Family Camping | Tips for Planning the Perfect Trip

Family Camping | Tips for Planning the Perfect Trip

by | Adventures, Camping | 4 comments

Family Camping Trips are the BEST!!

When the weather starts warming up its time to start planning that vacation time. One of the most popular spring, summer, and even fall activities for families is camping.

Camping is popular and budget-friendly!

We can all agree that getting outside boosts your mood and increases your Vitamin D level. Plus, you’ll find that the kids will enjoy their time outside and getting back to nature. No more Tablets! 🙂

However, there is a lot that goes into planning a fun family camping trip. You will want to make sure you understand what type of equipment is needed – including a tent, cooking items, and things that will keep you safe.

Plus, having a plan for fun activities to do won’t hurt. After all, trying to do things without a plan can be a disaster, especially if you have children.

Therefore, I recommend carefully taking the time to create a plan so you make sure the whole family enjoys their time outdoors. This is also a great time to build your relationships and create amazing memories.

Our family camping trips as a kid are some of my favorite memories looking back. So, here are some tips to get you started in planning your family camping trip.

Take Your Time to Plan

There are many steps in planning your family camping trip that you will need to consider. Take the time to research and plan the entire trip. Just as much time as you plan a cruise or a beach getaway, your should take the same amount and plan the camping trip.

There are many components that go along with camping, so taking the time to plan it out will help keep thing organized and make sure everyone has fun.

Pick your Camping Spot wisely

The very first thing to do when planning your family camping trip is to pick where you are going to set up camp. Where you choose to go will determine the kind of supplies and fun activities you can bring along.

Without knowing the destination, you can’t plan anything else. So, pick your destination first.

The best way to begin your search to find great camping spots is to simply google “Camping Spots Near Me.” Many times the google map will show all the nearby camping spots. By googling the locations you can also see if there are any nearby lakes or rivers.

Research the Area

Once you know where you want to camp, research the area more. This will give you an idea of the type of camping you will be allowed to do.

For example, Are you allowed to pitch a tent or is it RV only? Will you have access to bathrooms with showers? Will you have to pay for the Camping Spot?

Some National Parks require a daily fee or per tent charge to camp. If you find a camping area, go ahead and call the local wildlife or park attendant to find out the rules and regulations.

This information will help you know what to bring with you on your trip.

Consider Everyone’s Age

When you are planning your family camping trip, it’s imperative that you consider everyone’s ages. An activity for a child age 5 to 7 could be different for a teenager. There can be some activities that may not be age-appropriate for everyone.

Anther great tip regarding ages is to plan activities around young children’s nap times and bedtimes. Even though you’re on vacation, children do thrive with normal schedules and it’ll make it easier on the family.

Plan Your Family Camping Activities

Once you know what’s available and you’ve considered your children’s ages and everyone’s likes, start planning what you’ll do there. You don’t want to plan every single moment of the trip because you want to allow for time to hang out and read or just enjoy nature. But having at least one planned activity each day will help everyone enjoy their trip.

One example of planned activities could be fishing if you’re near a river or lake. I loved going fishing when we would camp. Many times the fish we caught was our dinner that night. What a great activity to teach kids to catch their own food.

Check the weather and Create Backup Plans

Let’s face it, the weather is not always a beautiful 75 to 85 degrees with a slight breeze. You never know when a storm could roll in. So, you will want to consider having the right kind of protection like tarps, raincoats, and boots if it does rain.

I would also scope out some local shelter points like a movie theater or shopping mall just in case the storms get unbearable in a tent.

You may also want to bring plenty of reading material and maybe a card game in case that happens. Because you can still have a relaxing time reading books and connecting as a family.


Plan meals and snack preparation

Preparing and cooking meals while you’re camping is a little different than how you would in a house kitchen.

Over the years of camping, we’ve learned to prep as much as we could before we leave to go camping. If you want to have steak, potatoes, or onions (for example) included in a meal, then seasoning or chopping before can save you time and dishes.

Another great trick is to premix any pancake mix or crack all the eggs and have them already mixed in plastic containers.

