ExPo Dads?

[offero]

So I have a 20-month-old son who already loves the outdoors—what toddler boy doesn’t though—and who might just like camping. A few friends with adult children always speak nostalgically of taking their toddler camping for the first time at 1-2 years old, but I know it’s a fair amount of work. The problem is that mom just isn’t into it. She’ll hike, but there’s no way she’ll spend a weekend in the desert or mountains camping. I think taking my son out solo would be biting off more than I can chew until he's older.

Any families here who do young kid-oriented trips? You know crack-o-dawn wake-ups, hanging around camp for naps, fairly quiet after kids go to bed, etc.

It would be fun to get a family camping group together for some adventuring in the SoCal deserts, Sierras, and beyond.

[Herbie]

I'm in a similar situation to you, but about 11 months further along (daughter is 2-1/2). Mom's a good sport, but isn't a full-on enthusiast just yet, but daughter begs to go camping at least once a week.

I come from backpacking, so finding the ExPo was a big thing for me - I want my daughter to get used to waking up in the middle of nowhere. That said, we've been sticking mostly to campgrounds thus far. Partly because I'm still building the rig, and partly because it makes life easier for Mom, who still has to spend a lot of time with the kid while I setup camp, cook, etc. Once our daughter is a bit older, we'll be pushing farther out into the wilds, and possibly just as daddy/daughter trips. When I can sit her down with an activity and KNOW she'll stay there for 20-30 minutes while I cook a meal or whatever, then I'll feel better handling her on my own.

[CA-RJ]

We have a 16 month old. We first took him camping at 8 months. He did "alright". The first night camping with his is usually rough, but he tends to do well. Last May, we did a 2 week camping trip through Colorado and he did great. We usually try to plan naps around driving time (ie do something in the morning like hike and then drive somewhere while he sleeps and then do a second activity). The evening is usually the hardest, but he usually ends up falling asleep in the tent before we go to bed. It is a lot of extra work, but I feel like we are laying the groundwork for future fun for all.

[ljtuck]

I am a stay at home dad with 2 boys (3 and 5). I am no where near SoCal, so probably won't plan any trips with you, but...

In my situation, it helps that my wife is into the outdoors too, so that make it easier. All I can say is get out there and do what you love. It is a bit different with kids, but they are very adaptable. Start out small and stick with what you are comfortable with. I know that I was always a bit more careful in my off-roading choices when I went by myself with my boys - only because if something happened, even getting stuck, it can start to suck pretty fast! Carry extra diapers, food, and have a way to communicate with civilization in the beginning.

If it helps for encouragement.... We took my oldest son on a Helicopter fly in week long ski trip when he was 20 months old. He was the oldest kid out of 5 on that trip! He went with us to Moab in a tent when he was 10 months old. We go to Moab every year. Last year we spent about 5 weeks in our little Boler. A 3 week trip through central Oregon, a trip to Moab and a bunch of other places.

We have found that just getting out there and doing it early on helps as the kids just realize it's part of life. They usually love it! And it's pretty easy for a toddler to spend an hour playing in the dirt while you make supper. It get's easier the older they are that's for sure. We also do less tent camping now and more trailer camping - but the way I see it is that it is only for a few years. Plus, there's something pretty cool about being a kid again yourself. The first time they see a campfire, roast marshmallows, etc.... It's a blast.

[Dirtytires]

I say go for it. I have two young boys and they like to camp. I think being involved with the Boyscouts and
all seem to have helped. I am at home as well. As they were small I took them everywhere with me, outings,
parks, hikes, bikeing. It is good for them to be outside. Good for the body and brain.

[SilverBullet]

We have 3 kids and we all love to camp. We bought a tent trailer a few years ago and that made us a little less of a tent family, but if u want to set up a family trip, we would be interested.

All 3 of ours camped even when petty training, so camp grounds with pit toilets were a plus for our family, just good for thought.

[hoaxci5]

Step up and do it. I took my 2 year old twins through 27 states last year while my wife was deployed. On top of other camping trips and wheeling trips. Just keep in mind they are in charge, or else you won't have fun.

