Camping with kids may seem like a tough challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Spending time with your children away from screens and other distractions is really fun. Passing on a family tradition and strengthening relationships are a couple of reasons why people camp.
Below are a few suggestions to make your family outing fun and enjoyable, and keep your sanity at the same time!
Set Reasonable Expectations (or Expect the Unexpected)
Face it—your first, second, or even tenth camping trip with the kids may not go as planned. Things happen: Muddy hands and faces, s’mores matted in hair, a leaky tent, or a late night trip to the bathroom. It can really test your patience. Going into a trip knowing that there will be bumps, helps when dealing with them as they arise. They also make great memories and stories later in life. (Pro tip: Refer to any trial or tribulation as an adventure. As in, “Racing down the mountain during that hailstorm sure was an adventure!”)
Pack the Right Stuff
Let your child have a say in the packing process. They’ll appreciate getting to have input, and it’s a great opportunity to teach them what to bring along…and what to leave at home. You might ask your child, “It’s going to be hot during the day and cold at night, so what clothes do you need to bring?” “We’re going on a hike, what do you need to bring?” Let them choose an item or two that is special for them to bring along. If your kids are older, create a list for them to pack, otherwise you might end up with no clothes but an amazing assortment of legos, water guns, and loud things. Remember to pack clothes so you can layer. Shedding items when it’s hot, or adding when it’s cold, will help keep your child comfortable.
Get the Kids Involved
It can be frustrating trying to set up a tent or prepare a meal when the kids are running around getting into things or, let’s face it, are fighting with each other. Plan and assign them tasks appropriate for their age and ability; little ones can gather kindling or fill water bottles, and older kids can prepare food, wash dishes, or set up their own tents. Pro tip: A little encouragement goes a long way!
Cook Fun Things
Kids love to be involved cooking their own food that can be cooked at the end of a stick. Introduce your kids to the camping tradition of roasting marshmallows and cooking hot dogs over a fire. Please see our Cooking in Camp page for more tips, tricks and recipes for meals.