Don’t forget the Snacks!! Snacks are great to plan ahead too! You can pack individual snack packs with trail mixes, chips, or whatever your children enjoy eating ahead of time. This allows for easy and quick access when everyone is tired from a long hike or swimming all day.

create a family camping checklist

Now that you have the camping spot picked, you’ve researched the area, you’ve planned your activities and food prep for your family camping trip, it’s now time to create that checklist.

When you are camping, everything you bring with you is what you will have on hand.

So if you forget the marshmallows for the smores, this could make some unhappy children.

Therefore, creating a checklist of everything you need to bring is essential! I’ve actually created one you can download at the bottom of the post if you’d like.

Final Thoughts

Camping is an amazing adventure for everyone of all ages! Although it does require some prepping before, it truly can be a relaxing, budget-friendly, family trip. Family camping trips will provide your kids with memories of getting back to nature that will last their entire lives.

I know all the camping trips my family took when I was growing up was some of the best times of my life! I love the outdoors, the simplicity and beauty of nature that surrounds us.

I hope you will make these memories as a family unit and talk about all the stories that come along with the adventures for ages.

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Top 10 Budget-Friendly Things To Do in San Diego for Families

Top 10 Budget-Friendly Things To Do in San Diego for Families

by | Travel

Sunny San Diego, California! I dream about this place because it was the first trip my husband and I went on together as a couple. It is also the place my husband was born and revisited every year when he was a kid.

I love enjoying everything this city has to offer, especially if it’s free or budget-friendly.

In case you’re wondering, this picture of us was at La Jolla Cove in San Diego. That day we saw the seal lions on “seal rock” and I can’t stop thinking about how great of a time we had.

So I’ve put together 10 fun things to do for the whole family that is looking to stay on a budget.

1. Pacific Beach Boardwalk

This beach is great for all ages. You can soak up the bright culture of So Cal while taking a stroll along the boardwalk. There are great places to grab a bite and listen to music. You can also build sandcastles, surf it up, or fish along the pier. This beach has it all!

2. Children’s Pool at La Jolla Cove

Children’s Pool received its name for the low waves after a wall barrier was built to protect the sandy cove.  While swimming during the season, parents don’t have to worry about large waves or rip currents.

However, Children’s Pool does have an offseason. This happens from December 15th through May 15th when newly born seal pups are born. During this time the cove is closed and usually covered with sea lions.

If you do go while it’s open to the public, and you still want to view the natural wildlife, the sea lions like hanging out on what the locals call “seal rock” not far from the children’s pool.

3. Old Town San Diego Historic State Park

The park connects you to the past of Old Town San Diego. It was California’s First Spanish settlement! You and your family can enjoy great hiking trails, Souvenir shopping, exhibits and museums fun for all ages.

4. Birch Aquarium at Scribbs

Who doesn’t love a good aquarium visit when you’re so close to the ocean? This is a great way to get the kids safely involved with their surroundings. The whole family can enjoy feeding times and shows daily for one admission cost per person. It’s only $15 for children and $19.50 for adults. Also, don’t forget to check out Groupon for extra savings!

5. All Famous – San Diego Zoo

This one is my favorite and a definite must-go for the whole family while in San Diego! We went and loved every minute of it! You’ll experience about 3,500 different animals across the 100 acres. It is one of the world’s largest Zoos and also the home to the Giant Panda. Their is an admission cost and it’s worth every penny!

6. Waterfront Walkway

If you love history and enjoy taking your kids places where they can learn, then the waterfront walkway is a great place to take a stroll. Here you can find the Maritime Museum, Cruise ports, Navy Ships, as well as, the Famous WWII Unconditional Surrender Statue. 

7. Gas Lamp District

This area is great for families during the daytime. In the evenings it turns in to more of the nightlife crowd. However, during the day families can enjoy the historic ventures of the town, dine at Michelin Star Restaurants, and shop at great boutiques.

8. Little Italy

This lively neighborhood is great for families to stroll through during the day. There are cute cafe’s, pubs, art galleries, boutique shopping, and an italian Market place to explore. You will definitly want to dine and enjoy some amazing Italian cuisine.

