Camping is a perfect family activity. Having children does not mean you have to stop doing what you love. Spending time in the great outdoors (opposed to the city) is a great way to bond as a family, and instill an appreciation for nature in your children. Whether you have a newborn baby or an angsty teenager, kids will love sleeping outside under the stars.
Camping connects them to the natural environment and gets their minds off of cell phones or TV. Below we have provided a few tips that can help make camping with kids a great experience for everyone.
Practice Makes Perfect
If your kids have never been camping before, practice! You can set up a tent in your backyard or living room. By practicing with them, they will know what to expect on a real camping trip. This also helps them adapt to sleeping in a new environment.
Let the Kids Help Pack
This obviously depends on their age, but if they are capable, let them help out! You can give them a checklist, and make sure they stick to it. Packing will build anticipation, and they will start getting excited about the camping trip. Make sure to double-check what they have packed before leaving the house.
Pack Foods Just for the Kids
Let’s be honest! One of the best parts of camping is sitting around a campfire and enjoying food together. Make sure to pack foods that the kids will enjoy. We highly recommend bringing ingredients for smores. First, you can make it a fun activity by having everyone search for sticks that you can use to roast your marshmallows.
Convenient Campsites
These days, there are all kinds of campsites available. If it’s your first time camping with young children, you may want to choose one with more amenities. Some campsites have bathrooms and hot water.
You can find some that are next to rivers or playgrounds. These kinds of luxuries can help keep the kids entertained, and therefore help keep you relaxed.
Do Some Research!
Camping with children means you need to have a plan. Before choosing a campsite, find out what kinds of activities there are around the area. The last thing you want to hear while camping is, “I’m bored.” We recommend having a good idea of what to do while your camping. Activities like waterfalls, swimming holes, or rafting would be ideal.
Safety First!
Make sure you access possible dangers nearby. There may be a road or river with rapids. Once you know what to warn them about, set some clear rules. Talk about the rules and make sure they are clear before the fun times begin.
Let them know what they should do if they were to get lost. Tell them exactly how far they can wander. You can even draw a line in the dirt. At night, make sure they have headlamps and show them where they can use the bathroom if they need to. It’s always smart to look into insurance before your camping trip as well, and you can find more info about why here. Better safe than sorry!
Embrace the Nature
Look for animals. Point out the bugs. Try to identify the types of plants. Showing interest in nature will help the children appreciate it even more. Also, try not to worry so much if your kids are getting dirty. That just means they are having a good time! It is part of the experience.
To Sum it Up
The first camping trip with kids might not be perfect, but don’t let that deter you. Each time you go, you will be even more prepared. Camping with kids will be an adventure that you can all remember for years to come! It can bring you closer to your, and help kids understand the importance of connecting with nature.