On Dec 29, I completed my 52^nd hike in 2017. Sunshine completed 48 hikes, River completed 49, and Ocean was along for the ride on 49 of my hikes. They weren’t long hikes (they averaged just under 2 miles each), but with a toddler and a preschooler along we’re not trying to break any distance records.

We started trying to do weekly hikes in the spring of 2016, and while we weren’t super consistent (we only did 22 hikes in 2016), we set the stage for 2017 and the 52 Hike Challenge. Because we had already started establishing the habit of weekly hikes in 2016, we were able to build on that, become more consistent, and hit what previously would have been an audacious goal.

There were a few weeks throughout the year were we didn’t go on hikes, but during the summer we had two weeks where we did 5 hikes each week- first when we were at Zion NP, then when we were at Glacier NP.

This year we are repeating our goal of 52 hikes, but with the added goal of increasing the average distance of each hike to more than 2 miles. It’s not a huge change, but it’s a manageable goal, so it’s one that we can achieve.

Here’s 7 steps to establish a family hiking habit:

1. Same time, same day

The biggest factor in our success has been having a consistent time each week for hiking. For us, this is Thursday mornings. The kids now know what to expect on Thursday mornings and are ready for it.

2. Flexibility

While I just said we have a consistent day and time for our hikes, it’s also not set in stone. If something comes up (illness, really bad weather, an appointment that can only be done Thursday morning, etc) we have adjusted and moved our hikes to Wednesday or Friday, or even skipped it that week.

3. Make it a priority

Putting our hikes on our weekly calendar of activities lends it importance. Unless it’s unavoidable, we don’t schedule appointments or activities on Thursday mornings. Finding another time for our hike if something should come up helps ensure that our hikes actually happen. If we didn’t do this, it would be way too easy to blow off our hike one week. And then the next week, and the next.

4. Location, location

We’ve also learned to take advantage of where we are. If we’re on the south side of town for an oil change, we’ll hit up a trail that’s down there, that’s not in our usual rotation. If we’ve got history club at the park, we’ll sometimes go early and hit the trails there beforehand. If we’re at home, there are several local parks that we visit on a rotating basis.

5. Vacation hikes

As I mentioned, we did 5 hikes a week when we were at Zion NP and Glacier NP. We took advantage of the location and our vacation schedule and went on more hikes than we usually do. Vacations are ideal for banking extra hikes while exploring new locations.

6. Be prepared

Weather-appropriate clothing, snacks, and water are all important. But so is a good attitude (kids pick up on our attitudes) and the ability to roll with whatever your children throw at you. Babies need to eat or have their diaper changed, toddlers have meltdowns, teens think they’re too cool for everything…

7. Have some accountability

We did great in 2016, but signing up to complete the 52 Hike Challenge in 2017 upped our game. Committing to complete 52 hikes within the year gave me a concrete goal to work towards, which helps since I am a goal-oriented person. And since I paid for the finisher’s medal when I signed up, I had to actually earn it.

Want to join the 52 Hike Challenge? It’s not too late. The 52 Hike Challenge does not operate on a calendar year, so you can sign up at any time throughout the year, and you have 12 months to complete 52 hikes. Sign up using my link and I’ll earn a small commission at no additional charge to you. My link can be found within this post or the 52 Hike Challenge image on the right (you may need to scroll up a bit).