How to Make Camping with Kids More Enjoyable - 5 Tips

Here are some tips I've learned over the past couple of years, to make camping with my kids more enjoyable. Our kids have been camping for years and love it. But there's a method to make sure that it goes fairly smoothly and that everyone has a great time...including mom and dad!

1. Bring things to do.

Most camp grounds are like little neighborhoods. Most have a ton of other kids and they all bring their bikes and scooters and skateboards. Bring yours too! Give your kids age-appropriate boundaries on where they can and can't go in the campground. As long as they understand the rules and wear helmets - we let them go! Our kids are into basketball, so we always bring a basketball to play with and sometimes frisbees or some type of waffle ball game. Make sure you book at campgrounds that have playgrounds too! 

For the little people, make sure you have things for them to do also. Sidewalk chalk and bubbles are great. 

2. Keep snacks and drinks on hand

Kids outside playing hard get hungry and thirsty...make sure you bring more then you think you'll need of drinks and snacks. Juice boxes, cold water, fruit and pre-packaged snacks are the way to go for camping. (You can make your own pre-packaged snacks at home too!) I usually like to bring a special treat for the kids when we go camping....something that we don't normally have at home. That makes camping extra special!

3. Bring on the activities!

Anymore, most campgrounds have planned activities just for kids. Ice cream socials, art projects, putt-putt golf and more are all fun (and free) ways to keep the kids busy. Of course, if your campground has a pool or beach - you have to take advantage of that. Our camping trip last year, there was a nature reserve near-by...it was amazing (and free) and the kids had a blast hiking! 

4. Bring the essentials.

Sunscreen, changes of clothes, hats and more. Make sure you're applying sunscreen several times throughout the day while kids are out playing. No one is going to have a good time if the kids get sunburns. Bring changes of clothes for when the kids get too dirty. Extra diapers for the little ones. First Aid kits for scraped knees. Extras of everything is always high on my list!

5. Chill.

This is the most important rule of camping with kids.....chill out. You're camping. You're suppose to be having fun. Chill out. Things may not go exactly as you had planned...that's okay. Don't let it ruin anyone's day. Let the kids run and have fun during the day....they're usually passed out by 8pm anyways! 

Camping with your kids creates memories. Great memories. Lower your expectations of your first outing together. Plan easy meals. Put the cell phones, iPads, and iPods down. Turn them off. Tune into your family. Eat smores and tell ghost stories. 

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