I remember going on road trips as a kid, they were always so exciting. The anticipation building up, the packing, the long drive, the car games, the roadside stops and the treats we’d get from small town stores. Then we’d arrive and set up camp. Days were filled with getting up early and exploring new places: rock-pools, beaches and walking tracks. We’d sit in the sunshine, or try to get away from the sunshine – finding shade where we could. Nearby towns begged to be explored, trees called to be climbed. Meals would be eaten outside and prepared together. The outdoor air was infused in our lungs and breathing became different – lighter, easier.

Now that I’m the adult and have a family of my own, I get to be a part of keeping this tradition alive in my kids. But it goes without saying that camping with kids is a little trickier. There’s less time to plan, less time to lay under a tree with a book and less time to explore dead-end roads. But if you get into a nice flow, it can be truly magic. Here are a few tips we’ve learnt along the way that I hope will help and inspire you to take the plunge with your family.

Tip 1
Have fun. Slow down. Take the time to jump, run, swim or swing (in a hammock!).

Tip 2
Lower your expectations and go with the flow. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself or your kids.

Tip 3
Get smaller kids used to their sleeping arrangement before it’s bed time. Read a book, sing some songs or have a tickle on the bed. Help them feel comfortable with their new sleeping environment.

Tip 4
Bring their comforter or sleeping teddy!

Tip 5
Make sure their bed is comfortable and warm, otherwise they will be waking up all night long.

Tip 6
Create a new rhythm that works for your family. Since your kids are out of their normal everyday routine and environment, it’s comforting for them to have a routine which stays the same.

Tip 7
Plan out your meals and snacks – so when the kids are hungry, it’s a quick process to get them fed.

Tip 8
Be prepared with activities or toys for them to play with. A ball to kick, colouring in books, cars to play with etc.

Tip 9
Organise the day with your kids, let them be a part of the planning. So even though they are in a different location, they know what’s coming up and feel like they are a part of organising the activities.

Tip 10
Have some down time. Being outside all day and going from one activity to the next can be tiring. Down time is great for both parents and kids! Lay a rug out under a tree and read some books, draw or play with play dough.

Tip 11
Give them little jobs like filling up the water, putting things away or making sure the tent pegs are still pushed down. Things that are new and exciting which they wouldn’t do at home.