How to Prepare for Camping with Kids

Some of the best memories of our childhoods smell like roasted marshmallows, bug spray, and long green grass blowing in the wind. With nothing but the stars above illuminating our closely-huddled families, we created a feeling that we’ll probably try to recreate forever. That’s why so many young families have continued their camping traditions. You can too. Keep reading to learn how to prepare for camping with kids.  

Choose a family-friendly campground 

Not every campground is built the same. Many campgrounds feature amenities like restrooms, showers, water, food trucks, and maybe even a playground to keep the kids entertained. Other campgrounds strive to bring you closer to nature — maybe even uncomfortably close to nature — and don’t feature all of those previously listed amenities. Do your research on campgrounds and choose what works best for your family. 

Prepare for the weather 

There’s no predicting the weather, especially during a Canadian summer. Pack for both warm and cool temperatures in terms of your clothes, but also for your own safety and equipment. A clothesline or drying system for wet clothes or other items that may have gotten rained on, for instance, might prove very helpful if you experience some showers during your family’s camping trip.  

Pack some entertainment 

Even though camping has its own magic to offer to you and your family, pack some entertainment to take with you. This could include some printable scavenger hunts, puzzles, sing-along songs for the campfire, or even classic camping games. A quick Google search might surprise you! 

Run some camping drills in your backyard 

Yes, practice camping. This drill is fun within itself. You can set up a “campsite” in your family room or in your backyard to get your little ones accustomed to the experience before you all embark on your real trip. It’s also a great way to get them even more excited and contribute to the experience themselves. 

Always put safety first 

You already know this part. But with camping, some additional safety factors like to throw themselves into the mix. In a new environment ripe with nature, cuts, scrapes, burns, and bug bites are all fair game. While you and your little ones explore the campsite, remember to highlight the importance of practicing extra care near campfires, plants, trees, wildlife, water, other campers, and new terrain.  

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Kinder Buddies Oakville Child Care is a Quality First Daycare and Infant Care facility in Oakville, Ontario. We take care of children from the age of 6 weeks to 5 1/2 providing nutritious meals and fun activities all day long.