Isabella Adams shares the fun and adventures to be enjoyed when hammock camping with kids.
Being outside in the elements is always a rejuvenating, replenishing, and fun-filled time. The fresh air and rugged, rustic surroundings tap into something instinctual in all of us, offering a boost of energy and enthusiasm.
Moreover, time spent in the wilderness is notably healthy for parent/guardian-children relationships, helping parents/guardians relax, refocus, and be more attentive.
Hammock camping–setting up and sleeping in a hammock instead of a tent–is a camping style that’s gaining popularity amongst families.
The primary benefit of hammock camping is a better, more comfortable night’s sleep than trying to get shuteye on the typically jagged and uneven tent floor.
Below, we’ll explore how to make the most out of your hammock camping trip with your children:
Planning And Preparing
Adult-only camping trips are much different from planning trips with kids.
Sure, some grownups love an action-packed outdoor adventure. Yet, a group of adult friends often only require each other’s company, a campfire, and some good eats and tasty cocktails for a fabulous getaway.
Conversely, it’s best to keep things activity-oriented with children. Look for a campground that offers canoeing, paddle boarding, kayaking, biking, beaches, and interpretive trails.
Safety considerations and precautions are another essential part of preparing for a hammock camping trip.
Hammocks, in particular, present a safety challenge for children since your young ones will be swinging and overturning their hammocks the moment you’ve set them up.
Preparedness for your children getting overly exuberant and playful with the hammocks is essential. Such shenanigans will be particularly unavoidable with the younger ones. Thus, finding a clear area over which to pitch the hammock is wise. Based on your child’s size, ensure the hammock is suspended at the safest possible height for entering and exiting.
Sturdy materials are best for hammocks (e.g., parachute nylon) to ensure reliability and safety.
Essential Gear For Hammock Camping with Kids
Make setup easier by using no-nonsense suspension. Avoid complicated options like toggles, bucks, whoopie slings, etc., and stick with something child friendly that prevents errors if done wrong.
Daisy-chained webbing straps and climbing carabiners are ideal for suspending a child’s hammock since these devices don’t call for safety notches and cinching.
Ensure your young ones have child-friendly sleeping bags with reliable insulation.
Avoid backless top quilts. Instead, use regular sleeping bags that can entirely enclose your young one. Synthetic material won’t compress as easily, keeping things insulated for your children even if they roll under a quilt or off a pad.
Depending on where you camp, horse flies and mosquitoes can throw a wrench in everyone’s plans for a good night’s sleep. You and your children won’t have the enclosed walls of a tent to protect you from such buzzing, biting, and blood-sucking menaces. So, ensure the sleeping bags have built-in bug nets and extra-wide panels to let the breeze blow through while keeping the creepy crawlies out.
Add a rain tarp over the hammocks as well. This way, an ill-timed rainstorm won’t disrupt your sleep, safety, and comfort.
Don’t forget camp chairs so you can all sit comfortably by the fire and roast weenies and marshmallows.
Packing Healthy Food And Drinks
Camping is best enjoyed when healthy clean food is being eaten. Nourishing meals and snacks keep everyone fueled for outdoor adventures and exercise.
While healthy clean food is a priority, so is portability and convenience. Dried fruit (e.g., apricots, cranberries, figs, and dates) ticks both of these boxes.
Whole grain crackers, nuts, and dried cereals are also always appreciated. Grapes, blueberries, melons, oranges, plums, and watermelons are as easy to pack as they are to enjoy.
Pre-preparing veggies and dip (e.g., hummus) will prove beneficial. Carrots, celery, cauliflower, snow peaks, and cherry tomatoes travel well when pre-chopped.
If your children like hard-boiled eggs, those are another healthy option you can pre-make. They’re great for breakfast and lunch!
Safety And Hygiene Considerations
A crackling fire is probably the best part of camping–but it does present a safety concern for your children.
Follow these helpful tips to ensure your children have a sound grasp of fire safety:
- Be very clear in explaining to your child how hot the fire is.
- Don’t allow playing and running while the fire is burning.
- Ensure chairs aren’t positioned too close to the flames.
- Your children should always walk around the back of the chair’s circle (make this a rule).
- Keep an eye out for flying embers.
Establish general campsite safety rules too. For instance, shoes should be kept on at all times, and adult supervision should be required to play by the water. Hydration with clean and filtered water is also crucial.
Ensure your children follow these waste-disposal rules:
- Follow the right principle regarding waste disposal. Specifically, you want to leave as little impact on the outdoor environment as possible.
- Pack out all litter, leftover food, and trash.
- Don’t burn trash.
- Solid human waste should be deposited into 6-8 inch deep catholes 200-plus feet from camp, trails, and water.
You’ll also want to set personal hygiene and cleanliness rules with your kids.
Fun Activities And Games For Kids In A Hammock Campsite
The possibilities are vast for activities at a hammock campsite. You can go hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and general adventuring. You can be more relaxed with picnics or telling campfire stories at nighttime.
Additionally, reading and quiet time in hammocks will maximize the tentless style of camping adventure you’re on. Plus, you can carry the campfire stories over to your hammocks.
Prepare a scavenger hunt by choosing easy-to-find items at your campsite or placing items throughout the site beforehand. Your young ones will get to be intrepid explorers as they venture the rugged terrains (with your sure-handed supervision) searching for these “hidden treasures.”
Play camping-friendly games like camping charades, where everyone acts out camping activities like pitching a tent, fishing, or roasting marshmallows.
Lastly, campfire cooking is a great way to encourage family bonding while you work together to create delicious outdoor dishes.
Conclusion
This blog will help ensure optimal comfort, safety, cleanliness/hygiene, and fun for your children on your hammock camping trip.
Until it’s time to hit the road, daydream about the clear, starry nights, the pureness of the fresh air, and the magic of the outdoors. The anticipation makes it all the more worth it.
Your thoughts?
Have you tried hammock camping with kids? How did this go and what things did you do while enjoying this type of family adventure? Perhaps you haven’t tried it yet but have heard of other experiences hammock camping with kids or other like activities. Please share in the comments below.
Isabella Adams
Isabella is an experienced nutritionist and a passionate freelance writer. She uses her knowledge and experience to write about trending nutrition topics and develop a healthy and joyous relationship with food and the body. Her tips help to make healthier lifestyle choices.
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