If there is one thing that most parents feel apprehensive about, it’s going on a vacation with the kids in tow. Vacations for parents are often the same thing that they do every day but in a different environment. That makes it no less stressful than the regular day-to-day! Camping trips are something you should bring the whole family on, though, including the kids. These are the trips that provide the best possible opportunities to escape the city and the busyness of life.

But we know what you’re thinking – how will we all survive with only a tent and the wilderness as company? Surely, the kids will be pulling each other’s hair out in no time? Or perhaps not. In reality, there are thousands of different campsites across the country, and at least a few of them are sure to appeal to even your typically home-dwelling kids. 

A wilderness campsite in the woods, for instance, could end up fascinating young children for hours as they hunt for sticks, fish in the lake, and so on. Equally, if you’ve got slightly older kids who would hate a complete wilderness overhaul, a more amenities-heavy campsite that sees them mixing with other kids their age could be great for giving you a break. This is especially possible with something like a TRA membership. As can be seen from these Travel Resorts of America reviews, membership could see you heading to campsites that are complete with cleaning facilities and live music to keep everyone entertained. Plus, a membership like this means that you may see the same families during camping trips year in and year out, which will be great for getting even reluctant teens on board if it means they can see their friends. 

Camping is also one of the best ways to get your kids into the dirt. With all of the emphasis on indoor play and screen time the last couple of years, packing up the Tuff Stuff tents and getting the kids into muddy boots is just part of the fun. Getting into nature is so much more than just a walk in the park; it’s sunsets over the mountains and taking the kids on a mini-hike along a cliff pathway. You shouldn’t leave the kids at home when you are camping, and here are six reasons why.

• You get everyone outside. If you’re struggling to pull the teenagers off their phones and get the kids away from The Wiggles, a vacation is one thing everyone can get excited about. Camping may not thrill some of them, but it gets them outside and there are so many health benefits to being outdoors.

• You get the chance to educate. Children need to get messy to learn sometimes, and camping provides ample opportunities to do it. They can learn to fish, hike and cycle in different areas, and they can learn so much about the different types of trees and plants. It’s not something they can learn at a desk; they have to see, feel and smell it all!

• It’s a chance to bond. As a family, you might not get a lot of time together. If you choose to go camping, you’re choosing another way to bond together and that’s all part of the excitement.

• There are plenty of chances to get moving. Exercise isn’t always something you can do as a family, and camping can allow you to do it. You can run, walk and climb together and you will find that there are ample opportunities for movement and activity.

• You’re going to cultivate new experiences. Have you and the children ever foraged for fruit? Blackberry picking is so much fun when you do it for the first time as a family. You can teach your children to use a map and compass (not a SatNav) and you can even snorkel if you explore the right beaches. 

• You’ll help the kids to build some skills. Camping offers children the chance to build on some skills. Finding a suitable campsite can mean that you are able to teach them to build a fire, cook over it and even build their own shelter. You can still bring the tents, but the shelter is just for fun!