When it comes to road trips, Caravaning with kids can be a hit or miss affair. While the experience of getting away from home and exploring a new destination can be exciting and memorable, it can also be challenging too. Driving long hours with children is difficult, and having to figure out a way to keep the kids entertained for hours on end can test even the most patient parent.
A lot of parents dread the prospect of camping trips with small children. It’s not easy to find activities that keep kids occupied and entertained, and try to keep them occupied even more.
Caravanning with kids is no easy task. It requires a lot of planning and a bit of luck. But if you plan well, it can also be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Caravanning with kids doesn’t have to be stressful if you know what you’re doing.
There are a few things you need to keep in mind, but if you do, it won’t take long for you and your family to fall in love with the idea of caravanning together. Here are some ideas to help you get started.
FUN for everyone!
1. Plan an itinerary
Before you even think about packing for your vacation, you have to have an itinerary mapped out. Whether it be a set schedule you have your kids stick to, or a list of things you want to do during your trip, coming up with an itinerary will help you avoid unplanned and spontaneous activities. Caravanning can be a very fun activity, but it can also be very tiring. You need to make sure you plan it around your kids’ ages, activities you enjoy doing together, and your comfort levels.
2. Plan your route
The next thing you’ll want to do is plan your route. Where are you going to go? Where are you going to stay? What are you going to do along the way? These are all things you’ll want to think about ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about them on your trip. You’re not going to be able to plan everything when you’re travelling with kids, but you can plan as much as you can.
While you’re planning your route, think about the time of year you’ll be travelling. This will help you determine what you’ll need to bring with you. You’ll want to bring plenty of snacks, activities and playthings for your kids. This can be especially important during the summer months when you’re likely to be on the road for long periods. You’ll also want to bring a small cooler if you don’t already have one. You don’t want to have your kids stuck outside, in the heat, while you and your partner are trying to have a meal. So, be sure to bring something to keep them cool.
3. Make a Schedule
Another thing you’ll want to do if you’re planning on caravanning with kids is making a schedule for the trip. This will help you keep track of when things are happening and give you a better idea of when you’ll be able to have a bit of downtime. This will help you avoid getting worn out. You don’t want to overwork yourself or your children. You don’t want to get sick and miss out on your trip because you’re too tired to do anything. You’ll want to make a schedule for the trip that works for your family. Do you want to go for long periods without stopping? Do you want to stop often to visit tourist attractions? Do you want to take day trips? All of these things will help determine the schedule you set for yourselves.
4. Bring games and activities with you
Not only will games and activities help keep your kids occupied and let you have some much-needed alone time, but they are also very practical in a camping situation. You can play games by the campfire, in your tent, or while you’re hiking. If you want to get a little more active, bring some activities with you to keep your kids busy while you’re cleaning up camp.
5. Make the most of your surroundings
Do you have some nearby trees that seem perfect for a climbing apparatus? Are there some rocks by the river that seem to be perfect for an art project? If so, make the most of those surroundings by adding some creativity to your camping trips. Not only will it be fun for you and your kids, but it will also help you see just how wonderful our planet is too.
6. Go on a hike
Hiking is a great activity to do when you’re camping with kids. It’s not only great for getting you outside and moving around, but it’s also a great way to keep your kids occupied and entertained. Take some snacks with you, and when your kids are bored, offer to show them some edible bugs or flowers they can identify.
7. Make sure you have enough outdoor time
One of the biggest challenges when camping with kids is finding enough time outside. Whether it’s a hike or a break from the tent to see some animals or birds, make sure you have a good amount of outdoor time set aside. This might mean going backwards when it comes to packing because you’ll need to leave some things behind.
8. Have some family fun time
If you’re feeling a little over-stimulated after your hikes or you’re bored because your kids are too young to do anything, try having some family fun time. This might be sitting down for a nice meal or playing a board game you don’t get to do often enough, or it might be watching a movie you’ve been wanting to see.
9. Go cliff jumping
How many times has it been said “When you’re older, you’ll go cliff jumping”? It’s a phrase many people have uttered, but no one ever gets around to doing it. Well, you can make up for all of that by doing it now as a family. Not only is it a great exercise, but it’s also a great way to bond as a family.
10. Pack a lunch for everyone
One of the best things about caravanning with kids is that you can take them to eat a full, home-cooked meal. This is something that you can’t do when you’re travelling on your own. You have to eat out, at cafeterias or fast food restaurants. This will have to be done with children in tow, which can make it difficult.
This will make it easier for you to have a nice, relaxing meal together and it will also make it easier for your partner and your children. Pack a couple of sandwiches and a bag of chips, if you have to. You can also pack a few snacks and fruit or a small bag of candy if you want to go a little bit overboard. If you can, try to pack food that doesn’t require cooking or heating. This will make it easier for you and your partner.
11. Go for simple dishes
One of the things you’ll want to think about when caravanning with kids is the dishes you’re going to have to do. You’ll want to avoid complicated or messy dishes, as much as possible. You’ll want to stick to simple dishes. This will make it easier for you and your partner to clean up afterwards. It will also make it easier for your children to eat the food because they won’t have to spend a lot of time with the dishes.
Avoid making the food too sweet or spicy. Simple food is easy to clean up, which will make things easier for you and your partner. You don’t want your kids eating foods that are messy or don’t taste very good. You don’t want to make it difficult for you and your partner to eat, because you’re dealing with messy dishes. Simple food is the best way to go.
12. Don’t forget the snacks
One of the best things you can do to make caravanning with kids easier is to make sure you have plenty of snacks on hand. You never know when you’re going to get hungry and tired, but you won’t want to stop driving just yet. You’ll want to keep yourself and your children fuelled up.
They can be something small, something easy to digest and they can be something that tastes good, which will make your trip go more smoothly. You don’t have to go overboard with snacks, but you do have to have something on hand if you get hungry or tired. This is especially important if you plan on taking a long drive.
Keep a cooler in the car or an insulated bag, full of snacks, if you can. This will help you make it through the trip without getting too hungry or too tired.
13. Make new friends
One of the best things about caravanning with kids is that it can open your eyes to the fact that there are loads of families out there who do it too! You’re not the only one who doesn’t know how to do it either. If you spend some time looking for family caravanners you’ll find that there are lots of other people out there who are just like you. You’ll have plenty of time to meet up and have a cup of tea with other parents as you both figure out how to make it work.
14. Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path
Many families choose to caravan for a holiday. This means that you’re going to spend a week or longer in a caravan or motorhome. If you’re thinking about caravanning with kids, you may be worried about the parks available to you. They are very busy during the summer, and you’re going to find that they are crowded and busy.
You’re going to want to go to a quiet park or park in the country. This is going to make your holiday much more enjoyable. Quiet parks are also a lot safer than busy parks. You’re also going to want to go to a park that has easy access to things you want to see. You’re not going to want to go somewhere that is difficult to get around. This way, you’re going to get to see more and do less.
15. Stay active and have fun
One of the best things about caravanning with kids is that you get to spend time together. You can choose to stay active and do fun things. You can choose to go swimming, take a picnic at the beach or go to the local museum. You can also choose to do things like go on a nature walk, go fishing or go bird watching.
You can also choose to do some cooking. This will give you the chance to spend some time together as a family, and it will also give you the chance to bond as a family over a delicious meal.
Wrapping up: Is caravanning with kids for you?
You don’t have to be nervous about taking your family on a caravanning adventure. It’s a great way to spend time together outside, and you’ll have fun no matter what you do. If you’re looking to caravan with your kids, you should keep these tips in mind. They will come in very handy, and your family will have a blast thanks to them. You will be happy you did.
