Part of the fun of camping with kids is that to them everything seems fresh. They're fascinated by the little details you and I might overlook. Here are some things to think about when planning and undertaking a camping trip with children: - A key to camping with kids is to slow down and let them show you the great outdoors from their point of view.
- Kids can find countless ways to entertain themselves in the wild, but parents can help by turning even the most mundane chores into games -- for example, who can find the best sticks for toasting marshmallows.
- Think of the activities you do at home and then apply them to camping. For example, cooking is a simple activity that will bring great smiles to the table.
- Where you camp will help determine what you do for fun. Most state and national parks have family activities scheduled throughout the year. They also have a junior-ranger program that will teach your kids about the park; once they've completed the activities, they'll get a badge.
- Another great activity to enjoy while camping is going for a hike. To make the best of this adventure, try to pick a trail that's diverse. Look for places with water: waterfalls or ponds to splash in are guaranteed fun for kids.
- If you want to see wildlife, you'll probably need to make the commitment to get up early. Most animals are active at dawn.
RESOURCES :
The Sierra Club Family Outdoors Guide
Model: 0871564424
Author: Marlyn Doan
Hiking, Backpacking, Camping, Bicycling, Water Sports, and Winter Activities With Children
Sierra Club Books
Parents' Guide to Hiking & Camping: A Trailside Guide
Model: 0393316521
Author: Alice Cary
Volume from The Trailside Guide Series from W.W. Norton and Company.
W. W. Norton & Company
Best Hikes With Children series
Author: various authors
Book series on hiking with children. Individual titles are by region.
For example, Best Hikes With Children in Western Washington, Best Hikes With Children in Colorado, Best Hikes With Children: San Francisco's South Bay, etc.
Mountaineers Books
Website: www.mountaineersbooks.org/
American Hiking Society
American Hiking is a national organization dedicated to serving hikers and protecting the nation's hiking trails. From the halls of Congress to the backcountry, AHS speaks up for America's hikers and the trails they love.
Great Outdoor Recreation Pages (GORP) Web-site -- horseback riding
Great Outdoor Recreation Pages (GORP) is an informational Web site about outdoor activities.
Below is the link to their section on horseback riding.
Web site: www.gorp.com/gorp/activity/horsebak
A Guide to Happy Family Camping: A Little Help to Get Started Camping With Kids
Model: 156148248X
Author: Tammerie Spires
Good Books
Website: www.goodbooks.com
Simple Tent Camping: The Basics of Camping from Car or Canoe
Model: 0070730210
Author: Zora Aiken
McGraw-Hill Companies
Website: www.mcgraw-hill.com
Sleeping in a Sack: Camping Activities for Kids
Model: 0879058307
Author: Linda White, Fran Lee
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
Cooking on a Stick: Campfire Recipes for Kids
Model: 0879057270
Author: Linda White, Fran Lee
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
Hiking With Kids (A Falcon Guide)
Model: 1560448164
Author: Robin Tawny
Falcon Publishing Company
Website: www.falcon.com/
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