NAME a question more annoying than “Are we there yet?”, I’ll wait. While camping with kids can be painful with packing everything under the sun, spending the car trip as a human vending machine and hearing that dreadful aforementioned question, the memories you’ll make are well worth it.
Here are some basic tips for camping with kids, whether it be on a weekend trip or a three-month adventure:
Plan ahead! Learn the area where you’re camping via google so you can work out where to get food if needed, what to pack and what activities/sites there are close by. Check the weather and make a checklist so you don’t forget anything vital.
Prepare meals earlier where possible, like spaghetti bolognese or a curry, meals that are easy to heat up when you arrive. Also think about meals that are easy to cook once at the campsite.
We do live in Victoria, so weather isn’t always predictable. Make sure you pack indoor games to keep the kids entertained. Some Lego, colouring-in books, puzzles, reading books and magnetic tiles will all do the trick.
Kids can get smelly, right? Consider how you’ll keep them clean, most likely without running water. Load up on baby wipes and sanitiser as you might be skipping a shower if there aren’t any facilities. Alternatively, look into a handy, lightweight camp shower. They’re easy to use and everyone will go to bed nice and clean.
Children have a knack for needing the toilet at super convenient times, like at 3am. If you’re camping in the bush or at the beach with no toilet facilities, a kid’s portaloo is an essential item to bring.
Remember to take deep breaths, take in the serenity and make wonderful memories with your family, even if you’re tired from being woken up at 3am for a bush wee.
