Knowing when not to go is part of responsible hiking
Hiking with kids is often presented as something that can always be made to work with enough enthusiasm or planning. In reality, there are times when family hiking simply doesn’t make sense, and recognising those moments is a sign of good judgement, not failure.
This guide explains when it is better to postpone, shorten, or abandon a planned hike. Making conservative decisions protects safety, preserves enjoyment, and helps build a positive long-term relationship with the outdoors.
Some days are not hiking days
Children’s energy, mood, and resilience vary from day to day. Fatigue, illness, poor sleep, or emotional overload can quickly turn a walk into a struggle. If a child is already tired or unsettled before you leave, hiking is unlikely to improve the situation. Choosing a shorter activity or postponing altogether often leads to a better outcome for everyone.
Conditions matter more with kids
Weather and track conditions that feel manageable for adults can be uncomfortable or unsafe for children. Heat, cold, wind, and rain affect kids more quickly and reduce their ability to cope with discomfort. If a hike only works under ideal conditions, it may not be appropriate for a family group. Cancelling or changing plans early is usually easier than managing problems once you are committed.
Pressure and expectations create poor decisions
Trying to “make it work” because of travel time, effort, or expectations often leads to poor judgement. This pressure can push families to continue when energy is low or conditions are deteriorating. Hiking with kids works best when there is no obligation to reach a destination. Removing pressure makes it easier to turn back early or choose a simpler option without disappointment.
Mismatched abilities within the family
Families often include children with very different abilities, interests, and tolerance for discomfort. A hike that suits one child may overwhelm another. Choosing activities that match the least capable child on the day helps prevent resentment and stress. Sometimes this means splitting activities, rotating choices, or waiting until everyone is ready.
There is no rush to progress
Children develop physically and emotionally at different rates. A walk that feels too hard this year may feel manageable next year without any additional effort or training. Waiting is often the simplest solution. The outdoors will still be there, and confidence built slowly tends to last longer.
Choosing not to hike protects future enjoyment
Stopping early or choosing not to go helps children associate hiking with positive experiences rather than exhaustion or conflict. This matters far more than ticking off a particular walk. Long-term enjoyment of hiking is built through consistent, supportive experiences, not by pushing through difficult days.
Have you ever had to change your hiking plans due to unexpected conditions? What did you decide to do instead?
Bang on. A few days ago we were within probably 300m of the ‘secret waterfall’ we’ve been trying to bushwhack our way to, and it was tough going, and getting tougher. After three hours I did a short recce ahead, came back with a reasonable estimation of increased risk if one of us fell, and we shrugged off the disappointment. Then we calculated the risk of returning the way we came versus a total bushwhack through thick steep regrowth to a track – the thick steep regrowth won and that was fun navigation but with a compass and Gaia, and frequent stops to photograph fungi, we got there in the end. Adaptability, flexibility and a chill it’s-all-good attitude keeps the risks down when all you want is a mild adventure minus a helicopter rescue.
Ben Marshall sounds like a solid decision. Disappointing I know, but less disappointing than something going wrong.
Ah, yeah
I was walking along a ridge doing a video and it took about 2 hours to do about 1km.
Once it cleared up and i got to the point i wanted to get to in the first place, being totally exhausted i had to sit and figure out another way of getting out.
I couldn’t go back the way i came.