RVing with kids
Happy campers
An RVing parent shares her insights on travelling with young ones
Certainly, the prospect of RVing with babies and young children seems daunting, and yes, staying home would be easier—but it wouldn’t be nearly as much fun. Parents and grandparents may be inclined to focus on the potential pitfalls and be hesitant to tackle an RVing holiday that includes kids. One’s passion for RVing need not be cast aside when children arrive on the scene. With some careful planning, RV vacations with little ones in tow can be both relaxing and rewarding.
MAKING MEMORIES: The Johnston family had fun on a recent RV trip to Vancouver Island. -photos courtesy Michelle Carr Johnston
The key to success when travelling with children is having a solid plan. It pays to know exactly where you are going and how you will get there. Knowing that you will need to pack a willingness to adapt your routine to accommodate children will ensure an enjoyable holiday.
Plan—but be flexible
Take time to research your journey, looking at your destination as well as stops along the way. Be realistic about driving times. Spending eight hours a day on the road is no kid’s idea of a vacation. If the children have regular naptimes, plan your drives to coincide with them. Accept that there will be frequent stops and that a three-hour drive may take all day. No ice cream stand, wading pool or playground will be missed by the eagle eyes of a small child. Be prepared to stop, keeping in mind that these impromptu diversions often account for the best memories.
Making memories takes time, however, and may leave you searching for a campsite late in the day. Make reservations whenever possible; there is nothing quite like finding one full campground after another and having to forge on with a cargo of bored and grumpy children.
When children are very young, choose a not-too-distant destination and plan to stay for a few days. Pulling one-nighters and packing up each morning will be tiring for both kids and grown-ups. Keep in mind that the lion’s share of the work will be left to one adult while the other is minding the children. There are few things as stressful as hooking up a trailer with little ones running amok. Not only is this immensely frustrating, it’s also dangerous.
Packing essential items
Packing for children can be a challenge, and it is tempting to overdo it. Stick to the basics and bring items that layer well. Long underwear, tights or fleece-lined pants are great for cool evenings. A couple of warm sweaters and a windbreaker will serve you better than a heavy parka. Rainwear and boots are the sorts of things that you won’t need if you have them but will guarantee a downpour if left at home.
Sunhats are a necessity and easily lost, so bring more than one. The same applies to bathing suits. Just try to get a child into a cold, wet swimsuit! I’ve also been known to drive off with swimwear drying on the bumper, so multiples are a must. Go easy on the footwear but do bring some sandals or water shoes that can be worn on the beach and in the shower.
Keep in mind that most things can be purchased along the way. For the littlest of travellers, however, it is wise to keep a good supply of diapers and baby wipes on hand. These items are not always available in campground stores, and you can’t afford to find yourself without. The same goes for baby food and formula, so stock up when you are able to. I like to stack our diapers in the bathtub while we travel—they make a lovely nest for any breakables that you may have on board.
In my experience, there is no need to bring along many toys. Kids make their own fun, especially in new environments. Most of the time, Mother Nature supplies all that is necessary and toys sit untouched while children spend hours making rock piles or sandcastles.
If at all possible, try to leave your child’s most cherished stuffed toy or blanket at home. Things are easily lost while travelling and there is no misery like that of a child who has lost her most favourite thing in the whole wide world. It becomes less of a vacation when you have to turn around and backtrack 100 kilometres in search of a stuffed bunny.
Kid-friendly places
Many campgrounds pride themselves on being family friendly. Last summer, my family spent some time on Vancouver Island at Living Forest Oceanside RV Campground. It was pure joy to discover their hot, clean showers—large enough to wash several kids at once—as well as the fabulous playground and the laundry room complete with a resident cat. Anyone who has heard the howl of a child placed under a cold shower will know the value of a hot one. On the road, I never pass up an opportunity to clean both clothing and children.
Once settled in, it is a good idea to take a tour of the campground. If your kids are old enough, have them memorize your site number. Be sure to introduce yourselves to the campground hosts or park staff. These folks will have a wealth of information about the area and will be able to suggest activities and programs that may interest you and your children.
Lastly, be sure to practise good campground etiquette. While most people like (and even have) kids, they don’t want yours running through their site on the way to the playground. And even the kindliest of neighbours will grow tired of retrieving balls and Frisbees. Remind your kids that the manners required at home still apply.
It is true that taking an RVing holiday with young children can be overwhelming to the uninitiated and unprepared. Without a plan that includes what to pack, where to go and how to get there, you are likely to run into some problems. By planning carefully, yet remaining flexible enough to allow for the unforeseen, your next RVing experience—kids included—can be your best ever.
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