5 Ways Hiking as a Family Builds Resilient Kids

When Stasia Savasuk and her family started hiking every Sunday, they weren’t aiming to raise gritty, self-aware kids. They just wanted to get outside more. But a year and a half later—after snowy trails, bug-infested woods, and plenty of mid-hike meltdowns—they discovered something powerful:

Hiking together is one of the best tools for raising resilient kids.

Here’s what she shared on this episode of The Today’s Mama Podcast:

1. It Normalizes Discomfort

From mosquito swarms to freezing rain, every hike brings unexpected challenges. And yet, they go anyway.

“We hike every Sunday. No exceptions. If it’s five degrees or raining buckets, we go.”

That consistency helps kids learn that discomfort is a normal part of life—and that it doesn’t need to stop them.

“Before we committed, we only went out when the weather was perfect — five days a year.”

2. It Builds Emotional Endurance

When a 6-year-old is crying halfway up the trail, it’s tempting to turn around. But Stasia doesn’t.

“We sit. We wait. We say, ‘When you’re ready, we’ll keep going. But we’re not turning back.'”

This teaches kids to move through frustration, not around it. And that pride often follows persistence.

“My son said, ‘Mom, I didn’t know I could be that strong.'”

Tolerance, resilience, and tenacity are all developed with every muddy, freezing, or buggy trek.

“We hike in mosquito season, black fly season, rain, snow, 5 degrees — doesn’t matter. We go.”

3. It Sparks Powerful Conversations

Without screens or schedules, the trail becomes a place where stories unfold and quiet moments make space for real connection.

“It’s where the school stories come out. Where the real stuff bubbles up.”

This emotional safety net is key to resilience: kids who feel heard and seen are better equipped to bounce back.

4. It Fosters Reverence and Responsibility

Hiking regularly builds a natural respect for the environment. Stasia’s kids now call out litter or graffiti without being prompted.

Kids learn respect for the outdoors by witnessing both its beauty and others’ disrespect.

“They’ve become stewards of the land—because it matters to them.”

They see their impact, understand the consequences, and take ownership. That’s the root of both reverence and responsibility.

“We’ve seen kids throw rocks at birds or graffiti canyons. My kids instantly notice — I don’t have to say a word.”

Reverence for nature is caught, not taught.

5. It Shows Them They Can Do Hard Things

This is the heart of it.

“Everyone has a bad hiking day. But when we support each other, we remember: together, we can do hard things.”

Every trail is a chance to stretch emotional, physical, and mental muscles. And the more they stretch, the more capable they feel.

Practical Tips for Hitting the Trail as a Family

Want to start your own hiking tradition? Here are a few tips from Stasia to make it easier:

Gear up wisely. Microspikes for icy trails, breathable layers for warm days, and always pack bug spray and water.
Let kids carry their own packs. It fosters independence and helps them take responsibility for their own stuff.
Start small and build up. A walk in a local park counts. The habit matters more than the mileage.
Set the expectation. Rain or shine, unless it’s unsafe—you’re going.
Plan for the whines. Normalize that someone might be cranky. Keep going anyway.

You don’t need to live in the mountains to start. Try a weekend walk in your neighborhood or local park. Let your kids lead. Don’t worry about pace or distance.

What matters is showing up.

Because hiking as a family isn’t just good for their legs. It’s good for their hearts.

Listen to the full episode: Today’s Mama Podcast: Stasia Savasuk on Hiking, Resilience, and Family Connection