Blog
Taking your kids hiking can be excellent physical and mental exercise. Hiking encourages children to test their stamina, develops strong muscles, establishes early enthusiasm for sports and physical activities, improves digestion, creates sensory learning, and helps them bond with nature better. If you plan to visit Menorca, you can find a diverse range of hiking trails on the island suitable for children.
The historical coastal trail of Cami de Cavalls encircles the island and offers several hiking, trekking, and biking tracks, including Playa Punta Prima, Playa Macarelleta, and Santo Tomas.
However, no matter how adventurous your family is, when it comes to hiking with children, there are certain things you need to keep in mind in order to make the experience pleasant and interesting.
For instance, instead of using expensive local transportation, rent a car in Menorca to explore further or reach specific trailheads on the island. Car hire in Menorca provides much-needed convenience and flexibility for your kid’s hiking adventure.
While this was our first tip of the lot, let us see our most famous hiking tips for kids’ parents when they tag along.
Prepare Your Kids with Proper Gear
Proper hiking gear for a kid must include food and water, as well as a first aid kit for cuts and scrapes. Here is the list of essentials you need to carry when hiking with kids:
- Backpack for kids
- Hiking shoes or boots
- A child backpack carrier if your toddler gets tired
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellant or bug spray
- First-aid kit
- Finger snacks and drinks
- Books and toys
- Tissue and washcloth
- Sunglasses and hats
Choose a Trail that’s Appropriate for the Kids (Not for Adults)
Not all trails are created for the kids. Some may be too tough for the children to hike, while others might be too boring to entertain them.
For recommendations, contact your car hire in Menorca. As a local car rental service provider, they will know the best kid-friendly hiking routes on the Island. You can also enquire at our desk when renting your car for suggestions. We can help you too.
You must remember that there may be times during the hike when you will have to carry your kid and your backpack. Choosing a steep trail will be a wrong choice. A flat route on the island will be a better option as you wouldn’t gasp for air when carrying a 20-pound fussy toddler.
Start Your Hike Early in the Morning
Since kids can get tired and cranky real quick, start your hike early in the morning or later in the day when they are up and bright.
Early morning hiking is a better option, as your kids will be well-rested and have more energy.
Don’t forget to check the Menorca weather forecast. Although the island is exceptionally sunny and warm during peak seasons, you don’t want to get caught in the scorching heat of the day.
Dress Your Kids in Layers for the Changing Temperature in Menorca
Making sure your children are appropriately dressed is an important factor when hiking with kids. Have options and add layers to the clothes so that you can take them off as and when the temperature rises or falls.
Make them wear quick-to-dry hiking clothes that absorb sweat fast. Dry clothes will keep the kids comfortable throughout the day.
Stick to Popular, and Well Crowded Trails
Choosing a challenging or off-beaten path may result in carrying your kids for a good portion of the hike. This can be exhausting, particularly if more than one kid is tagging along.
On the contrary, a well-known and crowded trail will keep the kids entertained and safe, making the hike even merrier.
To ensure the hike is manageable, start with loop trails that offer a sense of closure for the kids. Longer trails might be demanding or bore them. Loop trails will make it easier for you to determine the toddler’s strength and maintain their enthusiasm throughout.
Stop for Rest and Be Prepared for Emergencies
A 200-foot cliff might seem easier for you to hike, but it could be a dreadful task for your child. Therefore, knowing your kid’s limit is crucial so they don’t struggle with the journey back. The hike should be a pleasant experience, not a weekend punishment for your kid.
Since kids hike at different paces, it is recommended to stop frequently so you all can take a break and enjoy the view of Menorca and let your little one explore the area.
In addition, choose a trail closer to the main road and keep your car hire in Menorca around so you can rush in case of emergencies.
How Car Hire in Menorca Improves Flexibility of Hiking
Car hire in Menorca offers flexibility in hiking by offering convenient and flexible transportation options.
Rent a car in Menorca to go to remote trailheads – places with limited access to public transportation.
With a rental car, you will have the flexibility to drive directly to the starting point, saving you energy and time. It also allows you to create your own hiking itineraries. You can plan the day based on your kid’s preferences, like making impromptu stops at scenic viewpoints.
Having a car around allows you to store your hiking gear, food, water, and other essential supplies, ensuring a comfortable hiking experience.
Other Friendly Tips for Hiking for Beginner-Parents
Menorca is a great place to hike and bike, and if this is your first experience with your kid, the following ideas will make more sense to you:
- Practice walking before hiking. Take short-distance laps with your kids before you hike in order to get their legs used to the distance.
- Allow your kids to lead the way when the path is clear. This will give them a sense of leadership and accomplishment.
- Choose the most fun places in Menorca for hiking. Bring along travel buddies and their kids. More, the merrier. This will also help the kids develop the urge to hike more and explore new things.
- Play hiking games to make sure the toddlers are involved and pay attention to the surroundings. Examples: ‘Count the number of trees on the way,’ ‘What bird or animal do you see,’ or ‘Find something that starts with your name’s first letter.’
- Click pictures with your family for memory and journaling.
- Make hiking a family time.
Are you looking for cheap car hire in Menorca? Choose Binicars Car Rental Company. We are one of the island's oldest and most renowned car hire solution providers. You can rent a car in Menorca before your trip to save more on transportation costs.
Happy hiking!