Heading out on a family walk, bushwalk or nature trail with kids is much easier when you have a dedicated adventure backpack ready to go. Instead of packing from scratch each time, an adventure backpack keeps all your outdoor essentials in one place and helps kids feel involved and excited about exploring nature.
Wondering what to pack for a family hike with kids? You don’t need to buy a special kit. It’s easy to create your own adventure backpack and customise it to suit your family, your walking style and the ages of your kids.
Hiking essentials for families
These are the practical items you’ll want on almost every family walk.
Backpack
Choose a comfortable backpack with enough room for all your supplies. If kids want to carry their own bag, let them pack their water bottle and a few small items.
Drinking water
Fill refillable water bottles before leaving home, even for short walks.
Snacks
Pack easy, mess-free snacks in reusable containers. Fruit, veggie sticks, crackers, muffins, nuts, granola bars or trail mix are all good options.
Hats
Hats help keep kids warm in winter and protect faces from the sun in summer.
Sunscreen
A must on sunny days. Choose one that’s easy to apply while you’re out and about.
Mozzie spray
Useful in warmer months or near water. If you’re prone to bites, consider mosquito-repellent clothing. Local Newcastle start-up Borne Clothing makes ethical, sustainable mosquito-repellent apparel for adults and kids, with profits supporting research into mosquito-borne diseases.
Change of clothes
Extra pants, shorts, t-shirt and socks are handy for kids who love water, mud or messy play.
Waterproof bag
A sealable waterproof bag is perfect for wet or dirty clothes.
Small towel
A lightweight microfibre towel comes in handy near beaches, creeks or rock pools.
Rain ponchos
Disposable rain ponchos take up very little room and are great if the weather turns.
Nature exploration items kids love
These items help kids connect with nature and turn a simple walk into an adventure.
Field guides or nature apps
Pack a field guide based on your child’s interests, such as birds, wildflowers or fungi. Popular options include The Australian Bird Guide by Menkhorst, Rogers and Clarke, Field Guide to Australian Birds by Michael Morcombe, and Birds of Australia by Pizzey and Knight. If you prefer digital options, the Morcombe and Stewart or Pizzey and Knight bird apps are excellent.
Notebook
A small notebook gives kids space to draw, write or record what they discover.
Pencils and crayons
Pencils are great for sketching. Crayons can be used for leaf or bark rubbings.
Binoculars
Compact binoculars are perfect for spotting birds, dolphins or whales along coastal walks. Kids’ versions are widely available.
Camera
Giving kids their own camera lets them document their adventure without worrying about your phone. Look for a simple, durable model.
Magnifying glass
A magnifying glass helps kids get a closer look at bugs, leaves and textures.
Bug boxes
For children fascinated by insects, pack a bug box or small container with air holes so they can observe creatures briefly before releasing them.
Safety and just-in-case items
These items provide peace of mind on family walks.
First aid kit
A small kit is useful for scrapes, cuts and minor mishaps.
Hand sanitiser
Handy before snacks or after using public facilities.
Baby wipes
Great for cleaning hands, faces and muddy knees.
Torch
A small torch is useful for peering into tree hollows or rocky crevices.
Compass
Using a compass is a great skill for kids to learn and a useful backup if phone batteries run flat.
Whistle
If someone gets separated, a whistle can help attract attention. You can even give kids their own whistle for reassurance.
Handy extras for nature play
These aren’t essential, but they add an extra layer of fun.
Ziploc or paper bags
Clear bags are useful for temporary collections such as leaves, rocks or shells.
Please note that in NSW National Parks it is illegal to pick flowers or remove natural items. Always follow local guidelines.
A reader suggestion from Kathryn D:
“We pack brown paper bags to collect shells and gumnuts. Sometimes I draw pictures on the bag of bush treasures and the kids go on a scavenger hunt finding them.”
Rubbish bag
Bring a spare bag to carry out your own rubbish or any litter you find along the way.
Small toys or digging tools
Another reader suggestion from Lauren H:
“We pack small cars, trowels or dump trucks so kids can play in the dirt. They love it.”
Good to know before you head out
- Always check weather conditions before setting out
- Stick to marked tracks where possible
- Encourage kids to observe, photograph or draw nature rather than collect it
- Leave places as you found them so others can enjoy them too
Keep your adventure backpack packed
Using a dedicated adventure backpack means you’re always ready for a family walk or nature outing. Adjust items for the season, refresh snacks and water regularly, and let kids help pack and unpack so they feel involved.
A well-stocked adventure backpack makes getting outdoors easier, more relaxed and far more fun for everyone.
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