Family adventures are an important part of life - whether you are beach babies, mountain lovers or forest fans!
One of our all-time favourite family adventures? A camping trip, of course.
There is absolutely nothing better than packing up the car full of tents and supplies, and heading off to the great outdoors!
1. Fresh air
Let me tell you here and now - there is absolutely nothing better for your little ones that fresh air. Nothing. Camping will allow you and your family to embrace nature in all aspects, from gorgeous walks and hikes, to sleeping outside and looking at the stars. Fresh faces all-round! Head on over to Camping Ireland to discover amazing destinations for your next trip.
2. Teaches them life skills
From pitching tents to lighting fires, and everything in between, camping is actually a highly educational adventure. Your kiddos will learn things that they will never learn in school, molding them into brilliant little campers.
3. Quality time
Ultimately, this is the best reason for camping! You and the family will spend loads of quality time together, singing, playing games and having the best time. What's not to love? If you happen to play guitar, bring it along! Singing traditional camping songs around a fire will be the best fun.
4. Ditches materialism
We all find ourselves planted in front of screens during the week - watching television while also scrolling on your phone. The heat is on, and you're loving life. Sometimes, you just need to pare it back a bit and ditch your material goods and screens. It will be good for your little ones, and even better for yourself. Camping is the perfect way to do this.
5. Tastebud training
While you're on your camping trip, you probably won't be indulging in your family's favourite foods - and that's actually a good thing. It is important for your little ones to realise that sometimes, they have to eat things they don't particularly like, purely because it is all they have. You may catch fish, and cook them yourself - which will probably freak them out! Try to get some s'mores for dessert though, because it is a camping MUST.
6. It is always exciting
Whether you're going into a lovely forest, or simply going to your back garden - camping is always an exciting novelty for kids. The idea of sleeping in the great outdoors is a thrilling thought for little people, especially if you make it exciting with games and activities. We personally LOVE building bug hotels with our little ones (sounds weird, but it is actually great fun!) or playing cowboys and Indians!
7. Get muddy
It seems silly, but these days kids don't tend to get dirty. You know what I mean - good, old-fashioned roll around in the mud kind of dirty! Camping is an excuse to play outside, and embrace the dirt. Create a make-shift obstacle course, that involves crawling through the mud. Character building at its finest.
8. Memories that last a lifetime
A family camping adventure will be one of those things you talk about when you're in your eighties, as will your kids. You will make brilliant memories that last a life time! If you have a camera, make sure you bring it to capture the special moments.
