I was not raised in a camping family. My first camping excursions were summer camp related to Junior High School leadership camp which revolved around cabins rather than tents. I did my first “real” hike in college one summer when a group of us drove from Boston to the Catskills and camped in a tent. It was an amazing experience to not change my clothes for 3 days! And the wilderness and adventure of crossing a large stream was also an incredible life-changing experience.
My husband doesn’t like to camp, but he is up for hiking. Most of our hikes are quite tame and involve walking the dog around a 1.5-mile loop around a reservoir. There is nature there, to be sure. And the seasons are expressed daily with new happenings from ferns budding to birds returning from their migration south. There is always something new to discover! This is our suburban version of hiking!
For those who don’t have nature easily accessible, I also think an “urban” hike can be as memorable. Some cities are famous for creating urban paths that wind around a river or a canal! New York City created an elevated walking path called The High Line with plenty of people watching and doses of flowers as well.
What are your hiking memories or recommendations either for a book or a location? Thanks for sharing!
p.s. I am giving away a signed copy of Camp Grandma and Grandpa! Please fill out the Rafflecopter below.
Camp Grandma and Grandpa by Gina Bellisario, illustrated by Chloe Burgett
Leo and Tessa stay overnight with their grandparents, the best camp counselors in the world! Grandpa and Grandma create fun camp-themed activities, but the strange noises they hear at night aren’t part of the plan! [picture book, ages 3 and up]
Activity guide here:
Activity Guide_Camp Grandma and Grandpa
Enter to win signed copy here:
Hiking and Camping Books for Kids
Hike by Pete Oswald
A father and child go on a hike. They wake up early and drive out of their suburb and city to hit the mountains. There is a lot to discover on their hike: insects, wild animals, and bear tracks! There is even a bit of snow towards the top … enough to make a snowball! Parts of the hike are scary, like walking on a long log to cross the wide stream. But it’s worth it to see the waterfall! The father and child find a perfect spot to plant a baby tree. Their wonderful day is one for the memory box! This nearly wordless picture book captures the wonders and bonding experience of a family hike. The cover is also particularly visually arresting, hinting at the adventure inside! [picture book, ages 4 and up]
We took a similar hike “adventure” in Kauai with steep inclinations and water crossings, and were rewarded with a waterfall at the end. It also tested the limits of our ability to survive!
Leo on a Hike (Leo Can!) by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Ruth Hearson
Leo and his dad go on a hike. Leo is in the backpack carrier when he notices a tiny leaf. He gets out to explore when they stop for a snack. The mud is squishy and he makes some discoveries in nature. They head back home after a perfect day outdoors. [board book, ages baby and up]
A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney and Brian Pinkney
A grieving boy finds a map of the woods with an X to mark a spot from his recently deceased father. It was their special place, and he’s angry that his father is gone. He sets off to find the spot on the map and nature comforts him at every turn. The treasure is a locked box filled with poems that his father wrote when he was the same age as his son is now. There is a story behind this story of father and son, Jerry and Brian Pinkney, and the walks they shared. Like the poems left behind, Jerry left a legacy, including the sketches for this book for the boy in the book and for all of us to enjoy. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
Tasha’s Voice by Carmen Bogan, illustrated by Floyd Cooper and Daria Peoples
Tasha is new to this school and finds her voice after she and her class take a field trip to a national park. Nature is therapy for both Tasha and her classmates, and provides the bridge she needs to make new friends and finally feel comfortable enough to express herself. This book is a collaborative effort between Floyd Cooper, who passed away from cancer before completing the illustrations, and his mentee, Daria Peoples. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
You Make the World by Muon Thi Van, illustrated by Phung Nguyen Quang and Huynh Kim Lien
A father gives his child powerful affirmations during a camping trip by comparing the natural world to his child’s energy and emotional strength. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
