Taking your kids on an ATV ride is a great way to combine adventure and the outdoors as a family. But let’s face it: it, when you have an 8-year-old on board, for example, the challenge is often to keep them interested.
Journeys that are too long or monotonous can quickly become boring, and there’s nothing worse than hearing “Are we there yet?” every five minutes.
To make your ATV ride a memorable one, you have to think like a child: make the experience exciting, lively, and a little bit playful.
So how can you turn a simple ride into an adventure your kids will love? Here’s how to set the stage for an unforgettable experience.
What the law says about child passengers
Contrary to popular belief, there is no minimum age for taking children on ATV rides. However, it’s important to understand that young children’s bone and muscle structures are not yet fully developed. Keep this in mind when taking your children on a ride.
On a ATV, Quebec law requires that passengers have their feet firmly planted on the footrests and their hands firmly gripping the handles. It is possible to add a footrest extension kit if their legs are too short. This can be commercially designed or homemade, but it is important that it is securely fastened.
For UTV, passengers must be able to place their hands on the grab handle without modification. Booster seats or car seats are prohibited.
Finally, it is possible to put children in a cariole. However, if you choose a closed model, make sure that air can circulate freely to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. This is because the vehicle’s rear exhaust pipe sends emanations directly into the cariole. In summer, this is the least recommended method because it stirs up a lot of dust.
As a result, you have to drive at a very slow speed, which can quickly become boring.
Equipment for children
Of course, children must wear a helmet. Full-face helmets are preferable for maximum protection. In addition, the helmet should not be too heavy to avoid excessive neck fatigue.
They should also wear goggles or protective eyewear, gloves, pants, and boots. A chest protector is recommended. Neck protectors are also available, but they can be uncomfortable for a ride. This is because they greatly restrict head movement, much like a rigid neck brace. Your child may find this uncomfortable.
Last but not least, they must be dressed comfortably. Bring extra clothes to protect them from the cold, just in case. Ideally, on a rainy day, postpone the hike to another time, unless the child really enjoys riding in the rain.
Route
Choose a short route with several viewpoints to encourage frequent breaks. This will allow your child to stretch their legs and rest their neck. They are not used to wearing a helmet for long periods of time.
Above all, take advantage of breaks to give them light snacks and water.
Choose trails with a smooth surface, especially for the first few hikes. Remember that children’s bones and muscles are not yet fully developed. When riding a quad, they need to learn to absorb shocks with their legs, for example, by putting pressure on their feet and leaning their back against the seat.
Our experience with an 8-year-old
I’d like to share our recent experience of a 2-day trip with an 8-year-old. We have two ATVs: my girlfriend Julie’s and mine, which is a true 2-seater. Our son, Tommy, rides with me on my ATV.
Choosing the route and region
We wanted to give our son the experience of a two-day ATV trip with a night in a hotel. First, note that we started with short 50 km trips in the past to get him used to it. So, I chose a slightly longer route, about 130 km on the first day and 85 km on the second day. The trip would take place in the Massif du Sud and Les Étchemins area, which has several roads with a smooth surface.
We are fortunate that the Massif territory is managed by the Bellechasse Quad Club, which replaced the former Massif du Sud des Frontières Quad Club. Further south, in the Daaquam, Sainte-Camille, and Lac Étchemin area, the Club Quad de la Rivière Daaquam manages the territory. I would like to warmly thank the club volunteers for their hard work in providing us with beautiful trails!
Before leaving for the starting point
I always check that Tommy’s helmet is properly adjusted. Children grow quickly, so it’s a good idea to check this before leaving to avoid disappointment in the parking lot. Of course, check the weather and bring appropriate clothing for the day.
Saturday morning
The departure point is Notre-Dame-Auxiliatrice-de-Buckland, near the Massif du Sud. From there, we head towards the Massif du Sud mountains.
First, we make a short detour to Mont du Midi, where an observatory offers a breathtaking 360-degree view. The name comes from the fact that the slope is so steep that the sun remains hidden from those at the foot of the mountain, except at noon, when the sun is at its highest point.
Afterwards, we made a short stop at the lookout, where Tommy was able to see a wind turbine blade up close and even touch it. Then we visited a few other viewpoints before stopping for lunch near a river.
Saturday after dinner
After a good dinner, we headed straight to St-Just-de-Bretenière via Saint-Luc to take a break on the banks of the Daaquam River. This is a Native American name meaning “river that carries a lot of water”.
Once our break was over, we continued on to the Canada-US border and the Saint-Jean River. Then we headed straight to the hotel, which had a swimming pool, because our son loves to swim. It was a nice reward for his day.
Sunday morning
We had a hearty breakfast and hopped on our ATVs. We headed straight for the Massif du Sud to see other viewpoints. Finally, we returned to the parking lot.
Conclusion
Planning a quad ride with children is about more than just choosing a route: it’s about creating a unique family experience. The secret lies in safety, comfort, and fun. Short trips, frequent breaks, and captivating scenery will keep young ones motivated and curious.
Tommy’s example shows that with the right equipment, snacks, and beautiful views, every moment can become a precious memory.
By thinking like a child and focusing on fun, you can make quad biking an activity that strengthens family bonds while awakening a taste for exploration.
