Camping Season

ejh090305

We are all in for camping this year with our girls. Almost 2 and almost 4. Does anyone have any good ideas for food and or games for the kids to keep them occupied?

sharrow

We went a few times with DS last year.  To him the whole campsite was a big sandbox, and he had a blast with his truck and shovel.  We didn't have any trouble with him being bored.  Camping at places with swimming or hiking was helpful. 

As for food:  Hot chocolate and s'mores were a necessity.

jlw2505

I would pick a family friendly campsite for the 1st trip - I know we have some in ourt areas that have a play ground area but as PP said - the dirt will keep the kids so busy if you bring some shovels and buckets.  We tend to go to places with a good beach for the kids to swim.  We do easy food - hot dogs, foil dinners (you can basically toss anything into the wrapped foil and cook it), etc.  We involve the kids in most parts of camping - going on stick hunting trips, helping put the tent up, getting water for the dishes, etc. 

C.squared

We took DD last summer when she was 2, almost 3 and she had a BLAST!  Like the PP's, she loved the dirt, rocks, sticks and honestly didn't need much other entertainment.  We took a backpack carrier and took her on a few hikes and that was fun (but HARD for DH and I).  She helped DH find sticks for the fire and setting up the tent and we had a bunch of books, so she loved sitting in the tent and reading.  She used a lot of bubbles and we took sidewalk chalk (we were "car camping" and there was pavement where the car was parked).  I think we're going to take our bikes this year so we can ride around the camp ground.  We did hot dogs, chili, soup, scrambled eggs and took things like bagels and PB to snack on.  Smores were a hit - didn't think about hot chocolate, but that's a good idea too.  We had lots of those shelf stable milk boxes in the cooler.  We have a Regalo cot for DD and we took that for under her sleeping bag.  I'm glad we had a portable potty for her - it was much easier than trekking up to the bathroom every time she had to go.  Have fun!!  You'll have a great time!