Each year we go on a camping weekend with friends and our kids. We call it “Kidly Weekend” and it is always a good time…and it always rains. Besides the rain, camping with the kids is fun and not as hard as I ever anticipated. We are just sure to bring lots of fun camping treats, dry clothes, long sleeves, bug spray, and their favorite stuffed animals and blankies (if I’d forgotten the dolphin pillow pet or Thomas blanket, I’d have been in trouble!). Oh, and how could I forget: Wet Ones and extra washing water.
We’ve learned that it is easier to set up camp if we assign the kids little jobs. This year my son helped put the tent up. He enjoyed helping out daddy, and when he saw the fruits of his labor he was pretty thrilled. We also learned that the boys can pee in the woods, they don’t have to use the stinky outhouse for that minor inconvenience. And, to bring games. We had lots of hiking and water fun, but during that down time when the kids wanted to play in the fire with sticks, we had a safer fun option.
This campsite is on our friend’s land, but there are lots of great places to camp around Ohio. We prefer more “primitive” type of camping, which means the sites are further apart and you aren’t setting up your tent right next to someone’s RV or car. Sometimes camping in the fall is far more fun because it isn’t as crowded as in summer months. Last year we went to Hocking Hills with friends in August. Everything was fun except for the campground – it was crowded and the sites were far too close together for any type of privacy. However, a convenience of what is referred to as “car camping,” is that the bathrooms are typically close by. Most places have clean bathrooms with showers. Also, pretty much all the campgrounds have a place where you can buy firewood. Generally they ask that you don’t bring your own because of the Emeral Ash Borer, so don’t make space in your car or fret over getting firewood. You may even want to ask when you call to set up your site what the campground has to offer as far as firewood and a general store, in case you forget anything.
I really like this camping post from MomandDadCamping.com: 22 Tips for Camping with Kids.
Anyhow, I have some memories to share with you below from this year’s excursion. Happy camping!
