If your kids are used to being entertained by video games and television all day long, camping in a tent can be a real shock. You may feel comfortable allowing your child to bring his portable gaming system, but keep in mind you may not be able to recharge it. Limit the usage to certain times to avoid him burying himself in it and missing out on everything else. Bring cards for playing in the tent when the weather is poor and outdoor games, such as a Frisbee and baseball equipment.
When you are taking young kids with you camping, make sure you pack everything that they will need. If you are camping with a baby, take enough formula, bottles, diapers and wipes for the duration of your trip. Other young children may also need diapers. You may be able to buy these things while on your trip, but depending on where you are camping, you may not have easy access to a store. Some children have a blanket or stuffed animal that they are attached to. If your child has one, don't forget it.
Some kids love to read, while others only tolerate it when teachers or parents require it. Encourage your child to pick a book or two to bring along on the trip. She can read in the car, if she doesn't get car sick, or in the tent before bed or during a rainstorm. To help keep her interested in the sights you will be seeing on your vacation, pick up a tourism book on the area you are visiting so she can learn more.
Encourage your kids to keep a journal while they are camping. They can write in it every morning or before bed, keeping a record of their experiences. Buy them each a special journal before the trip that they can use for that purpose. If your child has his own camera, encourage him to bring it along and take pictures throughout your trip. If he does not have his own, let him use yours for a little while to see the vacation through his eyes.
Tent camping requires you to cook your meals over the open fire or on a camp stove, unless you plan to eat out the whole trip. Take along ingredients to make special treats for the kids that are specific to a camping trip. For instance, take along the makings for Smores: graham crackers, chocolate bars and marshmallows. Show the kids how to make them over the fire. You can also roast the marshmallows by themselves over the fire. Hobo pies are another option. For these, you need square pie irons for the fire. Place bread in each side of the pie iron and fill the center with pie filling from a can. Roast them over the fire before eating them.
