Discover the World: 5 Family-Friendly Hikes with Breathtaking Views
- Alanna Gabbett
- Mar 7
- 20 min read
Updated: Apr 9
Although there are numerous stunning hikes worldwide and various landscapes to explore, some may not be suitable for children. We strongly believe in encouraging our children's independence and allowing them to engage in risky activities safely, but certain experiences are best reserved for when they are older. While many hikes remain on our bucket list for now, we have completed several hikes around the world that have truly stood out as some of the most beautiful and rewarding.
During our travels to almost 40 countries, we've undertaken some amazing hikes with our kids -granted, we frequently carry them on our backs (during these hikes, they were between 12 months and 4 years old). However, we believe that most children could complete these hikes, and we frequently saw young children on these trails.
Hiking with kids can be a transformative experience, allowing families to connect with nature, challenge themselves physically, and create lasting memories. The world is filled with stunning trails that cater to families, offering beautiful vistas and unique landscapes.
In this blog post, we’ll explore five breathtaking family-friendly hikes that we believe are perfect for adventurers of all ages. From the majestic mountains of Oman to the serene lakes of Kosovo, these hikes provide not just exercise but also a fantastic opportunity to bond with your children in the great outdoors and help them nurture a love for nature.
In this guide:
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Balcony Walk- Jebel Shams
Oman
Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 5.2 miles out and back Length: 4-5 hours Best time of year: December to February Marked path: Yes Starting point: HERE
How to Get There
The trailhead can be reached by car and involves traversing over unpaved gravel and rocky roads. While it's recommended to drive up to Jebel Shams in a 4x4 vehicle, you can get there just fine in a standard car (our standard car did just fine). Just drive slowly and avoid the larger rocks on the road. There's ample parking by the trailhead.
You should not attempt to drive to the trailhead in a standard car if there's been heavy rain. The police may even stop you before the road turns to gravel.If you don't have a rental car, there are plenty of guides for hire that will take you to the trailhead. The host of our guesthouse also offered to drive us to the trailhead for a fee so that may be an option for you.
An Overview of the Hike
The Jebel Shams Balcony Walk (also known as the W6 route) is an easy-moderate hike that captures some of the most impressive views in the country of Oman. Known as the "Grand Canyon of Oman," Jebel Shams is the highest peak in the country, standing at over 3,000 meters. The balcony walk gives families a chance to experience breathtaking views of the canyon while being safely positioned along a well-marked trail.
The trail does feature some narrow, rocky, and uneven paths, so it's best to keep children close. If you have toddlers, we highly recommend carrying them on your back (we saw many families doing this here) and older children can walk, however, just be sure to keep them close. There are no fences, barriers, or rope, and some areas may have steep drops and narrow pathways, so take your time and always stay on the marked path.
YouTube Video Coming Soon - Subscribe HERE!
While we chose not to take our children on this hike, we believe we could have safely taken them, although it was a pretty exhausting hike.What to Expect
As you begin the hike, you'll notice the arid terrain, filled with rocks and mountain peaks in the distance. Along the trail, you will encounter towering cliffs surrounding the canyon, creating an awe-inspiring backdrop that will leave both kids and adults in disbelief. Keep your eyes peeled for the endemic flora and fauna that call this region home and be mindful of the many wild goats that reside here. They will frequently lie on the path or kick up rocks from above ledges and cliffs.
There are limited services on the trail, however, toward the beginning (maybe 5 minutes in) there's a shop with drinks, snacks, and coffee, and even a primitive restroom you can use (for a small fee - cash only).
The trail is marked fairly well with red/white/yellow markers and it's nearly impossible to get lost as there's only one way to go around the canyon.
What's at the End?
After approximately 1-2 hours or 2.5 miles, you'll arrive at a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the canyon. This is a perfect spot to pause and enjoy a packed breakfast or lunch while taking in the stunning scenery.