[Dirtytires]

Step up and do it. I took my 2 year old twins through 27 states last year while my wife was deployed. On top of other camping trips and wheeling trips. Just keep in mind they are in charge, or else you won't have fun.

So true.. So true.

[hoaxci5]

Make sure you have a kid carrier backpack, if you want to hike my kids sleep right in the pack, no need to plan around nap time. A lot of time they wake up if we stop. (I'm talking when my wife and I go together since I have twins) I wouldn't dare to try to complete a hike with my 2 kids solo...

My kids also sleep well in their car seats, so if you are travelling from site to site, what I would do is wake up and pack up, then drive for an hour or two and stop for lunch. After lunch my kids normally take a nap so I could get several more hours of peaceful travel. It's all about knowing your kids schedule and sort of planning around that, but making sure you keep flexible also..

I'd recommend heading out to someplace close by for an easy overnight trip. Coral Canyon or Ocotillo Wells, you will be close enough to home that if you just can't handle it you can drive home.

[Hill, Bill E.]

There's a 12 year age difference in my two boys, but both were out with me fairly early on.

It was a big motivation for 'potty training', as once they had that down, then they could go on multiple night trips with dad.

Lost some 'friends' along the way, as they didn't have kids, and didn't really care for having kids around the camp site.

Not a great loss, as I have made some true friends who also love to bring their kids out.

My wife doesn't mind camping, but doesn't care to go as often as I do, so it's usually me and one of the boys.

My oldest was very timid when young, while my youngest I had to keep one eye peeled all the time, or he would be out on his own little 'hike'!

Best thing to do is start small, close to home as mentioned. See what works.

As they get older, include them in with the planning and packing, making sure they bring something that is special to them.

My local Jeep club does a 'Fathers Day Run' every year, where we take the kids for 2-3 days and camp. Activities include trail riding, hiking (for some) fishing, etc.

Hilight of the night is 'Toasted Twinkies' over the fire!

We started out with Geo-Caching, making day trips around the local area, then finding caches farther out from home, and finally far enough that we had to camp.

So each 'stage' was a little more comprehensive, and the boys had a blast helping plan, researching where to camp, what there was to do there (hike, fish, swim, etc)

Once that was going good, I started bringing them farther out, hitting some of my favorite hunting and fishing areas.

Whether it's woods or dessert, nature is full of things to keep kids interested.

[nwoods]

You might enjoy Mark Stephen's blog:
http://www.adventureparents.com/blog/adventure-dads-blog/556-twenty-miles-per-cookie-book-review.html

[ljtuck]

Here's 4 random shots of camping with the kids. A couple of things we learned that might make it easier for you:

- get one of those strap on booster seat / table things. They can strap onto picnic tables, tailgates, sit on the ground etc....
- we used to bring along those interlocking mat pieces (the blue mats in the pics) when my kids were really little and it sort of helped keep them out of the dirt for a bit.
- find a decent pack-n-play folding playpen for when they are really little and you need to contain them for a bit. Your 20 month old might already be past that stage.
- letting them learn that fire is hot early on is really a lot easier than trying to keep them away from your campfire.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-64G97xWqUcc/TyqsbOWfYhI/AAAAAAAAAVE/7GFbNyqtcWI/s400/2011-09-25%252012.03.10.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-q0mKt7o_rn0/TyqvJe1uvOI/AAAAAAAAAVY/S7yt46COoLI/s400/DSCN1022.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NGnwJWpIUBI/TyqvXYcwE3I/AAAAAAAAAVg/KomgqrzVmWw/s400/DSCN1088.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-n1MGX_3bynQ/Tyqvm6aEIxI/AAAAAAAAAVo/05qbH2eeBMA/s400/DSCN1067.JPG

[offero]

Wow, what a response! I might just try to take my son out for an overnight when the weather warms up a bit more in the desert. A 1.5 hour drive shouldn't be too bad. He GENERALLY stays put if he has toys to play with or dirt in front of him! I'll just have to plan super easy meals.

