Ahh, camping fun! I know it might not feel like it right now but camping season is right around the corner! Camping is a wonderful family activity that can be done almost anywhere from the desert dunes to the nearby lake. However, camping with kids can be a stressful and challenging experience for parents at times. As much as you want to bond and get to know your children outside your daily routine and schedule, dealing with their boredom or negativity can be exhausting. Follow these six tips to make your next family camping trip more enjoyable and memorable and keep them from falling back into bad attitudes.
Plan!
The key to a good camping trip is good planning. Find a destination that caters to activities that interest your family. Have detailed directions, and know where to go once you arrive. Also note that many campsites require reservations in advance, especially during peak times. You can give everyone maps of the area and have them decide where they might like to visit while you’re there.
Pack Smart
Uncomfortable kids are unhappy kids. Check the weather, and pack appropriate clothing. Do not forget the essentials such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a well-stocked first aid kit. RVs are a great way to ensure comfort and have a variety of amenities such as kitchens and bathrooms. Visit an RV dealer in Pennsylvania such as Fretz RV to see what they offer.
Play it Safe!
Ensure your kids understand the rules to keep them safe. Have boundaries, a buddy system, and be familiar with local dangers such as poisonous snakes and plants. Know how to properly start and extinguish a fire, and be sure your children practice good habits like walking carefully around the campfire.
Be Active
While camping is a great time to relax, be sure you have enough activities planned to keep your children from getting bored. Let kids help come up with a daily schedule that includes a mix of physical activities like hiking and swimming, and restful ones such as card games and crafts.
Make a Meal Plan
“I’m hungry!” is a phrase parents are all too familiar with. Be sure you have a plan of what you will eat for meals and snacks. Prepare and package food before your trip in a way that will simplify meal times on site. Allow kids to help plan the menu and make fun snacks such as trail mix or individual pre-packaged s’mores.
Make Memories
Encourage kids to take photos, keep a field journal, or draw pictures of all the fun things they see and do. When you get home, spend time together making a photo album or have children write letters to family and friends about their experience.
Camping is a great way to get outdoors and have some family fun. With a little planning, you can ensure a fun and stress-free vacation your family will remember for years to come!
