Going camping with the kids can be a wonderful opportunity to spend time out in nature and bond as a family. You can get little ones away from screens and explore the magic of the great outdoors, which is vital for both their physical and mental health. However, taking young children camping is not without its challenges. So, if you want to ignite your child’s love for adventure and avoid any disasters in the wilderness, follow these top tips:
Plan
While being spontaneous has its benefits on a camping trip for grown-ups, forward-thinking will pay off hugely when camping with little ones. For example, booking a spot at a child-friendly campsite will take away any pressure of finding a suitable place to pitch your tent at the last minute. Make sure you know the driving route to get there, and always leave some extra time for the journey. You want to avoid arriving late and having to put up a tent after dark.
Level Up Your Camping Gear
To ensure young kids have a pleasant experience when camping, it’s a good idea to go beyond a basic tent and sleeping bag. Extras such as thick floor mats and portable bassinets will make a huge difference when sleeping, while camping lanterns make it easy to navigate in the dark. You could even consider hiring a motorhome from a company like Camptoo for ultimate comfort and peace of mind.
Do a Test Run in the Garden
You should never be putting up a tent for the first time at the campsite or in the woods, The last thing you want is to realize that something is broken or you don’t know what you’re doing when you’re miles away from home. It’s always wise to do a trial run at home before your trip, to make sure that you have all the equipment you need and know how to pitch your tent.
Another top tip is to leave the tent up overnight and sleep in it with the kids. That way, they can get used to the idea of camping in advance, and you can figure out exactly what you’ll need to bring when you go on your vacation.
Be Prepared
Nature is unpredictable, so you need to be prepared for any eventuality. For example, that means packing clothing for all sorts of weather. Even if the days are warm, it can still get chilly at night, so be sure to bring layers. Likewise, you never know when rain might strike, and there’s nothing as miserable as being soggy in a tent. You should also bring lots of wet wipes and similar supplies.
Dream Up Plenty of Fun Activities
Don’t worry about keeping kids entertained on a camping trip as there are plenty of options to choose from, depending on their age and confidence in the outdoors. Here are just a few ideas:
- Go on a hike
- Build a den
- Play card games or board games
- Use coloring books
- Try geocaching
- Make nature rubbings
- Stargaze at night
- Search for wildlife
- Swim in a lake
- Play soccer or other ball games
- Roast marshmallows around a campfire
- Tell ghost stories
- Go on a bike ride
- Throw around a frisbee
- Go on a scavenger hunt
