Embarking on a hiking adventure with kids is not just a stroll in the woods – it’s an opportunity for unforgettable experiences and quality family time. Most of our road tripping adventures have led to us to amazing outdoor destinations and hiking has become one of our family favorites! Check out my top 12 kid-friendly hikes for 2024!
Perrine Coulee Falls Trail – Walk behind a waterfall in Twin Falls, Idaho!
This trail is rated as easy/moderate and is only about a half mile, out and back. You can find this 200 foot waterfall as you drive towards Centennial Waterfront Park. There will be several parking spots right along the roadway at the trailhead!
Hidden Falls Trail – Find a hidden waterfall in The Grand Tetons, Wyoming!
You can either take a scenic, 4 mile out and back hike to see this spectacular 100 foot waterfall. Or you can take a boat ride across Jenny Lake and hike only a mile to find this hidden gem! We chose to take the hike, so we started at Jenny Lake and followed the trail signs.
Maquoketa Caves Loop – Explore 13 different caves in Maquoketa, Iowa
This 1.7 mile loop allows you to explore 13 caves completely on your own, without a guided tour! You can find this amazing trail at Maquoketa Caves State Park in Iowa. Be aware, the caves close for bat hibernation October through April.
Delicate Arch Trail – Hike to the infamous Delicate Arch in Moab, Utah
The hike to Delicate Arch is a moderate 3.2 mile out and back trail. It is a lot harder going up than coming back down. But trust me, the challenge is worth it! Be sure to look into the timed-entry reservation system from April through October.
Emerald Lake Trail – Explore the magic of the Rockies near Estes Park, Colorado
Enjoy all that Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer while exploring the 3.5 mile out and back trail to Emerald Lake. Park at the Bear Lake Corridor and you will easily find the trailhead. Hike past two other beautiful lakes before arriving at Emerald Lake. Timed-entry permits are required from May through October.
Pueblo Loop Trail – Climb ladders inside ancient cliff dwellings in Los Alamos, New Mexico
Discover the ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings at Bandelier National Monument. The Pueblo Loop Trail is an easy 1.5 mile loop that offers impressive views of kivas and cliff dwellings. But the best part is the ladder access to climb into the dwellings!
Munds Wagon Trail – Hike to Merry Go Round Rock in Sedona, Arizona
This was probably the toughest hike we’ve done with our boys, but they were troopers. The hike is about 7 miles out and back and the spring is a great time to visit. The red rocks in Sedona are stunning!
Stout Memorial Grove Trail – Walk amongst giants in Crescent City, California
This 0.6 mile loop through the giant Redwood trees in Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park is fun for the whole family! If you have kids, get them outdoors and on this trail. They’ll love this easy trail and climbing on fallen trees!
Carlsbad Caverns Big Room – Explore caves in Carlsbad, New Mexico
Take the Natural Entrance down into the Big Room and explore this impressive cave on your own! The hike is about 2.5 miles in total, but be sure to take the elevator back up! This is a really, really cool experience for kids!
Auger Falls Trail – Hike to an impressive waterfall in Twin Falls, Idaho
Another fun waterfall hike can also be found in Centennial Waterfront Park. You can make this hike as short or as long as you like, but if you do the full loop it’s about 4 miles. We decided to head straight up near the falls and the kids loved climbing over rocks and exploring close to the waterfall!
Witches Gulch – Walk through a mossy canyon in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
This entire experience was a blast for our family! Witches Gulch is only accessible by taking an Upper Dells boat tour. The boat ride is very scenic and the walk through the canyon is very short and easy!
Forsyth Canyon Trail – Hike to the top of a waterfall near Boulder, Colorado
A fun, dog-friendly trail can found near Boulder! The Forsyth Canyon Trail was easy and only 1.6 miles out and back. We enjoyed climbing on rocks and seeing a waterfall from above! This trail kept the kids and the dog entertained!
Hiking with kids isn’t just about reaching the destination – it’s about embracing the adventure together. If you’d like to learn more about hiking with kids, read all of my tips for hiking with kids! You can also visit me on Instagram @road_trip_queen to see more of our adventures! Remember to be patient, encourage curiosity, and make the experience enjoyable for everyone. Happy hiking!