At this juncture, you can choose to turn back or, if you're feeling adventurous, continue onward, climbing over large rocks toward a beautiful hidden lake. Although people do swim in the lake, it didn't appear suitable for swimming during our visit. However, we were greeted by many adorable goats around the lake, making it a wonderful place to conclude the hike. The additional hike to the lake adds about half a mile in total and is more challenging, as it involves scaling rocks and navigating very narrow ledges.
Tips for Hiking with Kids
Start Early: Begin your hike early in the day to avoid the scorching midday heat. Even during the cooler months from December to February, midday temperatures can surpass 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius).
Encourage Exploration: Allow the kids to explore the area safely; teach them about the local environment and how important it is to remain on the marked path.
Safety Precautions: Keep a close eye on younger children when near cliffs or steep drop-offs. There are a few narrow areas of the path and sections with large rocks to step over so make sure kids are close by.
Bring Water: The hike may take an excess of 4 hours to complete and can be physically exhausting. Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. We each brought a liter of water and even that didn't seem to be enough.
Where to Stay:
If you want to be right next to the trailhead, check out these hotels and guesthouses - be sure to book in advance as rooms do sell out quickly.
Other options nearby:
Jebel shams Sky - *where we stayed
Viewpoint Zaboj - Skadar Lake
Montenegro
Difficulty: Easy Distance: 3 miles out and back Length: 2-3 hours Best time of year: March to October Marked path: Yes Starting point: HERE
How to Get There
To reach the starting point of this hike, you'll need your own vehicle. Alternatively, you could arrange for someone to drop you off, such as a taxi, Uber, or a friend. The roads to the starting point are winding and narrow but provide stunning views of Lake Skadar.
There is no designated parking for the trail, so you'll need to find a suitable spot along the roadside, which can be challenging due to the narrowness of the roads in this area. Some hikers suggest parking in the nearby town of Komarno and walking to the starting point. We managed to find a roadside spot that allowed other cars to pass easily.
The starting point is unmarked, and the trail runs alongside private property, which is enclosed by a stone wall to the left.
The starting point of the hike.
The starting point can be found HERE. Take the walking path that runs parallel to the stone wall until the end, where the marked trail begins. You will take a right to follow the sign that says "Viewpoint Zaboj."
An Overview of the Hike
The hike to Viewpoint Zaboj is a beautiful experience that introduces families to the diverse ecosystems surrounding Skadar Lake, the largest lake in the Balkans. This hike is relatively short, yet the panoramic views of the shimmering blue waters alongside the lush greenery make it feel like an adventure more significant than its distance.
The trail is well-marked and offers various vantage points, making it perfect for families wanting a relatively easy hike with splendid rewards.
Examples of markings you will see on the trail.
Watch a Video of Our Hike HERE.
What to Expect
Families will encounter a combination of flat areas and gentle slopes as they near the viewpoint. However, the trail includes numerous sticks, tree roots, and rocks to navigate, with one part featuring a fairly narrow path. Generally, the trail is shaded by trees, offering a cool relief during the warmer months, though hiking in the cooler seasons of spring and autumn is advised. Upon reaching the viewpoint, a breathtaking panorama of the lake, encircled by mountains and wildlife, unfolds before you.
Be on the lookout for the beautiful bird species that frequent the area, particularly if you're hiking in the spring or summer. Also, be mindful of stray dogs that appear to roam the vicinity.
Keep children close, as there are some steeper and more challenging sections, especially those with large obstacles to step over.
It's important to be aware that locals hunt in this region, so you might encounter hunters carrying rifles and ammunition, along with hunting dogs on the trail.The trail lacks facilities, but there is a man residing in a house near the trail's end who might provide emergency assistance if necessary. Do not anticipate finding restrooms, food, or water along this trail, so ensure you bring everything you need.
What's at the End?
At the end of the hike is Viewpoint Zaboj, where you'll have a beautiful vantage point over Skadar Lake and the surrounding landscape. Just be cautious at the top as it does involve climbing on rocks.
Tips for Hiking with Kids
Bring Binoculars: Keep children interested by giving them binoculars to observe birds and wildlife. At the viewpoint, let them use the binoculars to watch the boats on the lake.
