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]

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.

[digitaldelay]

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

[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.