How a Sculpture Trail Convinces Preschoolers to Love Hiking

One of the biggest challenges for hiking families is the “are we there yet?” chorus from young children. Refuge Plan Lombardie in the French Alps has devised an ingenious solution: a treasure hunt-style sculpture trail that turns the final uphill push into an exciting game for preschoolers.
The refuge is accessible via a short, 20-minute walk from a nearby parking area, making it a popular choice for families with very young children. However, even a short climb can feel long for little legs. The sculpture trail provides a series of engaging distractions, giving children a fun focus other than the effort of walking.
This thoughtful addition transforms the nature of the hike. It’s no longer just about getting from point A to point B; it becomes a quest to find the next whimsical sculpture hidden along the path. This gamification of the trail is a simple but highly effective tool for keeping children motivated and happy.
This creative approach is emblematic of the family-friendly ethos of the Vallée des Belleville. By understanding the needs of their youngest visitors, they are not only making the mountains more accessible but are also planting the seeds for a future generation of enthusiastic hikers. It proves that sometimes, a little bit of art is all it takes to conquer a mountain.