Nowadays, kids prefer to stay on their phones than ride a bike or play in the street with their friends. As vital as it is to our daily lives, modern technology is ripping our kids off the simple childhood they deserve. That's why you need to think of ways to make them willingly choose to play in the park or go on outdoor adventures. You can offer them a great experience that will encourage them to take a break from the digital world by taking them camping. To help you ensure that they will love the new venture and enjoy the trip, we have gathered some of the most important things you should keep in mind when going camping with kids.
Pick an Interesting Campsite
Certain campsites never fail to entertain kids and adults alike. For example, setting up camp by the beach will provide the whole family with the tranquility of the water in the morning and stargazing at night. Kids love to put on their swimsuits and feel the water against their skin. So, if you told them that there is going to be a sea or an ocean, they will start packing even before you do.
Also, camping near a forest or national park is going to be an unforgettable experience, especially if there is a waterfall too. That way, your kids will enjoy the green areas, the friendly animals, and the refreshing swim! The more they are immersed in nature, the more appreciative they will become of their surrounding environment. However, you need to check that you are allowed to stay there and that your chosen location is safe for you and your little ones.
Let Them Help Pack
Allowing your kids to pack their clothes and food will give them a sense of responsibility. You'll have to guide them and tell them whether they need to bring a jacket or not depending on the weather. Also, if they want to take their favorite shirt, don't refuse just because you think it won't go with the atmosphere there. Save the rules when they are actually needed.
When it comes to food, pack ingredients that you can cook with limited resources. For instance, meat and sausages can be cooked over the fire, so they are good choices, as most campers love campfires and tend to share stories and memories around them. This means that your bond with the kids will grow stronger and you will know them better. You might want to pack snacks and energy bars in case you decide to leave the campsite and roam around.
Plan Fun Activities
Create a solid plan before heading out to keep the family members occupied and engaged. Staying in the same spot all day may get boring at some point, so you should find different means of entertainment. Grab card games and board games with you and play them with your kids. They may ask for help with games like scrabble or sudoku because they're hard at first. So, you can form teams in order to teach them while playing and maybe encourage them to use online tools to help them get the hang of it.
Furthermore, you can have a different program every day, depending on your destination. You can take them on a hike or teach them how to climb a tree. If they don't know how to swim, give them a two-hour lesson, so they can enjoy the water on their own.
Make Them Feel Involved
Kids tend to be curious and they would want to get their hands dirty. So, let them help you in setting up the tents and teach them how to secure them. Answer all of their questions and be patient while watching them put up other ends of the best tent for beach camping. Starting a fire will also be a total mystery to them, but it is a dangerous task for the little ones. If your children are young, tell them to grab logs or grass and give them credit for helping everyone feel warm.
Set Boundaries
Sometimes, kids may want to walk around on their own to have some freedom and privacy. Instead of disagreeing with them, you can give them the right gear that will keep them safe. Also, you should both agree on where they would go, and when you expect their return. That's how they will learn to be independent and grow more confident.
Camping can be a piece of cake if you plan the trip well in advance with your family's needs and preferences in mind. It's good for the kids to get out of the house and enjoy what Mother Nature has got to offer. All you need to know is how to entertain them and let them have a bit of control and freedom. As long as they are happy and safe, it will be a memorable experience.
