Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks

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Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« on: June 27, 2007, 10:06:38 PM » by wlwest

We are going camping over the 4th of July. And we have to walk a 1/4 of a mile to our site, where we will be using a tent. I did find out that we can load all our stuff in our boat, and drive that over to the site,

does anyone have any ideas that might help us have a good trip? I'm not expecting a lot, but I do want some fun too! Wink

I do have one problem with the 22 month old, she just won't sleep unless she is in her crib. She has a Blanket (B) that of course we will take, but she is used to sleeping by herself in her room. Last time we spent a night in a motel, she didn't go to sleep until 12:30!! Apparantly she is trained to well in going to bed! Roll Eyes

Sooo, any activities to keep them busy?

WEndy

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Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #1 on: June 27, 2007, 10:18:19 PM » by wyomama3

My kids from the time they could walk would pack firewood sticks. They loved it. They also dried, and washed, dishes on and off all day. The worm bucket also kept them entertained, so did the fish we caught. My fav pics are the ones of them holding a wiggling fish for the first time - the looks on their faces are priceless. Collect and pile pinecones, draw pictures in sand, toss rocks in the creek or lake. I always say, "a dirty child is a happy child". (With exception of their face, they seem to be happier with a clean face, okay, I'm happier with their clean face!) The more work they do, the easier they will go to sleep, especially with the clean air. Have fun!

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Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #2 on: June 27, 2007, 10:35:41 PM » by his.silly.wife

No, you aren't crazy. We camped out one night with a 6 mos, 2 years, 3 years, 5 years and 6 years old. And then hiked atleast two miles the next day for the fun of it. I carried the 6 mos in a sling. Dh carried the 2 year old in a back pack carrier for part of it, and he walked for part. The adventure of it will likely keep the children busy.

Have fun!

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Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #3 on: June 27, 2007, 11:48:42 PM » by BJ_BOBBI_JO

I don't think it's crazy. My parents took all 8 of us camping all the time. I take my kids camping now ( I only have 2).

When my kids were infants/toddlers I would take a pack-in-play portable crib thingy. They come in real handy.

Kids like playing in the dirt and sand.
splashing in the water.
making giant bubbles to chase after.
catching lightening bugs.
putting the bait on the hook and getting all excited about the bobber bobbing.
hunting for and catching fish worms.
wallering in mud.
gathing kindling.
finding shells.

To help teach responsibility and to teach us how to control ourselves with the food my mom had a good idea. She made sure each of us had our own food bag that we survived off of all week camping. In our bags was our fruit, snacks, cereals, chips and so on. If we ate up our food right away then we knew we would go without food. This helped a lot because the older kids would often times eat up all the food which meant the younger ones did not have any. By doing the food idea each kid knew they would go without goodies so we were conservative with our eating of goodies so we would not run out right away. My parents would only provide us the meat and main meal.

Pack a massive amount of baby wipes.

Those walmart ( or other store brand) plastic bags come in handy for wrapping up those diabolical poopy diapers and to carry around in the diaper bag/back pack for trash and what-knot.

And a never ending supply of snacks come in handy.

Bringing extra toilet paper is a plus.

And plan ahead to rest and relax for 1-2 days after you get home from camping because camping with little kids is no vacation sometimes, it is just plain tiring! LOL Wink

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Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #4 on: June 28, 2007, 07:21:01 AM » by his.silly.wife

Quote from: ps100vs5 on June 27, 2007, 10:35:41 PM

And then hiked atleast two miles the next day for the fun of it.

Dh said since I told our hiking story, I need to mention that we hiked through hilly terrain. There were hills, ravines and dry creek beds. Lots of fun things to explore.

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Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #5 on: June 28, 2007, 08:04:19 AM » by wlwest

thanks! now i'm excited to go! i love the snack idea, its great. esp for my 7 yr old son, he is always getting in the snack food!!

wendy

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Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #6 on: June 28, 2007, 08:30:22 AM » by MommabyHisgrace

Quote from: wlwest on June 28, 2007, 08:04:19 AM

thanks! now i'm excited to go! i love the snack idea, its great. esp for my 7 yr old son, he is always getting in the snack food!!

wendy[/color]

You and your family will have a great time! We just got back a month ago with our five (12, 6. 4. 3. and 1 1/2) plus I was 7 1/2 months pregnant! It was great--they make a lot of mess, so just be prepared! We hadn't been at the campsite two minutes when my 3 yo fell into the creek and was soaked from head to toe! Cheesy

It just made me laugh! It's tiring, but so worth seeing everyone enjoy themselves and you'll be surprised how wore out your little one will be--she might surprise you and fall asleep right in your arms from pure exhaustion! Wink

Have a great time!