9. COranodo Island Dog Beach

Calling all Dog Lovers!! This beach is perfect for the whole family, including the 4 legged ones with waging tails. This Beach is beautiful with white sands, furry friends, fire pit rings, and more. Even if you’re out of town and had to leave your furry friend at home, you can still enjoy the beach.

10. PetCO ball park

For the sports fanatics, watching a live Padres Baseball game at Petco Park is a great way to spend the day! Kids are free under 36 inches with a valid adult ticket.

We enjoyed our San Deigo trip and I have no doubt that you and your family will too!

Which one of these things do you plan on doing while in San Diego? Leave a comment!

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Family Vacation: Why its Important Save and Plan for One Every Year

Family Vacation: Why its Important Save and Plan for One Every Year

by | Travel

Planning a Family Vacation can be difficult when your life seems so busy. The days just fly by with everything from work, kids, after school programs, trying to stay in shape, family, friends, and so much more.

All of this makes taking a vacation difficult! We get it! 

On top of the busyness of life, you then have the expensive prices of traveling with airfare, hotel stays, and the cost of experiences when you get to your destination.

Everything combined seems to make the idea of taking a family vacation even more impossible. With all these factors in place, before you know it’s been years since you’ve taken a vacation. It’s time to stop letting that happen! It’s time to start saving and taking those much-needed vacations! 

If you ask me, I think taking a vacation should be required at least once a year for every family.

Now, we get that it can be difficult to leave your job for a week when all you can think of is “I need the money” or “I can’t leave my work because I’m afraid to get behind”. 

Just know anyone can make up their own personal excuses as to why they can’t take a family vacation. But we are here to tell you why you NEED to take a vacation and how saving and booking in advance ensures that you do! 

why it’s important to save for your vacation

Many people don’t have the capacity to just book a flight and take a two-week vacation at any time. If you’re like us and you want to take a vacation, it can take time to save up the cost to truly afford a trip and have a great experience. 

You need to save for your vacation because if you don’t, you may end up going years without dipping your toes in the sand or skiing down those slopes. Those years just end up going to waste along with all the Paid Time Off that you may have accrued.

So, whatever your ideal vacation is, start saving and searching now! Don’t let another year go by without taking the time off for yourself and family.

Another reason to save for your vacation is so you can enjoy your vacation while you’re there. Knowing you set aside money to spend will help you have fun without stressing on how much you’re spending.

It will also prevent over-spending and using money that should be used towards other important bills.


why it’s important to plan

Scheduling your vacations ahead of time gives you and your family something to look forward too.

As a kid, I remember when my parents would tell us months in advance when we were going to Hawaii or Disney. I looked forward to that time! I couldn’t wait until our family vacation.

Depending on your type of vacation, if you book early you can actually save money! Vacations like cruises for example.

Many cruise lines love to give out promotions to cruises a year in advance to get things booked up. Plus, by booking early you have the option to make payments throughout the year.

Another reason to book early is you’re more likely to go through with actually going. By booking early, you have the time to put in for PTO and schedule things in advance.

Plus, it also allows time for any family member to ensure that their documents, like passports, are up to date. The last thing you want is to pay more for a rushed passport because they can be up to $200 dollars.

Tips on how to budget for a yearly vacation 

Figure out how much your vacation is going to cost because the price is going to vary depending on where you are going and what you will be experiencing while you are there.

I like to schedule a year in advance because it gives you more time to save and pay it off. However, if you can afford and budget for a vacation sooner than a year away, then go for it!

Once you’ve broken it down, then add it in your budget. Look at it as a necessity like your mortgage/rent payment. After all, taking a vacation should be a priority for everyone! 

I hope this has inspired you to start searching, saving, and even book your next family vacation because you deserve it! Your family deserves it! 
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Tips on Staying Cool During a Summer Camping Trip

Tips on Staying Cool During a Summer Camping Trip

by | Camping | 1 comment

Camping and Summer go together like peanut butter and jelly. For many families, it’s a super fun activity when the weather warms up. For my family, this was definitely the case.

