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  • #1

    Camping and kids...

    With the due date for the birth of our first rushing towards us, I've started pondering how it will effect our lifestyle (we travel a month or two every year plus the odd long weekend trip as well)
    I'm hoping to get junior out there asap

    So lets hear your advice, tips, tricks and stories... is my off roading over or is the fun just begining??

    Mick
    [CENTER][B][I][SIZE=1][COLOR=blue]1KZ-TE Turbo Diesel, 5 speed manual, 3.5 inch lift, 265/70/17 Mickey Thompson MTZ, D-Tronic chip, Boost controller, mandrel exhaust, dump pipe, modified intake, ARB steel bar, Magnum winch, Safari snorkel, rear drawers, half cargo barrier, dual batteries, Uniden UHF, Sat Nav, reverse camera, Magellan XL , Tjm bash plates, ARB alloy roof rack, rear telescopic work light and numerous other modifications!!!
    Now with 3BAR MAP sensor & 18PSI Boost![/COLOR][/SIZE][/I][/B][/CENTER]
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: Camping and kids...

    The fun is yet to start... but it gets better once your kids are able to explore and appreciate things a little more. When they are very young, you can still do go camping and do things, but its more about protecting them and keeping them comfortable.

    Our kids love getting out there and camping. And there is nothing that brings a family closer together than being in the bush, sitting around a campfire without the distraction of TV or other electronic devices, reading, talking, laughing, learning, playing cards and doing things together, as a family.
    [B][SIZE=4]ntp
    [/SIZE][/B][COLOR=#000040][B][SIZE=1]Love the Outback............. Love my Prado.[/SIZE][/B][/COLOR]
    [I][SIZE=1][URL="http://i520.photobucket.com/albums/w328/ntpryce/Picture23.png"]My Prado[/URL][/SIZE][/I], [I][SIZE=1][URL="http://i520.photobucket.com/albums/w328/ntpryce/MyExtras.png"]My Extras[/URL][/SIZE][/I]
    [B]4wdriving First Party[/B][COLOR=#0000ff] - [/COLOR][B][COLOR=#0000ff]dןǝɥ ɹoɟ ןןɐɔ 'sıɥʇ pɐǝɹ uɐɔ noʎ ɟı[/COLOR][/B]

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    • #3
      Re: Camping and kids...

      I think our two were around a year old when when they each had their first camping trip. Best thing you can do for a kid i think, as nt said, get them away from all the usual distractions.

      We found one of those toddler safe swings to be worth their weight in gold!! Throw a rope over a tree branch and woopeee!! Hours of fun for a littlun Also double as a high chair.

      We have given in to technology for the kids with in car DVD screens, but i wouldn't go on a long trip without them now. They kids know the rules: 1) any arguing, it gets turned off, 2) no movies when we are off the bitumen, 3) earplugs must be in
      2005 TD GXL Auto

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      • #4
        Re: Camping and kids...

        Our Daughter was 10 weeks old when she had her first camping trip. With another on the way i don't think we'll wait till 10 weeks.

        We have been on so many trips now and she loves it. We just have to ask if she wants to go camping and she's heading out the door.

        It adds another dimension but if you plan well it will be great.
        2005 VX Turbo Diesel + a heap of add-ons.

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        • #5
          Re: Camping and kids...

          You need to make a few concessions like having one adult always looking after the kids etc especially if you are near water but the experience for the family is fantastic. We took #1 camping when he was about 2 and then both kids when #2 was less than 1. Setting up camp took a bit longer and things like play pens and toddler swings are extras to be packed. #1 is 16 now and still coming camping with us even though the alternative is staying with relies or mates. You wont regret it just plan ahead for what they need and what you will need to entertain them for a few sanity breaks. AND the bouncier the track and the louder the noise the better!
          My 150 build - http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread.php?27423-A-Random-approach-to-a-Bluestorm-150-GXL-D4D-automatic

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          • #6
            Re: Camping and kids...

