Thinking about getting the whole family out on the trails this season?
Mountain biking is one of the best ways to bond as a family, stay active, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Plus… it’s become more and more popular every year.
But here’s the problem:
Pulling off a family adventure in the trails requires more than just strapping some bikes to your back and hitting the road. You need to have the right equipment, the right trail and a plan in place to make sure everyone stays safe.
A lack of preparation will turn any family mountain bike adventure into a disaster.
That’s where this guide comes in. I’m going to show you the top 5 ways you can plan your next mountain biking adventure with the kids.
I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect mountain bikes, all of the essential gear for safe trail riding, as well as how to scout beginner-friendly trails that are fun for every member of the family. Let’s jump right in!
In this article you’ll learn:
- Why Family Mountain Biking Is Worth It
- Choosing The Right Bikes For Your Family
- Essential Gear For Safe Trail Riding
- Finding Beginner-Friendly Trails
- Pre-Ride Safety Checklist
Why Family Mountain Biking Is Worth It
Mountain biking is so much more than just an aerobic workout.
Scientific research is showing us just how important time spent outdoors is to both kids and adults’ mental health and well-being. A 2024 University of Glasgow study showed that children who spend 1 hour per day in nature were 50 percent less likely to suffer from mental health disorders.
Mind blown.
Mountain biking participation in the US has been on a steady upward trend. Latest figures show over 9.2 million participants in 2023 alone. That’s an increase of 4.1 percent from the previous year.
Family mountain biking brings:
- Screen-free quality time together
- Physical fitness for everyone
- Confidence for kids
- Connection to nature
The bottom line is: It doesn’t get much better than getting the family out on the trails.
Choosing The Right Bikes For Your Family
Getting the right equipment is the first step to any family mountain biking adventure.
One of the most common mistakes parents make is buying their kids bikes that are too big so they “grow into them”. This just sets them up for crashes and frustration. Riding a bike that is too large is both uncomfortable and unsafe.
Make sure your child can stand over the bike frame with both feet flat and not touch the frame with their crouch.
A proper bike will have 2-5 cm of clearance between the top tube and your child when they are standing with both feet flat on the ground.
Kids mountain bike wheel size guide:
- 16 inch wheels: Ages 4-6. For small kids and easy entry-level trails
- 20 inch wheels: Ages 6-9. A versatile size that works well on all kinds of terrain
- 24 inch wheels: Ages 9-12. Great for kids ready for some off-road adventure
Kids don’t need 21-speed mountain bikes to have fun. Keep it simple when starting out. Look for bikes with quality brakes and a sturdy build. Ignore the fancy gear systems.
Essential Gear For Safe Trail Riding
Safety equipment should never be skimped on when it comes to mountain biking with the family.
The single most important piece of safety gear anyone can wear is a helmet. Make sure every family member has a properly fitting helmet that meets safety standards (CPSC certified or equivalent). A helmet that moves around or shifts does not provide any protection in a crash.
Beyond helmets, be sure to pack these items:
- Knee and elbow pads (kids only, but a must-have)
- Full-finger gloves for both grip and protection
- Eye protection (goggles or at least glasses)
- Closed-toe shoes (sandals are never a good idea)
Bring lots of water. Dehydration causes fatigue which leads to slower reaction times and poor decision-making. This dramatically increases the risk of crashing. Carry enough water for everyone and take regular drink breaks.
A basic first aid kit should also always come along. Cell phone service can be spotty in some trail areas. Be prepared to deal with minor injuries yourself.
Finding Beginner-Friendly Trails
Trails are not created equal.
Picking the right one is often what makes or breaks a family mountain bike adventure. Look for smooth, wide paths that are well-maintained to start before moving on to anything more technical. Search for trails rated as “green” or beginner friendly.
Signs of a good family mountain bike trail:
- Wide paths with room to maneuver
- Gentle grades without many steep ups or downs
- Smooth surfaces with fewer rocks and tree roots
- Clear sight lines around corners
Research trail conditions before heading out. Recent rain can make trails muddy and slick. Extreme heat makes riding less comfortable and more dangerous.
Your local bike shops are a gold mine of information. Staff and owners know which trails work best for families and can recommend options based on your kids’ ages and abilities.
Start with short rides and build up over time. An overtired, frustrated child is not going to want to ride again. Keep early adventures short and sweet.
Pre-Ride Safety Checklist
Before each and every ride, perform a bike inspection.
This only takes a few minutes but can head off mechanical problems that can cause crashes. Make this a family habit and teach your kids to do it as well.
Check the following items:
- Tire pressure: Properly inflated tires roll and handle better
- Brakes: Confirm they engage firmly and don’t slip
- Chain condition: Look for rust and broken parts
- Handlebar and seat post: Confirm these are secure
Go over the basics of trail rules with your family before each ride. Yield to hikers and horses. Stay on marked trails and obey all closures.
Teach kids to plan ahead and scan where they are going. Looking far down the trail instead of right in front of their wheels allows riders to anticipate obstacles.
Making Memories On The Trail
The secret to successful family mountain biking is…
Keeping it fun.
The point is not to cover as much distance as possible or tackle the gnarliest technical trail. The point is to spend quality time together. Remember that.
Tips for rides to remember:
- Allow kids to set the pace
- Take lots of breaks for snacks
- Celebrate little victories
- Pack a camera to capture memories
Riding bikes with your kids opens up all sorts of teachable moments that don’t feel like lectures or parenting moments. Trail etiquette, risk assessment, and problem solving develop naturally.
Look into joining group rides or even a youth mountain biking program. Kids learn faster and have more fun when they are riding with other kids.
Wrapping It Up
Planning a mountain bike adventure with your family doesn’t need to be difficult.
Get properly sized bikes for everyone. Pack proper safety gear. Choose trails that match your family’s abilities. Do a quick bike check before every ride.
A quick recap:
- Select beginner-friendly trails
- Don’t skimp on safety gear for anyone
- Keep early rides short and achievable
- Focus on fun not performance
The benefits of getting your family outdoors on bikes extends far beyond physical fitness. Mental health improves. Family bonds strengthen. Kids develop confidence and independence.
Don’t let another season pass without getting out there on the trails as a family. Grab your gear. Load up the bikes and start your family’s mountain biking journey today.