We absolutely loved and still love going tent camping in the summer. My first camping trip was when I was barely a year old. I can still see the picture of my dad laying on the camping chair and holding me up in my little bathing suit making me laugh. Oh, the memories!

Then, my family and I would always camp on the water at Lake Texoma in Oklahoma. It was about a 4-hour drive from where we lived in North Texas. While camping we enjoyed swimming, playing, skipping rocks, setting up the camp, building fires, and making smores and hot dogs.

Camping with my brother and sisters was a highlight of my childhood.

Along with camping, I also remember it being extremely hot at times. So, staying cool was essential and of course, we got creative.

Tip 1: Water, Water, and more Water!

Staying hydrated is the most important thing you can do when camping in the summer heat to stay cool. Your body is 60% water therefore if you become dehydrated, not only will it make you hotter but there can be extreme risks that could end you up in the hospital. So drink a lot of water.

Another reason water is so important to stay cool is it can be used in other ways. We would pour water over our heads, wet our hats, and even take a cold bottle of water and hold it on our neck for a few minutes. These worked wonders to get cool quick when you just can’t take the heat. So always have water in your cooler.

Tip 2: Portable Fan w/mister

I remember when this option came out! Each one of us had our own personal handheld mister that ran on batteries. It was the talk and must have for years. I honestly still think they are amazing and work wonders for camping in the summer heat. Plus they come in multiple sizes and colors for the whole family.

Also, If you’re camping near a plugin for the electricity they even have larger stand up misting fans you can bring along. Just another great way to stay cool in the summer heat.

Tip 3: Stay in the Shade and Relax

I know how tempting it is to get that nice sun-kissed tan while on a camping trip. Just the thought of laying out and soaking up the sun is intriguing. However, the sun is not only extremely hot but it can dehydrate you as well as de-plenish your energy levels. When camping I always try to listen to my body and when I need to cool off I find a nice shaded area, grab a bottle of water, and relax.

Staying in the shade protects you from direct UV rays, it keeps you cooler than being in the scorching sunlight and allows your body to recharge. So stay safe and cool by staying in the shade. You can even bring along a shade tent like this Portable Shade Canopy.

Tip 4: Swimming pools/Lake swimming/Kayaking/Paddle Boarding

Depending on where you choose to camp at, this one is either a great idea or doesn’t apply. As a kid, we would always go camping in Oklahoma right on Lake Texoma. Therefore swimming was a given when we camped.

We all had our individual floats to go swimming and cool down during the hottest time of day. I say “all” because there were 6 kids and 2 adults and camping was a cheap and fun vacation. It truly was the best time! The water always felt so amazing and kept us cool, especially when the temperatures reached above 90 degrees.

So if you have floats, a Kayak or two, or paddleboard, these are great to take camping. They keep you cool, active and enjoying the great outdoors.

Tip 5: Take a quick trip to town

This one is kind of a splurge. I mean we all “forget” something we need whether it’s marsh-mellows for the smores or batteries for the misting fan. Finding an excuse to go into town was something us girls mastered while camping. It gave us the greatest opportunity to get some nice cold air conditioning. (We didn’t have an RV).

After spending all day in 90 plus degree weather, there is nothing better than walking down the freezer section in the grocery store. Talk about a way to cool down!

Tip  6: Wet Towel or Bandana

This one I learned not only from camping trips but also all the softball games I played as a kid. Having a wet towel or bandana wrapped around your neck is amazing. They actually make special cooling neck towels now with the ability to put ice cubes in, and they are made out of a special kind of material that stays cooler longer.

On top of the neck towels, they even have cooling full body towels that can be used for camping or any activity outdoors. I love how things can develop over the years!

Stay cool and enjoy your camping trip! I hope all or some of these tips will help you when planning and going on your next camping adventure. They are essential techniques for me to make sure I stay cool, safe, and hydrated. Like I mentioned these are tips I grew up learning and implementing while camping in the summer heat.

I truly believe they are great options for everyone in the family and I especially love the personal misting fans!

Enjoy your next camping trip with your spouse, family, or friends and take these cooling tips along with you!

