Hi everyone!
I’m Kevin. I work behind the scenes here at Lucy Darling—and I’m also a dad to four amazing kids.
As the weather warms up, our family starts spending more and more time outside, and hiking is still one of our absolute favorite ways to explore together.
It’s not just about getting fresh air—it’s about making memories, asking questions,
and seeing the world through curious little eyes.
If you’re thinking about hitting the trails with your little ones this season,
here are a few things I’ve learned that might help make the adventure smoother (and more fun) for everyone:
1. Talk It Up
Build some excitement before you even leave the house.
Talk about what you might see—birds, bugs,
funny-shaped rocks, tall trees.
Kids love having a bit of knowledge in their pocket,
and they’ll surprise you with how much they notice
(and remember) when you plant those little seeds
of curiosity early.
2. Set realistic expectations
It’s easy to slip into “let’s finish this trail” mode, but hiking with young kids isn’t about the destination—it’s about the experience.
The goal isn’t to crush miles. It’s to help them fall in love with the outdoors. That might mean stopping often, playing with sticks, or watching a ladybug crawl across a leaf.
And that’s okay.
3. Be ready to go slow
Let them lead the pace. Sometimes they run ahead, sometimes they meander.
The trail can turn into a playground, a classroom, or even a stage for imaginative stories.
Going slow lets them connect more deeply with the world around them—and gives you a chance to see it all through their eyes.
4. Pack all the snacks
Seriously—snacks are a lifesaver. Keep them fueled and hydrated, and everything else gets easier.
Bonus points for finding a scenic spot to stop and munch—
it turns snack time into its own little adventure.
5. Keep their load light
If your kids are carrying their own pack,
keep it simple and manageable.
A small water bottle or a favorite stuffed animal is plenty.
The more comfortable they are, the longer everyone can enjoy the hike.
At the end of the day, it’s less about how far you went and more about the moments you created along the way.
The giggles over a muddy trail, the proud “I saw that first!” shouts, the quiet pause under a shady tree.
Those are the memories that stick.
Happy hiking—and here’s to many more Darling moments outdoors.
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