| So you've enjoyed camping in the past, but now you | | | | nowhere?) This will determine what equipment and |
| have kids. The thought of nappies at a campsite or the | | | | accessories you'll need to feed and entertain the |
| port-a-cot in the tent might be enough to scare you | | | | family. |
| off; however, why not remain focused on the positives | | | | If you've never been camping before, a caravan is a |
| of camping and, with the attitude of "the glass is half | | | | great place to start. You can access a powered site, |
| full," look at how camping with kids can be a fun-filled | | | | communal bathroom facilities, and depending on |
| experience. | | | | whether you choose to visit a state of the art caravan |
| There are a number of different things we need to | | | | park or something a bit more rural, you may even |
| consider as parents, and this can vary depending on | | | | have entertainment options available too, such as |
| the age of our children. | | | | playgrounds, swimming pools, BBQ stations etc. |
| If you've got a baby, it might seem overwhelming all | | | | All of this will help minimise the number of things you'll |
| the items one needs to bring. Keep it simple! | | | | need to pack to bring on your family camping |
| You may need to consider staying somewhere that | | | | getaway. |
| has powered sites ensuring you can heat up or | | | | Once you've mastered this and you have the buy-in of |
| sterilise a bottle. | | | | your children, you can choose to be a bit more |
| You may need to upgrade that two man tent that | | | | adventurous with your destinations. |
| accommodated you and your partner for years, with a | | | | Personally the thing that makes family camping easy |
| family sized tent, perhaps one with two rooms, allowing | | | | and fun is if you share the experience with another like |
| you a safe haven from the sun for your baby to play. | | | | minded family. |
| A benefit of camping with a baby is that they are still | | | | Not only does this reduce how much you'll need to |
| young enough that you will not have to worry about | | | | bring along, as you can share the load, if you camp |
| them wandering off. This can be a very relaxing | | | | with another family with similar aged children, you'll find |
| getaway for the whole family. | | | | you are less likely to be faced with the challenge of |
| But what if you do have a toddler? Well this is exciting | | | | keeping them entertained. |
| in its own right. OK so you're biggest challenge is | | | | And if you do choose to stay somewhere that does |
| probably going to be ensuring they don't wander off. | | | | not have the facilities to entertain your children, go |
| They are still a little bit young to be teaching them rules | | | | online prior to your family camping getaway and check |
| on safety, so ensure you set a time line with your | | | | out ideas for entertainment. |
| partner, giving each parent time out from supervision, | | | | There are loads of things to do from bush walking or |
| some me time, that way they will appreciate the time | | | | taking the bikes for a ride, to traditional games like |
| spent with your toddler. | | | | cricket, Frisbee or Bocce. For those with some |
| Kids love nature, and camping is one big nature | | | | creative flair you could prepare a scavenger hunt for |
| playground, imagine your toddler's excitement as they | | | | them, or even put together a small art kit allowing them |
| touch and feel leaves, twigs and other natural | | | | to create some fantastic natural art work, just |
| resources for the first time. It will have you seeing | | | | remember, you'll need to ensure you have the room in |
| nature from a totally different perspective. | | | | your car for these pieces of art on the return journey. |
| Plus let's face it, toddlers are often highly entertaining | | | | Another great way to entertain the kids when camping |
| and will no doubt help give your campsite some | | | | is to consider getting them involved in the preparation |
| atmosphere. | | | | of meals. Plan your menu in advance ensuring you |
| So what about if your kids are that bit older? | | | | have all the ingredients to get you through your stay, |
| Talk to them in advance about where they are going, | | | | plus loads of snacks. There are loads of fun recipes |
| ensuring they are readily equipped for the adventure. | | | | you can make with the kids from baked potatoes to |
| Do they have a camping bed and sleeping bag? | | | | banana boats; you'll have your kids wanting to be |
| Talk to them about camp safety, teaching them about | | | | master chefs in no time. |
| the importance staying at the site, and only | | | | Whichever way you look at it, camping with kids can |
| investigating further if they have an adult with them, | | | | be a joyful experience for the whole family regardless |
| further more why not teach them what to do if they | | | | of the age of your children. The best thing you can do |
| do get lost. This is sure to create some peace of mind. | | | | is plan and prepare before you go, and start simple. |
| Again, ensure you have an adequate size tent to | | | | For more tips and advice visit |
| accommodate your family, consider where you will be | | | | You'll have your children begging you to go camping |
| camping, what resources are available (will you be | | | | again and again. |
| camping at a caravan park or right out in the middle of | | | | |