The Joys Of Going Camping With Children

With the economy lingering in the doldrums, families are looking for ways to enjoy each other's company closer to home instead of on a Caribbean island. In fact, many people are rediscovering the simple pleasures that come from a relaxing camping trip. If you are considering going camping with the wee ones, here are some tips.

Do you remember how easy it was to just take off and go camping when you were single or when it was just you and your partner? As long as the kids are growing up, those days are long gone!

Many families hesitate to go camping with their children because the planning and preparation for the trip can be so daunting. But it's important to remember that the memories you will creating together will make all of your efforts more than worthwhile. There's something magical about getting dirty together, boning fish together, hiking together, and sleeping together in the great outdoors. So let's get going!

-- Choose your site carefully. Although sitting around the campfire at night is fabulous, it's not realistic to expect that your kids are going to want to sit around all day reading a book or relaxing in the sun: they're going to want to DO. Do select a location where your family will be able to be active during the daytime and make the most of the outdoors.

Are you hikers? Fishers? Swimmers? Bikers? Nature lovers? Most park websites have great information about what's available to do, and you should be able to find one that fits your wants perfectly. Make sure to reserve way ahead of time, if possible, to avoid disappointment!

-- If your family is not used to "roughing it," go easy on yourselves and choose a campsite that has running water, toilets, and maybe even showers! You don't want your children's first experience to be so unpleasant that they'll never want to go again. It may be frightening for a little girl to go potty in the woods "au naturel:" everyone's needs should be considered.

-- Keep your menu easy: concentrate on spending time with the children instead. Although you may want to pull out all of your dutch ovens and spend your time perfecting your gourmet campground cooking, it's probably not a good idea. Now's the time to make memories with your little ones: hot dogs, s'mores, and sandwiches will do just fine.

-- Come prepared with alternate fun activities in case it rains. Yes, sometimes the clouds don't know you're trying to camp and become uncooperative! Bring along cards, board games, and other "emergency" entertainment essentials.

A family camping trip is a wonderful way to create lasting memories and to strengthen the ties that bind. Even if things go wrong (and they always do when you camp), parents should work hard to stay positive and make the trip a great experience for everyone. Have fun!