The experience of camping with your kids can be one that you’ll never forget.
The moments around the bonfire, the shared enjoyment of swimming, hiking, or foraging…all of them can help create memories that last a lifetime.
But, camping isn’t for the feint of heart. Without proper planning, your trip may be more stressful than relaxing.
Glamping can provide the perfect solution. Providing fun and luxury, it also still gives kids the experience of enjoying the great outdoors.
If you want to plan the perfect glamping experience for your family, here’s how to get started.
What Is Glamping?
“Glamping” (short for “glamorous camping”) refers to a hotel-like experience in a natural environment.
The accommodations provided by glamping establishments include amenities like modern-style beds, private bathrooms, and ready-made campsites, but still maintain the natural beauty of an outdoor setting.
For example, the Glamp at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo features luxury bed linens and coffee delivered to your site each morning, letting you enjoy outdoor activities along with the comforts of home.
To ensure your glamping experience is everything you want it to be, keep these tips in mind.
Step 1: Pick Your Glamping Destination
Start planning your trip by deciding how far away you want to go, and especially how long your children can handle being in the car before they get too bored or tired.
Look for glamping sites in that area that have family-friendly amenities, such as clean restrooms, children’s activities, and nearby places for you and your family to dine.
Step 2: Plan Your Dates Without the Stress
To keep organized for your family’s trip, consider using a printable calendar to help you keep track of your travel dates, planned activities, and free time.
Visual planners are great for busy moms, because they allow you to see a complete picture of your family’s trip at a glance.
Start by setting the dates for your vacation and browsing for glamping experiences in your price range, then start planning the time for the activities you want to try on your trip.
Step 3: Keep Packing Simple and Smart
Glamping has many advantages, one of which is being able to pack less than you would if you took a camping trip.
In general, you’ll only need to pack your family’s clothing and essentials, as well as food for your trip.
Compared to the rigors of packing up a tent, table, chairs, and all the other gear that traditional camping requires, the workload is significantly less.
So, keep your packing list minimal! You’ll have an easier time both before and after your trip when you do.
Step 4: Plan Easy Meals (Without Cooking All Day)
Part of the fun of camping is the food, and glamping lets you expand on that since many glamping sites feature cookstoves, fridges, and other gear to make cooking easier.
Start by planning your main meals for each day, and then add in plenty of ready-to-eat snacks that your little ones can grab when they’re hungry.
Stick with meals that are relatively easy to prepare, especially if you’re new to camping.
And, if your glamping location features a restaurant, you may want to take the stress of cooking out of your day by taking advantage of it!
Step 5: Build a Flexible Activity Plan
While planning different activities for different days and times can help you stay organized, it’s still a good idea to make your plans flexbile.
Talk to your family about some of the activities they’d most like to enjoy, whether that’s nature walks, making smores, or telling stories around the campfire.
Then, plan out some rough times for those activities, while still ensuring you have time to just relax and enjoy nature as well.
Step 6: Prep for Kids’ Needs Ahead of Time
While part of the appeal of glamping is to unplug and get away from it all, you’ll have an easier time on your trip if you bring things that your kids need or enjoy.
This may include comfort items like a favorite toy or a cozy blanket, or a few easy entertainment items like a portable board game, a football, or a frisbee.
Having these on hand can mean the difference between dealing with a grumpy child and one that’s excited to head out and make memories.
Step 7: Have a Simple Backup Plan
As with any vacation, glamping can be affected by weather, forgotten items, or other small things going wrong.
Try to have a backup plan as much as possible, whether that’s switching a swimming day for a day of indoor games or making sure you’re close to a grocery store in case you forget an essential food.
Glamping can be one of the most fun and easy introductions to camping that you can experience, but it still needs proper planning.
Take some time to find the perfect location, decide on your meals and activities, and make a packing list of essentials.
With a bit of work, your glamping vacation is sure to be one to remember.