Planning our first real camping trip for next month. We have a Coleman tent and sleeping bags but I'm nervous about keeping them entertained and getting them to sleep at a decent time. Any tips on meals that are easy to cook over a fire? Also how do I keep bugs from eating my kids alive? We're going to a state park about 2 hours away.
My 5 and 8 year old love camping. Bring a frisbee, a ball, and let them help with camp tasks like gathering firewood or setting up the tent - keeps them busy and they feel like real campers. The Coleman setup you've got will serve you great.
Coleman tent is solid. Make sure you test set it up in your backyard first though. Learned that lesson the hard way on our first trip. Nothing worse than fumbling with poles and stakes while your kids are getting impatient and it's getting dark.
First camping trip is big! Pro tip: pack way more snacks than you think you'll need and let the kids sleep in their clothes so morning changes are easier. Trust me, laundry after camping is brutal, so anything that cuts that down helps.
We did our first camping trip with kids that age last summer. Pro tip: bring way more snacks than you think you need. The 4yo will get bored and the 7yo will complain about being hungry every 20 minutes. Also pack a headlamp for each kid so they feel like they're part of the adventure at night.
The Coleman gear is great. One thing I'd add - bring a cheap plastic tarp to put under the tent. Keeps moisture out and saves your sleeping bags. Also stake everything down tight because kids will kick around at night and tent stakes have a way of working loose.
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Those ages are perfect for camping actually. Kids that age don't need much entertainment if you're outdoors - exploring rocks, making a campfire, spotting animals. Just bring some glow sticks for night time and you're golden.