Start in the Backyard
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If you think you have to go far to spend more than a few hours outside, think again. Plan a backyard camping trip so you can bond as a family, breathe in some much-needed fresh air, and get your kids away from the TV.
Pick the Perfect Family Tent
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One of the first steps to ensuring everyone has an enjoyable camping experience is choosing the right family tent—your home away from home where you'll sleep, relax, and store much of your gear. Here's how to choose the perfect one.
Research Before Reserving
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It's no fun arriving at a campground to find that it's nothing like you expected. While websites like ReserveAmerica.com offer valuable information and photos, you can dig deeper to find a perfect spot before hitting the reserve button. Here are five online resources to use in your efforts to plan the perfect camping trip.
Find More Places:
8 Outdoor Destinations in New England
9 Family Campgrounds in Wisconsin
Places to Camp Just Outside the City
Prepare For Hiking With Children
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Most experienced hikers can finish a trek even when they've left an important item behind. That's not the case when you're hiking with children. The difference between finishing the hike and turning back can hinge on having all the kid essentials with you.
Create Your Campsite Menu
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With no hotels, shopping malls or chain restaurants, sleeping under the stars is a welcome break from the craziness of life. But, with no place to eat within a 30-mile radius, who becomes the executive chef? If that's you, put the chef hat away and pull out your pen and paper.
Find "Crockpot" Recipes
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One, all-purpose pot stows better in a camper or tightly packed car than multiple pots and pans. Not to mention, meals are easier to assemble, watch and, serve, leaving you with only one pot to wash.
Get Kids Involved in Cooking
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Campfire cooking with your kids can be easy and delicious. Instead of turning to the sweet and simple campfire hotdog, try one of these kid-friendly recipes.
Bring Fun Snacks
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After a long day of hiking, there's nothing better than a great snack to refuel your exhausted body. But, instead of turning to a bag of chips or another s'more, consider indulging in one of these great camping snacks. From classics to homemade treats, there's something for everyone.
Go on a New Adventure
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Geocaching became popular as an interactive outdoor hobby just over 10 years ago. Today there are an estimated 1.3 million caches worldwide. Take a break from the usual afternoon hike, and try geocaching on your next camping trip.
Make it a Tradition
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Family traditions give everyone something to look forward to, and create memories that last a lifetime. Add a few family camping traditions to your list this year and make your outdoor trips more memorable.
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