Camping With Kids? Top Ten Things to Know.

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Camping with kids can be one of the most memorable experiences you have with them. However, it can also be an exhausting experience if you don’t come prepared. I’ve been camping with my kids for quite some time now, and I thought I would share some of my most helpful tips so you can do the same! Keep reading to uncover my top ten secrets for how to make your camping trip with your kids run as smoothly as possible!

Do Your Research Before You Go Camping

Don’t just head out the door for your camping trip without doing your research about the location first. Researching your location before you get there is a great way to plan out your trip. Try to go to places that are kid-friendly so your kids can get in on the action! For example, many campsites have pools and outdoor activities like trails or bike riding that will keep your kids busy.

Weather is another thing you need to research beforehand. You don’t want to be caught in a winter storm with shorts on. Make sure you pack according to the weather and your trip will be smooth sailing.

Lastly, make sure you research different attractions near the area. If you plan on staying at a campsite, look for activities outside of the campsite such as shopping, hiking trails, museums, and even breweries (for the adults of course). By researching ahead of time, you’ll be able to make a plan and hit all the places you want to go!

Practice Camping at Home

If your kids have never camped before, it’s a good idea to practice camping at home. You can set up a tent in the backyard with a few sleeping bags and have your kids spend the night outdoors. This gives them a little taste of the outdoor camping life without diving straight into it. Kids tend to get uneasy in new situations, so it’s a good idea to give them a little taste of the experience. 

Meal Prep Beforehand

Meal prepping is a lifesaver when camping with kids. There aren’t always places to stop and eat and you don’t want to spend a ton of money eating out. Try meal prepping things like healthy snacks and meals so you can not only save money but also give your kids healthy nutritious meals, even on the road. 

Talk to Your Kids About Camping Safety

Camping is a fun activity for kids; however, there are a lot of ground rules your kids need to be aware of before you go on your trip. For example, make sure your kids understand basic campfire safety such as never setting up a campfire near overhanging branches or putting out the fire completely before exiting the campsite.

Another safety tip is to use lots of bug spray. If you’re camping in the woods, there are going to be bugs. You don’t want your kids scratching the whole time they’re camping, so bring plenty of bug spray.

Lastly, make sure your kids know to stay near the campsite and check in regularly if they plan to do an activity. You never want your kids to go anywhere alone so make sure they always have at least one buddy with them. If you want to know where they are at all times, get a GPS tracking watch they can wear. If anything were to happen to your kids (God forbid), you can at least know exactly where they are. 

Give Your Kids Camping Responsibilities

If your kids are old enough, give them camping responsibilities such as helping put up and take down the tent, helping clean up before you leave, and packing their own camping gear. This gives them a little autonomy and helps them become more responsible adults. 

Leave the Electronics at Home

I know kids are attached to their devices. However, if they’re spending time with family, it would be better to leave the devices at home (or at least put them away while they’re out with family). For example, if you’re driving to your location, you can totally let your kids have a device to keep them occupied. However, when you get to the campsite, it’s best to leave the devices in the car or camper so your kids can experience nature in all its glory. Plus, they can learn some valuable skills while in the wilderness that you can’t get from looking at a smartphone. 

Bring Plenty of Clothes

Bringing backup clothes is a great way to stay prepared for your trip. If your kids’ clothes get wet or muddy, you don’t want them staying in those clothes for the whole day. Plus, if you do a lot of activities one day, you’ll want your kids to have a fresh clean set of clothes to change into. 

Get Active

Camping with kids is all about getting active in nature. Get your kids involved in fun outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, bike riding, and more! This will help them not only get their energy out but also enjoy all that nature has to offer. In this day and age, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a kid without some sort of device. Getting out in nature and putting away the devices is a recipe for long-lasting memories they won’t forget!

Make the Most Out of Nature

Nature is one of those things that is highly underrated. Nature is free, beautiful, and a great way to spend time with family. You can experience the outdoors through your kids’ eyes and watch as they take in the beautiful scenery. Although you may not want to have a smartphone with you, you can take a camera and take tons of beautiful family pictures that you will cherish forever. 

Remember to Have Fun

Camping with kids is a lot of responsibility but if you take the time to prepare beforehand, you will have a ton of fun! Remember, your kids are young and full of life like you were at one point. Let them have fun and enjoy themselves while they’re young. It’s okay to let the little things go and focus on more important things like getting to travel with your kids and making memories that will last a lifetime.