Camping together is one of the best ways to improve family ties with children. Small and large campers will always remember the proximity to nature, visiting attractions and unexpected adventures along the route. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to take a child of any age to a campground or camping site, as long as you make sure the adventure is well planned. In our post, we suggest what to pay close attention to so that nothing can spoil your perfect camping trip with children.
Planning is key when going camping with children.
A family camping trip will go smoothly if you start planning early and can focus completely on a relaxing vacation. An off-season trip will be a hit if your children are still too young to go to school. Campsites are much less crowded in spring and autumn, making reservations much easier and reducing crowding at neighboring tourist sites. However, if you want to travel together during the summer, make your plans well in advance. The most desirable family camping spots disappear like hot buns as soon as the weather turns sunny! Therefore, if you have the opportunity, consider making reservations even a year in advance at cottages for rent in Masuria at Tumiany Campground or plan a camping vacation before your planned vacation.
When planning a camping vacation with children, consider the following:
- Learn about child-friendly camping options. With additional amenities for children, such as playgrounds, sports fields, animation, a toddler club and a wading pool next to the pool, they stand out from the competition. Thanks to them, your urchin won’t be bored and won’t disturb other tourists, which could happen if he plays spontaneously in inappropriate places.
- At your chosen family campground, think about a longer stay. Children who have enough time to adjust to new environments do so more easily. Along with other campers, it will also be an opportunity for them to meet new friends.
- When organizing day trips, consider the age of your youngest traveler when determining the pace of the tour. For children, the general guideline is that two attractions a day are sufficient. Ensure that areas of interest to adults are dotted with places where children will particularly enjoy themselves. Take advantage of children’s attractions at Tumiany Campground near Olsztyn or see what’s interesting in the area.
- An essential part of a good family camping trip plan is to bring board games, card games and toys for a rainy day. Make a list of places to visit, such as museums or theaters that are open during your vacation. No downpour will be terrible for you.
- Make a list of what to take on a family vacation before you pack all the little things in your trunk and backpacks. While you’re doing this, keep in mind that most campgrounds offer a washer and dryer if you need it, so you can drastically minimize the amount of stuff you take with you. A minimalist approach will not only simplify packing, but also save money on gasoline.
- For everyone in the family, don’t forget to pack rain jackets and wellingtons. This way neither mud nor plague will prevent you from admiring the wonders of nature. “There is no bad weather, there are only ill-fitting clothes.”
- A feeding chair or a stroller are two examples of practical baby equipment worth taking with you.
- If you’re planning to take an infant or young child camping, seriously consider childproofing your RV, caravan or tent. Take with you locks for cabinets and contacts you use at home. Consider how to safely store gas cylinders and kitchen appliances. To prevent your child from crawling under the car or camper during stops, lean the wooden panels against the walls of the trailer.
- Before your trip, you can take your child to Caravanning Fairs, which are held in various cities in Poland, to get him or her used to staying in an RV, caravan or tent. Many exhibitors allow visitors to tour the interiors of the vehicles on display.
Family camper or caravan – how to catch the caravanning bug?
Which vehicle is more suitable for family camping? Which is the best? There is no single, clear-cut answer to this question. Before starting your search, consider which of the numerous options will best meet your family’s requirements.
Know some general suggestions to keep in mind when choosing a vehicle for camping for children, regardless of the model:
- Pay attention to the layout of the living space. Each family member should, ideally, have his or her own place to sleep. If not, consider whether a floor-mounted expandable travel crib will work.
- To prevent nighttime accidents, add additional barriers on the borders of beds where small children sleep.
- Check that your car seat is suitable for the seats in your chosen vehicle.
- Make sure you book an RV or caravan at least six months before your vacation if you intend to use it.
- The thought of sleeping in a tent next to a parked car may appeal to older children. This way you will achieve two goals at the same time: you will increase the space inside the camper, and your children will have a new and exciting experience.
Advantages of a caravan holiday with children on a camping trip
Your family will have more flexibility and mobility with a caravan. Your mobile home remains in a safe place, and you can detach your car from it at any time and set off to explore the surrounding attractions with your children in Warmia and Mazury.
- It is safer to drive your own car because it has familiar safety features and equipment.
- It is more spacious than an RV.
- It has a wider range of family amenities in the living space.
An all-inclusive vacation like you’ve never had before. You don’t need to have your own caravan or a suitable vehicle and all the equipment. At Tumiany Campground we offer the rental of a stationary caravan with full equipment set up directly on the lake.
Advantages of vacationing in an RV with children at a campground
A family camper is superior to other options if you intend to travel across multiple nations or regions. Its smaller size compared to a car with a trailer will make it easier for you to park it, even at busy times, giving you a little more freedom and spontaneity. In addition, there are fewer tolls when using an RV. This is because the number of axles a vehicle has usually determines how many are taken.
Additional benefits of an RV vacation with children at a campground include:
- More autonomy (possibility to camp without access to electricity and sanitary facilities)
- Safer transportation of bicycles, strollers and other items in the roomy cargo hold
- The possibility of a separate sleeping area for children in an alcove above the driver’s compartment, so parents can spend the rest of the evening with their children after putting them to bed.
For more information on vacationing with kids and packing, check out our guides.
Camping in Masuria: how to make the trip and the camping experience enjoyable for children?
Many parents worry about how their children will cope with the challenges of a long car ride. Without a doubt, careful planning is the key to a successful family camping trip. So get to work and plan your trip carefully to find suitable places for frequent breaks and stops. Make sure younger travelers are in good spirits, and make a list of games and activities for the ride to keep your little passengers entertained. In addition, have food, arcade games and coloring books in stock for the children to use when needed.
Familiarize yourself with the camping rules while you’re there. Also consider the following advice, as camping with children has its own rules:
- Ask for a parking space near the play area.
- Establish guidelines for the use of shared space and assign roles so that your toddler can play with other children while you stretch out in a recliner and read a book while keeping an eye on him. In this way it is easy to avoid minor misunderstandings and arguments.
- Don’t give up important family traditions. For example, having children recreate familiar activities before bedtime will help them adjust to their new environment and fall asleep faster.
- Take with you a collection of assorted toys. When packing, choose items that are durable, easy to clean and suitable for outdoor play. Many types of balls, rackets, sand and block molds, inflatables for swimming are great. In addition, having puzzles to fill children’s time, magazines, coloring books and audiobooks are worth keeping on hand, as these can come in handy when all else fails. They can save the day for the whole family.
- When choosing tours, pay attention to child attractions and toddler-friendly facilities. For example, some museums provide children with a separate audio guide to exhibitions, and guided tours of the old city increasingly resemble city games.
- Give your children the opportunity to help prepare the trip. When choosing places and attractions, consult with them. Perhaps their suggestions will accelerate your search for the perfect balance, while rekindling your love of travel and organized activities.
Camping with children is a fantastic activity for the whole family. Such a trip is especially memorable because of the intimate proximity to nature and shared activities along the way. To this end, take the time to carefully plan a trip that meets your requirements. If you additionally think of kid-friendly activities and attractions, a good vacation is practically written in the stars.
