Tips for Camping with Kids (made easy)!

Every kid loves the idea of camping (mostly because of the s'mores) and sleeping out under the stars. Kids think of camping as they see it in cartoons, read in books or see on TV. Many times, the dark, cold, windy, buggy and dirty reality doesn't set in until you are actually on the camping trip!

We came up with some items and ideas to make camping with kids much less stressful for you and a trip that your kids will never forget.

1. Depending on their age, let them get involved in the process. For instance, having them help pack what they might need, helping pack food and toys and letting them look at pictures of the destination ahead of time are fun "pre-trip" ways to get them excited for the trip.

2. Be prepared for safe and comfortable sleeping and napping. Having a portable crib, Igloo Baby Bunting Sack, cot beds, foam floor (interlocking) tiles or sleeping bags are so important. Don't forget pillows and stuffed animals too. Knowing how you will arrange bed time and sleeping quarters ahead of time, will help alleviate the stress and any fear of bedtime out in the wilderness. There are many wonderful inventions for kids on the go, like a PeaPod http://www.amazon.com/KidCo-P4011-Peapod-Plus-Twilight/dp/B00BWIPD42/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1429141805&sr=1-2&keywords=peapod, Enfant Le Sac Igloo Baby Bunting http://www.amazon.com/Enfant-Extendable-Bunting-Adaptable-Strollers/dp/B0045D4LIA/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1429141834&sr=1-1&keywords=enfant+le+sac+igloo+baby+bunting, portable high chairs and sleeping bags for kids.

3. Try finding camping related toys prior to your trip. Their very own camping lantern, canteen, pots and pans or compass will make them feel like they are helping you and will keep them occupied during set up and cooking times. Amazon has many pretend and play camp sets. I recommend keeping all toys in a Rubbermade tub with a lid. This tub can be easily washed and keep all toys in one neat and organized place.

4. Hand Washing Station and Antibacterial Wipes. You can never wash kids enough when they are camping! You can set up an easy "DIY" hand washing station using an inexpensive water container like this one http://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-5-Gallon-Water-Carrier-Blue/21156004. Set it on the edge of your picnic table, with a bottle of hand soap and a roll of paper towels or hand towel. Sometimes, hand sanitizer just can't replace a good old fashioned hand washing! But, you should still have some hand sanitizer and antibacterial wet wipes with you for quick jobs.

5. Sunscreen and Bug Spray. There are so many bug repellents on the market, like these wearable bracelets http://www.amazon.com/SadoSports-Kinven-Mosquito-Repellent-Bracelet/dp/B00KOED9AK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1429141629&sr=8-4&keywords=mosquito+repellant+bracelet to the traditional sprays http://www.amazon.com/Avon-SKIN-SO-SOFT-Bug-Guard-Moisturizing/dp/B0001ZWPI4/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1429141765&sr=8-5&keywords=bug+spray+for+kids.What's worse than bug bites??? A sunburn, so don't forget the SPF http://www.amazon.com/Alba-Botanica-Protection-Emollient-Sunscreen/dp/B00776CLLG/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1429141948&sr=1-1&keywords=child+sunscreen

6. A Large Umbrella. Perhaps it drizzles one day, or maybe they find an awesome sandy spot to dig in direct sunlight...whatever, the situation, a large umbrella can come in handy! http://www.amazon.com/Sport-Brella-BRE01-050-02-Umbrella-Red/dp/B002CLQ1NA/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1429142197&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=large+beach+umbrella

7. Easy, Kid Friendly Recipes like crescent wrapped hot dogs on a stick (a camp must have in our family), corn on the cob on a stick, and you have to try the famous "CampFire Cones". Check out this picture and watch your kids eyes light up....

 

8. Explore the Apps Store on your phone or tablet. There is an app for everything from star gazing, bird watching, an adventure diary, hiking maps, recipes and much more.

9. Bringing a First Aid kit should always be an essential part of any expedition!

10. Make the most of your outdoor time from sun-up through bedtime. Bring Glow Sticks for night tag, glow in the dark ring toss or blow up balloons and put a glow stick inside for a fun game of catch the balloon. Glow in the Dark bubbles are another nighttime must have. You can make them yourself by breaking open a glow stick, or you can buy the glow fusion pre made. Another fun outdoor game is a nature scavenger hunt. You can do a picture list for "pre readers" too. They can look for something green, a shiny rock, something soft, two different colored sticks, a pinecone, shell etc. The difficulty can progress depending on the age of your child. I have a teenager who still loves a good scavenger hunt!

No matter where you go, or what you do your kids will remember your adventures. The simplest things tend to make the biggest difference for little ones.

Would love to hear what creative ideas and must haves you take camping too or that your kids love.