2. Keep the food simple. I have lots of memories of my parents fixing all kinds of yummy camping foods, including big breakfasts of pancakes and scrambled eggs. But once I was juggling the baby and keeping the toddler out of the fire, we found that quick, easy meals were best. We only camp a few times each year, so while I do bring along some prepped fruits and veggies, we also indulge in some "junkie" convenience food during camping trips.
3. Expect and accept the dirt. The kids are going to be really dirty. You'll all smell like smoke. Just know that you can get a good bath when you get home, and focus on enjoying the time outdoors.
4. Bring along some children's books. Our kids are accustomed to reading a couple of books at night before bed. Reading books before going to sleep helps them to settle down from the day's activity and excitement, and it's also comforting and familiar to them.
5. Include the kids in the work. Children love to help, so find ways to include them in the work around the campsite. A few of the jobs our kids like: helping set up the tent, unrolling sleeping bags inside the tent, carrying items from the car to the campsite, gathering kindling, and helping to fetch water.
6. Bring a good baby carrier. A soft structured carrier is perfect for bringing the littlest ones along on a hike. While toddlers can walk for some distance, often they'll want to be carried as well. We've used an Ergo for years, and really love it - it's great for heavy toddlers. On our most recent camping trip I found that my ring sling was just what I needed.
7. Get the kids excited about nature. Point out the birds you see, pull out the field guides, and set an example of being observant and appreciative of all that you see around you. Kids will catch your enthusiasm, and in no time they'll be the ones pointing out the birds to you, and stopping to get a closer look at an interesting bug or plant.
8. Be prepared for the elements. Check the weather before you go, and pack those long sleeves for cool evenings and chilly mornings. We bring along natural insect repellent, since during the summers mosquitoes are a given.
9. Bring some outdoor toys and a child-sized shovel. It doesn't have to be a lot, but a ball or two, and maybe some toy trucks are pretty great for those times when mom and dad are doing the final packing up, or maybe just sitting and relaxing. We've been amazed at how much our kids like just digging in the dirt.
10. Read up a bit, and get some ideas from others! Get recommendations from friends on kid-friendly places to camp. And don't forget about the wealth of information online: here are a few tips over at Simple Mom for making family trips a little easier. And another great article on camping with little ones here at Simple Organic.
We really treasure our family camping trips, as we know we are making memories that will last a lifetime.
This post is linked to:
Top Ten Tuesday
Works for Me Wednesday
4. Bring along some children's books. Our kids are accustomed to reading a couple of books at night before bed. Reading books before going to sleep helps them to settle down from the day's activity and excitement, and it's also comforting and familiar to them.
5. Include the kids in the work. Children love to help, so find ways to include them in the work around the campsite. A few of the jobs our kids like: helping set up the tent, unrolling sleeping bags inside the tent, carrying items from the car to the campsite, gathering kindling, and helping to fetch water.
6. Bring a good baby carrier. A soft structured carrier is perfect for bringing the littlest ones along on a hike. While toddlers can walk for some distance, often they'll want to be carried as well. We've used an Ergo for years, and really love it - it's great for heavy toddlers. On our most recent camping trip I found that my ring sling was just what I needed.
7. Get the kids excited about nature. Point out the birds you see, pull out the field guides, and set an example of being observant and appreciative of all that you see around you. Kids will catch your enthusiasm, and in no time they'll be the ones pointing out the birds to you, and stopping to get a closer look at an interesting bug or plant.
8. Be prepared for the elements. Check the weather before you go, and pack those long sleeves for cool evenings and chilly mornings. We bring along natural insect repellent, since during the summers mosquitoes are a given.
9. Bring some outdoor toys and a child-sized shovel. It doesn't have to be a lot, but a ball or two, and maybe some toy trucks are pretty great for those times when mom and dad are doing the final packing up, or maybe just sitting and relaxing. We've been amazed at how much our kids like just digging in the dirt.
This post is linked to:
Top Ten Tuesday
Works for Me Wednesday
