The key to having an epic adventure while overlanding with kids is pre-trip planning and preparation like only a parent understands. Parents know that leaving the house with kids under the age of 10 means preparing for plans A and B, but also C through Z. Here are 10 tips for staying five steps ahead of what will keep your kids busy, happy, and stimulated on the road.
Cover Photo: Pauline Bernfeld
Photo by Patrick Fore
1. Take Breaks
Rule number one of overlanding with kids? Take regular breaks throughout the day so that everyone stays refreshed and energized. This will also give the kids a chance to explore their environment or just run around and burn off some energy!
2. Set Boundaries
Before heading out, set some rules that everyone needs to abide by while off-roading or camping with kids. Make sure they understand what behavior is expected of them during this time away from home. Remind them that adventures in the Great Outdoors are the best (!) but that they can also be dangerous if they don’t keep their listening ears on.
3. Bring Books and Games about Adventure
Even if your kids aren’t reading on their own yet, bring books that are about adventuring in the wilderness. A favorite at our house is “Pete the Cat Goes Camping” from the “I Can Read” series (Level 1). There are also a few scavenger hunt card games you can buy before the trip that are a fun way to keep them busy at camp or on breaks from the car.
Photo by Aaron Burden
4. Kid-Friendly Supply List
If you need guidance on refreshing or upgrading your pack-out, check out our Ultimate Overland Checklist. It’s useful to think about what your kids need as a separate prepping checklist. Ask yourself these questions to populate that list:
- What do they always need every morning? (e.g., toothbrush, toothpaste, layers of clothing, play shoes/boots, breakfast)
- What do they sometimes need every morning? (e.g., kleenex, itch ointment, diaper cream)
- What are their favorite snacks and lunch options? It’s great to encourage them to try new foods but be sure to also have plenty of their favorites since you’ll be in the middle of nowhere.
- What do they always need every night? (e.g., pajamas, toy to sleep with, blankie)
- What do they sometimes need every night? (e.g., Vicks for stuffy nose, pull-up for accidents)
5. Plan your Route but Stay Flexible
With the Overland Bound One app, you can route plan til the cows come home. But you’re a parent of young kiddos, so you are painfully aware that plans change 95% of the time. Just go with it! Have a few options for stops along the route with space for kids to explore safely. And also be ok if someone needs to stop somewhere unexpected. The most important thing when overlanding with kids is to enjoy and feel comfortable on the journey. Remember that you’re setting them up for a lifetime of off-road adventure!
6. Stay Hydrated
Your kids should each have their own water bottle that is their responsibility to keep track of. Make this responsibility fun by also giving them their pack that’s filled with what they think they’ll need for the trip. Having their water bottle always on hand will make staying hydrated easier. We know that will mean more bathroom stops but that’s better than a fussy and lethargic dehydrated kid in the middle of nowhere.
Photo by Clint McKoy
7. Celebrate, Honor and Respect Wildlife with Them
For our family, seeing birds of prey, large grazing animals, reptiles, huge insects, and top of the food chain predators is the best part of any overlanding adventure. Remind them to keep an eye out for native wildlife on the road, on the trail, and while exploring near basecamp. We like to bring gear for gently catching and observing insects (and then releasing them). Kids binoculars are also an excellent addition to their personal pack. Make sure to remind your kids of the dangers that some animals present if not respected and given proper space.
8. Comfy Sleeping Areas
We don’t need to explain this one. A tired kid is a nightmare. If you have multiple kids, be sure to have enough space for each of them to slumber comfortably. When you’re packing bedding, err on the side of more blankets rather than less. We know it goes against instinct to bring the “luxuries” of home like regular pillows, but if that’s what it takes to make your kid feel comfortable, do it for everyone’s sake.
As with any activity with young kids, overlanding with kiddos is inevitably a little stressful, but it’s also the most rewarding experience for you as a parent. There’s no better way to connect with your kids than when you’re disconnected from the digital world and exploring the real world together. Stay prepared but agile. Plan but don’t overdo it. And have fun.
Photo by Morgan David de Lossy