Climbing the Volcano: A Journey in Haiku by Curtis Manley, illustrated by Jennifer K. Mann
Review by A Kids Book A Day:
“A boy narrates his family’s adventure to climb South Sister, a dormant volcano in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon, using haiku poetry to tell the story. It’s an all-day hike, up past the tree line, into the snow, and finally to the summit! The descent is easier, and they finish the day back at their campsite for dinner and a well-earned rest. There’s additional information at the end about South Sister, the Cascades, what to bring on a hike, the flora and fauna encountered in the book, and haiku.” [picture book, ages 4 and up]
The Hike by Alison Farrell
A hike is an adventure, no matter how far you go. In this charming picture book, young hikers run, forage, make leaf baskets, and sketch as they cross a river, climb a hill, and see lots of wildlife. It’s a perfect day and a perfect read to inspire a hike of your own! Pair this with A Stick is a Wonderful Thing. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
The Camping Trip by Jennifer K. Mann
This is a sweet story about Ernestine’s first time camping with her cousin and aunt. It involves a lot of items to pack, including interesting camping items. Her first hike is more challenging than walking to school. When Ernestine starts to feel homesick at bedtime, she finds that looking at the night sky with millions of bright stars helps. Her first time camping turned out to be amazing! I really liked how this picture book portrayed an all-female camping trip. The African American characters in the story are a nod to diversity, but the story is simply about a camping trip with the family. [picture book, ages 3 and up]
Road Trip! Camping with the Four Vagabonds: Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, and John Burroughs by Claudia Friddell, illustrated by Jeremy Holmes
Between 1914 and 1924, these three famous inventors and naturalist John Burroughs took many camping trips together including to Yosemite, Big Bend, Hot Springs, the Adirondacks, and the Smoky Mountains. They each played a role in planning their vacations. Henry Ford was in charge of activities and keeping the car running (naturally!). Thomas Edison provided navigation and led discussions. Harvey Firestone was in charge of the supplies. John Burroughs kept a journal of their adventures and also provided insights into the natural world. Their camping trips became famous and crowds soon pestered them for autographs. Still, this foursome inspired millions to follow in their footsteps as recreational campers. The illustration and design of the books have the playful feel of an animated old-timey cartoon which might give the impression that this is a fictional story similar to the “Who Would You Invite to Dinner” game, but this really happened! [picture book biography, ages 7 and up]
Eclipse by Andy Rash
Review by A Kids Book A Day:
“Two months ago, I learned there would be a total solar eclipse,” the narrator begins. ”A month ago, I picked out the perfect place and time to watch the eclipse.” The countdown is on as he orders official eclipse glasses a week before the eclipse, travels with his dad a day before to a campsite near the big event, packs up to go to the perfect viewing site an hour before, and arrives a minute before.” [picture book, ages 4 and up]
Climb On! by Baptiste Paul, illustrated by Jacqueline Alcantara
It’s Saturday morning and instead of watching soccer, a young girl reminds her dad about a hike to the summit! She’s ready to go with everything they need. The hike is beautiful and filled with wild creatures. Creole words are also sprinkled throughout the book. Finally, they make it to the top and it’s worth it for the spectacular view! Alcantara’s gorgeous illustrations capture the exuberant movement of this great father/daughter adventure! [picture book, ages 4 and up]
The Curious Garden by Peter Brown
For those with accessibility issues, The Curious Garden is my pick to encourage “urban” hikes like the one Liam and the garden take in this dreary urban environment. My favorite urban hikes are The High Line in New York City and the River Walk in San Antonio. (The High Line is a 1.45 mile long (2.33 km) elevated linear park, greenway, and rail trail created on a former New York Central Railroad spur on the west side of Manhattan in New York City.) [picture book, ages 4 and up]
Alphonse, There’s Mud on the Ceiling by Daisy Hirst
Two lovable monster siblings Natalie and Alphonse are excited to go camping without leaving their apartment! They use their imaginations to pretend to camp. Sometimes it takes just a little resourcefulness to experience the “great outdoors.” [picture book, ages 2 and up]
