Are you thinking about taking the family camping? Check out these 5 tips for camping with kids. Learn everything you need to know including what to take camping with kids.
Best tips for Camping with Kids
Camping with kids can be a lot of fun and provide so many great memories. However, the experience can be quite the opposite if you aren’t prepared.
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.
It is always best to be prepared when it comes to camping. This is even more crucial when children are involved. You definitely want to have all the necessary camping gear.
Keep reading for the best camping tips to make camping a great experience. Get ready for a fun camping adventure with the kids.
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. Plus, it will teach the kids responsibility by having their own tasks. For example, while the adults are setting up the tent, the kids can be working on something else.
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 idea. This is even more important when you head into the woods with youngsters.
- Kids are not exactly patient about this sort of thing when they get hungry. Just assume you will need pre-made food and pack accordingly.
- Some ideas for camping food include: Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, granola bars, and fruit. These are always an easy kid friendly meal to fall back on for a simple camp meal. You can also cut up fruit and place in individual servings in the cooler.
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. You will be so glad you planned in advance as you can’t control the weather.
- Bring card games, board games and various other easy to pack things to keep everyone busy. A creative mind helps a great deal as well. Think about those long forgotten games you used to play.
4. Prepare for Bites, Nicks and Burns
- A first aid kit is a must have of course, but you really should go deeper than that while camping. Along with the standard items, you will need some calamine lotion, bug spray, natural repellents and aloe.
- Hats are important to have as well. You might also want to 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 with lots of camping supplies. This tip alone will save you a ton of hassle on your camping trip.
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. This is very important or you might deter them from going.
- Each area is different so be sure to be well informed before camping. The extra time researching in this specific area is definitely worth the extra time.
What to take camping with Kids?
- We have already mentioned several items such as ready made food and snacks and rainy day games. Bug spray is also very high on the list.
- Other items worth mentioning include: medicine such as Tylenol or allergy medicine, warm clothing in case of rain or bad weather, extra batteries for flashlights, baby wipes or hand wipes and hand sanitizer.
- Some more camping essentials to make camping fun: sleeping bags, air mattress and a camp stove. Also, don’t forget about extra blankets.
All of these definitely will go along way for making the most of camping with kids. It is much better to come back with unused items you can use for later than not have what you need.
Don’t learn this the hard way and go ahead and pack everything just in case. This will ensure a smooth and fun camping experience for the entire family.
All it takes is a bit of planning to enjoy camping.
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 on the family camping trip.
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.
Don’t forget to check out the national parks as they often offer lots of free days and more. During the year, various events are offered that are worth checking out. This will save you money and provide even more fun.
Do you have any more tips for camping with kids?
It is a great way to make memories that everyone will cherish for years to come. We also love these fun campfire games that can be played by all ages including kids.
Make your list and get prepared for an amazing camping trip with your family. These easy camping tips will get your trip off to a great start.
More activities for kids:
Pack each child’s pyjama inside their pillowcase. Helps for nighttime especially if it is dark.
Bring waterproof rubber type boots for early morning dew on grass, saves wet shoes/sandals all day