie-Talkies

Pack a pair of walkie-talkies, and the kids can pretend to be on a secret mission. Let them describe what they see and where they are.

4. Geocaching

Turn your hike into a search for buried treasure with geocaching. Using specific coordinates, search for one of the many caches planted around the world. Older kids love this activity.

5. Search For Wildlife

Pack a pair of binoculars and have the kids look for different types of animals. Many parks have placards listing which creatures inhabit the environment.

Gotta catch 'em all. Photo by Mommy Poppins

6. Pokémon Go 

Grab a phone and have kids look for Pokémon. In the app, characters appear in your surroundings, and players are charged with capturing them. Kids will love seeing what’s around the next corner.

Playing catch along a trail gives kids something to do with hands as well as feet.

7. Play Catch 

Before heading out, grab a tennis ball and put it in your pocket. If boredom sets in, start an impromptu game of catch along the trail.

8. Follow the Leader

Take a step back and let kids take turns being the guide. Give them a trail map and have them look for appropriate markers. It’s a great way to teach navigational skills.

Who can find the best walking stick? You can even bring them home and decorate them for the next hike.

9. Look For Walking Sticks

Make your hike an opportunity to go on a hunt for the perfect walking companion. A large branch turns any hike into an adventure. To keep the fun going, swap it out for a better one as you go.

10. Twenty Questions

Animal, vegetable, or mineral? Take inspiration from your walk and play 20 Questions. It’s an excellent game for kids of all ages.

Water makes any hike even more exciting. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

11. Wade In the Water

Roll up your little one’s pants and let them splash in the water. Whether it’s the bay, ocean, river, or creek, stomping around is always fun.

For some reason, every kid loves to collect rocks.

12. Start a Collection

Bring a bucket and grab items from the environment. Leaves, shells, sea glass, rocks, or twigs are all excellent collectibles.

Unless noted, photos by the author