I do have a kid backpack that my son likes to sit in already. I think he likes being up high and checking everything out. He used to always grab branches and stuff while hiking our local urban canyons, but now just sits there and looks around and babbles about what he sees.

I like the idea of those interlocking mats. Probably better than astroturf, which I was thinking about getting to put under a shade cover.

Thanks for the ideas guys.

[bunduguy]

We started camping with my son at 6 months. Take a stroller and a carrier (we used a Moby wrap, which is awesome). My first solo night was at 2yrs, and he did very well. Our first couple of trips were withing an hr of home. Let him get used to it and if there is a chronic tantrum or conditions go South, you're not far from home. I do remember coming home at 2:30am when temps plummeted and he was suffering from an elevation headache. Was a blessing to be close to home. Now i can take him 3hrs away and do a boys only camping night or 2. Good for the bonding and gives mommy a break.

[digitaldelay]

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-64G97xWqUcc/TyqsbOWfYhI/AAAAAAAAAVE/7GFbNyqtcWI/s400/2011-09-25%252012.03.10.jpg


Lake Minnewanka?

Jason

[ljtuck]

Close! This was actually little Elbow Lake in the Highwood Pass.


Lake Minnewanka?

Jason

[digitaldelay]

Close! This was actually little Elbow Lake in the Highwood Pass.

Ah, yes. Went car-camping there once in 2000. Good times!

Jason

[GroupSe7en]

I took my 2yr old son across the Trans Labrador Highway 2 summers ago, just the two of us.
WE HAD A BLAST!

Changing diapers while dodging sparrow sized mosquitoes in the middle of nowhere - it was epic.

Do it and have fun.

my 2¢

[matt s]

Have to second the strap down booster seat and pack and play for sleeping. Works wonders. We had our boys out around 1 year old no problems.

[psykokid]

we took my son on his first camping trip when he was just shy of 1 year old. We had the pack and play with us and it really was a necessity. Only year we brought it though. He's now 7 and we've done numerous trips since then and loves camping. Here he was this summer up at a little alpine lake near Lassen Volcanic national park..
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7Cvr-bLiCZk/ThnvcG2hvFI/AAAAAAAAGr4/2Z1xfBAlePE/s800/IMG_3262.jpg
We're planning a 2.5 week trip this summer in the pacific northwest / vancouver island and he's uber excited. As a matter of fact he keeps egging me about fixing the Rover because he wants to go offroading again..

[khronus79]

Do it, you'll never want to go camping alone once you try it, kids are awesome they get a kick out of everything.

[Dirtytires]

Just be prepared to answer all kind of questions.

[offero]

Yeah, my son at 20 months already is getting a kick out of everything outside. Hoping to put together an overnight first-time trip with low-maintenance food prep and plenty of activities. Maybe when nighttime warms up a bit in the desert... April.

[Dirtytires]

My youngest is like me. Likes to be outside and all, And Jacob the oldest likes to be a relaxed body ,more like his Mother.

[grimbo]

Both our boys love camping as does my wife. Sleeping has never been an issue, they sleep better in a tent.

Have taken my oldest solo a few times. He is very laid back which made it easy but helped camping with another family.

As long as you can keep them warm and comfortable at night, can clean them up at bed time, get some food into them, realize they will operate at their own pace and that they will be interested in the strangest things so you have to go with the flow you will all be fine.

[Dirtytires]

Cute pics..^^

My monsters
88406

[photoman]

Pretty much adding to the consensus here. Just go do it and leave mom at home if you have to.

My son's first trip was when he was 9 mos old. Took a bouncy chair & a playpen. For a couple years we did a father and sons trip each summer with kids ranging from 9 mos to 4 years old. Brought there Tonka trucks, fishing poles (w/o hooks) and they never complained. I will say some kids don't like going number 2 in the woods when they are potty training but now that you can pickup a portable toilet seat for next to nothing I think that would make things a lot easier.

I have also been taking my son on week long father and son road trips since he was 3. Going to National Parks is a great way to get your gets into the outdoors starting from 2 yrs old with the junior ranger program. I have no idea how many of those badges my son has.

