The Easter Holidays have always been a popular time for Aussie families to get out and about for some camping fun. With the first few months of the year now done and dusted and the Chrissie break well and truly in the rear-view, many of us feel it's about time for some well-earned R&R. It doesn't matter if you're just ducking around the corner to the local campground or hitching up the caravan for the ultimate off grid experience—as long as you're all together, it's sure to be a good time. Many of us have little ones to think about when planning a trip away, and from accommodation options to things to do, the importance of having a good game plan for keeping the kids entertained is second to none.
“Happy kid, happy life” may not be the usual quote, but it rings true none the less. Although the youngsters may own a significant slice of your heart, when they're dying of boredom or cracking a tantrum, it's definitely a different story. While a little bit of screen time won't hurt anyone and parents may relish the peace and quiet, it’ll never compare to the outdoor adventures that await as soon as you put those devices away. So, buckle up as the BCFing experts share with you some handy hints that are sure to help get your little people into the camping spirit and ready for Easter 2024.
A little bit of preparation goes a long way!
We all know the saying 'prior planning prevents poor performance'. Well, that's bang on when it comes to Easter camping, and even more so when kids get thrown in the mix. Unless you're the type of camping fanatic that hits the outdoors every week, there can often be a bit of time between drinks when it comes to using your camping gear. This time spent locked away in the garage or pushed to the back of the cupboard is when most damage is done to your beloved home away from home. The occasional cleaning session is a great way to prevent casualties, and whether it's a light dusting or the odd hose down, you'll help lift the life expectancy of your camping essentials. By putting in the prep work, it'll make sure that the next time you're heading outdoors, everything will be good to go
Another top tip: don't wait till the day before to start gearing up. You can be sorting out your kit and checking for any holes in the system (or your tent for that matter) weeks in advance. Why not get the kids involved too? Any type of job will do, they could count the tent pegs or even put together a shopping list… just make sure you double check it before hitting the shops or you might end up with a basket full of nothing but Easter eggs!
Find more tips on gear maintenance here
Make sure they get their shuteye! It’s essential for a happy camp
If you've ever spent time with a sleep deprived child, you'll know it can be somewhat less than enjoyable. No matter how old you are, we all need our sleep—it's simply a fact of life. Eat, sleep, camp, repeat! But how do you ensure a good night's sleep when you're roughing it in the outdoors? The answer is to get your hands on some ripper camping kit from BCF. Apart from making sure you have a waterproof tent or swag that's up to the task at hand, the importance of having the right mattress, sleeping bag and even a stretcher if that what floats your boat should be next on the list. It'll help make the sandman's job that little bit easier.
Check out our massive range of bedding options here.
It’s time to put the screen down, adventures are calling!
Why would the kids want to be fixed to a device when there's so many epic camping activities to take part in? Helping them burn off all that excess energy is a sure-fire way to have them sleeping like babies when it's time to hit the hay. But where to begin? This is where a little imagination goes a long way, and some games from Verao are sure to put a smile on their dial. Beach games do the job perfectly—from beach cricket to beach footy and soccer you'll be sure to find a winner. The ever-reliable frisbee is a family favourite, while kites have been helping youngsters keep boredom at bay for decades. Fun and laughter is almost a guarantee once you pull out any of these beauties, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Take them for a run in the park, have a hit of tennis, or get on the push-bikes for an adrenaline rush like no other. At the end of the day “I'm bored” will be the last thing on their lips.
Check out our chockers range of games and sports here.
Remember the Easter Bunny goes on holidays too
Just because you and your crew aren't at home doesn't mean the big fella with long ears and a fluffy tail shouldn't pay a visit. An Easter egg hunt is a great way to get your little people active, let them explore their surroundings, and search every nook and cranny for a treat. A little bit of chocolate never hurt anyone and is sure to have the kids buzzing. While they're little, you can get away with simply scattering Easter eggs around the campsite, but as they grow, it can be worth organising a more complex scavenger hunt. This is a great way to kick the fun level up a notch and lets you put some imagination into it. However, slightly older kids may need something different to keep their attention. This is where a night-time hunt is a cracker—get the torches and headlamps ready and let them go nuts. To keep the choccies from turning into a deliciously flavoured mud puddle, you'll want to keep them out of the heat. So, check out our range of fridges and coolers for the easiest and most effective way to keep those eggs and the rest of your food and drinks for that matter cool as a cucumber.
With another Easter just around the corner, there's no better time to get the family together for a camping trip. Take comfort in knowing that with these handy tips, you're sure to have a happy camp—no matter what the age!
About the author
BCFing Experts
The BCFing Experts have done more than their fair share of boating, camping, fishing, hiking, four-wheel driving and much much more! Whether you're tackling tough tracks in Tassie or chasing big barra up North, the BCFing Experts have the know-how to make your next outdoor adventure a pearler
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