The Secret to Car Camping With Small Children

For many parents, the mere ‘thought’ of car camping with their little ones is enough to keep them out of the bush and home for the weekend.

Camping with your children, luckily, can be a rewarding experience that creates happy memories and deepens the family bond. Overcoming initial challenges help to build invaluable confidence and skills so your family can peacefully sleep under the stars time and time again.

So, what’s the secret?

Fortunately, beating your odds of facing a camping catastrophe (marred by tantrums, anxiety and fatigue) requires no special tricks—at least not ones that you aren’t familiar with!

As a parent or guardian, you already have an appreciation for two essential ingredients of a successful outing: impeccable plans and a proper mindset. Just throw some practical tips into the mix and you’re all set to brave the elements with your small kids.

For those of you contemplating RV camping, you may also find here helpful information to facilitate your outdoor adventure.

Plan for Fun

Children like to be busy even when they’re away from home. By planning their activities ahead of time, and bringing the necessary gear, you’ll keep them engaged with constructive play and everyone will get the most of their camping experience. Encourage kids to connect with their surroundings through activities they might enjoy: butterfly and bug hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, frog catching and kite flying are just a few examples. You may even get them involved in setting set up the tent by passing poles and hammering pegs into the ground.

Plan for Safety

The first thing you should pack in your vehicle is a comprehensive first-aid kid. Next, pack items that will protect you from possible predators in the area, such as bear-spray.

Select a child-friendly camp spot. Survey the fire-pit and surrounding area. Is there broken glass, rusted tin or other dangerous garbage? Is the location a safe distance from open water or dense wooded area? Also, who are your neighbours? Use your best judgment to assess your options, so you may pick the best location for your family’s safety.

Once the ideal camping spot is selected, immediately put your superior child-proofing skills to work.

Plan for Tranquility

The more secure children feel in their outdoor environment, the more peaceful everyone’s camping experience will be. Quickly adapt routines and rituals to your new, temporary setting. Don’t compromise naps, meals or even baths—a small basin is perfect for a quick soak. Make sure to bring favorite toys, blankets and, if necessary, extra pacifiers. If your children are given time-outs, immediately establish a spot at the campsite where time-outs will be conducted. That way, no guesswork is required should a spontaneous occasion arise.

Plan for the Elements

The great outdoors is a host for an entire gamut of weather conditions that, depending on the climate, may change from day to day—even minute to minute. For example, mountains are prone to unpredictable weather systems moving across the ranges. It’s not uncommon that perfectly warm, sunny conditions are spontaneously displaced by chilly winds and icy rain within a matter of seconds. You don’t want to be caught in the middle of such a downpour without proper protection, especially when accompanied by your children.

Here are some possible ideas to help you prepare for the elements:

· fleece hooded sleepers or pajamas for chilly nights

· child-friendly sun screen or sun guard clothing

· sun shade

· extra clothing as kids are drawn to dirt, water and muck.

· extra bags to place dirty laundry and garbage

· bug netting

· rain gear

· child-friendly bug spray

Last, but not least, remember to check the weather forecast of your camping destination before your departure.

Have the Right Mindset

If you expect your first outing to run perfectly smooth with little effort, you’re setting yourself up for big disappointment—regardless of your experience level. Camping with small kids requires a great deal of work, usually more work than just staying at home. And, remember kids are creatures of habit. Out camping for the first time, they’ll feel removed from their comfort zone. It will be natural for them to struggle a bit as they adjust to their new surroundings. But once they do, your family will truly be on its way to experiencing a great adventure!

On a final note of advice, try to limit your stress-triggers. For instance, don’t bring food that may cause a giant mess, like pasta and tomato sauce, requiring extensive clean up. If your kids get cranky during nap time, a car ride may soothe them better than a hot, stuffy tent during mid-day. Lastly, maintain a positive attitude. This is the key to flexibility, patience, and proper attention to you and your children’s needs.

If your outing is not going as planned, take a deep breath! You are going to learn from this experience and so will your children. Following this exposure, you will both be able to apply your newly found adventure-taking skills to your next excursion. So, remember, yes it will get better!