Camping with kids adds more mess and requires more planning, but the memories and time together are well worth the effort.
You build your bond as a family as well as with each individual person as you experience the outdoors, work and play together, and spend simple quality time away from most of life’s distractions. Fall is one of the best times of year to go RVing in Michigan. The high summer season is over, and many campgrounds remain open through October.
But along with the warm colors and the satisfying apple cider come cooler temperatures and other autumnal changes, which, though often more comfortable, does require a little different planning so that your kids can enjoy every moment.
Dropping temperatures. The days cool off as we march toward winter, and they can cool off quickly in Michigan. One day can be sunny and 60 – an Indian summer day – and the next can be 45 and cloudy with a brisk wind. The nights can get more extreme, as we begin to see temperatures occasionally drop to freezing or just above freezing. You will probably need to turn on the heat, whether it’s built in or a portable unit. Make sure portable units are away from all objects and out of reach of curious hands. Make sure your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are in good working order to keep little ones safe.
Have your kids wear a couple layers of clothing and a warm pair of socks at night. For infants and toddlers, a duvet sleep sack on top of a couple fleece layers can keep your little one toasty warm. Add a fleece hat and mittens for extra warmth. Babies under two years old should sleep on their own, not in your bed or in your sleeping bag. If layered appropriately, a pack n’ play works well.
Rainy or damp weather. Have plenty of games on hand to enjoy in the camper, and be ready with a list of nearby indoor attractions you think your kids will enjoy if you aren’t able to make it outside. Older kids can bring books, and younger kids might enjoy having a familiar toy or two around to play with. Rainy weather that forces you indoors can be a great opportunity to interact as a family in a fun, different way. Pack a small bin of craft supplies so that the kids can get creative. Have a movie with popcorn in the middle of the day, play charades, or get the kids involved in planning where they would like to go once the weather gets nice again.
Windy days. Wind can cause havoc on the road when traveling with a large, wide trailer or motorhome. Make sure your RV is well-balanced and that young children remain buckled the entire trip, even in a large Class A motorhome. Wind can also make the inside of your RV a bit brisk if any seals or vents have cracks or other signs of wear. Add some thermal curtains or shrink-wrap around windows for extra protection and to help keep the heat inside the RV.
Kids can get cold – fast! Especially younger ones. Sometimes they can’t tell you or don’t tell you because they’re having so much fun, and then you notice that their little lips are blue. A child’s body temperature can drop quickly, much more quickly than an adult’s. Add one more layer than what you would wear when dressing young children for going outside. (Read our tips for introducing kids to hiking.) For babies, put them in a front pack when able as your body heat will help keep the baby warm, and make sure the last layer of your clothing is soft so that the baby’s head has something gentle to rest against. A hat is an essential piece of gear for children of all ages (and adults!). Bring along extra layers, hats, gloves, and socks in case something gets wet and doesn’t dry in time for its next use. Make sure the kids get plenty of fluids; dehydration makes it more difficult to regulate body temperature.
What other tips do you have for camping with kids in the fall? Comment below!