RVing with kids can be a great way to create lasting memories and family bonds, but it also comes with challenges. From keeping kids entertained during long drives to finding kid-friendly activities at campsites, there are many things to consider when RVing with kids.
In this post, we'll share some tips for making the most of your family travel experience. Whether you're a seasoned RV traveler or planning your first trip, these tips will help you create an enjoyable and memorable experience for the whole family.
This post is not only for RV living. The tips are mostly for traveling and vacationing with an RV.
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Benefits of RVing with kids
Quality Family Time: Spending quality time together in a unique and exciting environment is a BIG bonus about RV travel. The time we spend together is our favorite part of living and traveling in an RV. The RV lifestyle allows families to spend uninterrupted time together, away from the distractions of daily life. Families can bond over outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, fishing, or relaxing around the campfire. RVing with kids creates a unique and memorable experience that families can cherish forever.
Flexibility and Freedom: RVing provides families with the flexibility and freedom to travel at their own pace and explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. Families can easily change their plans or itineraries based on weather conditions or unique needs and interests.
Educational Opportunities: There are endless educational opportunities when RVing with kids. Families can explore different regions, learn about other cultures, and experience different environments. RVing also encourages kids to learn new skills, such as campfire cooking, map reading, and outdoor survival skills. These skills can be beneficial for their personal growth and development.
Cost-Effective Travel: Traveling can be expensive with kids, but RVing can help make it more cost-effective. Instead of paying for flights, hotels, and meals at restaurants, families can save money by staying in their RV and cooking their meals. RVing allows you to travel for extended periods and see more destinations on a smaller budget.
Exposure to Nature: RVing allows families to spend time in nature and appreciate the beauty of the great outdoors. From national parks to secluded campsites, families can experience breathtaking landscapes and wildlife that they may not have seen before.
Encourages Independence and Self-Reliance: With the freedom to explore and make decisions independently, kids can learn valuable life skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making. Additionally, RVing teaches kids to be resourceful as they learn to live in a small space and make the most of limited resources. RVing can also help kids build resilience and adaptability. With the ever-changing nature of RV travel, kids learn to be flexible and adapt to new environments and situations. RVing can help them develop problem-solving skills and a positive outlook on life.
Instills a Love of Travel: RVing with kids can help instill a love of travel and adventure from an early age. By exposing kids to different cultures, landscapes, and experiences, RVing can broaden their horizons and inspire a love of exploration that will last a lifetime.
New Friendships: RVing provides families with opportunities to meet new people and make lifelong friends. RV parks and campgrounds often offer social activities and events, such as potlucks or game nights, which can be an excellent way for families to connect with others.
Flexibility for Special Needs: RVing provides families with the flexibility to travel with special needs children. RVs can be customized to meet a child's needs, such as wheelchair accessibility or medical equipment. RVing also allows families to quickly change their plans or itinerary to accommodate a child's needs.
Tips for keeping kids entertained and happy on the road
Games and Activities: Keeping kids entertained during long drives is essential for a successful RV trip. Parents can encourage kids to play games such as family favorites like “I Spy,” “20 Questions,” or “The Alphabet Game.” They can also bring along travel-sized board games or card games. Our magnetic chess game is a massive hit in our home. Portable electronic devices can also be a great way to keep kids entertained.
Audiobooks and Podcasts: Audiobooks and podcasts are wonderful at entertaining during long drives while promoting literacy and education. Parents can choose audiobooks or podcasts that are age-appropriate and interesting to their children. Many public libraries offer free audiobook downloads that can be listened to offline, making them an excellent resource for RVers. We use Libby, a library app that allows us to download and rent audiobooks.
Scavenger Hunts and Learning Opportunities: Creating a scavenger hunt or learning activity can be a fun and educational way to keep kids engaged during long drives. Parents can create a list of items for kids to find or challenge them to identify different animals or plants. They can also encourage kids to journal or take pictures of their travels, creating personalized and meaningful souvenirs. These activities can also help kids learn about geography, science, and history. We love giving awards like extra screentime or special snacks if they find wildlife.
Tips for Exploring New Places with Kids
Involve Kids in Planning: Your kiddos can help make exploring new places more enjoyable for them by helping you with the planning. Parents should encourage kids to research the destination and suggest activities or attractions they are interested in exploring. Make sure that you do some of the activities or see the attractions they plan to encourage them going forward. Helping to plan will give kids a sense of ownership and excitement about the trip. Parents can also encourage kids to create a packing list and pack their bags, giving them a sense of responsibility and independence.
Find Kid-Friendly Attractions while RVing with kids: Find kid-friendly attractions and activities when exploring new areas. Parents can research family-friendly activities, such as museums with interactive exhibits, amusement parks, or animal sanctuaries. Finding activities designed for kids will make the trip more enjoyable for the whole family.
Explore Nature: Parents can take kids on hikes, nature walks, or bike rides to explore the local flora and fauna. Spending time in nature can help kids learn about the environment and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
Try Local Foods: While RVing, you will go through small towns on the way to larger cities and more touristy locations—it's these spots you will find some of the best food. Trying local foods can be a fun and delicious way to make exploring new cultures or regions more enjoyable for kids. Parents can encourage kids to try foods and flavors, such as local cuisine or street food. Trying new foods can help kids learn about different cultures and expand their taste buds.
RVing with kids can be a wonderful and memorable experience. Following the tips in this blog post, you can make the most of your family travel experience. Remember to plan, but stay flexible. Remember to take advantage of the unique opportunities that RV travel provides, such as exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations and enjoying quality family time in nature. Most importantly, involve your children in the decision-making process. We hope these tips have inspired you to try out RV travel with your family and encourage you to share your experiences and tips with others. Happy travels!
