Family Hiking Packing List: Everything You Need for a Day Hike with Kids

A Complete Family Hiking Packing List for Your Next Day Hike

Planning a day hike with kids is one of the best ways to get your family outside without breaking the bank, but only if you pack smart. A well-prepared family hiking packing list is the difference between a memorable adventure and a miserable afternoon on the trail. Whether you’re tackling a local nature path or exploring a state park, knowing exactly what to bring makes every hike safer, more comfortable, and genuinely fun for the whole crew.

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The good news is that hiking with kids doesn’t require expensive equipment or complicated logistics. State and national parks, federal forest areas, and even neighborhood greenways offer trails suited to every age and fitness level. You can start close to home and work your way up to longer, more rewarding routes as your family finds its hiking stride.

What Do You Need For a Day Hike

Before you lace up and head out, a little planning goes a long way. Consider where you’ll be hiking, how far you realistically want to go, who’s coming along, and what the weather forecast looks like, both at your trailhead and at your turnaround point, since conditions can vary significantly. These four questions will shape everything else on your packing list.

Packing the right gear for a day hike with kids means thinking beyond your own needs. Children move at a different pace, burn energy faster, and have less tolerance for discomfort than adults, which is actually an argument for overpacking rather than traveling light. The categories below cover the non-negotiables every family should have in their pack before hitting any trail.

If you want to read more, here are some specific tips on hiking with kids that have helped me through the years.

Day Hiking Packing List for Families

• Comfortable backpack or day pack
• Appropriate clothing for weather and terrain
• Hiking boots or shoes with a sole that will grip the terrain
• Plenty of food and water
• Navigation tools – map of the area, compass, GPS, etc.
• First aid kit
• Sun protection – sunscreen, hat, protective clothing, sunglasses, etc.
• Insect repellent
• Multi-purpose tool or a pocket knife
• Firestarter and matches
• Emergency shelter
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Whistle (for each person)
• Cell phone (in case of emergency or to go Geocaching)

For families with younger children, you will also want to consider bringing:

• Child carrier, hiking backpack, or sling (optional but makes the experience so much more enjoyable)
• Extra change of clothes for child(ren)
• Diapers/pull-ups and wipes
• Baby bottles, sippy cups, etc.
• Small toy to entertain your child while hiking (optional)

What should I pack for every hike?

While you may not need all of these items above on every hike, it’s always best to be prepared. For example, you may not need a shelter if you are only taking a short hiking for a few hours and the weather is clear. However, if you are doing a longer day hike in the backcountry or in an area where there is no cell reception, you will want to make sure you have an emergency shelter just in case.

The items you pack for a day hike will vary based on the individual hike and the needs of those hiking. Be sure to take into account the length of the hike, what the weather conditions will be like, what the terrain will be like, if you are hiking with kids or pets, and what your personal preferences are.

When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of packing too much rather than not enough. This way, if you find yourself in an unexpected situation, you will have what you need to make it through until help arrives.

Hiking Essentials for Families

These important items should be with you or in your day hiking backpack  on every hike, no matter how short or easy the trail may be.

1. Patience

First on my list is patience. Hiking with kids can be challenging at times, and there will definitely be moments when you want to pull your hair out. It’s important to remember your hiking etiquette and remember that kids have a different pace than adults and they need time to rest, explore, and take in all the sights and sounds around them. If you go into your hike with the mindset that it’s going to be a slow and leisurely stroll, you will be much more likely to enjoy the experience.

2. Spacious and Comfortable Backpack

Every family member, except babies and young toddlers, can and should carry their own backpack with their essentials. Osprey Daylight Plus backpack is a favorite of mine and their child carrier is a popular choice with hiking parents with young children.

For the littles, that could be water and snacks plus a favorite small toy. If you have very young children, you may want to consider using a child carrier or hiking backpack.  These will allow you to carry your child plus all of your gear, and they can be a lifesaver on longer hikes.

For school aged children and older, that can include a few extra items, such as a first-aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent, and hats. If you have space, consider adding a few extra snacks and some binoculars so that they can really take in the scenery around them.

For tweens, teens and adults, you’ll want a backpack that is big enough to fit all of your supplies, but not so big that it becomes a nuisance to carry. Comfort is key, look for a backpack with padded straps and a breathable design.

3. Food and Snacks

Kids (and adults) get hangry, so it’s important to pack plenty of food to keep everyone happy. If you will be out more than a few hours, it’s also good to pack extra in case you get stuck or lost.

For longer hikes, I like to pack a mix of no-cook foods, non-perishable items, and high-protein lunch items (deli meats, cheese, hummus, etc.)

For snacks, I like to pack a mix of healthy and not-so-healthy options. This way, if anyone is getting cranky, we can stop for a snack and then keep them going.  I’m not above bribing my kids with gummy bears and fruit leather to get them to hike a little further!

Some of our favorite hiking snacks include:

• granola bars
• trail mix
• jerky
• fruit leathers
• candy – gummy bears

4. Plenty of Water

Have every family member pack and carry their own water bottle.  Reusable water bottles with a water filter, like LifeStraw and GRAYL. These are convenient because you can drink from any water source without having to worry about getting sick.

If you are hiking in an area where there is no running water, be sure to pack enough water for everyone to stay hydrated throughout the hike. A good rule of thumb is to pack one gallon of water per person, per day. When hiking with kids though, pack extra water in case they spill or drink more than you expected them to.

Note: for most day hikes with the kids, we pack our Yeti Ramblers or Hydroflask Insulated Bottles. Hydration packs are another great option for longer hikes and these are ideally sixed for children to where themselves.

