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Last updated on October 24th, 2024 at 04:16 pm
Who remembers going camping with your family growing up and how much fun it was? Have you ever thought about how much effort your parents put into making that trip a success? Whether you are new to camping or not; camping with kids is a whole new experience.
Here are a few tips that will help make your next camping trip a little easier and an experience your children won’t forget!
Our Best Camping with Kids Hacks
Preparation is Key (Print our checklist.)
When it comes to camping with kids, you want to do your best to be prepared for any emergency. Cuts, bumps, or even burns are bound to happen during your trip. Safety is most important in these situations, be sure to have a fully stocked first aid kit.
Don’t forget about other necessities like toiletries, sleeping bags, weather-appropriate clothing, and gear. Bringing a tent is always a good idea, even if you’re not planning on using one. Additional lighting will be a great help for any nighttime activities. Consider solar panel light strings, glow sticks, and even headlamps as camper-friendly options.
You’re going to be cooking most if not all of your meals at your campsite, so plan ahead with ready-to-go meals. Be sure to pack plates, utensils, and napkins and check with the campground for barbeques or other amenities.
If these are not available, you may need to pack a camping stove or a portable kitchen. Likewise, bring A LOT of water. You’re going to need water to drink, to clean up after your meals, to wash your hands, to cook, and maybe even to bathe.
Pro tip: Pick up our camping checklists to make sure you have everything you need. And then, pack your gear in clear bins to make it easier to see what you have and stay organized.
Read:
Camping for Beginners (Our 5 Best Tips) + Print Your Camping Checklist
The Ultimate Family Camping Trip Checklist: 20 Items You Need
Camping Scavenger Hunt (Free Printable)
Upgrade Your Campsite
While camping with kids may be tough, setting up a campsite while watching your kids can be challenging in itself. The ultimate hack when it comes to camping with littles is creating a stress-free setup. Some people prefer to skip the tent altogether and rent a camper, an RV, or even purchase a permanent site.
If camping is a family hobby where you anticipate spending a lot of your free time, a permanent site might be worth looking into. You may even be considering purchasing your own RV. Upgrading from a tent to an RV is a big investment, so consider your options to help make this decision one that you are comfortable with.
Unless you’ve been building a savings account or have extra funds set aside, you may not be able to make this purchase right away. In that case, you could explore a few other options.
Financing or saving for a few more years are possibilities, but you might also consider taking out a home equity line of credit. This allows you to borrow against the equity in your home and can help cover the initial costs, whether it’s a down payment on a permanent camping lot or purchasing an RV.
One of the great perks of owning an RV or a permanent site is being able to use your favorite campground year-round. You’ll also enjoy the convenience of leaving your camping gear there, reducing the hassle of packing each trip.
To maximize your investment, consider renting out your campsite or RV when you’re not using it. This can generate some extra income and help offset your expenses.
Keep the Kids Entertained
Before deciding where you want to stay, be sure to do some research, and find a kid-friendly campsite. These campgrounds tend to have planned activities and events to help keep your children entertained. In addition to attending on-site events, you may want to bring your own entertainment too.
If you’re camping with very little ones, bring a pack-and-play as a designated play area. If you have older kids, you can bring a small, inexpensive tent just for them to socialize in or hang out with new friends.
You might want to pack some traditional campsite games like horseshoes, as well as sports equipment like baseballs, mitts, soccer balls, or even badminton sets and volleyball practice nets. These are perfect for setting up impromptu games that will keep your kids active and entertained when you need them to stay close to the campsite.
Bikes are always a fun way for your kids to get around the campground and a good way to get familiar with the area.
A few more ideas…explore nature with a simple scavenger hunt. Bring along some card games or board games to keep the fun going, especially when the sun goes down or during rainy weather. These are great for gathering around the campfire or in the tent, giving everyone a chance to wind down while still staying entertained.
Wrapping Up
Camping is a natural way to introduce your kids to the great outdoors and encourage time unplugged. Exploring nature, relaxing, and spending time as a family is an important part of your child’s camping experience.
While camping with young children may add a little stress to your getaway, be prepared, have fun, and create lasting memories your kids won’t soon forget.
Are you a camper? What are your best camping with kids hacks? Share them in the comments below.
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