Show and encourage your kids that camping is fun
Get all kids involved in as much as possible depending on their age
Plan the camping trip together – show them a map of the destination
In the car the kids can have a road map so they see where they are and how far to go, older ones can workout the kilometres travelled etc.
Decide together what places to visit
Choose camping activities to do – they will also find plenty to do themselves
Take them shopping – choose a favourite food or camping gear
Have a test run and setup the tent in backyard and sleep in it
If they haven’t used sleeping bags before, try them out at home
Show kids how to setup the tent and give them each a job to do
Try some cooking on the campfire
Listen to the night sounds especially animal sounds
Remember to take any special toys, books, food, medication etc
Teach them about safety around the campfire and equipment
Show how respect their surroundings and other campers
Kids love helping with things such as collecting firewood, hammering tent pegs, filling water containers, camp cooking, setting up their own bed etc.
Take some card games, puzzles, books, ball games with you, mostly they will find their own fun especially if there is other kids nearby
Another quick tip for camping with kids is they love taking photos so let them take a few to keep, maybe get them a photo album of their own that they can add photos to and collect them from each camping or holiday trip.
