Five Tips for Camping with Kids

Camping with kids can be a wonderfully good time. On the other hand, camping with kids can be your worst nightmare. 🙂 The difference between these two experiences really boils down to preparation and knowledge. If you are planning on going camping with kids, here are five tips that are sure to help you deal with the problems that can inevitably happen:

1. Assign Responsibilities Ahead of Time

Before you ever head into the woods with your kids, you need to make sure they know what is required of them. Camping with kids requires teamwork from everyone and that includes the kids. If not, you will find yourself waiting on the kids hand and foot while they have a good time. If you want to enjoy the trip as well, give them a job and make them do it. Assigning them ahead of time helps you avoid arguments too.

 

2. Pre-Make as Much as Possible

This comes in very handy when you are suddenly stuck in a tent with rain pouring down on your campfire. Having some quick, pre-made snacks and foods prepared ahead of time is always a good thing when you head into the woods with youngsters. Kids are not exactly patient about this sort of thing. Assume you will need pre-made food and pack accordingly. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, granola bars, and fruit are always an easy meal to fall back on.

 

3. Bring Games and Rainy Day Fun

If you have ever gone camping and experienced bad weather, you already know why this is important. When you get a tent full of kids with nothing to do, you might want to scream. Bring card games, board games and various other easy to pack things to do. A creative mind helps a great deal as well.

 

4. Assume Bites, Nicks and Burns

A first aid kit is a must have of course, but you really should go deeper than that. Along with the standard items you will need some calamine lotion, bug spray, natural repellents and aloe. Hats are important to have as well and make sure you bring a bug net to keep them at bay when you simply can’t stand it. People do not realize just how many bugs come to visit out in the wilderness. Be ready.

 

5. Educate yourself

Learn a bit about the area you are going to. Read up on plants so you know which ones to keep your children away from. Talk to your children about some of the dangers of plants and animals in the woods. Do this in a positive way so you don’t make them terrified to go camping at all.

 

All it takes is a bit of planning to enjoy camping with kids.

The more you know, the more prepared you can be. You want to keep your family safe, but you want them to have fun as well. There are plenty of things to investigate while you are camping. This is a great time to show your older children some trust and let your younger children learn the joys of dirt and nature in general.

 

Do you have any more tips for camping with kids?

Whether you are camping or hanging out in your backyard, here are five fun campfire games that can be played by all ages including kids.