{"id":2381,"date":"2018-03-23T02:28:53","date_gmt":"2018-03-23T09:28:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toolazine.com\/?p=2381"},"modified":"2018-05-27T03:13:20","modified_gmt":"2018-05-27T10:13:20","slug":"camping-with-kids-infants-toddlers-pre-teens-teens-hacks-tips-for-families-to-make-your-trip-safer-easier","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toolazine.com\/camping-with-kids-infants-toddlers-pre-teens-teens-hacks-tips-for-families-to-make-your-trip-safer-easier\/","title":{"rendered":"Camping with kids: infants, toddlers, pre-teens & teens | Hacks & tips for families to make your trip safer & easier"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are few joys in life as rejuvenating as nature. Fresh air, beautiful views, invigorating activities and simpler time with the family– what\u2019s not to love? Of course, the very things that make camping great can make it hard when you\u2019re camping with kids.\u00a0 Teens bemoan the lack of wifi, younger children get moody as they tire from the adventure of it all, and toddlers, as usual, get into everything (even that poison ivy you shooed them away from ten times!).<\/p>\n

Fortunately, there are some easy steps to take to make sure everyone has a great time. A little preparation goes a long way when you\u2019re camping with your kids, especially when you\u2019re camping far from civilization. This ranges from packing a few extra tools to choosing a primo destination.<\/p>\n

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Choose Your Destination<\/h2>\n
Some natural areas are more kid-friendly than others. This will vary based on the ages of your children. If I want an experienced suitable for the 10 and under crowd, I will probably visit a national park. National parks offer great family-friendly options. Check out their websites.<\/p>\n
Rangers at these parks often offer:<\/p>\n
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  • Safety advice<\/a> and pamphlets for parents<\/li>\n
  • Camping areas prioritized for families (they\u2019re often farther from roads)<\/li>\n
  • Short, high-interest hikes<\/a>, often under a mile<\/li>\n
  • Interactive games for exploring, like \u201ceye-spy\u201d style scavenger hunts<\/li>\n
  • Informational programs on local animals and sights (check out the stargazing programs!)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
    Even at a national park, though, you have to be aware of your surroundings. For instance, the Grand Canyon is a beautiful place to visit. The south rim paths are paved, with displays and games for kids. The trails through the canyon, however, can be exhausting even for adults. And, of course, some areas don\u2019t have rails protecting kids from cliff ledges.<\/p>\n
    Plan some activities<\/h2>\n
    State parks are great choices for the same reasons. Their websites are up-to-date sources for information on things to do while camping. For instance, at Missouri state parks<\/a>, you can:<\/p>\n
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    • Climb boulders<\/li>\n
    • Explore Johnson shut-ins State park<\/a><\/li>\n
    • Ride ATVs<\/li>\n
    • Ride horses<\/li>\n
    • Hike<\/li>\n
    • Swim<\/li>\n
    • Play sports with other campers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
      As you choose your destination, keep your kids\u2019 interests in mind. My kids LOVE dogs, cats, fish, squirrels…basically any animal steals their heart. We always try to visit parks with nature programs about local wildlife. Sometimes there are even petting zoos!<\/p>\n
      You should also call the ranger station where you plan to camp before you head out. Sometimes there are safety warnings or closures. Often, rangers can give you better information or ideas than any website ever could.<\/p>\n
      Involve the Kids in Trip Preparations<\/h2>\n
      The more involved kids are, the more buy-in they will have. This is true regardless of the age. Some great ways to get your kids in the middle of the action are:<\/p>\n
        \n
      • Each kid tells you a \u201cmust do\u201d nature activity they want.<\/li>\n
      • Let kids look up pictures of possible destinations before choosing.<\/li>\n
      • Have kids pack their own bags (using a list<\/a>). You can check it before leaving.<\/li>\n
      • Make sure to hear your kids\u2019 concerns about the trip.<\/li>\n
      • Have older children practice setting up tents, air mattresses and bedding, etc.<\/li>\n
      • Let younger kids pick 2-3 toys to bring for familiarity and rainy-day emergencies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
        Involve kids in being smart about travels, too. If your kids are older than seven, they can handle some basic google searches. This is an awesome opportunity for them to practice reading skills, too. We adults hate to admit it, but sometimes the kids are better at technology than us!<\/p>\n
        Be responsible campers<\/h2>\n
        Kids can look up plants and animals to watch out for in the area. They can also check out the Leave No Trace<\/a> principles and brainstorm ways for the family to follow these. The principles are:<\/p>\n
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        • Know Before You Go<\/li>\n
        • Choose The Right Path<\/li>\n
        • Trash Your Trash<\/li>\n
        • Leave What You Find<\/li>\n
        • Be Careful With Fire<\/li>\n
        • Respect Wildlife<\/li>\n
        • Be Kind To Other Visitors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
          These principles are all about taking care of nature. The LNT website<\/a> has some online games kids can use to learn them, as well as printable family games.<\/p>\n