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Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #7 on: June 28, 2007, 11:00:17 AM » by likemanywaters

We just returned from a weekend camping with our 14 mo. and 3 yo. It is great! Both of them are great hikers. My only problem is the smallest is always putting EVERYTHING off the ground in her mouth. Like, every 5 seconds. So it is hard for me to relax b/c I'm constantly fishing out rocks, sticks, leaves, dirt, & bugs out of her mouth. Any tips on helping her stop this?

DS (3) helps dad unroll the tent, tarp, extend the polls, & fetch & carry. DD (14 mo) hands DH tent stakes as he needs them.

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Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #8 on: June 30, 2007, 08:08:10 AM » by CountyCork

You are all better mommies than I am! I really struggle with the camping thing. I simply can't sleep which makes for a long, hard trip for me. My kids stay up late (6 of them 11yrs down to 5 months) and then are up early, which makes for grumpy kids.
But the main point is that my hubby wants to be a camping family, so I need to give up my troubles and just go with the flow. Husband and some kids do it here and there, sometimes in the yard, sometimes on small trips, but he really wants us all to go and make it an event. One of those ways I can please him, so I'm making a decision to be ready to say "yes" with enthusiasm next time it comes up. We're having a drought here in MN so this would be a good summer (rain = skeeters = miserable everyone).
So go for it, make it fun for your kids, and take lots of pictures. When you see everyone smiling in them in months to come, you'll remember that it was more fun than work and it was all worth it!

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Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #9 on: June 30, 2007, 01:05:10 PM » by IMPersuadd

Hi Jillymom,

One "trick" we have found (and we do alot of camping) is a cheap air mattress is perfect for sleeping. It keeps you off the ground and is so comfortable. Depending upon size of tent and chillens you can have one for them too.

And for us, nothing can stop them from waking early when the sun comes up, but otherwise we try to stick to "schedule" as much as possible - going to bed by 9 p.m. and naps at an appropriate time. That also gives mom and dad time by the campfire alone.

Hope you enjoy camping more. I personally am NOT a camping person but I married a VERY MUCH outdoors guy and have learned to enjoy it - as much as just for the time together as anything. And recently a benefit I am enjoying is that when camping I actually have "free time" cuz there is no house to clean or never-ending projects that need attention.

Also for anyone else - since we do alot - we have learned to be more efficient about things. Buy some large rubber storage boxes and make one a "kitchen" box and others for sleeping bags, camp pillows, water stuff, propane equipment, etc. - you get the idea. That way everything is always ready - throw them in the vehicle and go. I have some old dishes (plastic and non stick - stuff I don't want to use at home anymore) and turned them into my camping stuff. Old towels and such that are almost ready for the rag bag make good camping towels for cleaning up, dishes, etc. Basically other than clothes I try to keep camping stuff seperate from house stuff for ease in loading/unloading and cleaning.

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Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #10 on: June 30, 2007, 01:22:13 PM » by wlwest

Love the storage boxes, as a matter of fact, my dh had that idea too. It makes everything so much easier to pack.

i have another question, what about potty training? My almost 23 month old has been using the potty off and on during the day, should I bring it with us? Roll Eyes

sounds kind of silly, but I'm sure the other campers wouldn't like it if she decided to just "go" in the great outdoors! Grin

I want her to keep progressing with going, 2 in diapers, getting old!

wendy

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Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #11 on: June 30, 2007, 07:38:06 PM » by SarahK

I usually pack our little portable potty to have near the tent. But we have also used a log. Hang that little bottom over the edge as he/she sits on the fallen log & let it drip. You can also roll the log over when the job is done if you ...uh... need to bury something.

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Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #12 on: June 30, 2007, 07:46:29 PM » by SarahK

Quote from: IMPersuadd on June 30, 2007, 01:05:10 PM

We are a family of 12 and we have gone to compression pads for sleeping. They are used by backpackers cuz they pack small - but they work comfortably for even my husband with back problems & me with bad knees and hips. We camp for 5 nights in tents when we go.

