Our family loves to camp. It gives us the ability to vacation on a budget and explore God’s beautiful creation. We’ve camped in tents, campers, and cabins with three young boys. Here are my 8 tips for happy camping with kids.
Tip No. 1: a sound machine
Whether we’re camping in a tent or a camper a sound machine is something I never want to forget. Everyone is happier with a good night sleep. Camping puts everyone in close and cozy quarters where every noise is heard. The sound machine we use can be plugged in or has a battery option. Pictured below, we woke up early to see the sunrise. Linked is the sound machine we have used and relyed on for years.
Tip No. 2: an all-terrain wagon
For many years we piled our arms full of every camping, fishing, beach, outdoor accessory we needed until we finally smartened up and got an all-terrain utility wagon. Our wagon has wider wheels which works great for sandy terrain. Here is the wagon we use.
Tip No. 3: rainy day gear
As much as we try to plan, a rainy day always sneaks up on us during camping. We try to make the best of it and encourage the kids to play in the rain and mud with the proper gear. Rain boots, rain jackets, and a change of clothes make the clean up much easier. We’ve gone through many rain boots over the years, but these are the one the boys currently use.
Tip No. 4: activities for quiet time
Unfortunately I’m not a morning person. As much as I try to be, I stay up too late and love my sleep in the morning. There’s just something about the quiet once the boys go to sleep that invigorates me and I relish in the peace and stillness of the night. So I rely on quiet activities that the boys can do independently, especially in the morning. These activities are great for quiet time before bed, breakfast, and during thunderstorms. Some of our favorites are Where’s Waldo books, Highlights hidden picture and maze books, and puzzles.
Tip No. 5: campfire meals
Our boys love to help cook in the kitchen when we’re home and even more so when they can cook over an open fire. Hotdogs and marshmallows are the quintessential kid friendly campfire food. These curved extendable roasting skewers are perfect for the boys to cook their dinner and dessert. We made chocolate chip cookie smores for dessert, so good!
Tip No. 6: explore nature
The boys often put my faint heart to the test with all of their nature exploring. But their love for discovering nature brings me joy. We use binoculars, magnifying glasses, and getting dirty to find so many incredible natural treasures.
Tip No. 7: fishing
The boys ask to fish whenever we go camping. Florida doesn’t require a fishing license for children under 16. We usually fish in saltwater with frozen shrimp or mullet for bait. It’s always so exciting when we get to keep our catch for dinner.
Tip No. 8: biking
I am thankful we have reached the point where all three boys are pretty agile on their bikes. It makes for a great camping activity. We love to explore dirt trails, paved roads, and sandy beach lines.
Enjoy your family on your next adventure! Happy camping! Visit @homesteadonlakeside for more homemade family adventures!
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