Britain is a country filled with the gorgeous countryside. The problem is, many of us overlook this – especially when it comes to going on holiday. With our tendency to jet off to locations far away, the UK actually has a lot to offer. In fact, the campsite and holiday park sectors are booming. With that in mind, have you considered camping with kids for your next holiday?
If not, here are a few things to think about beforehand.
The Car
The first thing you need to think about when you’re heading off camping with kids is getting there. Now, if you have children, chances are, you’ll have a car that’s designed to help you get from A to B easily. But even though it’s designed for daily life, will it be able to get your family and all your camping equipment to your destination with ease?
If not, maybe you should look into hiring a car that’s big enough. It’s pretty straight forward and you can sort insurance with the likes of The AA with ease. If you’re worried you’ll be pushed for space, this will probably be the best option.
Trial Run
If this is the first time you’re going on a family camping trip, you’ll want to ensure the children are prepared beforehand. The last thing you want when camping with kids is for them to be terrified in the middle of the great outdoors. A good way to prepare for this is to do a trial run in the back garden.
A bit of a stretch from real camping, this will let them experience what it’s like to sleep outdoors while preparing them for what it’ll be like. You’ll also be able to assess how ready they are. You should definitely treat the trial run just like the actual camping trip and prepare everything that you need and want. This enables you to check if you’re missing anything at the same time. More so, both you and your kids should try to behave as if you are on the camping trip; so this means no running into the house for extra snacks. And if you need more tips and tricks, head to theexpertcamper.co.uk for some helpful information.
Pre-Child Equipment
If you’re looking to take the children camping, you’ve probably been before you had them. If this is the case, don’t go running and buying loads of new camping equipment. Chances are, the stuff you have is fine.
If you had a large tent or spare sleeping bags, this will probably have you covered, and there are other accessories, such as backpacks and water bottles, you can re-use for the little ones.
Entertainment
Children are slightly different from adults, which means they’ll need to be entertained. Now, you probably won’t have an internet connection in the wild, so make sure you stock up on old school fun.
From board games and playing cards to colouring and crafts, these will keep them occupied throughout the trip.
Time of Year
Finally, be prepared for the weather. For the summer months, make sure you have plenty of hats, sun cream and even swimwear. Meanwhile, the winter will call for more layers and waterproofs. But, don’t forget to pack a little bit for all occasions, as the UK is known to love a bit of rain throughout the year.
I do love the fact that there isn’t wifi when camping, so you can enjoy family games together and have a break from technology 🙂
I know what you mean, although pretty much every campsite we have been to still has wifi too 😉
Good tips ? on the entertainment front we just leave them to it! Let them climb trees and explore but making sure they have a book for some down time
Yes, my children love to climb trees or make dens. We always have books and board games for downtime.
I would love to take Erin camping but as we don’t drive it makes it really hard. I used to love going as a child myself.
That’s a difficult one, although you can go to sites where the tents are already erected for you. https://www.pitchup.com/campsites/-/pre-erected-tents/
I am really tempted to take my little lady camping but I’m a little too pampered myself without a hair dryer and straighteners. As a child we would go camping every year and always had a blast. So perhaps I should stop being concerned and rock the big frizzy bouffant and go camping.
Nothing wrong with that, I take my hairdryer and straighteners. Camping is very different to the camping of my childhood x
We’re no campers exactly – we’re caravanners … we tow Betsy the caravan all over the place. I think I’m too lazy to camp in a tent ?
I have done both and really enjoy them both for different reasons. Perhaps you could give glamping a try and ease yourself in carefully x
We have not been camping yet but wanting to do it this summer, thanks for this list.
So exciting, I hope you have a great time x
We took the boys camping last year to France, all of us in a tent and it actually wasn’t that bad! We didn’t did a trial run staying anywhere but we did put the tent up in the garden so they could get used to it before we went away xx
That’s what we always do before we have a go with a new tent. I can’t wait to try our new tents this year x
Camping has never been for me – I don’t do outdoors in general but I am starting to wonder if it’s something either of my kids would be into. I’m more of a Centre Parcs person myself LOL
Lol, there are so many different camping options these days. It doesn’t have to be completely back to basics. I am sure your children would love it.