            My Son, now 20, is doing Environmental Management at Uni - one of the biggest influences has been our camping and outback trips since they were very young. He's seen how people can enjoy the bush while at the same time protect the bush - it doesn't have to be locked away to be managed.
            [color=#000080][b]Stephen[/b][/color]
            [color=#BF0000]Aug 2008 GXL D4D Auto, White, Toyota Sovereign Alloy BB, Toyota Tow Bar, VIP Protector II Elect Rust Protection, Toyota Rubber Floor Mats, Toyota Cross Bars, Uniden UHF UH400SX-RM, AusGuard Cargo Barrier, TJM Snorkel, Diff/Trans/Auto Breathers, Platinum Seatcovers, Dual Batteries (Piranha Battery Tray, Redarc Isolator, Exide ED5), Maxtrax [/color]

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            • #7
              Re: Camping and kids...

              We first took our little fella camping when about 5 months old. Amongst the tribe that came along from 5yo to 55yo he had the best time of all of us. Dips in the river, little excursions across the country side, rain, sand everything. Was incredible to just watch him take it all in, learning and appreciating every thing in his view all the time. Can't wait to get him out there again. We could have easily done it much earlier but of course the earlier you go the less they get from it I suppose - that changes so quickly as they grow though. And as we all know, they grow very fast! I expect the next trip will see far more interaction on his part as his curiosity and motor skills develop.

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              • #8
                Re: Camping and kids...

                I should have added get yourself one of these things. Fill it with toys and amusements as it is ideal to protect the young skin from bugs in the evening and you can have some free time while knowing the kid (s) are safe. The best bit is they don't take up much room when you pack.

                My 150 build - http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread.php?27423-A-Random-approach-to-a-Bluestorm-150-GXL-D4D-automatic

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                • #9
                  Re: Camping and kids...

                  Ah yes, we had one of those too. Was a great place to set a little inflatable splash pool for those hotter days too. A very handy item to have with you for kids.

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                  • #10
                    Re: Camping and kids...

                    Our youngest (of 3) was 6 weeks old when we went bush camping (long weekend 2-3 hours from home in an 8 person, two room tent) with a group of friends with kids. We had a portable cot setup and a nightlight to do nighttime feeds. In camping as with general day to day life we found that if you let your new arrival dictate your activities (within reason of course) then you tend to not go anywhere or see anyone.

                    It wasn't a very active trip for all involved it's true and they're not likely to remember much from it :wink: but it was good practice for us to keep some kind of normality.
                    '08 Prado Grande D4D Auto - [color=#800000]Flinders Red[/color], Piranha Dual Battery, GME 3440

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                    • #11
                      Re: Camping and kids...

                      Great comments guys, I'm really looking forward to the first trip with our new addition when the time comes.

                      Mick
                      [CENTER][B][I][SIZE=1][COLOR=blue]1KZ-TE Turbo Diesel, 5 speed manual, 3.5 inch lift, 265/70/17 Mickey Thompson MTZ, D-Tronic chip, Boost controller, mandrel exhaust, dump pipe, modified intake, ARB steel bar, Magnum winch, Safari snorkel, rear drawers, half cargo barrier, dual batteries, Uniden UHF, Sat Nav, reverse camera, Magellan XL , Tjm bash plates, ARB alloy roof rack, rear telescopic work light and numerous other modifications!!!
                      Now with 3BAR MAP sensor & 18PSI Boost![/COLOR][/SIZE][/I][/B][/CENTER]

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        Re: Camping and kids...

                        Our kids (girls) loved camping...until they became teenagers.
                        And especially if we went with other families.

                        Never any concerns where they were.......usually within arms reach of the campfire, chucking on anything that would (or wouldn't) burn.
                        Despite our concerns about kids and fires, though, the worst thing that ever happened was the odd toasted marshmallow burn to tongue or lips.

                        And if it wasn't the fire, they were in the nearest creek or stream, building dams, catching tadpoles, building rafts...

