How to Plan a Great Camping Trip for Kids
The great outdoors is one of the best places for kids to learn, enjoy the tranquillity of nature, and engage in physical activities. Planning good activities, ensuring that you’re well equipped, packing weather-appropriate clothing, including childrens clothing – these are some features of effective planning. If you’re planning a camping trip with young kids, use this guide to gain a quick overview.
Why Kids Love Camping
Most kids will love camping for different reasons. It allows them to get close to nature and experience the natural world. With activities such as setting up tents and cooking on an open fire, camping also teaches them self sufficiency and brings a sense of achievement. Camping can also be fun simply because it’s a novel way to spend time with the family.
Camping activities and ideas:
- Check out local trails for bushwalking or biking
- Look for fishing areas if you’re camping near water
- Check ahead to see if there are safe swimming areas
- Canoeing or rafting
- Create an orienteering course for your kids to complete (older kids only)
- Campfire building, cooking, and roasting marshmallows
- Storytelling
Preparation
Preparation goes a long way in laying foundations for a fun and safe trip. Make sure you work to an equipment list as your pack. At the same time, don’t over plan: allow plenty of room for spontaneous activities.
1. Choosing Your Site
Families with young kids will probably find camping sites with flushing toilets and showers to be necessary. Others who are looking for a more rugged experience may do very well with basic amenities.
Consider what you need when you’re researching and carefully pick your camping site. Loook for testimonies and recommendations from other campers if you have doubts.
2. Packing List
There’s nothing worse than driving a few hours to your camping site and realising that you’ve left an essential item at home. It’s important to work to a packing list as you probably won’t be able to drive a few kilometres down the road and find a grocery store. Carefully plan out what you need, checking that it’s adequate for the numbers who will be participating.
You packing list may include the following:
- Itinerary
- Torch
- Clothing for adults and little boys and girls clothes for your children
- Swimsuits
- Medications and first aid kid
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Sleeping bags and blankets
- Jackets
- Tents
- Food
- Lighters or matches
- Plates, cutlery, and cooking utensils
- Water and drinks
3. Simple Food
Keep food simple on your camping trips. Sausages, canned beans, damper, bread, and anything that can be cooked in a pot or on cooking plate are excellent choices. Tea, coffee, biscuits, and powdered soup are staples for regular campers.
While food is be kept simple on a camping trip, do pack plenty of it. You’ll be surprised how hungry camping makes everyone, including your kids!
4. Stay Weatherproof
Pack plenty of blankets to keep warm, and make sure you have adequate weather gear such as umbrellas, durable tents, jackets, and boots. In summer, avoid camping on very hot days.
Always stay alert and aware of the latest weather conditions; keep your radio on or bring your phone and regularly check online for weather news. Be ready to act if there are any extreme weather events.
