Family Camping Tips – What to Remember When Taking the Kids
Whether this is your first camping trip or your kids can't get enough of staying in a tent, the outdoor experience has always something unique to offer. It's never too late to take your kids camping. Nature offers a dynamic full-on experience, and a family camping trip is the perfect way to introduce the younger generation to the joys of outdoor life.
Children of all ages will discover many activities that will excite them on a camping trip. Camping may open their minds to the natural world and awaken their senses. Camping can be a great experience as a family but it can also be a great deal of work. Using certain camping tips can help you have a more pleasureable experience while camping with your kids.
Glow Sticks
The use of glow sticks is one camping hack that children particularly love. Glow sticks are a brilliant way to give your tent a little light which is not too bright for sleeping. Hang one or two in your tent, and if you have to get up in the middle of the night you'll have just enough light to see. Glow sticks are useful to see the kids at night, and frankly kids think they are a lot of fun. If you your dog is with you, tie one to its collar so you don’t lose it in the dark.
Safety While Hiking With the Kids
Keep them nice and warm because your little ones just aren't as adaptable as you are.. Keep them hydrated and fed. Always keep them comfortable and encouraged by making regular small breaks for drinks and snacks. Help them stay calm at all times; when it's hot out you can have a handy spray bottle for assist in keeping them cool.
Pack Suitable Clothing
Although you have to pack based on what can fit in your vehicle, prepare for all weather conditions. Even if the day may be warm, night temperatures may drop dramatically. Carry clothing that can be layered, and take additional clothing when children get too dirty or damp while playing. Stuff each regular outfit into ziplock bags for your little ones, which can also be stored and reused. These keep things safe and dry from dew. Bring wet bags too to keep dirty and wet clothes.
Beware of the Bugs
Ticks and mosquitos can be significant pests while camping or hiking in the forest. A basic blend of tea tree oil and water will prevent mosquito bites. A spray bottle can be filled with one part tea tree oil and two parts water. The solution is a repellent against ticks as well. It is recommended to add bundles of sage to your fire to keep the mosquitoes from buzzing around your campsite. If you do get a bite, you can use a hot spoon to stop a mosquito bite from hurting.
Heating or Cooling
Heat can be a major concern while camping in warm weather. A smart idea is to have a couple of fans in the tent. Using such fans will make a significant difference and make your sleep even more comfortable.
When camping in cold conditions it helps when you go to bed and wake up to have a small heater going in your tent. It makes it very easy for children to change their clothes without freezing. If you have access to power then any tiny space heater is pretty easy to use.
Choosing a Campsite
Pick campsites with facilities that match the needs of your family. Many campsites offer ballfields, beaches or swimming areas, lakes or ponds and play areas; some provide picnic tables, bathrooms, and showers. Start small, stay close to home and prefer more established campgrounds with loads of perks if this is your first time out.
Work your way up to more distant or adventurous sites or long trips. Ask other families for their finest kid-friendly suggestions. Make a family affair when planning a holiday. Ask your children for suggestions about what to do or see at your destination. Look for campsites and search for amenities or activities to do like picking berries or fishing.
Pack for Cleaning up
Pack up big and sturdy garbage bags designating one for waste and one for recyclable materials. Many campgrounds may provide hanging hooks for garbage bags to prevent raccoons from scavenging, but if you don't have a way out of the ground to store garbage, consider an empty cooler or the trunk of your car.
Use hand sanitizer as it is simple and easy to clean the children before and after activities. It is also possible to use disposable wipes for dirty legs and arms, as well as grills and other vital cookware. Carry lots of paper towels, plates and toilet paper with you as you can never get too much.
Layer Up Your Kids
Check the forecast for outside conditions and dress your children up accordingly. If there's the risk of rain, equip yourselves with raincoats. Also if it is warm and sunny during the day, temperatures may drop at night. Consider layers so kids can put on or take off clothing if needed to adapt to shifts in temperature. Infants and babies don't move around as often as older children and they usually need one extra layer than what you would wear.
Keep Extra Blankets
Extra blankets frequently make life a lot easier. If it's chilly and children need an additional layer to keep warm or if you want to lay a blanket for a picnic, there's always a need for extra blankets that are recommended. This camping suggestion may not sound like a smart idea but you're going to be impressed by how much the spare blankets prove useful.