Spring is here, and camping season is upon us. Camping can be a fun and relaxing way to spend a spring or summer weekend. When you have children of any age along, there are things you need to take to keep them entertained and having fun. Kids aren’t generally content to sit around your campfire in the evenings and look at the stars for very long. Keeping your kids happy is a way to make sure that you all have an enjoyable camping trip. Use this list when you plan your trip and pack, to keep everyone happy and entertained.
1. Extra clothes
Packing extra clothes ensures that when accidents happen, and they usually will, you will be prepared. Kids can fall and get wet or dirty. A clean change of clothes will eliminate the grumpiness that will result if they don’t have clean clothes.
2. Hand-held game units
If possible, allow your children to take along their hand-held video game units. This will keep them busy in the car as well as give them something to do after dark, when it’s too late to be out and about, and still too early for bed. Be sure to have a car charger for these game units also.
3. Source of music
An mp3 player with a battery-operated base unit is also helpful. Be sure to have playlists catering to their tastes as well as yours. Kids are a lot more willing to listen to your music if they know that you have taken their preferences into consideration too.
4. Books
Reading is a good way to wind down the day and get ready for sleeping. Books also help keep the kids entertained in the car on the drive.
5. Snacks
Camping will keep kids active and energetic. They will be hungry all the time to fuel all that activity. Be sure to have plenty of healthy snacks to tide them over between meals. A hungry kid gets grumpy quickly. Take marshmallows and hotdogs to roast over a campfire.
6. Take along plenty of water
If your campground doesn’t have a source of drinking water, you will need to take along plenty of your own. Be sure to check this out beforehand so that you are prepared. When kids are active they drink a lot, and sugary drinks shouldn’t be over-used. Water is a necessity whenever you are spending time outdoors.
7. Proper footwear
Proper-fitting hiking boots are the best footwear for a camping trip. Your child’s feet need to be protected and comfortable when hiking around and exploring. Nothing would spoil your trip faster than a child with a sprained ankle or even a blister.
8. First-aid kit
A well-stocked first-aid kit is a must for camping, and especially when you are camping with children. Be sure to have antiseptic wipes for cleaning scrapes, and plenty of bandages. An antibiotic ointment is also a must-have in a first-aid kit. Carry at least one instant ice pack in your first-aid kit for bruises and bumps.
9. Cell phone car charger
You need a way to be in contact with the outside world when you are camping. Sometimes you might have to travel a bit to find a signal, but it is still necessary. A car charger will make sure that it is always usable.
10. Raw peanuts and sunflower seeds
Depending on where you are camping, you might see small wildlife, such as chipmunks and squirrels, and birds. Your children will get a kick out of putting out a small dish of peanuts and watching the chipmunks or squirrels come to feed. Birds will also come close with sunflower seeds put out. Depending on where you are camping, you might even see a deer or two. Be sure to have your camera handy to get pictures of this up-close view of the wildlife.
Sources
http://www.kidscamping.com/
http://www.familycampinggear.com/generic23.html
http://www.camping.com/camp-kids
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