Plan for Breaks: Schedule enjoyable breaks along the trail for resting and snacking. There are numerous excellent spots to pause and appreciate the scenery. Take a moment for a drink or snack and savor the tranquility of the area.
Teach About Nature: Motivate children to learn about the plants and animals they see. We observed many birds and reptiles during the hike, including a charming little frog hopping in a puddle.
Be Cautious in Adverse Weather: Despite a clear forecast, it began raining heavily on our return to the car. Exercise extra caution in the rain, as it can make paths and rocks particularly slippery. Both my husband and I slipped on a slick rock, with my husband injuring his hand, so it's definitely something to be wary of, especially when hiking with children.
Where to Stay:
Although we didn't stay nearby (we stayed in the city of Bar), there are so many amazing accommodation options near the lake that will allow you to maximize your time here.
Check out these options:
Red and Rose Valley
Cappadocia, Türkiye
Difficulty: Moderate - Difficult Distance: 4.7-mile loop trail Length: 3-4 hours Best time of year: April to October Marked path: Yes and No Starting point: HERE
How to Get There
Cappadocia is a highly touristic area of Türkiye and there are a few options you can take to reach the trailhead. Keep in mind that this trail has multiple starting points, and the valleys have multiple trails and various paths you can take.
We highly recommend renting a car when visiting Türkiye. While it isn't the easiest country to drive in, we found that with a bit of caution and an understanding of local driving culture, it was manageable and well worth it.
If you drive to the starting point, you can park for free wherever you see fit as there are no specific rules on parking around the valley. We found a large parking area HERE where we were able to safely leave the car.
You could also consider a guided tour, hiring a local guide and driver, or simply taking a taxi or Uber to the start point.
ATV tours are popular here and they actually looked like so much fun! Check out THIS ONE. Or consider a full day hiking tour in the area.
An Overview of the Hike
Cappadocia is famous for its unique rock formations and fairy chimneys, making the Red and Rose Valley hike an enchanting experience for families. This hike combines natural beauty with a touch of history, as families can explore the remnants of ancient cave dwellings and churches scattered along the route.
We found this trail on AllTrails, which is a popular app that connects hikers with trail information near them. The app offers detailed trail maps, user reviews, photos, and information about trail difficulty, length, elevation, and conditions. You can also search for trails by location, difficulty, or activity, and it also provides GPS navigation for real-time tracking while on the trail.
The trail is advertised as a 4.7-mile loop; however, during our hike, we got lost a few times and took some detours to explore interesting spots like the cave houses and churches. As a result, our total hike lasted 4.5 hours, and we covered approximately 7 miles.
Alternatively, you can opt to hike just the Red Valley, just the Rose Valley, or select a different loop or out and back trail in the region. We discovered that the route lacked clear markings, with numerous paths to choose from and insufficient signage, which is why we got lost frequently. So, keep this in mind when choosing to do this hike. While there are some red arrows and other signs, it was unclear which path we were supposed to follow as there are so many trails down in the valleys.
Examples of signage you may see in the valley.
Check out this video of our hike!What to Expect
As families hike through the valley, they will be surrounded by stunning red and pink rock formations that change color as the day progresses. Although there are many paths throughout the valley, they are all pretty well-defined and manageable, with several places to stop for a picnic or just to take in the views.
Families will enjoy navigating the winding paths through the valleys, and discovering hidden caves and unique geological structures. On your hike, you'll encounter a large cave house, with a collection of rooms you can walk through, a horse farm (you can opt for a horse trek through the valley), and many cave churches and dwellings. You'll also enjoy breathtaking views of the valley from both above and within it.
SAFETY NOTE:
Please note that the most challenging part of this hike involves a mountain ascent with a rope. We managed it with both kids on our backs, but it might be best to avoid it if you have young children. The mountain is quite steep, and although the views from the top are breathtaking, the climb can be tricky. There is a sturdy rope to help you ascend, but when we arrived, the rope was positioned on the left side of the trail, which is NOT the correct side to climb. We made this mistake and got stuck halfway, having to carefully slide back down before trying again. Use the rope to climb on the right side of the trail; it's much easier and safer there.
