10 Tips to Stress-free camping with kids

If you’re looking for a fun, weekend getaway family vacation without the muss and fuss, consider going camping. If this is your first-time camping with the clan – it can be a little daunting. That’s why we’ve rounded up our top 10 camping tips to make your family’s camping trip stress-free and fun.

1. Choose your location wisely. Do you absolutely need working toilets? How about showers? Is a beachfront spot the only thing you need? This will be a big factor in planning your camping trip. If you’re new to camping you can always join a family campout group! Not ready to take on nature, just yet? Plan a backyard camping excursion as a test run.
2. Plan sleeping arrangements. If you don’t have a heavy-duty tent, rent one. If it’s going to be chilly at night make sure you have insulated sleeping bags. Oh, and if you don’t want to sleep on the ground, make sure you have cots or air mattresses!
3. Arrive early. You don’t want to be setting up camp at dusk, just in case the tent decides to give you problems, or you forgot the poles (hey, it happens)! It’s best to head to camp early so you, and the kids, can get settled in and explore your surroundings!
4. Snacks, snacks, and more snacks. Did we mention snacks? Nature makes kids hungry, heck, even hangry. Make sure you have enough snacks on hand for the whole brood – and don’t forget to store the food at night… bears, raccoons, and other wildlife get hungry too.
5. Ban the bugs with bug spray. The outdoors can be… buggy. Make sure you have enough bug spray on hand to prevent mosquito bites and bee stings, and whatever other creepy crawlers might be near. Check out ones that are also safe for the family dog.
6. Save yourself from the sun! Sunscreen and hats are a MUST for camping. While there are typically plenty of trees around, the sun is sneaky and dealing with a sunburn while family camping trip is no fun.
7. Don’t forget the first aid kit! In addition to having bug spray and sunscreen on hand, it’s smart to have a full-fledged first aid kit just in case anyone falls or gets a burn (marshmallows light up fast!). Being prepared is the first line of defence, after all.
8. Leave the electronics at home. The point of camping is to get out of the house and into the great outdoors sans iPads. Leave all electronics at home and instead bring card games, outdoor games like lawn darts, or plan a scavenger hunt!
9. Make sure you have EVERYTHING you need. Here’s a camping checklist to ensure you’re not forgetting any of the important things!
10. Bring your patience. If there’s one thing we know, it’s that life can be unpredictable (even more-so when kids are involved). Camping may not turn out to be everything you ever hoped for, and that’s ok, the most important thing is to enjoy it and have fun!