Camping without kids and camping with kids is an entirely different experience. You have to be prepared for the unexpected when you have children and will also need to have a lot more gear with you to care for your kids while sleeping under the stars. While camping should be simplistic, when you have children rarely is anything simple as any parent knows. Below you will find some things that will make your time spent camping outdoors whether in a tent, cabin or camper a better experience for both you and the kiddos.

• Tip 1 – Consider the personality of your kids and determine if you think they will like camping. While most children take to camping right away, some kids need a little more encouragement to come around.

• Tip 2 – Pack Food the Kids Will Want to Eat and your camping trip will be a much more enjoyable experience. When you have kids packing light is not often an option; so make sure that you choose a variety of their favorite snacks to help keep them happy while camping outdoors.

• Tip 3 – When packing for your camping trip make a checklist of all the things you want to bring with you; this will ensure that you dot forget anything. Depending on the age of your children, you can also have them help you with this to make sure that they have the things they want and need to make the camping trip a success for everyone.

• Tip 4 – If you have a little one a pack and play is an essential item that you do not want to forget at home. When you need your hands free to set up camp, cook meals or run after another child; the pack and play will provide you with a place to safely place your little one for a minute while you attend to other more pressing things.

• Tip 5 – If you have a child that is just starting potty training or perhaps are not all the way ready to hike to the nearest bathroom; a potty chair will come in handy. Place a potty chair in a private location and let your child know where it is. This way, if you do not have access to a bathroom nearby your child can have a private place to go where they will feel comfortable. Camping doesn’t have to sabotage your potty training efforts if you bring along a potty chair for the trip.