Whether you're 5 years old or 50 years old your first backpacking trip can be very exciting or very scary. To make sure this is a positive experience planning is the key. Start with picking somewhere that's easy to access and not too far and not too difficult. Don't forget you're carrying everything on your back so try to pack as light and fast as possible. If you're not going to use the gear at least once or twice you probably don't need it ( this would exclude first aid supplies).
This weekend we took our 5 year old on his first backpacking trip. To make sure this is fun his pack carried water and his sleeping bag. Unfortunately, someone else had to carry the rest of his stuff. Since we only went about 1 mile it was no big deal. We went very slow and took lots of breaks making experience for everyone in the group. Several times throughout the trip he said, "this is the best camping trip ever."
Don't be afraid to take little ones backpacking. Its just like car camping but with a lot less stuff. The experience of being away from traffic, city lights, and the like will make it an experience of a lifetime. You don't need a ton of stuff to have a good time camping.
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