Camping with children presents it's own set of challenges, but don't
skip the camping trip just because you've added a new addition or two
to the family. The types of challenges you'll face when camping with
kids will depend on the age of your children.
Infants
Taking babies camping is not as scary as you might think! Young
babies tend to sleep more than older toddlers, and are much more
adaptable and flexible regarding where they will fall asleep. Some
babies will happily sleep in their carseats. If yours won't, it's easy
enough to pack a portable crib and set it up inside your camper, RV, or
tent. If you are a family that enjoys camping, and hope to continue
camping every year, you're better off starting your children off on
camping trips as infants. By the time they are toddlers, they may be
used to the camping trips, and you can save yourself a lot of trouble.
Toddlers
Toddlers are probably the most difficult age group to take on
camping trips. Toddlers typically don't like to sit still. They're
curious, and want to go exploring, and most do not have the best
listening skills yet. Camping with toddlers can be done, but it won't
be a trip you will consider relaxing by any means. Be sure to pack the
stroller, as it will give you a break from chasing after a roaming
toddler. You'll want to go exploring and give your little guy or girl a
chance to experience the great outdoors, just remember that they are
still at an unpredictable age and may put dangerous things into their
mouths, forget that the fire is hot and can seriously harm them, and
chances are they won't understand that pushing on the sides of a tent
is never a good idea.
Preschool
Preschool aged children are at a wonderful age to learn about
camping and hiking. These children are full of energy, and can often
hike three to file miles on inclined and rocky surfaces without too
much difficulty. This kind of exercise may help them sleep at night,
also, making them so tired they don't think too much about being in a
strange place at bedtime. Make sure you have enough activities to keep
these children occupied for rainy days, when you want to keep them in
your tent, camper or RV. You'll also want to pack far more clothing for
your preschool aged children than you think necessary because if there
is a drop of water on the ground, your child is sure to find it and
manage to get soaked! Extra shoes and socks are an absolute necessity.
Elementary Age Kids
By the time your kids are five or so, they should be quite
accustomed to camping if you've been going since they were infants.
Even if you're just starting your camping trips, children this age
should not cause as many challenges as the younger group. Children this
age can pretty much participate in any camping or hiking activity that
you would like to do. You'll want to allow your children to pick a few
activities they prefer doing as well, so that they enjoy themselves as
well, and feel part of the trip.
Teenagers
The trick to enjoying a camping trip with your teenagers is to make
them a vital part in planning for the trip. You might consider giving
them a few locations to choose from when deciding where to go camping,
or select a few of your camping activities. If your teenager doesn't
seem to want to go on the family vacation, which is likely for this age
group, you may consider allowing them to bring a friend along.
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