Enjoy the Great Outdoors: Useful Tips for Camping with Kids

Kids and the great outdoors go together so well, but for some parents, the thought of camping with their children strikes fear into the heart. If you plan ahead and know what to be ready for, camping can be a great experience for the whole family and one that can bring you even closer together as a family unit.

Go Somewhere Close

Camping somewhere close to home means that you will be able to go home, just incase something happens on the trip. It also means on the way there, you will not be traveling far and, therefore, will avoid all the “are we there yet” comments from the kids. The chances of you having to go home are minimal, but for your first trip, to alleviate some anxiety as a parent, staying relatively close to home is one less thing to worry about.

Be Ready for Any Weather

Checking the weather forecast before you go is helpful in giving you an idea of what you need to pack and what activities you can do. Choosing a warm, sunny day is ideal, but plans change, and the weather can be unpredictable at times. Packing activities and clothing for any weather is the best way to not be caught out and end up finishing your camping trip early. If it is raining, find plenty of activities that can be done in the tent so that the kids do not get fed up. If you are going camping with a teenager who wants their own tent, find one for solo travelers here. You can pitch it next to the main family tent, but your teen has their own space.

Remember the Necessities

There is so much to remember to bring when you are camping, but ensuring you have the necessities will make your life that much easier. Hand sanitizer and toilet roll are needed for little ones who cannot hold their bladder to get to the nearest toilets. Baby wipes are especially handy for children who always end up dirty whilst playing outdoors. This should be encouraged as the true camping experience means getting a little muddy. You can always bring extra clothes and wipes to clean their faces at the end of a long day spent exploring the forests.

Teach Them How to Act on a Campsite

There are a few common courtesies and rules that should be followed when on a campsite and teaching your children these before you go will ensure that you do not get any noise complaints. It also teaches them to respect nature, such as making sure they clean up after themselves. They need to know that you go around people’s campsites, not through them, and that being quiet when waking up is a must- not everyone has children who wake up at the break of dawn. This will provide them with some important life lessons along the way too.

Get Them Excited for Camping

Getting the kids excited for a new experience can help with any anxieties or worries they may have about sleeping outdoors. Set up tents in the house to get them used to what it is like to be inside a tent and tell them about all the fun activities they can discover whilst out camping. If you are the parent of an only child, perhaps invite a friend along so they have company and someone to play with, so you can have a break and enjoy camping too.

Camping with the kids is a great experience and one that should be enjoyed. Research plenty of campfire games and be ready for any weather to make camping that little bit easier.