Last updated on September 23rd, 2022 at 11:37 am
Hiking with the family is always rewarding. However, it can be difficult to wrangle children if they like to run ahead, and trails can be hard on grandparents. Not only is it a fun way to get out together, snowshoeing as a family can help keep little ones close.
Snowshoeing together as a family is a great way to explore trails during different seasons. We go over everything parents need to know and what to do on on the winter trails with kids.
How to Prepare the Family for Snowshoeing
One of the common things we get asked is about what to wear snowshoeing. It’s a great question, because you’ll be headed out into the unknown. However, since snowshoeing is an aerobic activity, dressing for it can be tricky.
Essentially, the family will need to wear:
- warm water-wicking socks
- waterproof winter boots -preferably hiking boots
- a base layer- such as fleece lined or thermal leggings and t-shirt
- a shell layer – like waterproof pants and a down vest or fleece sweatshirt
- a winter jacket (mainly for breaks) -that will inevitably be discarded
- gloves or mittens -preferably waterproof
- Ear muffs, warm hat or headband to keep the ears warm
- sunglasses
- hiking poles
- Empty pack for discarded clothes
We go over exactly how to dress small children in our Snowshoeing with Kids post. Additionally, We cover how to dress for teens to adult in our Snowshoeing’s Ultimate Beginners Guide.
Fun for All Ages
Not only is snowshoeing great fun, it’s an opportunity to invite the grandparents out in the winter.
Yes, seniors also love snowshoeing, plus it’s a strength and bone building exercise that can help keep them young (source). We outline Snowshoeing Over 60 in our article by the same name.
In fact, getting out in the snow is especially fun, because it’s one of the least expensive winter sports.
RELATED: Best Snowshoes for Kids
For instance, snowshoe rentals from your local park will likely cost $5-10 per hour. And, if you’d prefer to buy your own, a really nice set is a fraction the cost of a cross-country or downhill ski setup.
Finally, even being heavier in weight doesn’t exclude your from the fun trip with the family. There are fantastic and inexpensive options for those of us carrying extra weight. We go over these options in our post Best Snowshoes for Big People.
Packing Your Bag
So, you’ve set the date and reserved or purchased your gear, now it’s time to equip your pack for the trip. There are several essentials that we insist upon when embarking on the trail in winter.
We suggest packing as light as possible, but also including these in your pack:
- sunscreen, especially on the nose and cheeks
- chapstick
- compass and map
- snacks for at least a break every 30 minutes
- water -at least 32 ounces per hour of travel
In addition to things you bring, make sure you have space in your pack for carrying discarded clothing, especially if you’re hiking with children.
Also, water bottles run the risk of freezing if kept on the outside of your pack or away from your body.
Always keep bottles close to the back of your back pack or tuck smaller bottles inside your coat to be warmed by your body heat. Alternatively, bringing an insulated water bottle will also work. We like to bring a thermos of soup and keep it snuggled next to our water bottle.
Take the Chance to Teach Winter a Safety
Firstly, involve the whole family in the packing of your bags so everyone knows what to bring out onto a winter trail.
We like these survival bracelets for the kiddos. Along with 4 other uses, they offer a handy and inexpensive compass so everyone is part of the safe navigation. And, they have a nifty whistle for emergencies, be sure to test these together as a drill.
While the whole family is together, it’s a great opportunity to all learn navigation together. Not only that, but go over the basics, children should be taught, first and foremost to follow the trail markers and make sure to keep in sight at all times.
RELATED: Best Snowshoes for Big People
Additionally, if the trail is a loop or meandering connected trail that will take longer than your allotted time, set a timer or alarm to alert you when to turn back.
In fact, it’s a great teaching opportunity to remind the family to always double back on their tracks to the trail if lost. And, hike back to the trail head if that’s your emergency plan.
How Long to Stay Out
While it’s heavily subjective to the weather and the tolerance of the party, staying out on a winter trail should not be a day-long adventure.
With very young or very old family members, we like to keep the journey to several 30 minute out-and-back trips.
RELATED: Best Baby Carriers for Snowshoeing
For instance, when temperatures dip below freezing (32°F) children under ten years of age should be taken in for breaks every 20-30 minutes. Which especially needs to be enforced when they’re having too much fun to care.
Additional precautions should be taken, and playing in the snow should be avoided when temperatures and/or wind chills dip to -15°F (source).
How Far to Travel on Your First Trip
How far to hike goes hand in hand with how long to stay out. And, because your pace of travel may vary greatly upon the number of children in tow, it’s best to start with 20-30 minute out-and-back jaunts at first.
At least to start, these short trips will help everyone stay toasty and safe from the wind chill. We find this especially great for bathroom and snack breaks. Additionally, we suggest having a backup plan for when toddlers inevitably lose interest in snowshoeing. For instance, a back carrier or sled, we’ve found the perfect child carriers in our Best Baby Carriers for Snowshoeing post.
Furthermore, depending on the age range of your troop, 20-30 minutes might get you a 1/2 mile out and back. Especially if you’re wearing or pushing small children.
In fact, hiking while wearing toddlers in a carrier snowshoeing isn’t much different than doing so on a normal hike. However, you may want to test it out on snow in your backyard first.
As such, you’ll have to consider their added weight when renting or purchasing snowshoes, as this will affect snowshoe length.
Where to Go
First and foremost, if anyone is renting snowshoes, you’ll need to find a local park, nature center, or ski resort that offers shoes for rent. If you instead opt to purchase your own, you can snowshoe all the trails you usually would in the warmer months.
However, we find bridal trails or golf courses are the best, most level paths for snowshoeing as a family. The gentle hills are especially great if seniors will be joining you.
RELATED: Best Women’s Snowshoes
Finally, we love packing up the family and friends and finding a snowshoe trail on the AllTrails App. Hikers can easily filter results near them to snowshoe specific trails that are organized by ease.
Make Fun Memories
If your family is open to outdoor sports and exploration, a snowshoe trip could be a great idea. In fact, the grandparents would probably love the opportunity to tell stories or share a laugh.
If you can gather multiple generations on the same trail, you’re already making a lasting memory.
However, it doesn’t hurt to come prepared with activities or photo opportunities. A simple set of binoculars or this bino-camera combo can make your trip as exciting as the summer months. Especially, if you play a game of I-Spy, or list the things you see together as a family. We also explore fun games further in our Snowshoeing with Kids post.
Gear up and Go
So, now that you’ve gained new insight into the challenges and rewards of snowshoeing with the family, hopefully you feel more confident to get everyone together and start your trip. And, since everyone can safely take part in snowshoeing, it’s arguably healthier for the mind and family structure than board game night.
Children are bound to discover something new and surprise you with their curiosity.
Plus, you can save money on a babysitter and feel great about getting out into the wild. In fact, snowshoes for the youngest kiddos are less expensive than some board games. Regardless of whether you buy or rent, just get out there and discover something new together!
Image Credit: USFWS Midwest Region | (source) | Public Domain Mark 1.0 — reduced file size and image