The Benefits of a Family Camping Trip
March 17, 2016
Warm weather is just around the corner – which means it’s time to start planning how you and your family will enjoy the sunshine! A great way to both enjoy the natural beauty of Leech Lake and bring your family together is a family camping trip. Leech Lake is the perfect place to create wonderful memories of fishing on the lake, making s’mores around the fire, and sleeping under the stars.
Even if you already have plenty of camping under your belt it may surprise you to learn that camping trips have been proven to benefit individuals and families in a variety of ways. Here are just a few of the reasons why a camping trip might be just what your family needs.
Camping Relieves Stress – Fast!
It’s difficult for anyone – kids included — to avoid feeling overwhelmed by all the distractions that bombard us every day. Not only are kids and families busier than ever, but there’s also the dozens (if not hundreds) of texts, emails, and notifications that keep our phones constantly buzzing.
Camping gives us a chance to turn off our phones and enjoy the freedom of being “unplugged,” and it has been proven that hyperactive children feel more relaxed while they are outdoors.
Camping helps parents relax, too. You’ll enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that your family is in a safe space where you don’t have to worry about where they are, who they’re with, or what they’re doing. And, of course, time spent enjoying the peace and quiet of nature helps adults relax as well.
Learning and Exploring Together
As a parent, you might feel like you rely on your kids to teach you about how to use your new-fangled gadgets and gizmos. While today’s teens do have a knack for learning how to use the latest technology, they might be less familiar with outdoor skills such as starting a fire, identifying plants and animals, or simply exploring the woods.
A family camping trip provides all sorts of opportunities for parents to pass on these skills to their kids, or to learn them together if you don’t already consider yourself the “outdoorsy” type. Bring along a guide book to help you identify leaves, bird calls, animal tracks, and bugs; you can even embark on a geocaching treasure hunt together!
It Helps You Sleep
Who couldn’t use a good, restful night’s sleep? When you’re camping, you’re more likely to wake up with the sunrise and start feeling sleepy at sunset, which is the perfect recipe for a full, healthy sleep schedule. Plus, getting some time away from all that artificial light helps your body get back in tune with its natural sleep cycle. Camping benefits your mental health in other ways, too – not only will you sleep longer and better, but you’ll have an easier time falling asleep.
These are just a few of the reasons why a camping trip might be the perfect summer vacation for you and your family! Whether you’re already experienced campers or trying it for the first time, the Leech Lake area has the perfect place for everyone – you can truly “rough it” in your own tent, or rent an RV if you’re not quite ready to brave the elements. Several campgrounds in the Leech Lake area offer RV sites, including Shores of Leech Lake, Acorn Hill Family Resort, and more! For families with younger children, Hiawatha Beach Resort, Anderson’s South Shore Resort, and Steamboat Bay Resort offer scheduled activities for kids throughout the day. Plus, you won’t be far from all sorts of local attractions, including golfing, shopping, and dining.
Check out our family vacations page for more ideas, and browse our lodging options to find the perfect place for your family’s trip!