hiking with kids: worth it or just exhausting?

Last year, I got this wild idea to try 52 hikes in a year. I dragged my two kids, ages 6 and 8, along for the adventure. We hit trails in Utah, Colorado, California, Washington, Oregon, and even made it up to Canada. I thought it would be all fresh air and family bonding, but honestly, it was a mixed bag. Some days, we were surrounded by stunning mountain views and the kids were actually excited to spot a deer or a waterfall. Other days, it felt like I was just bribing them with snacks every half mile and dealing with endless whining about tired legs or missing Wi-Fi. I kept wondering if I was pushing them too hard or if this was actually building good memories. The kids did 40 out of the 52 hikes, which sounds impressive, but I’m still not sure if they’ll thank me later or just remember the blisters and bug bites. Anyone else tried hiking regularly with young kids? Did it actually bring your family closer, or did it just test your patience? Sometimes I feel like we’re the only ones struggling to make these outdoor adventures fun instead of a chore. #familyhiking #parenting #outdooradventures #Travel