Spring, which unfolds in the months between March and June, (sometimes even in July), is a wonderful time to rediscover nature and spending time outdoors with the whole family. The days stretch, the landscapes awaken with bright colors and the temperatures become more mild, creating the ideal conditions for simple excursions, perfect also for the smallest explorers.
When excursions in spring are not long or demanding, but are more like walks with children or in any case suitable for everyone, they are often the ones that leave room for discovery, play and improvisation. If you participate in an excursion indicated as FOR EVERYONE, even for children, we will probably take a walk on the plain, on a simple path, sometimes in a wood, sometimes on the route of the old Spoleto-Norcia railway, sometimes for the flowering of Castelluccio without going to the mountains.
However, even for the easiest rides, it’s important to be prepared. The weather in spring can be changeable, with sudden changes in temperature or showers of rain. Having the right equipment ensures comfort and safety for young and old.
The essentials in your backpack (and on!) for spring hikes with children
Here’s what you can’t miss when preparing your clothes and / or backpack for a simple walk in the mountains, mainly 3 things put in bold!
Water: very important to remain hydrated, especially if the excursion, even if short, is under the sun. Reusable bottles are ideal, at least half a liter per head is to be considered indispensable.
Right shoes and strata clothing: during the walks in the mountains the weather changes easily and a day can be well -filed with short sleeves, a day can be extremely windy. The golden rule in spring is to have strata clothing. Start with a breathable base layer (avoid cotton that holds the humidity), add a light batteries or a overall sweatshirt and finish with a waterproof and windproof external layer (a K-way or a light jacket). The trousers can be long and comfortable to protect you from insects and small thorns.
Also for more simple activities it is essential to walk safely on land (sometimes irregular or slippery) then please also for a simple walk choose low trekking shoes or robust sneakers with a good non -slip sole. If there are also 200 meters in altitude in the activity, it is essential to have trekking shoes. For simple walks the important thing is to have ‘closed’ shoes, sandals are not recommended in the mountains. Make sure they are comfortable and that the children have already worn them. Beyond the shoes I recommend taking the choice of socks. You prefer technical trekking socks, which help prevent blisters and keep their foot dry.
Summer and the sun: with the arrival of the beautiful days the sun is always an element that can be problematic! Even if the sun does not seem very strong, in the spring it can be deceptive, especially in the central hours. Always bring hat and sunglasses. A hat protects from the sun and light wind, while the glasses defend the sensitive eyes of children. Finally, the sun cream is also recommended, even on cloudy days. Apply it before going out and bring it with you for any reapplications.
You can always bring an energy snack: fresh or dried fruit, biscuits, cereal bars or small sandwiches are perfect for full energy during a small break, even with the most simple activities if you want!
Do not forget a complete gearbox, including spare socks, to keep in the car to return to the car … if sweaty or if it rains can change your day! Furthermore, if you have very young children who could get tired, an ergonomic support to bring them with you will make the excursion easier for everyone, therefore an indispensable of a brush backpack or a baby carrier is essential.
Some extra tips: always bring a waste bag. We are often in natural areas where there are no ‘garbage baskets’ and it is always necessary to have the right respect for nature, bringing home all our waste.
What do we forget? The camera! For excursions that I organize is always recommended!
Once you have prepared everything you need, all that remains is to go! … but have you already booked? If you don’t have much experience in organizing excursions, you may also ask for chat for Telegram
If you are looking for information to organize your outing at another time of the year, look at THE COMPLETE LIST OF WHAT TO BRING ON AN EXCURSION.
Do you want more information? Contact me on 3479108946 or via email or Telegram
What to bring in general on excursions?
Safety must be our biggest concern and, although there are different situations in every season, I invite you to always check ‘what to bring’:
- what to bring on a walk or hike in spring
- what to bring on a hike in summer
- what to bring on autumn excursions
- what to bring on snowshoes or winter excursions
Do you want more information? Contact me on 3479108946 or via email or Telegram