Maisy Goes Camping by Lucy Cousins
Maisy and her friends go camping in this humorous story that also includes a message about cooperation and compromise. The best 10-person tent is the focus of their camping experience and young readers might be motivated after this story to pitch their own tents either outside or a pretend one under a table! [picture book, ages 2 and up]
Astrid and Apollo & The Starry Campout by V.T. Bidania, illustrated by Dara Lashia Lee
Astrid is afraid of the dark and doesn’t want to go on her family camping trip. But her twin brother, Apollo, is excited. When they encounter scary things such as crawly bugs and the creepy dark, Apollo helps his twin through them. And when they encounter the scariest thing of all, Astrid might just be the one to save the starry campout. [early chapter book, ages 6 and up]
The Infamous Ratsos Camp Out by Kara LaReau, illustrated by Matt Myers
Camping is not easy. Louie and Ralphie try to adhere to the Scout’s motos that they are always able to solve problems without asking for help, but when things go awry in the woods, they learn that the motto also means that sometimes it’s ok to get assistance. [early chapter book, ages 5 and up]
Hiking 101: Tips and Advice for Little Campters by Hedviga Gutierrez
Readers who are new to camping will find this primer on hiking helpful and entertaining. It covers all the basics and would be particularly helpful for anyone who has anxiety about hiking and camping. [nonfiction chapter book, ages 6 and up]
What To Do If You Meet A Bear by Sepanka Sekaninova, illustrated by Adam Wolf
Pair this book with Hiking 101. It goes into more detailed scenarios for nature survival. While the illustrations project humor, the information is helpful and accurate for what to do in dangerous situ[nonfiction chapter book, ages 6 and up]
Take a Hike!: And Other Ways to De-Stress and Relax in Nature by Kate Chynoweth
This beautifully designed nonfiction chapter book reminds the reader of the wonders of nature. It is chock-full of ideas and activities to go outside, protect our environment, and use nature to relax. [nonfiction middle grade, ages 8 and up]
5 Hiking Picture Book GIVEAWAY to One Winner!
A huge thank you to Candlewick Press for hosting the five hiking book giveaway! One winner will receive all 5 hiking picture books!
p.s. Related posts:
Free Resources to Keep Kids Active
Picture Books to Get Kids Outdoors
Family Challenge: 8 Mile (Death Defying) Hike
Stick Toys: A Stick is a Excellent Thing
We Learn About Native Hawaiian Culture
How to Keep Mosquitos Away From Your Yard (and Kids)
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We like to look in the gift shops for the State parks we visit for pocket guides for local animals or plants. The books are usually small (which appeals to my kids), and they are usually laminated (which is great for throwing into a backpack when hiking in case they get wet). We live in Georgia and love the Pine Mountain Trail near FDR State Park.
I haven’t done much hiking or camping as I’ve gotten older but I have great memories of hiking by the stream and pond near my middle school during science class and on field trips.
Growing up as the oldest of seven kids I loved camping in a converted school bus. Such great memorizes!
I read a graphic novel about camp called “Camp” that I enjoyed and recently read Have a Little Faith in Me (YA) set at camp.
Thanks for the opportunity to share these with my fourth graders!
“What is a favorite memory of hiking or camping?” Sitting around a campfire and hearing a story–“The Claw”!!
I love books. I can’t remember a specific one about hiking or camping.
I was always hiking through the woods out in the Pacific Northwest as a kid. I think my favorite hikes were through the Hoh Rainforest off of old logging roads. There was also an old abandoned farmstead we used to hike to that had a great area for a picnic near a calm portion of the river. What fun we had. The book list is fantastic.
I have not read a lot of books about camping. I live in Northern MN so we used to camp a lot when I was younger. I remember going out in the canoe with my dad and having a terrible storm come up on us. I also remember the giant wolf spiders. Not a fan. 😉 Now I do more hiking and prefer to stay inside at night. Comforts of home and all that.
I can’t remember a specific one about hiking or camping.
Would love these for our elementary school library-and “Maisy” as a gift to a young future camper!
I don’t know a lot about hiking and camping.