                        Was great how the kids all looked after each other while the parents got to sit around, chat, have a few drinks.
                        2013 Land Rover Discovery 4 SDV6 SE
                        Ex 2008 Toyota Prado 120 VX, D4D
                        Ex 1997 Toyota Prado 90 GXL, V6
                        Ex 1988 Mitsubishi Pajero V6
                        Ex 1986 Suzuki Sierra

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                        • #13
                          Re: Camping and kids...

                          Camping with kids is great fun. Our oldest was only 16 months when we took off for round Australia trip with just our Hilux and a tent . Apart from the long driving stints (pre portable dvd players), she loved it. Now that we are back on the mainland, 6 months ago we bought a camper trailer and head off at every opportunity. The youngest of our 3 has just turned 1 and has been camping since she was 6 month old.

                          Tomorrow we are setting off for Cowell (SA) for the long weekend and if the kids are keen to spend a few more hours in the car on Sunday the tuna festival at Port Lincoln. Trailer is packed, Waeco filled, Prado full and off we go.

                          The biggest difference is the between camping with and without kids is
                          - you stop often for a wee stop
                          - you HAVE to eat at regular intervals, plan the drive around meal times
                          - you always have to have snacks and drink bottles at hand
                          - you discover soo much more around you that the little eyes spot that you normally wouldn't see
                          - the evenings don't involve much drinking just relaxing
                          - and there is definatelly no sleep in in the morning

                          You will love it. A holiday would not be the same without our kids.

                          Peter
                          [size=7][color=#0000BF]Late 2008 GXL D4D 6sp man, white, Sovereign bull bar, 2.5t tow bar, Head light protectors, Bonnet protector, Cargo mat, Front side window weathershields, Roof rack & bars, Dual bateries[/color][/size]

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                          • #14
                            Re: Camping and kids...

                            Originally posted by peteandkyles
                            The biggest difference is the between camping with and without kids is
                            - you stop often for a wee stop
                            - you HAVE to eat at regular intervals, plan the drive around meal times
                            - you always have to have snacks and drink bottles at hand
                            - you discover soo much more around you that the little eyes spot that you normally wouldn't see
                            - the evenings don't involve much drinking just relaxing
                            - and there is definatelly no sleep in in the morning

                            You will love it. A holiday would not be the same without our kids.
                            Absolutely spot on Peter. :wink:
                            [B][SIZE=4]ntp
                            [/SIZE][/B][COLOR=#000040][B][SIZE=1]Love the Outback............. Love my Prado.[/SIZE][/B][/COLOR]
                            [I][SIZE=1][URL="http://i520.photobucket.com/albums/w328/ntpryce/Picture23.png"]My Prado[/URL][/SIZE][/I], [I][SIZE=1][URL="http://i520.photobucket.com/albums/w328/ntpryce/MyExtras.png"]My Extras[/URL][/SIZE][/I]
                            [B]4wdriving First Party[/B][COLOR=#0000ff] - [/COLOR][B][COLOR=#0000ff]dןǝɥ ɹoɟ ןןɐɔ 'sıɥʇ pɐǝɹ uɐɔ noʎ ɟı[/COLOR][/B]

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                            • #15
                              Re: Camping and kids...

                              And another thing MickL... there will be no more such thing as a quick drive somewhere without much preparation. With kids on board, you need to carry all the necessities plus a few extras (including spare set of children's clothes), especially for those 'just in case' scenarios.
                              [B][SIZE=4]ntp
                              [/SIZE][/B][COLOR=#000040][B][SIZE=1]Love the Outback............. Love my Prado.[/SIZE][/B][/COLOR]
                              [I][SIZE=1][URL="http://i520.photobucket.com/albums/w328/ntpryce/Picture23.png"]My Prado[/URL][/SIZE][/I], [I][SIZE=1][URL="http://i520.photobucket.com/albums/w328/ntpryce/MyExtras.png"]My Extras[/URL][/SIZE][/I]
                              [B]4wdriving First Party[/B][COLOR=#0000ff] - [/COLOR][B][COLOR=#0000ff]dןǝɥ ɹoɟ ןןɐɔ 'sıɥʇ pɐǝɹ uɐɔ noʎ ɟı[/COLOR][/B]

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