The new school year is just around the corner, so there is still time for one last summer adventure with the whole family. Why not head into nature and introduce your children to the beauty of Estonia? If you have never been hiking with children before, here are a few useful tips to keep in mind when choosing a trail.
Choose a Short Trail
Children do not need the challenge of completing a 30-kilometre hiking trail. A route of 1–3 kilometres is perfectly suitable for a young nature enthusiast.
Allow Plenty of Time
An average adult walks approximately three kilometres per hour, but you will probably not move quite as quickly with children. They may need encouragement and more frequent breaks, and their walking pace will be slower because there is so much to stop and explore along the way.
Bring Snacks and Plan Games
If walking starts to feel tiring, a biscuit or piece of fruit can help motivate children to keep going. It is also worth thinking in advance about ways to make the hike more playful, as a long walk may eventually become boring for them.
The games do not need to be complicated. You could look for different colours and leaves in nature or try to identify animal tracks together.
Look for Varied Scenery
Children tend to enjoy trails with varied surroundings, opportunities to climb and flowing water to watch. Trails following rocky beaches, passing lakes or rivers, or winding through forests where children can play are often especially exciting for them.
Which Hiking Trail Should You Choose?
Estonia is full of short, family-friendly hiking trails. Here are a few of our recommendations.
Keila-Joa Park Nature Trail
Keila-Joa Park is approximately a one-hour bus journey from Tallinn. This varied two-kilometre trail is an excellent choice for children.
The trail passes through a manor park and features several suspension bridges and stairways. There are plenty of benches along the route, while the magnificent waterfall is naturally the biggest attraction.
Kabli Nature Study Trail
The Kabli Nature Study Trail is located by the sea and follows a boardwalk, making it accessible with a pushchair. Along the route, you will find two birdwatching towers that are fun to climb and the Priivitsa campfire site, which is perfect for a picnic.
Kabli Nature Study Trail is approximately a one-hour bus journey from Pärnu.
Taevaskoda Hiking Trail
The Taevaskoda Hiking Trail is a three-kilometre circular route through the exceptionally beautiful landscape of Southern Estonia. Along the way, you will encounter the sandstone outcrops of Small and Great Taevaskoda, spring caves and picturesque views.
Climb the stairways, cross scenic bridges and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The route also passes an interesting hydroelectric power station. This is undoubtedly one of Estonia’s most beautiful hiking trails.
Children should be supervised carefully, however, as some of the higher sections of the trail reach up to 20 metres.
Orjaku Nature Trail
If you are holidaying on Hiiumaa, take the children to the Orjaku Nature Trail. This two-kilometre trail follows the shore of Käina Bay and is a fascinating destination for birdwatchers. As many as 192 different bird species have been spotted here.
Watching waterbirds from the observation tower is an exciting experience for hikers of all ages. You can also cross a mud bridge and follow a boardwalk through the reed beds.
Fairy Trail
Another lovely place for exploring nature with children is the Fairy Trail, located approximately a ten-minute drive from Elva. Stepping onto the trail feels like entering an enchanted forest.
Be sure to bring baskets or containers that you can fill with mushrooms and berries. This provides a wonderful opportunity to teach children about edible mushrooms and introduce them to wild berries.
The 1.4-kilometre trail is full of exciting surprises. You may discover Witch Island with its Little Witch’s House, charming wooden sculptures and even a low-ropes adventure course in the middle of the forest, where children can climb to their hearts’ content.