Travelling with children can be wonderful. Their sense of wonder, excitement and childlike enthusiasm is absolutely contagious. Travelling with kids can also be difficult. With shorter attention spans, kids may be more prone to boredom than adults. They tire easily and require diligent supervision. Experiencing the great outdoors through camping, boating and hiking can present special challenges when travelling with children. Keeping them safe and healthy is paramount.
Whether you are camping under the stars, staying in a cabin or simply planning an afternoon outing, if you are considering an outdoor family adventure, here are a few essentials to help ensure that your children are entertained, safe and happy during your next vacation:
1. First Aid Kit. A lightweight, portable first aid kit is an essential item for any outdoor excursion. Bandages, antibiotic cream, hydrocortisone cream, Benadryl and an over-the-counter pain reliever recommended by your doctor can help address minor injuries. Instant, ‘no pre-chilling required’ cold compresses are also an excellent addition to your first aid kit.
2. Cell Phone. Obviously, the point of a vacation is to escape from the pressures of everyday life, but in the event that someone is injured or lost in your party, a cell phone can be the difference between life and death in the woods. It is also important to note that some cell phones may not get reception in remote areas, so having a map and a thorough knowledge of your location and the distance to the nearest town or ranger station is also a good idea. Check with your cell phone carrier before heading out to see if there are ways to boost your phone’s reception.
3. A Life Jacket. For little ones whose swimming skills may not be at their prime, a life jacket can help protect them around lakes and streams. When purchasing a life jacket, be sure to go to a reputable outdoor equipment store and get a salesperson help you to determine the proper fit for your child’s size and age. While it may be $25.00-$75.00 for a good fitting life vest, you will not regret the added safety and protection this adds for your child as they play in and around the water.
4. Sunscreen. For adults who may want to ‘fry’ themselves for a great summer tan, have at it. But kids should be protected. Children are frequently more susceptible to conditions such as sunburn and sun poisoning than adults and such damage can have lasting harmful effects on their skin. A good, waterproof sunblock can help minimize this risk.
5. Snacks. Kids get hungry while playing, hiking or swimming outside. Snacks can help. Be sure to pack snacks with high protein and low sugar content to help sustain kids through days of physical exertion. Items such as peanut butter sandwiches or a trail mix containing nuts and dried fruit can be great choices for their transportability and nutritional content.
6. Plenty of Liquid Hydration. Just like sunburn, kids can be more susceptible to dehydration than adults and should have plenty to drink during long, hot days out in the woods. Water is usually the best option for keeping kids hydrated and refreshed throughout the days.
7. Quiet-time Activities. While kids may seem like never-ending sources of high energy, they tend to crash after long periods of physical activity, becoming grumpy and generally making everyone around them miserable and cranky, too. Planning times to rest during the day can be a good idea. Some lightweight books, sticker-books, puzzles or small travel-friendly games can be an excellent way to keep kids occupied, but resting, in the middle of a strenuous day. For kids intrigued by science and the environment around them, books about animals, bird and plants species can allow them to learn about the wildlife as they experience it. A small journal where they can record their experiences through pictures or words can also keep children occupied throughout your journey.
8. Extra Shoes/Clothes. If you are planning a day of outside activity, hiking or boating, a change of clothes for kids is always a good idea. Accidents happen. Worst case scenario, you are prepared for the worst and don’t need them. Along these lines, a warm sweatshirt can also be a good idea, even on hot summer days, on the off chance you are out later than planned. The night air can be much cooler than you might expect.
9. Plastic Bags. See Number 8 above. Accidents happen and having a neat, contained way to transport wet, dirty clothing back to the nearest laundry is never a bad idea.
10. Insect Repellent. A good bug spray such as ‘Off’ will help protect your little person from being eaten alive by the mosquitoes and biting flies out in the wild.
11. A Camera. A lightweight camera for kids to record and remember their experiences in the great outdoors can be a great way to keep kids both occupied and engaged in the sights and sounds of the wilderness around them. Encourage kids to take pictures of the wildlife and plants they encounter to create a memorable history of their journey.
12. A Ball, Frisbee or other outdoor toys. Kids can burn off any extra energy they might have playing outdoor games.
These ideas, while not all-inclusive, are sure to get you started on your way to an excellent outdoor adventure with the kids in your family. Head over to LakePlace.com’s cabin rentals and resorts sections to get started!
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