How to keep kids hydrated while hiking

So you have a long weekend and have decided to take the family to your favorite hiking and camping spot. You have been picturing your favorite trail since you started planning the weekend but you are unsure how limited you will be hiking with your 5yr old daughter. Start off by choosing a shorter trail, that is fairly flat. Take time to name trees, look at the flowers and for animal tracks. Get her interested keep her hydrated, stop for snack breaks, make it fun.

Statistics show that the human body performs 40% better when it is fully hydrated and we feel more energetic, as our heart isn't working as hard to pump blood through our bodies using energy efficiently.

Kids tend to forget about drinking water until they are thirsty. By that time the body is already dehydrated. Some good ways to keep your kids hydrated is to provided them with their very own water bottle that they carry themselves in a day pack and stop frequently for water breaks. A day pack equipped with a hydration bladder and tube is a great way to get kids drinking more water as it is fun to use. Add a little Gatorade, or lemonade mix if they are not fond of plain water. You will notice a difference in the endurance your child will have when hydrated.  Check out these hydration packs for kids:

Lucky Bums Cricket Backpack with Hydration

The kids can take the Cricket along on their bike rides, trail hikes, and any outdoor excursion with the full time convenience of hydration in a compact pack. With room for a snack and other items, the pack is the ideal mate for short jaunts and outings.
Features: Moisture wicking back panel and shoulder straps, kid friendly zipper pulls with reflective piping, integrated safety whistle on sternum buckle


Cargo: Main storage compartment, 1 exterior sleeve pocket, 2 side stretch mesh pockets. For Kids  6 - 14 years old

Check it out at www.outdoorkids.com