Camping with Kids: 6 Important Tips

Camping holidays are a fantastic way to explore the natural world and bring the family closer together. We leave our reliance on technology at home which, although daunting for some, leaves little else to do besides work together as a team, create our own fun and reconnect emotionally.

However, whether you are heading out to the local woods for the weekend or traveling to a completely new state (or country), camping for the first time with children can be a challenge. If you are planning your first family camping trip this year, here are 6 important tips to keep in mind.

  • Choose your campsite carefully

You need to ensure that the campsite you are staying at is child friendly. Not all campsites allow children as they are aimed at more mature vacationers looking for peace and quiet. Before you book the campsite, check its location because if it is in a remote location, you may not be able to drive all the way there. The last thing you want is a 2-mile trek through the undergrowth with young children. Ideally, you want a campsite with laundry facilities. Some will have toilets onsite, but you may need to take a portable toilet.

  • Dress children for the outdoors

It may sound obvious, but you should be dressing your children for the unpredictable weather. This means plenty of layers which can be removed and replaced as needed. Waterproof coats and trousers and wellies will be important, as well as plenty of spare clothes.

  • Get cozy sleeping bags

Sleeping bags which are shiny on the inside tend to get very cold and slippery, so make sure the children have sleeping bags with a cotton lining and that they have a thermal blanket. Pajamas are also important to have as they can be removed if they get too hot during the night.

  • Buy a family-sized tent

While a tent may be described as 4-person, this usually means that there is enough space for 4 people to sleep, but not a lot else. Think about how much space you will need if you are inside during a particularly rainy day. It is also vital that the tent you choose is easy to construct as you do not want the hassle of fiddling with hundreds and pegs. The Qomotop cabin tent, for example, is a freestanding tent which does not need to be staked to the ground. Find out everything you need to know about Qomotop cabin tent review.

  • Be considerate of other campers

Remember that you will be probably be staying in close proximity to other campers, so maintain the discipline and control you would at home. It is an excellent opportunity for children to learn respect for others in terms of boundaries. Of course, you may want to adapt your routine in terms of mealtimes and bedtime. Safety while camping is obviously crucial so children should not be running off around the campsite and certainly not disappearing from your sight. There could be ponds or rivers, fields of cattle, electric fences, or farm vehicles nearby.

  • Plan some entertainment

Once the novelty has worn off, the kids will not have their usual computer game consoles and smart devices to keep them entertained, so you need to plan for this. Bring toys, books, puzzles, coloring books, and whatever else will keep stop them from getting into mischief.