In reply to UKC/UKH Articles:
When my kids each turned 5 (now 11 and 9) we made a big deal of having a 'right of passage' type expedition to get them really keen on hiking/camping. It was basically a 3 mile hike in the evening after dinner, to stop in a secret spot for camping, hot chocolate/marshmallows and a lovely view of the sunset. Get up early for breakfast and then just another 3 miles to get picked up by the wife in a small village where a good selection of well deserved ice-creams were available! Thus, my main tip is to just keep it super simple to start with, and build up their resilience slowly. What might only seem like a short walk to you will seem like the biggest adventure ever to them!
My kids absolutely love camping (not that they had a choice really) whether we are canoe camping or doing it by foot, (or even at a commercial campsite), and over the years we've found kit that works and doesn't work. During lockdown we did a day or three camping in the garden where we weren't allowed in the house unless it was for toileting. This year we are planning our first 'double-overnighter' so they can experience carrying a bit more stuff and being out for a whole day. It works out well as I have to carry the lions share of the kit which slows me down, and my wife fills her pockets with sweets and brushes up on her 'distraction songs' for when the youngest is finding it a bit tough.
Another tip is to plan your route carefully. Make sure there are lots of points of interest along the way - waterfalls, swimming holes, flat areas to run around, caves, minor summits etc. Just ploughing up a steep track to reach a summit might be your idea of a good day out, but perhaps not for the young'ns.
All in all, it's the happiest of times for us as a family.