Do you get the long sigh and eye roll when you tell your teenager you are going camping? I know we do. Every. Single. Time. It never fails our teenager is never excited about our camping trips no matter where we go. Even though the idea of camping doesn’t excite our teenager she actually has fun when we go. I’ll give you some tips on how to make sure your teenager has fun on your camping trips.
Give Your Teenager Freedom
The campgrounds we pick out are always super family friendly. I always feel safe letting my teenager have some freedom to explore the campground on their own and make friends. Teenagers love the idea of being trusted enough to explore on their own.
Be Flexible With Technology
I know, I know. Part of the reason we go camping is to take a break from technology and have a bit of a detox. During our camping trips I’ve found it easier to be flexible with technology. This doesn’t mean I allow our teenager to have unlimited tech time. But I do allow my teenager to have a little tech time in the evenings or if we are having a rainy day. You might want to explore an internet solution like Hughesnet internet that includes wifi to help you kids stay connected even when they are away from home to ensure that there’s no issues here.
Have Your Teenager Help
When we had our camper our teenager became a pro at packing the camper and helping with setup when we got to the campground. I also send both of our kids on adventures to search for sticks and wood for our campfires. And I let my teenager help with meal prep. Giving teenagers a role to play in your camping experience keeps them from getting bored and makes for some great bonding experiences.
Bring the Bikes
We always come equipped with bikes on our camping trips. Our neighborhood isn’t exactly biking friendly. Since the speed limits at campgrounds are so low and there are lots of loops to explore this gives kids a great place to ride bikes. My kids often spend their days riding bikes all day long in between swimming.
Find a Campground With Fun Amenities
Some of the best camping experiences we’ve had have been at some campground resorts. I know it’s not exactly roughing it. But it really makes for a fun experience for the kids to have fun things to do. Look for campgrounds with pools, waterslides and activities planned just for kids.
Is your teenager resistant to camping? How do you get your teenager excited about camping?
