Packing Up for Adventure
You know the feeling – the excitement of packing up the car, loading up the kids, and hitting the open road towards your next big camping adventure. But as any parent knows, the real challenge doesn’t start until you arrive at the campsite. How do you keep those little adventurers engaged and entertained for days on end in the great outdoors?
As a self-proclaimed camping enthusiast and mom of two, I’ve picked up a trick or two over the years for keeping my kiddos happy, even on the longest trips. When my husband and I first decided to invest in a camper, I’ll admit I was a bit apprehensive. Would the kids get bored? How would we fill their days? But after our very first outing, I realized that with just a bit of planning, camping can actually be one of the most enriching, bonding experiences for a family.
Unplug and Explore
The first and most important rule of camping with kids? Embrace the unplugged life! While electronics have their place at home, there’s something about disconnecting from screens that allows children to truly immerse themselves in their natural surroundings. Instead, encourage them to explore!
Take a nature walk around your campsite and challenge them to a scavenger hunt, searching for different leaves, rocks, insects, or animal tracks. Grab a guidebook on the local flora and fauna and let them get hands-on identifying the critters that call the area home. My daughter Peeper absolutely adores her magnifying glass and notebook – she calls herself “Detective Sensitive” and is constantly on the hunt for clues!
If your campground happens to be located near a lake or river, fishing can also be a wonderfully engaging activity. Of course, always check with the park rangers about any licensing requirements or catch-and-release policies. And remember to pack the essentials – compact rods, tackle boxes, and maybe even a little collapsible chair so they can sit and patiently wait for a nibble.
Keeping Busy with Activity Buckets
Of course, as much as we all love exploring the outdoors, there are bound to be moments when the kids need a bit of downtime. That’s where my secret camping weapon comes in – the activity bucket!
These portable, personalized kits are a lifesaver, whether you’re hunkering down in the camper during a rainstorm or winding down before bed. I like to stock them with all sorts of engaging, open-ended toys and activities – things like magnifying glasses, binoculars, nature journals, stickers, coloring books, and small travel-friendly games. The options are endless, and you can customize each bucket to suit your child’s unique interests.
Peeper, for instance, has been on a major detective kick lately, so her bucket is full of clue-gathering tools like tiny tweezers, magnifying glasses, and a notebook for jotting down observations. Her current favorite game is “The Case of the Missing Teapot” – she’ll announce a new mystery that needs solving, and I have to act quickly to investigate any suspicious activity around our campsite!
The best part is that these activity buckets can go anywhere with you. Whether you’re relaxing by the fire, strolling through a local park, or even just waiting in the car, they provide a portable, self-directed way for kids to stay engaged and entertained. No more “I’m bored!” from my little campers!
Bringing the Fun After Dark
As the day winds down and the sun starts to set, the fun doesn’t have to end. In fact, some of our most magical camping memories have happened under the stars.
One of Peeper’s absolute favorite evening activities is hunting for fireflies (or, as she calls them, “lightning bugs”). There’s just something so captivating about watching those twinkling little lights dance across the landscape. And of course, no campfire is complete without a glow stick or two for some nighttime glow-in-the-dark fun.
If your campground happens to be located in a more remote area with minimal light pollution, take some time to gaze up at the night sky. Identify constellations, look for shooting stars, or simply marvel at the sheer vastness of the universe. It’s a humbling, awe-inspiring experience that kids and adults alike can appreciate.
Of course, no camping trip is complete without a good old-fashioned campfire. Roast marshmallows, tell spooky stories, or simply sit back and watch the flames flickering under the night sky. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a full day of adventure.
Embracing the Unpredictable
At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember about camping with kids is to embrace the unpredictable. No matter how much you plan and prepare, there will always be curveballs – from unexpected rainstorms to sudden exhaustion tantrums. But that’s all part of the magic, isn’t it?
The beauty of camping is that it gives us the chance to disconnect from our hectic everyday lives and truly be present in the moment. So when the unexpected happens, try to roll with it. Grab your activity buckets and head for cover in the camper. Turn on some music and have an impromptu dance party. Or simply curl up together and read a favorite storybook by flashlight.
After all, the memories you’ll make – the laughter, the bonding, the pure joy of experiencing nature together – those are the real treasures of any camping adventure. And at Loch Ness Shores, we’re here to help you create those magical moments, no matter what curveballs life tosses your way.
So pack up the car, grab the kids, and get ready for an unforgettable journey. The Scottish Highlands are calling, and I can’t wait to see what adventures await!
