Family Camping Trips
The quintessential outdoor trip for every family is the camping trip. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a total newbie, you’re going to want to take a tip or two from The Balancing Act, as camping with kids can be complicated – but it’s definitely worth it!
- Be Kid Friendly: Make the trip kid friendly. If you have to drive a far distance to make it to the camping location, you probably want to check into any kid-friendly roadside attractions or activities you can all enjoy along the way. Remember, everything changes once you have children, and you may need to modify the way you used to camp, too!
- Have an Active Adventure: Kids love adventure. An adventure can be as small as collecting pine-cones, running in an obstacle course, setting off on a treasure hunt, going for a hike, etc. Have fun as you go, and share in the moments of adventure and exploration with your child. Being active outdoors and playing in the dirt can be both wholesome and educational.
- Take Baby Steps: Take it small. Camp in the backyard a couple of times before actually heading out for a “real” camping trip. You can build up to a larger multiple night camp-out in a more secluded location after you develop your child’s camping skills in the yard and at a campground.
- Be a Teacher: Use every opportunity you get to teach your child about something. While camping you might be able to teach your child how to fish, cook outdoors, to set up a tent to name a species of bird, etc. The things you teach your child while camping are sure to stick with them and they’ll reflect on the memories with fondness in their later years.
- Don’t Push It: Camping just isn’t for everyone. If your child isn’t enjoying camping don’t force them to go. Give it a year and try again. Build a special fort in the living room instead and have a family movie night/slumber party! Everybody is different, and we certainly need to respect that and appreciate each person’s individuality.
Enjoy every moment and treasure the entire journey, because, let’s face it, sometimes the journey can be the greatest adventure, and your kids may even remember the journey better than they’ll remember the destination.
This article was written by Daddy Nickell on behalf of The Balancing Act®. The Balancing Act® is America’s premier women’s morning show that is ambitious and inspiring – while illuminating new ways for women to achieve success in all areas of their lives. Tune into The Balancing Act® weekday mornings on Lifetime at 7 a.m. ET/PT.
For more tips on getting active in the outdoors, take a look at these articles: