A Trailside Guide: Parents' Guide to Hiking and Camping

This book covers almost, if not every, aspect of outdoors with kids. Best of all, it's not just for "outdoorsy" families. There are helpful ideas and tips for making it fun, educational and SAFE for all sorts of people, even those of us who prefer the indoors. Why this book works for me and I recommend it: -You can pick it up at any time and reference certain sections. -You don't have to read it all at once. For busy parents, it's a great book to read a little at a time. It's easy to come back too after dealing with the family. -The information on safety for all ages and how to get these valuable Life points across to kids, along with so many ideas on incorporating every personality, age, etc... into one family activity, whether it's an hour, day or weekend... is worth it. I originally purchased for my husband. I ended up reading it in sections as time allowed. And now I've loaned it to a friend. I'd buy this book again and again.

I like the overall philosophy of this book. Has good information on gear for kids, how to make it fun, not getting caught up in "getting there" but just having fun, food, book recomendations, child carriers, motivating kids, games & tons more. Written by outdoors people who have taken their kids on trips from infancy on. I think they get a little carried away on the conservation stuff (like bringing roasting stick from your own yard so you don't cut a branch off a tree in the wild), but that's to be expected from anything by Trailside. If you have a kid & really want to get serious about taking them climbing, camping, hiking, canoeing, etc, this book has some good information. Just reading it is making me want to get out there!

This wonderful book will be useful to anyone wanting to incorporate children of any age into an outdoor-oriented lifestyle, whether you've been hiking and camping for years, or just getting started. Written by an active outdoor-type parent with a young son who was initiated into the outdoor way of life an early age, this book is full of information on how to keep your kids warm, dry, happy, and excited about being outdoors. I especially like the straight forward advice on where you should spend and save your money when it comes to outfitting your kids. It also recognizes that some children embrace an outdoor lifestyle more slowly than others, and has advice for breaking them in slowly and positively. Packed with inspiring pictures, parental tidbits, time-tested advice, and recommended reading, this book will have you planning your next outing in no time. Highly recommended!