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How To Plan A Successful Camping Trip With Your Kids
Running out of ideas on what to do with your kids on the weekends? Try going on an overnight camping trip. Camping has become one of the most popular outdoor activities in the United States in recent years. In fact, statistics show that 46.95 million Americans went camping during this year’s spring season, proving that more and more people are starting to see the benefits of living an outdoorsy lifestyle. If you’re overwhelmed at the thought of packing the right equipment and having your children sleep outdoors, don’t fret. If you’ve never gone camping with your family before, here are a few things that you should do to have a successful and enjoyable time out in nature with your children.
Go on a test run
One way to ensure a successful camping trip is to do a test run in your background. Go ahead and pitch a tent there, use camp equipment to make grilled or one-pot meals, and bring whatever it is that you think you’ll need for your actual trip. Conduct the test run as if you’re actually on the camping site, which means no running back to the house to get forgotten items. Have each family member pack his or her own daypack or camping backpack with things that they think they’ll need at the campsite. Once everyone’s in the backyard, they should take note of the items that they left behind and the things that they need to bring. It’s also important to sleep in the backyard so everyone can test out their sleeping gear and see if they’re comfy enough for the actual trip.
Reserve a campsite
Campgrounds, especially those found in famous state parks, fill up quickly especially during the spring and summer months. You may want to book a campsite reservation several months in advance to ensure that you get a nice spot once you get to your destination. It’s also important to select the right camping site for your family depending on the activities that you want to do. Do the research and see if you and your family can go swimming, horseback riding, hiking, or any other camp activity that appeals to your kids in the campsite.
Don’t overpack
It’s easy to overpack especially if you’re camping with children. Make a family camping checklist a month before your trip and make sure to put together all the things that you need over the next few days. Don’t bring too many clothes, but do be prepared for cold nights and rainy days by bringing sweatsuits and rain gear.
Plan on bringing food to keep your children healthy and happy
One of the worst things that you can do on a family camping trip is to bring food that your children don’t like. While you and your partner may be perfectly fine eating beans out of a can, your kids may not like it at all. Bring ingredients to make campsite versions of your kids’ favorite dishes, and make sure to have healthy and yummy snacks on hand such as crackers, dip, veggie sticks, trail mix, and perhaps the occasional candy bar for a treat.
Camping can be a great bonding activity for your entire family. So leave the gadgets behind, pitch a tent at a campsite, and have an adventure that your kids will never forget.
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