Take a Hike with a Tyke

Cooking while camping is nothing like cooking at home.

Nature brings kids in close contact with things they might not otherwise see every day.

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Outdoor Games and Activities
Once you're out there, then what?

Kids thrive in the outdoors, but they're not so good at the "sitting still and appreciating nature" part. Here's how to keep them happily occupied.

In-Camp Chores. Collecting firewood, hammering in tent stakes, filling water canteens, and clearing brush off a tent site are all chores that kids actually enjoy—probably because of the novelty.

What Animal am I? Play this like "20 questions" and make it relevant by picking an animal that lives in the area.

Scavenger Hunt. Make up your own list according to where you are. Examples of things to find could include: something a squirrel could eat, something blue, something with three colors in it, something that shows that fall (or spring) is coming.

Hug a Tree. Blindfold your child and lead her to a tree. Let her touch it and smell it. Then bring her back to you, spin her around, and ask her to find her tree. If you've got two or more children, try a variation. Each child describes his tree to the others, who then try to identify it.

Who Lives Here? Keep a list of all animal signs you and your children see: tracks, woodpecker holes, feathers, scat, nests, and burrows. Try to figure out which animals live in the area where you are camped.

Life Lists. More an ongoing project than a game, keeping a family life list of animals, birds, or trees you see is an excellent learning activity. Between trips, check out a guidebook from the library to find out about animals and birds in your area.

Outfitters and Experts
The biggest obstacle standing between you and a real out-in-the-wilderness adventure is the load you'll have to carry. Backpacking loads are tough to get used to for anyone, and they're almost impossibly heavy for families with small children. Here's where outfitters and local clubs can help. The following ideas are all effective, albeit different, solutions to the problem of the overweight backpack.

Backcountry Huts. Several hiking clubs and organizations operate backcountry cabins and huts. The biggest backcountry host is the Appalachian Mountain Club, a conservation organization that operates a series of huts in New Hampshire's White Mountains. Because the White Mountain huts provide blankets, meals, and a roof over your head, you only need to carry your clothing, your personal items, and a sleeping liner (something like two sheets sewn together). You get to leave home your tent, stove, food, pots and pans, and sleeping bag, i.e., most of a typical backpacker's load. The AMC even has a junior naturalist program of games and activities designed to teach kids about the environment. For more information about AMC programs, check their Web site or call 603-466-2721.

Support Vehicles. They're known as sag wagons, and they help ensure that you won't be sagging at the end of the day. Here's how it works. You and your kids hike from point A to point B on trail, and a support vehicle meets you at the end of the day with your food and gear for the night. Many hiking clubs offer sag wagon trips. They're especially popular with seniors and families, but you can also set one up on your own with a friend, or by taking turns driving and walking with your spouse.

Llama-packing. Llamas? Those South American relatives of the camel? You got it. Exotic as they might seem, llamas are the newest entrants to the wilderness trail mix. Llamas are pack animals, and if you think "better them than me," you're at the head of a backcountry trend. Use them to carry toys, tents, diapers, food... and children too small to walk. Still need proof? Long distance backpackers and outdoors authors Cindy Ross and Todd Gladfelter have hiked nearly 3,000 miles in the Rocky Mountains with their two young children and llamas. Okay, you say, but where do I, a normal parent with a normal job, a couple of kids, and a golden retriever go to find a llama? And what do I do with it once I find it? Not to worry: Commercial outfitters who lead llama trips are popping up all over the country. They'll take care of the details so you can take care of having fun with your kids. Ranger stations and information officers at national forests and parks will be able to tell you about outfitters who are licensed to operate in their area.