Camping is a great way to get away from it all and enjoy some beautiful scenery. Being outside in nature can be relaxing and rejuvenating. In fact, there are several health benefits to getting outside! However, camping with kids can sometimes feel overwhelming. This has resulted in many children not spending enough time outside. It doesn’t have to be this way!
The more prepared you are for your next outdoor adventure with kids, the more fun you’ll have! Read along for some activities and advice to make your next camping trip go smoothly.
Camping Life Hacks
Here are my personal favorite life hacks for having a fun and relaxing time in the great outdoors with kids.
- Not quite ready for an overnight trip? Try pretend camping in the backyard first!
- Pack a couple reusable table cloths to cover yucky outdoor tables and easily wipe up spills
- Have the kids keep busy by doing a fun craft with rocks found outside while you set up the tent
- Need a quiet activity? How about encouraging your kids to take up birdwatching
- Keep the kids out of the main tent by setting up a pop up sun shade they can play and eat snacks in
- Keep your kids close by doing a scavenger hunt in the area
- Stay connected while on the go with a set of walkie-talkies
- Make sure the kids are visible from a distance, and can see where they’re going when it gets dark with these fun headlamps
- Make sure to get a waterproof picnic blanket that can easily be wiped down in case of messes or spills
- Forgo disposable wipes and grab a portable hand washer to wash away dirt and grime while keeping wipes out of landfills
- Invest in a portable potty (pro tip: keep it stored with absorbent liners in the trunk of your car for bathroom emergencies!)
Camping Read Alouds
These books about camping will help you discuss what camping is with your child and make for a great picnic blanket activity. I call that a win-win.
- The Tent Mouse and the RV Mouse by Loretta Sponsler
- Llama Llama Goes Camping by Anna Dewdney
- A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen
- Pete the Cat Goes Camping by James Dean
- The Little Book of Camping by Laurie Friedman
- Curious George Goes Camping by H.A. Rey
- How Steven the Bear Invented Smores by Scott Hall
The best part about camping is that you don’t have to break the bank to have a fun getaway. Most state and national parks are free to explore. Some may require a small parking fee, but include amenities like restrooms, picnic tables, fire pits, or outdoor charcoal grills. Check with your local park service or recreation department to search the thousands of different sites available near you.
Happy camping!
xoxo,
Michaela Rae
V. Studio 