1- Lots and lots of wet wipes! Grab what you think you'll need, then two more packs. After a long day of treasure hunting almost everyone needs a wet wipe bath before bed!
2-Outdoor friendly toys: Paint and brushes (for rocks, sticks, ect), Dump trucks, shovels, buckets, bug catchers, water guns, and kiddie fishing poles.
3- First aid kit. This seems obvious but many people forget them, and though I hope we'll never need it, it's nice to have.
4- Life Jackets, it's easier to relax and let your kids play in the lake when you know they're safe.
5- Flashlights, lanterns, glow sticks. For little ones afraid of the dark, late night walks, or to tie to your kid so they can run around in the dark but still easy to see. (Yes, we really have tied glow sticks to children before).
6- A portable potty. Midnight dashes to the camping bathrooms are no fun if your child hasn't learned to "hold it" yet.
7- Marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate! You know why. Camping isn't camping, especially for kids if there are no S'mores involved!
8- Water, and plenty of it. It's one thing that isn't always easily available everywhere you camp and definitely something you and your kids will be need a lot of.
9-Extra blankets, no matter what time of year night can get chilly, especially for the kids. You'll want to make sure they're warm and happy.
10- Bug spray! Mosquitoes love little kids, it's hard for them to enjoy the trip while covered in bites, so make sure to use something that keeps the bugs away. I've heard rumors of dryers sheets working well. We personally use a ThermaCell, they work fantastic and you don't actually have to spray something on your child.
My last bit of advice is to let the kids get dirty, don't worry about it, it's one of the best parts of camping! Don't over-plan, and don't stress. Last of all, good luck! If you have any other tips feel free to share in the comments.
Love this! Brandon and I both love camping but we actually have never been together, and graham/Xander have never been at all. Can't wait to try out your tips!
ReplyDeleteCamping? Like...in the woods? With the snakes? And the bears? And the bugs? And CHILDREN? No thank you. I'll take my bed.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the camping tips! Although my idea of camping is in an RV, I do like the idea of camping. I'm just smart enough not to do it in Florida (unless it's the winter time). :) I bet there are awesome places for you guys to camp in Alaska!
ReplyDeleteYes where you live makes a huge difference! We only went once in El Paso, camping in the sand and heat really wasn't nearly as fun as the mountains!
DeleteI really like getting the fire packets in the camping section at walmart that make the fire turn colors! Alaina thinks its the coolest thing ever to have purple fire! :D This was a great blog with cute ideas!
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