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8 Fun Rainy Day Activities While RV Camping

8 Fun Rainy Day Activities While RV Camping

by | RV Tips

Rainy days are an all year event, and while most can be predicted with technology and the weathermen there are those times they come at a surprise. Nothing is worse when your RV camping and it begins to rain Cats and dogs outside. Not literally ‘cats and dogs’ but you know what I mean!

Now with the rain, the entire camping trip you had planned with some hiking, bike riding, exploring and maybe even some fishing has been brought to a standstill. What are you and your family going to do now that it’s raining and you’re already all set up at the campground?

Good news! It’s all not a loss! There are always some fun activities you can make sure to bring with you to pass the time. Whether it’s just you and your significant other or you have the kids along for the adventure. So, check out our 8 favorite fun activities to do while waiting for the rain to pass.

1. Puzzles

I absolutely love doing puzzles. It’s surprising how much they can actually teach you on a personal level but also the time seems to fly by with all the concentration that will be happening. I enjoy the large 1000 piece puzzles, but it is always nice to have the smaller 250 or 500 piece puzzles that the whole family can enjoy and complete in a shorter time. No matter the number of pieces, completing a puzzle can bring a great sense of accomplishment for the whole family.

2. Board Games or Card Games

Who doesn’t love a long game of Monopoly? As a kid, this game was epic in our household and we loved taking it places to pass the time. Depending on the age group, of course, there are plenty of board games or card games out there. To name a few is Apples to Apples, Cards against humanity, Poker, Yahtzee, Chutes and ladders, and clue. These are great options to have on hand. Some are for a more mature audience while others are for the younger campers.

3. Movie/Show Marathon with Popcorn/Pizza

We love a good movie or show marathon or as others may say ‘binge-watch party’. The Avengers/Marvel Movies are huge right now and rainy days make a great opportunity to get all caught up. Maybe you enjoy the Star Wars episodes or Game of Thrones. These are great options for movie/show Marathon days. Of course, don’t forget your favorite treats whether it’s popcorn, pizza, candy, or ice cream! Yum!!

4. Get Crafty! Write a fun book/color/draw.

This one is fantastic if you have kiddo’s or if you enjoy drawing/coloring yourself. The kids get to use their imagination while the adults get to step back into the days when their imagination soared. If you do not have kids, adult coloring books are great to pass the time and create a beautiful piece of art.

5. Cook or Bake a fun new recipe

This idea can be great for couples or bringing the whole family together. If you’re in an RV, chances are you have a stove or oven that you cook or bake with. For us, since we are fulltime we make all of our meals and desserts in our RV. This means we have tons of ingredients to be able to make things from scratch. If you don’t have all the ingredients, that’s okay! When it comes to cooking, experimenting can be just as fun as following a recipe. Who knows, you all might create a MasterChef masterpiece.

6. Go Play in the Rain (As long as there is No Severe weather, of course)

When I was a kid we would go play in the rain all the time! We absolutely loved throwing on our rain boots and jackets to go dance and jump in all the rain puddles. I only suggest this if the weather is not severe. Meaning no lightning, hail, or potential tornados and high winds.

7. Read a good ole book and relax

Sometime Rainy day means now is the time that you can finally relax a little. Our lives are so busy that the rain allows you to slow down. Maybe you’re a reader but with all of the craziness you haven’t been able to open up a good book, now is your chance. So open up that good book, spend a few hours relaxing and lose yourself in a great story.

8. Pamper yourself/ “Me Time”

Paint your nails, make homemade masks, and enjoy a nice hot cup of delicious chamomile tea. Rainy days make a great time for the girls to have some girl time. For the men, enjoy the “me time or guy time” during the rainy days go ahead and play games, research a favorite hobby, or build something.

I hope you’ve enjoyed these 8 awesome activity ideas that will help any RV camping trip get through the rain showers. Rain doesn’t have to ruin a good camping trip with the family or significant other. Finding great ways to pass the time, unite again as a family or couple, and enjoy each other’s company is the power that the rainy days can have.

If you have some awesome activities you love and enjoy on rainy days, please share below. We would love to hear!

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