We got them here at Cabela's.

They are spendier than air mattresses, but if space is an issue and you are committed to camping as a regular family activity - we highy recommend them.

Sarah K

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Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #13 on: June 30, 2007, 07:51:07 PM » by SarahK

Quote from: wlwest on June 30, 2007, 01:22:13 PM

Love the storage boxes, as a matter of fact, my dh had that idea too. It makes everything so much easier to pack.
wendy

OH - We do this too. But the best thing I added to this idea was making a list on the inside of the lid with the contents of the box listed there. THEN I make a new list on masking tape of things that I have added to the box just before leaving for the trip. (i.e. green scrubbies are always in the box, but the good can opener from my kitchen goes in the night before we leave.) I also put reminders on tape on the lid of the box for next year. (i.e. buy rain ponchos, pack soap for laundry mat & a roll of quarters.)

OK. I'm done posting now.

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Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #14 on: June 30, 2007, 08:30:31 PM » by wlwest

These are great ideas! Ok, we might as well get into food ideas. Does anyone have any favorite camping dishes to make? I have a cast iron pan that I'm taking!! I can't wait to use it for breakfast. I told dh he will have to catch some fish for one of the dinners. Grin

I'm bring potatoes for baked potatoes, and corn on the cob, but i can't really think of any other things. Well, you know, hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelon. Any other ideas?

Wendy

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Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #15 on: June 30, 2007, 08:41:32 PM » by likemanywaters

I've had the thought that pre-making some meals to re-heat in the skillet might be a good idea. Such as making pancakes & reheating them so you don't have to mix up a batter there. Or at least pre-making the batter. Or other meals like sandwich fillings pre-sliced. I think I'll try it on our next one.

PS - If you can, it's easier to have a separate cast iron one for camping b/c the bottom gets sooty & charred. Right now we only have one & I have to scrub it off to go back on the stove. It's also a talent to get it to heat evenly over the fire & it gets a lot hotter that I was used to cooking on the stove, so I totally FRIED the eggs. They hit the pan & puffed up & got crispy like egg-foo-young. Shocked

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And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.

-Ezekiel 43:2

Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #16 on: June 30, 2007, 08:46:39 PM » by wlwest

Thanks for the heads up on the cast iron cooking! I have a few pans, but only one really big one, I just got it a little while ago, it was already pre-seasoned, so i really like it. It's big enough to fit our whole breakfast in it.

wendy

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Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #17 on: June 30, 2007, 09:35:06 PM » by SarahK

Campfire cooking

http://www.welltellme.com/discuss/index.php/topic,2104.0.html

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My WTM Intro updated 5/2009

Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #18 on: June 30, 2007, 09:59:06 PM » by wlwest

Thanks for the link! I guess everything is on this site Grin

wendy

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Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #19 on: July 01, 2007, 05:31:48 PM » by joeswife

A few things that work for us:

Prep foods before you go and plan meals. Chop meats and vegies and put each meal in a zip lock bag.

Cut up friuts and veggies for snacks.

Make the first night an easy meal (like a hot dog roast).

Storage totes make great bath tubs and clothes/dish washers!

bring some twine and clothes pins.

A shade cover is nice for putting over the picnik table.

Porta crib is a must if you have room for it!

Don't forget the smores. Let the kids get dirty and have fun!

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Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #20 on: July 01, 2007, 08:06:01 PM » by wlwest

Quote from: joeswife on July 01, 2007, 05:31:48 PM

Cut up friuts and veggies for snacks.

I hope I did the quote right! Undecided

I have a question, which would keep better, a whole watermelon, not cut up, or cut up watermelon in a ziploc bag? I'm trying to bring things that will keep, to save room in the cooler.

wendy

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Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #21 on: July 02, 2007, 09:58:42 AM » by wyomama3

Quote from: SarahK on June 30, 2007, 07:38:06 PM

When we camp it is usually in the mountains next to a stream with no neighbors. There is also a pretty big group of us - a lot of extended family and friends. For the loo, we dig a deep hole, and wedge/tie up a toilet seat into some pine saplings or smaller trees growing very near together. Then we wrap a tarp around the trees. This way we have a private bathroom area and it can be covered and buried upon departure. We use biodegradable camping toilet paper. We also have a paper plate, on a string, nailed to a tree down path that we flip to let other campers know if it is occupied or open. Like the dirty/clean magnets that you see advertised for dishwashers.
This set up also takes place at elk camp. But by the time we go to visit (toward the end of the 10 days), I have to just head for the trees. Wink

Too many man odors!

