Why should you go camping?

There are many reasons why camping can be a great experience for families. For one, it gets everyone out into nature and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s also a great opportunity to bond with your children and create lasting memories together. Camping can also be a very affordable vacation option, especially if you camp in an area that you are already familiar with.

Being outdoors has also been shown to improve mental and physical health. It can reduce stress and anxiety, improve moods, boost energy levels, improve sleep quality and strengthen the immune system.

Benefits of camping with kids

One of the best things about camping with kids is that it provides a great opportunity for them to connect with nature (and get off the screens). Spending time in the great outdoors can help to boost their mood, improve their sleep, and increase their overall sense of well-being.

Another benefit of camping with kids is that it’s a great way for them to get some exercise. Running around and playing in the outdoors is a great way for kids to burn off energy and stay active. And with all of the fresh air, they’re sure to sleep well at night.

Camping can also teach kids important life skills, such as how to build a fire or pitch a tent, as well as being a great opportunity for kids to learn about responsibility. They can help with tasks such as setting up and cooking. This can help them to feel more involved in the trip and give them a sense of pride in their accomplishments.

What are some things to consider when camping with kids?

When you’re planning a camping trip with your children, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. First of all, it’s important to choose a campsite that is appropriate for your family’s needs. If you have very young children, you may want to consider a campsite that is close to amenities like bathrooms and showers. You’ll also want to make sure that there are plenty of activities for your children to enjoy while at the campsite.

How to plan a camping trip with kids

Choosing where to go camping with kids:

Consider the age of your children when choosing a campsite. If you have young kids, you might want to choose a site that is closer to amenities like bathrooms and showers. Older kids will be able to handle camping in more remote locations.

Think about what kind of activities your family enjoys. If you love hiking, then look for a campsite that has easy access to trails. If swimming is more your thing, then choose a site near a lake or river. Check the weather forecast before you leave so that you can be prepared for any inclement weather.

Choosing a kid-friendly camping site:

One of the most important things to consider when planning a camping trip with kids is choosing the right campsite. You’ll want to pick a spot that has plenty of activities for kids, as well as some basic amenities. Here are a few things to look for:

• A playground or swimming area
• Hiking trails
• A grocery store or other place to buy food
• Bathrooms with flush toilets
• Showers

How to teach your kids about camping:

Before heading out on your camping trip, it’s important to have a few discussions with your kids about what to expect. This includes talking about the activities that you’ll be doing as well as any rules that need to be followed. Establishing these things ahead of time will help to ensure that everyone has a great time and stays safe.

If you’re wondering why your kids seem to need to discuss the same thing multiple times, it’s because they’re still trying to process and understand all of the new information. It can be helpful to provide them with short summaries worded similarly each day and then to ask them questions to ensure they remembered the information. All of this will help them keep track of all the new information and feel more comfortable about what to expect.

Camping test run in the backyard:

If you’re not sure if camping is right for your family, or you just want to try out your tent, why not give it a test run in your own backyard? Set up a tent, make some s’mores, and spend the night sleeping under the stars.

What to pack to go camping with kids:

• Extra clothes: the weather can be unpredictable, especially at night, so make sure to pack for hot and cold. Plus, children can have accidents or just get themselves wet or dirty by playing, so it’s better to overpack than underpack when it comes to clothing.
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Hats
• Swimmers and towels

Packing food for camping:

When it comes to food, camping with kids is all about simplicity. You’ll want to pack foods that are easy to prepare and that everyone will enjoy. Some great options include hot dogs, PB&Js, trail mix, and s’mores. The kids will likely be starving the second you get there while you’re trying to set up the tent so take along some easy snacks. And don’t forget to pack plenty of water and juice boxes to keep everyone hydrated throughout the trip.

Lighting

Be sure to pack a few lanterns or flashlights, as it can get quite dark at night and small children can get scared. And if you’re planning on doing any hiking, make sure to bring along a map and compass.

Long car ride games:

If you’re in for a long car ride to get to your destination., there are a few ways to make the trip more enjoyable for everyone. Be sure to pack some games and activities to keep everyone entertained. Some great options include road bingo, I Spy, or 20 Questions. And don’t forget the snacks! Having some snacks on hand will help to keep everyone’s energy up and make the trip more enjoyable.

Should you bring toys camping?

When packing for a camping trip with kids, it’s important not to overdo it on the toys. Sure, it’s nice to have a few things to keep them entertained, but too many toys can quickly become a nuisance. Stick to a few essentials like coloring books, playing cards, and small games. If your child has a particular favourite teddy bear that they cuddle with to sleep at night, it should definitely make the list.

