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Camping is a wonderful activity the whole family can enjoy but in order to help your little campers stay happy ones, parents will have to anticipate every potential problem the great outdoors might throw at them and be equipped with the solution.
Prior to your camping trip make a list of important items to pack so that you won't forget anything. At the top of your list should be a good first aid kit. This kit is only the basics, don't forget to bring a thermometer or cough syrup. Other important items that will make camping with kids easier would include a wet wash cloth kept in a plastic bag, individual water bottles, daily snacks and a flash light for each child.
Weather can be very unpredictable while camping and can cause children to become uncomfortable and irritable. Parents of small children should pack twice the normal amount of clothing changes generally needed. Always bring two pairs of shoes per child in case one pair gets wet. Choose clothing that can layer easily and will not be ruined when they get dirty. Don't forget a hat! Although some climates could warrant wearing shorts, avoid them as much as possible to protect the kids from poisonous plants, cactus, ticks or other bugs and knats.
High elevations will make sunburns a very likely problem you should anticipate regardless of how cool it may feel at your campsite. Put sunscreen on the kids regularly and encourage them to wear their hats.
Make sure kids know that your campsite will be home for a few days. Explore the immediate area with the kids and warn them of possible dangers. Teach them your new camping rules and set boundaries for exploring outside of your immediate camp.
Let each child carry a backpack of their favorite toys and books that they will be in charge of. Limiting them to one back pack each can help on your travel space but parents will want to add other activity toys too. Add toys to the car last so that they are the first to be unpacked when you arrive. Kids should help set up camp too but their attention span won't last long.
Good family activity toys to pack include Frisbee's, butterfly net or how about a giant inflatable rubber ball as a fun camping companion. Available in 9" to over 36 inches they are perfect for kickball, human foosball and generally are to big to get lost while camping.
Kids can also enjoy making a zip line ride. These can be purchased at toy stores and tied between to big tree's. Look for a large tree at the top of a grassy slope.
A big hammock can also keep children entertained for hours but buy two if the parents plan on getting a turn!
Kids will be excited about different sleeping arrangements. If the kids will be sleeping in a tent, pitch the tent early in the day and let your children help to arrange their sleeping bag, blankets or favorite stuffed animal. Spending time in the tent prior to bedtime can help it feel more home-like and comfortable ensuring they will sleep better through the night.
Parents should remember that temperatures can drop drastically in the mountains. Kids will sleep warmer if they are not placed directly on the ground. A Queen size air mattress is fairly inexpensive and can sleep 3-4 small children.
Another tip on a chilly night would be to make a foot warmer. Choose a medium size rock that is smooth and flat or slightly oval. Place it by the fire to get warm while you are roasting marshmallows. By bedtime it will be toasty and you can wrap it in a hand towel and place it in the foot of the child's sleeping bag!
By using the old fashioned idea "better safe than sorry," you can ensure your children will enjoy many wonderful camping memories.
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