Family Tents

Family tents have many advantages when it comes to family camping. Sure every kid wants to stay in his or her own tent but let's face facts. Who sets up the family tents? Mom and dad of course.

Family tents make the whole idea of camping much simpler. There is only one tent to set up. You can get the kids to participate in setting up the family tent and the family tent promotes family bonding.

Depending on the size of your family you can choose from an almost unlimited selection of family tents. There are cabin tents that can accommodate 8 or more people. Likewise there are dome tents that comfortably can sleep 6 to 8 people and then there are multi-room tents so that you can split up the family if you choose.

Family tents are no different than most other things. You get what you pay for. When choosing a specific family tent you need to consider the advantages of a quality name. Can you imagine being out camping with the entire family and the tent starts leaking?

My advice is to stick to quality brands like Eureka, Paha Que, Sierra Designs and Gigatent. You will find that the small extra expenditure is well worth it to insure a successful family camping trip.

When you are family tent camping and want to get out of the family camping tent here are some things to keep the family busy"

1. Get wet and go splashing. Most likely you would be able to find a nice swimming spot. Whether on a big lake or a small brook, you are bound to locate a nice body of water to splash around and have fun. Swimming in a natural environment can be so much more enjoyable than swimming in a man-made pool. Just be sure that the swimming hole you find is safe for kids, normally a parks would tell you which ones are good for dips and which ones are not. Also, be careful about diving and never leave your kids swimming alone.

2. Go biking together. Most campsites have great bike trails. Riding bicycles is really fun when the view is great. It is faster and cooler than just traveling on foot. Make sure to bring a map and plan your trip so that you don't get lost. Don't ride too fast, or you might leave the kids behind. Going slow is the way to enjoy the scenery and if you speed to much you will miss what nature has to offer.

3. Watch out for birds and animals. Most camping sites and forest parks have guides and leaflets about the various animals thriving in their area. You may also bring books about wild animals and see if you can spot them. Try having a contest - the one who spots most kinds of animals wins. See the different animals that come out during the night compare them to those that come out during the day. Just keep your children at a safe distance so that they don't disturb the animals.

4. Play games in the outdoors. It may be the classic sack race, tug-o-war, or just plain tag. Nothing beats the time-tested games when done in the woods. Just be sure to play games in a clear area to avoid accidents. Also, avoid creating so much noise so that you disturb the wildlife and your fellow campers.

5. Organize a scavenger hunt. Kids love to go on quests and adventures. Scavenger hunts can be a great alternative to the role playing games kids play these days, not to mention that it is more physical, allowing your kids to exercise rather than just sit in front of the computer screen all day. Just be sure to warn your kids about the many prickly plants that could be lurking in the woods, such as poison ivy, oak and sumac.

6. Learn how to read maps and compasses. The great outdoors is a nice way to teach your children about navigation. Take out your map and compass while exploring the forest. Show your kids where you are on the map and show them where you are heading. This can also be done in conjunction with a scavenger hunt.

7. Light a campfire. This is among the most awaited activities during a camping trip. A fire can be the best way to end the day. Gather around the campfire to sing songs and tell stories (scary ones if you would like). Roast marshmallows and hot dogs. Play riddles and other word games.

8. Watch the stars. This is another night activity that can be both fun and educational. You may just simply lie on the ground and appreciate the free light show in the sky, or you may bring out a star chart and look for famous constellations and other heavenly bodies. Look for shooting stars and make your wish.

9. Bathe in the rain. The weather can be unpredictable in many places; you cannot expect to have clear and sunny skies all the time. But don't get upset if the rain starts to pour. You can have fun playing in the rain and enjoy mother earth's natural shower. Just be careful not to go out when there is thunder and lightning.

10. Just relax and simply enjoy the moment. You are in the outdoors just a few times in a year (or even in a lifetime). Enjoy what nature has to offer. Avoid bringing any electronic gadgets and simply bask in the quiet of the forest. This is the time to bond and enjoy each other's company.