Just did a trip with two other dads a couple weekends ago. We were worried we were going to have to entertain the kids by off roading and finding some fishing areas. Between bb guns, rock formations, and glo sticks we never left camp.

I will 2nd some previous comments and suggest you do it at your kids pace. A cranky or whinny kid doesn't make for a happy dad either.

[Ford Prefect]

For those of us with small kids, who are now walking...

I went to wal-mart and picked up a nice retractable 15 foot long dog leash and it has been great. I strap it around my son's mid section, or belt line, either way, and he can get around and play plenty, but I do not have to pay a ton of attention to him while I am working on something. Other than that I can stick him in the jeep for a little while to play while I am doing things as well.

My wife and I picked up a nice little pop up tent trailer, and that has been amazing for us. We can get the kids down inside, and still have time for one another. Plus if your spouse is not so into camping, a real bed, real dinner table, and a sink and stove to cook on are a big plus.

Our trailer did not come with a toilet in it (nor the stove come to that) the PO kept both for some odd reason. So I went to home depot and bought a little orange five gallon bucket, and then I got a seat that was made to snap onto the bucket, with bags that line the thing. It works great, instant toilet and it only cost me about ten bucks. Grab the bag in the morning, toss in the baby's diaper, and find a trash can to put it in!

Last thing, we end up having to stop some more than my wife and I would like, but we get the kids running around a bit, and it helps a lot. We also have a nice movie system that we can hang on the back of our chairs for the boys to watch. This type is better than the built in set up because you can also take it inside the trailer and the kids can watch a short or something while they are getting ready/ winding down for bed.

Well, that is how it works for me. Don't be afraid to take the kids out by yourself Dad, you can do it.

Pleasant travels!

[Ranchero]

I'm fortunate that my wife loves camping as least as much as I do, but I've taken many trips with just my son beginning when he was under a year old. The key for me was (and is) to adjust my expectations about what I can do with and without my family. In the beginning, camping was pretty much sitting around the campsite and taking short walks around camp (or longer ones in the Baby Bjorn or Kelty kid carrier thingy). It is amazing to see him learn about the world - he makes me slow down and examine nature in ways I wouldn't do on my own. If I needed to take my eyes off him for awhile I would put him in the bear bait container below. By 3 or 4 he was requesting camping trips often and he could do shorter bike rides and hikes ( a mile or two - good time for wheelie practice for me). By 6 or 7, he would occasionally bring a friend along (this is a fantastic thing!) and a 3-5 mile ride or 3 mile hike was OK. Now at 9, we can ride 10-15 miles together and ride many of the trails I would ride on my own. He helps make meals, pack the van, light the campfire and tells ghost stories. That part of my life is easily the most rewarding.

We always take lots of fun things with us depending on the season: board games, binoculars, slingshot, whiffle ball and bat, kite, nerf football, frisbees, baseball mits, sled, legos. etc

I imagine that if you and your kids get out there often, the wife will soon follow.

89485

setting up the tent...
89489

Rainbow Trail
89490

Winter camping at Great Sand Dunes.
89491

[nwoods]

Fantastic post Ranchero

[comac90]

Just adding to what everyone else has said ...

We have 4 kids: 8yr, 6.5yr, 2yr ,and 10 months - and they all were camping by the time they were 6 months old. My wife, fortunately, loves it, too. She has even gotten into the lighter off-road driving part of it from time-to-time.

I second (or is that a 'third') the Kelty kid pack. We bought one 9 yrs ago, and every kid has had their time in it; often taking extended naps on hiking trips (whew! - just had a flashback of a 12k' day hike with our first at 9 months old snoozing the better part of the day. It's amazing how fast they grow!). We also love the Pak-n-Plays. We now lug two of them on the trips. We have a Kelty 9-person tent that perfectly fits 2 set-up Pak-n-Plays and a double blow-up mattress. The two older kids sleep a two-man tent.

Definitely, go for it! We run solo often, but hook up with another local 'overlanding family' with 3 kids pretty regularly. In fact, he and I are taking our oldest kids on a weekend 4-wheeling/camping trip in April while our sweet wives stay with the youngest ones.

