Whether tent camping, RVing it, glamping, or something in between, there is no better way to connect with your children. Slowing down, unplugging, and being present while out in nature are gifts to gain that will keep giving.
As avid campers and adventure enthusiasts before becoming parents, my husband and I knew we wanted to explore the great outdoors with our children. With trial and error, we found a routine that worked for us and helped us make the most wonderful memories in nature. I encourage every family to try camping, no matter your experience level. Whether tent camping, RVing it, glamping, or something in between, there is no better way to connect with your children. Slowing down, unplugging, and being present are gifts that keep giving. You will never regret getting out there and trying it, even if the best part is laughing at the unpredictability of camping with kids.
PLANNING
My most significant piece of advice is to plan. Camping has always been a summertime family favorite, but with its boost in popularity during the pandemic, reservations have become more and more difficult to make. Most national parks open their booking six months in advance, and they fill up rather quickly. If anyone in your family has special needs, make sure the accommodations are appropriate, as most campgrounds have handicapped spaces available. At the beginning of the year, my husband and I sit down, look at our full-year calendar, decide where we want to go, and set reminders on our phones for when we need to make online reservations. Sometimes, we get exactly what we want, and sometimes, we have to improvise, and those adventures usually turn out to be our favorites.
WHAT TO PACK
Once you have your reservations, it’s time to start your packing list. With our first baby, we waited until she was eight months old and brought everything but the kitchen sink. We soon found that most of the things we brought were unnecessary. Our second baby was camping at six weeks old, and we were much more confident in our preparation. Check the weather and temperature for your destination to pack your clothing items accurately.
Children play games with sticks, rocks, and things they find at the campsite. So, we have a designated box of camping toys. That way, they only see these toys a couple of times a year, and it’s fun every time. Some of their favorites light up at night. Think of things that only take up a little space, but the whole family can enjoy: frisbee, paddleball, board games, cards, soccer, shovels, buckets, etc. We also love to bring markers and coloring books. My exceptions to this rule are books and stuffed animals. My kids bring their books and stuffed animals because those are their favorite comfort items. Our kids have had a great time picking out their sleeping bags, flashlights, and camping chairs. It also gives them a sense of responsibility and that they are participating in the camping setup. My advice for setting up your camping experience is to get started as soon as you arrive. That way, you know where everything is in the daylight.
Regarding food, we always make a menu ahead of time. Snacks are free for all, but the main meals are planned. We don’t veer far from our usual diet, so the kids have few surprises, and everybody gets the fuel they need for all the activities. Like the special toys, I add a couple of “camping only” treats that the kids look forward to. Using their regular lunch boxes makes packing for the day’s excursion simple. Also, even if your kiddos are no longer in diapers, wipes are worth their weight in gold when you are camping with little ones.
CAMPING GEAR
Everyone’s needs are different when it comes to gear. Do you like to sleep on air mattresses or pads? Do you like to hike with backpacks or strollers? There are no correct answers; customize your experience based on your preferences. Every parent needs a fully stocked first aid kit while camping. I also recommend headlamps for adults because nothing beats hands-free lighting when walking back and forth to the bathroom. Research the attractions near your campsite ahead of time. Will there be swimming? Camping by a lake or river is one of the best ways to enjoy camping with kids. Swimming all day makes for happy and healthy kids who get a good night’s sleep. Make sure to start the conversation about water safety now.
ACTIVITIES
You can search for kid-friendly hikes, ranger talks, and sightseeing, but also keep some time open for letting the kids lead the way. You’ll be surprised what they can come up with! One of our favorite camping traditions is the “rainbow scavenger hunt.” Help your child find a natural item for each rainbow color for this activity. This is a great time to identify plants we don’t touch. For example, poison oak is red at certain times of the year. A pocket-sized field guide can come in handy for this activity. When all your items are found, bring them to a picnic table and create a rainbow. This can start so many wonderful conversations with your kiddos. Is this item the same color all year round? Do animals use this item for shelter? After a warm meal, you can put on some layers and sit around the fire. Traditional s’mores are always fun, or you can put all the ingredients in an ice cream cone wrapped in tin foil and warmed on the fire for a less messy option.
Star gazing is one of our favorite things to do to wrap up the evening. When we are home, we are usually indoors before it gets dark, so we seize the opportunity while camping to soak up the beauty of the night sky. It is truly breathtaking to look up at the sky with no light pollution and appreciate the vastness of the universe with your children. Talk about the constellations with your kids before your trip. Bring a laminated constellation map if they seem interested. Who can find the Big Dipper? This really helps bring perspective to my husband and me after what can sometimes seem like a merry-go-round of work, school drop-offs, laundry, and life. Meanwhile, the kids are practicing their planet identification skills.
COMFORTS OF HOME
There is a lot of fun during the day, but as soon as the sun sets, my kids need comfort from home. For that reason, we keep our bedtime routine as close to normal as possible. A portable white noise machine and night light (both USB rechargeable) have been our favorite nighttime items for the kids. We have found that rechargeable items are much easier to use than battery powered. Batteries are one more thing to lose or forget. Just make sure you have a full charge before you leave home, and if you need to recharge, you can use your car or external battery.
No matter our destination, our camping trips have become some of our most precious memories. We always come home happier, less stressed, and more connected. We also come home dirty, tired, and with lots of laundry, so always give yourself some extra time to land comfortably at home. Camping truly is for every person, every ability, and every family.
KAYLA MYERS is a veterinary technician, freelance writer, nature enthusiast and mother of two adventurous toddlers. Kayla was born and raised on the peninsula and currently resides in beautiful Carmel Valley with her husband, children and menagerie of four legged friends.