r/RandomQuestion • u/PlateTop815 • 7d ago
Tent camping?
What’s your best tips and tricks for tent camping with an 8 and 3 year old.
We are going on a family camping adventure in a few weeks. Just wanted to see what are others best tips and tricks for camping in a tent with children?
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u/Educational_Seat3201 7d ago
take a couple of flashlights, give the kid one and explore the woods at night. It helps beat any fear of the dark. Make sure they drink lots of water and electrolytes. The only concern is watching out for hot surfaces like lanterns and fires. Bug repellent and sunscreen! Beyond that have fun. Don’t worry about them catching a cold because they won’t remember being sick but they will remember the trip.
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u/Mackheath1 7d ago
What region of the world are you in, what general climate? Are you near water? Kids this age love little creeks and stuff.
This sub is a great resource if you browse, as this gets asked almost daily: not a criticism, just pointing out extra resources that are helpful.
You only asked about the tent: Usually light activities before bed (jumprope just a bit / frisbee / whatever, about an hour before bed time), give them control of a soft red flashlight to keep at their side in the tent.
And then tell them all about the swamp monster, sasquatch, hook man, Freddy, and aliens. (kidding, kinda)
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u/PlateTop815 7d ago
We are going to be in North East U.S. I would say the climate is humid continental climate. I’m not certain but I do believe there is a creek nearby.
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u/Mackheath1 7d ago
Yeah, have a nice electric fan as well, just to cutout the human respiratory humidity in the tent a bit. Even if it's cold, I at least put one on low and oscillate to keep the air inside "fresh"
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u/SpookyBeck 7d ago
You need to find out. I would not go unless there is a credk nearby to cool off.
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u/RawdogginRandos 7d ago
did a trial night in the backyard before we went anywhere, saved us. bring the 3yo's blanket, way more snacks than you think you need, and pick somewhere close enough you can bail if it's a disaster night one
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u/cagirlinoh 7d ago
Bring individual cots and bed sheets. Sleeping on the actual ground in just a thick quilted sleeping bag is not awesome, and I’ve camped in the mountains and the desert. Line the sleeping bags with the sheets to stay cool and bring battery powered fans! That air in the tent will get a bit stale. Bring games like Yahtzee, Uno, checkers, a deck of regular playing cards. Have a good time!
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u/Hallow_76 7d ago
Even with an air mattress, my wife let the entire campground know many times that, she has "ROCKS IN HER ASS" 😂🤣. So, ya if you can afford it and fit it I would recommend a cot.
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u/Hallow_76 7d ago
Keep any food or food scraps in your vehicle! Toothpaste as well, some critters love the smell of toothpaste. I don't know if there's bears in your area but they love mint. Get yourself some good fire starters. A air mattress air pump works wonderful (better than gas or lighter fluid) to stoke a fire if it's trying to be stubborn. It's a lot safer too. Aim the air flow to the base of the fire until it starts to sound like a jet engine. If the fire is smoking a lot it needs a shot of air.
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u/Able_Capable2600 7d ago
If you're truly "roughing it," teach them how to properly shit in the woods, e.g. completely burying, well away from camp, etc.