Camping with Small Children: Make Your Camping Trip Fun For All

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Children love adventure. What can be more adventurous than a camping trip? Parents need to realize that camping with small children is nothing like camping with other adults. Here are some tips to make your camping trip more enjoyable for everyone.

Backyard Camping

While children love to be outdoors and play, they do tire and frighten easily. The first camping trip should be held in the back yard. Children learn about the great outdoors with the comfort and safety of their house in the background.

For a first camping trip, don’t go out of your way to purchase the most expensive gear. This outdoor camping trip may not even last an entire night if the kids get cold and want to go inside. A lightweight tent that can accommodate you and your children and a couple of flashlights are good enough for the back yard. Sleeping bags can be used for years to come at camps and sleepovers so it’s okay if you spend a bit of extra money on them. If a few nights of backyard camping go well, you may decide to take the family on an adventure at a real campsite.

Camping Away From Home

Many campsites offer swimming, boating, playgrounds, bathroom, and grilling facilities. You will be sleeping in tents, but other amenities are not far away. By choosing a campsite with these features, your kids will be “roughing it” just a little but will still have a sense of security.

Choose campsites next to other families with small kids. They will be more used to the noise than older folks. Your kids can get acquainted with others and you will find some adults to socialize with.

Until the age of eight you should expect your children to sleep in the same tent as you. Now that you are out of the back yard, think about purchasing a tent that is compartmentalized. Your children will have their own sleeping area away from yours and there will be a common area for all to relax together.

Let children help you pack for the camping trip. All the while, explain to them what you need and why you need it. Include a first aid kit, insect repellent, a battery-operated radio, an emergency kit, sleeping bags, food, bottled water, disposable plates, napkins, and utensils. Campgrounds will have garbage facilities so you don’t have to carry it back with you.

Involve the children in the daily activities of camping. Let them wash any reusable dishes after meals. Show them where to get water to put out a fire. They will be eager to help and excited to learn.

If you want your kids to enjoy the occasional camping trip, keep it simple the first time out. The back yard gives them the security of home, which could give them the courage to try camping away from home. Take your lead from the children.

To learn more, check out the Mom’s Talk Guide to Raising Happy & Healthy Kids - Tips and resources address nutrition, exercise, sleep, routines, and much more.