5 tips for how to making camping fun for kids
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In the middle of the woods, the two words you don't want to hear are "I'm bored."
Why it matters: It's a common refrain when you go camping with children, away from the familiar confines of home and electronics, despite being surrounded by undiscovered nature.
A little planning ahead can go a long way in preventing boredom and even making camping fun.
- Here are five tips from experts and personal experience to keep the kids' attention.
1) Stay close to home: When you first start camping, don't venture too far afield in case you need to bail. Even the backyard is an ideal starting place.
- A nearby spot lowers expectations and offers a chance to test out what you need and don't need on a future trip.
2) Pick the right campsite: Choose one that offers a variety of activities to keep the whole family entertained, whether it's a nearby river, lake, waterfall, sand dunes or even just big boulders to climb.
- National parks are the ultimate location because most offer daily programs to learn about animals, rocks and the solar system. The Junior Ranger booklet offers a roadmap of activities to explore the surroundings with a prize at the end.
3) Make it fun: Just because you're camping, it doesn't have to be a spartan experience.
- Build a fire and throw in color-changing packets that light up the night. Or be the light: Get a glow sticks kit and make fun hats, glasses and necklaces to take on a parade around the campground.
- Camping games abound, from a deck of cards or banana-grams to packable cornhole and bocce ball.
- Other gear-free activities include birdwatching, journaling and sketching plants.
4) Make dinner an event: Likewise, camp meals don't need to be often-bland rehydrated food.
- Make-your-own pizzas on tortillas or pitas with plenty of toppings offer endless possibilities.
- A taco bar with pre-chopped ingredients is another hands-on experience.
5) Bring comforts of home: It's OK to bring what you need to be comfortable. Disposable wipes to stay clean? Full-size pillows? Familiar toys? All are packable. Just make sure to keep to "Leave No Trace" principles and leave the site cleaner than you found it.
The bottom line: Camping is fun if you make it that way.