With fall right around the corner, it’s time to start planning a few outdoor activities you couldn’t do with that summer heat around! Camping is a wonderful idea for a mini-weekend adventure with children. Spending a night together under the stars as a family is a perfect way to say goodbye to summer and create memories that will last a lifetime. There are so many joys to be had spending quality time together in a beautiful, natural setting. Here are five family camping ideas that are sure to improve any camping trip, big or small.
1. Stay Local
Sometimes it’s easier with a little one to stick closer to home – so try exploring your own neighborhood or community! Did you know that there are campgrounds scattered all over the country that you can conveniently find and even reserve a spot in? Head to Go Camping America or search online parent groups for safe and fun camping site recommendations.
2. Take a Hike
If the idea of camping overnight seems overwhelming, going on a short hike is another way to achieve the same results. Hiking is a great way to increase your family’s physical activity while learning more about the natural world.
Before you set off on your trek, confirm the terrain, length, and level of difficulty of the trail. (Alltrails is a great resource for planning ahead.) Don’t forget to wear the right clothing and pack sufficient water, food, and a first aid kit.
For a fun educational activity on your hike, create a scavenger hunt for different types of trees, leaves, and insects you may see. Finally, make sure you know some good camping songs to sing as you make your way through the trails. Teach everyone the words and make it a family activity!
3. Share Special Stories
A good story can keep children engaged and entertained for hours while walking through the woods or sitting around a campfire at night. Sharing stories is also a way to spend meaningful quality time together. You can tell stories that your child is already familiar with or invent a new one.
Some fun ideas for storytelling include making your child the main character of an adventure story, playing a game where you and your child switch off telling a few lines of the story to keep it constantly shifting in vision, or telling the story of your time on the trail and incorporating key moments from your own experiences that day.
4. Keep it Glowing
Campfires provide a great atmosphere, a makeshift stovetop, and many wonderful memories. As you build the fire, talk to your child about what it takes to keep the fire glowing. This is a great time to also teach about fire safety.
There are times when it’s not possible or safe to start a campfire. Glow sticks are a helpful alternative. These function as safety lights that ward off any nighttime fears, and they can serve as a makeshift tracking device so you can always see where your child is, no matter how dark it gets in the woods!
5. Backyard Camping
If you’re not ready for a full camping expedition, consider camping right in your backyard! Set up a tent and roll out a few sleeping bags. A backyard campout can be just as fun as camping in a park or at a campground, and it gives you the added benefit of having all the comforts of home just a few steps away. If your yard isn’t an ideal option, perhaps a family member or friend will let you camp behind their house for a night of a unique camping experience.
The Gardner School Builds Adventurous Preschoolers
Camping is not only a wonderful and cost-effective family activity, but it allows your children to step away from screens and connect with nature. No matter where you go camping, make sure you review camping safety tips with your children beforehand. Bring a first aid kit, an extra pair of clothes in case it rains, and plenty of your family’s favorite snacks. Now, go get your camp on with one of our family camping ideas!