RVing & Camping With Kids

While RVing and camping with kids can have its challenges, if you know what to plan for, have the patience needed and live in the moment, your adventure could be one that's enjoyable with memories that are unforgettable.

First Thing is to Plan as a Family. Key is to try to make your trip as organized as possible. Start by getting everyone involved, make it exciting to see something new and plan out at least one thing for each family member so everyone can feel like they have a part in the trip. Allow them to choose something they would really like to see, even if it may not be something that most may not find enjoyable, unless its unsafe of course. Make sure that every child understands how long the destination may take and plan what kind of activities they can use to keep busy in the RV. Electronics, if allowed, can be a great way to take up time for kids while driving. Since children should be safely buckled while driving, even in the big motorhomes, sometimes the best passing of time can be electronics. However, if you have a dinette in your motorhome then your kids could play board or card games. Key is to plan on how your kids can pass time during a time that many kids may find "boring".

Plan for Bathroom Breaks. One obstacle that many face during roadtrips are the bathroom breaks. If you're using a motorhome that has a bathroom then you may have it alittle easier, but if you dont then have a clear idea of where and when you will be able to make pit stops. Make a plan for where you'll stop for bathroom breaks and encoarage you're little ones and/or bigger kids to at least "try" to ensure that you wont have to make additional stops that may take up more drive time.

Shorter Trips. While you may want to take long roadtrips, with little ones your best bet may be to start with smaller trips. At least for the little ones, under 10, that get ansy easily, dont like staying in one place for too long, easily bored and constantly needing something to keep them occupied, you may want to start with a weekend trip. Choose something closer to home and test the waters, still remembering to plan with the family. Once they are alittle better in the truck/RV then you could extend your days to a longer 4 day weekend until your'e able to make it to a week and longer distant travels.

Closed Off Bunk Room or Designated Space. If you have a trailer or motorhome with a seperate bunkroom it'll make your space feel bigger and it'll give your children a place to relax, sleep and play. Also a sound machine to go in the childrens space can help calm children if they're feeling stressed during the drive as well as for sleep.

Downtime. While it's fun to go from one activity to the next sometimes it can be overwhelming for the children and even for the parents. Planning to have some down time can also give you and your family time to enjoy your natural surrondings and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Good camping essentials that can help elavate your downtime would be hammocks, camping chairs that you could place around a fireplace for a smores break, even reading a book, watching nature around you or taking a nap can help with downtime.

Outdoor Play Space. While you're enjoying your downtime an outdoor playspace is an excellent idea to keep the kids busy. A large outdoor mat makes a nice clean space and allows you to keep the kids in one place while playing with any toys that were brought from home. Also having a nice open space and some outdoor toys like binoculars, a compass, bug inspecting gear, and sporting gear to play sport activities can be a fun pass time for children while allowing them to be active outdoors.

Indoor Activities. Spending time outdoors can be alot of fun but sometimes the weather may not be promising so it's nice to have activities inside the RV to keep busy and have fun. Some RVs will have TVs as well as a DVD player where you can have a family movie day in the RV. Board games/card games are also a great way to get the whole family envolved and a good way to add hours of enertainment while also allowing your little ones to learn new games to play later.

Lastly Have Fun!! Some conflicts may arrise and some times may be more difficult than others while going on family trips. However if you make a plan and try to enjoy every moment with each other, any conflict is just a speed bump that you all will get through. Try not to take things too seriously, this is the time to relax, enjoy the time spent with family and look foward to the memories you will make on your adventures.