How starting your child’s outdoor journey early develops confidence and emotional growth
When my sons were a few months old I strapped each of them into a backpack carrier and stepped into the wild. They were too young to walk, talk, or even hold themselves upright for long stretches. But that didn’t stop us as parents from showing them the beautiful world outdoors.
The Sooner, the Better
Some parents wait until their kids are older before taking them on hikes or camping trips, thinking
They won’t remember it anyway.
But waiting often means missing a key window. Even if a child doesn’t recall the details of that first mountain breeze or the crunch of dry leaves underfoot, the benefits are undeniable. They’re learning early that the outdoors is a safe, familiar, and meaningful place to be.
Research backs this up. Studies show that time in nature
- improves motor skills,
- supports emotional regulation,
- reduces stress hormones
- and boosts sensory development
— even in infants and toddlers.
The more a child experiences natural environments in those early years, the more likely they are to feel confident and comfortable outdoors as they grow.
Normalize the Wild
That first hike with my oldest son, Zach, started off great — he was wide-eyed and alert, soaking in every sound and color. But about halfway through, he got fussy. I ended up carrying him in my arms while navigating a rocky path, sweat running down my back. It was far from picture-perfect. Still, I’d do it again without hesitation.
When Levi came along, we didn’t think twice. He was bundled into the same carrier and brought along on trails and nature walks before he could even crawl. It became part of our rhythm as a family.
What we’ve learned is this: starting early turns the outdoors from something special into something normal. It doesn’t feel like a “trip” anymore.
It just feels like life.
So don’t wait until your child is old enough to keep up or carry their own backpack. Take them outside now. Even if they nap through the whole thing, they’re breathing in something good.
Start them young — and watch what happens.
I have been writing for 16 years on various topics. As a father and outdoor adventure leader, I’m passionate about faith, family and nature. “Raising Outdoor Christian Kids” is my story of lessons learned, fires built, trails walked, and passions passed on.
