Archive for camping kids

5 Tips for Making Your Kids’ First Camping Experience More Enjoyable

Camping with kids for the first time can make any parent feel worried and a little unsure. Make the experience as enjoyable as possible for both you and your kids by following these five tips:

1. Do a practice run

If your kids have never been camping before, it’s a good idea to spend a night “camping” in your backyard. That way your kids can get a taste of what’s to come, and you’ll have a better idea of how they handle sleeping in a tent or camper.

2. Start small

You might prefer to camp in the wilderness with no running water, but a child may be most at ease camping in a more developed area. Start at a campground close to home with toilets and running water. You want to ease kids into the camping experience—not scare them away from it.

3. Get the kids involved

Letting your kids be involved in the planning process will help build their excitement and make them feel more comfortable with the overall camping experience. Have them help you plan out meals and let them pack their own bags. It will make them more aware of the responsibilities that come with camping so they’re prepared in the future.

4. Establish camp rules

Kids should have fun while camping, but it also important that they stay safe. Set up boundaries so they know where it is okay to roam while unsupervised and which areas are off-limits. You can also create a buddy system. If your kids wants to go off by themselves, they should always tell an adult first.

5. Plan activities

If your kids are used to being entertained by televisions, cell phones, computers, and other electronic devices, they might feel lost without technology. Plan fun activities though like hiking, swimming, and games to help your kids forget about their video games!

Camping with kids takes a little more work and planning, but the cherished memories you’ll create together make the extra effort worth it.

For more information on how to camp, check out our other posts:

Camping Activities to Keep the Family Entertained

The whole family is packed and ready for a week of camping fun. But what are you actually going to do once you arrive at the campground? Be prepared come rain or shine with these fun camping activities in your back pocket.

Active

  • Hiking: A long hike is the perfect opportunity to bond with friends or family while enjoying lush natural landscapes.
  • Swimming: When the sun is shining and the weather is hot, cool down by spending a few hours swimming in the lake.
  • Capture the FlagUltimate Frisbee, or Sand Volleyball: Any game that gets you moving will work, but these are popular choices for camping.

Leisure

  • Fishing: Even if you don’t catch a single fish, going fishing is a great way to relish peace and quiet.
  • Floating: Tired of swimming? Grab a tube and enjoy the water without the work.
  • Lying on the beach: On the beach, you can read a book or just sit and relax. Just don’t forget to wear sunscreen!

Rainy days

  • Card games: Cards offer variety, so when you get sick of playing one game, simply switch to another.
  • Reading: Use a rainy day as an opportunity to finally start that book you’ve been meaning to read.
  • Crafting: Do you like to draw or knit? Bring your supplies with you in case of bad weather.

Nighttime

  • Storytelling: While everyone is sitting around the campfire and roasting marshmallows, have people share a scary ghost story.
  • Catching fireflies: Are you fast enough to catch a firefly? Wait until the sun goes down and then find out!
  • Late-night swim: Night swimming offers a totally different experience from a daytime swim. Take the necessary precautions and always bring a buddy.

A camping trip should never be boring. Keep a few activities in mind for every occasion and make your camping trip a success!

For more information on how to camp, check out our other posts:

How to Camp: Top 5 Tips for Camping

Swimming in the lake, roasting marshmallows, playing games—what’s not to love about camping? Camping can be ridiculously fun and is a great way to spend quality time with friends and family. To enjoy your trip as much as possible, you should carefully prepare beforehand. If you’re new to camping and aren’t sure how to plan for your camping trip, here are five basic how-to-camp tips that will help make your adventure stress-free.

1. Bring a first-aid kit

Whether you’re out in the middle of nowhere or spending time in a nice, familiar campground, you will want to bring a first-aid kit. Some of the items you should include are prescriptions, Band-Aids, aspirin, antiseptic creams, ointments, sterile wipes, rinse solutions, tweezers, and scissors.

2. Plan activities

More than likely, you’ll have plenty of free time on your camping trip. Fill up those hours where you have nothing planned with a fun game or group activity! Cards are perfect because they don’t take up a lot of space and you can use them to play a variety of different games. Other activities you might consider include swimming, hiking, and canoeing.

3. Pack lightly

People tend to overpack, thinking they are playing it safe. They regret that decision once their camper feels way too crowded. Pack only the essentials, but make sure you are prepared for both warm days and cold nights.

4. Plan out each meal

Planning meals ahead of time will prevent you from running out of food or packing too much. Take into account that some people on your trip may want seconds or even thirds.

5. Always pack bug spray and sunscreen

Out of all the miscellaneous items you pack for your camping trip, you’ll be most grateful for your bug spray and sunscreen. Find a bug spray that contains 20 percent or more DEET and be sure your sunscreen has at least 30 SPF.

Being prepared is an essential part of camping. Follow these five camping tips and make your trip an experience you’ll cherish forever!

For more information on how to camp, check out our other posts: