The Camino de Santiago with children is an opportunity to create lasting memories, and teach important values and rediscover the world through the eyes of the little ones. In our massage centre SPAZIO WELLNESS , we specialize in the Way, that’s why in this guide, we’ll show you some tips to make the planning of the route on family.
The Camino de Santiago with children: tips for hiking as a family.
Why embark on the Path with children
to Make the Way in a family it is much more than just a vacation. It is a school of life in the open air where they cultivate values that are difficult to teach at home.
- Promotes the resilience and effort: children learn first-hand what it means to overcome obstacles, both physical and mental. They discover that, with perseverance, you can complete a stage and each step brings you closer to the goal.
- Strengthens family ties: The Road is a quality time uninterrupted. Without the distraction of screens and the need to support each other, families connect at a deeper level. The conversations flow, the anecdotes are multiplied and the complicity is reinforced.
- Connect with the history and nature: through the Way, the children see the history of Spain in romanesque churches, castles and bridges of the middle ages. Discover the local flora and fauna, and marvel with landscapes that change every day. It is an education experience that is not forgotten.
- Teaches camaraderie and respect: Children interact with pilgrims of all ages and nationalities, learning to say hello, share, and live together in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
Planning the Camino de Santiago with children
proper planning is the cornerstone of a Path with children stress-free and successful. This is not to be rigid, but to be forward-looking so that the experience is safe and fun.
Choose the route and the time:
The best route for families tends to be the French Way specifically the final stretch from Sarria. Its 115 kilometres are perfect for a first contact with the pilgrimage. The trails are well marked, the services are plentiful and the atmosphere is very familiar. You can find more information about the routes ideals in our article The best Way of st. James for beginners: routes and tips.
In time, the spring (may and early June) and autumn (September and October) are ideal. The temperatures are mild, the scenery is beautiful, and it avoids the high temperatures of the summer and the cold of the winter, which makes the Path with children a lot more bearable. To plan better according to the weather, we recommend you to read our article general The weather on the Camino de Santiago: how to prepare for each station, as well as the specific articles about each season: The Camino de Santiago in the spring, The Camino de Santiago in the summer, The Camino de Santiago in the fall and The Camino de Santiago in winter.
Divide the stages:
This is the golden rule of the Road in the family. The pace dictated by the child more slow. Forget about doing 25 or 30 miles a day. The stages children should be short, 10 to 15 km as a maximum. It is essential to be flexible: if the little ones get tired, it’s okay to shorten the day. Plan frequent stops to rest, eat and play.
The backpack and the equipment:
The kids backpack you must be very light. Must carry only the essentials: your own water bottle, a raincoat, a hat and maybe a small snack or a toy light. The rest of the weight is carried by the parents. If you are concerned about the weight, it considers the transport of backpacks on the Camino de Santiago. you Can find more details about the luggage in our article What to carry in your backpack to do the Camino de Santiago. As for the shoes, trekking boots are an excellent choice. Make sure that they are well adapted and used prior to travel to avoid blisters. Clothes for layers, sunscreen and a hat are also essential.
The motivation on the Journey: how to keep them enthusiastic about
Keeping the mood high and the enthusiasm vivo is fundamental to the Path with children a positive experience. Young children need goals and rewards that are different from the adults.
- The credential and the seals: The credential for children it is a powerful motivator. Give them their own “passport” of a pilgrim gives them a feeling of importance and responsibility. The act of collecting stamps in each hostel or church becomes a fun game, a treasure hunt that mark your daily progress.
- Small rewards: don’t underestimate the power of a small prize. An ice cream when they reached the village, half an hour at a park, or a sweet at the end of the stage may be a great incentive.
- Games on the road: Creativity is your best ally. Count the yellow arrows, look for shells, making up stories about the landscapes, or sing songs are ways to make the trek more enjoyable and less monotonous.
Accommodation and food: practical issues
for The daily logistics of the Path with children requires making practices to ensure the well-being of all.
- Hostels vs. private accommodation: hostels are an essential part of the experience pilgrim. They are inexpensive and encourage socialization. However, for a Way in family may have disadvantages, such as the noise, the hours of entry and exit, and the lack of privacy. Many parents choose to combine hostels with private accommodations, such as pensions or houses, to ensure a good night’s rest and have one’s own space in which to relax. This flexibility is key.
- Meals in the path: The power supply is crucial for maintaining energy. The “pilgrim menu” is usually an option full and economic. However, are not always suited to the tastes of children. It is vital to always carry healthy snacks in your backpack (nuts, fruit, cookies) and to plan stops in villages with shops to restock. A picnic in a meadow sunny is a great way to enjoy the food and the environment.
Health and safety: special care for small-scale
safety is the top priority in any pilgrimage with children.
- Pace of the slowest: The golden rule. The rhythm marks the child, and there is no hurry to get there. It is better to walk slower and enjoy it to force the passage and generate frustration.
- Blister prevention: The children’s feet are delicate. Make sure you wear socks without seams and that your shoes are well-adjusted. A daily review of your feet and the application of petroleum jelly can be very effective.
- Muscle aches: It is normal that small experience fatigue and muscle aches. You can prevent this with stretching and an appropriate pace. If you need more information, you can check our article on How to relieve leg pain in the Camino de Santiago.
- Hydration and sun protection: Always carry enough water and make you drink regularly, even if they are not thirsty. A hat and sunscreen with an spf of high are mandatory to protect your skin from the sun.
The credential and the Compostela for the little ones
The culmination of the journey, obtain the Compostela, is a moment of pride for the children.
- Requirements: The kids can get their own pilgrim’s credentials. The rules to get the Compostela are the same as for adults: go through at least the last 100 km on foot or 200 bike, and seal the credential at least two times a day in that stretch. However, the Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago de Compostela tends to be flexible and understanding with the seals of the children.
- Certified family: In addition to the Compostela individual, you can request a “Compostela family”, which certifies that the parents have accompanied their children on the Way. This document can be a beautiful reminder of the shared adventure.
Embark on the Camino de Santiago with children is an experience that requires careful preparation and a mentality flexible. Adapting the stages for children, motivate them with the credential and focus on the journey rather than the goal, the Way in family becomes an unforgettable experience.
