Little kids dawdle along the trail. They don't care about the destination. They care about what's right in front of them: the stream flowing under the trail, the wildflower that's blooming, the root of the big tree underfoot. Toddlers and young children tend to have spurts of energy. They hike along energetically, then suddenly want to be picked up. Cold and hot temperatures confuse them and bug them.

Fortunately, hiking with small children is incredibly rewarding. Slowing down helps you appreciate all of the little things that make our ecosystem so diverse. And there is nothing better in celebrating a child's accomplishment or seeing something from a fresh perspective.

So what are the secrets for a successful hike?

Choose a hike that is short and with a destination that would be interesting to a small child. Water is quite enticing; views not as much.

Be flexible - Don't be so destination-driven that you ignore the signs your child is ready to turn around. To create a life-long hiker, you want his or her first experiences to be good ones.

Pack extra clothes - Always bring a jacket, hat and an extra set of clothes.

Stop often for energy breaks - Food and water can be a great reviver and motivator.

Pack a lot of patience and praise - It's all about the journey, so let them explore every nook and cranny while at the same time praising them for their little accomplishments.