Hiking with kids is a great way to enjoy the outdoors together as a family. But between packing snacks, extra clothes, and other gear, “hitting the trail” is rarely as simple as it seems. Combine that with little legs tiring out quickly and it’s easy to feel daunted by a family hike. But we’re here to show you how to use your kid bike trailer to make hiking with little ones easy and fun.
Except for the bike-only Bee trailer, each Burley kid bike trailer comes with a 1-Wheel Stroller Kit to allow for off-bike adventures as a double hiking stroller (the D’Lite X is also available in a single passenger model). Available accessories such as the 16+ Wheel Kit, 2-Wheel Stroller Kit, Ski Kit, and Jogger Kit allow your trailer to adapt to fit your favorite hiking path or trail. The height adjustable handlebar provides optimal comfort when using the trailer for strolling on jogging. While kid bike trailers are not suited for rougher, more expert hiking trails, they are perfect for easy to moderate trails. Generally, if a path is easy enough for young children to walk, it will also be suitable for a kid bike trailer in stroller mode.
Preparing for Your Hike
Before heading out, it’s a good idea to research the trail beforehand to ensure it’s suited for young children and wide enough for a kid bike trailer. Many trail review sites will include basic details such as the length of the trail, terrain, and amenities at the trailhead such as restrooms or interpretive centers. Some of our favorite trail review sites include All Trails and Hike it Baby.
Packing for Your Hike
Once you’ve selected a trail, it’s time to pack. When hiking without a trailer, it can be difficult to fit all the necessary gear into a backpack, or if you use a kid carrier, a fanny pack. A kid bike trailer provides ample room for snacks, water bottles, extra clothes, sunscreen, and other gear, without the worry of wearing yourself out toting it all in a backpack. Some of the Burley team’s favorite trail snacks include: pb&j, carrot sticks, fruit snacks, nuts, and gummy bears. These are great options to keep young explorers fueled up without making a mess in the trailer.
Enjoying Your Hike
With a kid bike trailer, you also eliminate the worry of ending the hike early when little one’s legs become tired. Kiddos can walk on their own or take in the scenery while their parents push them in the trailer. When stopping to smell the flowers, or check out a cool bug along the trail, you can use the hub-engaged parking brake to keep the trailer in place. When the weather turns bad, the trailer’s water-resistant cover can be rolled down to keep kids snug and dry. In warmer weather, the tinted windows keep little ones safe with UPF 50+ sun protection. This versatility opens the door for new adventures, allowing your family to go farther and see more together.
Next time you plan a family hike, take advantage of your kid bike trailer’s stroller mode and see how much easier hitting the trails can be. For an extra dose of learning and fun, check out our Burley-sponsored Wander Walks, from our friends at Hike it Baby. These self-guided walks incorporate signs with activity breaks and natural history facts along a local path or trail. Click here to view the full list.
Find a trail your family loves? Share it with the rest of the Burley community on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram using #BurleyDesign
