With plenty of kid-friendly activities, limited access into and out of the facilities and neighbors that typically watch out for each other, campgrounds – especially Spacious Skies Campgrounds – are the ultimate family destination. Kids heading there for the first time might think they will be bored or miss their friends too much, but there are some proven ways to generate excitement, set parameters and maximize the chances of everyone having a good time.
“Our campgrounds are like close-knit neighborhoods, but with lower speed limits,” said Ali Rasmussen, co-founder of Spacious Skies Campgrounds. “The energy of free-roaming campground kids is great fun to watch as they bounce together on the jumping pillows, ride their bikes around the parks and splash each other in the pools.”
As the operator of 15 properties in the East from Georgia to Maine,Spacious Skies Campgrounds has seen more than its shares of families and has some ideas to get the most out of a vacation or weekend.
Here are eight tips:
- Learn before you leave. Different campgrounds have different amenities and local attractions. Gather the family together to check out websites and get a feel for their offerings. If you’ve wanted to introduce the family to river rafting, consider a local outfitter near Virginia’s Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views. Or head to Spacious Skies Walnut Grove in Maine and take a day trip to nearby Funtown Splashtown U.S.A.
- Make site reservations in advance. While spontaneous travel is fun, and sites are often available at the last minute, campers who reserve in advance can choose the sites specs and locations that best suit their needs.
- Keep your screen time to a minimum. The world’s problems will still be there when you return. Resolve to not be a part of them, if only for a few days. When you do need to look at your smart phone or laptop, keep in mind that Spacious Skies Campgrounds offers wifi at its properties.
- Let everyone in the group choose one favorite activity but build in plenty of free time. When kids are part of the planning process, their excitement for the trip grows, and they don’t feel like they’re just tagging along. Even if their chosen activities push some family members out of their comfort zone, these moments often turn into cherished memories. Finding a balance between adventure and relaxation ensures everyone feels both energized by the fun and refreshed by the tranquility of the campground’s natural beauty.
- Encourage Independent Play: Discovering Fun Amenities at the Campground. Campgrounds are ideal for fostering independence in a safe environment. With minimal vehicle traffic and low speed limits, they provide the perfect setting for children to safely explore on their bikes along designated paths. This independence is not only limited to biking; many campgrounds also offer a variety of on-site amenities designed for children. From playgrounds and arcades to walking trails, these features encourage kids to engage independently in activities they enjoy. Exploring these facilities allows children to make their own fun, build confidence, and burn off energy, all within the secure confines of the campground.
- Savor the Classic Campfire Experience.One of the quintessential joys of camping is gathering around a campfire to make s’mores. To ensure your trip feels complete, remember to pack marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. If you find you’ve forgotten these essential ingredients, don’t worry—most campground stores stock s’mores kits for just such an occasion. Enjoying the warmth of the fire while sharing stories under the stars provides a perfect opportunity for family bonding. This simple pleasure is a delightful way to connect with each other and appreciate the slower pace of nature during your camping adventure.
- Consider a Themed Weekend. One sure-fire way to get kids involved in the campground fun is to participate in some of the Themed Weekends events, staged every weekend from now into fall. Have a kid who loves astronauts and all things interstellar? Outer Space is the theme for the weekend of Aug. 16-17. Then there are those who dream of more Halloween celebrations. Spacious Skies Campgrounds delivers on this wish by hosting spooky festivities every weekend throughout October, offering new thrills each time.
- Sprinkle in Spontaneity. Sometimes last-minute activities are the most memorable. Consider heading to Catawba River Greenway and Beanstalk Journey Zip-Lining near New York’s Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks or go “inside a mountain” at Linville Caverns near Spacious Skies Bear Den in North Carolina.
As the summer beckons, prepare to turn the great outdoors into a playground that enchants both the young and the young at heart. At Spacious Skies Campgrounds, your family’s happiness is our priority, and with our broad spectrum of activities and secure, neighborly atmosphere, you’re set for an unforgettable adventure. Whether your little ones are crafting their first s’more by the campfire or pedaling joyfully around our parks, the memories made here will last a lifetime. So pack your bags, embrace the spirit of exploration, and join us under the spacious skies. Here’s to making every moment count, ensuring that your time together is nothing short of magical. CAMP ON!