Facilities:
The facilities on the trail are quite limited, but there are a few options available. We found some small, local cafes and tea gardens where you can get drinks and snacks. Additionally, we came across a parking lot that has a restaurant and shops, where we were able to purchase more water. However, we didn't encounter any restrooms along the trail, so remember this, particularly when traveling with children who usually have smaller bladders. Although we noticed signs indicating "tuvalet," meaning toilet, we never found any restrooms. This doesn't imply they don't exist, but they were not very obvious and, at the very least, rare.
Tips for Hiking with Kids:
Wear Comfortable Shoes: Make sure everyone wears appropriate hiking shoes for traversing rocky trails. Since many paths consist of dirt and sand, ensure your shoes have non-slip soles.
Take Plenty of Water: Avoid underestimating the amount of water you need to bring, as we did. It's essential to carry as much as possible, particularly when hiking with children. Even in October, when Cappadocia experiences milder weather, it was still quite warm and uncomfortable. We ended up prioritizing most of our water for the kids, which left us quite dehydrated.
Take a Portable Charger or Two: Don't let your phone battery die! The AllTrails app consumes a lot of battery when used for navigation, so ensure you bring fully charged portable chargers or perhaps consider taking a portable GPS device with you.
Engage Their Curiosity: Discuss the area's history to engage your children's interest. Provide time to explore the distinctive landscape, featuring cave dwellings and churches. The region is rich with fascinating sights, such as rock tunnels, caves, and stunning viewpoints. You may even see unique bird and plant species if you look close enough.
Where to Stay:
When visiting Cappadocia, you should consider staying in Goreme, which is centrally located to all main attractions and hiking trails. There are a variety of options for any travel style and budget, from guesthouses to hotels and even stone cave hotels.
On our visit we chose an Airbnb to be a bit more budget conscious. It was a great place and while it wasn't in Goreme, it was just a short drive from it. You can check it out HERE.
Check out these other options:
Mulagljufur Canyon
Iceland
Difficulty: Easy Distance: 3.8 miles out and back Length: 1.5 - 2 hours Best time of year: April to October Marked path: No, but obvious Starting point: HERE
How to Get There
The most convenient way to get around Iceland is by car. I don't believe any guided tours will take you to this location as the hike isn't very commercialized yet. So, hop in your car rental and you'll find the parking lot HERE.
An Overview of the Hike
Nestled in Iceland's stunning South Coast, Mulagljufur Canyon offers families a challenging yet rewarding hike. This trail takes you through dramatic landscapes, including waterfalls, glaciers, and lush vegetation, ensuring that the experience is nothing short of spectacular.
The hike can be a bit demanding as it climbs uphill for a time, but with the right preparation, it can be an exhilarating adventure for the whole family.
The hike starts with a beautiful view of Fjallsjokull glacier (part of Vatnajokull) to the right. The path is not officially marked, but very obvious. There is only one obvious path and almost no way to get lost on this trail. With that said, there were no formal markers as of 2024.
Follow the path, observing the vibrant flora and fauna along the way. The array of colors, especially in the fall when we visited, is breathtaking, with reds, greens, oranges, and yellows. The hike is truly remarkable. To reach the main viewpoint, you'll need to navigate some fairly steep parts of a rocky trail and cross a river by carefully stepping on rocks.
At one point, the path becomes narrow with semi-steep drops on both sides. This was the most daunting section for us, and it might be challenging if you're afraid of heights. However, once you pass this section, you'll see the path open up to the main vantage point, which has plenty of space to walk around.
We decided to stop here because the views were stunning, and we were tired after completing another hike just before this one. However, we noticed many people continuing on the trail to ascend further into the valley to higher vantage points.
Watch a Video of Our Hike HERE!
What to Expect
Embarking on this hike means traversing through varied terrains, including steep ascents, but the views of the canyon and surrounding glacial fields make every step worthwhile. You'll cross rivers, walk along the canyon, and see many waterfalls. The trail is also a great place for birdwatching.
