Rafting, Hiking & Rock Climbing for Kids

Shoot the Rapids

• River rafting is one of the most exciting activities children can do for exercise, nature exposure and fun. Rapids bring hoots and hollers, while peaceful stretches allow for water play and wildlife viewing. Depending on the location, children might spy turtles basking on rocks, osprey soaring overhead, ducks, beaver, otters and, at dusk, deer. Swimming ability is not a requirement; however, wearing a Coast Guard-approved, whitewater life jacket is a must. The safest way to take children rafting is with a professional guide who teaches river running safety and skills. Many guided trips on Class 1 and 2 rapids (the International Scale of Difficulty ranks rapids from l to V) welcome children as young as 4 years of age. Some allow older children to paddle inflatable canoes.

Go Take a Hike

• The Wilderness Society encourages parents to take their kids hiking because connecting with nature leads to protecting the wilderness, but also because hiking is just plain good for kids. Nature exposure, aka green time, is most soothing when a child is relaxed, so allow time for your child to do his own thing, whether making little houses with pine needles or watching a bug. Let everyone take a turn leading, but stay close together and never let a child lag behind. Read the tips and cautions about a place before you go. Unless the trail is difficult, sneakers with good traction can be worn and will provide more maneuverability and comfort than high-top boots. Hikes of most interest to children usually involve water, such as a stream. Start children with easy hikes, and gradually increase length and difficulty. Before hiking, teach your child about potential dangers in the particular area, such as poison oak, snakes and venomous insects. Bring a first-aid kit with antihistamine.

Climbing Allowed

• Children as young as 5 years of age can learn rock climbing on a climbing wall or in natural terrain. Your child might already be practicing, to your chagrin, on furniture and counters. Many public schools have climbing walls that provide an alternative for children who don't fit the typical athletic mold. Climbing uses all the muscles; it increases balance, eye-hand coordination and spacial perception and; when choosing a route or solving a climbing puzzle, it exercises problem-solving skills. If belaying is used, climbers learn teamwork too. Children can scale not-too-high boulders in a climbing gym or outdoors without equipment, which is used for vertical climbs and modified for children with disabilities, such as amputees. If rock climbing outdoors, allow time to relax and enjoy nature. If done incorrectly, this sport is dangerous, making professional instruction a must.

Considerations

• The American Association of Pediatrics recommends children 6 years of age and younger engage in free play rather than team sports. Rock climbing, rafting and hiking adventures can be highly structured, but they needn't be. Provide opportunity for younger children to do their own thing, within the limits of safety. There are many rock-climbing, rafting and other outdoors recreational programs designed specifically for children with disabilities too. KidsHealth.org suggests letting the child choose a recreational activity, or choose from options the parent presents, based on the child's temperament, abilities and interests. American children average seven and more hours each day in front of an electronic screen. Fun recreation such as rock climbing, rafting and hiking might be just the thing to hook a child on the great outdoors.