Little Zoies Steps

Going camping is a great way to spend quality time with your kids. There is nothing like getting outside and enjoying nature as a family. If you have a toddler, however, you may need to bring along some special things. Here are five tips for camping with your little one in tow.

1. Have a plan –Know where you are going and what is around you. Nothing is worse than being stuck in the middle of the woods with no internet service and no idea where the closest Wal-Mart is. When you make a plan, make sure you know the area you will be staying in, where the closest hospital is, and where you can pick up anything you may have forgotten or run out of.
2. Have unusual things – Make camping fun for little kids by giving them unusual things to make it special. Their own camera, backpack, water bottle, etc will help them feel like they are having a real camping experience. Special foods like smores also help to make the camping experience one they will remember.
3. Keep it simple –You don’t want to drag a lot along with you and your tenet can’t hold a ton of toys. So, keep it simple. Make sure you have some books and puzzles for quiet times and the drive and then just focus on outdoor toys like shovels, buckets, and nets. A jar makes a great cage for anything they catch, and they will have fun just finding new plants, animals, and areas to explore.
4. Wipes –Vital in the greater out of doors where plumbing is scarce. To keep your kids clean and relatively dirt free, wipes are the only way to go. Make sure you always take plenty along with you. You might end up using them for yourself too!

Camping can be a fun adventure or it can be a stressful hassle. It all depends on your mindset and your prior planning. Make sure you know where you are going and what is around you. Another good idea is to check the weather report before you go. Nothing is more miserable than a toddler in a tent on a rainy weekend.

Jenny Ellis is a freelance writer, and a regular contributor for aupair jobs. She welcomes your comments at: ellisjenny728 @ gmail.com.