 
How to take the kids camping, lets go
camping. With those few simple words you are instantly a hero to
your children. To ensure you remain that way during the camping
trip, you better make sure you have planned well and are
prepared for all types of contingencies. Along with lots of
snacks and back-up rain gear, bring along these activities
and suggestions to keep your children occupied and happy while
camping.
Scavenger hunt - Depending on the age of your children this can be as
simple or complicated as you would like to make it. For younger
children that you want to keep close to the campsite, make sure
you take a good look around before sending them off to hunt -
make sure the items can be found close-by.
Nature book - Fold 5 sheets of construction paper in half and
staple them together along the fold to create a nature book that
your children can fill full of keepsakes. In a bag, put in a
glue stick, tape, and some writing instruments and encourage
them to find interesting treasures to put in the book or draw
pictures of.
Baby wipes - Never stop buying baby wipes just because your kids are no
longer in diapers. These little wonders make life a lot easier
when out in the wilderness - or even around the house.
Getting to sleep - If your children are too excited or a bit
nervous about sleeping in a tent, go for a slow drive around the
campgrounds until they fall asleep in the car. And then execute
the trick every parent must master - the transfer of a sleeping
child into bed or in this case a sleeping bag. Or you can lay
down with them until they fall asleep and then make your escape.
Board & card games - Everyone needs down time, even when camping. Don’t
forget to bring the classics along - Monopoly & Uno were always
favorites in my family. Invite your camping neighbors over to
join in and make some new friends.
Fresh Ice Cream - Yes, hot chocolate and smores are the
traditional camping treats, but why not shake things up a bit
with this recipe for homemade ice cream in a bag.
Disposable Cameras - Buy each child their own disposal camera. Give them
an assignment to take pictures of during the trip (how many
different birds, trees, or rocks can you find). Or have them
take a picture of an object and then a really close-up picture
of the same object for a fun game to have at home - having to
guess what the close-up picture is of.
Flashlights - A flashlight is not just to scare away the dark,
you can put on a shadow show with one from inside the tent or
behind a tarp instead of telling spooky stories around the
campfire.
Music - Bring a battery-powered CD player for night time. The sounds of
nature are beautiful but if you aren’t used to them they can be
scary. Soothing music will help mask all the sounds that might
scare or wake-up the kids.
Toys - Most tent campgrounds have a foundation of dirt. Bring
shovel and pails and any other outdoor toys that will keep the
children busy right by the tent. Buy a bucket of dinosaurs and
hide them in the dirt around the site and then send out the
little explorers on a dinosaur expedition.
If they like to read good books can help if its raining and let them read
to you. If they are old enough take a compass and a map , teach
them how to use the compass with the map.
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