Barefoot Hiking: A Fun and Eye-Opening Adventure for Kids and Parents

Hiking barefoot in Hawaii? Now that's an adventure I didn't know I was missing! I had no idea about its benefits until two weeks ago when I met a 65-year-old couple on the trail who shared how hiking barefoot boosts blood circulation, strength, focus, balance, and helps ground us after too much screen time.

I was instantly hooked! So, I gave it a try—first solo, then yesterday with Aurora, my 9-year-old. We had a blast! Here’s why:

Top 5 Reasons to Go Barefoot Hiking with Your Kids:

1. Builds Courage & Confidence

   At first, Aurora was not on board—especially on that cold, rainy day I picked for our hike (yes, I did it on purpose!). Her first step was met with a dramatic yelp of shock. But after a few careful steps, she gained confidence, and soon she was grinning, exclaiming, “I wish we could do this every day!” Resilience and courage kicked in, and she powered through the mud and bumps.

   
   

2. Sensory Awakening

   We usually hike with shoes, but barefoot hiking opens up a whole new world of sensation. We noticed the temperature of each step, the squishy mud, and how we pay less attention to our feet when we’re wearing shoes. Every step was a new discovery—imagine hearing “Oh!” and “Eeek!” echoing through the woods. Tip: pick a muddy day for an extra sensory experience and a gentler path for tender feet!

   
   

   

   
   
   
   

3. Gratitude for the Little Things

   The bumps, pokes, and scuffs made us really appreciate shoes, our skin, the animals and people who go barefoot, and even the trail roots that kept us steady. We found gratitude in the simplest things—clean water to rinse our feet, trees to shelter us, and soap to wash away the dirt. The whole experience was filled with giggles and thanks.

   
   

4. Encourages Mindfulness

   The bumps and scuffs made us slow down and be extra mindful of each step. We noticed every rock, twig, and stone, appreciating the textures and colors. Hiking barefoot was a constant reminder to stay present and aware of the world beneath our feet.

   
   

5. Creates Lasting Bonding Moments

   We felt like we were experiencing hiking for the first time. The trail, the rocks, the mud—it was all new and exciting! It was such a special bonding time for us, exploring, sharing, and accomplishing something together. We finished the hike feeling proud, with a sense of accomplishment we’ll never forget.

   
   

Huge thanks to that inspiring couple who got me hooked on this barefoot trend!