Camping can be stressful at the best of times, however when taking the children there are even more considerations. Here are some essential tips that will combat bad weather, arguments and lack of home comforts. These are applicable for the whole family so we hope they help and you have a great time, whether you’re camping in the south of France on a luxury site or pitching up on a site in the Yorkshire dales.
The main thing when travelling with children is to be prepared and pack everything- within reason! Consider both the best and worst case scenario’s, you could be stuck in a tent with the children for your entire trip, so take enough activities for both indoor and outdoor use. Although the car may be full to bursting you will be covered whatever the situation when you arrive.
Something else to consider, pre-trip, whatever your budget is to source quality equipment. Trust us, the last thing you want is your tent falling down on you in the middle of the night due to a light breeze. Similarly, the children will be whining all night if they aren’t swaddled in numerous sleeping bags and duvets so go the extra mile and buy high quality gear to keep things as homey as you can.
It can be extremely difficult to entertain children, under canvas, but not if you do your research and are imaginative! Have a look online before you go away and see what attractions are close to your destination and what tasks the children might enjoy doing in glorious sunshine, as well as the typical English gloom.
Binoculars, sports and musical instruments are a life safer when struggling for unusual things to do and will also help to teach them skills that can be implemented when they return to school. Introduce bird watching tasks, art projects and trails to get them exploring the outdoors. If you are lucky enough to have sun sit outside and have tea parties whilst playing circle games, this will feel like a treat to what you usually do at home.
More practically, if you are able to park near where you camp, remember to always park on solid ground to make your unloading and leaving easier than a sludgy field. Another pitching tip is to be near the loo’s so you’re not trekking through endless fields when your youngest decides he’s ‘bursting’. Also, take items that double up for multiple uses, such a towel that be used to sit on, dry yourself with or to block out light from the tent when the little ones cant sleep.
Other useful items, that you’ll thank us for later, include waterproofs, numerous changes of clothes, carrier bags (for rubbish as well as wet clothes), medicine and travel chargers for all the essential electricals.
So, our whistle stop guide to what you need to survive camping with the kids has come to an end, we hope its useful. Oh, and one more thing. Don’t forget the ear plugs!
