Bringing your child out on the trails with you is a great way to connect, have fun, and explore the great outdoors together. However, if they’ve never ventured out further than the back garden, mountain biking can feel a little overwhelming for both parents and kids alike.

This guide covers everything you should consider before hitting the trails with your child, helping you feel prepared, confident, and ready for a great family adventure.

Why is mountain biking great for families?

  • Fitness – Mountain biking is a great way to burn calories and build strength and muscle, helping to keep both you and your kids fit and healthy.
  • Confidence – Overcoming challenges on the trail helps children build confidence and resilience, especially when tackling climbs and learning new skills.
  • Fun – Getting kids outdoors when the weather is good does wonders for their mental health and provides some good old-fashioned fun.
  • Family Time – Mountain biking is a fantastic opportunity to bond with your children over a shared hobby. Don’t forget to bring your phone for a few all-important selfies when you reach the end of the trail.

Bike Control

Because there is an element of risk involved on the trails, it’s important that your child understands potential hazards just as well as you do. This is one of the best ways to keep the whole family safe.

Balance

Balance plays a huge role in mountain biking, even more so than riding on flat ground. Trails often include roots, rocks, and uneven surfaces, so beginners should start by riding in a straight line, manoeuvring around obstacles, and practising controlled turns.

You can set up cones or simple obstacles in the garden to practise. If you don’t have outside space, a local park or flat a woodland area is a great alternative.

Braking

If your child is riding downhill at speed, learning the correct braking technique is vital. Teach them to use both the front and rear brakes together. While the front brake has the most stopping power, using it too suddenly at speed can cause the front wheel to skid.

Encourage gentle braking and practising gradual, controlled stops.

Changing Gears

Learning how to shift gears is essential when mountain biking, especially when moving between different types of terrain. Teach the basics, such as using lower gears for uphill climbs and higher gears for flat sections or downhill descents.

Body Positioning

Relaxed body positioning is key to staying safe and in control on the trails. Encourage your child to keep a light grip on the handlebars, bend their elbows, and avoid locking their arms.

Their body’s centre of gravity should stay over the centre of the bike, with weight evenly distributed between the front and rear wheels. This balanced posture improves handling and helps the rider remain stable when travelling over bumps, roots, and uneven terrain.

Trail Etiquette

Nobody likes a trail hogger, so good manners on the mountain are a must. Encourage your young rider to give space to other cyclists and to be mindful of hikers, dog walkers, horse riders, and wildlife.

Sticking to designated trails is just as important as giving way. Trails are marked out for safety, and riding off-path can damage wildlife habitats and contribute to erosion. Leaving no trace behind is the best way to enjoy the trail while protecting it for others.

Picking the right trail

Once your child has practised these skills and feels confident with the basics, it’s time to choose the right trail.

Start by considering your child’s ability level:

  • Beginner: Flat, wide paths that require minimal skill
  • Moderate: Hilly routes with some technical challenges such as roots, rocks, or logs
  • Advanced: Steep climbs and flowing descents, ideal for families with older or more experienced riders

What to pack for MTB with kids

Don’t forget these extra items to help keep your ride smooth, safe, and stress-free:

  • Water: Staying hydrated is key, especially on warm days. Pack water bottles for everyone and a bottle cage for easy access on your bike.
  • Snacks: Snacks are lifesavers during breaks. For kids, bring high-energy options like bananas, oat bars, or trail mix to keep them fuelled and happy.
  • First Aid Kit: Always handy in case of scrapes or small tumbles. A compact first aid kit is ideal.
  • Tools: A basic bike toolkit, such as a multitool, is useful for quick, minor repairs on the trail.
  • Bike Pump: In the event of a flat tyre, a portable bike pump will help keep everyone’s wheels rolling.
  • Free Bike Health Check: Book everybody’s bike in for a free 25-point health check and catch hidden problems before they show up on the trail.

Mountain biking with kids is a real adventure that combines exercise, family bonding, and fun. With the right weather, a suitable trail, and good preparation, days out on the bikes can quickly become something the whole family looks forward to.

So, grab your mountain bike, pack your gear, and get ready to hit the trails.

Kids CycleCare Plan

To give parents extra peace of mind, our Kids CycleCare Plan is a great addition when buying a new bike. For one year, it offers an unlimited 10% off bike accessories, two puncture repairs, a bike check with tyre inflation, and free accessory fitting – all redeemable in-store. It’s the simple way to make sure your child’s new bike always stays safe, accessorised and ready to ride and is available now for just £20.