There may be a number of reasons why you’re waiting for the “right time” to bring the kids along. And we get it! Camping with kids can be intimidating. It’s lots of logistics, extra supplies, and food to pack and keep track of, and the ongoing struggle of trying to keep them engaged.
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Or, maybe you’re an avid camper who can’t wait to introduce the kiddos to camping! And for that reason, it doesn’t feel so intimidating. Whatever you feel, introducing your kids to camping is an amazing life experience. And one you will get to share. Through the process, you will learn a lot about what does and doesn’t work for the family, and how to stay flexible and positive.
Getting outside as a family is an excellent and unique way to bond, teach, and hang out with your kids. In this blog, we’ll talk about some of the best ways to introduce kids to camping. From outdoor skills, a fun environment, and lots of activities that they’ll enjoy!
Camp Local to Ease Into It
Introducing your kids to camping doesn’t have to mean going far or being totally remote. Start by camping local! A state park or private campground is a great option. Oftentimes, local campgrounds are cheaper and include more amenities and accessibility features. Shorter travel times make the process a whole lot easier, too. Not to mention, these are closer to town! There’s always a little extra comfort knowing you’re not too far away from civilization. Especially if you forget something. And in turn, you get to support smaller campgrounds, which is always a plus!
Get Them Involved: Teaching Outdoor Skills
Camping with kids is the perfect opportunity to introduce them to the great outdoors and all the hard work that goes into making it happen. Get the kids excited at camp by getting them involved in ways they can help and things they can learn. Depending on their age and ability, it’s a great time to start learning outdoor skills. Maybe have them help you pitch the tent, or start a fire. Younger kids might be more interested in looking for certain types of animals or bugs.
Give them a tour of your tent accessories! Teach them why you use a lantern, or what’s in the repair kit. Go through the first aid kit so they know where to find it and what every little thing is used for. Basically, use this time to familiarize them with all the little components that go into camping. Including the most important skill of all: roasting marshmallows!
Remember to practice patience. At the end of the day, it’s all fun and games out here! The point is not to have a perfect time– it’s to get the kids comfortable and confident being outside, through the mess and all.
Create a Magical Atmosphere
The best childhood memories happen at the family camping tent! It’s sort of like living in a fort, and it can feel really magical for a kid. That is, if it’s done right! Sometimes the outdoors can be a little intimidating at first, and that’s why it’s important to create a cozy, homey oasis for the kids!
String lights work like magic at turning a basic shelter into a warm, whimsical space. A cozy wood-burning tent stove also helps to bring a little more comfort of home, too. Plush pillows, blankets, and even a rug help warm up the tent space. Suddenly, what was once just a flimsy, cold tent is now a mystical getaway in the eyes of children. You’ll be amazed at how much these little elements can change the vibe of the tent for adults, too!
This is not to say that you have to purchase all these new items and totally deck out the tent. But it is to say that being intentional about creating a safe and positive environment rubs off on the kids. If they see that you are comfortable and “at home” camping in the tent, they are more likely to enjoy themselves too!
Plan Kid-Friendly Activities
You know your kids best! Plan plenty of activities that you know they’ll love. The outdoors are never boring. It’s a great way to introduce them to a diverse, ever-changing environment. Here are some of our favorite things to do with the kids when camping:
- Do a nature scavenger hunt!
- Check out the Junior Ranger programs if you’re camping at a national park.
- Stay up past bedtime and go stargazing.
Sometimes the weather may switch up. Have options for indoor and outdoor games and activities, such as these:
- Nature arts and crafts like basket weaving or painting with flowers.
- Reading books or having storytime about outdoor adventures.
Go Easy On Yourself!
As a parent, you know that so many “first times” with the kids are trial and error. So, the moral of the story is to just go easy on yourself. Introducing your kids to camping is not a one-size-fits-all, and may also take some getting used to for everybody. What works for other families may not work for you and your kids. But the joy lies in trying! Spending this quality time together is what counts the most, and at the end of the day, remember that you are making memories together.
The Best Gear for Camping with Kids
As you introduce your kids to camping, it’s important to have those little elements of comfort, organization, and preparation. Kids add surprises to the mix! Be ready for anything, and be ready to have lots of fun together!
A Great Canvas Tent
The joy of camping is pitching the tent, setting it up, and enjoying your outdoor home. For kids, the tent is an awesome way to introduce them to this alternative style of travel. It’s close to nature, stripped down to the minimum, and a place to make memories.
A durable, weatherproof canvas tent is perfect for camping with kids. It’s heavy-duty, weatherproof, and super comfortable. The breathable, insulating canvas, built-in stove jack, and tall walls and ceiling make it the ideal place to spend time as a family. Not to mention, canvas is so easy to clean– so spills and messes are no problem!
Storage and Organization
If you’re introducing your kids to camping, chances are you’re packing a lot more than you have in the past. Organizing the tent is going to be key to a stress-free time, and durable canvas duffle bags keep things clean and organized in the chaos of traveling. Consider creative storage solutions like vertical hanging storage to keep certain items out of reach of little hands!
Repair Kit and First Aid
A small tent repair kit is great to have for little tears or mishaps that may happen to the tent. Camping and hiking with little kids might result in a few more bumps and bruises along the trails! After all, hiking boots take some getting used to! Always carry a first aid kit with you when outdoors with the kids. Like we shared earlier, make sure they know where to find it and what’s in it as well.
Camping Furniture
Tent furniture is key to making the tent more comfortable, but also for providing places to rest. As a parent running around outside with the kids all day, it’s important to have some downtime. Bring folding chairs to set up and kick back at camp. Especially for new mothers, creating a cozy place to get some rest is crucial.
Final Thoughts
This year, introduce the kids to camping on an unforgettable family excursion. Getting outside with the whole crew can feel intimidating at first, but it doesn’t have to be. With a flexible, gracious mindset, you’ll be camping together in no time!
Start local, and start small. This allows you to get a feel for your dynamic with the kids as you get comfortable together outdoors. And get them involved! Camping is a group effort, and this is the perfect opportunity to show them the ropes and gain confidence.
Exposing your kids to the natural world means exposing them to variety. So whether you sign them up for Junior Ranger, go stargazing, or hit the trail. It’s a great opportunity to see the experience through their eyes and feel a revived love for the outdoors.
So much of introducing the kids to camping is mindset. Remember how you fell in love with camping, and try to impart that same joy to the kids with a positive attitude. Sure, it may be a little rocky at first, but with these tips and tricks, you’ll be on your way to adapting and making more camping memories together.
Happy camping!
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