For some hikers, exploring nature is rewarding enough, but others need a bit more than an interesting bird or a picturesque stream to stay excited and motivated. Here are some of our favorite trail games.

• Follow the leader: Give each kid an opportunity to take the lead, including setting the pace, scheduling stops and water breaks, and investigating things along the way.

• Wildlife watch: Encourage everyone to notice interesting plants and animals and keep a group checklist. Award treats for noteworthy sightings.

• Treasure hike: Have kids take turns hiding an object along the trail for everyone else to look for.

• Sing-alongs: Sing rounds, especially ones that call for fun choreography, such as "The Hokey Pokey," or play name that tune.

• Storytelling: Tell a progressive story that passes from hiker to hiker.

• Water races: Hold stick or leaf races each time you come to a stream or river.

• Guessing games: Have each person predict how many trail markers you'll see, how many hikers you'll pass along the trail, or how many steps it takes to get from one spot to another.

Take Breaks

Establish a schedule for stopping along the way for short breaks, maybe every 20 minutes or so, or at a series of predetermined landmarks--the first stream crossing, when we get to the lake, at the top of the hill. That way kids have doable goals to shoot for and less of a tendency to ask for stops. When you do stop, take stock of how everyone is feeling. Feet okay? Need more sunscreen? Drinking plenty of water? Encourage everyone to adjust clothing to stay comfortable.

Try to have a final destination where you can stop to enjoy the view. It might be the top of a mountain peak, a lakeside beach, a waterfall, or a picnic area along a rail trail. Wherever it is, celebrate the achievement by dropping your packs, taking a group photo, and having something to eat. This is also a perfect time to revisit all the things you've seen and moments that you'll want to remember. Ask everyone to contribute their favorite sights so far and encourage kids to record these things in their notebooks or journals.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated June 2005.