Camping with kids is an adventure like no other, filled with surprises and a touch of chaos. Here’s a rundown of what you’re likely to experience:
- First off, prepare for about 1.7 hours of sleep each night. It’s just part of the deal.
- Even with a cozy, foam camping mat in your tent, you’ll find yourself squeezed into a narrow strip of ground, battling rocks and sticks, and getting cozy with the tent wall while the rest of the family enjoys a good night’s rest.
- Your menu will include breakfast tacos, burgers, hot dogs, and a trove of snacks like tortilla chips and Nutella sandwiches. Juice boxes will flow freely.
- Your kids will revel in outdoor time like never before.
- When boredom strikes, you’ll encourage them to “explore” and “collect sticks” – a perfect nature scavenger hunt!
- Prepare for frequent bathroom trips, which will feel like a marathon with the kids needing to go every 5 minutes.
- There’s an unspoken rule that they’ll time their bathroom breaks perfectly to avoid going simultaneously.
- You’ll become an expert in teaching them to pee in the lake.
- You’ll also explain how to pee in the woods.
- Your daughter may refuse to use the public restroom, but she’ll feel comfortable enough to squat just outside your neighbor’s camper, calling for assistance.
- Time for a lesson on privacy! Certain tasks should be kept away from prying eyes.
- You’ll find yourself repeatedly warning, “Stay away from the fire,” and “You’re too close to the fire,” only to end up with burn holes in your favorite T-shirt.
- The allure of staying up late for s’mores and campfire fun will be tempting, but it comes back to haunt you when they wake up at dawn.
- Expect the sun to rise earlier than ever before, especially since your tent doesn’t come with blackout curtains.
- You’ll be serenaded with questions like “Where is everyone?” and “Can we make cinnamon rolls?” before you’ve even had your coffee.
- Shushing them will quickly become a futile endeavor; after all, you’re camping and embracing the chaos.
- Where did all the shoes go? A mystery that may never be solved.
- “I CAN’T HOLD IT!” will echo through the campsite, creating urgency.
- Between your group, you’ll have a plethora of cooking gadgets but somehow still no coffee maker.
- A Diet Pepsi will become your lifeline as you sit back in your camping chair, watching your kids dig in the dirt.
- Just when you think you can relax, someone will inevitably need to go to the restroom again.
Camping with kids is a whirlwind of fun, laughter, and unexpected challenges. Embrace the adventure, and don’t forget to check out resources like this post for more insights on navigating family life.