Motivate your kids while hiking - we show you how
by Nina Winner
We’ll show you how to motivate your kids while hiking – for unforgettable family hiking adventures. With the right ideas, exciting routes, and small rewards, hiking becomes a true adventure for the whole family.
Saalbach Hinterglemm is made for family hikes: varied trails, exciting themed routes, and plenty of play and discovery stations along the way. To keep motivation high all the way to the finish, here are our top tips – plus new, family-friendly highlights like the Kids Hiking Challenge.
1. Choose Adventure Routes!
Kids love variety. Instead of long, monotonous forest roads, narrow mountain paths, loop trails, and activity stations create excitement. Saalbach Hinterglemm offers the perfect options:
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Kids Hiking Challenge – Six exciting themed trails such as the Tree-Top Trail, Fairytale Forest, or Motor Skills Path. Each route features three control stations where points can be collected. Complete three trails to earn a bronze, silver, or gold medal – a fantastic motivator for young hikers. Pick up the flyer with the control card at our reception before you set off.
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Montelino’s Adventure Trail on Kohlmais – stroller-friendly, with plenty of play stations and stunning views.
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Herbal Trail on Reiterkogel – educational, easy to walk, and perfect for short outings.
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Lindlingalm & Teufelswasser in the valley head – nature, water fun, and playgrounds all in one.
Tip: Highlights like the mystical Teufelswasser or a visit to a rustic mountain hut help keep spirits high – and a snack with a view makes for the perfect reward at your destination.
2. Together is Better than Alone!
Hike together with other families. Kids motivate each other and quickly develop the ambition to keep up. Let the youngest take the “lead” from time to time – finding the route, reading a map, or locating the next stamp station.
3. Play Your Way to the Goal!
If the route becomes too monotonous, small games and creative tasks can help:
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Guessing games like “I’m going on a trip and I’m packing…”
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Photo safari: kids take pictures of special flowers, animals, or funny-shaped trees
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Hand-carved hiking sticks or a tour book collecting stamps from mountain huts
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Discover nature: observe ants with a magnifying cup or pick a bouquet of wildflowers
4. Take Plenty of Short Breaks!
Allow enough time for your hike – without rushing. Breaks are important, not only for drinking or eating. Skipping stones in a stream, balancing on tree trunks, or watching animals along the way will help recharge everyone’s energy.
5. End with a Shared Experience!
Wrap up the hike with a special moment: an ice cream in the village center, a funny family photo, or a self-made flower crown. Such rituals create lasting memories – and often lead to the question: “When are we going hiking again?”
Extra Tip from the ADLER RESORT:
At our reception, you’ll not only find maps and tips for the most family-friendly trails but also up-to-date information on the Kids Hiking Challenge and the best easy routes in Saalbach Hinterglemm. This way, your family hiking day is guaranteed to be a success!
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