Make sure to take enough water, wear nonslip shoes or hiking boots, carry a portable phone charger, GPS, and small first aid kit for emergencies
Facilities
There are no facilities on this trail or near the parking lot. There are no restrooms, cafes, or shops, so be sure to take with you everything you need.
Parking
At the trailhead, there's a fairly large parking lot that's free of charge. To get there, you need to drive down a very rough and bumpy road, which we didn't feel comfortable navigating in our rental car. Fortunately, many people, ourselves included, simply parked along the roadside leading to the parking lot and walked the remaining distance.
Tips for Hiking with Kids
Check the Weather: Icelandic weather can be unpredictable; pack accordingly. Make sure to check weather forecasts and warnings before heading out on your hike.
Bring Layers: Dress in layers for everyone; children may find it easier to adjust to temperature changes. Although the weather may be warm, it can shift rapidly, and strong winds are frequent, causing a sunny day to feel chilly.
Keep Children Close: This trail features some steep descents, drops, and a river crossing, so evaluate your child's hiking skills before embarking on this hike and ensure they stay nearby while on the trail.
Where to Stay:
There are so many unique places to stay nearby this hike. The whole South coast of Iceland is breathtaking and provides incredible opportunities for hiking and exploring nature.
Here are some excellent options in the region:
Lake Leqinat
Kosovo
Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 4 miles out and back Length: 3-4 hours Best time of year: March to October Marked path: No Starting point: HERE
How to Get There
This remote part of Kosovo, located past the Rugova Valley and in the Accursed Mountains, is only reachable by car. Renting a car is the ideal way to explore Kosovo, offering you the freedom to visit quaint villages and discover stunning mountains and valleys.
Drive toward the village of Kuqishtë in western Kosovo and ascend up the winding mountain road called Neqinati. The trailhead starts HERE, however, we found it easy to park at the parking lot of Hotel & Restaurant Te Liqeni; it's convenient to stop here for lunch after your hike as well. You can also park anywhere along the roadside.
An Overview of the Hike
Also known as Lake Kuqishtë, Lake Leqinati, or Liqeni i Kuqishtes, hiking to this beautiful lake is an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Kosovo. The trail leads families through picturesque landscapes, offering a mix of forest paths and stunning views of the lake framed by majestic mountains.
This moderate hike takes you uphill on a pretty rocky and sometimes muddy and slippery trail for about 2 miles. It then opens up to the most majestic lake, surrounded by green trees and a beautiful mountain landscape. If you're feeling adventurous and have time, you can continue hiking to a smaller, yet equally beautiful lake about 15 minutes away.
We found this hike on outdooractive, a site similar to AllTrails that provides users with detailed maps, route planners, and GPS tracking. and while we didn't end up making it to both lakes, the first and largest lake was well worth the exhausting journey.
What to Expect
The trail offers photographers excellent opportunities to capture the serene environment surrounding Lake Leqinat. The landscape changes from dense forests to open views of the shimmering water, giving a sense of tranquility and adventure all at once.
As families trek to the lake, they will witness local flora and fauna indigenous to the area, providing ample chances for kids to discover the natural world. A bonus is that there are usually not many people on the trail, which lends to an even quieter and more serene atmosphere.
Be aware that the path to the lake is quite challenging, involving a steep uphill hike of about 2 miles. The terrain is rocky and can be muddy and slippery, which adds to the difficulty of the climb. We suggest allowing plenty of time to finish the hike and recommend starting early in the day to return before lunchtime and avoid the midday heat.
Faciltiies:
This trail lacks any amenities, so you won't find restrooms, shops, or cafes; in fact, we barely saw any other people as we made our way to the lake.
SAFETY NOTE:
This hike is located inside one of and near Rugova Valley National Park and National Park Bjeshkët e Nemuna, both of which are home to wild bears and wolves. It's important to be aware that while a bear sighting is rare, especially on a popular trail, you should exercise caution while hiking. Make sure to make noise as you walk through the forest, speaking loudly, and avoid coming too close to a bear's cubs. Bear spray is not easily accessed in Kosovo so it's wise to understand the most important safety tips.
