Aussies just love camping! There's no two ways about it. Getting out and about in the great outdoors – this is living! It's an experience that many of us have enjoyed since we were knee high to a grasshopper, and one that we can't wait to share with our own little people. No matter what a camping adventure looks like to you, whether it's a simple trip to the local campsite or hitching up the caravan and heading out bush, there's nothing like camping with the kids to really fuel their passion for the outdoors. Before you go packing the car and throwing the little tackers in the backseat, here's a few things to consider that will make the trip one to remember.
1. Teamwork makes the dream work!
Before you even leave the house, there's plenty for you and the little ones to do. Good preparation is key to ensuring everyone has a ripper time, and don't think it's ever too early to get some prep work done. Even if it's simply taking a geez at the tent and making sure she's good to go, that way when you arrive it's smooth sailing instead of looking for a patch kit. Sorting out a checklist with everything you need to bring is another winner and something you can get the kids involved in. Camping gear? Check. Clothes? Check. Food? Check. Entertainment? Check. Now you're ready for a good time.
If you don't know where to start, take a geez at our ready-to-go camping checklist. It has all the essentials for a you-beaut camping trip and will point you in the right direction.
2. The art of keeping boredom at bay
"I'm booooored" – two words all parents know all too well, and the last thing we want to hear while camping. Lucky for us, the campground is the perfect boredom killer, choc-a-bloc with ways to keep the youngsters amused. But you can't rely on the campground to do all the heavy lifting, so be sure to pack a range of activities and games the kids will enjoy. And if you're lucky enough to be camping by the beach or river, your problems are solved! Swimming, surfing, or fishing… the list is practically endless (forget about screen time, it's fun time). Just remember to keep at least one eye on the tykes at all times.
3. Don’t leave camping with the kids for a rainy day
Camping in the rain is no-one's cuppa tea, throw kids in the mix and they'll be reaching for their devices quicker than you can say "Mum where's my iPad?" It's a good shout to be a little more selective on the weather when you're camping with the kids. Make sure to keep an eye on the forecast and look for days when the big yellow thing's in the sky to really make the most of your camping experience.
4. If you feed them, they will come
"I'm Hunnngry" – yep, you guessed it, another cracker our kids love to use. Now no one likes a hangry little person, and what they lack in size they make up for in attitude. But there's a simple solution – just keep their bellies full and they'll be happy as Larry! It's not only the big 3 of breakfast, lunch, and dinner you need to worry about, but an endless supply of snacks to get your tackers through a full day of adventures. While a little junk food never hurt anyone, a balanced diet is the way to go. And remember, sausage sangas do NOT equal a camper's staple diet.
5. Short and sweet is the way to go!
You know what they say about too much of a good thing! When introducing your little ones to the wonderful world of camping, it's best to keep your trips to short stays. Missing the comforts of home is a common occurrence among younger players, so wait for them to truly catch the camping bug before attempting those longer trips. In no time they'll be begging you, "just one more night dad?"
6. Count some sheep, and get some sleep
For the safety of the entire campsite, make sure the little tackers get their kip (if you've ever spent time with a sleep deprived child, you'll know what I'm talking about). Sleeping in a tent or swag can be tricky for the little ones and you can expect that they'll be up and about at the crack of dawn. Try your best to minimise the amount of light creeping in and make them as comfortable as possible – these are the perfect ingredients to a good night sleep. Self-inflating mattresses, sleeping bags, stretcher beds and pillows are just some of the epic products that'll help make the sandman's job that little bit easier.
7. Less is more, more or less
Leave the kitchen sink at home and just stick to the essentials. Hitting the open road for the first time with the little tackers can seem like a daunting affair, but overpacking for every scenario that runs through your head is not the secret to camping success. Forget those "just in case" items and stick with the must-haves, you'll have a quicker and easier time setting up shop, with less to clean when you get back home. Maybe think about leaving those devices at home, eh? Just kidding kids!
There's nothing like a camping adventure with the kiddies to really connect as a family, making memories that'll last a lifetime and teaching them a few tricks along the way. Now that you've learnt a thing or two about camping with the little ones, it's time to get out there and put it into action. There's plenty of BCFing adventures waiting for you just around the bend. What are you waiting for?