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Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #22 on: July 02, 2007, 02:14:53 PM » by joeswife

Watermelon would keep for a few (3-4) days cut up, A whole one would keep longer.It would definatly travel better in the bag....Mmmmmm....makes me want one right now.

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Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #23 on: August 29, 2007, 09:46:56 PM » by naelund

We're leaving on a road trip for Canada in a week and a half. We'll be in the car a lot (3 weeks) and camping most every night. Our kids are 6, 4, 2 and 7 months. Any creative ideas for making the camping experience restful and enjoyable? They are great travellers. Have some ideas for the car but need some more ideas to make the whole camping thing easier and fun. I'm very excited and looking forward to it!

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Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #24 on: August 30, 2007, 08:51:06 AM » by naelund

I've just read all these ideas! My kids like getting dirty. I guess as long as I tucker them out during the day, they will sleep quickly and soundly. Hopefully. We do the storage bins for camping and for car traveling. Just put all their coloring books, pencil crayons, toys etc in one bin for them to share and help themselves to. It keeps it in all one place too so you don't find toys etc. all over the floor of the car.

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Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #25 on: September 17, 2007, 01:08:43 PM » by khix

Hi, all!

We might (pray that we will!) be able to go to West Virginia soon to see family, and if we go, we'll be driving from Texas. It will our first family vacation/road trip ever. So, I am wanting tips on how to prepare for such a long drive (with 4 young kids in tow), what to do or not do while traveling, what to pack, and most importantly, tips on how spend as LITTLE money as possible. Thanks! :-)

P.S - Also, do any your husband's know anything about which grade of motor oil to use? For our older model full size van, we've been using 10w40 here in TX, but when we go get an oil change done, we were wondering if we should switch to a different grade for WV, or if sticking with the same grade will be ok?

« Last Edit: September 17, 2007, 01:42:55 PM by khix »
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Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #26 on: September 17, 2007, 01:53:39 PM » by herbalmom

These threads have info that will help:

Ideas for Meals on the Run

First Aid Kit: Herbal/Natural Essentials

Help...... Diaper bag necessities (herbal)

Fill my medicine cabinet!

Traveling herbs

Foods that fly...or ah, at least travel well

HTH Blessings ~herbalmom

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Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #27 on: September 17, 2007, 02:28:59 PM » by SarahK

Brown Sugar Shortbread

1 c butter, softened
1/2 c packed brown sugar
2.25 c flour

Cream butter & sugar. Gradually stir in flour. turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 3 minutes. Pat/roll into a 1/3 in thick rectangle measuring 11x8 inches. (Find a cutting board that will fit.) Cut into 2x1 in strips. (Pizza cutter!) Place i in apart on ungreades baking sheets. Prick with a fork. (Job for young assistant.) Bake at 300 deg for 25 minutes or until bottom begins to brown. Cool for 5 minutes. Remove to wire rack to cool completely. 3.5 dozen

This is our "Car Trip Cookie". Sweet enough, easy enough, nothing sticky or melting.

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My WTM Intro updated 5/2009

Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #28 on: September 17, 2007, 10:20:21 PM » by seekingtruth

Somthing I do whenever I travel with the little ones. I pack our clothes together according to day, not person. I set everthing on the bed in piles that we will need for each day and night and then put each pile into a grocery sack. Then I try to label them. It makes it easier to find a set of clothes for all the little ones and then the sack serves as a dirty clothes bag for all the dirty stuff. It saves digging through 5 different bags and then I can match clothes up and be ready for whatever. (like an extra bag with pants and jackets or "it doesn't matter what you do to these" clothes)

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Re: Traveling/Camping w/Young Children: Tips & Tricks
« Reply #29 on: September 19, 2007, 01:08:08 PM » by khix

Thanks for the links, and for that cookie recipe.

My kids range in age from 4 to 10. For the drive, I plan on bringing books, coloring books, maybe schoolwork, hand-held games.....any other ideas? What are some good games to play (like finding certain license plates, etc)?

Also, this may sound ridiculous, but let me ask - have any you ever spent the night at a rest stop to save money? If so, how did it go?

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