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Camping With Kids Camping with kids may seem like a lot of work, but when you are prepared, the whole family can have a great time. Having children should not mean that you do not continue to go camping. On the contrary, when camping with kids, you now have another person to teach and explore with. Camping with kids is a whole new experience. For those that are a little apprehensive, here are some tips to help you continue camping with kids. Choose your camping location wisely - Find a campground that caters to families. State and National Parks are usually good for this. There are also campgrounds that have organized activities like movie nights, arts and crafts, and ice cream socials. Some other child friendly amenities to look for are bathrooms with running water, Use a checklist when packing - There is enough gear to take when camping without kids. You don't want to forget some of the vital gear needed for your kids like diapers, medicine, clothes, and shoes. If your kids are old enough to pack for themselves, always double check their bag for weather appropriate clothing and shoes. If you are bringing bikes, don't forget the helmets and bike locks. Plan your food selections - Make sure you have food that your kids like and will eat. Out in the woods, there is no refrigerator or second choice if they don't like the dinner you cook. Keep your meals simple. If your kids are old enough, have them help with the food preparation and clean up. Bring snacks like granola bars or small baggies of your favorite chips and crackers. If they are active all day they will get hungry. Assign tasks to your children - This is a great way to teach as well as get some help keeping your campsite clean and organized. Meal preparation, washing dishes, garbage duty, gathering firewood (if allowed) and tent cleaning are just a few. Plan some activities - You cannot expect a child to sit at a campsite for 12 hours with nothing to do. Camping with kids is much more fun with swimming, hiking, or biking. These are three great outdoor activities but the list is endless. Point things out to your kids along the way like unusual rock formations and wildlife. Try to do activities that they would not normally do at home like shoot a bow and arrow or BB gun, skip rocks across a lake, or climb up some rocks. Teach them how to camp - One of your goals when camping with kids should be to teach them what you are doing. Let your kids help with putting up the tent or splitting some wood for a camp fire. Teach them where and when and how to build a Camping with kids can be a challenge, but when you make the effort to include them, everyone will have a fun and memorable time. Many years later when they have their own kids, they will sit around a campfire and start to tell a story with "I remember when my Dad taught me to build a fire...", and you will be happy you went camping with kids!! |
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swimming pools or lakes, bike paths and nature centers. Let your kids help select a destination and campground.
fire, and respect its power. Show them how to cook a marshmallow over the fire and make a s'more. Give them some rules and boundaries and teach them about safety. It is good for each kid to have a flashlight and whistle.