By the time she was six, my daughter was able to hike 13 kilometres (including climbing a short section of limestone rock headwall in a snowstorm, using the attached chains to help pull herself up). The next day she hiked out the same trail, smiling and singing all the way. How do you raise such a happy hiker? These are my family’s ten top tips:

1. Simply get going. Turn off the T.V., leave the dishes in the sink, forget about that novel you want to read and head outdoors. We kept initial walks short enough that we didn't need to pack an arsenal of baby supplies. Keeping it simple meant we got going more often.

2. Be flexible. Nothing will go as planned, it's almost a guarantee. But if you're willing to take the experience for what it is, a chance to enjoy fresh air and spend one on one time with your child, then no matter what happens, each outing will have its own charm.

3. Learn to slow down. Once your child is old enough to walk, let them walk. Be patient... it used to take us almost two hours to go around the block, stopping at every rock, every fallen leaf and generally dilly-dallying daily.

4. Make it fun. If you're enjoying the outdoors, your child will too. It's as simple as that. Go ahead and squeal as you catch a frog, laugh as you catch snowflakes on your tongue, and grimace aloud as the mud oozes over the top of your not-so-practical-as-you-thought duck shoes.

5. Praise works. "Good job", "way to go", "you're fast", "what a good hiker you are". Memorize these phrases. They will become your mantra while your budding outdoor enthusiast is becoming a first-class hiker. Repeat them aloud often.

6. Treats and distractions. When you begin to work into longer hikes, explore the benefits of a package of real fruit gummies. Simply hide a gummy (or any treat) on a rock, spruce branch or fallen log just off the trail. Make up a silly riddle as to its location and let them search and eat! They soon forget they are still hiking.

7. The sound of music. All right, you might not be Julie Andrews leading the Von Trapp family across the Alps, but anyone can sing "The ants go marching one by one..." Music helps the hike go on.

8. Count the spots. Go ahead, go natural. Bend down and look at the lichens, the leaves on the trees, and the ladybugs. Identify ladybug species by counting the spots on their back. Is it a 2-spot or a 7-spot?

9. Keep at it. Do something outdoors every day, whether going for a walk or simply gazing at the stars. Don't stop when the rain falls and the snow flies. Use these times to learn about why the earthworms come out of their tunnels or splash through puddles; discover springtails flipping on ski trails or build a snowman.

10. And finally, gear up. You don't need to spend a fortune on buying outdoor apparel, but do make sure it fits comfortably. Learn to layer clothing, a fleece jacket and windbreaker will become indispensable. Buy adequate headgear for sun and snow. Don't overdress, remember if they're active, they'll be happy and warm. P.S. Check out the Kids 'n Outdoor Clothing link below for more info!