When campers decide to start a family and have baby campers, it’s natural to start asking yourself some questions. At what age is it ok to start taking your little one on a camping trip? Is it risky to go with kids? What are the logistics involved when camping with children?
Since each family is different, there is no exact formula or perfect time to go camping with kids, but it’s important to be organized. For that, here are some tips to make your next outing a successful experience!
Get the kids involved!
Always think of some little task your child can do to help you set up camp. This makes the little ones feel more part of the experience, learn about responsibility and teamwork, and entertain themselves with simple activities. Assign tasks that are appropriate to their ages, such as picking up sticks for the fire or stones to hold down the corners of the tent.
Delegate
As we mentioned in the beginning of this post, camping with children is not difficult, but it does demand a great deal of organization. A good idea is to plan camping trips with other adults with whom you can take care of the little ones. Don’t try to be super dad or super mom, rather try to identify your abilities and limits, and give your friends tasks that, however small or simple they may be, will surely take off some pressure.
Take games
Camping means fun and for that, games are always welcomed. You won’t need more than a ball, Frisbee or water guns to keep kids (and also adults) entertained all day. Board and card games, on the other hand, are perfect for evenings inside the tent before sleeping.
Safety rules
When we go camping we leave behind a comfy and safe routine, so it’s always necessary to establish some safety guidelines. Some may refer to teaching your kids how far they can go on their own and what to do if they get lost. A good tip is to give them a whistle so that, in case of an emergency, they can seek help.
Educate
Every moment we spend with a child, however short it may seem, is an opportunity to teach something. In this sense, take the instances together to teach your kid to identify different types of plants and insects, and how to respect nature. These types of experiences are those that shape their personality and will never forget.
Finally, play more!
Don’t forget that camping is essentially an instance to relax and have fun. Sometimes, on a daily routine we plan everything and camping is exactly the opposite. Therefore, we recommend you relax and play more, something kids are experts at!