There’s nothing quite like going on an adventure with your family. No matter where you go, you’ll create lasting memories that your kids will talk about for years to come. While traditional vacations like theme parks and resorts are always fun and relaxing, it can be even more memorable to think outside of the box when it comes to your next family outing.
Whether you’re leaving for two weeks or two days, one of the best things you can do to ensure a safe and memorable experience for everyone is to pack properly.
That doesn’t mean you need to overload your suitcase or duffel bag. With a few practical tips and strategies, you can make sure you have all of the essentials for your family, including everything to promote safety, comfort, and fun, so you can enjoy a well-prepared outdoor experience with the people you love most.
Keep it Cool
If you’re going on a camping trip or any other type of outdoor adventure, one of your top priorities should be ensuring you have enough food and water for everyone. Let’s face it – kids always seem to be hungry. If you’re doing a lot of physical activity during the day, they’ll be even hungrier, and your entire family needs to eat to keep their energy up. Of course, keeping your food safe to eat can be a challenge when you’re in the great outdoors. One of the best things you can do is to pack your cooler properly.
If you have a larger family, make sure your cooler is the right size, so you can store enough ice to keep your food at a safe temperature to avoid bacterial growth. A good rule of thumb is to make sure all foods are already cold before storing them, and to make sure your cooler is completely clean.
When it comes to strategic packing, start with a layer of ice or ice packs, and place any meat or items that won’t be used immediately in the bottom of the cooler. This will keep them the coldest and preserve them for a longer period of time. Another packing trick is to add layers of ice between each new layer of food items, including deli meats and snacks. You can also use frozen water bottles to keep things cold, and enjoy the ice-cold water once it's started to melt!
Finally, don’t open your cooler more than necessary, and keep it in a cool, shady place when it’s not in use.
If your family is spending a lot of time outdoors, especially going on long hikes or participating in other physical activities, having plenty of water and healthy snacks on hand is essential. Keeping cold water, sports drinks, trail mix, and fresh fruit in your cooler will ensure everyone stays energized without having to worry about food safety.
Keep it Safe
Safety should be your top priority when it comes to a family adventure. While being vigilant when you’re in the great outdoors is important, you can foster peace of mind ahead of time with your packing efforts.
You might not be able to avoid every potential risk when you’re spending time in nature. But, preparing yourself and your family can, at the very least, reduce the risk of injury or illness. Some of the most important things to bring with you on a family adventure include:
- Any prescription medications necessary
- A first-aid kit
- Extra clothing
- Sun protection
- Lights and batteries
It’s important to invest in high-quality gear to keep your family safe, too, including the right kind of hiking boots, a waterproof tent, sleeping bags, and more. Consider purchasing your gear from a small business. Not only will you be more likely to find unique items, but you’ll get great customer service from knowledgeable people within the industry.
Keep it Fun
Consider what you might want to do on your family adventure to make it more memorable for your kids. Hiking, fishing, and kayaking are all great ways to pass the time during the day, but why not consider packing a few extra items for a special nighttime event, too?
Stargazing is one of the best things you can do when you’re at a campsite or remote area. The stars tend to look brighter due to the reduced light pollution, and while you can simply look up from your campsite and appreciate the natural beauty around you, packing a few additional items can make the experience more memorable.
For example, consider bringing a star chart with you. It will show you exactly where to look for certain constellations based on the date and time. If you know you’re going to be spending a lot of time outside of the tent at night, packing extra warm clothes and bug spray will also help to keep everyone happy and comfortable.
Again, with a bit of strategic planning and packing, you can make the most of any family outing. So, don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path and take comfort in knowing you’re prepared to make lasting memories with your favorite people.