Have fun!

T

[dorton]

It seems like all the posts in this thread are with little boys. I didn't see anyone specify little girls. I'm ready to start taking my 2 year old on trips. I'm curious of any tips on overcoming obstacles encountered during their experiences.

[Safado]

Besides how they pee, there's not much of a difference or reason to treat them any differently. Try Pee-Mate and Go-Girl for that. Although I do find myself setting up a dedicated latrine (shelter, seat, hole/catch-bag) if I have my daughter with me on anything more than an overnighter...to make things nicer or more private for her. Especially if we have friends there.

I've got 4 kids, 3 boys and 1 girl ages 9, 7(girl), 3, and 1. Sometimes my wife comes, but for the most part it's been myself and the 3 older kids. We just returned yesterday from 7 days in Baja and it was a blast! (check out the thread -BAJA! (http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/75840-My-Baja-2000) A lot of work, but I'd do it again today. I think Ranchero said it best...adjust your expectations. When you take your kids along, it's about them...your fun is in watching them have fun. But that's what being a dad is. You might get a few moments to yourself here and there or in the evening, but then again you may choose to use that time to snuggle up and go to bed early. ;)

Realize that initially YOU are their only resource for everything, and it can get exhausting. At home, they've got it pretty figured out...food in the fridge, bathroom, water at the sink, clothes in the drawers, TV, etc. Just as in the home you've had to teach them to be self sufficient, helpful with chores, and entertain themselves, you need to do this in the outdoors. Where to get food, water, activities to do, where to be careful, appropriate behavior, etc. They're all teaching moments, make them fun and you'll both enjoy them better. But realize that it's still parenting...just a different environment.

Advise? Get them their own stuff...chair, sleeping bag, bag of clothes, etc. It's easier to teach them to be self sufficient if they know their boundaries. Let them help plan the menu and do the food shopping. Plan a fun activity or experience for the day and/or evening. Plan a fun dessert. Don't sweat the small stuff. Repeat often.

Hope that helps.

[dorton]

Awesome insight. Thanks!

[srgsng25]

i have to chime in to this LOL we have been a camping family since my daughter could walk when she was almost 2 we did lots of state parks and that was almost 14 years ago

Now we have 2 kids 15 1/2 daughter , and 12 year old son who is autistic plus my daughter tag along friends we roam from state, federal parks or DNR Lands

our kids loved just being out in nature granted we had to make sure we didn't bring any extra friends home LOL my daughter was always trying to bring new pets home LOL

So our advice so adventuring have fun give mom the day or night off LOL bike rides with bike trailers were always my favorite adventure i could got do 40-50 miles and relax

[Herbie]

It seems like all the posts in this thread are with little boys. I didn't see anyone specify little girls. I'm ready to start taking my 2 year old on trips. I'm curious of any tips on overcoming obstacles encountered during their experiences.

Agree with Safado and others - no differences between boys and girls at that age. Heck, in the sub-3 crowd, most are still in diapers either way. Here's our 2-year old girl at the recent SoCal Desert Rendezvous:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-k50yLlbu8qg/T3HzeRwOdlI/AAAAAAAAE1k/MUmy39TcpME/s640/IMG_5255.JPG

[offero]

Wow, lots of experience, advice, and good memories of adventuring with family in this thread. Haven't gotten my 21 month old son out yet, but planning to in a couple weeks. Now to find some of those locking foam mats that ljtuck recommends. Those sound ideal for camping in the desert.

The posts on girl camping will come in handy in a couple years... we just found out that #2 is a girl.

[HillbillyfromAL]

Just a heads up for you the REI outlet has The North Face Tigger sleeping bag on sale right now. I bought 2 last week for both my boys their 2 & 3. My oldest made me camp out with him in the back yard almost every weekend last summer through the fall. I took him out to Pike NF a handful of times too. It's a lot of fun as long as the weathers nice so they don't have to be cooped up in a tent for too long. The first time out can be little rough but it gets easier every time. Good luck and have fun