5. First Aid Kit

Be sure to pack a first aid kit that includes items specific to the types of  injuries that could occur while hiking.

A few key items to include are:

• bandages
• antibiotic ointment
• pain relievers
• antihistamines – for reactions to bug bites or stings
• tweezers – for removing ticks or splinters

If you have any specific medical needs, be sure to pack those items as well.  Be sure to read what I pack in my family’s outdoor first aid kit or I recommend this specific Hiker first aid kit from Adventure Medical Kit.

5. Weather Appropriate Clothing

Be sure to dress for the weather and the terrain.  Wearing layers is important so you can easily add or remove as needed.

For hot weather, light colors and breathable fabrics are key. An extra pair of socks can also come in handy in case you get wet or your feet start to develop blisters. See my recommendation for women on what to wear hiking in hot weather.

For cold weather, dress in layers with the innermost base layer being made of a wicking fabric like moisture-wicking synthetic materials or merino wool. This will help to keep you dry and warm even if your outer layers get wet. You’ll also want to pack gloves, a hat, and a scarf.

For wet weather, pack a rain jacket or poncho for each hiker plus an extra set of clothes in case anyone gets soaked.

6. Good Footwear

Good hiking boots or shoes that provide ankle support and good surface grip are a must too. Make sure the hiking boots are broken in before hitting the trail. There is nothing worse than getting blisters on a hike!

7. Sun Protection

Bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and lip balm. If you’ll be hiking in a sunny area, consider bringing along a light long sleeve shirt to protect your skin from the sun. I opt for mineral based sunscreen for both me and the kids since it’s less likely to irritate our skin.

Hats are a must for everyone in our family. We like to pack both baseball hats and wide brimmed sun hats so we have options. 

8. Insect Repellent

Whether you’re hiking in the woods or near water, there are bound to be bugs. Even in the desert,  we’ve run into our fair share of biting insects. I always pack insect repellent when we go hiking, just to be safe.

9. Navigation Tools

A map of the area,  a compass, and/or a GPS can be helpful in case you get lost or turned around on the trail. Often times, I will download a map onto my phone using the AllTrails app and also have a physical  map with us as a backup.

9. Multi-Purpose Tool or Knife

A pocket knife or a multi-purpose tool can come in handy for a variety of tasks on the trail. Each of my teenagers carries a pocket knife when we hike. My husband and I usually carry a Leatherman multi-tool. 

Note: Before allowing your children to carry  a knife on a hike, please review safety rules with them. They should understand how to use it safely and what situations warrant using the knife. 

10. Whistle

Each person hiking should have their own whistle. A whistle can be used to signal for help in an emergency situation. Children sometimes need to be reminded to keep the whistle around their neck so it’s readily available if needed, but use it as a toy.

11. Emergency shelter

If you’ll be hiking in an area where there is no cell reception, it’s a good idea to bring along an emergency shelter like a tarp. This can be used to provide shelter in case of severe weather or if someone is injured and cannot continue on the hike.

12. Headlamp or Flashlight

A headlamp or flashlight can be used to light the way if you find yourself hiking in the dark or want to explore a cave.  I like to pack a rechargeable headlamp for each person in our family and ensure that it charged.

13. Cell Phone

A cell phone can be a lifesaver in an emergency situation. Be sure to bring a charger as well so you can keep your phone powered up.

14. Firestarter or Matches

A fire starter and matches can be used to start a fire for warmth or to signal for help. If you opt for matches, be sure to pack them in a waterproof container.

This is also essential if you plan to cook food on your hike. If you are you’ll also want to pack a camp stove and pot or an all in one like a Jetboil.

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Nice to Have Items When Hiking with Kids

15. Camera

Many of us use our cell phone’s camera to capture memories these days, but there are still times when it’s nice to have a dedicated camera. I love packing our Insta360 camera to capture both video and photos on our hikes, especially when we are doing waterfall hikes or hikes with swimming areas.

16. Nature Journal

A nature journal is a great way to get kids excited about hiking and the outdoors. They can document what they see and hear on the hike. We often stop along the way to look at bugs, leaves, or flowers. 

My kids also like to use their nature journals to draw what they see when we go bird watching or stargazing. Read more on how to start a kids nature journal and get our digital version.

17. Printable Scavenger Hunts or Trail Activties

If you’re looking for ways to keep kids engaged on the hike, consider packing a printable scavenger hunt or some other type of trail activity. This can be as simple as a bug catching net or magnifying glass for younger kids or an activity box for older kids.

Books About Hiking or the Outdoors – If you have a reluctant hiker, consider packing along a book about hiking or the outdoors.  Some of our favorites for younger children are Exploring Nature Activity Book and Let’s Go on a Hike (free with kindle unlimiited).

18. Binoculars

Binoculars can be fun for kids (and adults) to use while hiking. They can help you spot birds, wildlife, or even a neat rock formation in the distance.  If you’re bird watching, you may want to consider bringing along a field guide as well.

19. Resealable Bag

A resealable bag can be used for a variety of purposes while hiking.  When my kids were younger, they often used them to collect rocks, leaves, or flowers along the way. It can also double as a wet clothes storage bag.

20. Trekking Poles

If you’re hiking with kids, you may want to consider bringing along trekking poles. This can help take some of the strain off of your arms and back when hiking uphill or carrying a child.  Trekking poles can also be used to help set up an emergency shelter.

The items on this list are just a starting point, be sure to tailor your packing list to the specific hike you’ll be taking. With some planning and preparation, you’ll be ready for anything the trail throws your way.

Where will  your next trip take you?