Fall in Texas is prime camping weather. Cool nights make for cozy campfires, and warm days are perfect for playing outside. My family started camping 7 years ago when my kids were 5, 3, and 1. I had never camped before that in my life! I had doubts as to whether we would enjoy it, but it turned out to be one our favorite family activities.
Camping is a cheap way to get out of town for a weekend. It’s fun, educational, and can be a time of family bonding. It’s also really fun to go camping with other families. (The kids all play together and if you forget to pack something, someone else probably has it!)
If you’re still sitting there wondering what exactly camping has to offer, or if it’s really worth it…here’s a list of 10 things my kids have learned while camping.
The Stars at Night Are Big and Bright
Away from the city lights, the night sky comes to life in spectacular fashion. My kids have learned how to identify constellations and planets and have soaked up the awe millions of stars inspires.
It’s Okay to Get Dirty
We don’t bathe on weekend camping trips. The kids play in the dirt, wear the same clothes for a couple of days, and nobody cares.
No Littering!
Disposing of trash properly and leaving our campsite even cleaner than the way we found it teaches kids a respect for the environment and a personal responsibility to clean up after themselves.
Embrace the Art of Improvising
We try to pack everything we’ll need, but inevitably something gets left out and we have to figure out how to accomplish a task without the necessary supplies. This has led to some creative ideas and inventions over the years!
Relational Interaction
We all gather near the campfire when it gets dark to talk, share our stories and ideas, and listen to others. It’s an interactive time of talking and listening which can be a rarity in our screen-filled, fast-paced world.
Don’t Get Burned
While the campfire can be a source of interaction and peace, it can also be a dangerous hazard, especially when camping with young kids. Over the years, our kids have gained a respect for fire. I’ll admit, keeping an 18-month-old out of the campfire wasn’t one of my favorite things about camping, but it did get easier as the kids got older.
We Share the World with Animals
Sure, we see birds and squirrels in the city, but camping allows for even more animal sightings. We’ve seen deer and raccoons and have heard packs of coyotes in the night.
Cooking Outside is Delicious
Our family loves outdoor cooking. The kids help make campfire pizzas, kebobs, and Dutch oven cherry cobbler. It’s a different way of doing things (and sometimes they try new foods we rarely eat at home!).
S’mores Are the Best Dessert Ever
No camping trip is complete without a couple of rounds of s’mores making. The kids enjoy roasting their own marshmallows—it’s a pretty big responsibility to get them cooked just right without dropping them in the fire. Here’s a hint: Try making s’mores with peanut butter cups instead of plain milk chocolate.
Imagination
The kids can play for hours with a stick and a pile of acorns. They climb up trees and pretend they’re on pirate ships. They invent new games to play with a frisbee or football. Their imaginations run wild when we’re camping because there are few distractions and no electronics to entice them.
Whether you take an RV, reserve a campsite with a shelter, or brave a tent, there are plenty of beautiful State Parks to choose from within easy driving distance from DFW.
Here are some of my family’s favorite Texas State Parks (along with their distance from DFW):
Lake Ray Roberts (58 miles)
Lake Tawakoni (59 miles)
Purtis Creek (62 miles)
Dinosaur Valley (81 miles)
Cooper Lake (85 miles)
Tyler (96 miles)
Lake Bob Sandlin (117 miles)
The Texas State Parks reservation system is easy to use. Tip: You can reserve a particular type of campsite (shelter, tent site with or without electricity, RV site, etc.), but the exact sites are assigned on a first come, first served basis on the day you arrive to check-in.
There’s something about the setting and pace of a camping trip that inspires and rejuvenates our family. Spending time in nature’s beauty opens our eyes to experiences and ideas we might otherwise miss. But the best thing about our family camping trips are the memories we tuck away and cherish.
Read More: Camping with Babies :: The Fun, Organized, and Easy Way!
Want to Go on a Family Camping Trip? No Tent Required!
