Kids and camping

**Weta** · 07-04-2013, 16:13

I have two boys age 4.11 months and 2.3 months. I just want to ask those parents out there what age did you start hammock camping with your kids and what lessons did you learn to make it useful and enjoyable for the camping experience? I've got a couple of hammocks so I'm pretty keen to introduce my love of the outdoors to my 4 year old!

**BroChaos** · 07-04-2013, 16:54

have they done any camping at all? i've been taking my boy ever since he was about 18months old, and he's always loved it. he hasn't been hammock camping yet, but i just got my first hammock and he's already spent more time in it then me (he's 4 now).

i think kids are pretty easy in terms of sleep, they will sleep anywhere on anything. unless they roll around a LOT, i couldn't imagine them having any issues in a hammock. if they have their own, just make sure it is pretty low to the ground? the hard part is just keeping them entertained during the day. i usually bring a little bucket and shovel, and also some matchbox cars to play with.

**nimbus37** · 07-04-2013, 17:46

I have a 6 yo boy and a 4 yo girl. Both started camping between 6 months and a year old. They have only ever hammock camped. We are remodeling their room for hammocks instead of beds next weekend. They have never known anything but camping, so why would they not like it?

**Postal** · 07-04-2013, 21:54

My daughter was 3 when we started her in the hammock camping world. She was 2 when we took her T@*T camping. Son was 6 when we started the hammock adventure. Neither have ever looked back. Note the daughter did sleep on/with me or her mom at the very first but she is solo now hanging above mom and the boy is above me.

**haynesdad** · 07-04-2013, 22:13

Ive taken two of my three several times. They are 4 and 2 and I couldnt keep them still long enough to put them in a sleeping bag, let alone a hammock

**visionarylion** · 07-04-2013, 22:16

I have 5 kids 3 boys 2 girls. Ages 4-10, started camping with them 2yrs ag. The kids love it they didn't mind tent camping but once they saw I was moving off the ground and to a hammock they all had to have one. My advice is make sure They have their own , we tried to put the girls in one and it didn't work at all.

**Weta** · 07-05-2013, 00:20

That's awesome to know and thanks for all your advice. I've taken my 4 year old tent camping and he loved it. He is still struggling to sleep in his own bed so I'm not sure whether it is too early to sleep in the hammock. In summer I might take both the boys in the tent first (so they get used to sleeping outdoors and so Dad is right next to them), but move the 4 year old into a hammock and so he's used to it. I've set up my hammock in the back yard and he loves laying down in it so I think it won't be a hard transition to sleep in it.

I just love the joy they get from the camping experience. We do the whole fishing thing (even though he's more interested in playing with the landing net but it's all part of it! He loves doing torch adventures at night and toasting marshmallows over the fire. One day he can come with me on a sea kayak weekend trip away, but gentle steps first!

**Zort** · 07-05-2013, 00:24

We just did a 3 day tent camping trip with our 3 kids (10, 7, 4). The key to camping with kids it to make sure they are securely staked down. Also, hit up the dollar store for glow sticks and such. When they eventually pass out, it looks like the aftermath of a rave, bodies and glow sticks everywhere. I put my hammock up, and let them all try it, they didn't want to get out. Here's a pic of the little one.

**Weta** · 07-05-2013, 00:58

How cute is that! Thanks Zort for the advice, keeping them busy seems to add to the enjoyment, and brings back the joy and memories of when I was in scouts as well.

**Dead Man** · 07-05-2013, 10:36

Originally Posted by Weta

He is still struggling to sleep in his own bed so I'm not sure whether it is too early to sleep in the hammock.

Don't overlook the hammock set up in his room to get him to sleep in his room. The whole big boy bed, you got what we don't have action is a huge psychological advantage.

For us it was a pull out trundle under a day bed to get our son to sleep in his own bed. Use it as a transition point from your bed to his. Who knows, it might work and mom and dad can have their bed back. (Priceless).