Any "must haves" for camping with kids?

Trail maps for the areas you will be camping in. Kids love to hike. Starting them young builds a life long love for the outdoors.

Hikes doesn't hurt their sleeping habits either!

Lots of extra clothes for the wet and dirty play days as well as any day they eat food. :D

Another vote for glowsticks!

And someone beat me to it, but first-aid kit! A well-stocked one with steristrips, butterflies, bandaids, tape, ice packs, gauze pads, ace bandages... and Benadryl for the allergic reaction that may pop up.

Keep it simple, don't overthink it with kiddos. Unless yours are constantly glued to an iPad or XBOX, they'll figure out for themselves what they can do for fun!

Balls,... kickballs, footballs, bouncy balls, baseballs, soccerballs, etc. Any kind of ball to get the kids outside and having fun. (we usually keep a nerf football in the RV just incase)

Also agree on the flashlights. Grab a cheap pack of different color LED flashlights from any of the big box stores, and let them choose their own colors.

To go along with the flashlights and handheld radios.... batteries. Because the kids will forget to turn them off and you don't want to be the only one with out a flashlight. (due to chances of leaving them on I recommend cheaper batteries)

Kids not only enjoy glowsticks but they also become welcome nightlights at bed time to light the way to the bathroom inside the RV.

Whistles are one of the most important things that we have in our RV, our daughter or her friends don't leave the campsite without wearing one. Yes, one for each child.

Oh yeah, one other thing... a First-aid kit. Scrapes and bruises are going to happen, better be prepared with lots of band-aids, neosporin, anti-itch cream, and bug spray.

Doug

Tylenol for you.

They should each have their own flashlight. I don't know why mine always fought over that dang little flashlight.

My wife's bringing the patience;) She'll certainly let me know if I run out of it.

Dog Folks wrote:
Patience and a sense of adventure.

Remember,attitude is the difference between and ordeal and a adventure.

Camp on!

X2 on the Patience.

Nothing. Let them learn how to just enjoy being outdoors. You don't have to keep them occupied at all times - boredom encourages creativity.

Just find ways to include them in the daily stuff. Have them help with meals, even let them plan a meal each. Let them choose an activity - whether hiking, swimming, or just watching the trees sway in the wind.

Great ideas!!! I especially like s'mores=happiness;-)

Bearings, brakes and tires are on my checklist for next weekend.

Rain gear and radios I didn't think of, but are on the list now (we already have both). Some of the best times growing up were spent in a puddle or creek, so that makes sense.

Two way radios for communication with then at Campsite. Extra shoes. Water shoes, glow Sticks, Frisbee, balls, inflatable water toys, bug spray, sunscreen, lots of extra clothing.