Boondocking With Children

Boondocking is high on the list of one of the most iconic adventures you can do as an RV’er. From Instagram worthy photos with amazing back drops, the ability to be at locations that most others will never have a chance to visit and thoughts of being on remote land with no one in sight. It is such an alluring “idea” and something that I feel every person in the RV world loves to do or they are “dreaming” about doing it.

Let us dive into how boondocking with children can truly open some new ways of life for you and your family. When considering boondocking with children one of the first questions you will need to ask yourself is “how much screen time do my children really have?” If you have children who are not using technology, this transition will be easier, but perhaps you have children who thrive on technology. In this case, boondocking may be a bit more difficult.

Preparation is crucial to anything in life and preparing your family children and adults for a shift from a full hook up RV site to boondocking is key. The major differences will always fall around how you live your day to day lives in a typically situation. Do you start the day with RV resort activities and technology or do you start the day in your RV with perhaps books and family mealtime.

I find in our experience as a family of 5 with 3 children under the age of 8 that boondocking is a gentle reminder to bring things back to basics. Starting our days with mealtime preparing breakfast together, creating activities as a family is always the best. Setting up our days for success and embracing the art of being “bored!” This is always a tricky concept not just for children, but I see this being hard for most adults as well. You will want to be prepared for a shift in how your days are planned especially if this is not already how your days are naturally flowing.

What activities can you do while boondocking with your children? Let us look at inside activities that are easy, low cost and always a hit. Play doh and clay are always such a wonderful idea- honestly not just for young children either. If your children are older grab some modeling clay and see if they can’t create the landscape around them. Don’t forget books!  This is such an underrated activity, as younger children read together and older children do the same! Find a book that you can dive into as a family.

Painting, another activity that is beautiful to do young and old. Even if you have never held a paintbrush before, dabble your hand in some painting while enjoying the countries landscape. For little kids, finger paints can be fun outside and remember if you are boondocking, water is limited so you want to make sure to bring those baby wipes.

Good old fashioned board games, puzzles, and cards. Monopoly, Sorry, Uno and putting a puzzle together as a family. Board games have come so far these days and there are endless opportunities for children and adults to find hours of fun and play.

Lastly, hopefully you are in an area that has a dark sky. This allows for a tremendous amount of nighttime fun for you and your children. If you dabble in photography don’t miss out on your own creative time trying to capture the night sky. For your children this can become a whole learning moment without them even knowing about it. The best news is this can be done each night, and each time you will have a different experience.

There is no shortage of adventures while boondocking, make it your own, create memories and have fun.

Love,

Gwendolyn