Rubric: Guest Articles
Author: Myroslava Partala
Now, replenishing our inner reserves has become not just desirable but vital. Constant emotional strain, the country’s difficult situation, and uncertainty about the future exhaust even the strongest. That’s why a family getaway in nature is one of the best ways to reboot, feel the power of family bonds, and return to living in the here and now…
More and more families are choosing the relatively safe regions of Ukraine for hiking and camping; even those who have never tried it before are beginning to travel. Some venture beyond our borders (if they have the chance). And, of course, they go with their children. That’s where the questions arise: Is my child ready for a tent trip? What should we take along? How do we organize leisure and meals? And how do we keep them comfortable? “Family Carpathians”— a tour for kids and parents — hiking from Vorokhta, the “Active Madeira Tour: In Search of Pirate Treasures,” — KULUAR offers plenty of wow-options.
Let me share my experience. I’ve been going to the mountains for more than 23 years, and even the birth of my child wasn’t a reason to pause my favorite pastime. At six months pregnant I was still guiding friends up a snow-covered Hymba — the pull of the peaks was that strong. After my son was born, despite mastitis flare-ups, sleepless nights, and a whole new rhythm of life, I kept going. When his first teeth began to cut through, we were already together in Dragobrat. From the very start, the mountains became our shared adventure.
A year passed after that snowy Hymba… We stayed in a hotel, trading snowboard runs for walks with the baby, who was already happily eating solids. That’s when the thought struck me: what if he’s ready for a real trek? So in 2012 we set off for Crimea. We drove from the capital, breaking the trip with overnight stops — first in Myhiya, right by the Integral rapid, and then in the Oleshky Sands. After leaving the car in Simferopol, we set out on foot to explore the eastern mountains. The little one was still nursing but was already crunching on meat 😉 You can’t pack a blender in a backpack, so we just cut tiny pieces, and he managed fine. The hike went so smoothly that I knew: this is our format. Since then, traveling has become our family tradition!
Our second trek took us to the Carpathians, and I was a bit nervous — my son had just weaned, and his appetite was enormous. What should I pack for him? What if hunger catches us on a steep ascent and the food isn’t even on the burner yet? My secret weapon saved me — “Maria” biscuits in my chest pocket. My son rode behind me in a Deuter carrier, so it was easy to hand him a biscuit at the first whimper—right up to the next break.
I carried him like that for three whole years — across rocks, trails, and passes. We dangled over precipices in the Marmarosh, rappelled into the Alaka-Sotera canyon in Crimea… And often our faithful four-legged partner, William the dog, was with us. With him, nothing felt scary.
Life turned out so that my son and I have been trekking together since he was four. Before our first joint hike, I decided to walk the route solo to understand what it would be like — I’d never done a solo trek before. Honestly, it’s a bit tougher with a child: the responsibility doubles, the anxiety and focus rise to a whole new level. But there were always kind people on the trail—tour groups who helped when needed, and drivers who picked us up when we hitchhiked.
Over these five years we’ve explored the most varied corners of the Carpathians, walked part of Turkey’s Lycian Way, and regularly set out on mini tent trips — to Denyshi, Trakhtemyriv, Korostyshiv… And you know what? Each year it gets easier.
My child now has his own hiking backpack — he carries at least his sleeping bag and personal gear. I no longer have to shadow him, guarding every stone in his path — he knows perfectly when to stop and when he can dash ahead.
Now he’s entering a new stage — he increasingly wants to assert his independence, even on the trail. It’s a bit daunting, so I’m thinking about how to channel this independence wisely, keeping everything safe and within reason.
So – the backstory of our trekking evolution with a little one – from a backpack-carrier to independent scouting – has reached its logical milestone. And now it’s high time to share the tips I’ve gathered over these years of adventure.
When mapping out a route with a child, take into account not only picturesque views but – first and foremost – safety. Think ahead: where can you leave the trail in case of an emergency? Are there sheer cliffs, fast-flowing rivers, scree slopes (especially in the Gorgany), or sections that become dangerous in a thunderstorm?
