What to Remember When Camping With Little Kids

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Camping can be a wonderful experience for the entire family. It’s a time to build memories, go fishing, and, of course, eat great food. When you’re camping with little kids, there are things you need to keep in mind. Whether it’s setting ground rules or stocking your cooler with sandwich ingredients, you can have a great time camping this summer.

Here are 6 things you should remember when camping with little kids (affiliate links used for specific product suggestions.)

1. Set Ground Rules

 

There are a number of rules you need to have in place when camping with little kids. First of all, there should be absolutely no running or playing close to the fire. Children should also not be allowed to go off on their own or leave the tent without an adult. Lastly, explain to children that wildlife should never be approached or fed.

 

2. Bring Mosquito Repellent

 

Mosquito season is now scarier than ever. You need to make sure everyone is protected. One of the best products is a mosquito repellent bracelet. These are made with natural products and last for 250+ hours. They are also waterproof and come in a variety of colors. This is something you can put on your child and leave on her throughout the camping trip.

Other options include burning a Citronella candle in your campsite to help minimize the number bothering you.  Some prefer a natural repellant spray that gets squirted on the exposed skin and possibly things like pant legs.

With monster sized mosquitos in Alaska, we’ve also considered purchasing a Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Outdoor and Camping Repeller Device.  Several friends say they work wonderfully.

 

3. Stock Your Cooler with Sandwich Ingredients

 

There are things that can go wrong when camping. It might be the weather or the fish may not be biting. When camping with little kids, you may also experience the kids not wanting to eat the fish that are caught. This is why you absolutely must have sandwich ingredients on hand. Another option is to go with the classic hot dog.

Just make sure you have plenty of ice and ideally a cooler meant for multiple days. Some even have wheels!

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4. Make S’mores

A great activity that will build great memories is to make s’mores. You can buy retractable marshmallow skewers that allow kids to get in on the fun without getting too close to the fire. We’ve done the old school wood stick method, but occasionally have camped somewhere with none in sight. Be prepared so you won’t have a disappointed child!)

We’ve done the old school wood stick method, but occasionally have camped somewhere with none in sight. Be prepared so you won’t have a disappointed child!

If your kids are really small, do the work for them. Make sure you bring baby wipes so that you can easily clean up the sticky mess.

 

5. Have Options for Entertainment

 

Should the weather turn bad, you want to have options to keep kids entertained. Board games, books, and storytelling are all great ideas. Even if the weather is great, it pays to have a variety of activities to choose from.

 

6. Don't Forget Nap Time

 

Last, but not least, nap time is important no matter where you're at. Without nap time, you will have cranky children that won't enjoy anything they're doing. Stick to your routine and allow the kids to nap. This will also make it easier to get back into your regular routine when you get home.

 

Camping can be a wonderful experience for little kids. However, you need to keep a few things in mind. Whether it's making sure the kids are safe or sticking to the nap time routine, your entire family will have a great time.

 

Do you go camping as a family?

What is a tip that has helped you manage camping trips with the younger kids?

Don't miss this post with tons of books about camping!!