Depending on your experience and level of
comfort, even babies can go on a family campout. However, to get the most out
of it, kids should probably be a bit older — at least preschool or kindergarten
age. To have a successful and fun camping experience that will inspire your
kids to adore nature, check out the following tips:
Try a backyard campout first
Before hiking deep into the woods with your
youngins’ in tow, plan a backyard campout first. This will give you a chance to
teach your kids how to pitch a tent and try cooking hot dogs over a fire — if
you don’t have a safe space for a campfire a small hibachi will do — and also
experience sleeping in the black of night. You can still enjoy many of the
traditional camping experiences in your backyard, from stargazing and singing
songs to telling ghost stories andmaking
s’mores. As a bonus, if Jane or John wakes up at 2 a.m. completely scared
of the dark and wanting to go home — they can, without having to pack up your
entire campsite.
Make sure you have the necessary gear
It is pretty much a given that your kiddos
will get filthy during their first camping trip, and perhaps wet and muddy,
too. To keep them as comfortable as possible, pack extra shoes and clothes as
well as plenty of warm layers. This goes for you grownups, too —bring
along flannel shirts, enough pants and plenty of socks to stay warm and
dry. If your kids only have lightweight sleeping bags adored with Teenage
Mutant Ninja Turtles or Hello Kitty designs, you should spring for something
heavier so they will stay warm.
Other essentials for camping with kids
include plenty of flashlights, glow sticks, tons of extra batteries, toys and
games to keep them happy in the tent should it start to rain, a first aid kit,
sunscreen and bug repellent. To make bedtime as easy as possible, let children
bring along a favorite “lovey” and pillow from their own bed.
Choose your spot carefully
Although your favorite camping spot might
be 200 miles away and require a 5-mile hike to reach it, remember that you are
camping with little ones who will probably appreciate something a bit closer to
home. Consider choosing a campsite that offers some modern amenities like
bathrooms, showers and organized activities for the kids.
To find some great family-friendly campgrounds near you, check out GoCampingAmerica.com. Also, take your kids’ interests into mind when selecting your spot; for instance, if your daughter loves fishing you might want to camp near a lake, or if your son loves picking out constellations, choose a campsite that is not totally surrounded by sky-blocking trees.
To find some great family-friendly campgrounds near you, check out GoCampingAmerica.com. Also, take your kids’ interests into mind when selecting your spot; for instance, if your daughter loves fishing you might want to camp near a lake, or if your son loves picking out constellations, choose a campsite that is not totally surrounded by sky-blocking trees.
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