6 Essentials for Family Adventures

I know it’s coming. No matter where we are or what we’re doing, no matter how recently they’ve eaten, I have 15 minutes, tops, until I hear, “Mooommm, I’m hungry!” My kids, ages four and seven, are, shall we say, extremely food motivated on our frequent hikes, boat trips, and nordic ski sessions in our home state of Montana. Woe to the parent who forgets to pack snacks for such outings.

It’s not just food to remember. They say that she who fails to prepare prepares to fail, and nowhere is that more true than on a backcountry adventure with kids in tow. Packing the right stuff, from clothing to bandages to bug spray, can be the difference between a fun family outing and a tear-soaked sufferfest. Trust me, I’ve been on both sides. You already know about the ten essentials—consider this your addendum to that list, family edition.

Snacks (and More Snacks)

The single most important ingredient for success on our family trips? Having enough fuel on hand—and not just any fuel. You want your kids to love the outdoors, so bring snacks they love. Forgetting this simple truth has resulted in my children sobbing, screaming, and refusing to continue down the trail more times than I’d like to admit. But doling out a steady supply of tasty snacks will keep them going—happily! And I’m not above using the promise of food to entice them up those final steps to the summit or back to the car.

One snack that has stood the test of time for us over the past few years: Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars, which come in six flavors, including apple cinnamon, blueberry, and our favorite, raspberry. They’re made with whole grains and real fruit and are delicious enough to satisfy a kid’s palate, and their soft-baked texture means no melting, freezing, or crumbling when shoved into a backpack in any weather. Nature’s Bakery Oatmeal Crumble Bars, with their real fruit and cookie-like flavor, paired with whole-grain oatmeal, are also big hits with my kids. Nature’s Bakery also offers brownies in double chocolate and salted caramel flavors, made from whole grains, real cocoa, and dates. Bonus: All of the above are vegan, dairy-free, and nut-free, so they’re great for slipping into my daughter’s lunchbox at her allergen-free preschool.

Oh, and when you’re packing? Start with how much you think your kids will eat, then double it.

Water Bottles

The second most frequently whined about topic on our trips: thirst. Hey, I get it—water is essential for keeping kiddos hydrated and healthy, particularly on hot days. Each of my kids has a reusable stainless-steel water bottle, because these vessels are durable, sustainable, and easy to clean. Mermaids, princesses, and personalized sticker art are highly encouraged. (I swear it helps them drink more.)

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Extra Layers

Of course you want a midlayer or jacket for each little in case the temperature dips or the wind picks up, but don’t stop there. Take it from a mom who once had to cut a sledding trip short because her son managed to a) find the only source of running water for miles, and b) break through the ice on top, completely soaking his boots and socks. It’s not overkill to bring multiple pairs of extra socks and even footwear. Now we pack another pair of secondhand winter boots for each kid on cold-weather excursions, just in case, along with spare mittens. If you have very little ones, also consider a whole spare outfit, even on summer trips. (Pee happens, right?)

First-Aid Kit

We have a lightweight first-aid kit in a durable zippered pouch, and of course we pack it on every trip. Except the one time I didn’t, and my daughter sliced her finger open on a tree branch. (Luckily, another hiker had first-aid supplies on hand.) You can buy convenient packaged kits or build your own. Be sure to include tweezers for removing splinters or ticks, gauze for bleeding, antibiotic ointment, blister treatment, children’s pain reliever and antihistamine, antiseptic wipes, and lots of bandages.

Sun and Bug Protection

Sunblock is a must, all year round. We reach for a water-resistant, reef-safe type with an SPF of at least 30. My kids squirm through an application of the typical goop styles, but those last much, much longer than spray-on brands. Tip: Try a face stick for easier application. Lightweight long-sleeve shirts also provide tons of coverage, no squirming required. Add a wide-brimmed sun hat and child-size shades on the sunniest days.

Most of us will also need bug spray, particularly in the wettest parts of the season. Picaridin and lower concentrations of DEET are considered safe for children, and both are effective in our experience. (Pediatricians recommend using DEET very sparingly on kids under age two.) Many parents are tempted by “all-natural” formulas, but generally, these just don’t work very well. One that does: oil of lemon eucalyptus products, but note that they’re not considered safe for children under age three.

Toys and Books

Yes, rocks and sticks serve perfectly well as playthings. But just like with adults, special treasures can go a long way. A friend of ours always packs a stuffed animal on hikes; she repeatedly runs ahead and hides it along the trail, then the children have to find it. (They forget they’re even hiking.) Legos and Magna-Tiles on the picnic table have distracted my kids long enough to let me cook camp dinner in peace. And soon after my son learned to read, he loved packing a book to read in the tent.

I can’t promise that following all these hard-won tips will guarantee you a whine-free outing. But I can say that packing thoughtfully will put you in a strong position for making those quality family memories happen. And that’s about as good as it gets with parenting, right?

Nature’s Bakery believes simple, wholesome snacks are the best fuel for active, joyful lives. Founded in 2011, Nature’s Bakery soft-bakes the goodness of real, wholesome ingredients like hearty whole grains and real fruit into snacks that are plant-based, nut-free, dairy-free, and non-GMO Project Verified. Nature’s Bakery products include Whole Wheat Fig Bars, Gluten-Free Fig Bars, Fig Bar Minis, Oatmeal Crumble Bars, and Brownie Bars. For more information, please visit naturesbakery.com or follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

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