Getting a teenager excited about walking for hours, away from their phone or video games, isn’t always easy! But with the right approach, hiking can turn into an amazing adventure for them.
Here are our best tips to introduce teens to hiking and spark their love for the outdoors.
1. Choose fun and engaging hikes
The classic mistake? Forcing a long, boring trek.
Instead, go for:
-
Trails with points of interest like waterfalls, lakes, caves, or summits
-
Short hikes to start with (5 to 8 km max)
-
Varied landscapes to keep things exciting
Pro tip: turn the hike into a treasure hunt using a geocaching app!
2. Give them some responsibility
Teens love feeling independent.
Let them:
-
Read the map or use the GPS app
-
Choose part of the route
-
Pick the picnic spot
Getting them involved makes them want to take part more actively.
3. Motivate with small rewards
A special snack at the summit, a post-hike meal at a favourite spot, a "first summit conquered" badge...
Small rewards make the effort more memorable and rewarding.
4. Make sure they're well-equipped
If they’re uncomfortable, they’ll hate the experience.
Make sure they have:
-
Good, comfortable hiking shoes
-
A light, well-fitted backpack
-
Weather-appropriate clothing
Bonus tip: letting them choose their own gear can boost their motivation too!
5. Make hiking a shared adventure
Hiking isn’t just about walking — it’s about:
-
Spotting wildlife or flowers
-
Taking photos of landscapes
-
Living an adventure together as a family or with friends
You could even encourage them to document the hike with photos or videos to share afterwards.
To get teens into hiking, the key is to make it fun, let them take an active role, and choose exciting trails.
👉 Ready to gear up the whole family for your first hikes? Check out our beginner-friendly selection at backpacker-life.com!