Maybe you’re trying to think of a vacation idea that’s totally different. Maybe you’re trying to think of a vacation idea that’s cheap. Whatever the reason, your kids can really benefit from a camping trip – even more so than other holiday ideas!
Sure, your kids will likely enjoy just about any vacation destination that you pick. However, when you pack everything up and go camping, your kids get 4 unique benefits out of it:
1. It is great exercise
If your kids spend more time playing video games or talking on the phone than they do playing outside, they could probably use a good workout. Camping provides the perfect opportunity to help them indulge their physical sides – without forcing them to work out. When you go camping, your kids will naturally do thinks like swimming, hiking, and rowing. Even if you only go for a day or two, it can motivate your kids to spend more time playing outside when they get back! You can use a tent, or for a really quick get away, a camper trailer is very convenient and easy.
2. It is a great distraction
When you go camping, there is no homework to think about and no after-school commitments to think about. There aren’t even any phones, TVs, or computers to worry about! Getting out into the woods can provide your kids with some much-needed stress relief. Even a simple camping trip can give your kids the rest and relaxation they need to approach their commitments with a new sense of vigor.
And, a camping trip can be as long or as short as you want. That way, if your son has a big math test on Monday, you can go camping on Saturday night – then be home on Sunday in time for him to study. That way, he can relax on his trip, without worrying about falling behind.
3. It is totally different
By nature, kids are much more creative than adults. Therefore, anything you do to indulge your kids’ creative sides will be much appreciated. When you go camping, your kids will be exposed to all sorts of new things – new activities, new animals, and even new foods. Whatever your camping activities include, they are all things that your kids cannot do in the city – making the entire vacation totally unique and something that they will really enjoy.
4. It is great family time
No matter how old your kids are, they enjoy spending some quality time with the family. And by heading out to a campsite – where there are no work deadlines, homework assignments, TVs, computers, or cell phones – all of you can settle in and enjoy each other. In fact, the memories you make camping will last your kids a lifetime!
Kirsty LaVier is editor for Great Aussie Campers in Sydney, Australia. Images by saritarobinson