3 Tips for Planning an Outdoor Trip with Kids
An outdoor vacation is the perfect opportunity to spend time in nature with your family. In addition to making memories, you can foster a deep sense of exploration and curiosity within your children. Plus, spending time outside is a great physical activity for the whole family. Check out these tips for planning an outdoor trip with kids to ensure you have the best experience possible.
Choose a Family-Friendly Destination
Perhaps one of the most important tips when traveling with kids is to choose a family-friendly destination. You’ll want to pick an area where your children can comfortably participate in activities. If you’re planning a hiking trip, be sure the location has well-maintained trails that aren’t dangerous or too strenuous. For camping excursions, it’s important to find a campground that offers specific amenities, such as picnic areas, restrooms, and even a playground.
A family-friendly outdoor area will ensure rest and relaxation, but it will also prevent your kids from feeling bored or agitated due to a lack of stimulating activities. You know your kids best, so consider their interests, skills, and ability levels when deciding where to travel.
Create a Loose Itinerary
An important tip for planning an outdoor trip with kids is to create a loose itinerary. You don’t need to have every minute of every day perfectly scheduled, but it’s helpful to have a general idea of each day’s activities. As mentioned above, think about your kids’ interests—if they’re old enough, you can even ask for their input. If your child loves to fish, for instance, you can carve out some time to visit a nearby lake.
Once you have a rough itinerary, be sure the events are suitable for all members of your family. For example, if you plan to take a family bike ride through a park, you’ll need to bring your own equipment or verify whether child-size bikes and helmets are available. It’s a good idea to have some fixed plans, but factor in some wiggle room for spontaneous outdoor adventures!
Emphasize Safety
No matter where you’re traveling with your kids, safety is paramount. Before you embark on your adventure, make sure your children know what to do if they become separated from you. When you’re visiting outdoor areas, create designated meeting spots like your campsite or the trailhead. If your children are older and want to explore on their own, discuss how you’ll communicate with one another and how often.
If you’re camping in a tent, talk to your kids about not leaving the tent in the middle of the night under any circumstances. It’s also helpful to reiterate the importance of not straying from your RV or campervan without adult supervision. In remote locations, it can be tempting to give your kids the freedom to run through the woods or explore open areas, but always keep an eye on them to avoid any potential safety hazards.
Additionally, don’t forget to pack a first-aid kit for any mishaps that occur while on your trip. Following a quick checklist for your next camping trip will ensure you have all the necessities to make your outdoor vacation as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
