Taking walks in the fresh air is more than a great idea to distract yourself, you can do it during almost any time of the year, depending on the weather. This activity can be done with family and friends, everyone can achieve positive benefits for their physical and mental health. It will allow children to release their energy and enjoy more freedom.

“Unlike riding bikes or sharing toys on the playground, hiking is something parents don't have to control,” says Maria Sechrist, who runs Hike Snowmass and brings her two sons ( 1 and 3 years old) on an excursion with her husband. "Tell the kids, 'Go ahead, be the leader,' and they'll feel like they're in charge, deciding where to go and when to take a break," she concludes.

No matter how old your kids are, everyone can enjoy hiking with the following tips from Fitbit.

Choose the right path. “My husband and I have a 'do less' attitude,” says Sechrist. "We'd rather the kids have fun than hit a waterfall or walk a certain number of miles." So put aside your interests and think: How long can I keep my children's attention during a walk? Then pick a path that they can complete in less time. Once you know your kids can do, say, a half-hour walk, build up from there.

So, while they start this new walking dynamic, they can also choose from their Fitbit app fun ways to start, such as an adventure race, and thus be able to feel that they are traveling iconic routes such as the Valley Loop or the Pohono Route. In this challenge they will virtually tour picturesque places of interest and unlock panoramic photos while completing kilometers on the map.

Also make sure the conditions aren't too difficult for your little ones. They might find it fun to climb a little rock climbing, but if you choose a trail that is too challenging, they won't enjoy it. “And trying to talk them into another hike will be less likely,” says Wesley Trimble, creative and communications director for the American Hiking Society, who hikes with his 3-year-old son.

“And of course, check that the trail is safe and has no steep drops or other potential hazards. Consider consulting trail guides to help you find the best path,” suggests Trimble.

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Pack snacks. Load up with hiking-friendly foods that your kids like. “Having a few of their favorites will help keep them energized and excited on the trail,” Trimble says. And don't forget the water or juice too.

Check her shoes. “Kids don't need hiking boots. The investment is not worth it, as their feet can grow quickly when they are young,” says Trimble. Instead, always choose closed-toe shoes (no sandals, no flip-flops) so dirt and rocks are less likely to bother them. Then, check to see that the shoes are laced snugly, but not too tight, and that their toes have room to wiggle. The most important thing is to examine the footprints of the shoes. Choose ones that cannot slip.

Consider layers (or not). Trimble recommends packing plenty of warm clothing to make sure her children (especially the little ones in carriers) stay warm on the trail. On the other hand, Sechrist recommends leaving extra clothes and diapers in the car and simply walking only when the weather is nice and you don't need to bring extra clothes.

Keep your kids engaged. “A walk can test your child's attention span. To avoid boredom, keep their personalities in mind,” says Trimble. "Some kids want to explore instead of walk." If that's the case, let them look at the stream, play with a branch, or examine each flower.

Or if your kids are very creative and imaginative, consider telling stories along the way, perhaps with their favorite characters.

“They can also play games like I Spy, I Spy, or Check the Alphabet and try to find things in nature for each letter,” Trimble recommends. “For hard letters like Q, look for things that are shaped like that letter or objects that start with that letter. Or they can just look for cool sticks or rocks.”

Together with Fitbit, you can make your walks more fun by setting up challenges as a family through the Fitbit app. Pair your device and the new Fitbit Ace 3 for Kids to create a family account to connect so you can see your kids' daily activity stats and make every move a part of a fun, healthy lifestyle.

Fitbit Ace 3 offers a new waterproof design for kids ages 6 and up with fun colors, challenges, and kid-focused features while inviting them to spend more family time through physical activity.

In addition, from the application, you can set animated reminders that will arrive on the screen of your Fitbit Ace 3, so that they move and stretch their legs when they have been sitting for a long time. Thus, the more they activate, they will be able to obtain virtual badges that will motivate them to keep walking and find new ways to beat their records.

Monitor their moods. Kids will naturally tire before parents do. “You can always choose a trail that has multiple paths to allow you to shorten the hike if necessary,” says Sechrist. “Also, be patient for frequent breaks (especially as time goes by) and go at a slower pace,” Trimble concludes.

Lastly, be prepared for anything. “If you start to hear an increase in whining or you have to try to keep them engaged more often, that indicates that you are in for a run on with exhaustion,” Sechrist says. "Be prepared to drop everything and turn around."

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