Ah, the great outdoors. There are heaps of reasons why you should take a break and head outside to go camping for a few days or a week when you get the chance. At the very least, everyone will get a break from the screens! There’s no Netflix, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or work when you’re spending some quality time camping. At the most you’ll return to your regular routine feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and relaxed — ready to take on all of modern life’s many challenges.
However, what if you were used to camping before you had kids and then stopped? Life doesn’t stop when you begin a family, so neither should your camping trips away. You can bring the kids, even when they’re babies! So, let’s learn about family freedom and how to start camping with children.
Everyone Needs a Seat
You’ll spend lots of time sitting around when you’re camping — it’s one of the perks! But everyone is going to need camping chairs for this. You should get one with a drink holder — for your water or soft drink during the day and for beers for the adults at night. And get your kids camping chairs too! There are chairs suitable for toddlers right up to older kids. There’s nothing quite like sitting next to the fire, toasting marshmallows and telling stories or having a sing-a-long.
Talk to Them About Camping Beforehand
A few weeks before you’re set to leave on the big trip, begin talking to your children about camping. Explain that they’ll be away from their creature comforts for a few days, like indoor toilets, hot baths and showers, screens and their beds. This way it’s not a rude shock to them once they get in the bush and are without all of those things. Explain that they’ll get to spend a lot of time with their parents (and friends if any are coming along) and that they can play with toys, cards, board games or even go fishing or for a night walk! This should begin to get them excited for the trip — because you don’t want them complaining the whole time.
Consider Getting the Kids a Tent
Unless you’ve got a giant, family-sized tent, your kids’ might feel more independent and have more fun if they’ve got their own tent. There are heaps of options out there so you’re spoiled for choice. A word to the wise though — you may be tempted to save money on the kids’ tent but cheap tents break easily and can cost more if you need to repair them or replace them. So, invest in a decent model and it will last their whole childhood.
Don’t get me wrong there are some quality tents out there that you can get for a reasonable price, for reference check out this article – best tents under $100, it shows that while these tents won’t be the more luxurious tents out there they serve their function and are a great option for your kids.
Pack Activities for the Trip
We’ve already discussed a few things you can do to keep the kids busy while you’re up there, but if you’ve got a long road trip to get to your campsite you’ll need to keep the kids entertained. If you have in-car DVD, pack some kids’ movies. Otherwise, consider audio fairy tales or audiobooks, playing games like I spy or counting sheep and cows.
A Campground Conclusion
Make sure that everyone in the family has a camping chair, and prepare your children by talking to them about what camping is like a few weeks before you leave, so they’re not in for a rude surprise. Consider getting your children their own tent and make sure you’re prepared to keep them entertained on the road trip. Most of all, have fun and cherish the moments together because before you know they’ll be all grown up and going camping by themselves!
