10 Keys to a Stress-Free Camping Trip With Kids

Kids love to go camping, but camping trips can be stressful if you’re not properly prepared for them. Based on my own experiences as well as conversations with other parents, I’ve pulled together a list of some favorite stress-management tips.

Practice camping at home

If your kids have never been camping, practice at home before you go. Pitching a tent and getting used to sleeping in it can feel strange if you’re not used to it. If you have a backyard, pitch the tent there. If you don’t, lay out sleeping bags in the living room or spend an entire day at a nearby park: that’ll give the kids a good idea of what it’s like to go camping and be in the outdoors.

Let everyone pack their own gear

Packing for everyone can be a challenge. If your kids are old enough, have them pack their things in their own bags. Help them make a list of what to bring, and then let them pack themselves. Also make sure the bags are easy to carry or pull in case you decide to leave the car behind to go hiking.

Include kids in trip planning

When kids are bored, they often act up, and you get stressed. To avoid that from happening, involve them in all aspects of the trip, from choosing the best camp site, to deciding what to do, to buying the equipment that you need. In fact, don’t just have the kids help you buy equipment like tents and fishing rods: have them shop with you for cooking supplies and food.

Choose the campsite together

When you review the campsite options with the kids, talk to them about what they’d like to do there. Choosing a campsite with activities that no one is interested in can backfire. Would your kids like to rough it, or do they prefer a site with lots of amenities? What activities would they prefer — berry picking, hiking, boating, fishing, or swimming?

Get familiar with your gear

Wherever you choose to go camping, you’ll need some specialized gear — a tent, sleeping bags, a cooking device and kitchen supplies. Buy quality stuff, make sure you know how to operate the equipment, and store everything neatly in boxes and containers.

Make time for unstructured play

One key to a stress-free camping trip is to leave plenty of time for unstructured play. You never know what will end being exciting to the kids. They may make a new friend as soon as you arrive and can think of nothing better than to spend the whole time with them. Remember: you’re not there to accomplish anything other than to have a good time.

Go over safety together

Your kids may want to explore the camp site and surrounding areas with their new friend, but safety should always come first. Set ground rules for how far they can venture off and have agreed-upon emergency procedures for what to do if they get lost. If there’s no mobile phone service, give the kids a whistle and tell them to only blow it if they’re lost.

Pack plenty of clothes

While everyone hopes for great weather, there’s no guarantee what Mother Nature will bring. So, bring raincoats, warm sweaters and socks, and waterproof hiking boots. Even if the weather holds during the day, the temperature at night can drop dramatically.

Plan for rainy-day fun

If you find yourself stuck in the tent all day due to rain or the kids are bored with what the camp site has to offer, have alternative entertainment options. Bring electronic games that don’t require internet access, board games and playing card for everyone to enjoy.

Get the kids involved

You You’re going to be stressed out if you try to do everything on your own. Have the kids help you. Get them to pitch the tent and roll out the sleeping bags. Have them gather firewood, build a fire, help cook the meal and clean up afterwards. The more you share experiences with each other, the more memorable the trip will be.