• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
New England Momma
  • Home
  • Moms
  • Fun To Do
  • Explore
  • Camping
  • Resources
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Start Here!
  • Moms
  • Explore
  • Camping
  • Fun To Do
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Camping » Camping Tips » When your kids want to camp and you don't even know where to start

    When your kids want to camp and you don't even know where to start

    Camping

    This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
    103 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Mix
    • LinkedIn

    Often times when I tell people we go camping, they say in response "My kids have asked me to take them camping, but I have no idea where to even begin!" I totally get this.  As a kid, my parents took me and my older brother camping from an early age. It was something that we grew up doing every summer. It is also a more affordable way to take overnight trips as a family.  We would camp at local campgrounds and then visit attractions in the area.

    We started in a big canvas tent where we would sleep on the floor in sleeping bags. We also had a van with bunk beds built-in the back and on some occasions me and a friend got to sleep in the van.  It was a real treat!  Later, as the family grew, my parents upgraded us into a pop up trailer. We have are so many great memories camping. This is what I want for my kids!

    Camping can be a great opportunity to have some fun outdoors together. It can be simple with the basics or elaborate with lots of items. Either way, you'll make some great memories! #Camping #FirstTimeCamping #CampingHacks #ParentingCamping #CampingwithKids #GoCamping #GetOutside

    For many parents, the idea of planning the first family camping trip can be both exciting and terrifying. Camping can be a great opportunity to have some fun and make memories together, but it doesn’t take much to turn the whole trip sour. Fortunately, with a little planning, you can set yourself and your family up for a successful first-ever camping trip.

    Ready to learn how to prep for the perfect first camping experience? Here’s what you need to do:

    Gear

    Invest in the right gear. If this is your family’s first camping trip, chances are you need to plan a trip to your local outdoors store to stock up on the essentials. There are quite a few basic essentials that you will need such as:

    • Tent
    • Sleeping bags
    • Fire making supplies
    • Cooking supplies

    That is a just getting started list! The reality is that you can expect to make a small investment in equipment the first time you camp as a family. Fortunately, as long as you purchase the right stuff, you can expect it to last quite a while.

    Camping can be a great opportunity to have some fun outdoors together. It can be simple with the basics or elaborate with lots of items. Either way, you'll make some great memories!

    And if you don’t want to invest upfront in all of the stuff needed to camp? See if you can find a friend to borrow gear from, or find a shop that will allow you to rent the essentials. You can often track down gently used gear online, too, so keep your eyes peeled on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace!

    Where to camp

    Depending on your location, you likely have lots of options for camping nearby. From public and private campgrounds to your very own backyard, explore your options and see what’s right for your family. Each campground has its own rules and restrictions, so it’s important to do your research to find the spot best suited for your family.

    While some campgrounds are first-come, first-serve, you may want to find one that allows you to book a spot to reduce the stress of finding one later on. After all, it’s your first camping trip. Try to make things as easy as possible!

    Meals

    Plan your meals and pack accordingly. One of the best things about going camping is getting to cook meals over the campfire. However, you can’t just cook anything. You need to put some thought into your meals and plan ahead. Consider meals that can be cooked in pie irons, Dutch ovens, or a cast iron skillet, all of which perform well over an open flame. We have also used a small portable charcoal grill,as well as a propane camping stove.

    Camping can be a great opportunity to have some fun outdoors together. It can be simple with the basics or elaborate with lots of items. Either way, you'll make some great memories!

    You’ll also want to bring along plenty of snacks. Pack more than you think you’ll need. It may feel unnecessary, but it’s easy to work up an appetite camping, and you can’t raid the cabinets at 2 a.m. when you wake up ravenously hungry in the woods.

    Be prepared

    At risk for sounding like a boy scout, you really do want to be prepared. Before your first camping trip with your family, it’s important to set some ground rules to keep everyone safe while you go. While you don’t want to scare anyone, you do want your family to understand the importance of taking necessary precautions around food storage, campfire safety, and not getting lost in the woods.

    Camping can be a great opportunity to have some fun outdoors together. It can be simple with the basics or elaborate with lots of items. Either way, you'll make some great memories!

    Fun times ahead

    Camping with your family can be an absolute blast. Get ready by researching some fun games to play around your campsite and learning some campfire songs to sing once the sun goes down. Pack a deck of cards, ingredients for s’mores, and a good attitude - and try not to stress!

    By following these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your very first camping trip with the kids!

    Camping can be a great opportunity to have some fun outdoors together. It can be simple with the basics or elaborate with lots of items. Either way, you'll make some great memories!

    « Why It's Vital that People 50 Years of Age and Older Get A Flu Shot
    Tasty campfire treats your kids will love »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Michelle

      March 02, 2019 at 8:59 pm

      We actually set up a tent in our living room once when my daughter was younger and camped inside. 😀 It was a lot of fun!

      Reply
      • Christine

        March 02, 2019 at 9:25 pm

        That’s a really awesome idea! We have done sleeping bags on the floor and a tent in the backyard but i love the idea of bringing the tent inside! Super fun!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome

    Hi I’m Christine! I’m a mom of two boys and two dogs. As a family we love to take day trips around New England, go RV camping and share fun ideas of things to do at home, around Massachusetts and beyond! I'm a lover of lists, hockey and wine. Read More Here!

    A car on a family road trip

    Camp Cooking

    6 photos of various foods that can be cooked over a campfire

    Favorites

    • eggs in different solid color dyes We Tried Dyeing Plastic E...
    • 4 kids running in a field with big smiles 12 Kid-friendly adventure...
    • colorful bean bags on a corn hole board Over 50 fun games to play...
    • Camping is a great outdoor activity the family can enjoy, even the dog! Here is exactly what you need to know to take your dog camping for the first time. #campingwithyourdog #camping #familycamping Top tips for taking your...
    • silver bucket on maple tree with red barn and snow on the ground Maple sugar shack farms i...
    Teen girl with her head and hands out the backseat car window on a road trip



    Privacy Policy | Work With Me | About Me | Disclosure Policy | Contact me

    Copyright © 2023 NewEnglandMomma.com | All Rights Reserved

    103 shares