Just about 60% of U.S. households have at least one family member who camps or has been on a camping trip in the past. Not only is it fun to camp with children, but it is also wildly beneficial to their development. "Parents of kids who camp in nature at least once a year say their kids perform better in school and are healthier and happier," Colorado Parent reports. Camping helps children reduce their screen time, gain confidence, and develop important survival skills.
You can help your children enjoy these benefits and more with the perfectly planned family camping trip. Follow these tips for a trip that they will remember for years to come.
Choose The Right Campsite
Choosing the right campsite boils down to determining what type of camping works best for your family and what amenities you want -- or need -- in a campground.
The first step is deciding which type of camping is most appropriate for your family. For parents with toddlers and young children, a cabin or RV may be more suitable. If you camp in an RV or cabin, you'll have a place to stay, rain or shine. Campers may include a bathroom and small kitchen or kitchenette. Having a fully functional bathroom on-site can be tremendously helpful for those with young children.
For teens who are seasoned campers, tent camping may be a fun way to step it up. The campsite you choose may depend on whether you plan to set up an RV, camper, or tent on that site.
In addition to the site itself, consider the campground and the campsite's proximity to amenities. Amenities may include bathrooms, pools, playgrounds, camp stores, and more.
Prepare Meals By The Campfire
Camping is hugely beneficial to kids' mental health. Take steps to ensure that camping is good for their physical health, too. You can do that by planning nutritious campfire meals ahead of time.
Over 33% of Americans say they eat home-cooked meals every day. Keep meals just as healthy while camping by packing healthy snacks and meals. Cook protein and vegetable skewers over the fire or cook chicken or tofu, vegetables, and rice in convenient foil packs.
Be sure to pack healthy snacks, like carrots, celery sticks, peanut butter, apples, granola, and trail mix. These will keep them satisfied and energized during the trip.
Plan Family-Friendly Activities
Unfortunately, sedentary lifestyles start young. Among Americans aged six and up, 80.2 million are physically inactive. Parents can help change that by choosing engaging physical activities for their children during camping vacations.
There are plenty of things to do to stay active while camping. Research kid-friendly hikes ahead of time. Be sure to look into any other family-friendly activities that will keep kids active, like geocaching, fishing, bike riding, swimming, hiking, kayaking, and canoeing. Check in with the campground, as well. They may plan kid-specific activities, like blowing bubbles, kickball, and arts and crafts.
Make It a Comfortable Experience
The perfect family camping trip is about having fun! Keep it a comfortable and relaxing experience. What that looks like may vary from family to family. For example, parents of especially young kids, like toddlers or kids four to six years old may want to set aside time for unstructured play. Unstructured play promotes creativity and boosts kids' emotional health.
Further promote relaxation during your trip by packing a hammock, comfortable camping chairs, and extra bedding. Pack a canopy or shade for especially sunny weather, and stow books, coloring books, cards, and a portable speaker in your bag for when it is time to unwind.
Enrich your children's lives with regular camping trips. Spending time in nature reduces stress, promotes learning, and encourages kids to disconnect from society's near-constant use of devices. Use the pointers above to plan the perfect family camping trip this summer.
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