It’s just as important to adapt the route to the child’s age:
There are exceptions, of course: once we managed 20 km in a day, but only thanks to regular training. Fitness matters not just for adults – children need preparation too. If you live in a city, arrange small “expeditions,” for instance across Kyiv’s hills on Lysa Hora. It’s useful and adds a sense of adventure.
If bad weather rolls in, it’s better to stop, rest, and wait out the rain in the tent – kids definitely won’t appreciate trudging along a ridge in a downpour. The fact that grown-up hikers sometimes “storm” Chornohora in any weather doesn’t mean that approach suits trips with children. Always check the forecast: I myself prefer periods of a stable summer anticyclone or the days around a full moon – those bring the fewest surprises in the mountains.
Despite my love of high altitudes and “mountain highs,” when trekking with my son I choose a safe elevation – for now, no higher than 2 000 m. His body is still growing, and loads adults handle easily can be excessive for a child. Let the acquaintance with altitude be gradual, with no risk of hypoxia.
Helpful article: Helpful article: Mountain sickness from A to Z – what it is, symptoms, medications, acclimatization, and how to avoid it.
To make sure the outing leaves only warm memories, prepare in advance. So what should you take – from hiking gear to clothing? Below is a checklist for an active getaway.
Pack for both your needs and the child’s. The must-haves:
As for antibiotics – take them only after consulting a pediatrician or family doctor. They’re not something to use mindlessly, yet finding yourself feverish without meds is risky. I once faced that situation in Turkey and only just reached a doctor in time.
Yes, the forest is a whole new world, but even here a child needs something familiar. Slip a few favorite toys into the pack (cars, dolls, plushies), a bedtime book (reading by headlamp is pure magic), a coloring book, and pencils. These will keep them busy while you cook or set up camp.
From about five or six, a youngster can unzip the tent, put on shoes, and even head to the “forest bathroom” solo. Just show everything in advance. On the trail – sing songs, play “I spy something green,” tell stories, ask about what they see. It strengthens your bond and creates warm memories.
Bring gear for every kind of weather:
Don’t forget spare underwear and, for the littlest ones, diapers. A potty in the woods, though, is definitely extra. Teach the child the natural “camp bathroom” – it’s part of the adventure.
For the tiniest – jars of baby food: meat, vegetable, fruit purées. For older kids – part of the general menu: buckwheat, noodles, instant cereals, freeze-dried meals. Also pack:
Take extra water! If you’re heading into a spring-less area, calculate the amount for everyone – child included. If you plan to draw from rivers or springs, bring a filter or purification tablets.
Same as an adult trek:
First – don’t delay. If anyone feels unwell, take the shortest path back to civilization. Plan the route so there’s always a plan B – a way off the trail. If you have reception, consult a doctor. Abroad, seek local medical help. Don’t hope it “just clears up.” A hike should be pleasant, not a trial.
Handy tips:
A little preparation, a bit of flexibility – and every nature outing becomes a story you’ll fondly recall together.
This guide is for those dreaming of their first family hike and for the kids-at-heart who could name an ice axe and a piton back in kindergarten.
A hike for a child is always more than a simple trip. It’s a game, an adventure, a door to a new world. Honestly, I’m a bit envious of my son: I never had this in my childhood, and he’s already collecting his first “mountain” memories.
True, sometimes other stories surface. I’ve heard grown-ups say, “A tent? The woods? No way! I was dragged on hikes as a kid – I still wake up in a cold sweat. Now it’s only all-inclusive and five stars for me.” That’s exactly what I want to help you avoid. Don’t turn a child’s first outing into “survival.” Even if you run ultratrails and can’t imagine a holiday without glacial dips, remember: your kid doesn’t have to copy your route or style. If you’re used to swimming in icy streams, warm some water for the child – or just use wet wipes. Comfort beats heroics.
Don’t force little legs to walk marathons, don’t rush them, don’t stress-test their nerves. A youngster’s hikes should be about fairy-tale moments, laughter, blueberries straight off the bush, and evening stories by the fire. The hardcore stuff will come later. In their student years they may crave summits “where only one survives,” and after that – cozy tea and a canteen at Everest Base Camp may call again. And that’s fine.
So for now – just enjoy. Because your child is only beginning the journey, and it’s up to you to shape the path ahead!