How to Camp with Kids - Tips from a Family Camping Expert
Connecting with your kids in an outdoor camping experience can be one of the cherished memories for you as a parent, and for the kids themselves. Nature delivers a full-on sensory experience, and a family camping trip is a great way to introduce the younger set to the joys of being outside. It’s never too early to start camping with your kids.
From my 30 years of experience organizing camping weekends for dads and their kids, I have listed down some pointers to keep in mind before you plan your next camping retreat with your kids.
Plan Ahead
One cannot over-emphasize the importance of planning ahead for an outdoor camping weekend. In my guide book – The Dads & Kids Camping Handbook – I have listed some of my experience in organizing these events and the important things to note while planning ahead. Your kids depend on you to provide them with all the adequate necessities for them to enjoy the experience and not worry about the ‘boring’ grown-up stuff, like booking the campground, remembering to carry all the essentials, etc.
Involve Kids in Packing
This could be an interesting learning experience for the kids. By giving them responsibility to pack their own gear and essentials, it enables them to think proactively and also teaches them an important lesson to be organized. Of course, you should double-check their packing job and also give them tips on how to pack more efficiently and remind them of things they might have forgotten to include.
Stick to the Usual Routine as Much as Possible
With young kids, you should try to stick to the same bedtime rituals and nap schedule as at home to ensure everyone gets a good night’s sleep. You should try to maintain the same mealtimes, as well. This will go a long way to ensure your kids are at 100% throughout the day and are able to fully immerse themselves in the outdoor camping experience.
Anticipate Possible Challenges
You know your child best and how they may respond to situations. Try to troubleshoot potential problems ahead of time. Is your child still potty-training or hates getting up at night to go to the bathroom? Bring a little travel toilet that you could put just outside your tent. Does your child wake up early? Bring a book or a toy that will keep them occupied in the morning when you’re still bleary-eyed. Is your teen a light sleeper and a late riser? Remember earplugs so your teen can sleep-in while the rest of the family is enjoying an early breakfast.
Safety Is Key
Once you get to a campsite, set ground rules for where your children can roam and talk about what they should do if they get lost. What are the boundaries? Are they allowed beyond the parking lot or near water? Are they allowed to wander into other people’s campsites or to go to the bathroom by themselves? Give kids a whistle and teach them to blow it if they become separated from you. At night, make sure they have access to a flashlight or headlamp. Be aware of certain things at the campground that could be hazardous.
Find Teaching Moments
No matter what age, your children are never too early to learn about best practices to follow when they’re outdoors. Remind them how they can enjoy the environment while also taking small steps to protect it. Teach them how to respect wildlife (don’t feed the animals or squash the bugs), dispose of trash properly (pack it in, pack it out), leave rocks, plants and other things where they find them and other “leave no trace” principles. If you’re camping in unimproved areas, make sure you and your kids follow proper practices for going to the bathroom in the woods.
Create a Cozy Sleep Environment
Younger kids may want their pillow, favorite blanket or a stuffed animal. Don’t skimp on the things that are most important to you. If you have trouble falling asleep, opt for a thicker more luxurious camp pad. Bring pillows from home or your favorite blanket. For babies, use a play yard or portable crib if you have a tent that’s big enough for it. The more you camp, the more you’ll learn what you need and what you can live without.
Have a Positive Attitude
The first rule of camping with kids? Be prepared to cope with inconvenience. Everything is in a different place. The bathroom is no longer down the hall; running water may or may not be available. Lead by example with an upbeat, can-do attitude and your kids will pick up on your vibe.
And Finally, Allow Room to Grow
You’re not going to create the perfect experience the first or even second time out. Take notes at the end of each trip to remind yourself what you should bring next time, what you can leave behind or how you might do things differently.
Read more about it in my guide – The Dads & Kids Camping Handbook – now available on Amazon Kindle - https://www.amazon.com/Dads-Kids-Camping-Handbook-much-deserved-ebook/dp/B088F47TQJ
Check out this blog on Fun Activities to Do at Home by Lorena Romo, it’s a great read.