Camping with the kids – must take items
Taking the kids camping for the first time should be an exciting and enjoyable holiday, but be sure to remember that children (unlike adults) often need a few more bits and bobs to keep them entertained and happy. Whilst you may be quite content bird watching, for some children that is there worst nightmare – and they’ll only miss their television and remote control. Apart from entertainment, you’ll also need to remember basics that you might have left at home had it only been adults on the trip.
Here’s a list of things you’ll need to take (trust me, just take them all):
Camping on the American Plan © by born1945
1. A warm sleeping bag
Kids get cold quicker than adults, and when the kids are in a situation away from the comfort of home they’ll have no problems complaining about the cold either. Make sure you get them a good quality, comfy, cozy sleeping bag. If you can get one with a pattern on or one that’s coloured – you’ll earn extra points.
2. Some games and a pack of cards
Camping can be a great time to teach your children games, so take some fun ones to keep them entertained. Cards are fantastic too – they’re so cheap and there are so many options with them that you can’t lose. Oh, and after the kids are asleep you can play poker.
3. A torch
If your child has problems with the dark at night-time then taking them camping is a great time to help them over-come this. You don’t want to throw them in at the deep end though, so make sure each child has their own torch (this saves of arguments too). The torch is good for reading at night, finding your way to the toilet in the night, making shadows puppets… the list is endless.
4. A camera
All you need to do is buy a cheap little disposable camera that the kids can take around with them. It works wonders for keeping them entertained and it gives them something to look forward to when they get home. It also means that they won’t forget their holiday, meaning they’ll be more excited to go again!
5. Rain Coats
An emergency anorak costs hardly anything and you can keep it handy in your bag or theirs. Children hate being wet and cold so keep this safe in case you get caught out unexpected.
6. Paper and Crayons
With the sudden absence of television your children might get bored, so make sure you keep providing them with exciting things to do. Packing some colouring book, water colour paints, crayons, etc and give you kids tasks each day to draw you something new. You could make little holiday competitions out of it too!
7. Mini Backpacks
When you’re camping, the last you want is to be filling your pockets with all your children’s bits and bobs. Give them each their own to fill with all the things they want to carry around it’ll make them feel super responsible too!
About the Author: Ellie Rose currently works for Wish.co.uk who specialise in exciting gifts and activities for adults and kids alike. If you fancy doing something different, why not take a look through their range to see what’s on offer?
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A torch is a great idea! Heck next time I go camping with the guys, I’m bringing one. Never mind just with the kids!
@caen contee
Much agreed. Doesn’t a torch just seem to add to the whole camping experience. Of course safety first.
I recently discovered camp grounds geared specifically towards families with kids called Jellystone (named after the old Yogi Bear cartoon). There are campsites nationwide and families can stay in tents, RVs, or luxury cabins! They often have pre-planned activities and crafts for the kids and are great for family reunions. How awesome is that! Thanks for the post and reminder to get out into the great outdoors with kids…
@TracyeGuytonCooper
Thank you for stopping by. We will definitely have to check out Jellystone on our summer road trip. Thank for you again!