How to have a successful camping trip with kids:

Safety first:

• Make sure to have a few safety rules in place, such as no running near the campfire or swimming alone.
• Teach your children about fire safety, and make sure they understand the dangers of playing with matches or lighters. Always supervise small children near fire and don’t let them get too close.
• Have a first-aid kit on hand in case of any minor injuries and have a basic understanding of what to do in the event of an incident.
• Be sure to pack plenty of food and water so that everyone stays hydrated and fed throughout the trip.
• Always supervise your children around bodies of water. This includes lakes, rivers, and pools.
• Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent.
• Be aware of your surroundings, and watch out for wildlife.
• Teach your children to keep away from snakes and know what to do in the event of a snake bite.
• Make sure everyone knows what to do if they get lost.

Give the kids a job:

One of the best ways to ensure a successful camping trip with kids is to give them each a job. Whether it’s collecting firewood, setting up the tents, or cooking meals, assigning tasks will help to keep everyone busy and engaged. Not only will this help to make the trip more enjoyable for everyone, but it will also teach kids important teamwork skills.

Don’t plan much for the first night:

It’s best not to plan too much for the first night. Set up camp and then let the kids explore and play. Once everyone is settled in, you can start planning some fun activities for the rest of the trip. Definitely pick something easy for dinner if you’re only going to arrive at 2pm and it’s going to take a while to set up first.

Stick to your bed time routine:

Even though you’re on vacation, it’s important to stick to your kids’ bedtime routine as much as possible, particularly with small children. This will help them to wind down and prepare for sleep. So don’t forget to pack their favourite bedtime story!

Keep off your devices:

One of the best things about camping is that it provides a great opportunity to disconnect from technology and connect with nature. So make sure to keep your devices turned off and put away. This will help you to enjoy the simple things, like stargazing and good conversation.

Camping activities for kids:

Hiking:

Hiking is a great activity for the whole family to enjoy. It’s a great way to explore the outdoors and get some exercise. And there are plenty of trails that are suitable for all fitness levels. Just be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks.

Hiking with small children:

To keep smaller children entertained on walks, like everything else, you might need to make it into a game.

One easy idea is to play the rainbow game. Have them look for things that are the colours of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. This will help them stay focused and engaged on the hike. And it’s a great way to teach them about colours!

Another great activity for kids is a scavenger hunt. Give each child a list of things to find, such as leaves, rocks, flowers, etc. This will help them explore their surroundings and pay attention to detail. And it’s a great way to teach them about nature. You could also keep the items for art activities later.

Swimming:

If you’re camping near a lake or river, swimming is another great activity for the whole family. Just be sure to supervise your children at all times and teach them about water safety.

Tracking and studying bugs:

One of the great things about camping with kids is that it gives you a chance to teach them about nature. Tracking is a great way to do this. It’s a fun activity that kids can enjoy, and it’s also educational. Just be sure to have a few supplies on hand, like binoculars, notebooks, and pencils. To study bugs, be sure to have a magnifying glass and some containers on hand to collect specimens. You can also use this opportunity to teach your kids about the life cycle of insects. But remember to let the bugs free again at the end.

Bring lawn games camping:

Another great way to entertain kids while camping is to bring along some lawn games. Games like frisbee, badminton, and croquet are perfect for the outdoors. And they’re a great way to get the whole family involved in some fun and friendly competition. Head into KMart and check the outdoor activities section, you’ll often find things on special.

Board games:

You can’t be expected to run around and be active the entire camping trip so bring along some board games to play in the shade or in your tent. Not only will they help keep your kids entertained, but they’re also a great way to spend time together as a family.

Campfire stories and songs

Last but not least, don’t forget the classic camping activities: telling stories and singing songs around the campfire. This is a great way to bond with your kids and create some lasting memories. And if you’re feeling really creative, you can even make up your own stories. Singing songs around the campfire is another great way to entertain kids and get everyone involved. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!

Camping tips for beginners:

• Choose a campground that is close to home or some shops: This way, if things don’t go as planned, you can always pack up and head back home early or grab something you need from the store. It’s also a good idea to pick a campground that has amenities like bathrooms and showers.
• Bring along some creature comforts: Camping can be roughing it, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring along some of your favourite items from home. Pack a few blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals to make the trip more comfortable.
• Be prepared for the weather: Check the forecast before you leave and pack accordingly. Bring rain gear, sunscreen, hats, and extra clothes in case the weather man gets it wrong.
• Bring food that everyone will enjoy: Camping is all about making memories, so make sure to bring along some of your family’s favourite foods. S’mores are always a hit around the campfire. On that note, if you’re new to cooking on a campfire, you might opt to go with some easy heat up options rather than being ambitious.
• A farmstay style camping site is a good option for first time campers. Many farms offer overnight accommodations, so you can really get the full experience of country living. Plus, there are usually plenty of animals and activities around for the kids to interact with.

One of the best ways to not stress while camping with kids is to be prepared. This means packing ahead of time and having a plan for activities. It also means being flexible and knowing that things may not always go according to plan. With a little planning and preparation, you can make sure that everyone has a great time. So get out there and enjoy the great outdoors with your kids!