Hiking Safety Books for Children

Is your child showing a penchant for exploring the great outdoors? Help him to be adequately equipped with a book written for his age level. The authors' practical instructions and examples are supplemented with age-appropriate illustrations to pique your child's excitement in a hiking adventure. After preparing with safety lessons and precautions, he'll be ready for a trek through the unknown.

  1. Ages 5 to 7

    • ̶0;Trekking on a Trail (Hiking Adventures for Kids),̶1; by Linda White, helps young children think through safety on a hike, from preparing with proper gear, clothes and water to staying safe while on a hiking trail. The child-oriented drawings by Fran Lee bring to life practical illustrations of the material. Patrick F. McManus originally published ̶0;Kid Camping from Aaaaiii! to Zip̶1; in 1980, when it won an award from the International Reading Association. Several editions later, the humorous guide for children still helps them think through how to prepare and stay safe while camping and hiking. Readers will laugh their way through McManus̵7;s version of practical tips in the great unknown.

    Ages 8 to 10

    • In Jim Arnosky̵7;s book, ̶0;Crinkleroot's Guide to Walking in Wild Places,̶1; elementary school children will enjoy learning about safety on a hiking trail through the cartoon character of Crinkleroot. With charming illustrations and easy-to-understand text, the book provides common-sense tips to help your child stay safe while hiking. The author also provides a guide of plants and berries to avoid. Another practical outdoor adventure book for elementary aged children is ̶0;Kids Camp!: Activities for the Backyard or Wilderness,̶1; part of the ̶0;A Kid's Guide" series available on Kindle. While providing campfire recipes and knot diagrams, authors Laurie Carlson and Judith Dammel teach children about safety precaution and preparation to avoid dangerous mistakes while camping or hiking. Many pages contain additional ̶0;stay safe̶1; boxes with tips about insect and animal behavior and common misconceptions about nature.

    Ages 10 to 13

    • ̶0;Hiking and Backpacking (Outdoor Adventures),̶1; by the Wilderness Education Association, allows pre-teens to take a more active role in planning for a hike by preparing physically and learning basic safety essentials. Readers can quiz themselves at the end of each chapter. In ̶0;Take a Hike!: The Sierra Club Kid's Guide to Hiking and Backpacking,̶1; author Lynne Foster provides five easy-to-read chapters exploring the essentials of hiking, from physical training to gear preparation to avoiding getting lost.

    Ages 13 and up

    • Kristine Hooks̵7; book ̶0;Essential Hiking for Teens̶1; gives a background on survival and first-aid techniques while exploring the wild. Photographs supplement the practical information on planning a route, obtaining a permit and planning for appropriate clothes and gear. Written as part of the Boy Scouts of America series, ̶0;Be Prepared Hiking and Backpacking,̶1; by DK Publishing, provides young explorers with tools for planning a trip and overcoming unexpected difficulties such as injuries or severe weather. The short, yet comprehensive guide breaks down essential outdoors tips, from how to build a campsite to how to adapt to a challenging trek.

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