The Great Outdoors: Camping with Kids

Fall weather is my absolute favorite. There is nothing better than soaking up the warm sun with an undertone of a cool breeze. The red, yellow, and orange leaves painting the trees making the landscape beautiful. I love putting all the kids in sweaters and heading outdoors for the last few days before it gets too cold. My boys love making "soup" from acorns and leaves around the yard. They'll stir it up with a twig and then bring it over to me for a taste test. We are always looking for an adventure. We decided a family camping trip was the perfect weekend activity in the fall weather.

Camping with kids can be a great adventure! Make sure to choose a family-friendly campsite, pack essentials, bring activities like games or nature exploration, and prioritize safety. Don't forget to teach them about camping basics and the importance of respecting nature.

1. Choose a family-friendly campsite: Pick a location with amenities like toilets, running water, and proximity to hiking trails or activities suitable for children. State parks are a great place to start. They are typically clean and well maintained. I like to pick parks that also have a playground area for the kids. I also prefer to find a site that is more open to allow space for the kids play.

2. Plan and pack together: Involve your kids in planning and packing to make them feel part of the process. Ensure you have all the necessary gear, clothing, and food. This tent is perfect with kids. It has plenty of space and is easy to set-up with the instant-set-up technology.

3. Safety first: Emphasize safety rules, such as staying close, not wandering alone, and identifying local flora and fauna that may be hazardous.

4. Kid-friendly activities: Bring games, toys, and activities to keep them engaged, such as hiking, fishing, or simple nature scavenger hunts. I pack a toy bag with balls, small cars, coloring books and crayons, and books for campfire story times.

5. Campfire safety: Teach kids about campfire safety and never leave a fire unattended. Campfires are my favorite part of camping, but safety should always be a priority with little ones. We enjoyed cooking hot dogs over the fire. We also brought marshmallows and chocolate to introduce the boys to s'mores. I am not a fan of roasted marshmallows, but the boys were very big fans. These roasting sticks make cooking over the fire easy and safer for little ones. Supervision should be closely montiored.

6. Comfort and sleep: Ensure comfortable sleeping arrangements for the kids with appropriate sleeping bags, pads, and cozy clothing for cooler nights. My oldest son was so excited when he got his own sleeping bag. Here is one that even glows in the dark. The dinosaur print is also a plus with little boys. We also wanted to be comfy so we had air beds for both boys. This air mattress is comfortable with a built in pump. This makes set-up a breeze and anything to expedite camp set-up is a major plus.