If camping makes you think about having too much time cooped up with the kids with not enough to do…all while stuck in a damp tent, it may just be time to rethink how much fun camping can be!
Tents can be plush — ever heard of glamping? And did you know there are plenty of compelling reasons why camping is good for your children’s mental and physical health as well?
Camping is also budget-friendly, so it really is a win-win holiday choice. Here are just a few of the great benefits of camping with family:
Be Outdoors While Still Being Comfortable
These days, camping doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. It’s possible to live outdoors with some 21st-century comforts to make it really enjoyable for everyone.
One of the key tips from camping regulars is to not go overboard on campfire meals. These can be surprisingly skillful and time-consuming to make and can leave people a bit hungry — not a good idea for kids.
Make cooking easy ,so your kids are full and you don’t have to waste hours of precious holiday time foraging and building campfires.
Do some online research and find the best portable power station possible within your budget. A portable power station is perfect for off-grid living, letting you easily string up the fairy lights and dish up hearty food for hungry kids every mealtime.
You can even add some solar panels to create a solar generator, or charge from your car.
If you do decide to tackle a few campfire meals, stick with simple kid-friendly recipes like this easy Campfire Ham & Cheese Bread.
Reduce Screen Time & Increase Family Time
Children aged between 5 and 16 spend an average of 6.5 hours daily behind a screen. Admittedly, some of this may while doing their schoolwork, but this is an exponential rise compared to 1995 when the average was just 3 hours.
You might encounter howls of protest at being outside in the fresh air at first, but you can quickly reduce kids’ screen time if you start to get them interested in the natural world.
There are loads of online resources about fun nature games the whole family can play – pick a few to suit the children’s ages and prepare. The best thing is that these games develop social skills and can be educational too.
Don’t forget storybooks for evening time around the fire and some board games that the family can enjoy.
Before you know it, your children may actually be excited about setting aside their devices in favor of some good old-fashioned fun and time spent with family.
Mental Health Benefits of Fresh Air
Being outdoors is an instant mood booster, and that’s in large part due to the benefits of fresh air.
Fresh air increases energy levels and mental acuity, it helps destress, and it improves anxiety and other negative states of mind, especially combined with exercise.
Fresh air has immeasurable physical and mental health benefits for children of all ages, and it’s recommended that kids spend at least two hours daily outdoors.
Kids who spend more time outside are less stressed, healthier, and even have improved eyesight. The impact of artificial lighting is often unseen, literally, until adulthood.
As a parent, you may remember miserable, damp camping trips when you were a child, certainly not something to fill you with enthusiasm for a re-run with your own kids.
However, camping has graduated to an activity that can be as full of luxury and comfort as you might wish.
With numerous health benefits for the kids and the flexibility to enjoy a holiday almost anywhere, there’s a lot to enjoy on an annual camping trip.
So, why not revisit this traditional vacation option and start making memories your family will remember for years to come.