Make Noise: Talk, sing, or clap as you hike.
Stay Alert: Watch out for signs of bears such as droppings or tracks.
Travel in Groups: Bears are more likely to avoid a group of people.
Avoid Hiking at Dawn or Dusk: This is when bears are more active.
Keep Food Secure: Keep strong-smelling foods in airtight containers.
What's at the End?
Lake Leqinat!
At the end of your uphill battle, you'll reach the beautiful Lake Leqinat! Lake Leqinat is a beautiful glacial lake, meaning it was formed by the melting of glaciers during the last Ice Age. These lakes are often found in mountainous regions and are typically cold, deep, and crystal-clear.
The lake is surrounded by the Accursed Mountains and sits at an altitude of about 1500 meters (4,920 feet). It's truly a beautiful site and the perfect place for an after-hike picnic or even a swim in the warmer months.
YouTube Video Coming Soon - Subscribe HERE!
Tips for Hiking with Kids
Plan for a Full Day: Given the trail's length and difficulty level, plan for a full day adventure, including downtime at the lake. We highly recommend bringing a picnic lunch and planning a swim if you hike in the warmer months.
Involve Kids in Planning: Involve them in packing for the hike, turning it into a genuine family adventure. Although it might be difficult to spark the kids' enthusiasm, engage them by asking which animals they expect to encounter or by getting them excited about swimming in the lake.
Check Weather Forecasts: We advise against taking this hike when the weather is wet. We attempted it a few days after rain, and the trail was extremely muddy, making it very challenging. Mud on rocks creates very slippery conditions, and when you're climbing uphill, it can be hard to avoid slipping and falling. Additionally, you don't want to be caught in the forest during a rainstorm, so make sure to pick a day with good weather for your hike. Also, remember that the weather in the mountains is cooler than other nearby regions; in October, we needed hats and gloves and still felt cold.
Where to Stay:
Check out these highly rated options nearby!
Honorable Mentions
more family hikes
As a family, we absolutely love hiking and exploring new countries through the incredible adventures of beautiful hikes. There’s something so special about discovering breathtaking landscapes and reaching stunning viewpoints together. We thrive on the challenge of tackling new trails, whether they're steep climbs or long-distance treks, always pushing ourselves while enjoying the sense of achievement. But what makes it even more meaningful is sharing these experiences with our kids, teaching them to appreciate the outdoors and the natural world. It’s not just about the physical journey, but about instilling in them a deep love and respect for nature, so they can grow up understanding the importance of protecting our planet while creating lasting memories as a family.
Although we always try to select hikes we consider safe for our children, what one parent deems safe might not be the same for another, and that's perfectly fine! We hope this guide assists you in choosing your next family hike and inspires you to explore nature and discover new locations.
We don't always have the opportunity to hike in every country we travel to, but we've completed numerous hikes and scenic walks in different countries that we think are worth highlighting.
Below, you'll find some other fantastic options that didn't quite make our top 5:
The Black Lake - Durmitor National Park - Montenegro VIDEO
Kotor Fortress- Montenegro VIDEO
Skaftafell Hike to Svartifoss - Iceland VIDEO
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon - Iceland VIDEO
Ihlara Valley - Türkiye VIDEO
Pigeon Valley - Türkiye VIDEO
Saklikent Canyon - Türkiye VIDEO
Sigiriya Lion Fortress - Sri Lanka
Little Adam's Peak - Sri Lanka
Wadi Shab - Oman
Wadi Bani Khalid - Oman
Vintgar Gorge - Slovenia VIDEO
Tolmin Gorge - Slovenia VIDEO
Remember to always prepare adequately for your hikes, ensuring that both you and your children have everything needed for a fun and safe adventure. As you set off on these incredible hikes around the globe, enjoy the moments you share with your kids amid nature’s wonders. Happy hiking!
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