Why overnight hikes are MORE FUN for kids than day walks
If you’ve ever taken your kids tramping, you might have noticed something interesting: they often enjoy overnight hikes far more than day trips. And honestly? It makes sense.
There's so much more adventure on an overnight trip - it offers layers of excitement, adventure, and learning that just don’t happen on a quick out-and-back day hike.
After more than 200 nights in New Zealand huts with my own kids, I’ve seen firsthand how much they thrive on overnight adventures, and prefer them too! Here are some of the biggest reasons why kids love overnight hikes more than day walks - and why you might find them easier as a parent too.
1️⃣ There’s Less Rush
On a day walk, there’s always that little pressure ticking away in the back of your mind: we’ve got to get back to the car… home in time for dinner… the kids need baths before bed. And kids pick up on that energy too.
On an overnight hike, there’s no rush. You’ve got the whole day to get there. Kids can dawdle, stop to poke sticks in the stream, climb rocks, or count fantails - and that’s part of the adventure. As the parent, you relax too, knowing there’s no pile of chores waiting at home that evening. When everyone slows down, the whole family enjoys it more.
2️⃣ You Only Need to Walk One Way
Walking there and back in a day means that you need to pick shorter destinations. But when going overnight, you only walk one way each day meaning it also opens up access to awesome spots that would be too far for a family day trip.
3️⃣ It’s More Adventurous
To kids, walking can sometimes feel a bit pointless: you walk for hours, only to turn around and walk straight back. But when the “destination” is a hut or campsite you get to sleep in, it becomes an epic escapade.
Sleeping in a hut or tent, cooking noodles on a tiny camp stove, brushing your teeth in the bush - these are things kids remember forever. To them, it’s not just “walking” it’s an adventure.
Even simple things like filling drink bottles from a stream or rolling out a sleeping bag feel exciting. These moments give them memories and stories they’ll retell long after the tramp is over.
4️⃣ Experience Nature at Night
Nighttime in the bush is a completely different world. The stars and the nocturnal birds come out. Some plants even look like they glow back at you! Kids are fascinated by these changes - they love shining torches, spotting glow worms, or simply listening to the sounds of the dark.
Yes, it can feel a little spooky for the younger ones, but with parents nearby, that sense of mystery usually turns into excitement. Experiencing the bush at night builds bravery, curiosity, and a deeper connection with nature.
5️⃣ Learn New Skills
Overnight trips naturally come with more skills to learn than day walks. Pitching tents, inflating sleeping mats, lighting stoves, filtering water, toasting marshmallows, and even helping plan the meals gives kids practical outdoor knowledge.
They also see natural rhythms up close like the sun setting, stars appearing, and the sky lighting up at dawn. These aren’t just skills; they’re lessons in resilience, independence, and teamwork.
6️⃣ Eat More Snacks (and Treats!)
Let’s be honest - half the fun of tramping is the food. Kids get a huge thrill out of campsite meals, and overnight hikes give you the chance to pack in “special” food you wouldn’t usually eat at home.
Hot chocolate before bed, porridge in the morning, and dessert after a long walk add so much to the experience. And hike isn't complete without some special snacks along the way!
Overnight hikes make the best memories
Day walks are wonderful, but it’s the overnights that kids really remember. The sense of achievement, the slower pace, the chance to see nature in a new way—all of these combine into something magical.
So next time you’re planning a family adventure, think beyond the day walk. Pack a sleeping bag, pick a family-friendly hut, and experience the magic of an overnight tramp together.
Check out our guides for more!
If you’re just starting out tramping with kids, my book My Overnight Adventure Journal is a fantastic way to introduce kids to tramping. It includes hut info, activities, and journal pages that make trips more engaging.
We've also got our Rexby hut guide which goes into much more detail on over 150 different huts to visit with the kids!
And don’t forget the practical side of things - good food, layered clothing, and outdoor essentials like natural insect repellent, sunscreen, and soothing kawakawa balm help keep everyone comfortable and happy.
Happy adventuring!
