Hiking with Children

Hiking with small children – ages one to about four

With very small children things are usually uncomplicated. They’re happy as long as mum or dad is nearby, their nappy is dry, and they’re fed. Many sections of the Archipelago Trail can be walked with a reasonably sturdy pram or pushchair. But some stretches can be rough, and here it’s best to carry the child in a child carrier.

About pushchairs

The child should be able to sit up on their own — and preferably walk — before you use a pushchair. A footmuff or a children’s sleeping bag is useful. Few things are cosier than taking a nap while the pushchair bumps along a gravel road.

About child carriers

There are many models of child‑carrying backpacks. Choose one with a strong hip belt so you can transfer weight to your hips and legs and relieve your back.

Even if the child isn’t large, the combined weight of child, carrier and the necessary nappies, food and drinks adds up quickly.

The child must be able to sit on their own before you start hiking with them, so take it slowly. Both you and your child need a bit of practice before longer walks.

Bring a small pocket mirror to use as a rear‑view mirror so you can see if the child has fallen asleep on your back. Keep an eye on sun exposure, cold or rain — the child sits still and produces little heat. In cool weather, make sure hands and feet stay warm. A snowsuit, hat, mittens and warm woollen booties are good.

Some carriers can be fitted with sunshades or rain covers that also act as wind protection.

Hiking with older children – ages five to eleven

A common source of conflict on a hike is the difference in expectations between adults and older children.

Parents may look forward to a long sunny day by the coast — perhaps with a swim. Children, however, may want to climb slopes, throw stones in the water, explore seaweed for tiny creatures — and then go home to their tablet.

Make an agreement

Talk with the children if they’re old enough. Present the possibilities and agree on what the day should look like. Be aware that smaller children can’t stay focused on the same activity for hours. Often they can only concentrate for 15–30 minutes before they need something new.

Plan a few activities if variety is needed. And remember: it’s better to walk two happy kilometres than five with crying children and frustrated adults.

Food and drink

Children get hungry and thirsty quickly. Bring proper food and drinks — and something to sit on, such as a sleeping mat. It makes the meal more enjoyable.

Always bring a small plastic container in case you find a little creature worth examining. At the coast it’s ideal to bring a fishing rod. Remember that anyone aged 18–65 needs an angling licence.

Campfire on the beach

Some routes pass beaches where you can make a small fire. Bring a little dry kindling, a firelighter and matches. Dig a shallow pit near the waterline and build the fire there.

The fire quickly burns down to embers — perfect for roasting a sausage before it fades out. Extinguish thoroughly with plenty of water before leaving. Remember the sand gets hot: cool it with water so bare‑footed walkers and dogs don’t burn themselves.

På Trente Mølle kan I blandt andet prøve aktiviteterne:

•    Spis din grøftekant - lav vilde frikadeller af ukrudt

•    Fisketur som da farfar var ung - lav din egen fiskestang og prøv lykken

•    Teambuilding med et smil - kom tættere på hinanden

På Søbygaard kan I blandt andet prøve:

•    Vandhullets vanvittige væsner - tag på opdagelse i et helt andet univers

•    Leg til alle tider - lev dig ind i hertugens tid i renæssancen

•    Snitte-snedkeriet - lav håndværk og husflid med dit personlige snit

I Egebjerg Mølle (Tur 6) er på én af etagerne indrettet et Find Haletudsen center. Det er en mindre udgave af Kys Frøen, hvor der tilbydes to-tre aktiviteter for hele familien, som også får grej og vejledninger stillet til rådighed.

Coffee Spots

Here and there along the Archipelago Trail, you’ll find so‑called coffee spots (marked on the maps). These are small rest areas with tables, benches and an information board describing the local nature and cultural history — plus ideas for fun activities.

Coffee spots are perfect destinations for activities with children and are often located in places with beautiful views. They provide a safe and steady base from which you can head out on small expeditions into the surrounding nature.

Play on the trail

Play often arises naturally when you’re out with children. One of them might say: “Let’s pretend we’re someone on our way to something…” and suddenly you spend a long time inventing stories about what you experience and what will happen when you arrive.

A camel caravan on the Silk Road, an expedition in Latin America, or travelling performers on their way to the count’s castle.

You can also play “Who’s the first to spot a…?” — taking turns deciding what to look for. It might be a blue flower, a tractor, a stone with a hole in it or a yellow car.

Always bring some string, a small knife and a bit of gaffer tape in your backpack. If the children suddenly get an idea for a little construction project, it’s nice to be able to help them.