Planning to take the family camping next month for the first time. Kids are 6 and 9. Thinking about renting a cabin instead of tent camping because honestly I'm not trying to deal with bathroom situations in the middle of the night at a campsite. Anyone else start with cabins before going full tent mode? Also what's the bare minimum gear I actually need vs what's just nice to have?
Pro tip: bring way more snacks than you think you need. Hungry kids turn a camping trip upside down real fast. We learned that the hard way.
Take a portable fishing rod if you can. Keeps the kids entertained while you set up camp and honestly makes the whole thing more fun. We bring basic tackle and let them just cast around a pond nearby.
First camping trip with ages 6 and 9 is perfect timing. Those ages still think sleeping in a tent is the coolest thing ever. Pro tip: bring way more snacks than you think you need and let them help set up the tent.
Make sure they each have their own sleeping bag and pillow situation or they'll complain all night. Trust me on this one. Also pack extra layers because kids get cold easier.
6 and 9 is the perfect age for it. Start with a one night trip if you haven't camped before. Less pressure on everyone. We did that with our boys and now they ask to go every month.
Bring way more snacks than you think you need. Also a headlamp for each kid is clutch because they can explore safely at dusk. Game changer.
My honest advice: bring an air mattress for yourself. You won't regret it. The kids will be fine on sleeping pads but your back will thank you.
Check weather obsessively. Nothing tanks a camping trip faster than surprise rain and cold. Also bring a backup plan for entertainment because there's always a night when everyone gets bored.
First camping trip is a big deal. With a 6 and 9 year old I'd say keep the first one close to home or short. Kids can lose patience fast when they're uncomfortable.
Keep it simple on the first one. Don't try to do hiking 10 miles or anything ambitious. Let them enjoy the experience of being outside and sleeping in a tent. The hiking can wait.
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Start with a shorter trip if you can. Even a single night will teach you what you actually need for camping vs what you think you need. My first trip I over-packed like crazy.