6 Camping Tips for a Fun-Filled Summer Adventure!

Summer is here- time to plan your family vacation! This year, why not skip the expensive resorts and overblown theme parks and head back to nature? A camping trip can be fun for all ages without breaking the bank. Here are some helpful tips so you can get the most out of your camping trip, whether it’s your first time in the wilderness or you are a seasoned outdoorsman (or outdoorswoman!)

Reserve a campsite

 You may think you can just load your gear into the SUV and head to the nearest campground to begin your outdoor adventure, but you’d be in for a rude awakening. Popular campsites can book up months in advance, especially during holiday weekends, so it is a must to call ahead and make a reservation.

Tent size matters

Do you want to share a large tent with your whole family, or would you prefer to have the kids in one tent and you and your spouse in another? These are things to consider before you head to the camping supply store. While you may enjoy the value of purchasing only one tent, keep in mind that this limits your privacy and also can be harder to put up and break down than a smaller tent.

Don’t cheap out on sleeping bags

 The quality of your sleeping bag largely determines the quality of sleep you’ll be getting on your trip, so it’s not a good time to skimp. Consider that this bag will need to fit your body and keep you comfortable in the outdoor conditions, so be sure to read reviews ahead of time to determine what’s right for you.

Follow woodburning restrictions

 Sure, there’s nothing quite like a roaring campfire, but if you live in an area that is in the midst of a drought, or if you have a naturally dry climate, you must check to make sure there are no woodburning restrictions prior to building a fire. Park rangers will not hesitate to fine you for an illegal burn, so be sure to check ahead of time.

Start a fire the first time!

When it comes to building a campfire, the actual process of getting it started can be tedious. Bring cotton balls smeared with petroleum jelly to ensure an easy start to your fire every time. Dryer lint also works as a great fire starter, if you want to have a use for all the lint you pull out of the trap.

One-pot meals for the win

 Cooking over a campfire or a portable camp stove can be great fun, but can also lead to frustrating cleanup. Keep it simple with one-pot meals that can be easily prepared and enjoyed with minimal cleanup afterwards. This blog has a bunch of great campfire recipe ideas that can be prepped at home ahead of time!

Does your family have a special tradition or pro tip for surviving the great outdoors? Let us know in the comments section.

What's in Your Backpack? Theme Park Essentials for Ultimate Summer Fun

The countdown to summer is on! Kids all across the country are excitedly awaiting a summer vacation full of fun in the sun! For parents who are busily planning their kids’ summer activities, theme parks are almost certainly at the top of your list. Make sure to be prepared for a day at the theme park with your family by making sure you pack these must-have items:

Tickets- There’s nothing quite as bad as getting to the front of a theme park admission gate with excited kids only to realize you left the tickets on the dining room table. While most amusement parks now accept digital passes on your mobile device, some smaller theme parks keep it old-school, demanding traditional paper tickets for admission. Play it safe and take care to put the tickets in your backpack when you first get them, so your summer doesn’t turn into a bummer!

Sunscreen- You will want to bring a bunch of souvenirs home from the theme park with you, but a red, peeling face and back shouldn’t be one of them! Slather on ample amounts of sunscreen with an SPF factor of 30 or higher about 30 minutes prior to hitting the sun, and be sure to reapply at least once per hour, or anytime you have gone on a water ride. Not only will you minimize your risk of skin cancer in the long term, but you won’t have to deal with achy, peeling skin in the short term.

Reusable water bottle- Staying hydrated is always important, and when your plans include walking around a busy amusement park all day in 90-degree heat, making sure to drink enough water becomes a literal matter of life and death. Not only can dehydration-related sickness put a damper on your theme park visit, it can also lead to heat stroke and other, more serious medical problems. Simply pack a reusable water bottle for each member of the family and make sure to keep it filled with fresh water all day long.

  

A change of clothes (including underwear!)- People tend not to think of packing a spare change of clothes for all the potty-trained members of their family, but take a moment to consider how many water-related rides there are at a typical amusement park. Even if it isn’t a full-fledged water park, there is bound to be at least one attraction where the first three rows get wet. Avoid that sloshy, uncomfortable feeling by taking time to pack a change of clothes, including underwear, for everyone.

Have any tips for making an amusement park trip even better? Let us know in the comments section.