Hello, I am new to all this camping lark but game for a laugh and this year I have agreed with a couple of mates that we will take the little ones for a camping trip (and give mum a break for the weekend).
I wonder if any one has recommendations for child friendly sites around Gloucs, Wilts, Shropshire, H & Worcs, etc. Some of the children are 8/9 and couple under 4/5 and so we are uncertain how they will all take to it but hopefully good weather and fresh air will see them right. In addition kids facilities will surely convince them that its fun.
If anyone also knows of any good tips when camping with the younger generation please share-as I say, I am very green when it comes to canvas and sleeping bags
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why not try camping on a haven site around those areas, the campsites are usually a seperate camp than the main holiday park but you get to use all the facilities ,so it would suit all ages and if it rains there is somewhere to go to keep the kids enertained (nothing worse than kids stuck in a tent due to the weather). I have in the past found the haven sites to be a lot cheaper to pitch on some from about £5 per night per tent.
Hello Uncle Max and welcome to ukcs. And well done to you & your mates for getting together like this! My best friend and I take our kids away without Dads but when we suggest that they could do the same without us they run a mile!
I don't know the areas you want to go camping in but I'm sure you'll get plenty of suggestions from those who do.
As for whether the kids will take to it, well it sounds like they'll have plenty of friends to start with, so if you start with that and then just make sure they are warm enough, have waterproofs, and plenty to do then they'll love it. You know your kids best so you'll know if they are likely to enjoy cards & board games (always starts a riot with mine, but many kids do enjoy them) or books, and drawing, treasure hunts, 'spotting' games etc.
Also get them involved in the camping activities as well, blowing up airbeds, holding tent pegs, fetching water etc.
As for equipment, how many are you looking to sleep in your tent, who will share rooms, how do you plan to cook,
what is you budget (for the tent & for equipment). A lot of the stuff you can cobble together from home and relatives/friends rather than splashing out before you're really sure if its for you.
One essential point to remember is that to get the most out the experience you need to have the best tent you can resonably afford, as there is nothing worse than being stuck in bad weather in a tent that's too small, leaks, or even worse collapses on you.
But I'm sure you'll have a great time in brilliant weather, after all, we're due some this year! Just be prepared for the not so brilliant weather.
I hope you and your mates really enjoy the special times you'll have with your kids.
Hi uncle Max i suggest that you read as much info on here as you can .Keeping the kiddys warm at night is one of the first hurdles.What kind of tent , sleeping bags ect, air beds and othe stuff do you have ?Also take other stuff as in games, crayons , dominoes, cards.Have a look at quieter sites to. Forest fields ,Wales is one thats popular(Sorry guys can some one hyper link site).Keep asking questions to someone will be along to answer.
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
Also check out Mumsnet.com - they have a whole section on kid friendly campsites in their holiday review section, with plenty (in fact most) in the south. A note of caution - you may be best to steer clear of Camping and Caravanning club sites as they have a strict no noise policy after 11pm and often don't allow ball games. In my experience, when a group of Dad's are camping together the days include lots of games of footy or cricket and evenings involve a few beers and laughs when the kids are supposedly going to sleep!
I would second Safeway56's recommendation for Fforest Fields...does not have a 'play area' and 'facilities' as such but the site is just great for kids with a stream and pools and just general getting wet and playing -you can take bikes as well. My two love it!... If you want more facilities 'laid on' ... indoor pool, play areas etc Whitemead in Forest of Dean is good although I think it gets booked up quite quickly. Sarah x
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Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
Hi again Uncle Max. This post got moved because it mentioned campsites in the title. If you post again on Camping under Canvas asking about camping with kids you'll get more people looking and replying.
Try Lincoln Farm in Oxfordshire. It is listed in the 'campsite search' section. It has a great play area, open ball space and an indoor pool. Plus hens, rabbits & guinea-pigs. Lovely and clean and tidy. Plus a nice pub with a lovely garden 100 yds away I don't think you need to go to an all-singing all-dancing site, the novelty of camping and space to play together will be enough for the children. Maybe make sure there is a field/ball area at whichever campsite you choose, then they can run all that steam off and people won't be concerned at having a ball kicked into their tent/caravan!
Have a great time and remember, mistakes don't matter, we all make them!
------------- Angie ~~
~ If you see someone without a smile give them one of yours ~
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Dad`s taking the kids camping
I don't think you need to go to an all-singing all-dancing site, the novelty of camping and space to play together will be enough for the children. Maybe make sure there is a field/ball area at whichever campsite you choose, then they can run all that steam off and people won't be concerned at having a ball kicked into their tent/caravan!
