In an ideal world, any camping trip should provide an opportunity to slow down, enjoy your surroundings, and get back to peaceful, calming nature in a way that you simply can’t at home. Unfortunately, those things are easier said than done if you’re traveling with children.
Most kids simply aren’t suited to slow travel, especially not when it drops them right in the middle of nature. That said, it is entirely possible to enjoy a peaceful camping trip with kids if you set your mind to it.
That may sound like an impossible goal, but join us as we explore just a few of the ways you could make it happen.
# 1 - Choose A Well-Equipped Campsite
You’ll have a (probably loud) struggle on your hands if you choose any old wild camping spot and expect your kids to make do. Sure, it might all look like fun, but they’ll soon start complaining about the lack of wifi and the inability to take a shower. And that’s going to stop you from having even a second of peace to enjoy your surroundings.
So, make life easier for yourself by finding a family camping spot that comes complete with all the amenities your kids could need. At the very least, a site with toilets and a shower should keep everyone a little happier, while additions like wifi, onsite eating options, and even a swimming pool could see the kids leaving you in peace far more often throughout your stay.
Unsplash Image: CC0 License
Unsplash Image: CC0 License# 2 - Engage Them in Nature
Young kids find nature endlessly fascinating, but the same probably isn’t true if you’re traveling with teens or pre-teens. In that instance, they may take one look at mud and run into the nearest tent to huddle up and hide in comfort. They might not even know what to do when they do get outside, hence the endless complaints of ‘I’m bored’.
Luckily, nature is a great playground at any age, and reminding your kids of this is a guaranteed ticket to peace. Depending on their age, setting up a nature trail, a treasure hunt, or even a den-making competition could go down a treat. More importantly, it’ll buy you an afternoon to take things a little easier.
You’d probably love to stick to your campsite, go for strolls nearby, and generally breathe in that fresh air, but modern kids often have other ideas. You may even find that they get louder and more disruptive the longer you spend sticking around.
So, meet them in the middle. Breaking up your days with a little local exploration or a trip to nearby landmarks can really help kids to burn off excess energy and feel more fulfilled. Then, you can ensure a more chilled, calming vibe when you’re all finally ready to head back.
Camping with kids isn’t easy, period, but it can be a more peaceful experience than you might imagine if you approach it with these top tips in mind.
*contributed post*
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