The Best Camping Hacks for Kids
Exploring nature overnight with kids can be a great experience, especially if you have camping hacks for kids. It’s a good way to introduce them to the outdoors and it gives you a chance to spend quality time together as a family.
We love going camping in our camper Callie. My family and I are from New England and enjoy camping all around this region, but we recently became snowbirds as well. We have camped all the way down the eastern seaboard and all around the state of Florida, all with two little kids in tow!
But camping with kids isn’t always easy. You might find yourself facing challenges like keeping them entertained. If you’re looking for some ideas on how to make your next trip easier, read on!
Pack lots of snacks and water
Being outside in the fresh air all day burns lots of energy..and calories. Kids will need more refueling than usual. Keep it as simple as possible.
Pack lots of different snacks carbohydrates, protein, and hydrating. Kids might not realize how hungry they are and will become irritable and moody.
Same goes with being dehydrated. Keep lots of water on hand to make sure their bodies are getting what they need to be performing at their best.
And don’t forget about your own needs as well–you’ll need something substantial (like a sandwich) in order to keep up with everyone else around campfire time!
Familiar Night Routine
If you do a nightly routine with your kids at home, try to emulate what you can while camping. Children who go to sleep with a sound machine, bring one that uses batteries. Try and keep things consistent from home while you are camping.
If any of your children sleep with security blankets or lovies be sure to bring them. This will help your little ones feel secure and fall asleep easier.
Plan for a space for the kids to play.
The space around your campsite should be set up so that it’s safe for the kids to play. If you don’t have a safe area, they’ll find somewhere else to go, which could be dangerous.
Be sure there is room for them to run around and explore without being dangerous.
Plan outdoor entertainment
Here are some ideas for activities you can do with camping with kids outdoors that will keep them entertained:
Bring a telescope. Kids love looking at stars and planets, so bring one along to help them appreciate the night sky. If you don’t have one, check out Google Sky Map app on your phone or tablet–it gives detailed information about what’s in view and how to find it using GPS technology!
Set up a tent for the kids to play in while they’re waiting for dinner or before bedtime (if they’re getting tired). This will give them something fun and new to do while also keeping them close by so no one gets lost or hurt while exploring nature on their own terms.
Bring balls or Frisbees so everyone has something fun to toss around outside after dinner. You might also consider bringing kites–they’re easy enough for even young children who aren’t strong enough yet
Bring games, books, toys– Card games like Uno and Skipbo are great for travel because they come in small boxes and don’t require much space on your car’s floorboard or backseat (or campground picnic table!).
Board games like Scrabble or Monopoly are also good choices; just make sure there aren’t too many pieces for little hands!
Books are always nice when there are long drives involved; try some children’s classics like The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams Bianco or Charlotte’s Web by E. B White if you want something lighter but still enjoyable.
For younger kids who may not be able to sit still for long periods of time without getting fidgety (like toddlers), try bringing along some stuffed animals as well.
Let them be bored
If your kids are older, prepare them for the camping trip by letting them know that they will feel bored. This can be an uncomfortable feeling for some kids.
Help them understand that feeling bored isn’t a bad thing, and this can be a time where they can be their most creative! Encourage and motivate their imagination and creativity!
Let your kids watch ants for an hour or let them make dirt pies. Allow them to “sweep” the campsite with an evergreen branch. Once they activate their imagination, anything is possible.
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What is a good age to bring a child camping?
The ideal age to take a child camping largely depends on the child’s temperament and developmental stage. In general, most experts suggest that children aged 3 and above are more likely to enjoy and benefit from a camping experience.
At this age, children are more independent and can participate in basic camping activities, such as setting up tents and helping with campfire cooking. However, every child is different. Parents should consider their child’s temperament, interest, and comfort level when deciding if they are ready for camping. Ultimately, camping with children can be a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family, regardless of the child’s age.
The key to a successful camping trip with your kids is to plan ahead, make sure everyone is prepared and have fun! If you keep these hacks in mind before you head out on your next adventure, we’re sure that it will be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
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