Kids love the outdoors! Most children enjoy exploring nature, playing in fields, and taking pleasure in activities like fishing. So, if you’re planning a family vacation, consider camping. Family camping is the best option for vacation because it is enjoyed by people of all age groups. Also, it provides a perfect opportunity to spend quality family time while connecting with nature. From toddlers to teens, kids of all ages enjoy a camping trip because it offers several activities options. From star-dotted skies to chirruping birds, your kids would love experiencing something new. However, without proper planning, camping with kids can turn into a nightmare.
Camping is so much fun! You get to watch the sunrise, explore trails, share jokes and stories around a bonfire, learn how to navigate with compasses, go fishing, relish BBQ, and do so much more. But camping also requires careful planning and if you’re going with kids, you will need some extra preparations. Even if you have years of camping experience, things are not the same with kids. Failure to pack everything may leave you frustrated with bugs, wet clothes, or agitated kids. So, if you want to give your kids the best first experience, here are some tips to help you plan a perfect camping trip with kids.
Choose the Right Camp Site
When going with kids, you need to pick the right campsite. When going for a solo trip, you can plan to cover several miles to reach a remote location and set up camp. But when going with kids, choosing a remote location may not be the best idea. If you’re taking kids camping for the first time, look for a nearby campground at a state or national park. It is best if the activity destinations are close to your campground. Also, the site you choose should have running water and flushing toilets to ensure a pleasant experience with kids. You need to consider whether you will be camping in a tent, a cabin, or, RV. Once you find a suitable site, make sure to have a reservation to avoid minute hassles.
Plan Activities
When choosing the campsite, consider the amenities and activities available. Some sites have playgrounds, hiking, fishing pond, and other activities options. You may also decide on some activities such as t-shirt painting, crafts, and more. Kids also enjoy biking, swimming, and roasting marshmallows. Consider what type of activities your child could probably enjoy.
Get the Right Camping Gear
Camping is all about packing the right stuff. The gear you need depends on the type of campground you choose. If the site doesn’t have a cabin, you will need a high-quality tent that is easy to assemble and quick to install. Carefully plan what type of gear will work best for you. You can either rent the camping gear but it is best to purchase basics that can be used for the long term. The basic camping gear includes tents that can accommodate your family, a fully-stocked first aid kit, sleeping bags, rain gear, flashlights, stove, fuel, water, insect repellent, appropriate clothes, shoes, and more.
Plan Meals
Kids need something to munch frequently. If kids are hungry, neither they nor you can enjoy the trip. So, make sure to pack plenty of food items and snacks such as crackers, gummy bears, granola bars, carrots, juices, and more to keep kids full and hydrated. Also, plan meals properly and bring cookware such as pan, stove, plates, cups, and more. Keep ready-to-cook meals, as well as hotdogs, burgers, pre-cut and packaged veggies, cans of beans, and more. Avoid complex dishes and try to engage kids in cooking.
